Many of the most exciting new developments in cosmetic dentistry concern the use of laser-based techniques, laser technology boasts huge benefits for patients looking for cosmetic dentistry. Let’s take a look at why this is the case.

Laser Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening procedures are extremely popular with patients who are looking for cosmetic dentistry, and laser techniques have enhanced the approach that can be taken to whitening teeth. In particular, practitioners offering cosmetic dentistry can use lasers to make whitening solutions produce better results in a smaller span of time (as the power of some bleaching solutions is enhanced by lasers). A laser-based whitening procedure will tend to take no more than two hours, and the results are immediately. Indeed, most cosmetic dentistry offices will advertise that laser dentistry can make your teeth up to ten shades lighter.

Surgery

If you are going to undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures that involve surgical intervention, your dentist may offer to use lasers to make incisions (as well as to vaporize tissue). In addition to being used for the treatment of decay or infected teeth, lasers can be used to change the appearance of your gums if you are suffering from gum disease or are an older adult who is concerned about the way that receding gums look.

Anxiety

Many people avoid cosmetic dentistry due to dental fears, even though their self-esteem suffers because they do not have the smile they desire. With the increased use of lasers in cosmetic dentistry, more anxious patients are finding the courage to approach their dentists about the possibility of cosmetic dentistry. This is because laser dentistry comes with significant benefits for people with dental phobias. Firstly, cosmetic dentistry that utilizes lasers will tend to be less painful, which makes procedures less traumatic and healing periods less frightening to face. Secondly, lasers are quiet and lack the terrifying heat or noise of a traditional dental drill. Thirdly, if you opt for cosmetic dentistry involving laser technology then you may not even need to have an anesthetic due to the aforementioned fact that laser procedures are typically much less painful.

Georgia Dental Group has always been active in our community with groups like Covenant House. That tradition continues this Sunday, January 26^th as our very own Dr. Brian Baird will be partnering with Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland to speak about the importance of healthy dental habits at a young age.

Dr. Baird’s presentation at noon Sunday will include brushing and flossing tips, the importance of practicing routine care and preventative care like tooth decay and gum disease. Our team will be on hand to demonstrate techniques for the little sisters and we’ll be offering advice on healthy diet choices for the best smile.

The first annual Beauty and Wellness Bash at the Axis Hair Salon in Vancouver is co-sponsored by Georgia Dental Group and Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique. The Beauty Boutique team will be educating the girls on skin care and stylists from Axis will be doing free haircuts, blow drys and dishing out hair care tips.

Georgia Dental believes in the importance of informing young people about their teeth and gums and making them aware that a healthy mouth is part of a healthy body. This event is a great opportunity to give back and offer big and little sisters a great, memorable experience.

All of the sponsors will be providing goodie bags and snacks for the girls in attendance. We are excited to be involved in our community and to partner with Big Sisters of BC for the first time.

If you are looking for new family fun activities to do this weekend, we’ve got a few ideas for you!

Go on a Picnic

If it’s sunny outside, make some delicious sandwiches and head to one of the many wonderful parks within the lower mainland. Have some family fun by playing outdoor games such as badminton, Frisbee or have an intense game of hide-and-go seek. If the weathers good outside, picnics are an affordable way to spend time with your family while enjoying some fresh air.

Take a Hike

Take the kids out for a hike up a mountain or on a trail. Taking hikes can be a great way to have some family fun while being active and exploring the beautiful forests and mountains of BC.  Kids can have fun while they hike by playing games like “I spy” along the trails. And the best part is— it’s free!

Visit the Nearest Public Library

If it’s chilly outside, have some family fun with the kids by spending the afternoon at the nearest public library. The library has a great selection of books, CDs and videos that can appeal to every member of your family. If you want to encourage reading at home, check out some books for free. Visiting libraries can encourage your family to read and allow you to share in each other’s interests and likes.

Play Board Games

Board games come in all shapes and sizes and are a great way to have some quality family fun while spending an evening at home. There are board games and puzzles available for all ages, so your kids can participate too! If you have any old board games lying around the house, take them out and enjoy a board game night with the whole family.

Make Crafts At Home

There are many simple and affordable crafts that you can make at home with everyday materials you would find around the house. The internet is a great resource for finding simple craft ideas for your whole family to enjoy, just type in “simple crafts” in the search bar and see what you can find! Have some family fun by spending an afternoon making a picture frame or a spring wreath to decorate your home with.

Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Have some family fun by going on a scavenger hunt with the kids around the neighbourhood. Try to find the tallest building, the nearest fire hydrant, or a house with a “For Sale” sign. A neighbourhood scavenger hunt is an affordable way to have some family fun, while getting to know your neighbourhood better.

Participate in Community Events

Local free events such as Easter egg hunts and Canada Day celebrations allow your entire family to celebrate your community together and have some family fun. Community events are happening all year round, check with your local city hall or community centre to see if there’s an upcoming event in your area.

Learn a New Skill

If there’s a skill that you and your kids have been interested in learning, now’s a great time to try it! Whether it’s sewing, fishing or cooking a certain type of food—you can have some family fun by learning something new together!

Your Dentist is Required to Follow Guidelines to Ensure Sterile Dental Equipment

Your dentist is required to follow infection control guidelines established by the BC Ministry of Health. These include guidelines on how equipment and instruments are to be sterilized and procedures all employees must use to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Each instrument must be thoroughly cleaned BEFORE it’s sterilized. Cleaning removes superficial dirt and debris while sterilization kills bacteria and viruses.

After sterilization, each instrument is packaged and stored in an approved area. This three-part procedure ensures each instrument is free of bacteria and viruses. Dental offices monitor the equipment they used to sterilize instruments regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly.  Items that can’t be moved like x-ray equipment and surfaces are disinfected with a chemical disinfectant to kill bacteria and viruses.

How Do You Know Your Dental Office is Doing Its Job?

There is a certain amount of trust involved when you visit your dentist. You depend on them to follow required guidelines to keep the dental equipment you’re exposed to sterile – but you aren’t there when they do it. How do you know the dental instruments are sterile?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Let your dentist know you’re concerned about your risk for infection and ask them to explain how they sterilize their dental equipment. Then take a close look around the office. Do all surfaces look clean and uncluttered? Is your dentist wearing gloves? A dentist should wash their hands before putting on gloves and after changing gloves. In addition, your dentist should put on a new pair of gloves with each patient. Then they shouldn’t touch anything other than sterile instruments or your mouth without changing them again.

Some dental offices use an autoclave, a device that exposes the instruments to steam at high heat and pressure, to sterilize equipment. Dentists are required to validate the autoclave is working properly through a third party. Ask to see the autoclave validation report. If your dentist shows you this, they’re likely following the guidelines. Before your dentist uses instruments on you, make sure they remove the instruments from a sealed bag to ensure they’re still sterile.

The Bottom Line?

Most dentists work hard to follow the guidelines and ensure that only sterile dental instruments touch your mouth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If the dental office and dentist are open and receptive to your questions, there’s a good chance they’re following the guidelines.

1) My dentist will make harsh judgments about my mouth

One of the most common dental myths that spread among the socially anxious is that dentists are constantly making judgmental and negative evaluations of the mouths they see. While it is true that your dentist will be looking for problems that need treating, this is motivated by a desire to improve your oral health. Further, no matter how many dental problems you have, your dentist will certainly have seen cases that are more serious.

2) Getting a shot from the dentist will be agonizingly painful

Like many common dental myths, the idea that the numbing shot will be very painful probably originates in fear (and then promotes further fear). If you take painkillers before you have the shot, this will make it less painful. In addition, the dental wand can be used to administer a shot in a slow and steady way that may be almost painless. Some dentists will also apply highly effective numbing gel before shots are given. These dental myths about shots will probably diminish as shot technology continues to advance.

3) Undergoing a procedure means losing control

Many people who worry about dental myths are deeply afraid of the lack of control that they feel in the dentist’s chair. However, dental myths about lack of control do not take into account the fact that dentists want their patients to be comfortable. There are many things that can be done to increase your control, including asking detailed questions before a procedure, agreeing on a hand signal that means the procedure will be stopped, and going to see a dentist who offers a patient-held button that can stop dental equipment (such as the drill).

Whenever you find yourself worrying about dental myths, try discussing them with your dentist. All dentists are well aware of common dental myths, and are eager to dispel them!