Prevention
Dental Exams
Your initial visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination which evaluates your overall dental health. At regular check-ups your dentist and hygienist will do the following:
- Examination of X-Rays – Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss as well as checking the position of teeth and roots.
- Oral Cancer Screening – checking the face, neck and oral tissue for unusual lumps or patches. A VELscope screening can also be done.
Examination of Tooth Decay – checking all teeth for any erosion of tooth structure. - Examination of Existing Dental Work – checking the status of all restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers.
Professional Dental Hygiene Cleanings
Your initial visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination which evaluates your overall dental health. At regular check-ups your dentist and hygienist will do the following:
- Examination of X-Rays – Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss as well as checking the position of teeth and roots.
- Oral Cancer Screening – checking the face, neck and oral tissue for unusual lumps or patches. A VELscope screening can also be done.
Examination of Tooth Decay – checking all teeth for any erosion of tooth structure. - Examination of Existing Dental Work – checking the status of all restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers.
Digital X-Rays
X-Rays, also called radiographs, are among the most valuable tools the dentist and hygienist has to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. It allows these dental professionals to detect problems that would otherwise not be seen and then use this information to develop an accurate treatment plan. This can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort.
Digital X-rays are the latest technology. They use an electronic sensor instead of film to capture the images and store them on computer. The image can be viewed instantly and enlarged so that potential problems are detected more easily. As well, the technology reduces radiation by about 80% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental X-rays. X-rays can reveal:
- Infections in the bone
- Periodontal disease
- Cancerous or non-cancerous tumours
- Bone loss
- Small areas of decay between teeth and existing restorations
- Abscesses or cysts
- Developmental abnormalities
- Tooth positioning
Periodontal Disease Treatment
As gingivitis progresses, an infection develops where the gum is attached to the teeth. You may see puffy gums, traces of blood on your toothbrush, or a change of colour in your gums. Even with these symptoms, you still might not experience any pain in your mouth.
If not treated, over time gingivitis can lead to the breakdown of your gum, bone, and other tissues that are holding your teeth in place.
The treatment we provide will depend upon the type and severity of the gum disease. If caught in the early stages, 1 or 2 hygiene cleanings and further home care instruction will generally be the recommended treatment. If the disease has progressed to advanced stages, then deep cleaning through scaling, irrigation and root planing will be required. Calculus and plaque are removed from above and below the gum line allowing the gums to heal. To control the infection and help with healing, medications and mouth rinses may also be recommended.
If this treatment does not heal the gums, periodontal surgery and/or referral to a periodontist may be recommended.
VELscope Oral Cancer Screening
Bite Adjustments
Equilibration is the process of adjusting your bite by reshaping the surfaces of your teeth. The first step involves locating the stable position of the jaw joints. A bite registration is then taken to record this position for reference. Secondly, impressions of the teeth are made so that the dentist may use the casts to make adjustments and determine the optimal amount positioning of the teeth to achieve a balanced bite. Finally, using the casts as a guide, adjustments are made to the teeth.
Night Guards
We take an impression of your teeth and a nightguard is created that customs fits your teeth. Over the counter nightguards or mouthguards are not recommended for night wear because they are not as effective and may create discomfort.
It is important to wear the nightguard every night to reduce problems associated with grinding and clenching. Some patients may eventually stop over time. Maintenance of the nightguard is simply brushing and rinsing after each use.
mouthguard
As with nightguards, we will take an impression of your teeth and create a custom-fitting appliance.