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Regular
examinations and cleanings can keep your teeth and gums healthy for a
lifetime and can help prevent periodontal disease. Six to nine months
is the usual interval for cleanings although your hygienist may suggest
you book more frequent cleanings depending on certain factors such as
risk for gum disease, poor oral hygiene, medical conditions and tobacco
use.
Gingivitis is caused by plaque that accumulates
below the gum line which damages the ligaments supporting the gums.
Pockets form around the teeth creating an ideal breeding ground for
bacteria; this causes sore and bleeding gums. This condition can be
reversed with regular cleanings with a hygienist and a good home care
routine.
If left untreated the bacteria can damage the bone that
supports the teeth and eventually the teeth become loose and may need
to be removed. This condition is called Periodontitis and it
cannot be reversed as bone does not grow back although it can be
treated with regular cleanings to prevent the condition from becoming
worse. Periodontal disease is associated with heart disease, stroke,
low birth weight babies and bad breath.
Call us today and book your cleaning appointment
Mouthguards
If
you or your children are involved in a contact type sport such as
hockey, a mouth guard should be an important part of your sports
equipment.
Mouth guards come in a variety of forms and work well
if they are comfortable to wear, which is an important consideration in
protection. Store bought (boil and bite) mouth guards do not provide
comfort or a good fit and thus are not able to provide adequate
protection.
A custom mouth guard is designed to cushion the
teeth and spread the force of impact, this prevents tooth fracture,
damage to the tongue and lips and more importantly, lowers the risk of
concussion. Our custom mouth guards come in a variety of colours and
are inexpensive. We recommend them for all sports including hockey,
lacrosse, football, and martial arts.
Bruxism Appliances (Night guards)
Bruxism
is a habit that involves grinding and or clenching of your teeth. Most
people are unaware that they grind their teeth as it mostly occurs
during sleep. If diagnosed early, bruxism can be treated before damage
to the teeth occurs. Severe bruxism can cause chipped teeth, increased
sensitivity to temperature, enamel wear, jaw pain and headaches.
The
most common cause of bruxism is stress but it can also be caused by
misaligned teeth, a response to pain or a result of a sleep disorder.
Alcohol and caffeine can aggravate the condition. Bruxism is common in
children but most outgrow it when they reach adolescence.
When
bruxism causes jaw and or facial pain or there is damage to the teeth
we will suggest you wear a custom bruxism appliance, commonly known as
a night guard. This appliance is worn during sleep and is designed to
prevent grinding and help alleviate headaches and jaw pain. They are
custom made in a dental laboratory and are easy and comfortable to wear.
If
you suffer from morning headaches, increased tooth sensitivity and have
been told by family members that you grind or clench, please let us
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We provide all forms of restorative dentistry and will give you our
opinion on what treatment options we think will work best for you.
Amalgam (silver) fillings
Composite (white) fillings
Gold & Porcelain inlays
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Crowns
Bridges
Root Canal Treatment
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Dentists and patients have several choices available to them when it comes to selecting materials to repair missing, damaged and decayed teeth. Many factors influence the choice of material used such as the patient’s oral health, the location of the restoration and the load the restoration will bear.
Amalgam (silver) fillings have been used for more than a century. Amalgam is durable, easy to use, highly resistant to wear and remains a valued choice for many dentists. It is most often used for large restorations of the molars or where the restoration is not visible when the patient smiles. It is less expensive than other restorative materials and stands up well to heavy chewing and biting.
Dental amalgam is a stable alloy, it is a combination of metallic elements including; silver, tin, copper and elemental mercury. It is biocompatible and well tolerated by patients. Amalgam has been thoroughly tested and researched by governing bodies all over the world and has been rendered a safe and reliable restorative material.
Composite (white) fillings are used where the restoration is visible. They are not as durable as amalgam fillings but work very well for small to mid-size restorations. They can be matched to your natural tooth colour so they are esthetically pleasing and have become a popular choice.
Gold Inlay Restorations
Gold is the best and longest lasting filling material that dentistry has to offer. It has many advantages over materials that are commonly used in dentistry. There are four main advantages for choosing gold: esthetics, durability, biocompatibility and value for money.
Esthetics: Gold inlays are very esthetic restorations when used appropriately. Gold does not corrode or discolour like amalgam “silver” fillings. The gold inlays stay naturally highly polished and smooth, unlike posterior composite “white” fillings. Also, since gold inlays are close to the natural internal colour of teeth, the tooth will not darken over time.
Durability: Gold inlay fillings will generally last between twenty and fifty years versus ten to fifteen years for amalgam fillings and five to ten years for composite fillings. Gold has the same thermal expansion as the tooth, which means that the tooth and inlay are far less likely to fracture and will experience less sensitivity to hot and cold. Gold resists wear, therefore the opposing teeth do not ground down like a full porcelain filling can. Gold also adapts to bite forces, which keeps the teeth in proper occlusion. A gold inlay actually supports, protects, and strengthens the tooth unlike regular fillings. This means that there will be less tooth fractures, filling replacements, root canals and crowns. Also, because gold inlays have fine, smooth margins they resist new cavities from forming around the filling.
Biocompatibility: Gold is remarkably compatible with the inside of the mouth therefore sensitivity and allergic reactions are virtually eliminated. The smooth finish is comfortable and does not allow plaque to stick to it leaving the gums surrounding the tooth healthier.
Value: Initially a gold inlay filling will cost more than amalgam or composite fillings, however, when you factor in that they have to be replaced less often if at all, they help prevent tooth sensitivity, fractures and the need for crowns, gold inlays become an extraordinary bargain.
Porcelain Inlay Restorations
Porcelain inlay restorations are
custom made restorations that mimic your natural tooth appearance. They are highly resistant to wear but can
wear down opposing teeth if the inlay surface becomes rough due to grinding or
fracture. They are prone to fracture
when placed under heavy loads and because their strength depends on porcelain
thickness, they require aggressive tooth reduction during preparation.
Crowns
A crown (commonly known as a cap) is a tooth-like covering that is custom made to fit over your existing tooth. It supports a tooth that no longer has sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. A crown is also recommended on teeth that have had root canal treatment as the tooth becomes brittle and discoloured over time. Crowns are made of semi-precious or precious metals, porcelain or a combination of metal fused to porcelain.
Bridges
A bridge is a custom made structure that replaces one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges look and function similar to natural teeth, they are permanently cemented in place and have many benefits. They restore lost teeth and maintain your natural bite, improve your smile and chewing ability and prevent shifting of adjacent teeth.
Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)
It may be necessary to perform endodontic (root canal)
treatment to save a tooth. When the tooth pulp (nerve) is diseased or
damaged it becomes infected causing pain and sensitivity. Root canal
treatment can save the infected tooth by replacing the diseased pulp
with a special material that will keep the tooth functional. Common
symptoms that indicate the need for root canal treatment are: pain or
throbbing while biting, increased sensitivity to hot and cold, severe
decay and inflammation around the tooth. In most cases we can provide
you with root canal treatment although if we feel your case is more
complex we will refer you to an Endodontist.
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Veneers
Veneers are durable custom made porcelain covers for the front teeth and are an excellent option for patients who want to change their smile. Although they are not suitable for all patients they are a cosmetic alternative for the following conditions:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Widely spaced or uneven teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Discoloured teeth
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ZOOM Whitening System is a safe and effective way of whitening
your teeth in one visit. It is the ideal choice for anyone looking to
achieve immediate results without the hassle of trays and strips. This
is a popular choice for patients preparing for special occasions such
as weddings etc.
Ask us if ZOOM would work for you. |
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Orthodontics can boost a person's self-image as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned, but an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Alleviating or preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, loss of bone and chewing and digestive difficulties. A "bad bite" can contribute to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth and other dental injuries.
A thorough orthodontic evaluation includes an examination of the teeth, jaw, joints, profile and a study of the bite and swallow. X-rays and models of your teeth are necessary to show how your teeth and jaws fit together and photos record the profile and face before treatment.
It is important to be specific on what you hope to achieve from orthodontic treatment. A treatment plan is designed to correct the problems and help you achieve the best smile possible. Orthodontic treatment can be successful for people of all ages.
Common orthodontic terms include:
A palatal expander gently widens the upper and or lower jaw to make room for crowded teeth.
A functional appliance guides the jaws into position.
Braces gently move the teeth into position.
A retainer holds teeth in their corrected position until they stabilize.
Ask us if orthodontics is the right choice for you.
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Snoring can cause many problems both medically and socially. Restful
sleep is vital for your health, it is as important as good nutrition
and exercise and your quality of life may be affected without it.
Severe snorers can suffer from long-term health problems associated
with obstructive sleep apnea.
We can arrange a polysomnogram
(sleep test) to be performed in the comfort of your own home. If you
do not suffer from OSA or you are diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA,
we can treat the snoring with a Sleep Appliance.
A Sleep
Appliance is a custom mouth guard that has proven to be effective in
the treatment of snoring. It is worn during sleep and is designed to
bring your lower jaw forward slightly, preventing the tongue and soft
tissue in the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airway. These
appliances are custom made and are relatively comfortable and easy to
wear.
Severe snorers are often so deprived of restful sleep that
it impairs their job performance and memory. They may also suffer from:
Fatigue
Depression
High blood pressure
Stroke
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Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headaches
Cardiovascular disease
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We have had great success in treating our patients with snoring
problems and work in conjunction with a Registered Respiratory
Therapist. This partnership allows us to provide the best possible
treatment for your diagnosed condition.
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