Frequently Asked Questions
Why should baby teeth be filled if they are going to fall out?
First of all, tooth decay can be very painful. If left untreated, the tooth can become infected and abscessed.
Second, some of these primary teeth don't fall out until age 10-12. If a cavity is found at an early age, a filling is needed to rid the tooth of decay and to ensure it is there to hold the space for the adult tooth.
Flossing removes food debris and plaque from between teeth and in the gum space. This is not accomplished by brushing, nt matter how rigorously you brush.
Flossing also disturbs the environment to which gum bacteria like to adhere, thereby reducing the bacterial load in the area.
Maintaining healthy gums can have a positive effect on general health, and vice versa.
What are the benefits of digital x-rays?
Immediate viewing of images
Up to 10-fold decrease in radiation
Eliminates use of toxic chemicals for development
Images can be manipulated for enhanced viewing
Convenient communication with colleagues
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown or a cap is used to protect a tooth from fracture or to protect a tooth that is mildly fractured from further splitting. It can also be used in cosmetic dentistry to reposition teeth artificially or to enhance esthetics. A crown is paramount on teeth that have had previous root canal therapy.
A bridge is used to "bridge" a gap left after an extraction. It involves one or more teeth on either side of the gap that are used as anchors.
I'm really scared of seeing the dentist, is there anything that can be done?
We aim to reduce your anxiety first by employing gentle chairside manner and other non-pharmacological techniques. However, we can provide nitrous oxide for those that require it.
Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") is used for reducing anxiety during dental treatment. It is a colourless, odorless gas that is inhaled and exhaled through a nasal mask. Since it is a conscious sedation modality, you are awake throughout the procedure, but the level of gas is titrated to allow you to feel a sense of relaxation.
Cosmetic dentistry involves the improvement of the appearance of your teeth. It may be accomplished via several different ways: Tooth whitening, Bonding, Crowns and Veneers. Bonding is just another way of describing white fillings on front teeth to improve colour and/or shape of the teeth. Crowns and veneers are both porcelain sleeves that are fitted over the teeth, except veneers only cover the front of the teeth.
Properly supervised and applied whitening products are not harmful. It is important to have your dentist assess whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening first. You need to be advised on the risks of sensitivity, gum irritation, uneven whitening, and colour regression.
At what age should a child have his/her first visit?
The child should visit the dentist for the first time by age one. By this time, the child will have at least eight primary teeth. This will afford the dentist the chance to detect early disease, assess adequacy of oral hygiene practices, and make recommendations based on what is observed. Of course, this information is best conveyed before the child is born so that parents can begin preventive measures early on in the child's life.
Root canal therapy is the act of removing the nerve tissue from the centre of the tooth, and filling the space with a root filling material. It is needed when there is a breach into the nerve space because of a deep cavity, fracture, or severe gum disease. Trauma in the form of a deep filling, knocking on a tooth from a fall or a fight, and heavy nighttime grinding can also cause the nerve to become non-vital, thereby needing root canal therapy.
The primary purpose of routine radiographs is for diagnosis of cavities between teeth. These cannot be observed simply by looking at the teeth. Depending on an individual's risk for cavities, the frequency of routine x-rays is adjusted in keeping with the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle.