Many people are afraid to go to the dentist. This fear is usually caused by a previous bad experience. This learned fear can be overcome with the right attitude and the correct care.

Avoiding a visit to the dentist makes the anxiety worse and isn’t good for you overall health. Instead, purposefully think of going to the dentist as something good that you are doing for yourself and your health. In addition, many patients feel a loss of control that factors into their anxiety, and an informative, kind, and competent dentist can help ease this anxiety. Make the commitment to better your oral health, and you may be surprised to discover that the dental visit you have been avoiding isn’t so bad after all!

Why are dental checkups important?

There are several important reasons to visit the dentist on a regular basis rather than only for emergencies. A typical check-up includes:

Professional teeth cleaning
A thorough exam, including radiographs and an in-depth medical history
An assessment of your teeth, mouth, and jaw joins for any abnormalities

If there are problems with your oral health, regular check-ups can ensure that they are detected and corrected before they get bigger. Remember that some problems, especially gum issues, can be very difficult to treat if not addressed early on.

For children, their first dental visit should be scheduled once their first tooth erupts to prevent dental problems from the start. Advances in technology have made it uncommon to find kids who don’t like going to the dentist. Remember the old adage — prevention is the best medicine!

How can my child keep their teeth clean at school?

There is no reason why a child can’t clean his or her teeth at school. During recess or their lunch break, a child can easily bring a small toothbrush and toothpaste and brush their teeth after a snack or meal. If they don’t have a toothbrush with them, they can rinse their mouth with tap water to wash away food and dilute the amount of bacteria that causes cavities in the mouth.

The right snacks can also help! It has also been shown that snacking on peanuts and cheese can also reduce cavities. In addition, chewing on sugarless gum can increase saliva flow, reducing the amount of bacteria and reducing the incidence of decay.

How can I improve my smile?

Do you feel you have to keep your lips closed when you smile? Are you holding back because of unattractive spaces, cracks, or crooked or discoloured teeth? A dazzling white smile helps you look and feel confident. If your smile is making you self-conscious, your dentist can help you achieve a winning smile.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options to restore your bright, beautiful smile. Composite resin bonding or veneers can fill in spaces or fix cracks. Adult orthodontics is also becoming an increasingly popular solution to straighten crooked teeth, bring your bite into alignment, and improve both the appearance and function of your teeth. When it comes to discoloration, teeth whitening can give you a brighter, whiter smile and reverse the effect of aging, coffee, tobacco, and other stains on the tooth enamel.

If you would like to improve your smile, talk to your dentist to discover what can be done to enhance your appearance. You may find that one simple procedure can give you the look you have been longing for!

What does my insurance cover?

This is a common question among our patients, but it is not easy to answer. It depends on what your company has negotiated with the insurance company. Our dental office is not part of this relationship, and we are not given your coverage information.

I have missing teeth. What can I do?

There are essentially three different methods of replacing missing teeth: a dental implants, a bridge, or partial dentures.

First is the implant. This involves a titanium screw directly placed into the bone. The artificial tooth is then placed on top of the implant.

Second is the bridge. If you and your dentist decide on a bridge, then the teeth on either side of the missing teeth are used to hold the artificial tooth, which is cemented in.

Third is the partial denture, which is held in place by the existing teeth, and unlike a bridge, dentures are not permanently cemented.

You and your dentist can discuss what method will work best for you. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right option will depend on factors including which teeth are missing, the condition of the existing bone, and budget.

Can I refer my friend to The Dental Centre?

We are accepting new patients, and the greatest compliment our patients can give us is the referral of their friends and family. We would be more than pleased to care for them in our office!

How does smoking affect one’s dental health?

Yes. Here are a few quick facts you should know about smoking:

Smokers are three times more likely to lose teeth than non-smokers.
If you smoke, you are four times as likely to have periodontal disease as someone who has never smoked.
Smokers are three times more likely to die of heart disease than non-smokers.

Smoking causes BIG trouble for your teeth and gums by killing cells inside your mouth. These dead cells accumulate as plaque and increase your risk of gum disease. Some of the chemicals present in tobacco also weaken your mouth’s defensive cells, leaving you susceptible to infections. In addition, smoking stains teeth, causes bad breath, and limits your body’s absorption of calcium. Smokers should talk to us today!

What food and drinks should I consume to maintain good dental health?

Keep your teeth strong by choosing calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese. You should also look for foods high in Vitamin C (found in red and green pepper and citrus fruits) and Vitamin D (found in milk) to help your body to absorb calcium and phosphorous, which keeps teeth and gums healthy looking.

What should you avoid? Many soft drinks. Cola and orange and lime sodas can cause decalcification on the enamel of your teeth. Cola has the highest sugar content, and if you drink a lot of it, you may be susceptible to more cavities. Although saliva promotes remineralization, this beneficial effect cannot overcome the damage caused by exposure to soft drinks, so please choose milk or water to quench your thirst.

Finally, chewing sugarless gum after meals can reduce the rate of dental decay. It increases the flow of saliva to help wash your teeth. After eating a meal, the acidic value of saliva increases, and chewing gum neutralizes your saliva. Achieve the maximum effect by chewing sugarless gum three times a day directly after meals. Brushing your teeth after each meal is best, but if you don’t have time, chew a piece of sugarless gum!

How important are dental plans?

Do you have a dental plan? Then use it! You’re lucky to have one!

It is important to understand your dental plan. What is your maximum? How many care appointments are covered per year? Is there co-payment or a deductible? If you have a dental coverage booklet, we can help you understand it, or we can give you an insurance coverage information form so you can call your insurance company to learn more about your coverage. If you have any concerns about your dental plan, talk to us today.

I’m worried I may get decalcification spots on my teeth once my braces are removed. How does this happen and how can I prevent it?

If you have braces, then you need to take better care of your teeth now more than ever. Plaque can accumulate around your brackets and cause decalcification. If you don’t clean your teeth properly, you could develop white decalcification spots on your teeth. When you finally get your braces off, you don’t want to see white spots when you smile. Parents should supervise children to ensure they maintain and carry out thorough dental cleaning and the prescribed treatment plan.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are made of titanium metal, which is very biocompatible with your body. The implants are surgically inserted anchors placed in the jaw to hold artificial teeth or dentures. The metal implant acts as a post that serves as a “root” for the new tooth. Once inserted, the implants look and feel like natural teeth.

If you have lost one or more teeth, and you want a lasting, fixed solution, then implants may be the best choice for you. They are custom made for your mouth, and they allow you to chew more efficiently. They are also more convenient, since you don’t have to take them in or out like dentures, and they help maintain your jawbone. If you think implants may be the solution for you, please call us.

What should I do if I grind my teeth at night?

Treatment for night grinding requires a proper assessment of your oral health, including an examination of your gums, bone, teeth, TMJ, and lifestyle by your dentist. Treatment can include an acrylic night guard, muscle relaxation medications, and bite adjustment to maximize proper occlusal equilibrium.

Some of the signs and symptoms of grinding your teeth include: sensitive teeth, cracked teeth, mobile teeth, soreness of facial muscles after sleep, and temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) pain. There are several theories to the causes of teeth grinding, including stress, neuromuscular disorders, and chemical imbalance. If you think you grind your teeth at night and are looking for a solution, contact The Dental Centre today!

Should you have wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth can create problems in your mouth. Only your dentist can determine whether or not extraction is the right solution for you.

Wisdom teeth extraction is recommended in the following cases:

They have become decayed.
The gums overlying your impacted wisdom teeth become infected.
They are causing problems for the adjacent teeth.

Most often, wisdom teeth can be removed with local anesthetic.

Do dentures need to be checked?

Yes! Dentures should be checked for many reasons. First and foremost, it is very important to note that, like everything else in life, anything we use on a regular basis will need maintenance. Your dentures are no different. Whether you have your own teeth or false ones, constant care is important for long, happy wear.

Who needs braces?

When the jaw grows and adult teeth emerge, one’s teeth can often be guided into proper position easily with an orthodontic appliance. Timing is key. With timely treatment, we can lessen your son or daughter’s orthodontic needs. Your dentist may recommend an orthodontic consultation for children as young as 6.

What is periodontal disease? Can it be prevented?

Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, ligaments, and jawbone, and it is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Periodontal disease begins at an early age, as plaque begins accumulating.

You can prevent periodontal disease by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dental hygienist regularly. Healthy gums are pink, do not bleed, and are firmly supported by teeth and bone. Any deviation from this is cause to call your dentist!

Periodontal disease is usually painless, which means it is important to know the signs and stages as it progresses. The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may be red, tender, and swollen, and they may bleed when brushed, flossed, or examined.

The next stage, moderate periodontitis, occurs when gums begin to separate from the teeth. Gums may develop abscesses, exposing the roots of your teeth to plaque. Bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth are common indicators of moderate periodontitis.

With advanced periodontitis, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed. Teeth will become loose and eventually need replacement. Don’t let this happen to you! A proper dental hygiene program and an awareness of the early symptoms are your best defence. If you have experienced these warning signs, contact a Dental Centre near you as soon as possible.

Why does gum surgery need to be performed?

Gum surgery is usually recommended to save teeth in cases of chronic or advanced periodontal disease. Periodontal disease refers to the loss of supportive jaw bone around teeth.

The jaw bone not only holds the teeth in place, but it also provides the teeth with nutrients. Therefore, it is imperative that the jaw bone remain in good health with good home care and regular visits to your dentist. Sometimes, this may not be enough, and surgery is required to prevent further bone loss.

Bone loss can lead to many other complications, such as tooth decay, teeth mobility, sensitivity, bleeding, pain, and tooth loss. For these reasons, your dentist or gum specialist may recommend gum surgery. Please contact us if you would like more information!

What are crowns?

Your teeth are comprised of two main parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the part that you see above the gum, while the root is the part below the gum that holds your tooth firmly in your jawbone. When the crown of the tooth becomes weakened by decay, root canal therapy, or fractures, it can be restored and strengthened by an artificial crown. Artificial dental crowns are covers that fit over a damaged or badly stained tooth. They look natural and can be cared for in the same way as your other teeth.

What is bonding and what is it used for? What happens during bonding?

Dental bonding can refer to a number of procedures. It could refer to bonding white (composite) filling material, crowns, veneers, or even silver amalgam fillings.

Bonding is an excellent method of restoring teeth, especially when used for cosmetic purposes. Bonding can bring back that million dollar smile! However, bonded composites require maintenance just like everything else, and they may need replacement from time to time.

Bonding procedures vary, but essentially comprise the following steps:

The tooth is first prepared by a mild acid treatment.
Then, the liquid bonding agent is applied, which penetrates the prepared tooth.
The prepared tooth is then subjected to a curing light that hardens the bonding agent.
Whatever is being bonded is applied and cured in a similar fashion.

What are root caries?

Root caries are a major concern for seniors. Your gums typically recede as you age, exposing the roots of your teeth to bacteria and making them more vulnerable to decay. Unlike teeth, which are covered by enamel, the tooth roots are covered by softer material called cementum. Seniors with receding gums who are taking medications that reduce saliva flow often suffer more root cavities. If left unchecked, tooth root caries may cause pain, infections, and tooth. Hence, it is important for seniors to see their dentist regularly to help prevent root caries and other dental problems.

What precautions is The Dental Centre taking to make sure that I am protected from harmful X-ray radiation?

Everyone, including the dental staff, is concerned about exposure to radiation, We take every precaution to protect our patients from radiations.

However, you should know that the amount of radiation used to expose dental x-rays is actually quite small. The Dental Centres use digital X-rays, which have 80% to 90% less radiation than other methods. We also use a lead apron to cover the patient’s neck, chest, and thighs and use fast speed films to decrease the amount of exposure. We would never recommend an X-ray without good reason, such as determining infection, cavity, bone loss, and so on. If you have concerns about dental X-rays, please talk to us.

What is preventive dentistry?

The most important service we offer is preventative dentistry. Our recommendations will include advice on home care and information that can help you to maintain optimum dental health. All our patients are recalled at periodic intervals for preventive examinations and teeth cleanings.

I’ve heard that gum bacteria and heart disease are related. Is this true?

Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated that periodontal disease is associated with a 19% increase in risk of future cardiovascular disease, maintenance of blood sugar levels for diabetes, and premature and low birth weight babies.

When you have periodontal disease, the increased presence of bacteria in your mouth is unhealthy and can have a number of consequences. Prevention is the best method of treatment. Visit us regularly for therapeutic periodontal scaling and develop a routine of good oral hygiene to keep bacteria counts low.

Call Us Today: 905-852-7770

Creating Smiles Since 1992

Your Confident Smile

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Dental Clinic

How can I overcome my fear of the dentist?