What Happens at A Teeth Cleaning?

 

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it 100 times. Having your teeth cleaned at least annually at a dental clinic in Edmonton is essential to maintaining your oral and physical health. You’ve heard how important it is, and you may even believe it and agree. But if you’ve missed opportunities to have your teeth cleaned, are anxious about going to the dentist, or it’s been too long since you’ve seen a dentist, we hope getting detailed information about what to expect will help you to get over the hurdle. Here’s what happens at a dental cleaning in Edmonton, one step at a time.

A dental hygienist will complete a thorough examination of all surfaces in your mouth — especially your teeth and gums. 

They’ll look for any signs of tartar and plaque accumulation, inflamed gums that might suggest periodontal disease and dark spots on teeth that may suggest the development of cavities. If they notice any serious signs, symptoms or reactions, the hygienist will consult with the dentist about those concerns.

If this is your first visit — or first in a while — the dentist and their staff will take x-rays. 

Even the most thorough inspection by a hygienist can not see beneath your skin. X-rays can. Today, digital x-rays expose patients to far less radiation than traditional x-rays and can be magnified, saved, shared and transmitted nearly instantly while helping your dentist to identify issues relating to tooth movements, bone loss, tumours, cysts, wisdom teeth, alignment issues and jaw development.

Plaque and tartar, be gone! 

The dental hygienist at a dental clinic near you will use a precise tool — a scaler — to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, from between teeth and along the line of your gums. Scalers come in manual and ultrasonic formats. Depending on what type of scalar is used and how much plaque and tartar is present, you will hear and feel scraping and “picking” sensations. It won’t hurt, but some people shrink from those sounds. Ask to listen to some music if the distraction would help.

Your dentist will then polish your teeth using a handheld electronic polishing tool and prophylaxis paste (a gritty type of toothpaste available in several different flavours). This step is completely painless, though some people do find the vibration-like sensations of this step distracting. Let your dentist know in advance if you’ve been bothered by those sensations in the past. Your dentist will answer any questions you have and do whatever is possible to minimize any discomfort.

Flossing like you can’t floss at home.

No matter how well you floss at home, your dental hygienist will — with the application of specialized tools and mirrors to ensure complete visibility and access — up the ante when it comes to flossing. This flossing step will remove any and all lingering plaque and tartar from between your teeth and along your gums and loosen away any substances dislodged to this point in the professional cleaning process. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ensure you know exactly how to floss at home.

Fluoride before leaving will protect your teeth from tooth decay.

After rinsing your teeth thoroughly, your dentist’s staff will apply fluoride to your teeth (in your choice of several flavours) to protect them from tooth decay and to help restore mineral loss that occurs naturally over time. Fluoride is applied to your teeth in gel form, where it will sit for a minute or two before being rinsed off. Will you get fluoride every time? Not necessarily. Your dentist will track when and how often you receive fluoride and apply it at the right time when a boost in your protection from tooth decay is warranted.

When you’re ready to schedule your next dental cleaning near you, contact a dentist near you to arrange a time that suits you well.

 

How To Recognize and Handle Dental Emergencies

What will you do in the event of a dental emergency in West Edmonton? We’d all like to think that they won’t arise, but emergencies do come up when least expected. As a general rule, we have a pretty good handle on how to deal with medical emergencies — we know what’s routine, and what’s urgent; we know where the emergency room is, and how to get help.

Exactly what is a dental emergency?

These five situations should be treated as urgent situations that, if they happen, should prompt you to get in touch with an emergency dentist near you right away. 

• Go to an emergency dental clinic near you if you have a broken tooth. An emergency dentist will be able to help you with the pain, and may even be able to save and restore that tooth.
• Unexplained, persistent, and worsening toothaches can indicate gum disease, infections, or an abscessed tooth.
• If you have continuous bleeding gums — beyond what is natural after flossing — along swelling and pain, you need to see an emergency dentist near you
• Some causes of swelling in your mouth and jaw can be extremely serious —infection, swollen lymph nodes, and even cancer. An emergency dentist can determine if your swelling is serious and act quickly if required
• The taste of pennies in your mouth can mean a loose filling or crown that can be a gilded invitation to infection and cavities

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, they aren’t routine. Don’t take a wait and see attitude. Rather, let a specially trained emergency dentist at a dental clinic in Edmonton help.

Where should I go in case of a dental emergency?

As a general rule, the hospital emergency room is not where to go in the case of a dental emergency. But there are exceptions. If any of the following are true about your dental emergency, go to the hospital emergency room:

• You are unable to or having difficulty breathing or swallowing 
• You are bleeding severely or persistently
• You have sustained neck or head trauma
• You suffer from a serious chronic illness.

Except in those four situations, don’t go to the emergency room at a hospital. Doctors there may be able to help with initial pain management but are neither trained nor equipped to provide comprehensive dental treatment. 

In a dental emergency like any of those talked about here, contact a dentist near you. They’ll be able to provide an immediate assessment and, when appropriate, same-day emergency service at any time of day or night. 

What should I do until I get there?

Emergency dental clinics in West Edmonton will always try to provide urgent dental treatment as quickly as possible. That does not always mean that treatment will be immediate. There are things that you can do before arriving at an emergency dentist to help your situation:

• If your tooth has been knocked out, rinse it but don’t wash away anything attached to it. If you can put it back in its place without swallowing or forcing it, do that
• If putting your tooth back in its socket isn’t an option, put it in some milk or saliva and bring it with you. Handle the tooth as little as possible
• You can reduce swelling and limit bleeding by gently holding a wet cold compress to the gap in your teeth
• If you don’t have a cold compress, you can make one by: putting ice or frozen vegetables into a bag; and wrapping a wet washcloth around that bag 
• You can take over the counter pain medication, but be careful when swallowing it not to let the pills touch your gums since they can burn that tissue. Tell your emergency dentist what you’ve taken when you get to the emergency dental clinic. 

Dental emergencies can be stressful. Knowing in advance when urgent dental treatment is appropriate, where to go, and what to do while you await treatment can reduce that stress and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Tips to Instill Good Oral Health Care in Children

It is always best to discipline your child at an early age. It is easier for a child to develop a habit or mannerism when exposed to eat at a young age. That is the trick to teaching your child good oral health care habits – start at an early age in life. According to statistics, tooth decay is not uncommon in children, and about 43 percent of children have cavities in the United States. How do you get young children to practice good oral health care? In this article, we will discuss a few tips to help develop the habit of practicing good oral care and dental hygiene in children from an early age. If you have any questions, check in with a children’s dentist in Edmonton today.

Oral health care begins when they are infants

Did you know that even babies can develop tooth decay when oral health is neglected? When you put a baby to bed with a bottle, although it may be convenient, it could cause harm for the baby’s teeth. Sugar particles from the milk linger on the baby’s teeth overnight and can damage the enamel of your baby’s teeth. This condition is known as “bottle mouth.” To prevent any oral health problems from arising in your baby, here a few things you can do:

 1. Wipe your baby’s gums with a warm washcloth or some gauze after feeding the baby.

 2. Avoid giving your baby pacifiers immersed in either sweet liquids or sugar.

 3. It is recommended, by The American Dental Association, to schedule your baby for its first dental appointment at 12 months or sooner in case of any dental issues.

Toddlers

 Here are a few tips for oral health care in toddlers. 

1. Begin to teach your toddler how to brush their teeth at the age of two or three.
2. Use toothbrushes only with soft bristles, using a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Ensure that your toddler does not swallow the toothpaste. Your toddler may want to brush their teeth by themselves, you must brush it again for them once they finish.
3. At the age of 6, children should be able to brush their teeth without the assistance of a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must observe their child and make sure the child does not miss the areas at the back of the mouth that may be hard for them to reach. 
4. Dedicate a routine time for your child to brush and floss their teeth daily in the night.

Make sure to schedule regular dental appointments at least twice a year for your child. 

Children

Here are a few tips for oral health care in children.

1. Change your child’s toothbrush every three months. Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush. Let your child pick out the toothbrush.
2. Monitor your child’s everyday brushing activity. Ensure that your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day – once in the morning and once in the night, before bed. 
3. Like in toddlers, when you develop the habit of brushing their teeth at nighttime, it becomes a routine for your children. In the morning, after breakfast is an ideal time for your child to brush his or her teeth. 
4. Develop the habit of eating healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits, and vegetables.
5. Avoid feeding your child junk foods with sugar and sweets.

Avoid giving your child soft drinks or unhealthy juices. It contributes to tooth decay and increases the chances of gum disease and other oral health complications. As a child, milk and water are the healthiest options for children.

Reward your child for brushing

1. Children are not necessarily highly motivated to maintain healthy dental practices. A six-year-old child does not realize the benefits of having healthy teeth as they grow old. It is something that must be instilled in them.
2. Positive reinforcement is proven to be an effective method to develop habits in toddlers. You can award your toddler with tine rewards for brushing their teeth. It could be an extra story at bedtime or a healthy treat. 
3. Reward your child with something that he or she loves. It is a positive incentive for the child and drives them to develop healthy oral practices.
4. Include fun activities while brushing to make your child invested in brushing their teeth.

It is a known fact that children learn and replicate what they observe from their surrounding environment. Learning begins at home. Parents must practice good oral hygiene and dental practices around their children. It will prompt their child to do the same. For more information on oral health practices for children, visit a children’s dentist near you.

At a dental clinic in Edmonton, you can ask the dentist any questions or concerns that you may have. Visit a dental clinic near you today!

Dental Veneers Guide For 2021: The Cost, Benefits and FAQs

Cosmetic dentistry is gaining popularity every day as more people are realizing the value a beautiful smile adds to their overall appearance. Dental veneers are a cosmetic dentistry wonder that is used to improve the appearance of your smile by camouflaging the natural flaws or irregularities of your teeth. This means that a dental clinic near you offering porcelain veneers can transform your smile in two weeks! 

What Are Dental Veneers? 

Crafted out of durable material, dental veneers are super-thin casings that are custom-made to match your natural teeth colour and placed over them to achieve an enhanced appearance. They are also termed dental porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers.  

Depending on the material, dental veneers are of two types: 

• Porcelain/Ceramic Veneers - These dental veneers are a highly durable and more popular option. Owing to their translucency, they have a close resemblance to your natural teeth and hence provide better aesthetics and are also stain-resistant. The only downside is that they cost a lot more than the composite variety. 
• Composite Veneers - Made of composite resin material, these veneers are much cheaper than the porcelain ones. However, that might be their only benefit. Composite veneers have a shorter life, stain easily, and can chip. Also, the visual effect of these veneers is not nearly as appealing as that of the porcelain veneers. 

Benefits Of Opting For Dental Veneers 

Dental veneers can be used to cover-up several flaws or irregularities of your teeth. 

• Undesirable shape or length - Genetically, some people have smaller or shorter teeth than others. Some even have uneven gaps between their teeth that mars the look of their smiles, especially the front teeth. Opting for porcelain veneers near you can cover-up such natural flaws in your teeth, by making your teeth look longer or bigger, improving your smile. 
• Discolouration - At times, teeth whitening does not work well to get rid of stubborn stains. Dental veneers are your best option to get dazzling white teeth. 
• Chips Or Cracks - Our teeth undergo wear and tear every day, which might result in some chips or cracks on their surface that make them look worn out. These can be easily camouflaged under dental veneers to give you a better smile. 
• Staining - Regular consumption of coffee and red wine, or smoking, leaves permanent stains on our teeth. Porcelain veneers in Edmonton are a popular solution for such teeth staining. 

Process For Getting Dental Veneers 

During your first visit to a dental clinic in Edmonton, the dentist will make moulds of your teeth and send them to a dental lab for the creation of your customized dental veneers. The lab takes about 2 weeks to prepare them and when they are ready, they are sent over to your dentist. On receiving the dental veneers, the dentist will check them for colour, shape and fit to ascertain their match with your natural teeth. Once convinced of a perfect fit, the dentist will clean and sanitize the surface of the teeth which are to receive the veneers. This is done to ensure that no bacteria get trapped under the veneer layer creating tooth decays in the future. Then, the tooth enamel is removed to create a rough texture on your teeth. Finally, using dental cement, the dental veneers are pasted onto your teeth. An ultra-violet light may be used to harden the dental cement faster. 

Dental Veneer FAQs 

Q. How much do they cost?  

A. Cost of dental veneers varies depending on how many teeth need it, what type are you going for, and where you get them. Generally, getting composite veneer will cost $250 per tooth but will last only about 5-7 years, and porcelain veneer will cost around $1000 per tooth, lasting for a minimum of 15 years.  

Q. Does insurance cover dental veneers? 

A. Some insurance providers cover up to 50% of the dental fees, but it is best to discuss it with your provider before deciding to go for dental veneers. 

Q. Can I get a glimpse of my new smile beforehand? 

A. Yes! A digitally edited image can show you how your smile will look post getting dental veneers.

Everything you need to know about composite fillings

 

An individual’s teeth damaged by cavities reduces the density and structure of the teeth leading to tooth decay. The bacteria that causes cavities creates a hole in the teeth that erodes the tooth enamel, causing pain and discomfort. 

A composite filling is used to fill these holes to prevent tooth decay from reaching the roots of your teeth. If left untreated, it could lead to a permanent tooth extraction or, the individual may require a root canal. It is the most opted option by dentists to prevent critical decay to teeth. Several questions boggle the mind of an individual when it comes to composite fillings. Some of the most common questions are how long does a composite filling last? Is composite filling a permanent or long-lasting solution to damaged or rotten teeth? Is it a reliable solution? Is the process painful? So on and forth. If you’re someone with similar questions, read on to learn more if you are interested in composite fillings near you. 

 

Understanding composite fillings 

 

A composite filling is a dental process of filling a tooth affected by cavities. It is made from materials like resin, ceramic, or porcelain to restore functionality and oral health of a damaged tooth. The material usually lends with the natural color of the teeth and is barely visible to the naked eye when used for the front teeth. The type of material used for composite fillings depends on an individual’s ease, compatibility, and the individual’s affordability. A composite filling is an alternate filling to the traditional amalgam fillings. 

 

Why you may need to receive a composite filling near you 

 

If cavities have damaged your teeth, or you notice it becoming hollow, it will require a composite filling. You may have to get dental fillings in West Edmonton at a dental clinic near you if: 

· The teeth are worn out 

· The teeth are decayed 

· The teeth are either broken, cracked or chipped 

· There is too much space between teeth 

· You have hollow teeth 

 

Filling materials used in composite filling 

 

Materials used to make composite filling depends on the patient’s compatibility, affordability, and availability of the material. The materials include gold, silver alloys (a combination of metal mixed with copper, zinc, tin, and silver). Another material used is composite resin, plastic, or tooth-colored substances like ceramic. 

Other materials contain particles of glass which is known as glass ionomer. Glass ionomer is very similar to that of composite resin filling when compared to how it is used. A dentist in Northwest Edmonton can recommend the best material suited for you based on the extent and position of decay, tooth damage, and the cost of the procedure. 

 

How long can composite fillings last? 

 

The lifeline of composite fillings depends on one’s eating habits, dental care and hygiene, lifestyle, oral health, and the filling used for the tooth. Based on the material used to make the filling, a filling provided by a dental clinic near you can last from five to 25 years. 

· Composite Resin Fillings Five to 15 years 

· Silver Alloy Fillings - Five to 25 years 

· Gold Fillings - 15 to 20 years 

 

Dos and don’ts to maintain your composite filling 

 

The life of a composite filling does not entirely depend on only the material. Oral care and hygiene play a lasting role to maintain a composite filling. Here are a few simple steps to help increase the life of your composite fillings. 

· Observing regular oral care practices like brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. 

· Refrain from eating hard food. 

· Refrain from subjecting your teeth to extreme hot or cold items. 

· Do not use hard-bristle brushes. Be gentle while brushing. 

· Make sure to visit your dentist regularly. At least once in six months is recommended. 

 

Looking for dental fillings in West Edmonton? 

 

Composite fillings will wear out over time as teeth are prone to bacterial attack and hence cannot last for a lifetime. These steps will only help increase the life of the composite filling by a few additional years. For more information on composite fillings, the procedure, and pricing - visit a dentist near you today. A dental clinic in West Edmonton is happy to help.