6815 Route Transcanadienne,
C27-A,
Pointe-Claire (Québec)
H9R 1C4
(514) 694-8150

Services

Procedures

Conditions

Abscessed Tooth
Accidents
Baby Bottle Syndrome
Bleeding Gums
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Bruxism
Cavities
Cracked Tooth
Discolored Teeth
Grinding Teeth
Gum Disease
Impacted Tooth
Jaw Joint Problems
Sensitivity
Thumb Sucking
TMJ Problem
Toothache
Trauma
Worn Teeth

CONDITIONS

Abscessed Tooth

Periapical (root-tip) Abscess

A periapical (root-tip) abscess is a pocket of infection at the tip of a root. The tooth becomes abscessed after the pulp (nerve) of the tooth becomes infected. A periapical abscess is usually caused by deep decay or an accident (trauma to the tooth involving nerve damage). A periapically abscessed tooth will require either Root Canal Therapy or an Extraction. In some cases an antibiotic will also be prescribed.

Lateral Abscess

A lateral abscess is similar to a periapical abscess, but develops along the lateral surface of the tooth's root. In this case, the infection comes from outside the tooth instead of from within. A lateral abscess can either be gingival (located near the gum line) or periodontal (located deeper in the periodontal tissues). Since most cases of lateral abscess are due to periodontitis (gum disease), treatment is part of an overall periodontal (gum) treatment program.

All Abscesses

An abscessed tooth is usually sensitive or painful. The discomfort is what normally alerts the patient to the problem. Occasionally, anabscess may be detected on an x-ray and treated before the patient experiences any discomfort. Left untreated, an abscess may compromise the immune system and in some cases may become life-threatening.

Accidents/Trauma

Tooth Knocked Out
Do not wipe the tooth clean. Place the tooth in a glass of milk, if possible. If milk is not available, use a wet napkin or cup of water. See a dentist immediately. Sometimes, if the tooth is placed back in its socket soon enough by your dentist, the tooth can be saved. Time is critical in this situation!
Broken and Chipped Tooth
Remove the fractured piece to prevent choking and don’t chew on anything hard. Call your dentist immediately. In some cases, the broken tooth, which was stored in milk or water, can be glued back on. Otherwise, some teeth can be filled. More severe cases may need to be crowned. If the tooth has broken into the nerve, the tooth will need Root Canal Therapy and a Crown, or it will need to be extracted.
Loose Tooth
If you were hit by an object, call your dentist immediately. Depending on the severity of the blow, your dentist may let the tooth “tighten-up” on its own, or your dentist may bond the tooth to the uninjured teeth next to it for support until it heals. The tooth may turn dark and/or abscess after an accident. That may happen immediately, or it could be years later. If the tooth does eventually abscess, it will require Extraction or Root Canal Therapy and a Crown just like any other abscessed tooth.
Lacerated (Cut) Lip or Tongue
Apply pressure to stop or slow the bleeding. If the wound is severe or doesn’t stop bleeding, call your dentist or go to the Emergency Room at the hospital immediately. The wound may require stitches to stop the bleeding, prevent infection and to help it properly heal.
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Baby Bottle Syndrome

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Baby Bottle Syndrome is the rapid decay of baby teeth in an infant or child from frequent exposure, for long periods of time, to liquids containing sugars. The upper front teeth are most commonly affected.
The problem is usually caused by a baby falling asleep while nursing a bottle or while breast feeding. While the child is asleep, the sugary liquid pools around the front teeth. The bacteria living in every baby’s mouth then turns the sugars to acid which causes decay.
Common sources of liquids high in sugars are:
* A bottle containing formula, milk, soda, or juice
* A pacifier dipped in honey
* Breast milk
You can help prevent Baby Bottle Syndrome by:
* Cleaning your child’s teeth daily
* Not allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle filled with juice, milk, or formula
* Not allowing your child to sip on a bottle filled with juice, milk, or formula for long periods of time as a pacifier
* Giving your child plain water when he or she is thirsty
* Making sure your child gets the fluoride needed to prevent decay
* Making regular dental appointments for your child beginning from the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years old when their first tooth erupts.
We can provide you with more information which can improve the care of your child’s teeth and maximize their oral health.

Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums do not bleed!
Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivites or an infection. Healthy gums do not bleed. Brush and floss the area well. If bleeding persists, contact your dentist immediately for an appointment. Infection can lead to Gum Disease and tooth loss. Early stages of Gum Disease are rarely painful, so bleeding gums may be your only indication of Gum Disease!
So what’s the moral here? Healthy gums do not bleed!

Broken / Chipped Tooth

If you have a broken or chipped tooth as a result of a very recent trauma or accident, contact your dentist immediately!
chipped teeth If you have a broken or chipped tooth that is not the result of a recent trauma, your dentist can evaluate the tooth for possible treatment. It is still important to have the tooth evaluated right away, because in some situations a minor procedure now can save you from a more significant procedure in the near future!
A very small chip may be corrected by enamel shaping. If the chip is a little larger, the best options may be bonding or a veneer. If the chip is on a molar, an onlay may be appropriate. Large chips and fractured teeth generally require a crown. If the fracture involves the nerve, Root Canal Therapy may be necessary before the tooth is crowned. It is important to have a broken tooth crowned before it becomes infected or abscessed!
In extreme cases, a broken tooth cannot be saved. In this case, an extraction is needed. The missing tooth can be replaced with a bridge or an implant. Each case is unique. Only your dentist can properly diagnose the best course of treatment for you.

Grinding Teeth/Bruxism

What is Bruxism?
Grinding (clenching) of teeth, also known as Bruxism, occurs in children as well as adults. Grinding of teeth generally occurs during sleep.
What if my Child is Grinding His or Her Teeth?
Children often grind their teeth when their teeth are erupting. This is not uncommon, nor is it a problem if it is mild. However, in more severe cases the child can develop a malocclusion. Malocclusion may then lead to TMJ problems or to a need for Orthodontics. If you have any concerns about your child’s Bruxism, be sure to have their dentist check for signs of excessive wear so that treatment options can be discussed and implemented to prevent serious problems.
What about Bruxism in Adults?
Adults may grind their teeth at night due to:
* Malocclusion (bad bite)
* Stress
The result of bruxism can be worn spots (attrition) that can lead to:
* Malocclusion (if the patient doesn’t have already)
* Sensitivity
* Brittle teeth that require crowns
* TMJ problems

How can Bruxism be Treated?
Sometimes, the damage caused by bruxism must be addressed first. Any malocclusion, sensitivity, brittle teeth, or TMJ problems should be discussed with your dentist first to be sure those problems are resolved and that the subsequent treatment for bruxism prevents a recurrence of those problems. Further damage from bruxism can be prevented with a night guard that is worn during sleep.
This guard is comfortable and easy for most people to wear. Contact us for an appointment to stop the damage caused by bruxism and correct any serious problems.

Cavities (Tooth Decay)

Cavities? me???
Tooth Decay begins when the protein of your saliva combines with the sugars and carbohydrates of food particles. Bacteria-laden plaque, which make acid from the sugar in saliva eats away at the hard enamel shell around your tooth. Left unchecked, a hole will be created in the enamel and a cavity will rapidly form in the softer dentin which lies under the enamel. If the cavity is caught in time, usually a Filling will correct the problem. Larger cavities may require an Inlay or Onlay, or a Crown. However, if nothing is done and the decay spreads, the sensitive pulp (nerve) may become involved, often causing an Abscess, and Root Canal Therapy or Extraction may be required.


No cavity on first x-ray.	Months later, cavities that start between the teeth can't be seen by visual examination, but they can be detected on an x-ray.

This cavity was detected and filled before the patient felt any discomfort, and before the nerve became infected or the tooth became abscessed.

Cracked Tooth

If you have a cracked tooth as a result of a very recent trauma or accident, contact your dentist immediately!
When a tooth is cracked, a filling may not seal the crack. A crown may have to be placed over the tooth to hold it and the crack together.
If the crack is not restored, the tooth will become sensitive to chewing pressure, or will eventually break. It is important to restore a cracked tooth before it breaks, because in some cases a broken tooth cannot be filled or crowned and must be extracted.

Tooth Discoloration

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Teeth become discolored for different reasons:
* Drinking coffee, tea, or colas.
* Some antibiotics may darken developing teeth in children.
* Aging - The dentin underneath the enamel of a tooth gradually darkens with age.
* Use of tobacco products.
* Accidents - If a tooth has been traumatized, sometimes the nerve will gradually “die”, and the tooth becomes dark.
* After Root Canal Therapy, a tooth will generally darken.

What Can Be Done About Tooth Discoloration?
The four most common remedies for tooth discoloration are:
* Bleaching
* Bonding
* Veneers
* Caps (Crowns)
Each patient must be evaluated individually, so contact us to set up a consultation. Your dentist will discuss the appropriate options with you for your particular case.

Gum Disease

What is Gum Disease?
According to the American Dental Association, at least 60% of adults in the United States have moderate-to-severe gum disease! No doubt, you’ve heard some of the terms: Plaque, Tartar, Calculus, Gingivitis, Periodontitis, Pyorrhea, Periodontal Disease, Gum Disease. But what does it all mean? Quite simply, Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) starts when plaque and tartar (calculus) are allowed to accumulate at the base of your teeth. The bacteria in the plaque leads to an infection in the gums (gingiva) called Gingivitis.
Left untreated, the infection spreads to the tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place, a condition called Periodontitis (Pyorrhea). Because of the bacterial infection associated with Periodontitis, tooth abscesses are also common.


This patient has Periodontitis. Notice the bone deterioration and uneven level of bone.	Healthy gums and bone.

What are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum Disease is rarely painful, especially in the early stages. Although there may be no visible signs, some of the common indications of Gum Disease are:
* Gums that bleed when you brush or floss (healthy gums will not bleed)
* Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
* Gums that have pulled away from the teeth (receded)
* Pus (infection) between the teeth and gums
* Loose permanent teeth or separating (drifting) teeth
* Changes in the way your teeth fit together when chewing
* Persistent bad breath
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Impacted Tooth

Impacted teeth are unerupted or partially erupted teeth that cannot fully erupt due to:
* Lack of space (crowding)
* Misalignment (tooth is rotated out of position)
* Conflicting position (another tooth has erupted over that position)
* Ankylosis - when other causes of impaction are not corrected in a timely manner, the roots of the impacted tooth can fuse to the surrounding bone creating a tooth frozen in an unerupted or partially erupted state.
The teeth most likely to become impacted are the third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.” The first molars are also known as the 6-year molars since they generally erupt at around age 6, and the second molars are also known as the 12-year molars since they generally erupt at around age 12. If the third molars erupted normally, they might be called 18-year molars. But there is rarely enough space to fit these last teeth into the small space left behind the second molars, so the third molars often become impacted.

This panoramic x-ray shows the impacted 3rd molars (wisdom teeth).
The upper wisdom teeth are crowding the sinus cavity and may erode the roots of the 2nd molars. The lower wisdom teeth are impacted sideways and are likely to cause crowding of the lower teeth, leading to malocclusion.

The most important thing to know about impacted teeth is that they almost always require extraction. The longer the extraction is postponed, the longer the tooth roots grow. When the roots of an impacted tooth are allowed to develop, the risk of complication due to extraction increases significantly because the tooth roots may “wrap around” sensitive facial nerves.
The risks of keeping an impacted tooth extend beyond the impacted tooth itself. Any impacted tooth will exert forces on the arch of your smile that may cause unnecessary crowding of your teeth. An impacted tooth below the gum surface may erode the roots of adjacent teeth. An impacted tooth above the gum line may create a “food trap” that is difficult to brush or floss and is likely to lead to decay.
If you have an impacted tooth and you are not FULLY aware of the risks and alternatives associated with keeping or extracting an impacted tooth, please contact us for an appointment.

Jaw Problems/TMJ Problems

What is TMJ?
TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint, which is a fancy way of saying jaw joint. Clinically, we refer to problems associated with the TMJ (jaw joint) as TMJ Syndrome or TMD (disorder). But many patients just call it “TMJ”. Often, TMJ Syndrome presents itself as a popping sound and sensation near the jaw joint.
Who can have TMJ Syndrome?
TMJ problems can afflict people of all ages, although patients under 40 are more susceptible and it occurs more frequently in women.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ Syndrome?
TMJ Syndrome symptoms include:
* Headaches
* Earaches, stuffiness, or ringing in the ears
* Pain or soreness in and around the jaw joints
* Dizziness
* Difficulty swallowing
* Limited movement or locking of the jaw
* Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints
* Pain behind the eyes
* Neck, shoulder, or back pain
* Facial pain
* Unexplained loosening of teeth
Left untreated, the TMJ symptoms increase in number and severity as you get older.
What should I do if I suspect TMJ Syndrome?
In order to determine the best course of treatment, an accurate diagnosis is imperative. Consult with your dentist to determine if you are suffering from TMJ Syndrome. Many times all that’s needed is a simple adjustment to your bite (the way your teeth come together), or a small nightguard that corrects the way your jaw joint closes.

Sensitivity/Toothache

Pressure
Sensitivity to chewing pressure can be caused by:

Clenching/Grinding
Decay
Abscess
Cracked tooth
Cchewing
Candy
Sweets

Hot and/or Cold
Sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods usually indicates:

Decay
Abscess
Worn Teeth (Attrition)

It is not unusual for recent dental restorations to be sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure. This sensitivity should decrease with time. If sensitivity from a recent dental restoration worsens or persists, contact your dentist.

Bleaching
Bleaching can also temporarily cause mild sensitivity during treatment that disappears within a few days.

Toothache
Sensitivity due to a dental problem will worsen with time and become a toothache. A toothache is not like a headache. It won’t just go away, even if the pain temporarily subsides. The problem that is causing the pain will just get worse, as will the pain, and simple treatment may no longer be possible. (See our pages on cavities, root canals, abscesses, and extractions to see how a cavity progresses from a minor to a major problem). At the first sign of a toothache, contact your dentist.

Thumbsucking

Why Do Children Suck Their Thumbs?
Children suck on things because sucking is one of a baby’s natural instincts. Sucking makes them feel secure and content, and may induce drowsiness. Prolonged thumbsucking (or pacifier sucking) interferes with the proper growth of the mouth and the alignment of the teeth. This improper development, if not corrected, will change the appearance of the child’s face.
When Should Children Stop Sucking Their Thumbs?
Children should have ceased sucking between the ages of 2 to 4. If you are having trouble breaking your child’s habit, try to:
* Comfort him if he is feeling insecure. Sometimes children suck their thumb for a sense of security.
* Instead of scolding your child for thumbsucking, praise him when he doesn’t suck his thumb, especially during difficult periods.
* Explain to older children the dangers of thumbsucking and involve them in choosing the method to break the habit.
If you need help stopping your child’s thumbsucking habit, we can provide you with a patient-friendly dental appliance that will break the habit. Contact us for more information and an appointment.

Worn Teeth

When the enamel of a tooth is worn away, the tooth often becomes sensitive and is more susceptible to decay. Advanced cases often require crowns to save the teeth.
Tooth enamel may be worn away in several ways. One or more of the following factors may cause premature wear:

Attrition
Attrition is the gradual loss of enamel through “wear”. A small amount of attrition may be caused by normal speaking and eating, but this typically doesn’t produce excessive wear. More extreme cases of attrition are typically caused by Bruxism, the grinding of teeth against teeth. Bruxism typically occurs at night while the patient sleeps, so often the patient is unaware of the grinding or enamel loss.

Abrasion
Abrasion is the wearing away of tooth enamel by a foreign object. Common causes of abrasion are:
* Brushing too hard or too long
* Fingernail biting, chewing on pens or pencils, holding needles or pins between the teeth, etc.
* Oral jewelry - Patients with pierced lips and/or tongue often wear away the enamel on adjacent teeth

Erosion
Erosion is the chemical wear of tooth enamel. Typically this kind of wear is caused by an acid. Citric acid is one of the most common agents. Citrus fruit (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit) contain citric acid, as do most soft drinks and citrus juices (like lemonade). Some candies also contain citric acid. Many soft drinks contain additional harmful acids. Coffee and tea also contain corrosive acids. Bulimic individuals (people who intentionally and repeatedly induce vomiting) also expose their teeth to very strong stomach
acids.
Occasional exposure to most dietary acids is rarely a problem, but repeated exposure to high levels of these acids can cause premature wear. Some common habits to avoid are:
* Regularly sucking on lemons or limes
* Regularly eating or sucking on candies, especially “sour” candies as they often contain sugar and citric acid!
* Drinking several soft drinks daily, even “diet” soft drinks
* Drinking several glasses of lemonade daily
* Drinking several cups of coffee or glasses of tea daily
Even if you only occasionally eat or drink highly acidic foods, it’s a good idea to at least rinse your mouth with fresh water when you are finished in order to reduce the amount of time the acids have to work on your teeth.
If you would like us to examine your teeth to determine whether or not there is premature wear of enamel, please contact us for an evaluation. It is possible that a mouth guard can be fabricated to control or prevent the enamel loss.