PROCEDURES
Tooth Whitening/Bleaching
 What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth Whitening is actually a mild bleaching process that restores
stained or discolored teeth to a healthy, natural color. Don’t
be misled by unproven and ineffective over-the-counter whitening
solutions. Our office uses an advanced procedure that is only available
from your dentist as we choose the best products as rated by independant
agencies.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Teeth become discolored for many reasons. Coffee, tea, red wine, and
cigarette smoke yellow the teeth. Certain medications, such as tetracycline,
cause the teeth to become gray. Even the natural act of aging affects
the color of teeth.
Is Whitening Safe?
Whitening is very safe. We use a product that has been proven safe
when used under the direction of a dentist.
Is Whitening For Me?
Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and smile to determine whether
whitening is right for you. In some cases a different cosmetic procedure
may better meet your expectations, but whitening is a safe, fast
and easy process that is effective for almost everyone!
What Is The Whitening Process?
 First, we will make impressions of your teeth so that our lab can create
custom whitening trays to fit your mouth. These trays will guide
the whitening agent to the areas of your teeth that need to be whitened.
We will record the current color of your teeth to help you monitor
your progress.
 Next, we will fit your custom trays in your mouth
to ensure they feel comfortable. Then you apply the whitening agent
to your trays and insert them into your mouth. Each treatment takes
approximately one hour, but the process is quite comfortable.
 When Will I See Results?
Most patients see results after the first treatment. It will typically
take a few treatments to restore your teeth to a lighter color. The
time it will take depends on the original color of your teeth, how
discolored they were, and how frequently the treatment is applied.
How Long Will The Results Last?
The effects typically last a few years. Many patients choose to “touch-up” their
teeth every 6 to 12 months after their regular cleaning. “Touch-ups” are
especially useful for patients that drink beverages that stain teeth,
like coffee, tea, and colas.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
Some patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity to cold,
or mild tooth or gum sensitivity during treatment, but these symptoms
are only temporary and disappear within a day or two.
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Chairside Tooth Whitening
Duringour “one hour” chairside tooth whitening
process:
A gel containing hydrogen peroxide is placed on the teeth. This bleaches
the discolorations without harming or changing the tooth’s structure. We
continually monitor the patient to ensure that any exposed tissue is
protected. Results can last for years with proper care.
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Bonding
Bonding is simply adding a little tooth-colored composite material
to “fill in the blanks.” One of the most frequent uses
of the bonding technique is to fill in a gap between front teeth.
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Before: A noticeable space between the front teeth. |
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After: Bonding fills the space, but still keeps the teeth
looking natural. |
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Bridges
 Permanent Fixed Bridge
A Permanent Bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. A Bridge will:
* Keep teeth from drifting into the space created from a missing tooth
* Help preserve normal function and normal bite for the jaw joint
A Permanent Bridge is usually anchored to the teeth on both sides of
the space from the missing tooth. This gives the bridge strong support.
Brushing a bridge is no different than brushing natural teeth, but
special flossing instructions are given to keep the bridge and surrounding
tissue healthy. A Permanent Bridge is permanently bonded in place,
unlike a Partial Denture (sometimes called a “Removable Bridge”),
which is
removable.
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Crowns/Caps
 A crown fits over the entire top of the tooth above the gum line.
Crowns cover, protect, seal and strengthen a tooth. A crown is needed
when a filling just will not work. A crown may be made of white porcelain,
or porcelain fused to gold alloy. There are many situations that may
call for a crown:
 Large decay. If a tooth has decay so deep and large
that a filling will not stay, or if the tooth structure is weakened,
a crown must be placed on the tooth to save it.
 Large old
fillings. When large old fillings break down, or get decay
around them, they usually need to be crowned. It is important to
crown a tooth that has been structurally weakened to prevent a cracked
or broken tooth. Once a tooth breaks, it may not be possible to save
it.
 Cracked tooth. When a tooth is cracked, a filling
will not seal the crack. A crown has to be placed over the tooth
to hold it and the crack together. If a crown is not placed on the
tooth, the tooth will become sensitive to chewing pressure, or will
eventually break. It is important to crown a cracked tooth before
it breaks, because in some cases a broken tooth cannot be crowned
and must be extracted.
 Broken / Fractured tooth.
A tooth that has broken is usually too weak to hold a filling. A
crown will hold the tooth together and prevent it from breaking again.
If the fracture involves the nerve, Root Canal Therapy may be required
before the tooth is crowned. In some cases, a broken tooth cannot
be saved and must be extracted.
Sensitive teeth.
Teeth that are very sensitive, either from a lot of “wear”, or from receded
gums, sometimes require crowns to seal and protect the teeth from
hot and cold sensitivity.
Root Canal Therapy. A
tooth that has undergone Root Canal Therapy will need a crown to
properly seal and protect the tooth. A tooth with Root Canal Therapy
is more brittle than a tooth with a healthy nerve and blood supply.
A crown provides the necessary support to the tooth.
In cosmetic dentistry, crowns (sometimes called “caps”)
are used less frequently since the advent of veneers, but in some cases
a crown may be necessary for a particular tooth. A tooth with a bad
fracture or a large filling may be a candidate for a crown instead
of a veneer.
| Before: This tooth has a large filling as
shown. A crown is needed on this tooth, instead of a veneer, because
there isn't enough natural tooth left to support a veneer. A crown
will cover and protect the tooth, but will look the same as a veneer. |
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| After: The top teeth now have veneers, except
the one that had the large filling, which now has a crown. |
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Cleaning
 Your regularly scheduled check-up is often referred to as a “cleaning”,
but there is much more to it than that! The technical term is oral
prophylaxis, which means prevention of oral disease.
One way to prevent oral disease is to remove harmful plaque and tartar
(calculus) both above and below the gum line. You may also be given
special instructions on brushing or flossing to keep clean the areas
where we found significant buildup. That is the familiar “cleaning” part
of your checkup.
Another way to prevent oral disease is by early detection and treatment.
During your checkup you will be screened for many potential threats
to your oral health, including:
* Cavities
* Gum Disease
* Oral cancer
In addition, some systemic diseases, such as diabetes, often present
themselves first inside the mouth, so early detection extends beyond
just oral disease.
Your Dental Hygienist is your first-line of defense against oral disease.
Your hygienist is a highly trained professional who can evaluate your
teeth and gums, both visually and with the assistance of x-rays and
other modern technology, to discover threats to your oral or general
health. Your dentist will review the findings of your hygienist and
advise you on any threats to your oral or general health.
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Fillings
After decay is removed from a tooth, something must be placed in that
space to give strength back to the tooth.
Fillings: Fillings are the most common restorative
procedure.
Inlays and onlays: In addition to fillings, lab
fabricated inlays and onlays are sometimes used. Although many patients
think of these as fillings as well, they are actually different since
they are laboratory fabricated.
 White fillings: White (metal-free) fillings are
an alternative to silver (mercury amalgam) fillings. White fillings
are made of a strong composite resin that is matched to the surrounding
tooth color. In the past, white fillings were placed only on front
teeth, but a stronger, more durable material has been developed that
can withstand the chewing pressure of back teeth.
White fillings are often preferable because:
- Many patients prefer mercury-free fillings
- Cosmetic reasons
- Patients with sensitivity to heat or cold find metal-free fillings
to be more comfortable.
 White Porcelain or Resin inlay or onlay: A porcelain or resin
inlay or onlay is used when the cavity is
too big for a filling, but isn't so big that a crown is
required. An inlay is a filling within the cusp tips of the tooth.
Onlays (also known as overlays) will overlay one or more cusps in order
to protect and strengthen the tooth.
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Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full Mouth Reconstruction is the optimal choice when several teeth
are decayed or missing, affecting the occlusion (the way the teeth
come together) and/or the appearance of the face. Full Mouth Reconstruction
may involve bridges, veneers, and/or crowns. Most of the existing
teeth require treatment in order to correct and restore balance to
the occlusion (bite) and facial features.
| Notice how the reconstruction affects
not only the occlusion (the way her teeth fit together), but also
the way her smile is expressed throughout her lower face! |
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Before |
After |
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| Here's a close-up look at her upper arch (top teeth)
and lower arch (bottom teeth): |
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Before |
After |
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Dental Implants
What are Implants?
Dental Implants have been used successfully for many years. The implant
itself is a post that is surgically placed in the jaw. A prosthesis
(artificial tooth or teeth) is then attached to the post. Our office
performs the entire procedure.
What are Dental Implants Used For?
There are two basic uses for Dental Implants:
1. As an artificial root for a single tooth replacement.
2. As anchors for a fixed or removable prosthesis to replace multiple
teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
With the exception of your natural teeth, nothing looks more natural
than an implant. One important benefit of implants is that they slow
the shrinking of bone and gum tissue from the area of the missing tooth,
thus preventing premature aging.
* Of North Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately 49%
are missing at least one tooth.
* Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever
devised.
* More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
* Dental implants never develop decay.
* Dental implants never require root canals.
* Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature
aging.
* No one can be disqualified for implant treatment solely because of
their age -- some patients receive implant treatment when they are
in their nineties!
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Step One:
The gum is gently folded back and a space is
prepared for the implant to be placed. |
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Step Two:
The dental implant "anchor"
is put into place. |
Step Three:
A temporary cap is placed on the implant and
the gum tissue is repositioned around the implant. The implant
is left alone for several months so the bone can attach to
the implant and create a secure anchor. |
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Restorative Phase:
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Step One:
After the implant has had a chance to attach
to the bone tissue, the temporary cap is removed from the anchor
and a post is attached to the anchor. |
Step Two:
The implant is now ready for a prosthesis. An
impression is taken of the implant and the appropriate prosthesis
(crown, bridge or overdenture)
is made. |
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Step Three:
The prosthesis is then attached to the implant(s). |
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Infection Control
We share your concern about the spread of disease and work hard to
safeguard our patients against infection.
When you visit our office, you will see a clean office carefully maintained
by well-trained staff. Our dental team always wear gloves, eye protection
and complete protective wear during each procedure. After each patient,
they discard those gloves, wash their hands and put on a new pair of
gloves.
Your protection starts long before you ever enter the treatment room.
Here are a few of the things that you don’t see: All surfaces
are cleaned and disinfected, staff members sterilize all instruments
after their use and dispose of anything that is potentially infectious.
We want you to know that your protection, care and comfort are our
top priorities. That is why we meet, or exceed, the highest infection
control standards.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.
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Root Canal Therapy
 When the nerve of a tooth becomes infected or abscessed, Root Canal
Therapy is the only way to save the tooth. A tooth can become abscessed
as a result of deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma to the tooth.
The only alternative to Root Canal Therapy is an Extraction.
During Root Canal Therapy, the tooth is “numbed” (just
like having a filling). Then the unhealthy nerve is removed and medication
is placed in the tooth to treat the bacterial abscess (infection).
After the infection is removed and treated, a filling is placed in
the roots where the unhealthy nerve was.
A tooth that has undergone Root Canal Therapy is more brittle and must
be crowned to give the tooth sufficient strength. The tooth is cared
for in the same way as other natural teeth. Brush and floss daily,
and visit your dentist for regular preventative dental check-ups.
High-Tech Root Canal Therapy
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The way root canal therapy is performed today is
vastly different than those done a few years ago, not to mention
a decade ago. The potential level for quality care has dramatically
increased. It is a thing of the past to do root canals in five
to six appointments, or by "touch or feel" because we
could not see. Root canals can be done painlessly, faster, and
more accurately due to the new technology available. |
Non-surgical Root Canal Therapy
 Root
Canal Therapy is a dental procedure, performed with local anaesthetic,
which involves the removal of the nerve inside of the tooth because
it has become irreversibly damaged or infected. This is usually due
to the entry of bacteria into the centre most part of the tooth called
the dental pulp (nerve). ROOT CANAL is a commonly used term
for endodontic therapy or root canal therapy. This procedure involves
the removal of the entire nerve system, as well as cleaning, shaping
and 3-dimensional filling of the canal system with gutta percha and
a dental sealer. The procedure enables you to keep your natural tooth,
which is preferable to any type of replacement.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
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Step one:
After the tooth is "numbed", a small opening is
made into the pulp chamber. The canals are located and measured,
so they can be cleansed and shaped. |
Step two:
The canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha
and the opening is sealed with sterile cotton pellets and a
temporary filling. |
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Step three:
The tooth is typically restored within a couple of weeks.
A crown is placed over the treated tooth in order to protect
it, and if the tooth lacks sufficient tooth structure to hold
the core build-up, a post may be placed inside. Any areas of
infection around the roots will begin to heal. |
The number of visits necessary to complete a root canal will vary
depending upon the degree of infection, the number of canals in the
tooth, if the canals are calcified, the anatomy of your tooth, and
the complexity of the procedure. We always strive to achieve the best
possible result; therefore, your treatment may take one visit, or it
may take more.
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Root Canal Retreatment
Retreatment is necessary when bacteria have re-entered the
tooth. This is usually due to decay or untreated canal areas.
The patient may experience swelling or pain in chewing.
Sometimes a patient may have no symptoms, but an x-ray shows
that there is a problem with a tooth that has previously undergone
root canal therapy. |
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What Happens During Root Canal Retreatment?
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Step one:
After the tooth is "numbed", the canal system will
be reopened to remove the previous root canal material. This
may involve removing a crown, post and core material. Sometimes
we are able to make a small hole in the existing restoration
and work through that opening. The canals are then thoroughly
cleansed and shaped. |
Step two:
The canals are refilled with gutta-percha and the opening
is sealed with a sterile cotton pellet and a temporary filling. |
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Step three:
The tooth is usually restored within a couple of weeks. If
your existing crown can be saved, then you will need to have
it repaired. If you do not have a crown, it will probably be
recommended.
With time, the bone will heal where the bacteria was removed. |
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Gum Treatment/Scaling/Root Planing
Gum treatment is the treatment of active gum and jaw bone disease.
The treatment can slow or stop the progression of the disease. Since
there are different stages of gum disease (from gingivitis to advanced
periodontitis), there are different levels of treatment. In some cases,
the patient may be referred to a specialist.
Gum treatment consists of one or more of the following procedures,
depending on the individual case:
Prophylaxis (Cleaning)
Scaling and Root Planing
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Scaling and Root Planing is a common non-surgical treatment for
periodontal disease. By using special instruments, we remove bacteria
and infection from the unhealthy deep pockets around the teeth
below the gum line. This is often referred to as a "deep cleaning". |
| First the tooth is scaled to remove the plaque and tarter
that has accumulated on the tooth. |
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Then the root is planed or smoothed. This eliminates any
rough areas on the root that can easily trap plaque and bacteria. |
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Gum Surgery
Sometimes, in order to treat advanced gum disease, surgical procedures
are necessary, such as:
* Crown Lengthening
* Pocket Depth Reduction
* Soft Tissue Grafts
* Bone and Tissue Regeneration
* Ridge Augmentation
Advanced Medications
Recent advances in periodontal treatment allow us to now place medications
directly at the site of infection. This is often used in conjunction
with scaling and root planing. In addition, an antimicrobial rinse
is sometimes used after some procedures.
Strict Home Care Regimen
A home care routine specific to the patient’s individual needs
may be prepared to prevent the patient from relapsing.
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Veneers
Veneers are custom, porcelain facings that are bonded to the front
surfaces of teeth to whiten teeth, close spaces, straighten teeth,
or repair chipped or worn teeth. The veneers are only about 1 mm thick
(the thickness of a fingernail). That same thickness is “shaved”
off the natural tooth surface so when the veneer is bonded to the tooth,
the tooth doesn’t feel or look “thicker”.
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Before: Discolouration on front teeth and teeth are uneven
in length. |
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After: Veneers return the natural, healthy glow! Teeth
are now lengthened evenly. |
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X rays
 Why are Dental X-rays Necessary?
X-rays are the only way to identify problems that aren't externally
visible. X-rays are very essential in doing a complete and thorough
dental examination. They are especially important in diagnosing serious
conditions early to allow for effective treatment before you
experience discomfort. X-rays show bone anatomy and density, decay
between the teeth or how extensive the decay is, whether an abscess
is present, impacted teeth, or if children have permanent teeth.
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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. |
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