general dentistry
Fillings
Traditional fillings include porcelain, gold, amalgam and composite. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, often in the back of the mouth.
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity and expense of dental fillings including:
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the components used in the filling material
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the amount of tooth structure remaining
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where and how the filling is placed
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the chewing load that the tooth will have to bear
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the length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth
Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic. Compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
crowns
In cases where a tooth has been badly damaged or is cracking or at risk to break the answer is often a full coverage crown. Like any restorative procedure, a crown is undertaken after planning and consultation.
Unlike fillings which apply the restorative material directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression which allows a dental lab to examine your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite functions normally once the crown is placed.
Teeth Whitening
“In office” whitening refers to our easy professional whitening service. In our Edmonton dental office, a light will be used to enhance the effectiveness of the whitening gel which has been applied by one of professionally trained staff. Within 1 hour you will begin to see immediate results.
Some professional teeth whitening procedures can even take place at home. Tray bleaching uses a custom made tray and whitening gel which can only be obtained from your best Edmonton dentist. Tray whitening can take anywhere from 7-10 days to reach completion, but you may begin to see results in as little as 3-5 days.
Bridges
A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, helps maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite.
A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth. It literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from porcelain, gold, or a combination of these materials.
The success of any bridge depends on its foundation. Therefore, it’s very important to keep your existing teeth, gums and jaw healthy and strong.
Root Canals
Root canal treatment, also known as “endodontic treatment”, restores your tooth to a comfortable state by removing the infection and damaged nerves and tissues in the root of your tooth. Next, the roots are filled with a special rubber-like dental material that helps to preserve the tooth.
There are many reasons why a root canal may be needed but the most common cause is tooth decay. When decay starts, it penetrates the outer layer of enamel and causes a cavity. If that cavity is not treated early enough, decay will continue towards the nerve of the tooth. Other causes include an impact to the tooth, a fracture in the tooth, a crack or loose filling, or repeated fillings in a tooth over time.
Regardless of the cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and an abscess (infection) can occur. This can cause pain and spread infection into your blood stream and should be treated as soon as possible. They only alternative to endodontic treatment is the extraction of the tooth.
Brushing & Flossing
You need a partner who understands your family’s oral health care needs. Our Edmonton dental team is experienced and educated on the latest procedures and trends. Your natural teeth are the best teeth you’ll ever own. Your dentist will do their utmost to make sure you don’t lose any. But you also have to do your part by brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly.
We recommend a yearly dental exam with check-up x-rays. These are done right in or west Edmonton Dental office. Dental cleanings may be recommended anywhere at 3-6 month intervals. This will be discussed by yourself and your dental health team to maintain a healthy schedule for your individual needs.
Children
We recommend children come in by about 3 years of age for their first exam. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with his or her teeth. In most cases, a dental exam every 6 months will let the dentist catch small problems early.
Extractions
There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. Other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it cannot be saved. To prevent the risk of decay to your surrounding teeth and jaw your dentist may recommend removal of the tooth. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.
Mouth guards
Mouth guards should be used by anyone (both children and adults) who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, hockey, basketball, and lacrosse. However, even those participating in non-contact sports such as skiing, skateboarding and gymnastics would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.
Because accidents can happen during any physical activity, the advantage of using a mouth guard during sports is that it can help limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue and soft tissues of your mouth. Mouth guards also help you to avoid chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, or even tooth loss.
Occlusal splints (night guards) are removable appliances carefully moulded to fit the upper or lower arch is one aspect of our dental services. They are used to protect tooth and restorative surfaces, manage TMD, and stabilize the jaw joints during occlusion. People prone to nocturnal bruxism or nighttime clenching may routinely wear occlusal splints at night.
