PROCEDURES IN OUR PRACTICE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The primary, or ‘baby’ teeth are important for the growth of the jaw and the permanent teeth. When primary teeth are lost early, the other teeth can shift, leaving not enough space for the permanent teeth to come in properly.
Large cavities often lead to infection and pain. Having a toothache and needing the tooth extracted can be a frightening experience for some children and is a common cause of dental anxiety in adults.
Children’s teeth and jaws change rapidly and small cavities become large much more quickly in primary teeth than in permanent teeth. As well, there can be a short window at certain stages of growth to minimize orthodontic problems than can be more difficult to correct at later stages of development. Preventative measures such as sealants can also be better timed to prevent future problems.
The CDA recommends a first visit within six months of getting the first tooth or by the age of one. Our goal is to make the dental office a familiar, friendly place for your child and to catch small problems while they are easy to treat. We also give you advice and tips to help keep teeth strong and healthy at home.
Our team tailors the visit depending on the individual child, whether they are shy, outgoing, bold or timid. Our goal is for every child to leave with a smile and to look forward to their next visit.
Just because a filling is old or made of a specific material doesn’t mean that it needs to be replaced. Replacement of fillings depends on the condition of the individual tooth. We will be happy to discuss your individual situation at your next visit.
YES.
Studies have shown that medium and hard bristled toothbrushes can damage your teeth and gums. A soft or extra soft toothbrush is enough to remove the plaque and debris that collects on your teeth.
Different toothpastes can protect or harm your teeth. Many toothpastes are very abrasive, scratching the enamel as they physically scrub away things like stains. The RDA (relative dentin abrasiveness) has been studied for many toothpastes. An RDA of 70 or less is generally considered to be a safe level.
Different toothpastes and toothbrushes have been developed for different specific oral health needs. We are happy to guide you in choosing the one that is right for you.
It depends. Everyone has specific oral and total health needs. The goal is to fix problems when they are small or prevent them altogether. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, and certain medications can require more frequent visits as well.
It depends on your individual needs. If you are not sure why a specific X-ray is required, please ask a member of our team and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Yes. Your oral health is linked to your whole body. Periodontal disease or PD is a serious inflammatory condition, caused by a bacterial infection, which contributes to your risk of other diseases such as heart disease and stroke. When bacteria cause gums to become infected and inflamed, the bacteria in plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. The bacteria can then enter the blood stream, travel to major organs and begin new infections. PD increases the risk of heart disease and can also aggravate existing heart conditions. Diabetes and PD are also linked. Treating and managing one can help improve the condition of the other. Maintaining good oral health can help you maintain your overall health and prevent disease.
Yes, pregnant woman are at a higher risk of periodontal disease due to hormone fluctuations. Because periodontal disease in pregnant woman has been linked to preterm, low birth-weight babies, it is essential that you maintain optimal oral healthcare during pregnancy.
Yes, although sugar intake should be limited, we have to take special attention to the amount acid we intake. Many foods such as lemons, oranges and all carbonated drinks (sports drinks, energy drinks, pop) have a high level of acid. Once sugar is in our mouth it turns into acid and the acid is what triggers the decay process. Once we eat or drink these foods the best thing to do is not to brush your teeth, but to simply drink water after.
No. At 50th Avenue Dental when you get your check up, we do a full exam. This includes a thorough examination of your head, neck, and mouth. Everything from your jaw joint, muscles, soft tissue, teeth, gums and more.
Yes. We can direct bill to most insurance companies. Prepaid dental plans are developed to assist patients with paying for dental care, not to pay for 100% of the dental care received.
Our office can help estimate how much will be paid by your insurance plan by providing a pre-treatment plan that can be submitted to your insurance. This is referred to as a predetermination of benefits. Dental insurance companies have their own fee schedules of what they will contribute towards the dentist’s professional fee. A particular prepaid dental plan may say they pay 100% of the cost but this is to the 100% value set by the prepaid dental plan which may not match the professional fee of the dentist.
Dental anxiety and phobias are a significant barrier to some in seeking necessary dental treatment and maintaining a healthy smile. Many times this is caused by an unpleasant dental experience in the past, but there are other reasons or sometimes no explanation at all. Understanding is the first step in overcoming these barriers. We strive to provide a warm, safe environment that gives you the opportunity to gain confidence in what we do. We understand that everyone needs a voice regardless of age or circumstance. Knowing your treatment team will stop and respond to you helps deal dramatically with dental anxiety.
Fluoride is a mineral that can be found in nature, such as in soil, air and water, and in very small amounts in most foods. We also get exposed to fluoride through dental products, like mouthwash and toothpaste, and by drinking tap water.
Fluoride helps to make our tooth enamel (the tooth’s outer layer) stronger. Strong tooth enamel can help prevent cavities.
Fluoride is a mineral that can help make our teeth stronger and prevent cavities. Public health measures such as adding fluoride to the water have contributed to reducing the rates of tooth decay, especially in children. Most Canadians are not exposed to harmful levels of fluoride and should feel safe about the affect of fluoride on their dental health.
Body piercing is a popular form of self-expression. Oral piercings or tongue splitting may look cool, but they can be dangerous to your health. That’s because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection and swelling often occur with mouth piercings. For instance, your mouth and tongue could swell so much that you close off your airway or you could possibly choke if part of the jewelry breaks off in your mouth. In some cases, you could crack a tooth if you bite down too hard on the piercing, and repeated clicking of the jewelry against teeth can also cause damage. Oral piercing could also lead to more serious infections, like hepatitis or endocarditis.
