Dental cleaning is the removal of dental plaque and tartar from the teeth. Dental cleanings are necessary to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. If left untreated, severe gum disease can result in tooth loss. Cleaning and polishing of the teeth leaves the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them. The dental hygienist or dentist will use specialized instruments to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth.
Cavity is treated by removing the infected part of the tooth (decay) and replacing it with a restorative material called filling. Fillings can also be used to repair broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from improper function (ie grinding).
Crown (Prosthodontics)
Crowns are required for a variety of reasons. Most frequently, when a tooth has been filled several times the size of the filling compared to the remaining tooth is quite large. This increases the chance of fracture and possible tooth loss. Also, crowns can also be used to restore proper shape, size and esthetics to a tooth. Improper tooth shape can lead to food impaction and subsequent gum issues.
Gum Restoration (Gum Grafting)
Gum grafts are done when a patient is experiencing recession in the gumline. This recession can be a result of excessive brushing forces, gum disease, orthodontics, or simply genetics. To prevent further recession, and in some cases regain some of the loss that has occurred, we can replant tissue onto the site of interest thus increasing the amount of healthy tissue in the area.
Pocket Reduction Surgery (Curettage)
When the gums are inflamed two things happen: the tissue becomes boggy and swollen and the underlying bone slowly erodes. As this process progresses we eventually end up with a large “pocket” between the gum tissue and the tooth where bacteria accumulate, which of course worsens the overall effect. In these cases it is sometimes necessary to recountour the shape of the gums to eliminate this pocket of bacteria.
Root Canal (Endodontics)
Primary cause for needing a root canal is excessive decay of a tooth that invades the nerve and blood supply. Often causing discomfort for the patient. Despite common belief, most patients do not experience any discomfort during or after root canal procedures. In fact, in most cases the root canal relieves discomfort rather than causes it.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction (Oral Surgery)
Teeth may require extraction for a variety of reasons. Often, when wisdom teeth are developing there is not enough space in the jaws to allow for proper eruption. This can cause the teeth to become impacted and create a source for repeated infections and discomfort. In these situations we generally recommend that the wisdom teeth be extracted. In our office we are proud to offer expertise in these types of extractions and are able to complete almost all cases in office.
Whitening
With age teeth naturally darken (internal staining). Also, long-term exposure to staining agents such as red wine and coffee can cause tooth discolouration (external staining). Our chairside whitening process provides the maximum whitening benefit, in the least amount of time with virtually no sensitivity, all under the supervision of your Dental Professional.