Dentistry: Tools of the Trade

Sometimes visiting the dentist strikes fear in patients, especially when they see the tray of tools and equipment next to the chair. Avoiding dental visits is not a smart option, because checkups are a vital part of maintaining a healthy mouth. Knowing the names and purposes for some of the common dentistry tools may put your mind at ease during your next dentist appointment.

Drill
The drill is what comes to mind first when most people think of the dentist’s office. Although it may make an intimidating noise, the drill’s ability to get rid of decay and reshape the teeth is an important part of dentistry.

Bur
Similar to a drill bit, the bur fits into the drill and is used to perform the work on the teeth.

Excavator
Available in various sizes and shapes, the excavator is used to examine cavities, eliminate decay, and look for overhangs.

Mouth prop
Especially useful when working on children’s teeth, mouth props help keep the mouth open during dental procedures. It is made of rubber, shaped like a wedge, and offered in varying sizes to fit different mouth requirements.

Mouth mirror
The mirror allows dentists to get a good look of each tooth from every angle, making it easier to locate cavities and other problems.

Probe
One of the tools that generates fear in patients is the probe, which looks like a metal hook. Probes are used to check for cavities and other tooth and gum problems.

Saliva ejector
The curved tube that works like a vacuum to suck saliva out of a patient’s mouth during procedures is called a saliva ejector. Saliva can build up when the mouth is open for extended time periods, so this is a helpful way to keep the mouth dry.

X-ray
Used to identify underlying oral health problems that may not be evident just by examining the mouth, dental X-rays are used to provide a deeper view.

 

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Fillings that Match your Teeth

When your dentist gives you the news that you need a filling, you might envision a mouth full of silver deposits inside your teeth. It is no longer necessary for fillings to be so visible; instead, you can get fillings that match your teeth. Let’s learn about this advancement called a composite filling.

What is a cavity?
The reason you need a filling is that you have a cavity, which is a hole in your tooth caused by decay. Cavities result from bacteria in your mouth contained in plaque, which interacts with the sugars and carbohydrates that you eat. The acid that results from this harms your tooth enamel and can eventually cause cavities.

What does a filling do?
A filling is needed to treat your cavity, or else the decay will worsen and enter your nerve canal. This advanced condition is painful, and can cause more serious issues like infections or abscesses. A filling may also be necessary to repair or replace an old filling, or to fix a chipped tooth. It’s best to get your cavity filled as soon as your dentist advises it, because untreated cavities may require more complex and painful procedures like root canals to save your tooth.

What is a composite filling?
Composite fillings are made up of plastic and glass particles, and are popular because they match your tooth color. Also, they bond securely to your tooth. The process of getting a composite filling involves your dentist cleaning the tooth thoroughly, applying a bonding solution, and then filling the hole with composite material. It is hardened in just a few seconds using a high intensity light.

What should I expect after getting a filling?
It is not unusual to experience some discomfort after getting a filling, but it is usually alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen. Contact your dentist if symptoms last longer than anticipated.

Replace mercury filling with white fillings – schedule a visit today at our Toronto dental office.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

A good way to give you back an appealing and healthy smile if you are missing any of your natural teeth is with dental implants. Implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone. They’re created by your dentist with an artificial tooth and a metal root. The artificial tooth is placed on top, and the outcome is a natural-looking smile using a reliable and durable solution. Here are some more reasons to choose dental implants.

They preserve teeth
Compared to other alternatives, e.g. dentures that require neighboring teeth for support, implants are inserted into your jaw and do not impact the adjacent teeth. There is little risk of damage to your other healthy teeth. You can have peace of mind that you are only correcting the existing problem, and not creating new ones.

They preserve bone
Your teeth help maintain your jaw bone when the force of chewing is transferred to your jaw. If teeth are missing, your jaw is not properly stimulated and may begin to recede and cause your remaining teeth to shift. Dental implants replace missing teeth and act the same way as your natural teeth, helping to prevent bone loss at the same time.

They can be easily maintained
There is no special care needed with dental implants. You treat them the same way as you do your other teeth, just with a little extra cleaning is all. For some cases, dentists may recommend a water flosser for preventive care reasons.

They provide you comfort
As the implants are inserted securely into your jaw, they are as comfortable and feel just like your other teeth. Not just that, they do not impede on your ability to speak or eat.

 

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Special Dentistry for Special Patients

If your child or someone you love has physical, emotional, or medical issues, it’s important to find the right dentist. In fact, special needs dentistry is one of the recognized dental specialties, but many dentists work hard to accommodate patients with special concerns. Because oral health can impact overall wellness, it is critical that patients with special needs get the dental care they need.

Patients that often have special needs include:

Elderly People
Older patients may need more frequent visits to monitor their teeth and gums as well as check for discomfort that may not be obvious because of decreased pain sensitivity. Look for a dentist who will take time with an elderly patient and be sensitive to the situation.

Anyone with Mobility Issues
Certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy can make it difficult for these patients to get to and from the office. These individuals may next extra help climbing in and out of the chair. Try and find a dental practice with plenty of space for a wheelchair or walker.

Individuals with Complex Medical Conditions
Having diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or HIV impacts every area of your life, including dental care. It’s important to select a dentist who will evaluate the whole situation, including current medications, as part of the oral health care process.

Children with Behavioral or Emotional Concerns
Often, children with autism or other conditions need extra preparation and a set routine, even in their dental visits. These kids will do better if they can see the same hygienist each time and if appointments can be kept as brief as possible.

 

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Questions to Ask Prior to Getting Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are a wonderful option to enhance and improve the look of a marred smile. The most popular type of veneers utilize thin shells of porcelain that are placed over the front of your teeth to mask imperfections such as stains, chips, or misalignment. Before you decide if dental veneers are the right option for you, there are several questions you should pose to your dentist:

  • Am I a good candidate for dental veneers?
  • What kind of training do you have in placing veneers?
  • How much experience do you have placing veneers and can you provide examples of your previous work?
  • Are you able to create a mock-up of what my veneers will look like?
  • How will the color of my veneers be selected?
  • What is the length of time from the start of treatment until my veneers are placed?
  • How much will my natural teeth need to be altered before placing my veneers?
  • Can you explain the process of placing the veneers?
  • What kind of aftercare will my veneers require?
  • Are there any kinds of foods or beverages I will need to avoid once my veneers are placed?
  • How long can veneers be expected to last?
  • What will happen if I need to have my veneers removed sometime in the future?

Dr. Dr. Yolanda Cruz is a dentist in Toronto will answer these questions to your satisfaction, so you do not experience any unwelcome surprises throughout the process of placing your dental veneers. If you are unhappy with your smile and think dental veneers may be the solution to your problem, contact a cosmetic dental professional to find out more about how placing veneers can give you a more perfect smile.

Get That Promotion with a Smile Makeover

We all want a beautiful, natural bright smile. It’s something that’s universal. A white, even smile signals health and confidence to everyone we meet, and because we’re confident in ourselves, we project that confidence and ease out to others, putting them at ease too and allowing them to have the best reaction possible to interacting with us.

Smile makeovers help patients achieve those beautiful smiles for all types of special occasions. Many times, class reunions or weddings are the sparks that drive the desire for a refurbished and rejuvenated smile. Patients start to imagine what they’ll look like in their photos and they want to look their absolute best without having to wait for photo retouching.

Something you might not have considered, however, is what benefits smile makeovers can bring to you in your professional life. It may never have crossed your mind that your smile is holding you back. You’ll find that may be true, especially once you’ve completed your smile makeover and begin noticing the difference.

When your smile is great, you’re great. It’s simple. You look good, you feel good, you have confidence when you’re speaking to coworkers in meetings, in the hallways, or simply while out at lunch. You’ll speak, smile and eat with confidence, knowing your smile is at its best.

This confidence can get you noticed in your office. People are going to remember your face and the air of comfort you have around you. When opportunities arise for advancement, you will be at the top of the list because not only do you have the confidence and skills needed to get the job done, you will be an excellent ambassador for your company.

Don’t wait to start enjoying the professional perks of having a bright, white smile. Talk to your dentist to begin your smile makeover!