The benefits of a beautiful smile can be far greater than you think. Studies have shown people with nice teeth are often perceived as being more attractive, more intelligent and even more successful. Cosmetic dental treatments can help enhance the appearance and function of your teeth. If you are considering dentistry but are not sure if it’s worth the effort, consider the following points:
- Cosmetic dentistry may be more affordable than you think. People often imagine dentistry will be expensive, and while it’s true certain more complex procedures can be costly, your dentist in Toronto also offers others such as teeth whitening and dental bonding, which won’t break the bank.
- When you invest in dentistry you are investing in yourself. It’s very easy to put forward lots of reasons as to why you shouldn’t update your smile, but on the other hand you deserve it. Most people work very hard for a living, and dentistry is a great way of rewarding yourself.
- Cosmetic dentistry could improve oral health. While upgrading your smile can help boost self-confidence and self-esteem, making certain cosmetic changes can improve oral health. For example straightening your teeth with Invisalign will enable you to brush and floss more easily, reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Some dentistry treatments can have an immediate effect. It’s easy to assume dentistry will take months to complete. While some treatments are lengthy, others can give immediate results, for example in-office tooth whitening. Your dentist in Toronto can brighten up your smile by up to eight shades in just one hour.
Quite often it will be pretty clear you require dental treatment, but sometimes it might not be so obvious. Root canal treatment is used to repair teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. This therapy is often the only option for badly infected or decayed teeth. Treatment can be more effective if sought sooner rather than later, and can restore your smile. The following article should help you understand this therapy a little better.
A tooth has several different layers. The outer layer or crown is made from enamel and is very hard. Just underneath is a softer layer of material called dentin, and the pulp chamber is right in the center of the tooth. The pulp chamber contains the pulp, which consists of nerves and blood vessels. These nerves and blood vessels extend right into the root canals, located in the roots of the tooth. If a tooth is decayed or damaged, bacteria can enter the pulp chamber, infecting the pulp. There is the danger a dental abscess will develop unless the infection is removed.
Your endodontist in Toronto will drill into the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Next, they will remove all the infected tissue and will seal up the tooth, covering it with a crown. Root canal therapy is carried out under local anesthetic and should be no worse than a filling. Antibiotics can be prescribed for a badly infected tooth.
The idea of root canal therapy might seem daunting, but it is often the best solution for saving a tooth. Common signs include:
- Severe toothache
- Feeling pain if you bite or chew on the tooth
- The tooth might become darker in color
- It could feel more sensitive to hot and cold
- The gums could swell up or develop a pimple
- If not treated this swelling can spread to the face, head and neck area
If you suspect you have an infected tooth, make an appointment to see your root canal dentist in Toronto as soon as you can for treatment before the condition worsens.
Most people only need to visit their dentist biannually for routine checkups and cleanings, but occasionally dental emergencies can develop. The tips listed below will help you cope with the most common problems until you are able to visit your general dentist in Toronto.
Coping with…
Gums That Bleed Excessively
Gums that frequently bleed will often do so due to periodontal or gum disease. You may be able to improve the situation through making sure you brush and floss more thoroughly than normal. However you should visit your dentist in Toronto for a proper diagnosis and periodontal therapy. This will usually involve professional cleanings or deep cleanings called scaling and root planing. Failing to get treatment will lead to the condition worsening, and may result in tooth loss.
Broken Tooth
Carefully rinse out your mouth and if necessary apply a clean piece of gauze, using gentle pressure to stop any bleeding. Make an appointment to visit your dentist in Reno as soon as you can to have the tooth repaired.
Toothache
Toothache is a clear sign something is wrong with a tooth, and it could be infected. Take over-the-counter painkillers to help control discomfort, but make an appointment to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Keep this appointment even if the toothache subsequently disappears, as any infection will still be present.
Teething Pain
It’s perfectly normal for your baby to feel some discomfort while teething. Cold teething rings or cool damp washcloths may be soothing. Alternatively try gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger as the pressure can help make them feel more comfortable. Contact your dentist or pediatric doctor if their discomfort seems to worsen.
Complications Due to Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Most patients will experience slight soreness or discomfort for a few days following the extraction. If the empty socket becomes more painful, contact your dentist as you could have dry socket. This occurs when the blood clot in the socket becomes dislodged, slowing down the healing process.
Emergency dentist in Toronto
If you’re interested in improving your smile with dentistry, you’ll need to find a good dentist who can carry out these procedures. Any dentist in Toronto can call themselves a dentist, so it’s worth considering the following points when making your choice.
Ask for Recommendations and Read Reviews
Ask friends, family and colleagues if they have any recommendations, as this is a great place to begin your search. The Internet can be an excellent source of information, especially as most dentists have websites listing their services, and which may include testimonials from satisfied patients.
Do They Have the Right Qualifications and Experience?
Check to see if all the dentists on your shortlist have the necessary training in procedures you’re considering. For example, if you’re interested in Invisalign then look for a dentist who provides this service. All dentists are obliged to attend continuing education courses, but try to find someone who shows a real interest in dentistry and who has undertaken extensive additional training to advance their skills.
Book a Consultation
Once you have your shortlist, book a consultation with each dentist in Toronto. Go prepared with a list of questions you’d like answered. This is an excellent chance to get a better feel for each practice and to meet the dentist and their dental team.
Ask to See Photos of Their Work
Before and after photos will show you the type of work each dentist is capable of. Ask to see particular examples of procedures you’re considering, and you might even find these on their website. Many dentists have an online smile gallery.
Listen to Your Instincts
If you have difficulty in making your final choice, listen to your instincts. Being able to build up a good rapport with your chosen dentist will help you get the most out of treatment.
Bad breath or halitosis is an embarrassing condition that can have a negative impact on life. It is not unusual to have the occasional bout of bad breath due to eating garlic or onions, or because you have a bad cold or other respiratory infection. These problems will generally resolve themselves within a relatively short time. The issue may become more serious if the problem is chronic.
Quite often bad breath is due to food trapped in between teeth which provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. These anaerobic bacteria produce sulfurous compounds that smell noxious. In addition, rotting food particles can add to the problem. The tongue can harbor many bacteria, although they can live anywhere in the mouth.
Certain factors, combined with lifestyle choices may increase the chances of developing halitosis. Smoking and drinking habits can all lead to bad breath. Other issues include dry mouth, diabetes, allergies and poorly cleaned or ill-fitting dentures. Bad breath is frequently due to poor oral health which may include problems such as untreated tooth decay, gum disease and dental abscesses.
It’s important to get a proper diagnosis from your dentist in Toronto to help deal with the root cause of chronic halitosis, rather than trying to cover it up through using mouthwash or breath mints. These solutions can even make things worse through drying out your mouth. The following tips can help reduce your risk of developing bad breath:
- Avoid eating foods known to cause bad breath
- Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to eliminate plaque bacteria
- Chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva production
- Drink plenty of water to help wash away bacteria and food particles
- Brush your tongue whenever you brush your teeth
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Book regular checkups and cleanings with your family dentist in Toronto
Many everyday foods are high in carbohydrates, sugars and other substances that can damage teeth. Plaque bacteria naturally present in the mouth combine with leftover food particles to create a sticky and acidic layer of plaque. These acids soften the tooth enamel, gradually eroding it and beginning the process of tooth decay. Acidity levels in your mouth remain high for approximately half an hour to an hour every time you eat. After this time pH levels gradually begin to return to normal, and your risk of tooth decay decreases.
So how can you prevent or at least reduce your risk of tooth decay? Luckily it is not that difficult, and it’s likely you’re already aware of the most effective ways to prevent this problem. Top tips include:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day, preferably last thing at night to remove plaque and food particles trapped in between your teeth.
- Choose foods high in nutrients and low in sugars, and try to keep snacking to a minimum. Snacking in between meals increases the number of times your mouth becomes more acidic, raising your risk of tooth decay.
- Make the time to visit your general dentist in Toronto twice a year, or as frequently as recommended for regular checkups. Book professional cleanings at the same time.
- If you have young children, ask your dentist about dental sealants which can be used to protect the chewing surfaces of newly erupted back teeth. These surfaces are particularly vulnerable to decay.
Your dental office is a great source of information. Ask your hygienist or dentist in Toronto how you can improve dental hygiene at home. Good oral health helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, and increases your chances of enjoying good overall health. This is because oral disease has been linked to common health problems such as heart disease, and is one more reason why it’s important to reduce plaque bacteria levels in the mouth through regular daily dental care combined with professional cleanings.
E-Mail Us 
416-595-5490
