The branch of dentistry that specializes in improving the appearance of your smile is called dentistry. It has become very popular as new technologies allow these dentists to transform smiles, and change the way people feel about themselves in the process. Since some people are unfamiliar with the work that dentists do, there are some myths that come along with it. Let’s dispel some of the common misconceptions about dentistry.
Myth: It’s only for celebrities.
Truth: Perhaps some cosmetic procedures started out among the rich and famous, but today they are possible for people in all walks of life. Treatments like teeth whitening, dental veneers, and clear braces are common. You may not even realize you know people who have sought help from dentists because many of the procedures are so natural. As dentistry becomes more and more mainstream, there are options for many different situations and financial brackets.
Myth: You can get the same results at home.
Truth: Although some procedures are touted to be possible using over-the-counter methods, you may end up disappointed in the results. It is better to seek the help of a qualified and experienced professional to get the ideal outcomes.
Myth: Any dentist can perform dentistry procedures.
Truth: Some cosmetic treatments are offered by general dentists, but dentists have received additional training and experience. They are usually familiar with more alternatives, and can provide the most advice and support for achieving your goals. Make sure the dentist you choose has experience doing the specific procedures you are interested in, and don’t hesitate to ask for photos to see examples of the dentist’s work.
Myth: Cosmetic procedures will damage your teeth.
Truth: The ultimate goal of any dental treatment is to improve your teeth and their durability, so a good dentist won’t do anything to harm your oral health. Even though the focus is on cosmetic alterations, your teeth shouldn’t be harmed if the procedures are performed properly.
Dr. Cruz is a dentist in Toronto
Although it may not be a familiar term to you, it is likely that when you think of dental fillings you picture silver in a tooth. That’s amalgam, which is a combination of several metals that have been used as a material for fillings for over 100 years. It is no longer the only option for fillings, but here are some facts about this age-old way to fill cavities.
Placement
Amalgam fillings were not placed using dental adhesives in the past. That means they may not be as secure as some other types of fillings. This means that older fillings can be prone to loosening to allow bacteria underneath, or falling out completely. Amalgam fillings placed today often have a bonding agent to hold them in the tooth better.
Tooth health
It’s hard to determine the health of your tooth if it has an older amalgam filling in it. You often don’t have any indications that a problem like tooth decay is occurring under the filling. Amalgam fillings can corrode, tarnish, or break down as they age and negatively impact your tooth’s health.
Cavity size
Amalgam may be the best choice for filling material when a large hold needs to be filled, or when the decay occurs on a back tooth. Amalgam is easier to manipulate than some other materials, so it can increase your chances of long-term success.
Risks
Since amalgam is composed of a mixture of metals including mercury, which has brought some controversy as to its safety. The mercury element of amalgam fillings has been studied by the American Dental Association and the FDA, and has been deemed safe for use in patients over the age of 6.
Appearance
The biggest complaint about amalgam fillings is their appearance, because there is no way to hide the silver color. This causes some patients to choose a tooth-colored material called composite that is not noticeable in your mouth.
Replace your metal fillings at our Toronto dental office – schedule your appointment today.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, but your jawbone must be healthy and contain sufficient bone support in order for the implant to be successful. If things like infection, gum disease, or previous dental work have caused jawbone deterioration, then your jaw will need to be built up to be able to securely hold an implant. This is called dental implant bone grafting.
There are several methods of bone grafting for this purpose:
Autogenous bone is taken from your own body, such as the hip or chin, and moved to the dental implant area. It will need to heal and grow new bone there for 3 to 6 months. If bone is recovered from areas other than your mouth, it will be done in a hospital by an orthopedic surgeon and transferred to your dentist for implantation at the dentist’s office.
Allograft bone is taken from cadavers at bone banks.
Xenograft involves taking bone from other animals, such as cows.
No matter the bone’s source, the goal is to stimulate your body’s bone growth in the implant area. Once that occurs and you have enough healthy jawbone to support a dental implant, your dentist will be able to perform the procedure. The process for getting implants normally takes at least several months to complete because once the titanium implant is inserted into your jawbone, it must heal before a dental crown can be placed on top to finish the treatment. This means that having dental implant bone grafting performed prior to the implant procedure itself will make it an even lengthier process. However, it’s the only way you can become a candidate for implants if your jawbone lacks the ability to support them.
Dental implants dentist in Toronto Canada – schedule a consultation to see if dental implants are right for you.
Taking care of your mouth should be high on your priority list, because being able to comfortably eat nutritious foods affects your whole body. Also, your self-esteem and happiness are related to having a healthy smile. Follow these tips for properly caring for your mouth.
Keep your mouth clean
The first and most important tip in a healthy mouth is to practice regular and careful dental hygiene. That means brushing at least twice a day, or even better after each meal. It also means flossing at least once every single day. To help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, you must remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along your gums.
Use the right tools
Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, and toothpaste containing fluoride. Your dentist might recommend specialty toothpaste for you, such as those designed for tooth sensitivity or whitening. Also, it’s important that you learn the correct techniques for brushing and flossing so that you get the most benefits from using the tools.
Watch what you eat
Cleaning your mouth is important, but a close second is paying attention to what you put into it. Foods and drinks that are high in sugar, starches, and acids create an environment for bacteria growth and tooth decay. On the other hand, items rich in calcium and vitamin C are helpful for your teeth. Ask your dentist for a complete list of healthy and unhealthy food choices for your mouth.
Visit your dentist
Maintain regular dental checkups for examinations and professional cleanings. Detecting and treating problems early can make a big difference in both your oral and overall health.
General dentist in Toronto
The media bombards us with advertisements and information about teeth whitening, so it’s sometimes hard to decide which method is right for you. It mainly depends on the outcome you’d like, how quickly you want results, and how much effort you want to put forth in the process. Here is a breakdown about the most common methods.
Over-the-counter kits
You can purchase various kinds of products at your local drugstore to help you whiten your teeth. Strips that you attach to the fronts of your teeth for about 30 minutes a day for a couple of weeks is one choice. Another is a gel pen that you apply between your teeth. Also, trays that look like mouth guards containing a whitening solution can be worn at home for a recommended time period. The ingredients in these products are in a lesser concentration that those used professionally, so you must be consistent and patient with the over-the-counter methods.
Whitening trays
Custom trays can be made at your dentist’s office by taking an impression of your teeth. The trays are fitted to your mouth exactly, allowing you to talk more easily while wearing them and keeping the whitening gel contained in the trays better. Once you are sent home with your trays, you will insert a whitening gel in a higher concentration than store-bought kits and wear them for the advised time.
In-office treatment
The quickest route to white teeth is professional whitening performed at your dentist’s office. A special, high strength solution is applied to your teeth and then accelerated using special laser light. This method is appealing to those looking for fast and noticeable results, as well as those who aren’t willing to use trays or other products at home. You may require only one treatment or follow-ups if your teeth are severely discolored.
Schedule your visit today to brighten your smile with professional teeth whitening in Toronto.
Dentists may choose to focus on various aspects of the field of dentistry. Some of the specialty areas include cosmetics, pediatrics, orthodontics, and endodontics. Although perhaps not as commonly known as some of the other specialties, an endodontist may be a doctor that you will need to see at some point. These dentists focus on the tissue and pulp that surrounds the roots of your teeth.
The pulp is on the inside of your tooth and contains important tissue, arteries, and nerves. You probably don’t even know it’s there, unless it develops a problem and then it can cause severe pain and inflammation. If the pulp is damaged or diseased, you may lose the tooth. An endodontist can help save your tooth and provide treatments to restore your smile and relieve your discomfort.
One of the most common procedures performed by endodontists is a root canal, which is the best way to save a severely damaged tooth. It involves drilling deep into your tooth, completely removing the pulp, and replacing it with a filler. Then the tooth will be covered with a dental crown, which is a porcelain cap that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Some patients also need antibiotics if an infection is involved.
Endodontists also repair cracked teeth, which can occur when your tooth is weakened for any reason. That may be from aging, medication side effects, poor nutrition, or illness. Sometimes teeth crack from biting into something very hard, like ice or a bone. Tooth cracks may happen above or below the gums, and correction might require a root canal, crown, or another procedure.
Another reason that you might need to visit an endodontist is if you experience some type of dental trauma. There are many oral injuries that can be helped by this dental specialist. It is often recommended to seek treatment from the most qualified and experienced type of specialist in order to achieve the ideal results.
Root canal dentist in Toronto
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