FAQ

Are You Accepting New Patients?

Yes, our office continues to grow and accept new patients. You referrals remain our biggest compliment.

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a program aimed at making dental care more affordable for Canadians. It targets people with a household income under $90,000 who don’t have dental insurance from work, school, or other sources. By reducing financial barriers, the CDCP hopes to improve oral health outcomes for eligible Canadians. Click here to learn more about this program.

Do I need to see a dentist if I have no problems with my teeth?

Even though you may not have pain or any problems, a dentist can spot potential future issues and provide guidance on nipping it in the bud. By preventing future problems with regular check-ups and cleanings, you lessen the possibility of needing more extensive procedures and have a healthier smile.

When Should my child Have his/her First Visit to The Dentist?

Ideally, your child should first see the dentist within 6 months of his or her first baby tooth errupting. At this appointment, we can discuss the child’s diet, habits and oral health. Also the dential office seems more like a fun visit rather than an unknown scary place when he or she gets older.

Why do you need to know my medical history?

Most people do not understand what dentistry has to do with other medical problems. Research shows that systemic health problems are often connected to their oral health just like your head is literally connected to the body. People with gum disease are in a constant state of inflammation in their mouths. This inflammation can have effects on the cardiovascular system and can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. There is also evidence that diabetics have better blood sugar controls if they keep their mouths in good health. Sometimes certain drugs you take may have adverse effects on your gums and teeth. Knowing your history helps us better understand how we can help you.

Can you give me any tips on taking care of my mouth between dental checkups?

  • ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once preferably after meals!
  • Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride if you have a high decay rate, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.

Avoid  sticky foods with a lot of sugar. Set a treat time to avoid frequent snacking. Frequent snackers are at a greater risk of tooth decay. Stay away from hard candy that can actually break your teeth.

  • (sugar increases the number of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
  • Don’t be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the number of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.
  • Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.

How Can I Help Myself to Prevent Bad Breath?

According to recent studies, almost half the population of adults in North America suffers at least occasionally from bad breath (halitosis). The most common cause of bad breath is oral bacteria in the mouth and on the back of the tongue. These bacteria produce a volatile sulfur compound, which in turn produces a smell similar to “rotten eggs”. Other causes of halitosis include certain foods, smoking, alcohol, hormonal changes or simply being hungry.

Depending upon the type of bad breath, the treatment usually begins with ensuring meticulous oral hygiene. Your dentist or dental hygienist will check for gum disease and if necessary prepare a detailed treatment plan. Tongue scraping (don’t worry, it’s easy and painless), should also become an important part of daily home care and part of your regular tooth brushing routine.

How do I get over my fear of a dental visit?

Our staff will make every effort to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Our goal is to make you happy as patients. Dentistry has advanced significantly in the past decades and treatment can be delivered in ways that are painless. Most dental pain occurs before you come in to our office. Our goal is to relieve you of that pain and have you leave with a smile on your face.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Contrary to what many people think, root canal treatment is usually not a painful experience. Most people who need this treatment are in some pain to begin with, and so they associate that pain with the dentist. Root canal treatment is a way of relieving the pain in an infected, painful tooth so that it can be saved.

I have some teeth missing. I heard of dental implants. What are they?

Implants are essentially titanium screws that are placed into the jaw bone and fitted with a tooth crown on top. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for implants so it is important to discuss this with your dentist. There are also other possible treatments for missing teeth including dentures and bridges.

Are silver fillings bad for me? How can I get my cavities treated if I don’t want silver fillings?

Many of us who had cavities in the past have a mouth full of metal fillings. These fillings are made of Silver amalgam. Although they are made by mixing silver with mercury, the resulting compound is safe and doesn’t cause any mercury poisoning contrary to common belief. Their only disadvantage is that they look dark and do not match the colour of teeth.
But with the advent of newer dental materials, it is now possible to use tooth-coloured filling materials. These materials are indistinguishable from natural teeth and merge in to give an attractive natural effect. In our practice, we use tooth-coloured materials for almost all of the fillings that we place to prevent pollution of our natural resources with heavy metals. Additionally, we use these materials to replace old amalgam fillings that have started to deteriorate or that detract from the appearance of our patients’ smiles.

How safe are digital dental X-rays?

Digital x-rays eliminates 90% radiation. Digital X-rays do not require harmful toxic chemicals for film development and eliminate the use of plastic film packets. The x-ray image immediately appears on a computer screen to enable both the patient and the dentist to review immediately.

What is gum disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated results into periodontal disease which is characterized by bone loss. Advanced periodontal disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:

  • Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth, or loss of teeth
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Receding gum line
  • Abscessed teeth