May 3, 2012

Dental Hygiene in Stittsville and Ottawa South

Dental Hygiene.  Five Rules for Great Dental Hygiene At Capital Smiledocs Dental

dental hygiene at Capital Smiledocs Dental in Stittsville and Ottawa

dental hygiene at Capital Smiledocs Dental in Stittsville and Ottawa

Maintaining your dental health is important for more reasons than you might think. Nobody wants the pain associated with cavities and infection, but poor dental health affects not only your mouth, but the health of your entire body. Here are five suggestions from Capital Smiledocs Dental in Stittsville and Ottawa for maintaining good dental hygiene.

Brush. The first and most fundamental rule for sound dental health is to brush your teeth. Minimally, you should brush twice a day, morning and night; but optimally, you should brush three times a day. When you purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste, look for the CDA (Canadian Dental Association) or ADA (American Dental Association) stamp. The CDA or ADA has certain standards that assure minimum quality for dental products. By choosing CDA or ADA approved dental products, you can be assured that you are getting the quality your teeth require. When you brush your teeth, visualize every surface of your teeth, top and bottom, including the nooks and crevices and your gums. Brush in a gentle, circular motion, moving slowly across all of the surfaces and crevices you visualize to ensure that your brushing action is reaching and thoroughly cleaning all the surfaces and nooks and crannies in and around your teeth where bacteria exist.

Floss. After brushing, the most important habit for maintaining the best dental health is flossing. While you may brush thoroughly and regularly, nothing beats flossing for removing plaque and other remaining bacteria that lingers on your teeth, in between your teeth, or on your gums. Also, flossing helps prevent gum diseases, which if unchecked can lead to much more serious health issues. To help you floss more thoroughly, look for floss that has a waxed coating. This helps the floss move through your teeth more easily. Floss every day.

Mouth Rinsing. The third rule for great dental health is to rinse out your mouth with either water or mouthwash after meals when you can’t brush. Swishing or gargling water or mouthwash after meals helps to remove food debris and other bacteria that is likely to remain after the meal. Food debris and bacteria cause an acid to form on your teeth that causes plaque and eats away at enamel. If plaque is not removed it can turn to tartar. Once plaque has turned to tartar only a dentist can get it off. The rinsing action minimizes the build up of plaque in your mouth.

Fluoride. The fourth rule for maintaining good dental health is to rinse your mouth with mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride strengthens the enamel on your teeth, and the harder the enamel on your teeth is, the tougher it is for plaque to stick and for acid to eat through it.

Dental Check-up. The fifth rule for great dental health is to see your dentist on a regular basis. Depending on your periodontal pockets, you should come in on regular intervals for a cleaning. Going to the dentist on a regular basis is important for your dental health because they will do a detailed check up of all your teeth. Your dentist will also clean off any tartar build up that has occurred. Getting all of the tartar off of your teeth is crucial for avoiding gum disease.

dental hygiene at Capital Smiledocs Dental in Stittsville and Ottawa

dental hygiene at Capital Smiledocs Dental in Stittsville and Ottawa

If you have any questions regarding dental hygiene or oral health, contact Capital Smiledocs Dental. We have two convenient locations in Stittsville and Ottawa South.

February 25, 2012

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease – Healthy gums may lead to healthy lungs

Maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system, according to research published in the Journal of Periodontology. A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. These infections, which are caused when bacteria from the upper throat are inhaled into the lower respiratory tract, can be severely debilitating and are one of the leading causes of death in North America.

periodontal disease ottawa

periodontal disease

The study included 200 participants between the ages of 20 and 60 with at least 20 natural teeth. Half of the participants were hospitalized patients with a respiratory disease such as pneumonia, COPD, or acute bronchitis, and the other half were healthy control subjects with no history of respiratory disease. Each participant underwent a comprehensive oral evaluation to measure periodontal health status.

 

The study found that patients with respiratory diseases had worse periodontal health than the control group, suggesting a relationship between respiratory disease and periodontal disease. Researchers suspect that the presence of oral pathogens associated with periodontal disease may increase a patient’s risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory disease. However, the study authors note that additional studies are needed to more conclusively understand this link.

 periodontal disease stittsville

“Pulmonary diseases can be severely disabling and debilitating,” says Donald S. Clem, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “By working with your dentist, you may actually be able to prevent or diminish the progression of harmful diseases such as pneumonia or COPD. This study provides yet another example of how periodontal health plays a role in keeping other systems of the body healthy.”

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. Previous research has associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Clem stressed the importance of routine oral care in helping to prevent periodontal disease. “Taking good care of your periodontal health involves daily tooth brushing and flossing. You should also expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year,” he advised. A dentist at Capital Smiledocs Dental in Stittsville and Ottawa can conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.  Contact Capital Smiledocs Dental today to schedule an appointment.

February 23, 2012

Gum Disease

Gum Disease – beside brushing, five ways to promote healthy teeth and gums!

Routine tooth brushing and flossing and regular check-ups by a dental professional remain the cornerstone of a healthy mouth. However, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), pairing a few well-known healthy-lifestyle habits with your daily oral health regimen may also help reduce your risk for gum disease and periodontal disease.

peridontal disease

gum disease

What are Gum disease and periodontal disease?

Gum disease and periodontal disease are chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease and periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and may also interfere with other systems of the body. Several research studies have indicated that one’s periodontal health may be related to overall health. Therefore, it is crucial that you do everything you can to establish good periodontal health.

The following tips may help sustain healthy teeth and gums while also helping you live an overall healthy lifestyle:

  • Eat and drink up. It is well known that eating a balanced diet leads to proper nutrition and helps keep the body running effectively. Studies published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) have also shown that certain foods can promote teeth and gum health. Foods containing omega-3, calcium, vitamin D and even honey have all been shown to reduce the incidence or severity of periodontal disease.
  • Hit the gym. Frequent exercise is a recognized way to avoid being overweight, and it may ultimately reduce your risk of periodontal disease. In a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers found that subjects who maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis than those that did not exercise.
  • Stress less. Stress can lead to a variety of health complications, including periodontal disease. Research published in the JOP showed a relationship between stress and periodontal disease. Increased levels of cortisol, which the body releases when experiencing stress, can intensify the destruction of the gums and bone due to periodontal disease. In addition, another JOP study indicated that people experiencing stress are more likely to neglect their oral hygiene.
  • Kick the habit. Smoking is not only a leading cause of respiratory and cardiovascular disease in the United States, it is also a major risk factor for periodontal disease.Several research studies have shown that smoking not only increases the chance of developing periodontal disease, but it can also affect the success of treatments for existing periodontal disease.
  • See the doctor. Regular check-ups by a physician can help with early diagnosis of several health issues, including periodontal disease. A large body of research associates gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, by screening for systemic disease early and receiving any needed treatment, you may also benefit your periodontal health.

 

periodontal disease Stittsville

gum disease

Capital Smiledocs Dental in Ottawa and Stittsville emphasizes that while these tips may contribute to healthy teeth and gums, the benefit of routine oral care cannot be discounted. Taking good care of your gum and periodontal health starts with daily tooth brushing and flossing. You should also expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation.

If you want to know how more about gum disease or periodontal disease contact us today to book a consultation or to just schedule your next regular appointment—. We have locations in  Ottawa and Stittsville.

February 2, 2012

Dry Mouth

Filed under: Dental Hygiene,Dry Mouth,Kemptville implant dentist,Kemptville invisalign dentist,Kemptville orthodontic dentist,Kemptville sedation dentist,Metal-Free Dentistry,Mouthguards,Oral Health,Oral Rinse,Orthodontic Dentistry,Ottawa Cosmetic Dentist,Ottawa dentist,Ottawa Family Dentist,Ottawa Implant Dentist,Ottawa Invisalign Dentist,Ottawa Orthodontic Dentist,Ottawa Sedation Dentist,Periodontal Disease,Services,Smile Makeover,Snoring,Stittsville Children Dentist,Stittsville Cosmetic Dentist,Stittsville Dental Clinic,Stittsville dentist,Stittsville Family Dentist,x-rays — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Capital Smiledocs Dental Centre @ 8:29 PM

Dry Mouth – Sign and symptoms, common causes and ways to relieve dry mouth

With regular saliva production, your teeth are constantly bathed in a mineral-rich solution that helps keep your teeth strong and resistant to decay. While saliva is essential for maintaining oral health and quality of life, at least 25 million North Americans have inadequate salivary flow or composition, and lack the cleansing and protective functions provided by this important fluid.  Each day, a healthy adult normally produces around one-and-a-half liters of saliva, making it easier to talk, swallow, taste, digest food and perform other important functions that often go unnoticed. Those not producing adequate saliva may experience some common symptoms of dry mouth.

xerostomia

Signs and Symptoms

At some point, most people will experience the short-term sensation of oral dryness because of nervousness, stress or just being upset. This is normal and does not have any long-term consequences. But chronic cases of dry mouth persist for longer periods of time. Common symptoms include trouble eating, speaking and chewing, burning sensations, or a frequent need to sip water while eating.

dry mouth

Dry mouth becomes a problem when symptoms occur all or most of the time and can cause serious problems for your oral health. Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection.

Without the cleansing and shielding effects of adequate saliva flow, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease become much more common. Constant dryness and the lack of protection provided by saliva may contribute to bad breath. Dry mouth can make full dentures become less comfortable to wear because there is no thin film of saliva to help them adhere properly to oral tissues. Insufficient saliva can also result in painful denture sores, dry and cracked lips, and increased risks of oral infection.

Common Causes

Once considered an inevitable part of aging, dry mouth is now commonly associated with certain medications and autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome. Both of these can reduce salivary production or alter its composition, but experts agree that the primary cause of dry mouth is the use of medications.

Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer is also an important cause of severe dry mouth. The treatment can produce significant damage to the salivary glands, resulting in diminished saliva production and extreme dry mouth in many cases.

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health.  With decreased saliva flow, we can see an increase in plaque accumulation and the incidence and severity of periodontal diseases.

xerostomia

Dry mouth

How to Relieve Dry Mouth

Individuals with dry mouth should have regular dental checkups for evaluation and treatment.  Capital Smiledocs Dental has two convenient offices in Ottawa and Stittsville.  Be sure to carry an up-to-date medication list at all times, and tell us what medications you are taking and other information about your health at each appointment.  Since dry mouth could be caused due to various reasons, the underlying cause must be identified first. If dryness is caused due to a medical condition, then treating that underlying disease will surely help. If the use of any drug is causing dry mouth, then it must be replaced. If your mouth feels very dry and you are having a tough time swallowing food, you could use artificial saliva substitutes. Also, make sure that you keep yourself well-hydrated at all times. Though drinking water cannot be called a complete cure for dry mouth syndrome, intake of water and other fluids can surely provide relief. Certain drugs can also be used for stimulating the salivary glands. Chewing sugar free gum is one of the common dry mouth remedies. Not only is dry mouth a discomforting and annoying condition, it can also make one prone to developing dental problems. If you are suffering from this condition, you must pay attention to the aspect of dental health. You can use toothpastes, mouthwashes or sprays that are specifically meant for those who are suffering from this condition. Alcohol can aggravate this problem, therefore, make sure that you don’t use an alcohol-based mouthwash. One must refrain from consumption of caffeinated drinks, alcohol or tobacco.

xerostomia

If you have dry mouth you have to be extra attentive to your personal dental routine. Please ask us for tips on how to make your condition more comfortable, and keep your teeth and mouth healthy. If you have dry mouth problems contact us today to schedule your first appointment. We have offices in both Ottawa and Stittsville.

February 1, 2012

Gingivitis

Gingivitis – types of gum disease

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

 gingivitis

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Gum Disease

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following.

  • Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
  • Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
  • Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
  • Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

If you have gingivitis or periodontitis and need treatment, call us to book an appointment. We have two convenient locations in Stittsville and Ottawa.

January 31, 2012

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Periodontal Disease Treatment Options

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis or gum disease) is a bacterial infection that destroys the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. Your gums are the first line of defense against bacterial infection, but once the infection has broken through them it will begin to attack the ligaments and bone that hold the teeth in the mouth. It is in this stage of periodontitis that loss of bone due to bacterial erosion can occur, which will then cause the pocket (space between the gum and tooth) to grow deeper and wider. Left untreated, this disease can lead to tooth loss.

What are the signs of periodontal disease?

Periodontitis is often a silent disease as those who suffer from it rarely experience pain, and may not even be aware that there is a problem. The early stages of gum disease are seldom painful, and carry with them very few warning signs. Some of the early warnings to look for are slight bleeding while brushing, softening of the gums, and discoloration of the gums (darker red/irritated in appearance rather than a light, healthy pink). As the disease progresses, more noticeable signs may become more predominant. Some examples of these more serious indicators are:

 

• Swollen gums • Sores in the mouth
• Inflamed gums • Bright red or purple gums
• Receding gums that make your teeth look longer • Trench mouth (thrush)
• Spaces developing between teeth • Loose teeth
• Persistent bad taste • Pus between the teeth and gum line (pyorrhea)
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis) • Change in the way teeth fit together when you bite
• Tender gums when touched

 

If you have any of the above signs, you could be significantly farther down the path of serious periodontitis than you think, and close to the potential of loss of your teeth.

Periodontal disease treatment involves both non-surgical and surgical options.  Usually, periodontal disease treatment is done non-surgically first and if the periodontal disease cannot be controlled or managed properly, then periodontal disease treatment involving surgery is needed.  Captial Smiledocs Dental, with offices both in Ottawa and Stittsville, offers both non-surgical and surgical periodontal disease treatment.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Disease Treatments

Treatment is done with scaling and root planing (a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins).

In most cases, after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further  surgical therapy. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.

gum disease

Periodontal disease

 

Periodontal Disease Treatment Surgery

Periodontal surgery is necessary when the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment.  You are given freezing so that the treatment is completely comfortable.  The goal of surgical periodontal treatment is to reduce the pocket depths, smooth any bony defects that traps bacteria, remove tartar and plaque that reside deeper down the gums and remove any diseased tissues.  This procedure creates a healthier environment for your bone and gum.  After the treatment is completed, it is important for you to see us at Capital Smiledocs Dental to have maintenance care!  We have offices in both Ottawa and Stittsville.

January 22, 2012

What You Should Know About Toothpaste And Oral Rinses

Facts about toothpaste and oral rinses

How much toothpaste should I use?

  • A pea-sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush is all you need to clean your teeth
  • Children should use a very small, baby pea-sized dab on their brush. Make sure it is never swallowed
A small amount of toothpaste is all you need!

A small amount of toothpaste is all you need!

Oral Rinses
Oral rinses, or mouth rinses, are liquids that you swirl in your mouth — no swallowing! — to combat various oral health problems.

They range from simple mouthwashes, that fight bad breath; to ones that contain fluoride; to other, more specialized ones that fight conditions such as plaque and gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.

Oral rinses are most definitely not a substitute for flossing and brushing your teeth. Oral rinses are also generally not recommended for children, especially those who live in an area of fluoridated water.

oral rinse

oral rinse

Call us to book a consultation if you have questions about what types of oral care products would be appropriate for you and your family.

Contact us at our Stittsville office at 613 831-8000 or at our Ottawa office at 613 733-0909.

January 12, 2012

Flossing: What Is The Proper Way?

Filed under: Dental Hygiene,General Dentistry,Kanata Children Dentist,Kanata cosmetic Dentist,Kanata Dental Clinic,Kanata Dental Office,Kanata Dentist,Kanata Family Dentist,Kanata Orthodontic Dentist,Kanata Sedation Dentist,Orthodontic Dentistry,Ottawa Children Dentist,Ottawa Cosmetic Dentist,Ottawa Dental Clinic,Ottawa dentist,Ottawa Family Dentist,Ottawa Implant Dentist,Ottawa Invisalign Dentist,Ottawa Orthodontic Dentist,Stittsville Children Dentist,Stittsville Cosmetic Dentist,Stittsville Dental Clinic,Stittsville dentist,Stittsville Family Dentist,Stittsville Implant Dentist,Stittsville Orthodontic Dentist,Stittsville Sedation Dentist — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Capital Smiledocs Dental Centre @ 7:26 AM

Flossing Method

Step 1
Take a piece of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches between the hands. Use your index fingers to guide the floss between the teeth.

Flossing technique

Flossing technique

Flossing technique

Flossing technique

Step 2
Slide the floss between the teeth and wrap it into a “C” shape. It should wrap around the base of the tooth, where the tooth meets the gum.

Step 3
Wipe the tooth from bottom to top 2 or 3 times or more, until it is clean.  Be sure you floss both sides of each tooth, and don’t forget the backs of the last molars.  Move to a new part of the floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Contact Capital Smiledocs Dental and book an appointment for us to assess your flossing technique to ensure that it is ideal for your particular needs.

January 8, 2012

Dental Implants – What Are They?

Filed under: Bone Grafts,Dental Hygiene,Dental Implants,General Dentistry,Replacing Teeth,Services — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Capital Smiledocs Dental Centre @ 4:39 PM

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are used to replace missing roots and support crowns or bridges to replace your missing teeth. Implants can help to improve the retention and stability of your existing denture by allowing the denture to clip onto implants.

Implant replacing a missing tooth

Implant replacing a missing tooth

Are dental implants right for you?

Implants are not for everyone. You must be in good general health, have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support the implant(s). You must be willing to see us several times until the work is done and take very good care of your implant(s). Must also see us for regular dental cleaning to help maintain your dental implants.

Implant supported bridge

Implant supported bridge

It’s normal for bone to shrink if it no longer has teeth to support. Because an implant sticks to bone, the bone is less likely to shrink. But if you have been missing teeth for some time, you may have lost bone. A bone graft can build up the bone so it can support an implant. When a bone graft is done, bone is added to the area where your jawbone has shrunk. Often at the time of the extraction of your teeth, a bone graft is needed to create more bone to hold the implants.

 

Here’s how an implant is done:

Step 1
A small titanium post into your jawbone.

Step 2
Over time, the post will bond with the bone around it.

Step 3
We will fabricate either crowns, bridges or dentures to anchor onto the posts, depending on your particular situation and needs.

Click here to watch a video of how implants work.

Because implants stick to the bone, false teeth attached to implants look and act much like natural teeth. But implants are not as strong as natural teeth. You must brush and floss your implant(s) very carefully. Be gentle, but make sure you brush all sides of your implant(s). A toothbrush that has longer bristles at the tip may help clean behind your implant(s).

Floss very carefully at least once a day. You will need to be gentle with the floss where the implant meets the gum (called the gumline). You may find a floss threader useful for cleaning this area.

To book an appointment to determine whether dental implants are right for you, call us at our Stittsville office at 613 831-8000 or at our Ottawa office at 613 733-0909.

January 4, 2012

Can Veneers Or Crowns Get Cavities?

Filed under: Cerec One Appointment,Dental Hygiene,General Dentistry,Porcelain Veneers,Services,Smile Makeover,Technology — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Capital Smiledocs Dental Centre @ 11:51 AM

Veneers and crowns can’t get cavities but the tooth surfaces not covered by the veneers or crowns can!

Porcelain veneers are a durable, natural-looking way to get the attractive smile you desire.  They are thin coverings bonded to the exterior of your front teeth.  Veneers allow us to improve the colour, shape and size of your teeth to create a beautiful smile design.

Porcelain veneer

Porcelain veneer

 Crowns are needed when a tooth is too severely broken down or there is not enough enamel to bond a filling to.  Crowns are thin shells that go over your teeth to protect and strengthen them.  With Cerec CAD/CAM technology, most crowns can be done in one appointment.

Cerec one appointment crowns

Cerec one appointment crowns

Did you know that veneers and crowns  won’t prevent you from getting cavities? A cavity is simply a hole in a tooth caused by decay that begins with plaque. Plaque is a sticky, yellow substance which contains bacteria that feed on the sugars left on our teeth by the foods we eat. These bacteria produce acid, which can eat through the enamel of the tooth, eventually causing a cavity.

Although harmful bacteria can’t penetrate porcelain veneers or crowns, they can infiltrate the areas of the tooth not covered by the veneer or crown.  The veneers and crowns are constructed from a mold of your teeth, and specially designed to cover dental flaws like chips and fractures, gaps or misalignment. However, the porcelain veneer or crown are only placed on the exterior of your natural teeth.  Therefore, the bottom root portion of your teeth are still vulnerable to cavities.

Finding cavities among veneers and crowns.

 The first sign of a toothache may be a dull ache, a clear indication the infection has spread from the enamel to the tooth pulp.  Biting down or chewing can be painful.  Left untreated, the tooth may break and need a root canal. At this point, treatment is more invasive.  To avoid this, take good care of your teeth by coming in for regular hygiene cleaning, even when you have porcelain veneers or crowns.

How can I prevent getting a cavity if I have veneers or crowns?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Even if you’re not experiencing a toothache, floss and brush twice a day to prevent the buildup of cavity-causing bacteria in between teeth. Visit Capital Smiledocs Dental regularly to ensure your investment in a healthy, beautiful smile will serve you for years to come.

Please contact us today to schedule an appointment for a thorough dental examination and cleaning.