Good dental health begins with proper dental care habits that translate to good health overall. Undoubtedly, preventive dental care reduces the risks of developing serious oral conditions and diseases like gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities, oral cancers, cracked / chipped teeth
Even from an aesthetic point of view, beautiful and healthy teeth increase self-confidence and contribute to a better quality of life.
This is why taking proper care of your oral health as well as knowing which oral procedures (in consultation with your dentist) to undergo is essential.
Our carefully chosen team of experts at Bloor Smile Dental office in Toronto provides a full range of general dentistry services from teeth cleaning, to dental extractions and implants. Our mission is to help you maintain good oral health that will make you smile more often!
In this article, we’ll break down the advantages and disadvantages of different general dentistry services and treatments that we are offering so you could have the information you will need before taking the first step towards a confident and healthy smile.
Dental crowns and bridges at Bloor Smile Dental office in Toronto
Dental crowns and bridges are one of the most common procedures performed in general dentistry. The general purpose of both procedures is to restore one or more missing teeth to full chewing function.
What is a dental crown?
To put it in simple terms, a dental crown is a cover or a cap that the dentist puts over your tooth. They bring your tooth back to its normal shape, size and function. The dentists in our dental office in Toronto generally use dental crowns when a tooth is broken, fractured, or weak. A tooth crown is sized similarly to a natural tooth so they come in contact with the opposite tooth without any difficulties, allowing food to be chewed normally.
When done, a crown should feel and look like a natural tooth. The procedure, as well as the preparation for the dental crown, are rather simple.
The tooth will be trimmed back to create room for the crown . The second step is to make an impression or mould of the prepared tooth and finally the actual placement of the crown.
When to consider a tooth crown procedure?
There are multiple reasons why a tooth is no longer strong enough which makes normal chewing function difficult:
Cracks– cracked teeth are difficult to diagnose. Regular check ups will help with this situation. When talking about a tooth crack that doesn’t extend into the nerve of the tooth or down the root underneath your gums, a crown is the right solution for keeping the crack from getting worse.
When the layer of enamel (which acts as a protective coating of teeth) is disrupted by a crack, it’s not able to do its job of protecting your teeth properly, and must be removed. In this case, the crown acts as the new enamel that protects the tooth.
Tooth decay – if the tooth is damaged by dental plaque and has a large cavity, the thin shell of tooth won’t be strong enough to hold a filling which makes chewing difficult. Cleaning out the cavity, building it back up, and covering it with a crown will make the tooth able to do its job properly again.
Root canal treatment – this dental procedure is used to treat infection at the center of the tooth in order to save a tooth that otherwise should be removed completely. To prevent the tooth from fracturing after a root canal treatment, it’s necessary to use a crown. The dentist will reduce the size of your tooth with a drill and add a crown to replace what’s removed.
Large filling – In cases when a tooth already has a filling that covers more than half of the tooth, the tooth structure won’t be strong enough to withstand normal chewing function. This issue can be solved by covering the tooth with a crown which can prolong tooth longevity.
What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are prosthetic appliances made of two or multiple dental crowns on either side of a gap made by a missing tooth, with a false tooth placed in between. While dental crowns are used to repair damaged teeth, the main function of a dental bridge is to replace the tooth or teeth that are missing. If a dental bridge is placed into its position properly, it should function just like natural teeth. This is another common general dentistry treatment.
When to consider a dental bridge procedure?
A dental bridge is a quick but effective way to replace one or two missing teeth and it doesn’t require any surgery.
The procedure also prevents remaining teeth from shifting which could cause problems in your bite. If you’re having difficulties with the function of your teeth (like speaking and chewing properly) because of missing teeth, a dental bridge could be the right solution for your problems.
The procedure is simple and requires two visits to the dentist.
The first trip to the dental office is for placing temporary bridges (or just two temporary crowns until your bridge is being made). During your second visit, a permanent bridge will be placed.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a dental bridge so it’s important to know what factors make you a good candidate for a dental bridge:
• You are missing one or more teeth
• The rest of your teeth are healthy and you have a strong bone structure that will be able to support the bridge
• You don’t have any severe health conditions or infections
• You are taking good care of your oral hygiene which will make it possible to maintain the condition of the dental bridge
Tooth extraction at Bloor smile dental office in Toronto
Tooth extraction is a relatively quick procedure that sometimes can’t be avoided. Some of the main reasons why you would need dental extraction are tooth damage, decay, or injury.
It’s our dentists’ job to make sure to simply pull the tooth and ensure not to cause damage to your teeth and gums during the procedure.
While most of the dental extractions are being performed in case of tooth damage or untreated infection, some of our patients decide, on the recommendation of the expert opinion of our dentist, to undergo the procedure to prevent overcrowding or pain in cases when the wisdom tooth doesn’t erupt properly.
When to consider a dental extraction?
Infection
In some cases, decay or injury can extend to the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth, which causes tooth infection. If the bacteria multiply and cause an abscess, leading to severe tooth looseness, the tooth will need extraction.
Crowded teeth
If you have a smaller jaw and larger teeth, there will be crowding of either your front teeth or blocking out of your wisdom teeth. This can lead to problems in biting and chewing, oral hygiene and your appearance. The dental extraction prepares the patient for orthodontia (the alignment of teeth).
Periodontal gum disease
Periodontal gum disease refers to an infection in the tissues and bones that support the teeth. It can lead to painful chewing and biting since the infected gums may not be able to hold the tooth properly. This is when dental extraction could be helpful to reduce the discomfort and to prevent possible spread of infection to neighbouring teeth.
Healing after a tooth extraction
During the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction, you can expect a naturally occurring clot in the area of the extracted tooth. If you experience discomfort, minor bleeding, or swellings during this stage, it is completely normal, so you shouldn’t be worried about it.
About 3 days after the tooth extraction, your gums should begin to heal. Finally, seven to 10 days after your procedure, the opening that was caused by your extracted tooth should feel more or less closed and your gums should get back to normal (they should no longer be swollen or tender). The bone will slowly fill in over the next 6 months.
After 1-2 weeks you experience any of these symptoms, please contact our dental office in Toronto so you could get appropriate treatment:
• fever
• pain in the gums or jaw
• numbness in the mouth
• excessive bleeding
• swelling
• a bad taste in your mouth
Dental implants at Bloor smile dental office in Toronto
To put it simply, dental implants are medical devices that are used as replacements for tooth roots. The surgical procedure can offer an alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn’t fit well.
Dental implants provide a strong foundation for permanent as well as for removable replacement teeth.
Who can undergo dental implant surgery?
Anyone with good enough overall health to undergo a routine oral surgery or dental extraction is considered a suitable candidate for a dental implant.
People who are suffering from chronic disorders (such as heart disease or diabetes), heavy smokers, people with serious gum disease as well as people who have had radiation therapy to the head or neck, need to be carefully evaluated before undergoing dental implant surgery.
What does the procedure of getting a dental implant involve?
The first thing our team of professionals who are specially experienced in restorative dentistry and oral surgery will do is to create an individualized treatment plan. A CT scan of the area maybe necessary.
Next, a small post made of titanium, a so-called root implant, will be placed into the bone socket of the tooth you are missing. The healing process usually takes from 12 to 16 weeks. During this time, as the jawbone begins to heal, it grows around the implant and anchors it securely in the jaw.
After the implant bonds to the jawbone, an abutment (a small connector post) gets attached to the post to hold the new tooth or a crown can be directly screwed into the implant. Our dentists make moulds of your teeth to facilitate this process and get the right parameters of the crown.
We will also make sure to match the color of your new teeth to make them look natural. Since the implant is secured within your jawbone, the implant should look and function just like normal teeth.
If you would like to evaluate your eligibility for dental implants, please contact us and our dental team led by Dr. Aarati Balakrishnan at Bloor Smile Dental in Bloor West Village, Toronto. They will evaluate you and offer you a personalized treatment plan.
Dentures at Bloor smile dental office in Toronto
Dentures are removable appliances (false teeth) that fit over the gums and replace missing teeth, restore your smile, and eliminate potential problems caused by gaps (like having difficulties with speaking and eating).
There are two different types of dentures – partial and complete dentures.
Complete dentures are used to replace all of your upper or lower teeth, while partial dentures replace just one or a few missing teeth. Dentures could be made of just acrylic or acrylic with a metal framework.
What do dentures feel like?
In the beginning, new dentures may feel foreign, tight or loose, but within a few weeks, the body will adapt and start to accept them.
With very few exceptions, denture should be removed at night. Keep in mind that the dentures should be kept moist (in water or a suitable overnight denture-cleaning solution). This will prevent the denture material from warping or drying out.
How often should you visit our dental office in Toronto after having dentures?
If you take proper care of them, they should last several years.
Since your jawbones and gums will eventually shrink, the dentures may not fit as well after a certain period of time. They could become loose or worn. So, even if you have complete dentures, seeing your dentist regularly is recommended ( this also ensures that you have a thorough soft tissue exam).
You should visit your dentist as soon as possible if:
• the dentures no longer fit properly or tend to slip
• the dentures feel uncomfortable
• the dentures click while you’re talking
• you notice signs of tooth decay or gum diseases, such as bad breath or bleeding gums
Root Canal Treatment at Bloor smile dental office in Toronto
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that involves the removal and replacement of the pulp (the soft center of the tooth). The procedure is commonly done under local anesthesia and its goal is to eliminate bacteria from an infected root canal and prevent reinfection in order to save the natural tooth.
During the treatment, the infected or inflamed pulp gets removed so the inside of the tooth could be cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.
When to consider root canal treatment?
Here are some of the situations that warrant a root canal
– a cracked or chipped tooth
– tender or swollen gums
– pain when biting or chewing
– pimples on your gums
– teeth sensitivity to hot or cold sensations
– darkening of tooth
-deep decay
-severe dental trauma
-elective treatment sometimes
How is a root canal treatment performed?
The dentist will place a small amount of numbing medication on your gum in order to prevent additional pain in the affected tooth. After it has taken effect, a local anesthetic is injected into the gums.
Once your tooth is numb, the dentist will create a small opening in the top of your tooth and carefully remove the damaged or infected pulp, and clean out all the canals in your tooth.
After the pulp has been removed and canals are disinfected and cleaned, the dentist will fill and seal the tooth with a sealer and a rubberized filling material. If necessary, the dentist may prescribe you oral antibiotics. The procedure ends by filling the opening in the top of your tooth with a filling material which helps prevent the canals from being re-infected.
Dental cleaning at Bloor smile dental office in Toronto
Dental cleaning is a part of an annual dental check-up and should be done at least once, if not twice a year. Even if you feel that your teeth are healthy and clean, it’s necessary to let a dental professional make an examination in order to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, as gum disease is often difficult to detect and a cavity may progress all the way to the nerve within a year.
Why regular dental cleanings are important?
Dental cleanings are an essential part of an overall oral care routine. It helps to remove any tartar buildup of plaque that can lead to all sorts of mouth problems, such as tooth decay. Diseased gums are a risk factor for diabetes and many other diseases. Bad oral health can lead to bad overall health. Regular cleanings, a vital part of general dentistry, make sure to keep your teeth and gums in good health.
How often should you have a dental cleaning?
It all depends on your particular oral needs. If you are more prone to having dental issues or rapidly deposit tartar, you will probably have to have your teeth cleaned more frequently. In case you don’t have any problems when talking about oral health, having your teeth cleaned once or twice a year will be sufficient.
There are certain lifestyle and health factors that can affect the risks of developing cavities. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself to understand whether you are at higher risk:
– do you floss regularly or is it not a part of your regular oral hygiene routine?
– do you consume a lot of snacks or drinks high is sugar ?
– do you brush your teeth regularly (at least twice a day)?
– do you need new fillings every time you visit your dentist?
– do you suffer from long-term health conditions, like diabetes?
-do you suffer from a dry mouth?
-are you under any other medical treatments or medication that might affect your dental health?
-do you have medical conditions like GERD that cause acid reflux which will dissolve your teeth?
-do you smoke?
-do you have a family history of weak teeth and gums?
If your answer to one or more of these questions is yes, you should consider visiting your dentist at least every six months, if not more often.
Dental cleaning procedure
Before the cleaning process begins, our dental hygienist will examine your entire mouth to check if there are any signs of inflamed gums or other potential concerns.
The first step is to remove plaque and tartar in between your teeth and around your gum line by using a scaler.
After the tartar is completely removed from your teeth, the hygienist will apply toothpaste on your teeth and brush them with a high-power electric brush, followed by a flossing session done by the hygienist. Next, you will rinse out your mouth before the fluoride treatment is applied. It is used to protect your teeth against cavities and sometimes to help deal with sensitivity.
We’re looking forward to making your smile brighter!
We hope that this article has given you the information you were looking for when it comes to the most
common dental treatments and procedures. Undoubtedly, taking proper care of your oral health is essential and our team of dental experts led by Dr. Aarati Balakrishnan, at Bloor smile dental in Bloor West Village, Toronto is there to make sure you get (and keep) the smile you deserve.
In case you want to find out more about our dental services in Toronto, check out our website and get in touch with our friendly staff who will gladly provide you with all necessary information. If needed, we will help you book an appointment, so you could visit us at
our office in the Bloor west village area of Toronto.
We know how important it is to feel comfortable and safe when it comes to choosing the right dentists. This is why we make sure to be there for you each step of the way. If there is a specialized treatment you need, we will direct you to the best specialists in the area.
And when it comes to general dentistry in Bloor West Village Toronto, we are the experts whose mission is to keep your mouth healthy and make you smile brighter. We’re looking forward to meeting you and making your smile stand out!
