Know About 5 Common Dental Treatments and Procedures

Did you know that the tooth is the only body part that cannot repair itself with time? That leaves you with only one option—a dental visit. Dental experts can be intimidating for many. Adorned in the headgear, and masks, carrying the most annoying equipment with buzzing sounds, the brightest flashlight, and an injection, a dental emergency can get overwhelming. However, if you have been regular with your dental checkups, then the visit to your best dentist in Waterdown is absolutely painless and fun!

You may visit dental experts for a variety of reasons but there are 5 most common dental treatments and procedures that are much coveted by all.

Five Popular Dental Treatments and Procedures

It turns out that if someone has a dental problem or a dental emergency, one of the five therapies can probably solve it. The five types of dental treatments that can solve your dental issues:
  1. Tooth extractions and wisdom teeth extraction :
    Adult “permanent teeth” may not endure a lifetime, despite their moniker. Tooth extractions are frequently required due to poor oral hygiene, a poor diet, and underlying conditions including diabetes. It is one of those dental treatments that should be used as a last resort. Tooth loss will result in poor eating habits and a decrease in quality of life, so consult your dental experts thoroughly before a tooth extraction. A severely decayed tooth that is beyond repair or a loose tooth with poor gum condition is the most prevalent cause of tooth extraction. Apart from that, an absence of space for eruption causes third molars or wisdom teeth to become impacted or lodged in the jaw bones. The condition can harm neighboring teeth and is painful. To prevent further problems, wisdom teeth extraction is advised.
  2. Teeth cleanings :
    Teeth cleaning, or scaling and polishing of the teeth is the most basic dental procedure that should be done periodically. We recommend having a teeth cleaning session every six months to one year. It is crucial to your oral health. The equipment a dentist uses to clean your teeth is far more effective than the toothbrush you use at home. It involves numbing the gums and using an ultrasonic vibrating instrument to clean the tartar, deposits, and stains from the teeth.
  3. Fillings :
    Most toothaches and cavities can be cured with a simple dental filling. Fillings use a tooth-colored, strong, and fluoride-releasing cement to fill the hole in the tooth. The majority of cavities can be filled quickly. The procedure is painless, and your tooth is numbed prior to the tooth filling. Typically, it takes about 30-40 minutes to complete a dental filling procedure.
  4. Braces :
    Dental braces have been used since the 18th century A.D. Crooked tooth alignment can be straightened, and your smile can be re-designed using dental braces. The dentist can provide you with over five different types of braces to straighten your crooked teeth, including metal braces, metal self-ligating braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and more. Teeth straightening can be done as a teenager or as an adult. Unlike popular belief, braces offer much more than just esthetics. A perfect tooth alignment helps you brush better, your chewing efficiency is enhanced, the corrected bite reduces pressure on the jaw joint, and you have an amazing smile transformation. Invisible aligners for tooth straightening are a high-end form of dentistry today. Popular brands like Invisalign and Suresmile provide an AI based technology that works in collaboration with your dentist to straighten your teeth in no-time. Aligners are essentially soft resin trays that snugly fit on your teeth; they are removable, invisible, painless, and have no food restrictions.
  5. Replacing a missing tooth: dental implants, dental crowns, and bridges :
    You need to get your missing teeth replaced for better chewing efficiency and a confident smile! Dental implants are by far the best and most durable technique to replace teeth. It involves a minor surgery under local anesthesia to place the titanium implant into your jaws. The implant is allowed to heal for about three months before your dental experts deliver a life-like dental crown attached to the implant.
dental treatment middle eastern dentist doctor ha 2022 12 16 08 59 14 utc min
Takeaway
They say a pain that is both mentally and physically draining is a toothache. So why wait for it? Periodic visits to your best dentist in Waterdown help keep a dental emergency at bay. Your dental experts can advise you best about common dental procedures like fillings, scalings, dental implants, and so on.
Read More

Zoom Teeth Whitening vs. Conventional Teeth Whitening: A Smackdown

Professional Teeth Whitening: an Overview

Have you been meticulous with your oral hygiene and yet have to put up with yellow teeth? Well, then it’s time to explore teeth whitening in Waterdown! White teeth and a bright smile are never out of fashion. In fact, professional teeth whitening is the second most coveted dental treatment after dental extractions. Teeth whitening, or dental bleaching, is the quickest way to brighten dull, yellow, and stained teeth.  Today’s tech-savvy cosmetic dentists have options like Zoom teeth whitening, which is fast, painless, and has long-lasting results.

Types of teeth whitening

The past decade has seen a significant shift in the science and technology of cosmetic dentistry.  Teeth whitening in Waterdown today has a plethora of options to offer you. It is good to be aware of your options before you visit us; however, your cosmetic dentist is the best person to advise you about the professional teeth whitening options that will suits you. The different types of dental bleaching are:
  1. Teeth whitening (at home):
    • Whitening gel
    • OTC teeth whitening agents
  2. Teeth whitening (in-office):
    • Conventional teeth whitening
    • Laser teeth whitening
    • Zoom teeth whitening
This blog is all about comparing conventional dental bleaching to Zoom teeth whitening.
Conventional teeth whitening

A dentist performs conventional teeth whitening at the dental office. It involves the use of a bleaching agent to make the teeth whiter.

  • Preparation

The dentist will first examine your teeth and give you a treatment plan. Any gum infections and cavities should be treated before dental bleaching.  Hence, you will be advised to undergo scaling and polishing of your teeth (teeth cleaning) and dental fillings before the procedure. Healthy teeth are the best for obtaining optimum results from professional teeth whitening.

  • Procedure

The dentist will first numb your gums for a painless procedure. A concentrated peroxide-based bleaching gel will then be applied to all your teeth and left there for about 5 -8 minutes. The peroxides react with the stains on your teeth to loosen them. The majority of whitening gels contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as active ingredients. Typically, four applications are done in a single appointment to achieve the desired tooth color.

  • Time taken

A single appointment for conventional dental bleaching could take 60 minutes or more.

  • Side-effects

You may feel more sensitive to cold and hot food/drinks for a few days. This discomfort usually subsides with time. In the meantime, desensitizing toothpaste can be used. Food and beverage restrictions apply for 48 hours after the procedure. Stain-causing foods, such as tea, coffee, spices, or sauces, should be avoided.

  • Longevity

The effects of conventional teeth whitening usually last up to 8-10 months.

Zoom teeth whitening

Zoom whitening by Philips is the latest technology for teeth whitening in Waterdown. There are various Zoom whitening procedures. It involves both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options.

  • Preparation

The process begins with a dental check-up. Prior to bleaching your teeth, all cavities and gum diseases should be treated.  Scaling and polishing your teeth (tooth cleaning) and dental fillings will be recommended first. To get the finest effects from professional teeth whitening, you need to have healthy teeth.

  • Procedure

Zoom uses a unique bleaching gel with a similar concentration of hydrogen peroxide and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). The initial gel application process is very similar to regular teeth whitening, but the only noticeable distinction is that the gel is activated with a unique light. This LED light initiates oxidation, allowing the bleaching agent to penetrate the enamel of the tooth, scrubbing away stains. 

Philips Zoom DayWhite and Philips Zoom NiteWhite are the two at-home Zoom teeth whitening options. After a dental bleaching appointment, the dentist could recommend one of these whitening procedures to further lighten your teeth.

  • Time taken

Zoom teeth whitening takes less than one hour, up to 45 minutes. An effective spin-off of Zoom teeth whitening is the  Zoom QuickPro, a 10-minute teeth whitening procedure. Although it doesn’t whiten teeth as much as the Zoom teeth whitening option, it costs less and requires less in-office time.

  • Side-effects

There is almost no post-procedure tooth sensitivity. Philips Zoom Blue LED light-accelerated technology and gel whiten teeth quickly, while amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) helps to strengthen enamel, increase shine, and minimize sensitivity.

  • Longevity

The effects of conventional teeth whitening last up to 15 months. Clinically it is shown to lighten teeth up to 8 shades

teethsmile
Takeaway

The choice between Zoom teeth whitening and conventional teeth whitening ultimately depends on your preference and the dentist’s advice. While conventional professional teeth whitening may offer a more gradual and natural approach, Zoom’s lightning-fast results are hard to beat. However, it’s important to remember that both options for teeth whitening in Waterdown can lead to a brighter, more confident smile.

Read More
Overview of dental caries prevention. Woman at the dentist's chair during a dental procedure. Healthy Smile.

All You Need to Know About Composite Fillings

If you have a cavity, your dentist would most likely suggest dental fillings to prevent further infection and restore normal tooth function. For years, amalgam was the most popular option, but composite filling materials become popular lately due to their aesthetic appearance and durability. If you want your teeth to look natural, a composite filling material can do the job. If you are interested in learning more about composite filling and how long they last, their advantages, disadvantages, and many more; then you are on the right page.

What are composite dental fillings?

Dental composites are standard tooth-colored filling materials. They are customized to match the shade of your teeth and are almost unnoticeable to anyone who glances at your teeth. Their function is similar to traditional filling materials including crack repair, preventing further tooth decay in the affected teeth. Due to their superior aesthetic properties, they are also known as white fillings or resin fillings.

How long do composite fillings last?

Composite fillings are designed to withstand some amount of chewing force that we put on our natural teeth regularly, they are not lifelong solutions. If your composite fillings get loosened, damaged, or worn out; you may need new composite filling. As per our expert dentist, Dr. Bajaj, while composite fillings are esthetic and durable, they tend to have a shorter life span. A composite filling can last for about 5 – 7 years if properly taken care of. However, it may vary based on the presence of risk factors

Other dental fillings options:
There are several other filling materials including amalgam, gold, ceramic, and glass ionomer that your dentist can count on.
Composites come in a variety of materials:
Like standard fillings, composite can come in a variety of different materials. It comes in various shades too (perfectly colored to match your existing teeth). Composite is and will remain one of the popular options especially due to their aesthetic advantages.  
Advantages and disadvantages of composite filling:

Advantages: Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, composite can be completed in one visit. They can be used to fix minor flaws and can be repaired if damaged. Moreover, they need less drilling and lesser tooth removal in comparison to other filling materials

Disadvantages: Like every filling material, composite also possesses various drawbacks including a shorter lifespan, technique sensitivity  (as the composite has to be placed in layers; teeth need to be dry during placing), and can easily get stained due to frequent exposure to tea, coffee, and other food substances.

In conclusion, composite fillings are an effective and esthetically pleasing option for restoring teeth that have been damaged by dental decay or trauma. If you have any queries regarding composite filling material, contact our expert dentists at Magnolia Dental in Waterdown today.

FAQ

What happens if my composite falls out?

If your composite filling falls out, it is crucial to contact your dentist as soon as possible. You should get your temporary filing and replacement done while you wait for your new composite filling.

Are composite fillings safe?

The study recommended that dentists need to follow the instructions regarding the light intensity used and the light curing time as well. Even though, if you have concerns, talk to your dentist right away.

Does it hurt to get a composite filling?

No. Undergoing any kind of dental filling treatment is a painless procedure. You may feel that the filling has been placed inside your mouth. If you feel any discomfort while chewing, you can tell your dentist right away.

How do take care of my composite fillings?

Although composite fillings are durable and long-lasting they do require some care to maintain their functionality. Regular brushing and flossing are necessary to prevent decay around the filling. Avoid biting on hard substances. A regular visit to your dentist is also necessary. As they can detect any issues with the filling and provide prompt treatment if required.

My front teeth are damaged. Can I get a composite filling on my front teeth?

Yes. Composite can come in various colors and shades. You may need a composite filling if your teeth are damaged and chipped. To restore the natural tooth appearance, our dentist will choose the exact shade that matches your existing teeth' color and shape.
Read More
She knows everything about success. Beautiful young woman holding an eyewear and smiling while standing against grey background

Must Know Facts About Teeth Cleaning

Most people understand the importance of brushing and flossing daily. However, not many of us know that regular brushing or flossing is not enough. Only a professional dental cleaning can keep your teeth in the best possible condition.
Professional dental cleaning is a basic dental procedure that removes tartar and hardened plaque deposits from your teeth’ surface using an ultrasonic tip. As per our teeth cleaning dentist in Waterdown, one should schedule a professional dental cleaning appointment every six months. Although, some might need to come more often depending on their oral hygiene. There are many myths regarding getting scaling and tooth cleaning from a dentist. And here, we will try to burst such myths with facts about dental treatment; so that you can make prudent decisions regarding getting your scaling done.

Myth: Scaling weakens the teeth and makes your teeth lose.

Fact: The semi-calcified hard deposits over your teeth surface can make your gum detached and recessed from the teeth. Henceforth, when these hard deposits are removed from the gum line and tooth surface, they give a sense of ‘loose teeth’. With scaling or dental cleaning, our dentists will remove that ‘ bad support’ of your teeth, which if not removed, would have left you with no teeth at all.

After a few days of scaling, you will observe a healthy gum line surrounding your teeth.

Myth: Tooth becomes sensitive after cleaning

Fact: When the tartar or hard deposits are removed, you may feel mild to moderate sensitivity. This is because your teeth get exposed to the oral environment. In several scenarios, your sensitivity vanishes in a couple of days when your gum line gets attached to it.
Till then, you need to avoid having cold foods and liquids.

Myth: Scaling causes a gap between the teeth.

Fact: Scaling can not do new damage to your teeth. It doesn’t create gaps between the teeth. Instead, it helps you see how much damage has happened by removing those hard deposits. However, these gaps are transient and will go off when gums get attached to the tooth.

Myth: It's a painful procedure.

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, scaling is a painless procedure that leaves the teeth with a mild scraping and vibrating sensation. You will not have any side effects once the scaling is done. Your dentist may put you on local anesthesia, if necessary.

Myth: Once I get it done, you need to have it again and again!

Fact: People often complain that the reason they want to get their scaling done is that they have previously gone through the procedure before. The logic of this mere myth is pretty simple. Regular brushing and flossing are not enough for meticulous cleaning of your mouth. Professional teeth cleaning should not be considered an option; instead, it’s mandatory to shine your teeth right up.

As per our expert dentist, Dr. Bajaj, you should visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings and get your teeth cleaned to maintain oral health and catch any potential issues early on.

FAQ

What are some benefits of getting a professional dental cleaning?

Even if you consider yourself a thorough brusher and frequent flosser, brushing and flossing can only do this much. To make your teeth plaque-free, dental checkup and scaling at every six-month interval is all that you need. Because if left untreated for a long time, the plaque(soft sticky material) will sit on your teeth and get calcified, which is the last thing you want.

What are the various types of professional dental cleaning?

The type of dental cleaning the dentist will perform is based on the amount of plaque and tartar that they find based on the patient’s teeth. The various types include:
  • Professional dental cleaning
  • Scaling and root planing
  • Gross and thorough debridement
  • Periodontal cleaning

When was the last time you got your professional teeth cleaning in Waterdown?

Our dentists at Magnolia Dental in Waterdown, understand how stressful it can be to head over to your dentist. That’s why our team works hard to make you comfortable on the dental chair while you visit us. And provide the quality service that you expect.
Read More

Don’t Panic When Dental Emergencies Occur.

Introduction

A dental emergency is a real situation. A dental emergency dentist sees multiple cases of children falling face forward and bruising their lips, chipping the incisors, a tooth popping out, and midnight toothaches. Unforeseen situations like this demand an immediate call to action.

What do we suggest you do?

Don’t panic.

Panic accomplishes nothing and leads to a slew of bad decisions. Rushing to the closest emergency room may lead to a long wait and the completion of formalities. Thus, it will be great if you see your dentist for dental emergencies who lives around the corner for help.

Above all, know the dental emergency tips that come in handy at all times.

Concepts:

The Canadian Dental Association qualifies dental emergencies as life-threatening. There is a fine line between dental emergencies and urgencies. Urgences usually necessitate immediate dental care, but only to relieve excruciating pain; they are not fatal. However, in common verbiage, they are used synonymously.

What are the emergencies that are routinely encountered by a dental emergency dentist?

  • Excessive bleeding. Bleeding from an extraction socket that doesn’t stop hours after the procedure. The mouth fills up with large blood clots and there is definite oozing.
  • Head trauma in road traffic accidents. A lip cut, jaw fractures, missing teeth, and so on.
  • Cellulitis or airway swellings. These are dangerous. A simple abscess, tooth infection, or gum boil can release pus inside the jaw tissue instead of forming a visible pimple. The pus flows in the spaces between muscles and bones causing a hard, warm, dark swelling.
  • A severe sharp shooting pain on biting something very hard.
  • Night toothaches, that snowball into an earache, headache, and jaw fatigue.
  • Accidentally avulsed or knocked-out teeth; common in both children and adults.
  • An unexpected blow or sports injury to the teeth. Lips or jaws.
  • The gnawing nagging pain of an unerupted wisdom tooth and severe sensitivity to hot/cold/sour/sweet associate
  • Post-operative pain: very common after the first appointment of root canal therapy (RCT) on teeth that had a longstanding infection.
  • Dental emergencies occur during the dental procedure as well, for example, an episode of fainting.
Dental emergencies in Waterdown offer you an array of dental emergency tips. We believe in the awareness and complete education of our patients.

To discuss a few:

  1.  Non-stop bleeding: cold-pack compressions, done intermittently help. Place the pack for 10 seconds and remove it for 5 seconds. Do it several times to help reduce bleeding. Biting down on a gauze piece and holding it for 10 minutes also has similar outcomes. If the bleeding still does not stop, contact the dental emergency dentist, who will prescribe an oral blood coagulant tablet that needs to be taken hourly or two hourly to reduce the bleeding. Drink enough fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
  2.  Trauma-causing bruises: a dental surgeon needs to see the patient eventually to stitch up the cut. However, prior to that, at-home cotton compresses and betadine (or any antiseptic) wipes can help keep the wound clean.
  3.  Severe toothaches at night: nothing much can be done at home, to be honest. However, you can take a dose of Tylenol ( Acetaminophen)/ Advil ( Ibuprofen) or any painkillers that suit you. Brush the concerned tooth and the gums well. Visit the dentist the next day for a consult and x-rays. Such scenarios either need RCT or extraction.
  4.  For hypersensitive teeth and gnawing pain: brushing and keeping the area squeaky clean helps to subside symptoms. Warm water with salt rinses calms the sore gums or the wisdom toothache. When you see your dentist for dental emergencies, he will either suggest teeth cleaning or a wisdom tooth extraction, depending on the clinical examination.
  5.  A tooth that has been knocked out: Be quick, whether you’re dealing with an adult or a child. You have one hour to get to the dentist with the ‘tooth’. Cold milk is the ideal way to store an avulsed tooth. The tooth is treated further by the dentist, who cleans and replaces the tooth in the socket and splints it.
  6.  A trauma, blow, or road accident case needs to be taken to the hospital at the earliest. Do not try out homely tips and tricks, as this might cause a delay in any immediate care that is required.
  7. On a similar note, cellulitis/large swellings on the face or neck can be fatal if ignored. Visit a dental surgeon at the earliest. The dentist/emergency doctor will advise IV antibiotics, high-dose pain medicines, oxygen support, IV fluids, and surgical drainage of the pus.

Conclusion:

Now that you are well educated, do not panic in a dental emergency.
Read More

5 Must Know Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Introduction

Technology in dentistry has reached its pinnacle of success in the past decade. A dentist near me search now provides you with dental clinics with tech-savvy and technologically well-versed clinicians. One such patient-friendly aspect of the dental world is laser dentistry.

What are medical-grade lasers and how are they applicable to dentistry?

LASER stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” Basically, it is a focused, razor-thin beam of light that strikes tissue and enables a reaction to either remove or shape the tissue. In the body, these tissues can be either hard or soft.
The FDA has cleared lasers in dentistry as an approved method of treatment. Biolase lasers are versatile and safe for use.

Laser Dentistry for Soft Tissue

Laser dentistry for soft tissue refers to procedures that work on your gums. These treatments include:
  • Gum surgery also popularly called LANAP (Laser assisted new attachment procedure)
  • Gum recontouring and reshaping
  • Changing any incorrect painful muscle attachments in the mouth
  • Getting rid of soft tissue folds (the ones formed after an extraction or due to ill-fitting dentures)
  • Tongue-tie problem (the laser is used to cut the misplaced frenum attachment of the tongue)

Laser Dentistry for Hard Tissues:

Laser dentistry for hard tissue usually refers to procedures done on your teeth. These treatments include:
  • Investigating tooth cavities
  • Cavity cleaning and fillings
  • Tooth shaping and dental crown measurements
  • Laser teeth cleaning and tooth sensitivity treatment

The laser dentist near me can also perform a number of other procedures with the laser, such as:

  • Dental bleaching:
    The results of laser teeth whitening can last up to three years. It is a technique in which a laser device is used to activate the bleaching gel by focusing it on a small number of teeth at once. The whitening properties of the bleaching gel are activated when the laser heats it. Your teeth can be 16 shades whiter after a laser treatment.
  • Lasers in root canal therapy (RCT):
    Chronic infections and weeping canals are treated with laser therapy or photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS).
  • TMD treatment:
    Low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) with a beam of wavelength between 830 nm and 904 nm is used to improve pain related to the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint disorders). It is also useful in cases of limited mouth opening and difficult chewing. They generate photoelectric effects that reduce nerve impulses and enable the muscles to heal. They also have an analgesic effect by boosting cellular respiration and better circulation to the concerned areas.
  • Nerve regeneration:
    Similar Low intensity laser therapy (LILT) is used in cases of myofascial pain and facial palsy.
  • Benign oral tumor removal:
    Lasers are used for a painless and zero-bleeding resection of non-cancerous tumors of the head and neck.
  • Sleep apnea support:
    Sleep-disordered breathing, particularly obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, can be treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using Er: YAG lasers. To lessen or remove the obstructions, the soft tissues of the pharynx, and palate can be treated with laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)–recontouring of the uvula, and the soft palate.

The 5 must-know benefits of laser dentistry:

  1. Patient-friendly and comfortable: Your procedure will be much more comfortable as no sharp, hard dental tools or drills are used. Actually, you might not even need anesthesia.
  2. It’s a no-sound dental procedure: The distinctive whirring sound of the dreaded drill sets off apprehension. With gentle and quiet laser dentistry, patients are delighted. Lasers are essentially a beam of high-energy light that is capable of cutting, trimming, and warming tissues—all without the pain or noise of a traditional dental drill.
  3. Lasers do not cause bleeding at the site: You won’t experience as much bleeding after the procedure is finished because the laser will encourage blood clotting.
  4. Quick recovery: Laser dentistry speeds up the recovery period so you can resume your normal activities more quickly and comfortably than you might anticipate.
  5. Fewer chances of post-operative infections: Lasers sterilize the area where they are directed. They do not manipulate the adjacent areas. No additional abrasions or wounds are incurred. This helps to get rid of the majority of the bacteria there. As a result, there’s less risk of infection.
Read More

What Experts Say About Kids Dentistry?

Know Here

Cavities or dental caries are one of the most common chronic diseases for kids. As per experts, more than 50% of kids have caries in their primary teeth. However, there is good news! Dental caries or cavities in primary teeth are preventable. And a kid’s dentist can save your child’s teeth from an early age itself. As a parent, you might ask if your child needs an entire specialty of dentistry when they begin to have oral problems. The answer will be ‘yes’. However, you may consider your family dentist for your child as well. As per our expert dentist, Dr. Bajaj, our children require special care and attention to their changing oral needs as they grow up. Read this blog post to understand what makes a kid’s dentist different from other dental experts.

As per the ADA and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation, all kids should have a dental visit after their first birthday. Any child starting from their infant age should receive dental care from a pediatric dentist.

What do pediatric dentists do?

As per the old saying,” prevention is better than cure” that exactly fits in for kid’s dentistry. Pediatric dentistry mainly focuses on preventive dental care. The areas where kid’s dentists play a unique role are-

  1. Treating tooth cavities: Children are more prone to developing caries than adults. Children between the ages of 6 to 14 years are at the highest risk. If your child is suffering from tooth cavities, a kid’s dentist can take care of your child and treat such problems effectively.
  2. Providing preventive tips: Kid’s dentistry is majorly based on how you can prevent developing caries in your child’s mouth. Children’s dentistry uses different preventive approaches including dental sealants, professional tooth cleaning for kids, and fluoride application. With proper care from our kid-friendly dentists, you will always be a step ahead when it comes to taking care of your child’s oral health.
  3. Assess nutritional intake: Have you ever tried to keep your child over healthy eating? You must have faced challenges while doing so. They always prefer sugary and crunchy food items that are not at all healthy for their overall health, let alone their oral health. In such situations, getting assistance from a kid’s dentist can be of great help. At Magnolia Dental, our dentists love to train your child to build better oral care habits and healthy eating starting from an early age.
  4. Treating dental emergencies: The carefree attitude of a child makes them more prone to dental-related accidents and injuries. Handing a pediatric dental emergency takes a skilled and steady hand with good dental knowledge that can navigate swiftly through your child’s mouth. Our dentists are skilled enough and ensure better care and handling of kids’ dental emergencies.
  5. Develop oral hygiene habits:  Starting from a very early age, your child may struggle with taking care of their oral hygiene. They might learn this very fast, but may struggle with maintaining consistency with it. A kid’s dentist is well-versed with the tips and techniques of how to incorporate such oral care habits so that your child can keep up with oral care routine in the long haul.

Why should you consider a kid's dentist for your child?

Aside from the above-mentioned benefits, a dental practice that offers children’s dental care is specially designed to make your child feel safe and comfortable. A kind and gentle approach to treating a kid can ease your child’s dental phobia or anxiety. This fear factor is such a thing that many older children may benefit from seeing a kid-friendly dentist. They are also trained to treat children with special needs such as autism, ADHD, or with behavioral disabilities.

The earlier you start building a relationship of trust between your child and the dentist, the better it will be for their oral health.

At Magnolia Dental, we provide a kid-friendly atmosphere that can ease your toddler’s path to the dental chair. Our staff always makes an extra effort to make sure that your child feels safe and comfortable in our dental office. This helps them to conquer their fear of dentistry. An in-depth understanding of a child’s oral anatomy along with child-friendly dental care and services is what makes us unique and best for your child’s oral health.

Read More

Veneers vs. Crown: Which one to choose?

If you want to improve the appearance and function of your teeth, you can choose a dental veneer or crown as a restorative treatment option. As they seem to provide similar benefits, many people assume that dental veneers and crowns are the same things. However, there are some significant differences between the two. To help you figure it out, we have explained the differences and similarities between them, how they work, and which one you should opt for to save your smile. Continue reading to learn more about it.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers, are wafer-thin shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. These are typically one millimeter thick and are custom-made to fit your teeth. The procedure involves removing half a millimeter of enamel from the front of your teeth, while leaving the majority of your natural teeth intact. However, the amount of teeth that need to be filed down depends on the type of veneer you want. The veneer is secured to the natural tooth surface with dental cement. Your dentist may recommend dental veneers to close gaps between your teeth or to conceal flaws such as cracks, chips, or worn-down teeth.

What are porcelain crowns?

Dental crowns or porcelain crowns are used to restore the form, function, and appearance of your teeth. These are used to restore decayed teeth or teeth badly damaged by cracks or fractures. A dental crown will cover up the entire tooth, which means more tooth structure needs to be removed before placing a crown. Your dentist might recommend a dental crown if you need a dental bridge and dental implant to replace missing teeth or if you are planning to get a root canal treatment.
The dental crowns can be made from various materials, like porcelain, porcelain-fused to a metal alloy (PFM crowns), or all metal alloy. Our expert dentist will fabricate the crowns as per your needs. These crowns will be securely fitted over the prepared tooth and can restore function efficiently.

Veneer vs. crown: How are they similar?

Both crowns and veneers are cosmetic dental treatments that can restore damaged and decayed teeth or teeth that are cracked, chipped, or broken.

Once they are applied over your teeth, it is difficult to tell the difference. Both of these can be custom-made and can give you a seamless, complete, and natural smile. You have to take care of both of them in a similar way. Brushing twice daily and flossing after every meal is a must. A regular dental visit for a professional dental cleaning is needed.

Veneer vs. crown: how are they different?

Although both veneers and crowns are useful for restoring your smile, the significant difference lies in how they fit your teeth and why you need them. A porcelain veneer covers only the front surface of your teeth and makes your smile flawless. However, dental crowns cover the entire crown of your teeth. Veneers are more aesthetically pleasing than crowns, as they show less gum margin. Crowns are thicker than veneer. Veneers may need to be replaced after a certain number of years, while crowns last longer if maintained properly.

Restorative and Cosmetic dentistry at Magnolia Dental

At Magnolia Dental, our dentists will help you determine whether your teeth need to be restored with a crown or veneer and provide you with the treatment plan that suits you best. We also offer full-mouth reconstruction procedures that can help you achieve a smile that you will be proud to show off.

FAQ

How do I know which one is best for me?

You might think that since they both have similar functions, they can be used interchangeably. But in reality, they don’t work that way. Your dentist will recommend one treatment option over another based on your specific needs. If you have largely decayed and damaged teeth, you may need a crown. On the other hand, if you need minor shape or flaw correction, your dentist will likely recommend porcelain veneers.

How much do they cost?

At Magnolia Dental, you will get dental veneers that typically range in price from
$750 to $1275 per tooth without insurance. However, dental insurance can cover a portion of the cost of crowns and veneers. The cost of a single veneer ranges between $210 and $650 with a typical dental insurance plan. The cost of dental crowns can range from $780 to $1250 per tooth in absence of insurance. With a typical insurance plan, the cost ranges from $190 to $650 or more.

Read More

Periodontitis, Gum Disease, Cause & Treatments

If you are having symptoms that include severe swelling or bleeding from your gums, then you might be suffering from periodontitis. Periodontitis is a form of severe gum disease that causes inflammation of soft tissues around your teeth. If left untreated, this can even damage and erode the bone that supports your teeth.

Causes of Periodontitis:

As per our dentists at Magnolia Dental, periodontitis is a common gum disease and can be prevented easily. In most cases, periodontitis starts with plaque. Plaque is a soft, sticky material composed of bacteria and food debris. Read on to know how plaque can eventually advance to periodontitis and affect your oral hygiene.

Formation of plaque on your teeth:

Some amount of bacteria always stays in a healthy mouth. They interact with foods, sugars and other substances and form a layer of plaque. Twice-daily brushing and once-a-day flossing can remove the layer effectively

Plaque turned into tartar:

If not removed, plaque stays on your teeth and can harden under your gum line. The longer the layer of plaque adheres to your teeth, the more damage they will do. It’s more difficult to remove tartar (calculus) than plaque. The professional dental cleaning available at Magnolia Dental will help you to remove such layers of tartar efficiently. 

Gingivitis:

This early-stage gum disease causes inflammation around your gum line. You may have red and swollen gums. A regular visit to your dentist and following a dental hygiene routine can keep your gums functional and healthy. However, if left untreated, may eventually lead to periodontitis.  

Periodontitis:

When the inflammation spreads to the surrounding bone and soft tissues, it becomes periodontitis. As this continues, your teeth may get loose and potentially fall out. In severe cases, bleeding along with pus discharge can lead to bad breath (halitosis).

Treatment options for periodontitis:

There are various types of periodontal disease treatment including surgical and non-surgical options. 

Non-surgical periodontitis treatment:

  • Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics that will target the affected area.  
  • Scaling and root planing: The procedure is similar to regular dental cleanings. However, you may receive local anesthesia to keep that area numb. This will help clean the deep pockets around your teeth and sweep away all the tartar with bacteria deep beneath your gum line. The whole procedure is performed over two or more visits to your dentist’s office. A visit to your dentist is recommended after a month of this thorough cleaning for further follow-up. The above-mentioned treatments will only be effective if you have mild to moderate periodontitis.

Surgical periodontitis treatment

If you have moderate to severe periodontitis, you should think about the surgical therapy options listed below. 
  • Flap surgery: Our dental surgeon will make a small incision along the gum line. The dentist will temporarily lift the gum tissue away from the teeth. This will help in thorough cleaning of the area beneath your gum tissues. If you have severe bone loss, this will allow easy re-contour of the underlying bone. 
  • Bone grafts: If you are suffering from severe periodontitis, then you may have experienced a lot of bone loss. Your dentist may recommend placing bone graft material in those areas. The bone graft serves as a scaffold on which new bone will grow during healing. The graft material may be your bone, donated bone, or synthetic material.
  • Gum grafts: Periodontitis causes tooth recession. Your gum tissue may get pulled away from your teeth. It exposes your teeth’ surface and causes sensitivity when you take hot or cold food. To replace this lost tissue and restore the gum line, your dentist may recommend placing a gum graft around the affected teeth.
  • GTR: Guided tissue regeneration is performed by our dentists at Magnolia Dental, which will help in restoring the lost tissues surrounding your teeth.
  • PRP: Platelet-rich plasma can help to regenerate the lost bone or gum tissue. PRP can be made from a sample of your blood to encourage new bone growth in those bone-deficient areas.
  • Laser treatment: Our dentists are well-equipped and skilled with laser procedures for treating periodontitis. They will use a laser to remove the diseased gum tissues surrounding the affected teeth. These pinpointed light beams of thermal energy also help to kill the germs and bacteria causing periodontitis.
  • Periowave laser treatment: The treatment option will keep your gum tissue intact and remove the harmful bacteria, toxins or parasites that caused the infection. The procedure is safe and pain-free and can take approximately two hours, based on the extent of the disease. This is considered an effective alternative to antibiotics and surgery for treating periodontitis.

To sum up, practicing a good oral hygiene routine along with regular dental visits can keep all your periodontal problems at bay. Our dentists at Magnolia Dental will guide you through the procedure and provide you with some tips that will help you get better oral hygiene.

Read More

Must Know Reasons for Dental Implant Failure

Whether you want to get your single or multiple teeth replaced, a dental implant can restore your natural and beautiful smile while enhancing your quality of life. They function as an alternative to dentures, crowns and bridges and have a great acceptance and success rate. However, there are some factors that may cause implant failure. Cases of implant failure are rare, but may cause complications if left untreated. Here, we have discussed these factors so that you can make an informed decision before considering a dental implant as your treatment option.

7 reasons why your dental implant may fail

1. Malalignment of the implant:

This is one of the challenging aspects of placing an implant. The implant should be surrounded by healthy bone. However, in several cases, the ideal position of the bone might not be the ideal position for the implant. This eventually leads to an unnatural appearance along with receding gum line. The dark gray metal line might get visible around the implant.

However, rectifying the wrong placement may get a little tricky for dentists. As the removal process may injure the surrounding bone or adjacent tooth.

Our experts at Magnolia Dental in Waterdown are experienced enough to deliver the best possible results for restoring your smile.

2. Occlusal overload:

One of the primary concerns for the health of your implants. This may happen due to excessive biting force, para functional habits (teeth grinding) and due to insufficient occlusal surface.

You can surely mitigate the chances of implant failure by correcting the occlusal overload and by getting timely treatment for bruxism. This way you can avoid implant failure.

3. Peri-implantitis:

A disease that results in the inflammation of soft tissues surrounding the implant. This can significantly deteriorate the bone around the osseointegrated implant. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and other factors like periodontitis or diabetes may also increase the risk of implant failure by multiple times.

4. Poor implant quality:

Even if you take care of all the above-mentioned factors, you may suffer from pain, swelling, loosening of the implant fixture or redness and discomfort at the implant site. Inadequate methods and the unavailability of superior materials also play a significant role in implant failure. That is why checking the accreditation of your concerned dental office before proceeding with implant placement is necessary.

5. Overall health and wellness:

As per our experts, the condition of your overall oral health can also influence the success rate of implant placement. Any pre-existing health condition(diabetes, high blood pressure) or if you take any medications that have a detrimental effect on your bone may lead to implant failure.

At Magnolia Dental, our experts will guide you in taking care of your oral hygiene during post-implant placement. This can increase the longevity and success rate of your implant.

6. Poorly taken impression:

After placing the implant fixture, your dentist can take the oral impression and send it to the lab for making crowns. If the impressions are not taken properly, the crown might not fit. This will result in a gap between the crown and gum line. And make the implant more prone to infection and eventually lead to implant failure.

7. Bone loss:

This happens among those who wait for a too long time after tooth loss or tooth extraction. Without any tooth, the jawbone around the problem area gets weakened and degraded, making it difficult for dentists to place an implant.

Your dentist may suggest eating a healthy diet enriched with calcium, vitamin C and vitamin D along with cutting down on bad habits like frequent smoking, eating junk and sticky foods or overeating. As this may ultimately lead to plaque production and reduced bone mass, causing implant failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my implants are failing?

Although there are multiple factors that can cause implant failure, the signs and symptoms are the same for all. Here are a few common signs that indicate a failing implant.  
  • Pain or discomfort around the implant
  • Redness, and swelling at the site
  • Loosening of the implant fixture within bone that shows a lack of osseointegration.

Why there is a 3-6 month waiting period before the final implant crown is placed?

The implant gets attached to the surrounding bone by a process called osseointegration. The bone attaches itself to the metal/ceramic implant surface to provide firm support over the month or years.

What can you do to avoid a failing implant?

Having an implant failure in your mouth may seem scary. However, the good news is that you can avoid a failing implant with easy and simple steps such as

  • Taking good care of your oral hygiene
  • Brushing and flossing twice daily
  • Avoiding hard and sticky food items
  • Dietary changes and including Vitamin C and calcium

Apart from these, visiting your dentist at an interval of every three to six months can keep you away from any issues that may harm your implant. Here at Magnolia Dental, we employ cutting-edge technological innovations to provide quality services and long-lasting dental implants to our patients. If you have any queries or to schedule a consultation with our experts, call us at 289-780-4609

Read More