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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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5 Benefits of Having Braces

The use of dental braces dates back to the 18th century AD. They are used successfully to correct unfavorable tooth alignment. The development of the nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) metal alloy by NASA marked a significant advancement in the field of teeth straightening. Ni-Ti was ideal for producing fine, supple wires that could hold their shape after being bent and affixed to the teeth.

Types:

At first glance, all braces seem the same, but there are small differences between them. Would you believe it if you were told that there are over 5 types of braces that the dentist has to offer you? Metal braces, metal self-ligating braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and so forth.

In contrast to braces, clear aligners are more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear, but they also require the patient to put in some effort. The patient must change their aligners once a week and wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day.

5 benefits of braces:

1. Teeth straightening and bite correction

The crooked teeth are straightened with braces. Cross bites, overbites, under bites, and open bites are examples of misaligned teeth. They often cause unintentional cheek bites and tongue bites, which are immensely painful. Well-arranged teeth in an ideal position are both esthetically and functionally beneficial.

Misaligned, crooked teeth often overload certain segments of the jaw, leading to a difficult bite, jaw pain, and joint disorders. Well-arranged teeth evenly distribute the chewing forces. A corrected bite is functionally healthier.

2. Smile designing

Your teeth will gradually move into their ideal alignment as a result of braces. They help achieve that Hollywood smile you wanted. Your appearance, self-esteem and social interactions will improve as you become more confident.

3. Better speech

The clarity of pronunciation greatly depends on your teeth. So speaking clearly can be a challenge if you have crooked teeth. Braces can help you speak more clearly by shifting the positions of your teeth. Realigning the jaw or teeth gives your tongue more room to move, which lessens slurred speech.

4. Better gum health, fewer cavities, fewer risks of tooth injuries, reduced risks of temporomandibular joint disorders, and maintenance of the jaw bone and muscles:

Crooked or misaligned teeth are more prone to trapping plaque and food particles. As a result, bacteria can grow and eventually infect the gums. With braces, your teeth are straight, making it simpler to brush and floss them. As a result, less debris is trapped, and bacterial growth is reduced to prevent gum disease. Wearing braces can help prevent tooth decay by aligning the teeth, so they are easy to clean and maintain.

Protruded teeth are precariously placed and prone to accidents. Braces are important in preventing such mishaps. A corrected bite with uniform chewing forces does not stress the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding muscles. The bones, muscles, and teeth function in harmony.

5. Efficient chewing of food: an aid to digestion

Your mouth cannot properly chew food into tiny bits if your teeth are crooked. Smaller food particles are easily digested. As digestion improves, so does your overall physical and mental health. The misalignment of the teeth and jaw leads to jawbone deterioration. When teeth lack an opposing tooth structure, the jawbone loses stimulation, which can result in bone erosion. Patients with missing teeth frequently experience jawbone erosion. A perfect, balanced bite can be achieved with the aid of braces to prevent such consequences.

Book a dental appointment for braces and clear aligners easily through our website, or just give us a call and speak to a member of our team who will be happy to assist you. Magnolia Dental is the winner of the Best Dental Services Award. Have a look through our patient testimonials to see why so many have picked Magnolia to be their dentist in Waterdown.   

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Brushing – Must Know Do’s and Don’ts

How do you maintain oral hygiene in-between your dental appointments? Simply by brushing your teeth. Teeth cleaning with a toothbrush is one of the first activities that mom and dad teach. It’s easy and yet so intricate. Rightly so! It is indeed difficult to brush correctly. Dental exams by dentists repeatedly emphasize the importance of tooth brushing.

We at Magnolia Dental take pride in educating our patients and not just treating them. Let’s take a quick look at the dos and don’ts of brushing your teeth.

Brushing - Dos of brushing that you need to swear by!

1. Brush twice a day:

It is necessary to brush twice daily. Teeth cleaning before bedtime is important. Why so?

When we sleep, our bodies enter a state of hibernation, and our mouths barely produce any saliva. A dry mouth is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which is bad for the enamel. Rapid bacterial growth occurs when leftover food is present. Tartar and cavities both develop quickly. This culminates in waking up with bad breath. Thus, brush your teeth before going to bed and refrain from snacking at midnight afterward.

Don’t brush before breakfast; instead, do so afterward since breakfast and lunch are frequently spaced apart, and good oral hygiene is crucial.

2. Brush for about 2 minutes:

There is no ideal time span for brushing. But kindly take your time! Don’t use your phone or wander the house while you’re brushing your teeth. A dedicated team of oral hygienists at Magnolia Dental will spend time educating you and recommending tools to make brushing easier for you.

3. Brush technique – is more important than brushing frequency!

You should never brush your teeth horizontally. The best way to brush is to make slight sweeping motions while holding the brush head at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Gum recession is caused by improper brushing techniques.

4. Replace your brush when the bristles fray (3 to 4 months):

If your bristles fray too fast, the brushing is too hard. You shouldn’t use force and scrub your teeth. Be gentle and use a soft toothbrush. Watch out for the fraying and distortion of the bristles, which should take about 90 days.

5. Use a soft toothbrush:

Bristles can be classified as soft, medium, or hard. Soft bristles are typically preferred by dentists over harder ones because they are less damaging to enamel than the former. Soft toothbrushes are also gentler on the gums and less likely to cause them to recede.

6. Use fluoride-based toothpaste unless you are allergic: 

Fluoride guards teeth against decay by strengthening developing enamel and reducing the amount of acid produced by bacteria in the plaque.

7. Clean your toothbrush:

Please do not boil your toothbrush. Either soak it in an antibacterial mouthwash or dip it in mild lukewarm water / mild peroxide sol solution. For disinfection, UV toothbrush sanitizers are available.

8. Store your toothbrush correctly:

It is best not to store the toothbrush in a closed case. Clean it and store it in a hygienic rack “outside” the bathroom. Yes! Studies shows fewer microbes when stored away from the washroom.

9. You have to brush your baby’s teeth:

Brush your baby’s teeth as soon as you see the first milk teeth erupt.  A child’s milk teeth or deciduous teeth play a pivotal role in his overall health and confidence. 

10. Visit your dentist periodically!

Needless to say, dental visits do not follow a universal protocol. Some people only need to visit twice a year, while others may need more than that. In order to avoid future painful, expensive, and time-consuming dental procedures, preventive dentistry suggests routine dental checkups.

Brushing - Don’t!

1. Do not use hard toothbrushes.

2. You have to brush your teeth, not scrub them. 

3. Do not forget to use brush adjuvants! 

Dental floss and mouthwash assist the toothbrush in helping with your overall oral hygiene.

4. What happens when you do not brush your tongue?

You develop infections and bad breath. The white-coated tongue is common in patients with poor oral hygiene.

5. Do not use abrasive pastes and tooth powders.

6. Do not brush immediately after eating or drinking.

Busting a common myth, foods and beverages contain acidic portions that soften the enamel. By brushing teeth immediately after food, the chances of enamel erosion increase.

7. You do not have to brush after every meal.

Rinse and wash away all loose leftovers in the mouth; brushing twice a day is sufficient.

8. Never share your toothbrush.

It is unhygienic and ew!

9. What happens when you miss brushing your teeth?

For every six hours of leftover food, there is a small portion of calculus/tartar that is formed.

10. What happens when you miss your dental appointments?

The presence of tartar, stains, minor tooth decay, and gum recession goes unnoticed. You may have to undergo further complicated dental procedures later.

Magnolia Dental is one of Waterdown’s upscale dental practices. From routine checkups and cleanings to dental emergencies and your children’s first dental visit, we offer a full range of dental services to take care of the teeth of you and your family. A well-informed patient is a good patient.

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How to Handle Dental Emergencies!

Accidents and dental emergencies do happen, but how you respond will determine whether you save or destroy your teeth. Oh, yes! I can imagine what you’re thinking: as if dealing with dental anxiety wasn’t stressful enough, now you have to handle a dental emergency. It is unquestionably an emergency when your baby falls on his face, or you have a severe toothache. People frequently rush to the nearest emergency rooms or hospitals in these situations.

Have you heard of an emergency dentist?

Particularly with dental emergencies, you might find yourself waiting three hours in a hospital when a quick trip to your local dentist in Waterdown, would have been sufficient. Yes, dentists are rigorously trained to manage dental emergencies.

What are dental emergencies?

According to the Canadian Dental Association, dental emergencies are potentially life-threatening and require immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding or to relieve severe pain or infection.

The distinction between a dental emergency and a dental urgency is subtle. While emergencies are typically life-threatening, an urgency focuses on managing conditions that need quick attention to relieve intense pain or a probable infection

Both can be handled by an emergency dentist in a dental setup, but emergencies do require ambulatory measures thereafter,

Dental emergencies:

  1. Uncontrolled bleeding
  2. Cellulitis or swellings that affect the airway, causing difficulty in breathing.
  3. Road traffic accidents involving head and neck injuries.

Dental urgencies include the following:

  1. Toothache: excruciating dental pain. Toothaches can be caused by dental infections, biting on something hard, stuck food, or gum recession.
  2. Wisdom tooth pain.
  3. Abscess or pus-filled pimple on the gums.
  4. A fractured tooth, caused by a sudden blow, hard food, or a fall.
  5. Avulsed tooth / knocked-out tooth: an accident causing a tooth to pop out. It is prevalent in kids and happens to adults as well.
  6. Post-operative pain: after an extraction, root canal therapy, etc., there can be an exacerbation of pain and swelling.

How to handle dental emergencies and urgencies like a pro:

The answer is to visit your emergency dentist. What does an emergency dentist do ?

1. The dentist can accurately diagnose dental emergencies and explain the dos and don’ts. He will refer you to an emergency room in a hospital with the correct references.

2. Toothaches are painful and brutal and can leave you with headaches, earaches, and restless nights. An emergency dentist performs a quick gum cleaning, saline wash, or tooth filling to alleviate the pain. If you are unable to see a dentist, you could gargle with warm salt water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever for immediate relief.  

3. A knocked-out tooth :
Be quick; whether it is for an adult or a child. You need to carry the tooth to the dentist within an hour. The best place to keep an avulsed tooth is in cold milk. The dentist cleans and replaces the tooth in the socket, further treats the infection, and splints it.
4. Abscess/swellings :
The dentist cleans the swelling to drain the pus and make you feel better.
5. Wisdom tooth pain :

The last molar hurts when it is erupting. Furthermore, it is typically found to be impacted in the current population. This leaves very little to no room for it to erupt. Tooth decay, gum overgrowth, and recurrent food lodgment are the main causes of tooth and ear pain in that region. The dentist will surgically remove the tooth under local anesthesia.

6. Tooth fracture:

the dentist evaluates the extent of the fracture to either salvage the tooth or extract it and replace the same with a dental implant.

Quick tips to address dental emergencies at home:

  1. Warm water with a pinch of salt rinses
  2. Paracetamol to alleviate the pain
  3. Clove oil for a swollen gum
  4. Keeping a wound clean

Emergency Dentistry in Waterdown is synonymous with Magnolia Dental. Magnolia Dental is one of Waterdown’s upscale dental practices. The clinic is accepting new patients and would love to have you. Book a dental appointment easily through the website, or just give a call and speak to a member of the team who will be happy to assist you with a same day emergency appointment.

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