Learn the Benefits of Dental Implants

Tooth loss is a nation-wide epidemic. Over 20% of Canadians are missing an entire mouthful of teeth. A larger percentage have lost one tooth or more. Luckily, now there are better tooth replacement solutions than ever.

Dental Implants Function Much Like Natural Teeth

There are several tooth replacement options available, but dental implants offer the most advantages. A prosthetic tooth root is surgically inserted (implanted) into the jawbone. The exposed portion of the titanium post is attached to a dental crown. Compared to other types of dentures, implants function and appear most like natural teeth.

There Are Many Benefits to Choosing Implants

Here are the main reasons why many patients choose dental implants instead of a traditional tooth restoration solution:

  • Dental Implants Are Convenient and Long-Lasting: Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place and are not taken out for eating or cleaning. Because implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution, adhesive is not required, and if you take proper care of them, they should last a lifetime.
  • Get the Look, Feel and Function of Your Natural Teeth: Implants function and feel like natural teeth. This means, the prosthetic will not interfere with normal speech and you can enjoy the foods you like to eat without fear of causing damage.
  • Oral Hygiene Isn’t Complicated by Implants: Practice the same good oral hygiene habits as you always would by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. Dental implants are easy to keep clean.
  • Implants Prevent Bone Deterioration and Loss: Missing teeth lead to deterioration of the underlying supportive bone. It causes the facial structure to sink in over time. Dental implants serve as a replacement tooth root that stimulates natural bone growth in the jaw.
  • Leave Your Natural Teeth Unaltered: Some tooth restoration options, such as a dental bridge, require grating down surrounding healthy teeth to serve as anchors. Dental implants can replace missing teeth without needing to alter the surrounding healthy teeth.

Tooth Loss Should Not Steal Your Smile

Never allow missing teeth to rob you of your smile. If you are missing one or more teeth, contact My Dental Clinic to discuss the best tooth replacement solutions for you.

First Dental Visit Expectations

They say that you can only make a first impression once, and we take that very seriously. We want to make sure your first dental visit with us is a smooth and easy process. If you have had prior experiences at the dentist that was not pleasant, it can be very beneficial to share that with us when making your appointment, so we can make a note of this.

Your First Visit

When you visit our office, you will be welcomed into a nice and comfortable environment. We will help and assist you to complete all insurance and health information, but to make the process easier, you can fill out this information on our website in advance. This allows us to ensure that we can begin your dental exam on time. It is important to remember to always bring your insurance card with you so we can verify the information on it.

We always want to get acquainted with our patients for their first visit. We are curious about your hopes, goals, and desires when it comes to your dental needs. Are there issues getting in the way of these goals that we can help you eliminate? Dental care starts with an open line of communication, and we want to make sure we are able to help you in any way we can. We will always speak with you directly about any dental conditions that could potentially arise down the road.

If you have questions to ask the doctor, before coming in to visit, many people like to write out the list of questions they have. They can sometimes forget some of them when they are actually in the dentist’s chair, so writing them out can be very helpful for some. In addition to questions, what concerns do you have? Are you concerned about what toothpaste to use? Grinding your teeth in your sleep? Your dentist can help!

Relieving Red Inflamed Gums Following Dental Work

When dental work is performed on or near the gums, there is a chance of the patient’s gums becoming red and irritated. This is a fairly common problem, and it can cause the gums to look unnatural and a bit strange. The gums can get puffy or swollen, and the gums can also change to a bright red color, which can result in gums that look very unhealthy.

In dental terms, this is known as Biological Width Invasion. A first instinct to help make the gums better is to try brushing or flossing the area, but these will unfortunately not improve the issue and can cause the gums to bleed. While the condition is painless, it can cause slight gum bleeding even when following proper oral hygiene.

Causes of Biological Width Invasion

Biological Width Invasion will often happen when a dental restoration is done too deeply such as a deep cavity, or if the cavity filled dips below the gum line. The body wants to reposition the tooth that has been affected by a dental procedure, causing a constant state of unrest that cannot be resolved unless something is done to the gum and/or the bone above or below the gum.

Dental Treatments to Relieve Gum Irritation

A common procedure performed to heal the gums is called crown lengthening. The bone, and usually the gums as well, is repositioned a little further from the dental restoration. This creates a normal relationship between the two. It will resolve the unhealthy inflammation and appearance and lead to better oral health. If you are unsure if you may have Biological Width Invasion, don’t take a chance and give our Calgary office a call today!

Developing a Good Dental Routine

We’re sure that everyone has heard how important a good dental routine can be for achieving optimal oral health. However, a good dental routine can also prevent certain health complications overall. Newer research has shown that poor dental hygiene habits can contribute to heart disease, diabetes complications, and even gastrointestinal problems. So how exactly can you develop a good dental routine to prevent these issues from happening in the first place?

Brushing

When it comes to brushing those pearly whites, you should be doing it a minimum of twice a day. When brushing be sure not to brush too hard; this can actually wear away enamel. Make sure you also buy a soft-bristled toothbrush as hard bristles can damage enamel as well.

Toothbrush Care

And speaking of toothbrushes, when is the last time you replaced it? If the answer isn’t in the last 3-4 months, you should probably pick one up next time you are at the store! As you use a toothbrush, they will become frayed and worn, making them less effective. Bacteria also begins to grow on the toothbrush, making it not very sanitary. You should also be sure to always store your brush in a place with good air circulation; dark and warm containers and cabinets can promote bacteria growth.

Flossing

You should also make sure that flossing is part of your daily routine. A toothbrush cannot reach every surface of your tooth; the areas in between often have debris and bacteria that only dental floss can reach. If you prefer something easy, they even make floss picks which can be disposed of after use and help you reach those back teeth!

Professional Dental Care

Along with a proper at-home dental routine, routine professional dental care is also essential for optimal oral health. Be sure to schedule routine oral examinations and dental cleanings so that a professional can evaluate your teeth, discuss necessary treatments and use specialized tools to remove any plaque and tartar you may have missed.

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