Thought I would share this great dental article released by Newswire.ca yesterday.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2010/28/c6490.html
Take care of your teeth and you will help maintain the rest of your body and health!
Have a good one!
Nathan
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Not a question, but a report on elder oral care from the ODA.
http://www.oda.on.ca/ontario-dental-association-calls-for-help-for-the-frail-elderly.html
Something for all of us to think about and with this report that increased access for elders can be attained.
Nathan
Something for all of us to think about and with this report that increased access for elders can be attained.
Nathan
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Should I avoid dentistry while I am pregnant?
Q:
via email April 9, 2010 from Yasmin J
I am 8 weeks pregnant and I am wondering when I can get my teeth cleaned as I have noticed that my gums are bleeding and sore. My last dental cleaning was over 1 year ago so I am definitely due.
A:
Thank you for your question Yasmin and congratulations on your pregnancy! Dental care during your pregnancy is very important both for yourself and for your baby. Typically my personal recommendation is as minimal dental treatment possible within the first trimester when the fetal organ's are developing. While dental treatment may not harm this development, it is best to limit potential risk. I recommend dental treatment be done in the second trimester and third if need be (after fetal development is complete). Dental treatment in these latter trimesters should allow for flexibility of movement for the mother as laying on the back for an extended period of time can place pressue on the interior vena cava, so movement during the appointment is necessary.
A dental cleaning in the second trimester and a subsequent one prior to the birth of the baby is important to remove bacterial plaque and tartar to help prevent pregnancy gingivitis-pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow cause the gums to become increasingly sensitive to bacterial plaque, thus inflammation of the gums occurs. Brushing and flossing at home to remove the bacterial plaque is vital to maintaining a healthy mouth during pregnancy, while visiting the dentist assists in removal of both bacterial plaque and tartar both above and below to prevent gingivitis and allowing it to heal.
Pregnancy and your teeth
X-rays are normally not taken during a check-up at your dentist while pregnant so being aware of any warning signs of dental problems is very important, for example a new area of sensitivity, ache/pressure or bad taste/pus should be thoroughly checked to ensure no dental issues are occurring.
Great question, thank you!
Nathan
via email April 9, 2010 from Yasmin J
I am 8 weeks pregnant and I am wondering when I can get my teeth cleaned as I have noticed that my gums are bleeding and sore. My last dental cleaning was over 1 year ago so I am definitely due.
A:
Thank you for your question Yasmin and congratulations on your pregnancy! Dental care during your pregnancy is very important both for yourself and for your baby. Typically my personal recommendation is as minimal dental treatment possible within the first trimester when the fetal organ's are developing. While dental treatment may not harm this development, it is best to limit potential risk. I recommend dental treatment be done in the second trimester and third if need be (after fetal development is complete). Dental treatment in these latter trimesters should allow for flexibility of movement for the mother as laying on the back for an extended period of time can place pressue on the interior vena cava, so movement during the appointment is necessary.
A dental cleaning in the second trimester and a subsequent one prior to the birth of the baby is important to remove bacterial plaque and tartar to help prevent pregnancy gingivitis-pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow cause the gums to become increasingly sensitive to bacterial plaque, thus inflammation of the gums occurs. Brushing and flossing at home to remove the bacterial plaque is vital to maintaining a healthy mouth during pregnancy, while visiting the dentist assists in removal of both bacterial plaque and tartar both above and below to prevent gingivitis and allowing it to heal.
Pregnancy and your teeth
X-rays are normally not taken during a check-up at your dentist while pregnant so being aware of any warning signs of dental problems is very important, for example a new area of sensitivity, ache/pressure or bad taste/pus should be thoroughly checked to ensure no dental issues are occurring.
Great question, thank you!
Nathan
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Why is my front bottom tooth dark?
Q:
Via email Monday April 5, 2010 from Chris.
I have noticed over the past two years my lower front tooth has become darker than the teeth beside it. The tooth almost looks grey. When I was 17 (I am now 26) I fell on my face off a skateboard. At that time I cut up my lips a lot and banged my bottom teeth, but nothing happened at the time and I haven't thought of it since until I noticed my tooth was going grey. I don't have any pain, but I do not like how it looks at all.and wondering what to do.
A:
I cannot comment specifically on your tooth as I haven't examined it, but I can give you some broad answers that may help guide you in what to do next.
First, a tooth that darkens overall and has a greyish appearance typically is one in that the nerve and pulp is dying or dead. A healthy tooth has a rich vascular network within the pulp which nourishes the tooth, when trauma occurs that blood supply overtime can coagulate like a bruise and the nerve of the tooth ceases having sensation. This is when the grey colour appears and unfortunately stays.
The solutions to this may vary, in most cases a root canal can be performed which takes the dead nerve and pulp out of the tooth and replaced with an inert material which fills the space. After the root canal is performed a dental crown or cap may be recommended to protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent fracture. This new dental crown can be matched to your existing adjacent teeth to look as natural as possible.
In select cases where a dental crown or cap is not the choice, dental bleaching may be done on the inside of the tooth to remove the staining on the inside of the tooth. After this bleaching is completed a permanent filling would be put on the tooth to cover the hole where access was made to perform a root canal.
I hope this has helped. Your next step is to visit a Toronto Dentist to assess your particular dental situation.
Thanks for the great question!
Nathan
Via email Monday April 5, 2010 from Chris.
I have noticed over the past two years my lower front tooth has become darker than the teeth beside it. The tooth almost looks grey. When I was 17 (I am now 26) I fell on my face off a skateboard. At that time I cut up my lips a lot and banged my bottom teeth, but nothing happened at the time and I haven't thought of it since until I noticed my tooth was going grey. I don't have any pain, but I do not like how it looks at all.and wondering what to do.
A:
I cannot comment specifically on your tooth as I haven't examined it, but I can give you some broad answers that may help guide you in what to do next.
First, a tooth that darkens overall and has a greyish appearance typically is one in that the nerve and pulp is dying or dead. A healthy tooth has a rich vascular network within the pulp which nourishes the tooth, when trauma occurs that blood supply overtime can coagulate like a bruise and the nerve of the tooth ceases having sensation. This is when the grey colour appears and unfortunately stays.
The solutions to this may vary, in most cases a root canal can be performed which takes the dead nerve and pulp out of the tooth and replaced with an inert material which fills the space. After the root canal is performed a dental crown or cap may be recommended to protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent fracture. This new dental crown can be matched to your existing adjacent teeth to look as natural as possible.
In select cases where a dental crown or cap is not the choice, dental bleaching may be done on the inside of the tooth to remove the staining on the inside of the tooth. After this bleaching is completed a permanent filling would be put on the tooth to cover the hole where access was made to perform a root canal.
I hope this has helped. Your next step is to visit a Toronto Dentist to assess your particular dental situation.
Thanks for the great question!
Nathan
Sunday, March 28, 2010
How many teeth should my child have?
Q:
How many teeth should my 3.5 year old child have? (Question from Child/Toddler Day at the Dentist Program-Sat.March 27, 2010)
A:
A child that has all of his/her primary teeth should have 20 teeth total. Just remember their are always exceptions where a tooth may not form or an extra (supernumerary) tooth is formed.
Great question! Thanks!
How many teeth should my 3.5 year old child have? (Question from Child/Toddler Day at the Dentist Program-Sat.March 27, 2010)
A:
A child that has all of his/her primary teeth should have 20 teeth total. Just remember their are always exceptions where a tooth may not form or an extra (supernumerary) tooth is formed.
Great question! Thanks!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Why should I consider a dental implant for my newly missing tooth?
Q:
Recently I lost one of my teeth due to a skiing accident this past winter. I fell and ended up hitting my mouth in the process, as a result one of my front top teeth became very loose over a period of 2 weeks. Unfortunately I did not see a dentist during that time period and ended up only seeing one once the tooth was very loose and started to ache upon eating food. I saw an emergency dentist who removed the tooth and made a small denture for me to wear to replace the missing one. I have worn this small denture now for 1 month and I cannot stand it, it moves all over the place and when I eat food gets stuck underneath. As well, I have to take it out at night and I cannot even look at myself in the mirror when it is out because I look funny. I am 34 and I don`t think I want to have this denture for the rest of my life. I have read some stuff about dental implants and dental bridges, but I am not sure which one is right for me.
A:
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your front tooth, it can be traumatic to lose your tooth and the smile you are used to. Thankfully dentistry nowadays can allow you to restore you smile to what it was before your accident.
When deciding whether a dental implant or dental bridge is the right choice for you, we need to look at the circumstances in your mouth. First we need to look at the overall health of your oral cavity-the gums, the bone levels and your teeth surrounding the site where the implant or bridge will go. If your gums and bone levels are healthy then you may be a candidate for either a dental implant of dental bridge. Second I would assess the health of the surrounding teeth, do they have large fillings on them or are they virgin teeth- thost that have not been filled, fractured or damaged previously.
A dental implant in itself can fully replace the missing tooth. Dental implants once placed can fully replicate the tooth you have lost both aesthetically and functionally if good care is taken when placing it into the bone and allowing the healing process to occur (typically 3-6 months). The nice thing about dental implants as well, if they are taken good care of, can last many years to a lifetime. Prior to placing a dental implant, an implant dentist must do a thorough assessment of your bite, bone levels at the site where the implant will be placed and dental impressions. Through this a map is made to guide in the placement of the titanium dental implant through to healing and completion of your dental implant.
Another option is a dental bridge. A dental bridge basically spans the space where the missing tooth is. A dental bridges attaches at both sides to what is called an abutment (the teeth that are present on each side of the space) and in the middle is what is called a pontic (an artificial tooth)which is attached to the abutments. A dental bridge when made well can be aesthetically pleasing but you must remember that since the bridge itself is passive and not held by the bone itself, bone and gum tissue underneath the missing tooth may be lost overtime. If bone and gum loss occur a space may become present that can be obvious when you smile. This does not occur in all cases but is a possiblity.
The most important thing is that you have a thorough examination of your oral cavity and your treatment options explained to you prior to making a decision. I hope I have helped you gain some information so you can make an informed decision.
For more info about dental implants and dental bridges please see the links to my site below,
Dental Implants
Dental Bridges
Recently I lost one of my teeth due to a skiing accident this past winter. I fell and ended up hitting my mouth in the process, as a result one of my front top teeth became very loose over a period of 2 weeks. Unfortunately I did not see a dentist during that time period and ended up only seeing one once the tooth was very loose and started to ache upon eating food. I saw an emergency dentist who removed the tooth and made a small denture for me to wear to replace the missing one. I have worn this small denture now for 1 month and I cannot stand it, it moves all over the place and when I eat food gets stuck underneath. As well, I have to take it out at night and I cannot even look at myself in the mirror when it is out because I look funny. I am 34 and I don`t think I want to have this denture for the rest of my life. I have read some stuff about dental implants and dental bridges, but I am not sure which one is right for me.
A:
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your front tooth, it can be traumatic to lose your tooth and the smile you are used to. Thankfully dentistry nowadays can allow you to restore you smile to what it was before your accident.
When deciding whether a dental implant or dental bridge is the right choice for you, we need to look at the circumstances in your mouth. First we need to look at the overall health of your oral cavity-the gums, the bone levels and your teeth surrounding the site where the implant or bridge will go. If your gums and bone levels are healthy then you may be a candidate for either a dental implant of dental bridge. Second I would assess the health of the surrounding teeth, do they have large fillings on them or are they virgin teeth- thost that have not been filled, fractured or damaged previously.
A dental implant in itself can fully replace the missing tooth. Dental implants once placed can fully replicate the tooth you have lost both aesthetically and functionally if good care is taken when placing it into the bone and allowing the healing process to occur (typically 3-6 months). The nice thing about dental implants as well, if they are taken good care of, can last many years to a lifetime. Prior to placing a dental implant, an implant dentist must do a thorough assessment of your bite, bone levels at the site where the implant will be placed and dental impressions. Through this a map is made to guide in the placement of the titanium dental implant through to healing and completion of your dental implant.
Another option is a dental bridge. A dental bridge basically spans the space where the missing tooth is. A dental bridges attaches at both sides to what is called an abutment (the teeth that are present on each side of the space) and in the middle is what is called a pontic (an artificial tooth)which is attached to the abutments. A dental bridge when made well can be aesthetically pleasing but you must remember that since the bridge itself is passive and not held by the bone itself, bone and gum tissue underneath the missing tooth may be lost overtime. If bone and gum loss occur a space may become present that can be obvious when you smile. This does not occur in all cases but is a possiblity.
The most important thing is that you have a thorough examination of your oral cavity and your treatment options explained to you prior to making a decision. I hope I have helped you gain some information so you can make an informed decision.
For more info about dental implants and dental bridges please see the links to my site below,
Dental Implants
Dental Bridges
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What is considered cosmetic dentistry?
Q:
From Anthony via email Monday March 22, 2010
I would like to join your dental practice and I am considering some cosmetic dentistry for my front teeth which I am not sure is considered cosmetic dentistry or not? I have a dental insurance plan through my work and was informed through the company that cosmetic dentistry is not covered under my plan. I feel at this point I would like my front teeth fixed to look good regardless of what my insurance covers. What are my options for fixing my front teeth, overall I would like them whiter but I also think my teeth look very straight across the bottom like they are worn down.
A:
Thank you for your question. Dentistry can usually be categorized into two categories, elective and non-elective. Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry which is done to enhance your smile and is elective-your choice to do it. Non-elective treatment is usally that type of dentistry which needs to be fixed or repaired due to cavities/decay, fracture or wear, this type of dentistry is typically covered by a dental insurance plan.
Choices for cosmetic enhancement of your teeth may include the following and depend on your individual circumstance;
-Porcelain Veneers
-Teeth Whitening or Bleaching
-Porcelain Crowns
-Dental Bridges
-Dental Implants
-Gum contouring with a dental laser
-Bite Analysis
Prior to proceeding with any dental treatment it is important to fully examine both the teeth and your bite. A full exam like this includes a smile analysis which takes into effect the size/shape/colour/symmetry and overall characteristics of your smile and teeth. In this way we can fully describe the options available to you for enhancement of your smile.
I would be happy to see you and invite you to my Family, Laser, Cosmetic and Implant Dental Practice in Toronto.
Visit my website at, http://www.drnathanhaas.com/
From Anthony via email Monday March 22, 2010
I would like to join your dental practice and I am considering some cosmetic dentistry for my front teeth which I am not sure is considered cosmetic dentistry or not? I have a dental insurance plan through my work and was informed through the company that cosmetic dentistry is not covered under my plan. I feel at this point I would like my front teeth fixed to look good regardless of what my insurance covers. What are my options for fixing my front teeth, overall I would like them whiter but I also think my teeth look very straight across the bottom like they are worn down.
A:
Thank you for your question. Dentistry can usually be categorized into two categories, elective and non-elective. Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry which is done to enhance your smile and is elective-your choice to do it. Non-elective treatment is usally that type of dentistry which needs to be fixed or repaired due to cavities/decay, fracture or wear, this type of dentistry is typically covered by a dental insurance plan.
Choices for cosmetic enhancement of your teeth may include the following and depend on your individual circumstance;
-Porcelain Veneers
-Teeth Whitening or Bleaching
-Porcelain Crowns
-Dental Bridges
-Dental Implants
-Gum contouring with a dental laser
-Bite Analysis
Prior to proceeding with any dental treatment it is important to fully examine both the teeth and your bite. A full exam like this includes a smile analysis which takes into effect the size/shape/colour/symmetry and overall characteristics of your smile and teeth. In this way we can fully describe the options available to you for enhancement of your smile.
I would be happy to see you and invite you to my Family, Laser, Cosmetic and Implant Dental Practice in Toronto.
Visit my website at, http://www.drnathanhaas.com/
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