Month: January 2018

Your mouth is a lot like the Wild West — home to millions of bacteria and other microbes, some of which are definitely not “the good guys.” But your teeth are well-protected from these hostile forces and their acidic waste products: with enamel shielding the visible part of your tooth, your gums protect the parts you can’t see.

As effective as they are, though, your gums aren’t invincible: their greatest threat is periodontal (gum) disease. This bacterial infection arises from plaque, a thin film of bacteria and food particles accumulating on teeth due to inadequate brushing and flossing.

The infected tissues soon become inflamed (red and swollen), a natural defensive response from the immune system. The longer they’re inflamed, however, the more likely they’ll begin detaching from the teeth. The gums may eventually shrink back or recede from the teeth, often causing them to appear “longer” because more of the tooth is now exposed to view.

Gum recession doesn’t bode well for your teeth’s survival: the exposed tooth and underlying bone can become even more susceptible to infection and damage. In the end, you could lose your tooth and portions of the supporting bone.

Treatment depends on the severity of the gum recession. In mild to moderate cases, we may only need to perform the standard gum disease treatment of removing plaque and calculus from all gum and tooth surfaces (including below the gum line) with special instruments. This helps reduce the infection and allow the gums to heal and re-establish attachment with the tooth. In more advanced cases, though, the recession may be so extensive we’ll need to graft donor tissue to the area using one of a variety of surgical techniques.

Although the right treatment plan can help restore your gum health, there’s another approach that’s even better — preventing gum disease in the first place. You can reduce your disease risk by practicing daily brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist regularly or when you see symptoms like gum swelling or bleeding. Taking care of your gums won’t just save your smile — it might also save your teeth.

If you would like more information on diagnosing and treating gum disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Gum Recession.”

Are you suffering from tooth decay? Have you considered tooth-colored fillings? Here in London, ON, our Northland Dental Centre family dental bondingdentists can help you get the smile you want.

Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite resin, can be accomplished in one visit; the procedure may take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your dental needs. Composites are used during dental bonding procedures. The composite used is made of plastic resin and finely ground glass-like particles, which is used to fix issues, such as:

• Chips and cracks
• Fractures
• Decays
• Discolored and stained teeth
• Short teeth

Fillings and Dental Bonding in London

In order to prepare your teeth for the composite, your dentist will clean your teeth to ensure they’re plaque-free. Then they’ll etch your teeth with an acidic gel that will open pores on the surface of your teeth. The dentist will then rinse the etching material and add the composite resin that matches the color of your teeth. The last step consists of the composite being hardened in place with a curing light and your teeth shaped into the right form.
Advantages of Tooth-colored Composite
After your doctor has finished the procedure, your teeth will look natural, especially if the tooth being filled is visible while you smile. Some other advantages include:

• Your teeth will look natural, so you won’t feel self-conscious when you smile
• The composite strengthens your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about applying too much pressure

Maintaining your New Bonding

Dental bondings require the same care as all your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before bed, and floss at least once. This will help keep your teeth healthy and avoid new cavities in your new tooth-colored fillings.

Consultation

For more information about tooth-colored fillings and how they can improve the appearance of your smile, call our family dentists at (519) 455-2551. The Northland Dental Centre is conveniently located in London, Ontario, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment!

What’s an actor’s most important feature? According to Vivica A. Fox, whose most recent big-screen role was in Independence Day: Resurgence, it’s what you see right up front.

“On screen, your smile and your eyes are the most inviting things that bring the audience in” she said. “Especially if you play the hot chick.”

But like lots of people, Vivica reached a point where she felt her smile needed a little help in order to look its best. That’s when she turned to a popular cosmetic dental treatment.

“I got veneers years ago,” Ms. Fox told Dear Doctor magazine in a recent interview, “just because I had some gapping that probably only I noticed.”

What exactly are dental veneers? Essentially, they are thin shells of lustrous porcelain that are permanently attached to the front surfaces of the teeth. Tough, lifelike and stain-resistant, they can cover up a number of defects in your smile — including stains, chips, cracks, and even minor spacing irregularities like the ones Vivica had.

Veneers have become the treatment of choice for Hollywood celebs — and lots of regular folks too — for many reasons. Unlike some treatments that can take many months, it takes just a few appointments to have veneers placed on your teeth. Because they are custom made just for you, they allow you to decide how bright you want your smile to be: anywhere from a natural pearly hue to a brilliant “Hollywood white.” Best of all, they are easy to maintain, and can last for many years with only routine care.

To place traditional veneers, it’s necessary to prepare the tooth by removing a small amount (a millimeter or two) of its enamel surface. This keeps it from feeling too big — but it also means the treatment can’t be reversed, so once you get veneers, you’ll always have them. In certain situations, “no-prep” or minimal-prep veneers, which require little or no removal of tooth enamel, may be an option for some people.

Veneers aren’t the only way to create a better smile: Teeth whitening, crowns or orthodontic work may also be an alternative. But for many, veneers are the preferred option. What does Vivica think of hers?

“I love my veneers!” she declared, noting that they have held up well for over a decade.

For more information about veneers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.