Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION: Why do I need x-rays?ANSWER: Radiographic or x-ray examinations provide your dentist and hygienist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition your facial bones. X-rays can pin point the location of cavities, deep heavy tartar deposits and bone loss that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination.
QUESTION: Why does the hygienist evaluate my gums every three months?
ANSWER: The gum evaluation acts as a road map to the hygienist. This enables them to customize your appointment to where you need the most attention. It recognizes problem areas as well as spots where you maybe healing. Oral hygiene, stress, nutrition, smoking, clenching/grinding your teeth can trigger changes in your gums. This needs to be noted and recognized to help prevent and treat periodontal disease.
QUESTION: Why does my hygienist encourage me to come in to have my teeth cleaned every three months?
ANSWER: Research shows that bacteria reproduce in a pocket after 60- 90 days. You can only clean 2 millimeters below your gums with floss. You need the help of your hygienist to reach the base of your deeper pockets and remove bacteria that may be destroying your jaw bone. This process helps to control bleeding and inflammation in your mouth reducing the risk of gum disease. Gum disease is a source of chronic inflammation. Research shows that inflammation could lead to heart attacks, colon cancer, Alzheimer's, premature births and a host of other diseases.
QUESTION: Why do my fillings need to be replaced?
ANSWER: A filling may eventually wear around the edges, or it may pull away from the surrounding tooth enamel leaving a very small space between the tooth and the filling. This condition may allow bacteria to enter around the margins (edges) of the filling and cause decay. There are no symptoms until the decay reaches the nerve of the tooth. Don't wait until the tooth hurts or the filling and the tooth crack. This can complicate treatment and make it more costly.
QUESTION: Why are my teeth sensitive?
ANSWER: A layer of enamel, the strongest substance in the body protects the crowns of healthy teeth. A layer of cementum protects the tooth root under the gum line. Underneath the enamel and cementum is dentin. The dentin contains microscopic tubules that have the appearance of Swiss cheese. The tubules allow heat and cold, acidic or sticky foods to simulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This causes hypersensitivity and occasional discomfort. Dentin may be exposed when gums recede. Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing gums from receding. If you brush incorrectly or even over brush, gum problems can result. Sensitive teeth can be treated. You may try desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds to help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. If the toothpaste does not ease your discomfort a fluoride gel may be applied and or sometimes a bond needs to be applied to the tooth root to seal the sensitive teeth. In cases where hypersensitivity is severe and persistent a root canal may be recommended to eliminate the problem.
QUESTION: How can I prevent bad breath?
ANSWER: There are a number of factors that can cause bad breath. Certain foods such as garlic and onions, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and dry mouth (xerostomia) contribute to breath problems. You can do simple things to help avoid bad breath. Visit your hygienist regularly brush/scrape your tongue, keep a moist mouth (drink plenty of water), stop smoking, brush and floss regularly and use a mouth rinse and paste that contain chlorine dioxide. Avoid mouth rinses that contain alcohol.
QUESTION: Why Do I need a crown?
ANSWER: The benefit of a crown will protect your tooth. Root canal treatment and or a large filling on a tooth weakens the tooth structure and causes the tooth to become brittle. This can lead to tooth breakdown and a possible fracture below the gum line. This will lead to more extensive treatment and sometimes surgery. In the worst case, tooth loss. A crown is fabricated with metal and porcelain, it is esthetically pleasing and lasts for many years.
QUESTION: How can I keep my fillings from breaking?
ANSWER: Clenching and grinding your teeth is the most common reason when fillings are breaking down. This occurs most of the time when patients are sleeping and are unaware that they maybe clenching or grinding. Signs to watch for are soreness in the jaw joint, frequent headaches, difficulty opening your jaw, and a clicking sound when chewing. A night-guard, a thin appliance that can be worn at night will help prevent further wear on the teeth and from fillings breaking down .
QUESTION: My gums have always bled during dental cleanings -isn't this normal for me? They don't bleed at home, only at the dental office.
ANSWER: Bleeding is common during a dental cleaning but not considered normal. The hygienist cleans below the gum-line where your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. When inflammation is present your gums will be much softer, fragile and will tend to bleed easier. Proper home care techniques can firm your gums and stop bleeding even during a cleaning appointment. Bleeding is a sign of gingivitis. Our goal is to control and reverse the signs of gingivitis, which will aid in healing your gums.
QUESTION: I keep getting cavities, what can I do?
ANSWER: Cavities are produced from the bacteria and sugar in your mouth. Bacteria and sugar that stick on your teeth for a period of time produce an acid that causes the cavity. Controlling snacks that are high in carbohydrates (sugars) and more thorough home care will help to reduce cavities. Cavities in between the teeth can be decreased by flossing. If flossing is difficult, there are alternatives. Sealants can also be placed on the biting surfaces of your back teeth to help prevent decay.
Office Hours
Mon: 8:00am - 8:00pm
Tues:8:00am - 8:00pm
Wed: 8:00am - 8:00pm
Thurs:8:00am - 8:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sat: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Our Location
Burlington Mall
777 Guelph Line, Suite 213
Office Galleria, 2nd Floor
Burlington, Ontario
Canada
L7R 3N2
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