Achieve a Beautiful & Healthy Smile with general dentistry in mississauga

As we age, our teeth naturally get darker. Certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking and consuming tea, coffee, and red wine, can also contribute to surface stains on the teeth. Although these changes are normal and don’t necessarily indicate poor dental health, many people understandably wish to brighten their smile. Fortunately, teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can be done by a general dentist to quickly remove unsightly stains and make your teeth whiter without damaging your enamel. Unlike over-the-counter whitening kits, which can cause burns and dental problems, teeth whitening performed at a dental office is completely safe and effective.

How is Teeth Whitening Performed?

Professional teeth whitening can be performed in-office by our dental team, or we can prepare a set of convenient take-home whitening trays custom-fitted to your bite. In both cases, teeth whitening is a fast and very affordable procedure.

If you choose to have your teeth whitened in our dental office, we’ll apply hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth, then expedite the whitening process with a UV lamp. For most patients, optimal whitening can be achieved in just one visit.

If you would prefer to whiten your teeth at home, we’ll start by taking an impression of your teeth. Then, we’ll create a set of trays molded to fit your bite. You will need to apply these trays for about 30 minutes per day for a week to whiten your teeth.

Sometimes, when a tooth has been damaged extensively by injury or decay, it requires a more complete restoration than a dental filling. In these cases, a highly durable porcelain, composite, or metal cap (known as a dental crown) must be placed over the entire tooth to preserve its appearance and structural integrity. Crowns can also be used to protect badly worn teeth or help patients manage extreme tooth sensitivity.

Before placing a crown, your dentist will shave the affected tooth down to make room for the restoration. Then, he will take an impression of your teeth, which will be used to create an accurate mold for the crown. Once the crown has been manufactured, it’s permanently bonded to the tooth.

Traditionally, patients could expect to wear a temporary tooth cap while their permanent crown was being manufactured, then the crown would be cemented in place during a second appointment. Today, however, many dental offices use digital imaging and printing technology to manufacture crowns on-site, allowing the entire process to be completed in a single appointment.

Once your crown has been placed, it will protect and preserve your tooth for many years. Depending on the material used, crowns can last anywhere from 10-15 years or even longer.

In rare cases, a tooth becomes so damaged by injury or infection that the only option is to remove it. Other potential reasons for tooth extraction include overcrowding in the mouth or advanced periodontal (gum) disease. 

What to Expect During Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction may be performed by either a general dentist or an oral surgeon. To prevent discomfort, the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic, then the dentist or oral surgeon carefully loosens and removes it. In some cases, a few self-dissolving stitches are placed to close the gum flap over the socket and promote rapid healing. The entire tooth extraction process takes just 20-30 minutes, and it typically causes minimal discomfort. After the tooth has been removed, the socket is packed with gauze to stop any bleeding.

Following a tooth extraction, you will be given pain medication, antibiotics, and detailed aftercare instructions. It’s crucial to follow these instructions carefully to prevent issues such as “dry socket,” a painful condition where the blood clot becomes dislodged from the tooth socket. As long as you care for your mouth properly following a tooth extraction, you should heal within 5-7 days.

Dental implants provide an alternative method of restoring missing teeth. Dental implants may be a better choice than a dental bridge if you have multiple missing teeth or want to avoid altering your remaining teeth. Dental implants also offer superior protection against bone loss, as they directly support the tissues below the gum line.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are permanent artificial teeth; unlike other dental restorations, a dental implant should last a lifetime. Dental implants are created by attaching an artificial tooth to a metal base that’s been fused to the patient’s jaw.

How Are Dental Implants Inserted?

Placing a dental implant is more complex than other types of dental work, so it’s important to know what to expect before you begin this procedure. First, a tiny titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone and the gums are allowed to heal over it. The patient must then wait 4-6 months to allow the bone to grow around the implant. Once they have fused together, the gums will be re-opened and an abutment will be attached to the implant. The gums need to heal for another 1-2 weeks before the artificial tooth is attached to the abutment post. The final result of this procedure is a permanent tooth that looks, feels, and functions exactly like your natural teeth.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that addresses problems associated with poorly aligned or crowded teeth. By correcting bite problems, orthodontics can prevent painful jaw joint disorders (such as TMJ disorder), reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and improve the patient’s ability to speak and chew. Orthodontic treatment also greatly enhances the aesthetics of the patient’s smile and facial contours.

Ideally, orthodontic treatment should be pursued early in life (between the ages of 10-14) while the patient’s jaw structure and facial bones are still forming. However, it’s possible to correct bite problems at any age; adults may simply require a longer course of treatment or multiple treatments to achieve optimal results.

To align the bite, dentists typically use an orthodontic device, such as a retainer, brackets, or braces. Today, patients have the option of choosing either traditional braces or Invisalign. Invisalign is a clear aligner that slips over the teeth, gradually changing their position without being noticeable.

While you’re wearing braces, it’s important to practice excellent oral hygiene and have regular dental cleanings. Doing so will prevent food from becoming stuck in or around your braces, which can increase the risk of tooth decay. During your orthodontics appointment, we will work with you to create a plan to care for your teeth while they’re being aligned.