Over the past few decades, dentistry has carried a stigma of painful, uncomfortable and long visits to sterile smelling, unfriendly and outdated offices. In the past 10 years, dentistry has changed dramatically to a point where young patients are actually looking forward to their next preventative visit. A dentist office nowadays carries a comfortable friendly atmosphere, where the focus is on overall health, prevention and maintenance.The latest and the greatest in preventative care are not only having “cleanings” every 6 or 9 months but actually treating and killing the bad bacteria in the mouth that cause disease, to reduce the number of visits and achieve optimal oral health.

Recent studies suggest that the diode laser can play an important part in knocking down the bacteria that linger after conventional periodontal therapy is complete. Dental practitioners must scale away biofilm, calculus, and toxins down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket in order to induce a natural healing response. Roots are planed, or smoothed to inhibit bacteria from adhering to root surfaces and to encourage reattachment of tissues that hold teeth in place. The diode laser has been shown to improve overall results when used in conjunction with conventional, mechanical scaling and planning. While the diode laser does not replace conventional approaches to periodontal therapy, its ability to reduce persistent, invisible bacteria can contribute to the natural healing and control of periodontitis.

Digital x-rays are a technology which allows x-ray images to be seen on a television screen or monitor. The image is many times larger therefore, allowing the patient to see and understand what the dentist is diagnosing. This technology also produces less radiation exposure to the patients.

Radiographic or x-ray examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, the roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones.

X-rays can help determine the presence or degree of gum disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays can also show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination.

Even with the introduction of fluoride to the water supply and a more dentally knowledgeable society, there is still a large proportion of the population who are missing all or part of their dentition.

Until recently, treatment for this has consisted of either crowns and bridges or removable dentures supported by implants (these dentures are very stable and od not have the discomfort or mobility of conventional dentures) or fixed dentures or bridges supported by implants. The technique has been used for people missing single teeth as well as those requiring facial reconstruction after accidents or surgery.

The implant system consists of two parts that are connected by screws. The part which is held by the bone is placed first. Then (as outlined below) the next part, such as a post or attachment, extends through the gum into the mouth and is connected to the top of the implant by means of a screw. The part, which is placed in the bone of the jaw, is threaded and looks much like a hollow screw.

In our office, patients who have chosen to have implants placed have largely done so because the options (dentures and bridges) discussed above are not what they want to live with or they have had long standing problems with conventional treatment. In most cases, people tell us that their implants and teeth “feel like their own.”

Dental Insurance is playing less of a role in helping people obtain dental treatment. Since we feel that our patients deserve the best dental care we can provide, and in an effort to maintain a high quality of care, we would like to share some facts about dental insurance.

We consider our relationship with you to be of primary importance and will always make our recommendations to you based on what we believe is the very best treatment for you regardless of your insurance coverage. As the patient, it is your responsibility to deal with your insurance company and our employer. We will help you in any way possible to maximize your dental benefits, but to e-emphasize; we have no relationship or responsibility to your insurance company.

1) Dental insurance is not meant to be a “PAY-ALL”; it is only meant to assist you in covering the fees or treatment.

2) Some plans pay more……..some pay less. The amount your plan pays is determined by the contribution you and your employer make to your dental plan.

3) Our fees are based on the current fee schedule recommended by the Ontario Dental Association

4) Many routine dental services are NOT covered by insurance carriers. We make our recommendations based on your needs and not on what your insurance may or may not cover. The result is that the patient may be personally responsible for all or part of the fees.

Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions about our office policies. We want you to be comfortable in dealing with these matters and we urge you to consult us if you have any questions regarding our services and / or fees.

If you have any questions regarding your insurance, please contact your insurance carrier regarding the specifics and details of the plan they are operating on your behalf.

Brushing with toothpaste (also called “dentifrice”) is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a toothpaste and correct brushing action, work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes caries, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. Second, the toothpaste contains fluoride, which aids in repairing structure more resistant to decay and promotes re-mineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can ever be seen. Third, special ingredients in the dentifrice help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. Fourth, toothpaste helps freshen breath and leaves your mouth with a clean feeling.

Tooth decay is a disease known as caries. It is not life threatening and is highly preventable.

Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars) like soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, cakes and even fruits, vegetables and juices.  Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form plaque.  The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth enamel over time by dissolving or demineralizing  the mineral structure of teeth, producing decay and weakening the teeth.

Clenching is when your teeth are touching and there is no food in your mouth.

Grinding is when you rub your teeth together.

 If your teeth look like they are getting shorter or sensitive on the edges you are grinding.

If your teeth are sensitive, and have grooves  at the gum line, or you wake up with headaches you are most likely clenching.

If you are doing either of these, a mouthguard (such as NTI-see www.headachehope.com)  is highly recommend.

Cerec is a one visit Cad /Cam porcelain restoration.  Veneers, crowns, inlays or onlays can be made using Cerec. No more impressions or temporaries needed. Cerec  feels exactly like your natural tooth.

During the cold months of winter, we all tend to avoid the outdoors. Don’t let the snow keep you cooped up. Come and visit us at Accolade Dental for a teeth cleaning, Zoom! whitening, cosmetic dentistry or even just to say hi. The beautiful view from our office will remind you to appreciate this beautiful winter wonderland that we live in! It looks like the sun is trying to shine through!

Book an appointment today! Contact us by clicking here!