The latest options for an anxiety-free dental experience

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Barrie Dentist

sedation dentist BarrieMany patients have at least some level of fear about getting in the dentist’s chair, so there’s no need to be ashamed if you’re one of them. Sometimes this fear is rooted in painful experiences from past appointments, when dentists were limited in their options for ensuring patient comfort.

If your anxiety is so severe that it keeps you out of the dentist’s office, though, you may be jeopardizing your health. Fortunately, there are choices for everyone from a slightly skittish patient to a totally terrified one. Sedation treatments can make your visit to the dentist a comfortable one.

A sedation dentist specializes in treating such anxious patients, using medication to put those patients at ease during the visit.

With this technique, a sedation dentist uses anti-anxiety medications to help patients achieve a state of deep relaxation. Although sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” that’s a misnomer. Patients actually remain awake and able to cooperate with the dentist even while under sedation.

In this way, sedation is safer than the primary alternative of general anesthesia, which renders patients unconscious.

The sedative medications can be delivered using a variety of methods. Intravenous sedation takes effect practically instantaneously, and patients are monitored throughout the process

Nitrous oxide, a gas that is inhaled, is another alternative. Patients relax quickly using this method, too.

Sedatives are now available in pill form, as well, which appeals to patients who prefer to take their medications in a more conventional manner.

Patients may have more of a delay in experiencing the benefits of orally administered sedatives, though. If you choose this option, it’s important to plan accordingly to ensure that the sedative takes effect before your treatment begins.

In addition to preparing for the sedation method that will be used, it’s important to plan for the after effects, too. Patients recover from sedation more quickly than from general anesthesia, but they should still arrange to have a responsible adult escort them home after the appointment.

Don’t let your fear prevent you from getting dental care any longer. Oral health is essential to overall health, so contact our Barrie office and explore sedation dentistry as a vehicle for keeping your mouth in good shape.

 

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Do dental implants require special care?

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Barrie Dentist

Dental implants can last for decades when cared for properly, so it’s important to take steps to ensure their longevity. Considering that the devices look and function just like natural teeth, it makes sense that patients can care for them in the same way.

Patients who choose dental implants for tooth replacement typically will not need to make many adjustments to their daily oral hygiene routines. Little special care is necessary for dental implants.

In planning the implant placement procedure, patients should work with the implant dentist to prepare to care for their dental implants after they are in place. The foundation of this plan should be twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. 

Dental implants can last for decades when cared for properly, so it’s important to take steps to ensure their longevity.

The mechanics of brushing and flossing implants are identical to those of biological teeth. Dental implants preserve the patient’s access to the gumline, so it’s possible to floss around them. Other tooth replacement alternatives, like bridges, require the patient to use a floss threader to get underneath the appliance.

Some patients may also choose to add an antibacterial mouthwash to the mix. When uncontrolled, oral bacteria present an even greater concern for dental implant patients, as those bacteria can attack the gums and the underlying jawbone, potentially compromising the implants.

In addition to sticking to a home oral hygiene routine, patients should also continue to visit their general dentists for routine cleanings and check-ups. This step also helps to keep bacteria in check and gives the dentist an opportunity to identify any problems in an early stage.

Some implant patients choose to see the dentist more often than the recommended six-month interval to make sure that their mouths remain clean and free of bacteria buildup.

When having their teeth cleaned, patients should notify the hygienist of the locations of the dental implants, in case the hygienist wants to use special instruments in the vicinity of the implants.

In choosing dental implants, patients make an investment in both dollars and time. To achieve the best long-term outcomes, patients should dedicate themselves to adequate home oral hygiene routines and make regular appointments with their dentist.

Contact our office serving Orillia Ontario at 888-739-2975 to schedule your consultation.

 

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Dental Implants: Restore your natural smile

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Barrie Dentist

dental implants BarrieIf you or your loved one has lost single or multiple teeth, or are at risk of losing even one tooth, then you understand the value of each tooth in your smile. Each tooth serves an important purpose, and its absence has far-reaching consequences.

Though you may have realized the importance of tooth replacement, it is also important to make a wise choice in restoring your smile. Few treatment options can boast a proven track record of more benefits than risks. There are drawbacks and shortcomings associated with traditional solutions such as dentures, partials, and bridges which require that patients “settle” for a less than ideal result.

Today, you have more options. It is possible to achieve the smile that you desire without having to make unnecessary and inconvenient changes to your lifestyle. Take a moment to consider the option of dental implants in Barrie, and learn why they have quickly become the natural option for tooth replacement.

Although it may seem that dental implants are the hot, new “thing” in dentistry, your implant dentist can assure you that this trend has been quietly gaining momentum for more than 50 years. Unprecedented research, clinical trials, and patient testimonies have proven that dental implants are the very best tooth replacement solution for almost all patients.

Implants are designed to mimic the appearance and function of your natural teeth. The implant post, made from a surgical grade of titanium, becomes permanently integrated with your jaw bone and is as strong as your natural tooth root. Supported only by the underlying bone, this artificial root can endure daily biting and chewing forces.

For many patients, the most exciting part of the implant process is the appearance of the finished result. A dental crown can be affixed to the implant post to restore the space left by the missing tooth. Other, custom restorations such as dentures, partials, and bridges can also be connected to the implant when there are multiple missing teeth.

No matter the number of missing teeth, the final result is a complete and natural-looking smile that feels strong and comfortable. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that implants are the “natural” choice. Contact Georgian Dental at 1-888-739-2975 to reserve your appointment today.

 

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Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Barrie Dentist

As an alternative to traditional orthodontics (or braces), Invisalign has been used to successfully correct millions of smiles. By properly positioning the teeth through the use of orthodontics, the appearance and function of your smile can be dramatically improved.

Invisalign, as an alternative to metal braces, brackets, and wires, has enabled many patients to realize the benefits of orthodontics. By utilizing a series of clear, removable aligners, your dentist can gently move the teeth towards their proper position. This treatment is much more discreet that the traditional method, since the aligners are barely noticeable to those around you. 

Invisalign, as an alternative to metal braces, brackets, and wires, has enabled many patients to realize the benefits of orthodontics.

To determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign in Barrie, a complete dental examination is best. It is helpful, however, to be familiar with the wide range of conditions that can be successfully treated with the use of Invisalign technology.

Crowded and crooked teeth can be effectively repositioned using Invisalign aligners. Your dentist will need to obtain dental impressions of your teeth to be submitted to the Invisalign headquarters as the first phase of your treatment. The impressions will be used to create 3D models of your teeth and to develop customized aligners. These models are critical to the planning of your treatment and will help your dentist to estimate your approximate treatment time.

This same technology can be used to close undesirable spaces between the teeth. A series of aligners will be created to carefully and gently guide your teeth into place. Each set of aligners will be worn for approximately two weeks before moving to the next set.

Other, more technical dental conditions can also be corrected with the use of Invisalign technology. Patients who have been diagnosed with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or overjet can typically be considered as candidates for the Invisalign procedure. Patients who are interested in limited or minor corrections in their bite are also great Invisalign candidates.

Contact our experienced dental team today to schedule your consultation and discover the new smile that awaits you with Invisalign.

 

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How can I help prevent my child from getting cavities?

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Barrie Dentist

Barrie dentistCavities, one of childhood’s most common diseases, can be prevented with the help of our Barrie dentist. With routine dental treatment and periodic examinations, your dentist can provide various preventative treatments that are proven to prevent or reduce the risk of tooth decay.

By heeding your dentist’s instructions and reinforcing these instructions at home, you can help to eliminate future discomfort and improve your child’s health.

Establishing a regular pattern of brushing and flossing is an important part of your child’s oral hygiene routine. Teaching your child the importance of removing plaque bacteria and food particles can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. Brushing with a soft toothbrush and an age-appropriate toothpaste should be encouraged upon rising in the morning, between meals, and before bed each evening.

Offering a healthy diet can also prevent or reduce the risk of tooth decay. Carbohydrates from both natural and artificial sugars can contribute to tooth decay. It is important to understand that even natural sugars, such as those found in unsweetened fruit juices and milk, can cause cavities. Other carbohydrates, such as breads, pastas, and crackers, can also break down into fuel for acid-causing bacteria.

In the dental office, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments to prevent cavities. Fluoride is available in most municipal water sources, most toothpaste brands, and in the form of mouthrinses and supplements. This form of low-concentrated fluoride is appropriate for daily use, but a stronger, more concentrated fluoride treatment is recommended periodically in the dental office. Fluoride helps to strengthen and remineralize weakened enamel as well as reverse some of the earliest signs of tooth decay.

Dental sealants are a preventative coating placed on the biting surfaces of the molar teeth to reduce the risk of decay. The biting surface of the back molars is a common location for cavities, and the grooves and pits on the top of the teeth can make cleaning difficult. Sealing these surfaces with a safe, clear material is a conservative and frequently recommended method of prevention.

Although cavities are a common dental disease, they can be prevented with proper care at home and in the dental office. To schedule your child’s dental visit, call our Barrie ON office at 1.888.739.2975 for your appointment.

 

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Receding gums: Are dental implants an option?

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Barrie Dentist

With the advantages of modern dentistry, there are few obstacles that can’t be overcome in terms of replacing missing teeth.  Dental implants, generally the tooth replacement method of choice, can be customized to compensate for a number of dental conditions. Even receding gums, a condition in which the gum tissue has pulled away from the teeth, can be addressed and corrected before, during or after your dental implant procedure.

Sometimes, receding gums may actually be the cause of tooth loss, since recession also indicates a loss of bone support around a tooth. Without proper structural support, neither a natural tooth, nor an implant can be maintained. 

Dental implants, generally the tooth replacement method of choice, can be customized to compensate for a number of dental conditions.

During your evaluation for dental implants in Orillia, your implant dentist will consider the health of your gums. At the site of the proposed implant, the amount of healthy gum tissue that is available can have a significant impact on the success of the implant. Receding gums should not prevent you from seeking dental implants. Instead, the condition may require that your treatment plan be altered in order to address the condition.

If receding gums has occurred as a result of periodontal disease, it will be important to eliminate the disease prior to moving forward with the implant procedure. This can be accomplished through the use of deep scaling, antibiotic therapy, or surgery. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can reduce or prevent the proper healing of the dental implant and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Although the gum tissue and bone tissue cannot simply grow back into position, natural or artificial gum and bone can be grafted in the area. The grafting procedure increases the support that is necessary for a successful implant. Not only does grafting improve the success rate of the dental implant, it also improves the esthetic value. Properly shaped and positioned gum tissue will contribute to a more natural-looking result.

The best way to determine all of your options for successful dental implants is to schedule a consultation with our experienced implant dentist. Call Georgian Dental at 1.888.739.2975 for your appointment today.

 

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Invisalign Treatment: An overview

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Barrie Dentist

Invisalign BarrieThe ability to address a wide range of orthodontic conditions without the use of metal brackets, wires, and bands has made Invisalign technology a favorite choice for both dentists and patients.

Our dentists are using Invisalign in Barrie to correct orthodontic conditions such as:

  • Crowding
  • Spacing
  • Overbite
  • Crossbite
  • Underbite
  • Malocclusion

Beginning with a simple set of impressions, the Invisalign lab will create digital models of your teeth to illustrate each phase of your orthodontic treatment. Upon your dentist’s approval, a series of crystal clear aligners will be fabricated and delivered to your dental office.

Your dentist will advise you to wear your aligners 24 hours each day, only removing them for eating and routine oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing. Created from a durable ultra-thin clear plastic, your aligners become virtually invisible once they are seated on the teeth. This feature is especially important to adults who recognize the advantages of orthodontic treatment, but are unwilling to compromise their appearance with traditional braces.

Each set of aligners should be worn for approximately two weeks before progressing to the next set. The aligners will gently guide the teeth into the proper position until the desired result is achieved. The estimated treatment time will vary for each patient, according to the details of the case. Your cooperation in wearing your aligners as much as possible will also help in moving you closer towards the final, beautiful result.

The benefits of the Invisalign system are difficult to ignore. The clear aligners are comfortable and nearly invisible during normal social interaction. Removing the aligners during eating allows patients to enjoy meals and snacks without limitations. Removing the aligners for proper oral hygiene enables patients to care for their teeth and gums without the use of special brushes and flossers.

Millions of patients have achieved breathtaking new smiles with Invisalign technology. Our team at Georgian Dental can use Invisalign to achieve the smile that you desire, as well. Just call to schedule your visit, and find out how effortless orthodontics can really be!

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Why denture wearers are turning to dental implants

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Barrie Dentist

No other technology has revolutionized dentistry with as much impact as dental implants. For the replacement of missing teeth, dental implants are an impressively close substitute for your natural teeth. Your implant dentist is using dental implants in Barrie to assist patients with individual missing teeth as well as patients who are missing all of the top or bottom teeth.

It is quite possible that no group of patients can appreciate the performance of dental implants as much as denture wearers. Patients who are faced with the challenges of life with dentures can immediately recognize the advantages of dental implants. Common obstacles such as bone loss, sore gums, difficulty speaking, and uncomfortable chewing can all be overcome with implants.

Compared to traditional dentures which are designed to rest on top of the gums, dental implants extend below the gumline into the bone for permanent support. The need to glue or paste the denture to the gums is completely eliminated, as the denture will never move or shift out of position. By preventing the denture from resting directly on the gums, implants can also effectively protect the delicate soft tissues in the mouth.

Denture wearers are also realizing that bone loss can be prevented with the use of implants. Even where bone loss has already occurred, further deterioration can be successfully prevented by the presence of dental implants. Just as the natural tooth roots hold the jawbone in place, the artificial tooth root of the implant also holds the bone in place.

The fear that your traditional denture may slip or fall out during a social interaction can be crippling. Dental implants can restore your confidence in yourself and your smile, a quality that most denture wearers would consider invaluable. Just the comfort and security of knowing that you can depend on your teeth to preserve your dignity can completely change your outlook on life.

If you would like to explore your future with dental implants, your consultation with our experienced implant dentist is only a phone call away. Call 1.888.739.2975 and schedule your appointment today.

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Are You Prepared For A Dental Emergency?

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Barrie Dentist

dental emergency BarrieDental emergencies can happen for a myriad of reasons. Some can be avoided while others cannot. They vary in severity and are influenced by how high the patient’s discomfort threshold is. The most common cases involve children, especially those who enjoy playing sports.

If you have a dental emergency in Barrie, it would be best if you contact our dental office to get an idea of the level of severity. It is important that you have the clinic’s number and that of the local hospital. Save both on speed dial and leave a copy next to the family phone.

A toothache might cause more discomfort than you can handle. Try flossing and brushing around the offending tooth to get rid of debris. Rinse slowly with a glass of warm water to help ease the annoying sensation. You can take a pain reliever to soothe the throbbing feeling. Do not rely on medication. Make sure you visit your dentist as soon as possible.

If your tooth breaks suddenly, rinse the area with warm water to rid it of foreign matter. Place an ice pack over the area to relieve the discomfort and help the swelling go down. Schedule an appointment to ask your dentist about possible treatment options.

For serious matters, like avulsed dentition, it would be best if you call your dentist right away. You can also go to the nearest emergency room if the accident occurs after office hours. Try and locate the missing tooth and rinse it with water. Do not attempt to replant it into the socket. Make sure that you do not rub the root area. The tiny periodontal ligaments look like gum tissue. If reimplanted properly, these fibers can anchor the tooth to the alveolar socket.

A dental emergency can be quite overwhelming if you don’t know what to do. Try not to panic and assess the situation in a calm manner. Don’t let anxiety affect your judgement. If you feel extreme discomfort that affects your quality of life, contact Georgian Dental at 1.888.739.2975 right away.

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How Can I Benefit From A Dental Crown?

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Barrie Dentist

Anyone who has broken or decayed dentition will tell you how embarrassing it is to smile or talk. These people usually try to compensate by covering their mouths when talking. This can destroy their self-esteem and social life. Aesthetics aside, open dentinal tubules and active caries can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

Dental crowns are popular in Barrie because they can treat common oral problems caused by accidents, disease and caries. They are composed purely of porcelain or porcelain fused to gold. Fitting dental crowns takes approximately two visits to your dentist. During your first appointment, the dentist will debride the tooth in an effort to remove decayed matter. It will then be shaped to increase its potential to anchor the crown enabling it to withstand chewing forces.

The tooth may need to undergo rebuilding procedures if the dentist deems it too small. An impression will be taken to ensure the fit of the dental crown. You will be given a temporary acrylic crown while the final one is being fabricated.

The dental crown is a long-term solution to the aesthetic problem that decayed or broken teeth poses to the patient. It also protects the area from bacteria that may enter by way of the cracks and cause infections or abscesses.

Getting dental crowns can help boost a person’s confidence. Since they are opaque, they look natural under any lighting source. They are fabricated to mimic the patient’s dentition and adapt to the bite, if done correctly. Porcelain can withstand almost the same chewing force as your dentition. This means that they will last for quite a long time.

Those with amelogenesis imperfecta will have weak enamel. This condition can be congenital or acquired. These individuals can benefit from having dental crowns. Aside from the aesthetic factor, they will also be able to enjoy food that once triggered discomfort due to exposed dentinal tubules.

If you feel like you are a potential candidate for this procedure, call 1.888.739.2975 and schedule a visit with our experienced dental team. Discover how dental crowns can improve your confidence and quality of life.

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