How often should I see a dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year. Dental and gum disease has been linked to a myriad of afflictions including but not limited to; heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which means your oral health can influence your overall health.

What should I expect during my dental appointment?

One of our staff members will compile your medical and dental history during your first visit. We will then examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, make fast and convenient digital X-rays of your teeth as needed and complete a TMJ (temporomandibular or jaw joint) exam. After we review your dental profile, we will discuss our findings with you. Should you require additional treatment, we will explore the options available and their cost and help you determine the best plan to fit your needs.During regular follow-up visits, we will examine your teeth and gums, screen you for oral cancer, clean your teeth and make plans for treatment, as needed. We will discuss any concerns and answer any questions you may have.

How do digital x-rays (radiographs) work?

A sensor is placed in the mouth, and a computer generates an image. This takes approximately 30 seconds as opposed to the general 4-6 minute wait time for images taken on dental film. The digital x-ray is viewed on the computer in the room and is a full screen image making it easier to see. Digital x-rays provide us with invaluable information about your oral and dental health and they are eco-friendly as they do not require chemicals to develop them like the old film x-rays.

Are digital x-rays safe?

While radiographic equipment does produce radiation (and depends on that radiation to function properly); modern advances in technology are continually reducing the amount of radiation that is produced. In fact, studies have shown that the amount of radiation produced by these machines is not significantly higher than other “normal” sources of radiation that we are exposed to on perhaps a daily basis, such as televisions and airplanes. Compared to the old x-rays, digital radiographs reduce a patient’s radiation exposure by up to 80 percent!

What can you do if I feel anxious?

Some people feel anxious about their dental appointments. If you are one of those people, we recommend you avoid stimulants like sugar and caffeine before your appointment. We will talk with you and address any concerns you have before we begin any treatment. We also have a variety of sedation techniques available from nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to oral sedation, I.V. sedation, and general anesthesia. We want you to feel comfortable.For more information on Sedation Dentistry.

What if I have a dental emergency?

Please call our office as soon as you determine that you have a dental emergency. We will be glad to work you into our schedule if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. We are open 7 days a week. If our office is closed then you should go to the hospital.

Can I bring my child to King Ritson Dental Clinic?

Of course! We are a very child-friendly office with amenities that kids love such as TV’s in every room, a children’s play area, X-Box and PlayStation, treasure chest, headsets with ipods, and a 150-gallon aquarium. We also have orthodontists on staff who can monitor your child’s oral development and recommend orthodontic treatment if necessary.

At what age should my child have his/her first dental visit?

We recommend that your child have his/her first dental visit no later than by age 3. Earlier visits, however, can provide us good opportunities to monitor your child’s dental development and/or give helpful advice on early dental treatment and oral hygiene for infants and toddlers.

What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing/bottle feeding. It happens when a child regularly goes to sleep while breast-feeding or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle. Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. He/she should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

Can the dentist whiten my teeth?

There are several methods available for bleaching the teeth. Zoom2! bleaching is done in our office. One session generally lasts one and a half to two hours, and you can read, watch TV or listen to music and relax during the treatment. We also offer Zoom Weekender for at home bleaching. We make an impression of your teeth and create a bleaching tray that fits your bite. You fill the bleaching tray with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it for approximately 20 minutes during the day. This at-home bleaching process takes 3 or 4 days.

What is periodontal disease, and am I at risk of developing it?

The term “periodontal” simply means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is mainly attributed to the bacteria in dental plaque, which causes the gums to become inflamed and infected. Other factors, such as smoking or tobacco use, poor nutrition, stress or pregnancy, may put you at risk of developing gum disease.

What if I have a gap in my teeth, a chipped tooth or teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching methods?

Bonding and veneers are great ways to solve these issues. Porcelain veneers are designed to look like your natural teeth and are individually and permanently attached to the fronts of your existing teeth. Bonding utilizes a composite material made of plastic to fill in areas of your teeth and correct chipping and shape problems. Both porcelain veneers and bonding are color-matched to the rest of your teeth.

The CEREC system has revolutionized the dental field by meeting the needs of our patients in a more convenient manner. Gone are the days where the patient must return for multiple visits to complete a restoration. CEREC Technology allows us to design, fabricate and place a ceramic restoration in just one visit! Also, with this new system, the need for temporaries or impressions has been eliminated. Using Cerec technology, we can save more of the healthy tooth structure in our patients while giving them beautiful, tooth-colored restorations that are metal-free and durable. Contact us for more information about Cerec restorations.

What are LUMINEERS®?

LUMINEERS® by Cerinate® are porcelain veneers that can be made as thin as a contact lens. They are placed over existing teeth without drilling or requiring the removal of tooth structure. LUMINEERS are a permanent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth. They are almost as natural as your real teeth and are clinically proven to last up to 20 years.

Gum Grafting Surgery | Oshawa Dentist

Gum recession not only impacts one’s self-esteem but can affect their health, too! Gums guard the sensitive roots in your teeth and when that protective layer begins to wear away, those nerves will become exposed. Receding gums, also known as gingival recession, can, fortunately, be corrected with the gum grafting treatment. It’s imperative to consult with KR Dental’s Oshawa dentist regarding the gum grafting surgery to see if it’s right for you. When gum recession is neglected, it will only worsen over time and leave your gums vulnerable to infection.

If you’re curious about what gum grafting is and how the procedure works, read on to discover what you need to know.

What Is Gum Grafting?

Most patients are recommended gum grafting surgery by a dentist as a necessary measure to protect their gums and teeth. However, gum grafting is also used as a cosmetic dental method of improving one’s overall smile as well. As gum recession exposes the nerves in teeth, the gum grafting procedure works to restore the damage done by replacing the missing gum tissue with the patient’s tissue or synthetic tissue. The type of gum grafting surgery varies based on the patient’s specific needs. Some examples of the procedure include:

Connective-tissue grafts: The most common gum grafting procedure, this process treats the exposed roots by cutting a flap of skin at the mouth’s palate and tissue from underneath the flap. The tissue removed from under the flap is then stitched onto the gum tissue around the exposed root area. After the graft (connective tissue) is removed, the flap is then stitched back down.
Pedicle grafts: This procedure involves gum grafting on, near, or around the specific tooth that needs repair. The flap, also known as the pedicle, is partially removed to allow one edge attached. The gum is pulled down to protect the exposed root and then sewn securely.

Benefits Of Gum Grafting Procedure

There are several benefits to the gum grafting procedure, including:

Prevents Further Recession: Gum grafting is essential when the gums have receded to a dangerous degree. It also helps protect against future receding and keeps gum tissue healthy to prevent infection and inflammation.

Reduces Teeth Sensitivity: Gum recession exposes the tooth nerves, which makes them highly sensitive to any touch or exposure. Gum grafting can prevent sensitivity by adding an essential protective layer.

Stops Plaque Build-up: Strong gum issues protect teeth and prevent bacteria and infection from developing. Plaque that develops on the roots of teeth will cause decay. Gum grafting provides a new layer of gum protection to keep plaque away from the tooth nerves.

KR Dental is your full-service Oshawa Dentist for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and preventative dentistry. Our periodontist will examine your oral health to determine whether the gum grafting procedure is suitable for you. At KR Dental, we are committed to providing each of our patients with comprehensive, effective dental care. Book an appointment to get started today at https://krdental.com/contact/!

Gum Grafting: What You Need To Know

What Is Gum Grafting?

Benefits Of Gum Grafting Procedure

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