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.

TEETH WHITENING

Have the beautiful, white smile you’ve always wanted!

Teeth whitening is a simple and effective way to significantly enhance your smile
We offer several convenient options including in-home whitening kits and professional strength whitening strips
Contact our office to see what option will best suit your needs

Causes of Tooth Discolouration

There are two types of tooth discolouration, internal and external. Typical whitening treatments are targeted at external tooth discolouration. This darkening of your teeth over time can be caused by the food or beverages you consume (like coffee, tea and pop), childhood medications or illnesses, tobacco use or improper oral hygiene.

Home Whitening Systems

At-home kits are a common choice because these systems are easy to use and are a less expensive alternative to professional bleaching. Home bleaching requires a longer contact time compared to professional bleaching, however, results are still safe and are often quite good.

Zoom Weekender Tray Whitening

King Ritson Dental Offers Phillips Zoom! Weekender for At-Home Whitening. Ask your Dentist about the Phillips Zoom! Weekender Whitening Kit. Let our receptionists know and we can make an impression of your bite during your regular visit. We will schedule a return visit in two to three days to ensure your bleaching tray(s) fit precisely and explain how to use the Phillips Zoom! Weekender whitening kit. A lighter, brighter, whiter smile is only one visit away!

Tray Whitening

Tray whitening kits are available over the counter or at our office. When you choose the Phillips Zoom! Weekender at-home whitening kit from King Ritson Dental we will take an impression of your bite, and custom makes your tray so that the whitening gel will reach all necessary areas of your teeth and your results are flawless. Simply, fill the bleaching tray with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it for approximately 20 minutes during the day for 3 or 4 days. The Phillips Zoom! Weekender at home kit provides a number of advantages including custom-fit trays and Zoom!’s patented whitening gel formula, the only at-home whitening product to contain amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), which is clinically proven to reduce sensitivity, protect enamel and help improve the luster and smoothness of the teeth.

Over-the-counter whitening kits are another whitening option. Remember to follow your dentist’s or manufacturer’s guidelines exactly to avoid damage to teeth or skin. To ensure adequate results when choosing an over-the-counter tray whitening kit, pick a kit that’s tray molds to your teeth, rather than a one-size-fits-all tray

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are common and easy to use whitening method. Typical brands claim to whiten teeth 3 shades and expect those results to last approximately one year. Treatments are usually one-two times a day for a week. Complaints about whitening strips usually involve the slipping of the strips off the teeth, the extra saliva they can create or the fact that they are easily noticed.

Whitening Gels, Whitening Toothpastes & Whitening Gum

Whitening Gels are — often a lower level of hydrogen peroxide that comes in a tube with a brush or sponge applicator. The gel is then applied to and left on the teeth. **Most brands recommend application 1-2 times per day for two weeks.

Common negative comments about whitening gel are that it is hard to use, sticky and may make your mouth salivate. On the other hand, products are usually quite inexpensive, the treatment is nearly invisible when applied and the gel does not have to be wiped off.

Whitening Toothpaste – These toothpastes contain mild abrasives and clean the surface of your teeth removing plaque or extrinsic surface stains. They are also a great way to keep your teeth white after completing a professional or in-home whitening treatment.

Whitening Gum – A much less effective whitening product, it does not contain peroxide although it is marketed as a product that breaks up the surface stains on teeth. Chewing teeth whitening gum has the added benefit of stimulating saliva, which neutralizes the acids that contribute to tooth decay. Be wary that you must chew a very large number of whitening gum pieces before you see a noticeable difference. Dear Doctor in their article, “Brighter, Lighter, Whiter” states that you would have to chew over 4 pieces for 20 minutes each day to make a noticeable difference over time.

Contact Us!

Are you interested in one of our many treatment options? If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at (289) 275-4050 or by completing our form below! We will have someone get back to you shortly.

We are open 6 days a week (closed Sundays), including evenings, with ample free parking.