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.

The Causes and Risks of Missing Teeth

Common causes of missing teeth include gum disease, tooth decay, and injury. It is possible for some people to also be born with missing teeth. The condition of congenitally missing teeth is often hereditary and second premolars, upper lateral incisors, and wisdom teeth are common types of teeth that are usually absent.

Risks of Missing teeth

Missing teeth can result in serious health issues. Poor oral health may result from food being improperly chewed, and gaps in teeth may also cause speech impediments. All teeth are required to stay intact in order to prevent other teeth from moving. The movement in teeth can cause increased gaps in some areas and overcrowding in others. Both the conditions can cause severe bite problems which require an orthodontic procedure.

A single missing tooth can cripple the entire structure of the mouth, resulting in an increased tooth loss. Missing teeth can also lower self-esteem, especially if they are located in areas that are easily visible.

Causes of Missing Teeth

Ectodermal dysplasia

Ectodermal dysplasia, an inherited disorder, can also cause missing teeth. Children who are treated by dentists at an earlier age have an increased chance of resolving these problems. The dentist can draw an early plan to tackle the dental problems even before the permanent teeth have come in.

Gingivitis

Tooth loss is also called caused by tooth decay that is a result of the gum disease, gingivitis. These conditions arise when teeth and gums aren’t given proper care. If teeth aren’t cleaned properly, tartar and plaque may develop, causing the teeth to decay and gums to deteriorate, which will eventually lead to teeth falling out. Good oral hygiene can prevent this damage.

Proper dental care comprises of brushing your teeth twice every day and flossed once a day. Getting a regular professional cleaning done at least twice a year at your local dental clinic is also very important to remove tartar and plaque.

Temporomandibular Joint

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can also lead to tooth loss. The joint attaches the jaw to the skull, failing to function properly will cause pain. The symptoms of TMJ include pain in the joint, clicking sounds when moving your jaw, and difficulty in chewing.

Injuries

Sports and automobile injuries may also result in tooth loss. A collision can cause a hard blow and knocks out teeth. Injuries may also affect the jawbone and gums, which in turn, may result in a tooth loss. Injuries that are results of unfortunate accidents may be hard to prevent. However, sports injuries can be averted with the use of protective gear, such as helmet and mouth guard. A custom-made mouthguard protects the teeth well and should be worn while practicing and playing any contact sport.

We are fortunate to live in the times of advanced technology. Excellent dentists can replace your teeth and provide you with the help you need to recover.

KR Dental Clinic

If you are suffering from any dental problems, book an appointment at KR Dental Clinic, Oshawa’s local provider for all dental services. The team of 10 dentists and 25 dental hygienists strive to give you top-notch treatment and best customer service.

Visit krdental.com to view all our services. You can also call to chat with us at 905-443-0128 to learn more about our services or to book your appointment today.

The Causes and Risks of Missing Tooth