twcal_admin

All About Dental Implants

It’s pretty common for people to fear the unknown. And since not everyone has had dental implants in Calgary, Alberta, our team at Toothworks has put together this list of commonly asked questions about the procedure.

Why do I need an implant? Since missing teeth create problems for the surrounding area such as improper alignment, an implant is used to fill the space. Also, if a tooth has become too sick to treat and needs to be removed, an implant can be used to replace it.

Can you help me understand the parts of an implant? Since a dental implant is an artificial tooth that takes the place of a real one that’s gone missing, it’s designed to attach and integrate into the jawbone in a way that secures the prosthetic to the bone. It acts like an anchor for the artificial tooth, which is attached via a metal abutment.

Will a dental implant be noticeable to others? A good implant shouldn’t be noticeable to anyone other than your dentist, and then only typically on an x-ray. Through a process known as osseointegration, metals like titanium, which are used in dental implants, are able to bind and integrate with bone, providing a tight and secure fit. If multiple teeth are missing, a bridge may be used to replace them at the same time.

How long does the procedure, from start to finish, typically take? It generally takes about two months of healing time after the implant has been placed before we can place the crown on top of it. If your bone is weak, the healing period can take a little longer. A dental implants dentist in Calgary such as Toothworks can better answer after a thorough assessment.

The bottom line is there is nothing to fear. Dental implants are a great way to take care of a missing tooth, and a dental implants dentist in Calgary like the team at Toothworks is ready to answer any other questions you may have.

If you have a sore tooth that needs to be looked at or you want an award-winning smile, dental implants near you are just an appointment away at Toothworks.

How to Choose The Right Toothbrush

Dentist Near You

There are so many different things you can do to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Using the right products for your teeth can easily transform your health. Our team at Toothworks dentist near Calgary is eager to educate our patients on the effective way to brush their teeth and which products are best for each unique smile. Continue reading on to learn why brushing your teeth is so essential and to find the best toothbrush for your smile.

Dentist Calgary: What are the Benefits?

Professionals recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day in order to keep the gums healthy and rid the mouth of harmful bacteria. Other benefits include whiter, fresher teeth, lower risk of tooth decay and gum disease, improved oral health, lower dental costs, and improved overall oral health.

Dentistry Calgary: Which Toothbrush is Best for Me?

Bristle type. Many people lean towards a harder bristle brush, but this isn’t always the best option. Softer bristle brushes are a better option as they do not cause gum damage or bleeding and gently remove plaque on the gum line.
Size. A toothbrush head should fit over two teeth at a time and smaller heads are best as they can effectively get hard to reach areas.
Electric vs. Manual. Electric toothbrushes are easier to use as they reach the back areas of a smile. Some electric toothbrushes come with a built in timer that ensures you are cleaning for a good amount of time. Manual toothbrushes can provide an equal clean with good discipline on the user’s part. If you choose to use a manual toothbrush, then make sure you are brushing for at least two minutes and reach every one of your teeth.

If you are looking for a new dentistry near you, then contact our team at Toothworks in Calgary to schedule your next appointment with a member of our staff. Our team is dedicated to provide high quality care for our patients both young and older. Contact our clinic today for more information on our different treatments and services!

The Importance of Dental Care in Early Childhood

“Don’t forget to brush your teeth before bed!” You can still hear the intensely-repeated phrase from years ago. Now you understand why your parents adamantly made sure you took good care of your smile. Our team at Toothworks encourages effective dental care in early childhood for our younger patients. This may take effort from many individuals, but the end result is well worth it. Our pediatric dentist in NW Calgary is eager to share the importance of doing just so; continue reading on!

Pediatric Dentistry NW Calgary

Regular visits to a comforting dental office are vital in keeping your child’s oral health good. Our dental office provides a relaxed environment that is welcoming to all individuals. We focus on happy times that keep all members of the family free from stress. This is especially important during dental emergencies that require a last-minute appointment. Upbuilding memories from your child’s last appointment will make new ones that much easier. Our whole team is excited to build a relationship with your family and keep them happy!

Kids Dentist NW Calgary

Monitoring your child’s oral hygiene habits will help to save time and stress later on in both of your lives. Dental decay and infection can bring severe pain to children and is normally removed with the help of an additional treatment. This can all be avoiding with good habits, such as regular brushing and flossing each day. Our staff loves teaching patients effective ways to take care of their teeth and showing them the best products for their smile. Regular dental visits also help us to keep an eye on the progress of your child’s smile and brushing habits.

Kids Dentist Near You

Another benefit to regular dental exams is so that our team can keep track of teeth growth and alignment. Early detection of different oral health issues can be useful in avoiding treatments later on. Poor tooth alignment can be caught early for a quicker treatment plan. Contact our Toothworks team for more information regarding the different services that we offer to patients.

3 Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Smile And Your Life

Do you find yourself hiding your smile behind your hand when your laugh or speak? Are you self-conscious over chipped, stained, discolored, or misshapen teeth? Our team at Toothworks is dedicated to providing all our patients with a healthy and beautiful smile they can be proud of. You can achieve this dream smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry, and the many different services is offers. Continue reading on to see three different ways cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile and your whole life!

You will enjoy a healthier smile. Many of the cosmetic treatments we offer also help to improve and restore your oral health. One is example is tooth colored fillings that protect teeth in a practically invisible way. Porcelain dental crowns also help to restore and protect damaged teeth while improving the appearance of a tooth. Crooked teeth can create extra crevices that are hard to properly clean. Braces and other orthodontic treatments help to correct this issue and leave an individual with a beautiful smile.
Your smile will look better. Cosmetic dentistry is an easy way to quickly improve your overall appearance. Studies have shown that people are drawn to others that have a healthy smile. A beautiful smile can also leave a person with a more youthful appearance.
You will enjoy more confidence. A new and improved smile can greatly improve that way a person feels. It leaves individuals feeling more confident and ready for a new adventure. Many choose to have a professional teeth whitening prior to a job interview or an important event in order to boost their energy.

We encourage you to call our Toothworks clinic today to see what possibilities are possible for your smile. There are a wide range of cosmetic treatments and services that our experienced staff are eager to provide for our patients like you. Call us to set up a consultation with a member of our staff to see how your smile could be improved to leave you feeling more confident, or book your appointment online now!

5 Myths vs. Facts of the Dental Care

In today’s article we will discuss five myths in the world of dental care that may be keeping you or someone you know from visiting the dentist. By comparing these myths to the real facts of dental care and what we do at our practice, you’ll feel more confident and entering our SW Calgary, AB, office. Everyone at Toothworks wants to see you smile, and we do all we can so you do!

Myth #1:Sugar is only responsible for causing the cavities: Sugary foods such as cookies and cake are not the only culprits for causing cavities in the mouth. Carbohydrates found in vegetables, fruits, and bread all allow for the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Once bacteria starts consuming the leftover particles in your mouth due to a lack of hygiene in your oral routine, these bacterias then begin to produce acids. These acids break down the enamel in your teeth allowing for tooth decay to grow, AKA cavities.

Myth #2:Only children get the cavities: This is furthest from the truth. speaking from experience, children are not the only ones that get cavities, but us adults are at risk also. The main reason we get cavities is by a lack of oral hygiene. Other related reasons that cavities begin to develop in the teeth is dry mouth, which many adults and elders can find happens when taking certain medications.

Myth # 3: Don’t opt for the scaling option; they’re not good for your teeth: Scaling done during a routine dental exam and cleaning can help wash out tartar in the mouth to keep up your oral hygiene. However, it also prevents bad breath and bleeding gums. It’s always important to seek professional help when wanting a proficient cleaning of your teeth.

Myth #4:Teeth whitening damage the enamel: On the market today are many different teeth whitening options. Well some teeth whitening procedures can harm your enamel making your teeth more sensitive, other procedures like Zoom Whitening and in office whitening doesn’t work the same way. Keep yourself educated on how these teeth whitening procedures work and the specific whitening agents used in there treatments to keep your teeth safe from possible damage.

Myth #5:Diet coke is better option than the regular coke: In any case, both options are harmful to your teeth. Consuming carbohydrates in any form stimulate bacteria to release enzymes on to your oral cavity. Do not think that diet soda won’t cause cavities because of the lack of sugar.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Sedation Dentistry?

Nobody particularly enjoys visiting the dentist’s office, but most people are able to tolerate necessary procedures like cleanings and tooth fillings. However, there are those whose anxiety towards visiting their dentist is so strong that they end up skipping appointments altogether. This can have severe consequences, especially if good oral hygiene is not practiced. Fortunately, oral sedation dentistry is available to help ease anxieties and create stress- and pain-free dental appointments. Here are a few signs that you could be a good candidate for oral sedation.

Going to the dentist makes you extremely nervous.It’s estimated that up to 15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of nervousness. If you’re part of this statistic, and you’re truly anxious about keeping a dental appointment, oral sedation could be a good option. It’s less overwhelming than IV sedation – leaving you conscious enough to give responses during your appointment – but provides enough sedation to make you unaware of the sound of drills or any pain.
Dental work is typically painful for you.Dentists try to minimize discomfort and pain during procedures as much as possible, but some people are particularly sensitive, especially in the gums. These people will avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of the associated pain.
You’re bothered by the sounds and smells of the dentist’s office, or you have a strong gag reflex.Some people naturally have a strong gag reflex, which can make it difficult for dentists to perform necessary procedures. Others find the sensory experiences (sounds and smells) of the dentist’s office extremely off-putting, almost unbearable.
You want to be sedated, but still conscious.If you want stronger sedation than nitrous oxide but fear the feeling of being fully unconscious and/or have a fear of needles (required with IV sedation), oral sedation offers a good medium.
You plan to have a long procedure.Short or fairly straightforward procedures such as fillings or crowns do involve some pain or discomfort, but it’s mostly tolerable. However, more complex or intensive procedures can make anyone nervous, and oral sedation can help keep patients calm throughout the treatment.

A Migraine: Its Symptoms, Causes, Prevention Tips And Treatment

Many individuals are affected daily with painful migraines. What is a migraine, and how can they be treated or even prevented? Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, prevention tips, and treatment methods for migraines.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a type of headache with varying intensity and a wide range of symptoms. It is the result of physiological changes in the brain. They often go hand in hand with sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells, as well as vomiting or nausea. It is important to note that not all headaches are considered migraines and other health issues can be caused by migraines.

Many headaches can be treated with the help of a dentist. Certain oral issues such as cavities or infections can lead to head pains. Tension from those who suffer from TMJ disorder can also lead to severe headaches or migraines.

Symptoms of a migraine

Specific symptoms that go along with a migraine are nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, smell, and sounds, and change in vision. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms with your head pain, then contact your doctor for further treatment.

What are the causes of migraines?

Several different things have been found to cause migraines including an underlying nervous disorder, a genetic disorder, irregularities in the brain’s blood vessel system, and abnormalities of brain chemicals.

What are some preventative tips?

There are plenty of helpful steps you can take to lower your risk of migraines including avoiding skipping meals, regular exercise and healthy eating habits, staying hydrated, getting proper sleep, avoiding stress, and reducing caffeine intake.

There are many different medications available for those affected by migraines. Contact your doctor today to see how you can find relief!

Jaw Pain? It Might be TMJ…

You may not know, but millions of the population live with jaw pain on any given day. Chronic jaw pain can make it difficult to live out your everyday life. Patients can oftentimes not realize that the jaw pain they experience is a symptom that requires professional attention. If you suffer from clicking, popping, and locking joints, this can be an indication of the deterioration of the joint condyle. At Toothworks we want to make sure that our patients can realize symptoms that they are experiencing, and give our Calgary, AB, office a call if they are worried about any kind of dental condition. With this article, we will be discussing TMJ, that way you can know if you need to visit our Calgary, AB, office sooner rather than later.

How We Treat TMJ Dysfunction

To determine the best type of treatment that will work for you and your circumstances, it is best that you receive a comprehensive evaluation. Below are all of the options available, so you can work in also making a choice that is best for you.

Occlusal Splint Therapy

This particular type of therapy is a non-invasive splint therapy that helps reduce jaw dysfunction by providing guidance for the resting position of the job. A splint, also known as a night guard, provides a barrier between the upper and lower shots to prevent any kind of damage that can occur during the sleeping hours.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Sometimes the best way to treat TMJ is by replacing missing teeth to restore the integrity and health of your bite.

Orthodontics

Sometimes the shifting of teeth can misaligned the jaw and keep your teeth from coming together correctly. A simple visit to the orthodontist, in a solution provided by him or her can drastically help your TMJ disorder.

Equilibration

Sometimes teeth and dental restorations can create a situation in which your teeth do not come together properly. Tiny adjustments to crowns, fillings, or even the surfaces of your teeth can drastically change TMJ.

Treating TMJ in Calgary

As stated above, we at Toothworks in Calgary, AB, are dedicated to helping our patients with any dental condition they may have. If you are currently suffering from jaw pain and would like a consultation, feel free to contact us and we would be more than happy to set up an appointment.

Continue reading “Jaw Pain? It Might be TMJ…”

Benefits of Digital Smile Design

Achieving a beautiful smile can allow an individual to feel good about themselves. At Toothworks, our dental staff is dedicated to finding treatments that work with each patient’s unique needs to give them a desired look. Having a fresh smile can greatly boost your self-confidence, and we offer a wide range of services to achieve just that. One cosmetic tool is known as Digital Smile Design that helps in improving the look of your smile for a brand-new makeover. Continue reading on to learn how Digital Smile Design from Toothworks can benefit your smile.

Our dental staff takes the time to fully understand what you are looking to get from a cosmetic treatment. This allows them to come up with a customized treatment plan just for you. They can also provide you with several models so you can better visualize what your new smile will look and feel like. Digital Smile Design does just that! With careful preparation, you can see your smile transform before your eyes.

Some of the benefits include the following:

High satisfaction with your new smile
Truly customized results – no two smile designs are exactly alike
A natural look that complements overall appearance
Increased confidence throughout the treatment process
Multidisciplinary approach preserves health and hygiene

After your dentist shows you the Digital Smile Design, you can agree on the final end goal and begin a personal treatment plan with our dental staff. Cosmetic treatments can involve several different methods. Therefore, contact your Toothworks dentist for more information regarding treatment options to improve your smile. You deserve to have the smile of your dreams!

Achieve a Brighter Smile with Teeth Whitening

Most people want to have a bright, white smile, but teeth can get stained despite the most careful oral hygiene routine. Teeth-staining foods and drinks (coffee and wine are the biggest culprits) and natural aging are some reasons why teeth can appear more yellow over time. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening treatments offered at your dentist office are a safe and effective way to brighten that smile quickly.

There are teeth whitening products available for purchase, such as toothpaste, gels, and rinses, but professional treatments – whether in-office or take-home – are more effective and more reliable.

In-Office Treatment

An in-office procedure, also called chairside bleaching, takes just one hour. Your dentist will first protect your lips and gums by placing a barrier before beginning the treatment. A special whitening gel is applied to the teeth, then activated with a special lamp. You simply have to sit back and wait for the treatment to complete. You will leave the office with a smile that is several shades brighter.

Take-Home Treatment

To complete treatment at home, your dentist will provide you with plastic trays and whitening gel. You will need to fill the trays, which are created to fit your teeth precisely, with a small amount of whitening gel and wear them overnight. This treatment takes approximately two weeks but has similar results to an in-office treatment.

You can discuss these teeth whitening options with your dentist to decide on which is the best for you.