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Types and Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

It is recommended that you visit a dentist’s office at least twice a year for cleanings and evaluation of your oral health. Your dentist will not only address problems affecting your dental health but will ensure you are proud of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry aims at improving the bite and the appearance of your smile.

Cosmetic dentistry involves procedures to enhance the appearance of your teeth and mouth. It enables you to maintain proper hygiene practices. Cosmetic dentistry procedures may provide solutions to oral issues such as stain removal, fixing teeth cracks, and restoring minor chips

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry involves various dental procedures to enhance the aesthetics of the teeth. Below are types of cosmetic dentistry procedures:

- Teeth whitening

This procedure helps whiten and brighten your teeth from discoloration or staining. It involves thorough cleaning to eliminate tartar, plaque, and food deposits from teeth surfaces. Teeth whitening can be done through home-based practices or through your dentist.

- Dental bonding

This procedure involves the use of a putty-like resin substance, applied and hardened with laser or ultraviolet to resemble other teeth. Dental bonding helps repair broken, chipped, or stained teeth.

- Cosmetic dental implants

These are metal devices created to replace missing or lost teeth. Dental implants get surgically placed in the jaw bone to act as tooth roots. They may also support artificial teeth such as a denture, bridge, or crown.

- Dental veneers

These are thin custom-made shells designed from porcelain or composite material to cover the front teeth. Dental veneers are used to treat dental problems such as discolored teeth, chipped teeth, or cover gaps between the teeth.

- Dental crowns

Crowns are custom-made caps placed over damaged or missing teeth. Tooth crowns are used to restore the size, shape, and strength of the teeth improving their function and appearance.

- Cosmetic teeth shaping

This procedure involves reshaping the teeth by filling or removing small amounts of tooth enamel. Teeth shaping is a painless procedure that aims to improve your appearance and oral health.

- Orthodontic treatment

This procedure involves straightening or repositioning teeth to improve their appearance and function.

To get the most from cosmetic dentistry, you should ensure you adhere to proper oral hygiene habits at home, such as:

Brushing regularly – It is recommended you brush your teeth twice a day to prevent food particles from accumulating beneath your teeth.
Avoid starches and sugary foods
Use a paste with fluoride when brushing your teeth
Avoid smoking
Visit a dentist regularly

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Ideal oral health is an essential aspect of living a longer and healthier life. Cosmetic dentistry procedures may help give solutions to oral problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. You should visit a dental clinic immediately you experience these symptoms:

Loose teeth
Bleeding gums after brushing your teeth
Chronic bad breath
Frequent dry mouth
Mouth sores that take long to heal
Tooth decay
Tooth sensitivity
Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold beverages

Cosmetic dentistry aims at improving your oral function as well as the appearance of your teeth. Visit our NW Calgary dentist to enjoy the following benefits of cosmetic dentistry:

- Improved dental health

Cosmetic dentistry protects your teeth from future dental issues. It helps treat oral problems such as cavities and gum disease, which may be life-threatening. Cosmetic dentistry and regular dental checkups, and proper hygiene habits improve your oral health and overall well-being.

- Improved appearance

Straight and well-positioned teeth give you a healthy smile as well as raising your confidence. Missing teeth may cause a change in the shape of the jaws leading to saggy cheeks. Cosmetic dentistry help solve dental issues, improving your physical appearance.

- Improved oral function

Dental problems such as misaligned teeth may cause stress on jaw muscles, making them work harder than they should. Cosmetic dentistry ensures properly aligned teeth to enhance your bite and chewing abilities.

- Better self-esteem

A bright smile will make you proud and will boost your confidence when interacting with people. A healthy smile is not only an indication of good oral health but also your overall well-being.

Are you from around Calgary and have been considering getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure near you? Visit Toothworks Dental Clinic to regain a healthy smile. Our Calgary dentists in NW will examine and help you determine the perfect cosmetic procedure for you.

What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns and Bridges

Crown and bridges are popular treatments in restorative dentistry. Dentists use these dental devices to improve the appearance and functioning of damaged teeth.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Crowns are used in several instances. Mostly, they cover chipped, broken and teeth that are damaged by the effects of dental decay. They can also be used aesthetically if you do not feel confident about your smile.

Crowns can also be used with dental implants to top the artificial titanium pole. The dentist in Northwest Calgary also uses dental crowns after root canal therapy to reinforce the tooth, protecting it from further damage.

Types of Crowns

There are three main types of crowns liable to the material used. The kinds of crown best for you depend on where it’s being placed in the mouth, durability, and appearance.

Metal Crowns

They are mostly made using gold and other metals used in dentistry, like silver. Metallic crowns have these benefits:

String and very long-lasting
Involve less tooth removal
Metal crowns are more comfortable and less traumatic to the teeth when biting down.

Gold crowns are costly as they are durable and generally provide a wear value.

Ceramic

Ceramic crowns are porcelain-based. They have high tooth aesthetics as they can be adjusted to match your natural teeth’ color shade. Porcelain crowns are mostly recommended for front teeth.

Benefits:

Durable and smooth hence comfortable
Natural tooth shine hence great aesthetics

Porcelain-fused-to metal

Also called PFM crowns, the materials combine the strength of metal and aesthetics of ceramics. The end product is stronger than porcelain and resin crowns but not as sturdy as metal crowns.

Benefits

Great aesthetics
Strong and long-lasting

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns at Tooth works dental offer these benefits:

Protection and restoration

Dental crowns are the best devices to reinforce a damaged tooth or one at risk for tooth decay. After a root canal treatment, the tooth is left weak and brittle, so it must be protected using a dental crown.

Aesthetics

In addition to tooth protection, dental crowns also add aesthetic value to your teeth. They help to restore your teeth’ natural shape and color, and even strength. They are made using solid and good-looking materials, which fixes flawed teeth. Another advantage of crowns is that they can be customized to match the neighboring teeth’ color.

Durability

Of most dental restorations, crowns are perceived as the most long-lasting. This is because the materials used to make crowns are strong and of good quality.

What is a Dental Bridge?

The dentist near you uses a dental bridge if you have one or more missing teeth. The bridgework is cemented on the surrounding natural teeth or dental implant posts. The extra crown wings are anchors to the false middle tooth that rests on the missing tooth gap. The artificial tooth is called a pontic, while the supporting crowns are abutments.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three main types of dental bridges, namely:

Traditional Bridge

It’s the conventional type of bridge where the pontic is held between two abutment teeth that; attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. They are also called fixed bridges and are used when one or more teeth are missing.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are used when the supporting tooth is only on one side of the missing tooth gap. During the procedure, the false toot I anchored on one side of the missing gap, where there is a healthy natural tooth.

Maryland Bridges

This bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework and bonds the frame to the back of the adjacent supporting teeth, different from cantilever and traditional bridges.

Composite bridges

They are used when there are no large fillings on the abutment teeth. It’s mainly used for front missing teeth and involves anchoring the false teeth on only one side of one or more adjacent teeth.

Benefits of Bridges

Durability

Like dental crowns, bridge materials are pretty durable.

Aesthetics

This among the top benefits of bridges is you can recover the tooth functionality and appearance.

Biteforce distribution

Dental crowns and bridges near you help to distribute the bite pressure while eating.

Functional restoration

Tooth gaps affect your chewing as well as speech. Using a dental bridge restores these functions so you can speak and eat normally.

Care

Care for your crowns and bridges is easy. You have to ensure that you don’t bite on hard substances and foods to void cracking your dental devices. Also, maintain healthy oral hygiene through brushing and flossing every day.

Ensure you regularly go for dental checkups to the dentist near you to check for any problems with your crown or bridge.

Understanding Sedation Dentistry in Details

Dental fear is a condition that exists in many dental patients as they sit or wait to sit on a dentist’s chair. Sedation dentistry can help you overcome your feelings of anxiety and fear. If you come from Calgary and happen to be among persons who experience fear or anxiety when going for dental procedures, Toothworks is a dental clinic you can visit to get sedation dentistry near you.

Definition of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a branch of dentistry that involves the administration of sedatives before and during dental procedures to help patients get comfortable and relaxed during treatments. Dentists in Calgary use sedatives when performing oral care services such as tooth extractions or cosmetic dentistry procedures. Patients who choose to be sedated will have no recollection of the undergone procedure, and neither will they have anxiety or fear in a dental chair.

The Different Types of Dental Sedation

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is ideal for people with dental anxieties when undergoing a moderately painful procedure. This sedation method can also benefit kids who have trouble sitting still in the dentist’s chair. When this form of sedation is chosen, a gas mask is placed over the nose of the patient, and they are instructed to inhale the gas. Nitrous oxide was given the name “laughing gas” because it makes patients giggle.

You should note that laughing gas will not put you to sleep. You will, however, feel comfortable throughout the process. Upon completion of your procedure, your dental practitioner will give you a mask containing a hundred percent oxygen. This helps to eliminate nitrous oxide from your system.

Oral Sedation

Pill sedation, or in other words, oral sedation, is one of the three types of sedation used by dental practitioners to keep patients calm during oral procedures. Unlike IV sedation (intravenous sedation) and nitrous oxide, this form of sedatives is taken in pill form hours before the appointment. Oral sedative drugs achieve their effects by reducing activities in the part of your brain that controls fear. Once the effects kick-in, the patient appears more relaxed and in a calm mood, thus allowing the dentist to do what he/she is supposed to effectively.

Pros

No needles involved – Most people who tend to have fear for a dentist also fear needles. Needles are usually used when IV sedation is being administered. When it comes to this sedation type, all you have to do is take the prescribed sedative orally sometime before the dental appointment.
Responsive – All though patients under oral sedation feel drowsy, they tend to be responsive and awake during the treatment process and are thus able to clearly listen and properly respond to the dentist’s instructions.
Administered easily – Of the three sedation types available, pill sedation is the one that’s easily administered because all the patient has to do is swallow the pill.
Safe – Since the Canadian Dental Association has approved the use of oral sedatives, it is highly unlikely for one to experience any harmful side effects.
Amnesia – When a strong dosage is given, the patients will barely remember the dental procedure’s proceeds.

Cons

Its effects do not kick in immediately – The effects of nitrous oxide and IV sedation are quickly felt moments after they are administered. This is not the case when it comes to pill sedation, and that is why patients are required to ingest the pill in advance before seeing the dentist.
A person under this medication cannot drive themselves to the appointment – Patients under oral sedative drugs are not supposed to drive themselves and are encouraged to find someone who will take them to and from the dentist’s office.

IV Sedation

IV sedation employs the use of IV to safely and effectively administer medications that will heavily sedate the dental patient. It is usually recommended during complex dental procedures such as oral surgery. Throughout this process, the patient is closely and continuously monitored by the team of practitioners. Sometimes, more medication can be administered to restore alertness or reduce the discomfort of the patient.

Patients opting for this sedation method are not supposed to eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to the procedure.

For more information about sedation dentistry, visit a certified dentist near you.

Reasons When Tooth Extractions Become Necessary

Tooth extractions are dental options recommended by dentists whereby a tooth is removed from its socket. Oral surgeons generally perform tooth extractions. However, general dentists and periodontists also perform extractions as part of their core skills as dental providers.

The dentist near you is a highly skilled and experienced professional with adequate knowledge of performing tooth extractions. However, their primary aim is to keep your teeth intact, and tooth extractions are recommended only as a last resort.

If you need a tooth removed from the dental alveolus, the dentist near you checks your teeth and gums besides your mouth before performing the procedure. Every effort is made by the professional to ensure they can preserve your tooth, but if the removal is imperative, the dentist ensures the process causes the least discomfort. The extraction site is entirely numbed with local anesthesia before proceeding with the disposal.

Types of Tooth Extractions Performed by Dentists

Dental professionals and oral surgeons perform two types of tooth extractions. They are:

Simple Extractions.

Simple extractions are performed on visible teeth in the mouth, and the procedure only requires local anesthesia unless the patient is overly anxious.

Surgical Extractions.

Surgical tooth removal is performed on a tooth inaccessible or impacted below the gum line. Surgical extractions are performed by oral surgeons and require incisions to elevate the soft tissues covering the tooth. The dental professional may decide to split the tooth into multiple pieces to facilitate its removal. General anesthesia is required by patients undergoing surgical extractions.

Tooth extraction is ordinarily prescribed as a last resort. If you have any apprehensions about the procedure, you can consult tooth extraction in NW Calgary to understand why the dentist recommends tooth removal.

Reasons Why Dentists Recommend Tooth Removal through Extraction

Everyone has two sets of teeth, which are the milk teeth and the permanent teeth. The milk teeth fall off by age six or seven, and the second set of teeth, the permanent teeth replace them. The permanent teeth must last for a lifetime, but in many cases, their removal is recommended by dentists for some reasons mentioned below.

Severe Tooth Decay or Irreparable Damage

When tooth decay penetrates the enamel to reach the center of the tooth, the pulp the bacteria within the pollution causes an infection within the tooth. In such cases, root canal treatments can help preserve the tooth. However, if you have a severe infection and your dentist is unsure of whether they can provide appropriate treatment for your condition, they recommend the removal of the infected tooth.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, alveolar bone, periodontal ligaments, and other surrounding structures. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease when the condition begins affecting the gums. The severity of periodontal disease attacks the periodontal ligaments and the alveolar bone.

Periodontal disease is entirely preventable by maintaining excellent dental hygiene and visiting dentists for routine exams and cleanings. However, when periodontal disease begins loosening the tooth, dentists recommend tooth removal is the best option for the patient’s well-being.

Eliminating Teeth Overcrowding

Many people have the problem of overcrowding in their mouths, leaving them with crooked and misaligned teeth. Treatments for overcrowding are available from orthodontists who often recommend extracting one or several teeth to make space in the mouth for the other teeth to realign.

Besides the above, tooth extractions also become necessary for impacted wisdom teeth and after accidents that may have severely fractured or knocked out the tooth altogether. The dentist north-west Calgary makes every effort to preserve your tooth with available options if the tooth is merely fractured, and it is possible for the dentist to restore the same. Even knocked out teeth are reinserted into the alveolar bone if you reach the dentist within 30 minutes.

Wisdom teeth, however, do not receive any consideration and are extracted by dentists without hesitation because they are problematic and can leave you with multiple dental issues if left in your mouth. Wisdom teeth do not allow you to clean your mouth appropriately, resulting in a buildup of tooth decay. They are perhaps the only teeth in your mouth that dentists recommend removal with glee, knowing full well they are aware they are preventing unnecessary problems from occurring in your mouth.

If you are recommended tooth extraction by dentist Calgary, rest assured sufficient reasons exist behind the suggestion. Dentists consider all options to preserve your tooth (except for wisdom teeth) before suggesting tooth removal as a method of safeguarding your dental health.

You may have heard about tooth extractions, but do you know the reasons why dentists recommend them? Learn why dentists recommend this extreme procedure from this blog.

Root Canals Are Not As Fearful As You Think

Has the dentist near you in Calgary mentioned that you need root canal treatment? In that case, rest assured you are not alone. Root canal treatment saves millions of teeth every year. This article explains why you mustn’t fear root canal treatments because they can relieve your tooth pain and preserve your smile.

The dentist near you has recommended the procedure because you are either confronting severe pain when chewing or biting, have a chipped or cracked tooth, are affected by lingering sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures even after removing the sensation, or have other issues.

Root canal treatments become necessary when the soft tissue inside the root canal becomes infected or inflamed. The infection could have various reasons and may result from deep decay and repeated dental procedures, or cracks or chips in the tooth. The tooth’s pulp can become damaged from any injury despite making visible no chips or cracks.

How Can Root Canal Treatment Preserve the Tooth?

When undergoing root canal in NW Calgary, the dentists remove the infected or inflamed pulp to clean the canals, shape them inside the root canal before filling and sealing the space. After you have recovered from the procedure, you return to your dentist to have the tooth restored or protected with a dental crown. After placing the restoration, the tooth functions like your other teeth.

Root Canal Have a Fearsome Reputation — Why Shouldn’t You Fear It?

Modern techniques and anesthesia allow dentists near you in Calgary to comfortably perform root canal procedures to relieve the pain from toothaches because of pulp infection or inflammation. Most patients report they experienced no pain and were entirely comfortable during the process.

Any pain you experience is after the procedure is accomplished and occurs during the first few days when your tooth will feel sensitive, mostly if you were in pain earlier. Over the counter pain medications will not relieve the discomfort from the infection but can undoubtedly help you after root canal treatment. However, you must follow your dentist’s instructions carefully, understanding that your tooth will continue to feel different from other teeth for some time after completing the treatment. However, you will receive help from your dentist if you continue experiencing pain or pressure lusting for more than a few days.

Will Your Tooth Need Additional Care after Root Canal Treatment?

Your dentist advises you not to chew or bite with the treated tooth until your dentist restores it. Your treated tooth is fragile and susceptible to fractures. Therefore you must see your dentist as soon as possible for a comprehensive restoration. Besides this one precaution, you can practice proper oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, regular exams, and cleanings.

Most teeth undergoing root canal treatments last for as long as your other natural teeth. Sometimes the tooth does not heal or is still painful. The tooth may become painful months or years after successful treatment. In such cases, the dentist will perform root canal therapy again to preserve your tooth.

What Are Your Alternatives against Root Canal Treatment?

The only alternative against root canal treatment is tooth extraction, which brings upon you untold hardships requiring tooth replacement solutions and multiple visits to the dentist’s office. Moreover, replacing an extracted tooth is more expensive than undergoing root canal treatment. An artificial tooth is never similar to a natural one, and you must make every effort to ensure you preserve your natural teeth by undergoing root canal treatments if required as recommended by your dentist.

Will Your Tooth Discolor after Root Canal Treatment?

After root canal treatment, your tooth can at times become slightly discolored and develop spots known as intrinsic stains. This is because the tooth bleeds internally, and the inside of the tooth discolors to yellow or dark. Fortunately, teeth whitening treatments using internal breaching can whiten the tooth to give you back your smile.

Root canal treatments have a fearsome reputation spread by myths surrounding them. The tales began when dental technology or anesthesia wasn’t as advanced as they are in present times. This article should convince you that the treatments are not as fearful as you believe. You can fearlessly undergo root canal therapy, knowing full well that it relieves you from the pain you are experiencing and preserves your natural tooth. You may even have the tooth remain in your mouth for your lifetime.

3 Facts About Sedation Dentistry That You Must Know

Most dental procedures require sedation. If you have undergone any dental procedure, you may have heard of sedation. Sedation dentistry is what makes most dental procedures possible. It calms down patients and enables the dentist to treat them. Sedation has helped many patients achieve optimal oral health.

Knowing everything about sedation is important. It helps you know what to expect when you come in for any dental procedure. Having information about sedation will also go a long way in helping you overcome dental anxiety. This article aims at giving you all the important information you need about this dentistry branch. Read on to find out more.

Sedation Dentistry Explained

This is a dentistry branch that aims at relaxing and calming down patients during dental procedures. It also gives the dentist an easy time to treat you. Patients with dental anxiety and phobia are able to visit the dentist thanks to sedation dentistry. Without it, patients will skip dental visits. This will lead to poor dental health.

Once patients know that sedation will keep them relaxed, they can get over their anxiety. Our NW Calgary dentist will talk to you about sedation when you visit the clinic. You will be able to come back for your next dental visit without anxiety.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

Patients who experience dental anxiety when in a dental setting require sedation. However, most dental procedures call for sedation even in patients without anxiety. You should talk to a dentist near you about sedation if you have dental anxiety. The dentist will help you get dental care and improve your dental health.

What are The Different Levels of Sedation?

There are four levels of sedation. We use these levels to help patients experience calmness during dental procedures. The four levels are minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia.

Minimal Sedation

We use this level of sedation for patients with low levels of dental anxiety. Our dentist can administer the sedative through inhalation or orally. You will be relaxed, but you will be awake, and you will be able to respond to physical stimulation.

Moderate Sedation

Patients with high dental anxiety levels are candidates for this level. You will respond to verbal commands when we use this level of sedation. We also use this level if patients need a lot of dental work.

Deep Sedation

We rarely use this level of sedation. Those patients with severe dental anxiety qualify for this level of sedation. We will also use deep sedation if the procedure is intense and will take time. You will require assistance to maintain a patent airway at this level.

General Anesthesia

We only use this level if the patient has severe dental phobia or is undergoing an intense surgery procedure. In this level, you will be fully unconscious, and arousing you won’t be easy. You will also need help to maintain a patent airway in this level.

Types Of Sedation

There are several types of sedation we can use to calm you down. These are the common types of sedation we use.

Inhaled Sedation

You will inhale laughing gas with oxygen to help you relax. Talk to a sedation dentist in NW Calgary about this option if you have dental anxiety. The advantage of this option is that you will drive yourself home after the procedure. This is because this type of sedation takes a short time to wear off.

IV Sedation

In this option, we deliver the sedative through an IV line. Its effect is quick, and our dentist will be able to moderate the dosage. With IV sedation, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. This because the sedative will take time to wear off.

Oral Sedation

We use this option to achieve minimal or moderate levels of sedation. For oral sedation, we will give you a pill to take an hour prior to the procedure. Most dental procedures need oral sedation to keep the patient calm and relaxed.

General Anesthesia

This option renders you completely unconscious. We use general anesthesia for intense procedures that take time. At times we use both IV and inhaled gases for general anesthesia.

Tooth Extraction May Just Be the Procedure You Need to Put Your Oral Health in Line

Has the dentist near you recommended that you undergo a tooth extraction because of excessive tooth decay or infection? You can undoubtedly think the dentist is out of his mind and recommending a procedure that you believe is unnecessary. You think you are taking excellent care of your oral health and even visiting your dentist for six monthly checkups. However, have you considered how dental infections can painlessly affect your teeth and put your oral health at risk? If not, it is time you did so right away and researched tooth extractions near you to have the procedure completed by an experienced dentist.

Tooth decay, infections, and crowding around primary reasons why tooth extractions become essential. You may keep your oral health in excellent condition by following the advice of your dentist and doing everything possible to ensure you are not affected by any dental infections. However, you may have developed the disorder because of a crack in your tooth that you didn’t repair promptly. The minor neglect you showed towards the injury has brought upon you the need to undergo tooth extraction and have it replaced with artificial teeth.

What Do You Do After the Dentist near You Recommends Tooth Extraction?

You undoubtedly have the option of seeking a second opinion on whether the tooth must be extracted as informed by the dentist you first visited. If you see a dentist in Calgary, NW, for the second opinion, the dentist will take an x-ray of your tooth to determine whether the infection is excessive before recommending that you schedule the procedure for the extraction.

At this time, you must provide the Calgary dentist information about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter varieties, herbal supplements, or prescription medications. Provide the dentist with information about your medical history and any other conditions you are suffering from to ensure they are all treated and stabilized before the extraction procedure. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics during the days leading to the process if your surgery is expected to be lengthy, you have a weakened immune system, or a specific medical condition.

The Procedure for Extracting Teeth

Your tooth extraction procedure will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether you have a visible or an impacted tooth.

You receive local anesthesia for a simple extraction to numb the extraction site area and ensure you only feel some pressure but no pain. The dentist uses instruments called elevators to loosen your tooth before extracting it with forceps.

Intravenous and local anesthesia are both provided if you have an impacted tooth needing surgical extraction. If you are incredibly anxious, dentists may decide to give you general anesthesia making you unconscious throughout the procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will make incisions in your gums to remove bone around the tooth before cutting the tooth itself to be extracted in pieces.

The Risks Associated with Tooth Extractions

Every surgical procedure has some risks associated with it, and tooth extractions are not an exception. However, if your dentist has recommended it, you will likely benefit more than encounter any complications.

Usually, after tooth extractions, a blood clot forms naturally into the socket from where the tooth was extracted. However, non-formation of the blood clot or dislodging can expose the socket and the bone inside. This is known as a dry socket, and when this happens, the dentist protects the area with a sedative dressing for a few days until new clot forms. Some of the risks associated with tooth extractions include bleeding lasting for over 12 hours, nausea or vomiting, severe fever and chills to indicate infections, and redness and swelling at the surgical site. If you experience any of the symptoms described, you must contact the dentist and the earliest.

Recovering From Tooth Extraction

You require a few days to recover from a tooth extraction. In the meanwhile, you can apply an ice pack to your cheek to reduce swelling. You must take any or all medications recommended or prescribed by the dentist without exceptions. Ensure that you leave the gauze pad until it is soaked with blood over the affected area because it helps to aid clot formation.

Do not jump into your regular activities immediately after and rest for at least 24 hours. If you are a smoker and extraction is an excellent time to quit smoking forever. You can have soft foods on the day of the procedure and gradually reintroduce your regular foods with your diet over the next few days.

If you experience any persistent pain or observe signs of infections, schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly, and seek attention.

Uses of Dental Crowns in Dentistry

Dental crowns are among the most-used and popular dental appliances in dentistry. They have been used on multiple occasions to help patients enjoy beautiful smiles and functional mouths. A fact you may not know is that crowns are useful independently, but also are codependent with other types of oral appliances.

If you are visiting any Calgary dentists in NW for restorative treatments, chances are that your treatment will be based on the use of dental crowns.

What Are Dental Crowns?

They are tooth-shaped, tooth-colored shell-like oral appliances that are used to repair and restore teeth. Crowns are used to repair or replace damaged crowns of teeth.

The crown part of a tooth consists of the enamel and the dentin. When damage has been incurred on this part, then a dentist near you will employ a tooth crown to repair the tooth.

How Are Crowns Applied?

The process of installing back and front tooth crowns in NW Calgary uses a dental bonding procedure. Ideally, your attending dentist will determine the most suitable crown for your tooth through taking impressions of your damaged tooth.

The dentist starts by removing the damaged part of your enamel and trimming it to a shape comparable to the size of a typical dental crown. This process applies differently, based on the reason why you need a crown. Still, even though your tooth may not be damaged, part of it has to be trimmed to make room for the dental crown.

Afterward, your dentist will take impressions of that tooth as a mold to come up with a perfectly fitting dental crown. This process will take some time, which is why you are likely to go home with a temporary dental crown. Once your crown is readied, it is then attached to your tooth using special cement and laser light to cure it.

Uses of Dental Crowns

The process of installing a dental crown is not complex. You can get your crown ready in a few days, or even opt for same-day dental crowns. The important area of focus should be about how the crowns are used for dental treatments. The many areas that crowns are useful include:

Repairing decayed teeth – instead of losing your tooth through an extraction process, a dental crown can fix a decayed tooth. It can replace the damaged enamel and be the new crown for your tooth.
Holding a filling in place – a dental filling can equally be used to treat a decayed tooth. However, when the filling used is too big for the tooth, it needs to be held in place by a dental crown.
Repairing a broken or cracked tooth – instead of dental bonding or veneers, teeth crowns can still be used for this purpose.
To cover an implant – a dental implant typically replaces the root of a tooth. In that sense, the top part of your tooth is still left untreated. A dental crown is mostly used to cover the implant and complete your tooth replacement treatment.
To make a dental bridge – a dental bridge comprises an artificial tooth and a dental crown. The traditional dental bridge actually uses two dental crowns to hold the replacement tooth in place, during a tooth replacement procedure.
To covers stains on teeth – professional teeth whitening is effective in many cases. However, some stubborn stains may still resist the whitening gel. In other instances, your preference may be to cover up the discoloration instead of belching them. For such, some patients opt for dental crowns instead of other methods liked dental veneers.
To boost the strength of teeth – this is often the case when the structural build of a tooth is compromised. A tooth crown may be placed to strengthen the teeth, adding an extra layer of protection to your teeth.
To cover a root canal procedure – to save your tooth, root canal therapy may be the only treatment viable. It helps treat your tooth from the inside, without necessarily damaging the structure of your tooth. In that case, to seal your tooth after the procedure, your dentist will use a dental crown. This will prevent any future re-entry of bacteria causing infection in your tooth.

Important Things You Need to Know About Invisalign® Before Your Dental Visit

Not being able to smile and talk confidently in public can be very disappointing. Misaligned teeth can deny you a normal social life as interacting with people may be hard. However, you don’t have to shy away from the public any more thanks to Invisalign®. All you have to do is visit any qualified dentist near you in nw Calgary and you will get the help you need.

In this article, we will help you get all the right information about Invisalign in NW Calgary. With the right information, finding a solution for your misaligned teeth will be easier.

What is It?

Invisalign is the new and improved way of straightening teeth which is more preferred that traditional braces. It is a set of special plastic customized just for your teeth. Invisalign is nearly invisible and it cannot be easily noticed as opposed to traditional braces. It works by gradually straightening your teeth into a perfect position.

Your Invisalign will be exchanged every two weeks to properly align your teeth. You can visit any dental clinic near you to have your teeth checked and Invisalign replaced.

Getting Started With Invisalign®

Getting to know if you qualify for Invisalign is the first thing to do if you have misaligned teeth. This is because it may not be right for you if you have severely misaligned teeth. If your teeth need severe re-spacing or straightening, you may still need to go for traditional braces. We are a Saturday open dentist so you can come in any day for consultation and check-up.

When you visit our dental clinic near you, our dentist will check how extensive the misalignment of your teeth is. Once the dentist is sure you qualify for clear aligners we will get to work to get your customized Invisalign. Using the 3D imaging technology we can show you how perfect your smile will be once the braces align your teeth.

Fixtures are used in attaching Invisalign to your teeth. A new set of custom aligners are made for every stage of the treatment.

Using Invisalign®

One of the reasons to go for Invisalign is that it can be worn up to 22 hours a day meaning you can even sleep with it. Most aligner treatments last for as short as four to five months. Invisalign can be taken off during eating and teeth cleaning. It is also important to note that smoking and taking a lot of coffee can stain your aligners. Proper dental hygiene is recommended while using it.

You should visit our dental clinic near you after every five weeks for an evaluation of your treatment progress. Modifications can be done if the recovery is slower. The fasteners that hold the Invisalign do come off after your teeth are perfectly aligned and you can then smile confidently again.

Why Invisalign ® is Preferred over Traditional Braces

You should talk to a dentist near you about Invisalign as you may still need traditional braces if you don’t qualify. Let’s check out the reasons why it is preferred.

Comfortable

Although Invisalign can cause some discomfort at the start of the treatment it is more comfortable than braces. Unlike traditional braces, it doesn’t cause abrasion or pain during eating. If you need a solution that will guarantee your comfort while aligning your teeth then you should talk to you dentist about Invisalign

Invisible

Nobody will notice your aligners when you smile in public thanks to its near-invisible nature. Braces on the other hand are noticeable and may still deny you a perfect smile and the confidence you need.

Removable

You can easily remove Invisalign during eating and cleaning your teeth and put it back afterward. With maintenance, proper dental hygiene won’t be a problem. Like we said before, talking to your dentist about your aligners is the most important thing to do when looking to fix misaligned teeth.

ToothWorks Calgary

At Toothworks Calgary, we offer Invisalign treatment and consultations in Calgary. We are a Saturday open dentist so you can visit us on weekends if you need. Don’t lose your social life while we can give you a perfect smile.

How Dental Implants Work

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that offers a permanent base to the fixed replacement teeth. It is used on people with problems such as failing teeth, chronic dental issues or missing teeth because it is highly effective and lasts long.

A dental implant is made out of titanium that fuses with bone cells of the jaw with time. The union between the titanium and the jaw forms a durable and secure anchor for the new teeth; therefore, there won’t be any movement or slippage.

With dental implants, you will have zero problems while eating, and you don’t need to repair them regularly.

Parts of The Dental Implants

A dental implant has three parts, namely:

1. The Implant. It is a screw that acts as the root for the new teeth. This is the part that attaches itself to the jaw permanently.

2. The abutment. A permanent connector that holds and supports a set of teeth or a tooth.

3. The crown. It is the tooth’s part that is visible. This part is made out of porcelain or zirconium for good looks and durability.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Some people are not viable for dentures and conventional bridges because of sore spots, gagging or inferior ridges. When getting the implants, there is no need for the neighboring teeth to be prepared since the implants don’t need support from the adjacent teeth. To get implants, you are required to have qualities such as:

Healthy gums
Adequate bone that can support the implant
Regular visits to the dentist’s office and good oral hygiene habits to ensure the health and long-term success of the implants.

Before getting a dental implant near you, you should consult a qualified dentist in Calgary.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two types of dental implants:

1. Endosteal Implants. Most of these implants are fixed into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. The second surgery will be performed after the surrounding tissue is fully healed. The operation is necessary since it helps to form a connection between the original implant and a post. Lastly, your artificial tooth gets mounted onto the post.

2. Subperiosteal implants. This implant is commonly used with patients that lack adequate healthy bone. A metal frame is fixed to the jawbone underneath the gum tissue. The structure becomes more attached to the jawbone as the gums heal. The metal frame has posts that are attached to it where your artificial teeth get fixed.

Dental Implants Work in Two Ways:

Bone Retention

Osseointegration is a process through which dental implants connects with the bone. Apart from anchorage, the implants give the bone a quality that aids to retain bone mass. When bone cells move to the micromechanical structure and thread along the titanium implant, a bio-physical connection is formed. The connection locks the implant in the jawbone. This may take a few months to secure.

If a bone is not put into use, it usually wastes away, making it atrophic. By replacing the missing teeth with an implant, it restores the functionality and activity of the bone.

Support

Dental implants provide support to artificial teeth in terms of aesthetics and function. When the implant is fully attached to the bone through osseointegration, it can withstand a considerable amount of loading just like healthy teeth or even more.

A prosthesis like a bridge, denture or crown might be restored with the implant as it maintains the restoration giving it the required functional ability.

Missing teeth might make you feel insecure when talking, smiling or eating. It can also lead to oral issues as well. A dental implant is the best solution for restoring your natural smile and also improving your oral health. Plus, some of the insurance companies pay for dental implant treatment.

Toothworks Dentistry is one of the best dental practitioners near you. Our dental office is located in NW, Calgary, and our staff is dedicated to providing with the best care possible. Our main aim is to ensure that you get personalized services that attend to your needs and help you achieve optimal oral and dental health. For our services, call us today and book an appointment.