FAQs
Some commonly asked questions we hear from our patients. If you have a more specific enquiry, please don't hesitate to contact us. We encourage our patients to ask questions, and we're always glad when they do. We want to provide convenient, complete answers to all of your common concerns, both when you are in the office as well as when you’re at home. We've listed below some of the questions that we most frequently receive, as well as brief answers to them. We hope they'll help you get to know us and the treatments we offer.
Please give us a call if you'd like more information on these or any other dental-related topics.
1. Why do I need X-rays?
Radiographic or X-ray examinations provide your dentist with an important diagnostic tool that shows the condition of your teeth, their roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones.
X-Rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through visual examination (such as changes in the jaw bone structure as a result of systemic disease). X-rays can also show the exact location of impacted teeth.
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2. Why do teeth get cracks?
A common problem is that teeth will crack, either due to trauma, grinding, clenching, decay or heavily filled teeth. Early diagnosis is needed to improve the chances of saving the tooth. “Cracked Tooth Syndrome” relates to a variety of symptoms and signs caused by a crack or many cracks in a tooth.
Symptoms include:
• Erratic and Sharp pain upon chewing or after release of biting pressure: not all cracks cause pain.
• Difficulty in pinpointing which tooth hurts, either upper or lower
• Sensitivity to cold or hot foods, drinks or sweets
If you suspect that you may have a cracked tooth, discuss this with your dentist
3. What are wisdom teeth?
They're the last teeth to erupt in the back of your mouth. Usually, they erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Occasionally, they find their way our much later than that. Some never erupt at all. Due to evolution, we now have smaller jaws. Most of our jaws only have room for 28 teeth; we have 32. Basically, this means that the last teeth to erupt, which are the wisdom teeth, have nowhere to go if there's not enough room remaining.
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4. What is Fluoride?
Fluoride strengthens teeth making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in many foods and some water supplies. It is also used in many consumer dental products. It is important to use fluoride containing toothpastes, mouth rinses, and gels topically to gain the added benefit of preventing sensitivity and tooth decay.
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5. What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. If plaque is not regularly removed, it calcifies into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. By products of bacterial metabolism irritate the gums, making them red, tender, swollen and more prone to bleed. Eventually, the supporting periodontal structures begin to breakdown. The result of this slow process is tissue loss, bone loss and eventual tooth loss.
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6. What does periodontal treatment involve?
Earlier states of gum disease - mild to moderate periodontitis, most treatment involves scaling and root planning. The procedure aims at removing plaque and calculus from the surface of the tooth adjacent to gum tissue. In the majority of early gum disease cases, treatment entails improved home care techniques and scaling and root planning. The hygienist will look at booking you in for closer intervals at 3 month or 4 month visits instead of the 6 month visits. Advanced cases may require surgical treatment.
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7. What’s the best way to prevent gum disease?
Meticulous removal of plaque by brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings will minimize your risks. However, there are other factors that can affect the health of your gums, such as stress, diabetes, genetics and pregnancy.
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8. What can gum disease mean for a diabetic?
A diabetic's body doesn't respond as quickly to infection as a non-diabetic. Gingivitus is an infection within the gums caused by bacteria found in plaque. When the infection persists, it can spread to the underlying bone that supports and anchors the teeth. It has been shown that diabetics who keep their condition under control and maintain good oral hygiene have a far better chance of combating infections than those who are poorly controlled.
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9. What happens if I don’t get my teeth cleaned?
As the plaque and calculus accumulate, the periodontal disease continues. Supporting tissues around the teeth - gums, periodontal ligaments, bone are lost. Periodontal pockets form which trap additional plaque. Once the bone that supports the teeth is lost, surgical intervention is needed. Bad breath often accompanies this condition.
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10. While biting hard food I broke one of my teeth. What should I do?
If you are not in any pain you should ring the dentist and make an appointment, it is recommended that you keep the tooth as clean as possible and avoid biting hard on that tooth. If you have pain, then you will need to go to your dentist as soon as possible as an emergency.
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11. I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?
Keep in mind that the crown is like a puzzle piece and will only go on one way. If it is in one piece, try to fit it back over your tooth do not force it. If you can get it to sit back onto the tooth, you can apply Fixodent or Vaseline to the inside of the crown, then gently put the crown back onto the tooth, apply slight pressure until it feels secure, gently close your teeth together and then clean off the excess Fixodent with a wet finger. Either of these materials will hold your temporary crown in place for a short time if you can’t come into the office right away. Be very careful when you are eating since the temporary can dislodge again. Try to chew on the other side of your mouth whenever you have a temporary crown in place.
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12. When should my child first see a dentist?
The ideal time for your child to meet the dentist is six months after their first primary teeth erupt. We like to see children come in for their first dental visit between the ages of two and three. To begin a positive, relationship between our staff and your child, we recommend first allowing them to accompany you (the parent) for one or two of your regular check-up visits. We'll introduce ourselves, show them around, and help them understand what a dentist does. Shortly thereafter, we like to see them for their own appointment, with the objective of keeping it simple, short, and fun. We'll just take a quick look around in their mouth, troubleshooting a bit and looking for ways to prevent any potential oral health/dental problems. This gives your dentist a perfect opportunity to carefully examine the development of their mouth and catch problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations and prolonged thumb-sucking early.
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13. I brush my teeth constantly but still have bad breath. What can I do?
Brushing and flossing are definitely the first steps to eliminating bad breath. Brushing and flossing remove bacteria responsible for creating odorous sulphur compounds and the food they feed on. However, bacteria hide not only on and around the teeth but also on the tongue under a layer of mucous. Here they are free to create odors.
It is best to brush your tongue daily or you may want to consider a tongue scraper. Both are extremely effective at removing this protective mucous layer from the back of the tongue. Products on the market for bad breath are toothpastes and mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide. The chlorine dioxide neutralizes the odorous sulphur compounds, instead of simply covering up the odor.
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14. What different payment options do you provide?
We are a fee for service office, which means that we will help you estimate your insurance reimbursement. The forms of payment we accept include: cash, your personal, traveler’s or bank check, MC, Visa.
Because we want your experience at our office to be completely comfortable, we offer several payment options for your convenience. Our goal is to provide you with client centered care and a truly comfortable experience. With so many options, you can be on your way to the smile of your deserve in no time!
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15. Do you accept my insurance plan?
Our office is more than happy to work with any insurance company and file insurance claims for you. However, as the patient, you are ultimately responsible for your account. It is important for you to read your policy so you understand the benefits you are entitled to and know what your out of pocket expenses will be. We file claims electronically reducing the standard 1 month wait into a 5 business day response time. If you have questions about insurance, please contact our office or your insurance company for more information. The success of your dental insurance and satisfaction with it depends on your full understanding of your plan's particulars. We send supporting photos, x-rays, and any extra documentation required to maximize your benefits.
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16. What if I need to cancel an appointment?
If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please give us 24 hours' notice so that we can best serve other patients or work in emergency appointments.
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17. What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Bayview Village Dental Associates l is committed to our patients both during and after office hours. If you have an after-hours emergency, one of our dentists will be available on call for your emergency care. Simply call our office number 416-224-1775 and we can direct you to the care you need.
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18. How can I safely whiten my teeth?
Since each mouth is unique, please call our office and schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to discuss the options available to you. Modern dentistry offers a number of options for a whiter, brighter smile from in office bleaching to over the counter products.
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19. Do I have to floss everyday? Is it really important?
It loosens food particles in tight spaces your toothbrush cannot reach. It gets rid of plaque build-up toothbrushes alone cannot remove. Regular flossing is critical to your overall oral health. It also stimulates your gum tissues. It is an unavoidable fact that regular dental checkups and proper brushing and flossing are necessary to avoid gum disease.
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20. My gums bleed after I brush or floss. Is this something to be concerned about?
Healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough brushing motions; using a hard-bristled toothbrush instead of a soft one; plaque buildup below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Gum disease not only causes bad breath and potential loss of otherwise healthy teeth, but has also been linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, premature births, and low birth weight babies. If bleeding gums persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods, or occurs every time you brush, please contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment. If you do indeed have gum disease, our hygienist will recommend a schedule of visits designed to improve your oral health.
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21. What should I know about my dentures?
Regular dental visits are extremely important to help maintain your dentures as well as your oral health. During checkups, your dentist will examine the lining of your mouth, tongue, palate, jaws and ridges that support your dentures to ensure they remain healthy. These visits are also important because your mouth and gum ridge changes over time which can cause a less secure fit.
You should call your dentist if you experience any sores that form in your mouth as a result of your dentures irritating the soft tissue. If your denture chips, breaks or wears down over time, do not try to repair it yourself. Improper repair materials may cause oral care problems.
To keep your dentures fresh, clean and effective, it's important that you get into a simple daily routine. For more information, visit www.mydenturecare.com
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22. Is oral sedation safe?
Yes, oral sedation is proven to be very safe and effective.
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23. Will I feel any pain under oral sedation?
No, you should not experience any discomfort at all while sedated.
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24. Will someone need to accompany me after an oral sedation dental visit?
Yes, you will need someone to accompany you due to the sedative effects of the pill. You will not be able to drive yourself to or from your dental appointment.
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25. Will I be unconscious when under oral sedation?
No, although you are in a state of mild sedation and may fall asleep, you will not be unconscious.
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26. How long will I be sedated?
Depending on your needs, anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. You will probably take a nap at home after your dental visit is over.
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27. What is the WAND?
The Wand's control mechanism manages the anesthetic's flow and volume at a slow rate, eliminating sensation by keeping the area below the pain threshold.
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28. What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is the clear way to straighten your teeth without braces. It uses a series of nearly invisible, comfortable, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
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29. How does Invisalign® work?
You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move a certain amount for each tray until they have straightened to the final position your dentist has prescribed. You will visit your dentist about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9 and 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
Does insurance cover Invisalign®?
Because dental benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, each patient should review their coverage. However, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign® should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.
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30. I have a number of Metal Fillings? What can I have done to improve them?
The black filling material used in your teeth is amalgam. It has been used as a filling material for over a hundred years and it's still one of the strongest materials available. There are a number of tooth-colored restorative materials currently available that can be used to replace old amalgams.
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31. My tooth was knocked out, how soon should I see a dentist?
Immediately. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. When a tooth is knocked out:
• Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment.
• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Touching the root (the part of the tooth below the gum) can damage cells necessary for bone reattachment.
• Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not scrub.
• Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and the gum to keep it moist.
• It is important not to let the tooth dry out.
It is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk.
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32. What makes your dental practice different that any other dental practice I can visit?
We understand that you are an individual with special wants and needs, and therefore we will do our best to individually tailor each appointment to meet and exceed your expectations, and most importantly we will be completely focused on YOU! Getting to know you and learning what matters most to you is our top priority!
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33. Do you accept referrals?
We are always looking forward to meeting new patients so we can provide them with the same excellent level of dental care that we provide our current patients. When one of our patients recommends a family member or friend to us, we believe that it is one of the highest compliments one can give. We appreciate this awesome level of trust and respect. A very special THANK YOU to all of our wonderful patients who continually send us great new patients!
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34. Crowns, Onlays, Inlays, Veneers And Partials, Can you tell me more about these
procedures?
We have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and missing teeth. With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques. Example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a "cap", to cover the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they've been filled. Or, for smaller areas of decay, we can apply all-porcelain onlays or inlays. Similar to crowns, but retaining more natural tooth structure. For unattractive front teeth, we can create pretty, natural shapes and shades by applying paper-thin porcelain veneers to the fronts. For patients who are missing a number of front teeth, we can create a removable partial denture, designed for either the upper or lower jaw, made of all acrylic or all metal. They're attached to existing teeth by means of precision acrylic clasps, and must be removed for cleaning after eating, as well as for sleeping. We can also show you before and after pictures of patients who have had these procedures so you can get a real-life look at how these dental treatments can change a person's appearance. For more information on any of these procedures, please feel free to call us and book a consult appointment.
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35. I really don’t like visiting the dentist, is there anything you can do to help me relax?
Our entire staff is trained to be alert and aware of your concerns, so that we can make your visit as comfortable as possible. We've included a number of entertaining distractions to help you enjoy yourself during your treatment including watching your favorite show, listening to music. For procedural concerns or anxiety, we can also provide nitrous oxide, or plan to use oral sedation as needed to help you undergo complex or lengthy treatments. During your first appointment, we'll spend plenty of time going over such concerns with you, then plan your treatments accordingly.
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36. How do you make those crowns in a single visit like I have been hearing about?
Formarly, the process of making a crown, inlay or onlay involved a series of at least two appointments in the office. The tooth would be prepared, impressions would be taken and sent to the laboratory for fabrication, and then a week later a second appointment would be necessary to seat the crown. Now, using CAD/CAM technology with our CEREC 3D® unit, retaining as much healthy tooth structure as possible, and the design and manufacture of the crown is done in the office. We use the finest porcelain material on the market, which looks and feels like a natural tooth. Furthermore, this different preparation combined with the bonding process increases the tooth to 95-105% of its natural strength.
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