west village dental clinic Archives - Page 3 of 6 - St. Clair Toronto Dentist - West Village Dental Clinic

What Is A Dental Abscess? Symptoms and Treatment

by Dr. Charles Triassi | Jun 6, 2023 | Dental

A dental abscess is a painful and potentially serious dental condition caused by a bacterial infection. It occurs when a pocket of pus forms within the teeth, gums, or surrounding tissues. Dental abscesses can lead to significant discomfort, and if left untreated, they may result in severe complications. Learn the symptoms associated with dental abscesses and the various treatment options available.

Symptoms of Dental Abscess

Toothache: The most common symptom of a dental abscess is a persistent and throbbing toothache. The pain may worsen when biting or applying pressure on the affected tooth.
Swelling: The area around the infected tooth or gum may become swollen, red, and tender to the touch. The swelling can gradually spread to the face, neck, or jaw.
Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold substances is another sign of a dental abscess. The affected tooth may become more sensitive to temperature changes and certain foods.
Bad breath and taste: The buildup of pus and bacteria can cause a foul smell in the mouth and an unpleasant taste.
Fever: In some cases, a dental abscess can lead to a fever, indicating that the infection has spread and requires immediate attention.

Treatment Options

Drainage of the abscess: The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection and relieve pain. In most cases, the abscess must be drained to remove the pus. Your dentist will make a small incision in the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out. Once the area is cleaned, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent further infection.
Root canal therapy: If the dental abscess is caused by an infection in the tooth’s pulp (the innermost layer), root canal treatment may be necessary. During a root canal, your dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the tooth’s interior, and seals it to prevent reinfection. Root canal therapy is often followed by placing a dental crown to protect and restore the tooth’s functionality.
Tooth extraction: In severe cases where the tooth is extensively damaged or cannot be saved, extraction may be the only viable option. After removing the infected tooth, the dentist may recommend replacing it with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to restore oral function and prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting.
Antibiotics: Besides draining the abscess, dentists may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the infection. Antibiotics are typically used when the infection has spread beyond the abscessed area or when there is a risk of further complications.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dental abscesses. It is essential to address any dental issues promptly to avoid the development of abscesses. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Remember, your dental health is an essential part of your overall well-being. Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking timely treatment can keep your smile bright and ensure a healthy mouth.

If you experience symptoms of a dental abscess, such as severe toothache, swelling, or persistent bad breath, it is crucial to seek professional dental care immediately. Early detection and treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and causing more significant complications.

7 Reasons Why You Should Have A Dental Cleaning

by Dr. Charles Triassi | May 23, 2023 | Dental

Oral health is integral to our overall well-being, and regular dental cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy smile. While brushing and flossing are essential daily habits, professional dental cleaning offers unique benefits beyond regular home care. Let’s explore why dental cleanings are necessary for optimal oral health.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Despite our best efforts, plaque and tartar can build up on our teeth over time. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, produces acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities and gum disease. Tartar, on the other hand, is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Professional dental cleaning involves scaling, effectively removing plaque and tartar, and preventing dental issues before they worsen.

Prevention of Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common oral health problem affecting a significant portion of the population. The early stage, called gingivitis, is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing. When it is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and other serious complications. Regular dental cleanings help remove the bacteria and plaque contributing to gum disease, preventing its onset and progression.

Early Detection of Dental Issues

The dental hygienist thoroughly examines your teeth, gums, and mouth during a dental cleaning. This allows them to identify any potential oral health issues early. Early detection of problems such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, or even jaw misalignment enables timely intervention, leading to more effective and less invasive treatments.

Fresher Breath

Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and detrimental to our social interactions. Dental cleaning helps address this issue by eliminating the bacteria that cause bad breath. Regular cleanings and good oral hygiene practices significantly contribute to fresher breath and improved self-confidence.

Stain Removal and Whiter Teeth

Over time, our teeth may develop stains and discoloration due to various factors like food, drinks, tobacco, or certain medications. Dental cleanings involve polishing, which helps remove these surface stains, giving your teeth a brighter and healthier appearance. While it may not dramatically whiten your teeth like professional bleaching, regular cleanings can contribute to a more radiant smile.

Overall Health Benefits

Oral health is closely linked to our overall health. Numerous studies have established connections between oral infections and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even pregnancy complications. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental cleanings reduce the risk of these health problems and promote a healthier body.

Dental Education and Oral Hygiene Guidance

Dental cleanings allow dental professionals to educate and guide patients on proper oral hygiene techniques. They can offer personalized advice on brushing, flossing, and other oral care practices tailored to your needs. This knowledge empowers you to take better care of your teeth and gums between dental visits, leading to improved oral health outcomes.

Investing in regular dental cleanings is a vital step toward maintaining optimal oral health. By removing plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria, dental cleanings prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. Moreover, they contribute to fresher breath, whiter teeth, and overall well-being. Please don’t overlook the significance of professional dental cleanings; make them a part of your oral health routine, and enjoy a healthier, more confident smile for years to come.

Four Benefits of Dental Crowns

by Dr. Charles Triassi | Mar 23, 2023 | Dental

Dental crowns are common tooth restorations that provide full coverage and strength to a vulnerable tooth to prevent cracking, breaking and decay. Dental crowns are made in a dental lab specifically for your teeth and mouth to restore function and aesthetics to your bite.

Dental crowns can be used on their own for a single tooth or in conjunction with other teeth, called dental bridges. Your dentist may have recommended a crown for you, and you may be hesitant because you don’t know why or don’t quite understand the benefit. Below we have summarized the four main benefits of dental crowns and why you might need one.

Improved Tooth Appearance

A dental crown covers all surfaces of a tooth so it can completely change the appearance of that tooth. Dental crowns are customizable and created specifically for your mouth, so the shade, shape and size are all up to you and your dentist based on what will look best. Dental crowns can be used to fix peg-shaped teeth, internal staining or discolouration and teeth with mild-moderate wear. For a complete smile makeover, your dentist may suggest several crowns to create a commeasurable appearance.

Provides Stability & Strength

Teeth with large existing dental fillings that are breaking down and even teeth with chips and fractures can benefit from a dental crown. Because a crown covers and protects the entire tooth structure, it acts as a shield for the tooth and offers structural support. When a tooth is prepared for the crown, all existing filling material and decayed tooth structure are removed, leaving only a healthy tooth structure for the dental crown to bond to.

Dental Crowns Are Long-lasting

Dental crowns are one of the longest-lasting tooth restoration types. Your dentist will never call a dental crown “permanent,” but if properly cared for and kept clean, it can last ten years or more easily. Still, dental crowns have the possibility of developing cavities around the margins at the gum line, so be sure to take excellent care of your oral health with routine brushing and flossing. Also, make sure to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Prevents The Need For A Tooth Extraction

A dental crown provides another option to save a tooth if a cavity is large or if a filling is failing before there is no option but to extract. This is particularly important for teeth that have received a root canal treatment. These teeth are fragile and prone to breaking, so a dental crown is essential in saving the tooth. Also, metal crowns are often used for baby teeth when there are large fillings to prevent the premature loss of the baby teeth before the adult teeth erupt.

If you have any questions about dental crowns, please contact us today to schedule a visit.

Can Dental Sealants Benefit Your Smile?

by Dr. Charles Triassi | Feb 21, 2023 | Dental

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin layers that are applied to teeth that have grooves, pits or fissures to prevent cavities from forming. Dental sealants work by filling in crevices where harmful bacteria like to hide. The sealant material is similar to filling material that is used for cavities, but it is placed on the surface of the teeth with minimal tooth structure being removed.

The material gets applied as a liquid, so is able to seep in to grooves and difficult to reach areas, and is then hardened into place with the use of a light curing machine. Dental sealants can be used for any tooth that has a difficult to reach area and may be more susceptible to cavities. The most common teeth to be sealed are the biting surfaces of the back molars, as well as the pit that is common on the cheek side of the back lower molars.

Who can benefit from dental sealants?

People of all ages can benefit from dental sealants, including children and adults. Any tooth that has grooves or pits and may be susceptible to a cavity can benefit from having a dental sealant placed. Dental sealants are less expensive and less invasive than a dental filling. The best time to place dental sealants is for children when molars are just erupting, to prevent the teeth from getting cavities.

Dental sealant procedure

The teeth are first cleaned and polished to prepare for the procedure. Then, the teeth will be dried and an acid etch material will be placed on the surfaces receiving the sealants. The purpose of the acid etch is to create tiny notches in the tooth surface so the material will stick. The acid etch is left for 15-30 seconds and then rinsed away. The teeth are again dried, and the sealant material is placed. A light cure machine will be used to harden the sealants into place. Lastly, the bite will be checked and any rough or high spots will be adjusted. The procedure is extremely quick and painless, and is less expensive and intrusive than dental fillings. The best part is that they prevent cavities for you and your children!

If you have any questions about dental sealants, or believe you or your children are good candidates for dental sealants, please contact the office today to book an appointment.

What You Should Know About Dental Crowns

by Dr. Charles Triassi | Oct 21, 2022 | Dental

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns, more commonly referred to as dental caps, are a type of dental restoration involving placing a cap that covers the tooth or a dental implant to change its size and shape back to its original anatomy. Dental crowns help strengthen the tooth. A crown will be permanently cemented after it is placed on the tooth and fully covers the tooth above the gum line. Dental crowns can last 10-30 years, depending on the wear and tear, dental hygiene habits, and certain habits like clenching or grinding your teeth or biting your nails.

When do you need a dental crown?

Dental crowns are usually used to restore the appearance and function of teeth that have been fractured, worn out or broken unless more straightforward methods of dental restorations have proven more effective.

Dental crowns also serve aesthetic purposes for patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth and can’t rely on simpler restorative or cosmetic procedures for their teeth or dental implants.

Lastly, patients who underwent endodontic treatment may benefit from crowns, which have been found to be very effective in stabilizing teeth and preventing the fracturing of fragile teeth. Since the cap encases the whole tooth, it will prevent it from further decay. Relying on crowns has also proven to be an excellent way to promote the normal development of the jawbone and jaw muscles.

Which crown is the best for you?

Crowns are available in various materials, such as gold, stainless steel, all resin, and all ceramic or porcelain fused to metal (also known as PFM crowns or veneered steel crowns).

The most commonly used crowns, especially for children, are stainless steel crowns, which are easily customized metal shells that can encase any tooth. Given their strength, durability and resistance to moisture, they are the crowns of choice for molars. Stainless crowns are the least expensive type of caps on the market.

A wide array of alloys can also be used for crowns, including silver, nickel and even titanium. But they are more challenging to adjust, may cause opposing teeth to wear and may not be suitable for patients with specific allergies.

Strip crowns are commonly used for front teeth and are more expensive than stainless steel crowns. Strip crowns made of resin or composite are transparent shells filled with tooth-coloured filling and then fitted over the tooth. Once the filling is set, the case is removed, leaving behind a material that looks exactly like a natural tooth.

How many visits to the dental clinic are required?

If you require a crown, you should expect two trips to your dental clinic. During the first visit, the dentist will examine and prepare your tooth for the procedure and will likely take a few x-rays to get a better view of the roots of your tooth and the bone around it. If significant decay or risk of infection is identified, the dentist may want to recommend a root canal treatment before placing a dental crown.

During the first visit, the tooth and its surrounding gum tissue will be numbed before the tooth can be reshaped to make enough room for the crown. The dentist will then make impressions of the tooth that will receive the crown and the teeth above and below that tooth to ensure that the procedure does not impact your bite. The impressions are then sent to a dental lab for production, and the crown will typically be ready within two to three weeks. The dentist may need to apply filling material if there is too much decay or damage in the area that requires dental restoration.

During your second visit, you will receive a local anesthetic before the crown can be placed over your tooth and cemented in place.

We would be happy to see you if you have any questions about dental crowns. Please call us today to schedule an appointment.

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