If your teeth and gums are in excellent condition, you may want to consider an at-home whitener. But if your teeth or gums are sensitive, in-office whitening with special care that you’ll recieve at your dentist’s office may help you avoid irritation. Professional solutions used by your dentist are typically more effective than those in over-the-counter…
Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. Most think of tooth whitening or porcelain veneers, but a cosmetic dentist can provide much more. A skilled, experienced cosmetic dentist can help to improve your appearance, your smile, even your self-esteem and confidence. Today, cosmetic dentistry has continued…
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth
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There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years; however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
Reasons for a fixed bridge:
Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.
At Highland Creek Dental, you will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
Your dentist at Highland Creek Dental will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
A denture is a removable dental appliance and a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.
A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually takes 4 to 6 weeks). During this time, the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.
At Highland Creek Dental you will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.
There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or more visible areas of the mouth.
As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.
Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as needed. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.
At Highland Creek Dental, you will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.
Isn’t it always nice to see a smiling face? It’s even better to see sparkling teeth when the person smiles. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with perfect teeth. Stained, cracked, crooked or irregularly shaped teeth can cause undue embarrassment, inhibit social ease, and prevent one from fully enjoying life. If you are one of the many who urgently needs dental restoration, then porcelain veneers might be the right solution for you.
Veneers are ultra-thin, like contact lenses. They are bonded to the surface of the affected tooth in the form of a custom fabrication. Porcelain veneers help to alter tooth position, shape, size and color. If you are looking for a cosmetic lift for your smile, look no further than Highland Creek Dental.
Porcelain veneers, one of the many advancements in the field of cosmetic dentistry, help you achieve the smile you desire in a matter of weeks. Veneers are custom-made, natural-looking porcelain laminates which are specially designed to cover your front teeth. Working to provide patients with some of best veneers at Highland Creek Dental in Scarborough with comprehensive cosmetic care. We recommend veneers under the following conditions:
Because veneers can withstand chipping, staining and daily wear and tear, they have the potential to last the rest of your life, provided you care for your veneers carefully. It’s important to practice daily dental hygiene such as flossing and brushing and to attend regular dental check-ups every six months or so.
In the same way, that bad habits such as biting your nails can hurt your teeth, chewing on improper surfaces can cause damage to your veneers. In general, the veneers will react to circumstances just like regular teeth, so you will need to protect them accordingly.
Veneers are approximately 1 mm thick, whereas a dental crown is usually around 2 mm. A crown will encase the entire tooth, but a veneer simply covers the front area that people see when you smile.
Crowns will be employed when a tooth has decayed or is broken and needs significant restoration. They are ideal for teeth that perform a lot of work, such as those that accomplish chewing, biting, and grinding. When a crown is applied, the tooth will be reduced, and that tooth will always need a crown going forward.
Veneers, on the other hand, are perfect for healthy teeth that simply need cosmetic improvement because of discoloration or an unattractive shape. They work best for the teeth in the front of the mouth that are more responsible for the look of one’s smile than for performing the work of chewing and grinding. With veneers, tooth reduction is not typically required. Like crowns, however, veneers are permanent and cannot be reversed.
Natural teeth are distinguished by the shine of their translucent enamel. The porcelain veneer gives off a similar shine and luster, brightening the smile for a stunning yet organic aesthetic.
At Highland Creek Dental, Dr. Sara and her team of dental experts are some of the best providers of Porcelain veneers Scarborough has to offer. We ensure that the veneers match the color of your existing teeth or a lighter shade you desire. We use porcelain veneers to close gaps between the teeth, correct stains and even make cracks disappear. We promise you results that will exceed your expectations!
You will require more than one appointment to complete the procedure. During the first visit, our dental experts carefully prepare and contour the teeth. We also take an impression of the teeth so as to create the veneers.
During the second visit, the veneer is bonded to the tooth. Once it is done, you can quite easily forget that something was done to your tooth. Your teeth will feel as good as new!
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate. At Highland Creek Dental, you will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Our teeth are very strong, but they are easily damaged in sports injuries, and they can become worn down if you grind your teeth. Highland Creek Dental offers a variety of custom-made guards to protect against injury and prevent damage from grinding teeth.
Sports guards are custom-made synthetic guards that protect your teeth from being chipped or broken while you are playing sports. Because they are custom-made, they are very comfortable and will not interfere with your game.
Grinding teeth, or bruxism, can occur in your sleep without you even being aware of it. Over time, the grinding will eventually wear away the enamel of your teeth. Custom-made bite appliances fit over your teeth and prevent you from grinding them.
Protect your teeth! Contact us today to discuss how we can provide you with a protective appliance.
Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four of 32 teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth, generally making their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom), near the entrance to the throat. The term “wisdom” stems from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom”.
In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.
There are several types, or degrees, of impaction based on the actual depth of the teeth within the jaw:
Soft Tissue Impaction: The upper portion of the tooth (the crown) has penetrated through the bone, but the gingiva (gum) is covering part or all of the tooth’s crown and has not positioned properly around the tooth. Because it is difficult to keep the area clean, food can become trapped below the gum and cause an infection and/or tooth decay, resulting in pain and swelling.
Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth has partially erupted, but a portion of the crown remains submerged below the gum and surrounding jawbone. Again, because it is difficult to keep the area clean, infection will commonly occur.
While not all wisdom teeth require removal, wisdom teeth extractions are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future. If impaction of one or more wisdom teeth is present, and left untreated, a number of potentially harmful outcomes can occur, including:
As with any dental procedure, your dentist will want to initially conduct a thorough examination of the wisdom and surrounding teeth. At Highland Creek Dental, Panoramic or digital X-rays will be taken in order for your dentist to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if a current problem exists, or the likelihood of any potential future problems. The X-rays can also expose additional risk factors, such as deterioration or decay of nearby teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (typically in the mid-teen years) is recommended in order to identify potential problems and to improve the results for patients requiring wisdom teeth extractions. Only after a thorough examination can your dentist provide you with the best options for your particular case.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, generally performed under local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia by a specially trained dentist at our Scarborough location. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be released with post-operative instructions and medication (if necessary), to help manage any swelling or discomfort.
Cosmetic bonding, also called direct or teeth bonding, is a cosmetic and restorative treatment we use at Highland Creek Dental to improve the appearance and/or function of the teeth that show when you smile. A tooth-colored composite resin is applied and then artfully sculpted directly onto the affected tooth or teeth. It is the same biocompatible, natural looking material we use in white fillings.
With cosmetic bonding we can improve the size, shape, color, and alignment of the teeth that show when you smile in just one visit to our comfortable Scarborough dental office. It’s a non-invasive, affordable way to achieve a more beautiful you!
Your Scarborough dentist will make it possible for you to enjoy a drastic transformation to your smile. Here at Highland Creek Dental we believe that everyone deserves a beautiful smile; a smile that they feel confident behind and are not afraid to show. With modern-day technology in dentistry, it is now easier than ever to get the smile of your dreams. Dental procedures such as porcelain veneers can turn your smile into a beautiful, bright and perfectly aligned set of teeth.
Our dental professionals at Highland Creek Dental in Scarborough will examine your natural teeth and go through a planning phase for your new smile, where the shape, size, length, and colour of your teeth, as well as your facial appearance and gum tissue are taken into consideration. Teeth defects, such as chips, cracks, discolouration, crookedness and even gaps between the teeth can all be fixed in your makeover. Dr. Razmavar has extensive training and experience in cosmetic dentistry that she’s able to make even the hardest smile transformations possible.
