Dentist Calgary

Top teeth whitening myths you need to know!

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Expressions Dental offers a wide variety of dental services including, Emergency Dental Services, Wisdom Teeth Removal & Teeth Whitening in Calgary. As professional dentists, it concerns us that there are many myths that surround dental treatments. What worries us most is that many people resort to DIY ways to relieve their dental worries due to such misconceptions. One such treatment that attracts faulty facts is the teeth whitening procedure. We acknowledge that there are a lot of fad whitening treatments out there which contributes to the existing problem of myths so we want to take this opportunity to address the importance of seeing a professional dentist for all your whitening needs and bust of a few teeth whitening Myths.

# Whitening will damage your teeth

This is untrue. Teeth whitening does not ‘corrode or melt’ the enamel when the procedure is done correctly. Inappropriate proportions or leaving it for a long duration can give poor results. It is true that few experience sensitivity immediately after the whitening, that subsides after some time. However, the use of over the counter experiments and DIY whitening products could cause tooth damage. To avoid damage to the enamel, make sure you choose a professional dentist who uses safe and approved methods for teeth whitening. We offer many options for Teeth Whitening in Calgary, including ZOOM! In office whitening treatment and custom made take-home whitening kits designed for your teeth alone.

# Teeth whitening is permanent

Teeth Whitening results aren’t permanent. Post teeth whitening, you will be required to maintain the results via a proper diet. Drinking coffee, tea, and red wine can cause your teeth to turn yellow. Avoiding foods/habits that cause staining and following a dentist-recommended routine is required to keep your teeth white longer. Touch-ups are required to keep your shiny pearls white.

# Whitening works on veneers & tooth restorations

No, it does not. The teeth whitening procedure is supposed to be performed on natural teeth before you go for restorations or crowns. Porcelain restorations and veneers are then matched to your whitened teeth. So, if you are planning to get veneers, crowns, or fillings, consult your dentist if you can wait until after teeth whitening to do them. Otherwise, you may need to get them redone after your teeth are whitened.

# All teeth whitening procedures deliver a Hollywood smile

Each of us has a different mineral composition of teeth. So, comparing your results with others is unrealistic. Some of us have genetically yellow teeth, while others have deeply stained teeth due to use of antibiotics like tetracycline. So, your dentist should determine the best possible whitening plan that suits your oral history for the best possible results.

Whitening isn’t the only procedure your favorite star has invested in for the dazzling smile you see on screen. Ask your dentist if your teeth would require whitening alone or need other procedures like porcelain veneers for achieving that Hollywood smile.

# The procedure is painful

Advanced methods of teeth whitening are safe and relatively painless. A professional dentist uses protective gel for your gums to shield them from the whitening agent that can irritate the soft tissue. However, you might feel sensitivity after the procedure which will subside. In case you have pre-existing sensitivity, your dentist would recommend the right plan that suits your oral history.
For more information about Teeth Whitening in Calgary or for other dental procedures or if you are looking for an Emergency Dentist, consult Expressions Dental.
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Is it safe to see the dentist during COVID-19? Yes!

The coronavirus pandemic has altered the world around us. Preventive protocols like physical distancing and covering mouth are now important to avoid the risk of Covid-19 infection. But, it is also important to maintain oral health. A cleaner and healthy mouth contribute to minimizing the chances of viral infections as it is well known that a healthy body is less prone to any infections. The pandemic has pushed many to neglect their oral health concerns and as the world starts to unlock, the question still persists- Is it safe to see the dentist during COVID-19?

Dentist-Covid19

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), there has not been one single reported case of COVID-19 transmission associated with dental offices so far. Just like any of us using masks on daily basis, washing hands, using sanitizers, disinfecting surfaces, the dentists to have already put all preventive protocols in action to ensure safety for their staff and patients. All safe dental offices have geared the patient & staff interaction to be straightforward and predictable by minimizing contact wherever possible, by using PPE kits and minimizing chairside adjustments, etc. Efficiency in all aspects of treatment and operations has now become critical. So, why neglect oral health when all the infection control procedures are in place! The dental community has been issued safety guidelines to follow, but here are a few things you can do to overcome the hesitation of seeing your dentists during the pandemic.

Yes, Please.

Before you make an appointment, here are a few questions you may ask to overcome the apprehension:
If patients are screened over the phone before their visit.
If the practice limits the number of people allowed in the waiting room at one time.
If they disinfect all surfaces including telephones, the EFTPOS machine, door handles, etc.

If all instruments/tools are sterilized after each patient.

If the staff have enough personal protective equipment?
If both staff and patients wear masks at all times?
If they have removed high contact items in the reception area like, magazines & toys.
If they have adjusted seating in the reception area to facilitate social distancing.

If the answer to all of these questions is “yes,” it means the dental office is doing everything to provide a safe environment & hence, you can feel at ease going to the dentist’s office.

Your Call
A safe dental practice puts infection control measures in action and you can see it for yourself in the initial visit. It’s then your choice to go ahead or not. So, here’s a list of everything you need to observe before you make an informed decision.

A safe dental practice:

● Records your detailed travel history and medical history.
● Sterilizes instruments for each and every patient.
● Uses disposable suction tips and instruments.
● Disinfects the dental chair, instrument panels, dental light unit and benchtops between every appointment.
● Places protective barriers over surfaces such as a headrest, x-ray units, etc.
● Uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
● Requests patients to undertake a 30-second preoperational antimicrobial mouth rinse with a 0.1% hydrogen peroxide solution before treatment
● Uses high-speed suction that reduces aerosols by 95% whenever possible.
● Uses rubber dam that reduces aerosol by 70% whenever possible.

We know it is not easy right now. Post lockdown, many businesses have reopened, including dental practices. Pandemic or not, dentists are trained to regularly disinfect and will continue to do so. Returning to your dentist is purely a personal decision, but making an informed choice by assessing the hygiene protocols will save you from neglect that can cost more than just money.

Come to Expressions Dental for all your Dental Needs!

Our team of dental professionals follow stringent safety protocols and are always here to help you get the expert dental care you need in Calgary even during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Do you have questions about our safety procedures? Need more information? Interested in an appointment? You can contact us online or give us a call. See you soon!
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Read more about the article The Importance of Choosing The Right Toothbrush

The Importance of Choosing The Right Toothbrush

When you talk about good and healthy oral care, choosing the right kind of toothbrush is a vital aspect of it. A toothbrush is a primary and an important element in everyone’s daily lives and is vital in maintaining your oral hygiene. There are countless options of toothbrushes out there and every company claims to have the best toothbrush for dental care. How do you pick the right one from the options available? Which one is the best toothbrush that will suit your teeth? Let us make your decision-making task a bit simpler.

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Read more about the article How to Find The Right Dentist For Your Family?

How to Find The Right Dentist For Your Family?

Trying to find the right dentist for you and your family is never an easy task; it becomes an overwhelming process to find the right kind of dentist for maintaining your oral health. It makes more sense and important to partner with a dentist who sticks with you and your family for the long-term, to ensure lifelong dental care. You can make the best decision for yourself based on the needs of your own and your family when you are looking out for the dentist that is suitable for your dental needs.

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Read more about the article Health Risks With Oral Piercing

Health Risks With Oral Piercing

Oral piercings, usually in the tongue or around the lips have quickly become a popular trend in today’s society. With this popular trend, it is important to realize that sometimes even precautions taken during the installation of the piercing jewelry are not enough to prevent harmful, long-term consequences such as cracked or chipped teeth, swelling, problems with swallowing and taste, and scars. There is also a possibility of choking on a piece of dislodged jewelry, which makes it important to ask if the risks are warranted.

One of the most serious long-term health problems that may occur from oral piercings come in the form of damage to the soft tissues such as the cheeks, gums and palate, as well as some kind of infections. When performed in an unsterile environment, any kind of body piercing may also put you at risk of contracting deadly infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. A tongue piercing is a common form of body piercing. However, tongue piercings have been known to cause blocked airways (from a swollen tongue). In some cases, a tongue piercing can cause uncontrolled bleeding.

People with oral piercings — especially long-stem tongue jewelry – have a greater risk of gum disease than those without oral piercings. The jewelry can come into contact with gum tissue causing injury as well as a recession of the gum tissue, which can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Caring for your Oral Piercing

  • Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and hard and sticky foods.

  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco-based products.

  • Eat soft foods. Consult with your dentist about taking vitamins to promote faster healing.

  • Make an appointment with your dentist if you suspect a problem or have a concern. It is critical for dentists to check your teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues for early signs of any problems.

If you notice any warning signs such as scarring, increased redness or pain at piercing site, bleeding or tearing after initial healing, yellow or green discharge from piercing site etc, contact a health care professional.

Ref: www.webmd.com
www.atooth.com

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Read more about the article What Happens if I Lose a Tooth Filling?

What Happens if I Lose a Tooth Filling?

Fillings are materials used to fill cavities in the teeth. Sometimes fillings fall out. In some cases, a filling may come loose because there is decay underneath it. The decay destroys part of the tooth, so it no longer has a tight hold on the filling.

A lost filling may not be an immediate emergency. However, it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to temperature, pressure or air.

If you realize your filling has come out when it has happened and you haven’t already swallowed it, you should remove it from your mouth to prevent yourself from swallowing it.

You should call your dentist as soon as you lose your filling to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to replace the filling or perform whatever treatment is necessary.

If you are not able to get to your dentist that day to have it refilled, you will need to keep that area of your tooth really clean. The cavity that was filled is now exposed again and could worsen or feel really sensitive. Brush your teeth carefully making sure to remove any food debris from the cavity so that harmful bacteria do not accumulate.

Your tooth may be sensitive after you lose your filing. This may be caused by exposed dentin tubules, which are tiny pathways of communication between the dentin and the pulp of your tooth. The dentin tubules provide a direct pathway from the inside of your mouth to your tooth. If you do feel pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Make sure you get an appointment to see your Dentist

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Read more about the article Abscessed Tooth Treatment Calgary NW

Abscessed Tooth Treatment Calgary NW

What is abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a severe infection that usually shows up on the root of the tooth or between the gum and the tooth. It could become a dental emergency, as an abscessed tooth not only causes a great amount of pain, but if left untreated it can also cause serious health problems. An abscess can cause damage to the surrounding tissues, damage to the jaw bone and in some cases even affect the immune system resulting in death of the afflicted person. A number of things can cause tooth to abscess such as:

  1. Severe tooth decay
  2. Bad trauma to the tooth
  3. Broken or chipped teeth
  4. In some cases a tooth can be susceptible to infection after a crown or a filling has been put in:
    1. Gingivitis
    2. Gum disease

Symptoms of a dental abscess typically include pain, swelling and redness of mouth and face. Other signs of abscess might include cavities, gum inflammation, oral swelling, pus drainage, and difficulty in fully opening your mouth or swallowing.

Tests for dental abscess

A dentist often can determine by a clinical exams + radiographs if you have an abscess.

Treatment for a dental abscess

You should see a dentist for dental abscess treatment. Root canal therapy may need to commence to drain the infected tooth. The doctor may decide to cut open the abscess and allow the pus to drain. Unless the abscess ruptures on its own, this is usually the only way that the infection can be cured. People with dental abscesses may be prescribed pain relievers and, at the discretion of the doctor, antibiotics to fight the infection. An abscess that has extended to the floor of the mouth or to the neck requires immediate attention.

With a dental abscess, as with each and every illness, comply with your doctor’s instructions for follow-up care. Proper treatment often means reassessment, multiple visits, or referral to a specialist. Cooperate with your doctors by following instructions carefully to ensure the best possible oral health for you and your family.

 

 

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Read more about the article Tips for Fresh Breath

Tips for Fresh Breath

Everyone suffers occasionally from bad breath. Bad breath is most commonly caused by conditions in your mouth, such as the food you eat, and how often you clean your teeth, gums and tongue. This is a dental problem, which you can probably fix yourself.
Read these tips on how to keep your breath fresh:

  1. Floss and brush your teeth, gums and tongue daily to prevent bad breath. Clean as far back on your tongue as you can, as that’s where bacteria often collect. If you don’t clean your mouth, any remaining food particles will attract bacteria, which cause bad breath and contribute to tooth decay.

  2. Brush and floss your teeth after eating. If you can’t do a thorough cleaning, drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum are good options.

  3. Use fluoride mouth rinse for fresher breath. Not only can decayed teeth hurt, they may have an awful odor. Tooth decay can be prevented with fluoride toothpaste and proper dental care.

  4. Be aware that certain foods — such as garlic, onions and some spices — can contribute to bad breath for up to 72 hours after eating.

  5. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

  6. Keep your nasal passages free. Blowing your nose and making sure you are breathing through your nose rather than your mouth will contribute to fresher breath.

  7. Stop smoking.

  8. Eat more fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables. The act of chewing on raw, healthy foods enhances saliva flow and also pushes food debris out from between teeth and spaces between the gums and teeth.

  9. Bad breath can also be an early symptom of periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and jawbone, which can lead to a loss of gum and teeth. If left alone, the bacteria will build up on your teeth and irritate the gums. Flossing helps removes food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. Be sure to also visit your dentist for periodic cleanings and exams.

  10. Dry mouth leads to bad breath. Saliva inhibits the growth of bacteria that contribute to bad breath by cleansing the mouth and removing odour-causing food particles. Dry mouth is also caused by some medications, alcohol and breathing with your mouth open. Drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum or candy to keep your mouth moist.

Chronic bad breath however, can be a visible sign that something is not right. If bad breath persists, schedule an appointment with your dentist. It can be an indicator of gum disease or dry mouth. If it is due to an oral condition, your dentist can develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

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