Top 5 Signs You May Have a Cavity

Cavity Symptoms — Pickering, ON

Did you know that almost 100 percent of the adults in the world suffer from some form of tooth decay every year? Additionally, somewhere between 60 and 90 percent of kids suffer from tooth decay as well.

Tooth decay can, unfortunately, lead to cavities. And if cavities are left untreated for a long period of time, they can lead to even more serious oral health issues.

No matter how old you are, it’s important for you to keep a close eye out for cavity symptoms. It’ll allow you to avoid the potentially dangerous consequences that can come along with cavities.

Here are 5 signs that’ll let you know you may have a cavity.

1. Unexplained Toothaches

implant dentistry

Do you have a toothache that just popped up out of nowhere? This is one of the most common cavity symptoms.

In some cases, you might have a dull, throbbing toothache that just won’t seem to go away. In others, you might have a toothache that comes and goes and seems to affect you most when you’re eating and drinking.

Either way, a toothache is an obvious sign of a cavity and should be investigated further.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

There are some people who have more sensitive teeth than others. Food and drinks that are hot, cold, sweet, acidic, and sticky may bother them almost all the time.

But if you notice that your teeth are suddenly sensitive to any of these things without warning, it could be because of a cavity. A dentist can check out your teeth to see what is causing your tooth sensitivity.

3. Noticeable Holes in Teeth

Oral Surgeon

If you think you might have a cavity, use a flashlight to shine some light into your mouth and look at the area that’s giving you trouble.

Can you see any small holes in any of your teeth? If so, those holes are cavities that need to be filled.

You can’t always spot a cavity in your mouth, even if it’s a bad one. But many times, it’ll be possible to see cavities as they develop.

4. Tooth Discoloration

It’s not uncommon to see someone who drinks a lot of coffee or wine to experience discoloration in their teeth. But in these instances, all of their teeth will be a shade darker than they used to be.

Tooth discoloration tied to a cavity will usually only affect a small portion of a single tooth. You may see a spot that is slightly whiter than the rest of your teeth or a spot that has turned brown or black.

5. Pain When Biting Down

Do you feel pain when you bite down, even when you don’t have anything in your mouth?

You could very well have a cavity that is affecting the root of one of your teeth. It’s essential for you to get to a dentist as soon as possible for this type of cavity as it could start to take a toll on the bone underneath your teeth.

Seek Treatment If You Experience Any of These Cavity Symptoms

By learning how to tell if you have a cavity and picking up on cavity symptoms, you can prevent cavities from wreaking havoc on your oral health.

The key is catching decay and cavities at the early and preventative stages. This may save you from having to go through extensive dental procedures to fix your teeth and keep your teeth and health in better shape overall.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with a dentist if you suspect you might have a cavity.

 

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, dental abscess, and lost fillings or crowns all qualify as dental emergencies. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 for same-day emergency care.

Can I go to the emergency room for a dental emergency?

While the ER can manage pain and infection, they typically cannot perform dental procedures. A dental office like Pickering Square Dental is better equipped to treat the underlying cause. We reserve same-day appointments for emergencies.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, keep it in milk or saliva. Get to our Pickering office within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

5 Surprising Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Dental Cleanings — Pickering, ON

We all know that having a routine dental cleaning can remove stains from your teeth and prevent bad breath. That’s why many people think it’s okay to skip their trip to the dentist.

Little do they know that having a regular dental cleaning is essential for keeping your smile and body healthy.

The benefits of dental cleanings are surprising and can have a positive impact on your overall health:

1. Reduced Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke

Shocking, right?

There’s actually a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular problems. Infrequent dental cleanings lead to gum disease, which can possibly cause inflammation in the heart.

A large study shows that those who had their teeth cleaned regularly were 24% less likely to have a heart attack than those who didn’t. In addition, their likelihood of having a stroke fell 13%.

2. Save Money

You might think that having frequent dental cleanings is more expensive than not. However, these teeth cleanings save you money in the long run.

Going for a long period of time without seeing the dentist causes more problems with your teeth and leads to expensive dental procedures in the future. Regular teeth cleanings prevent cavities, tooth decay, and tooth loss, allowing you to avoid the expense of root canals and dental implants.

3. Give Birth to a Healthy Baby

It’s very important to take care of your teeth when you’re pregnant. Pregnant mothers are more susceptible to gingivitis due to higher hormone levels.

Expectant mothers who don’t have their teeth cleaned are at slightly higher risk of having a preterm birth and a baby with a low birth weight.

Gum disease can also impede your fertility. This can make it longer to become pregnant if you’re trying to conceive.

4. Lowered Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

If you’re younger, you may not be thinking about the possibility of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia. But when your teeth aren’t clean, you can be at a higher risk of developing these diseases.

Bacteria in the mouth caused by infrequent cleanings can travel to the bloodstream. Eventually, it can end up in the brain and cause tissue degeneration related to Alzheimer’s.

When you receive frequent dental cleanings, you are safeguarding yourself against a buildup of bacteria that can damage your health in the future.

5. Control and Prevent Diabetes

The importance of dental cleanings even applies to those with diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to develop gum disease due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. In turn, fighting a gum infection can lead to difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels and worsening of diabetic symptoms.

Getting a regular teeth cleaning can help diabetics manage their symptoms while preventing any further complications.

Dental Cleanings Keep You Healthy

In order to live a healthy life, it’s important to see your dentist and have routine dental cleaning. The benefits of teeth cleaning outweigh any hangups you may have about going to the dentist.

At Pickering Dental, we are passionate about giving you your best smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

5 Surprising Benefits of Dental X-Rays

Benefits Of Dental X Rays — Pickering, ON

Regular dental care is an invaluable asset to your quality of life. Dentists do more than clean your teeth and fix your smile. They play a crucial role in the overall well-being of every single patient they see.

One way dentists do this is by using x-rays to help them identify issues, plan a course of action, and follow-up on treatment. If you don’t mind going to the dentist, but you’re not a fan of taking x-rays, keep reading to discover 5 awesome benefits of dental x-rays.

1. To Track Tooth Growth and Development

Have you ever broken a bone then watched the progress of its healing with regular x-rays? It’s pretty cool to see, isn’t it?

In a similar way, dentists use x-rays to track healthy tooth growth and development. They can do this with their own eyes too, but only to a certain extent. Advanced medical equipment helps them assess the situation from all angles.

With just one set of x-rays, a dentist can see if your teeth are prone to crowding or tooth gaping. From there, they may consult with you to receive some sort of orthodontic treatment.

2. To Identify Dental Decay

The next benefit of dental x-rays worth mentioning is to identify decay. This is a serious matter worth treating as soon as possible. The growth of decay in your mouth can lead to gum disease, rotten teeth, or other health issues in the body.

If you want to keep bacteria from spreading, you need to catch it in action right away. You need to allow the dentist to take the necessary x-rays.

3. To Check for Gum Disease

Maybe it’s too late for you to identify the presence of dental decay early on. Maybe you’re already suffering from bleeding or inflamed gums and wondering what to do about it.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist who will likely require x-rays to aid in determining the severity of your potential Gum Disease. Most dentists can identify gum disease from a mile away. But, it’s only with an up-close look and support of x-rays that they can see the root of the problem and start planning a cure.

4. To Assure Treatment Success

It’s one thing to plan a course of action for dental treatment and another to see it through. As such, dentists often take follow-up x-rays to assure their work is complete. Some will even take x-rays at each stage of treatment to track progress.

This may mean you have two or three sets of x-rays done or maybe even four or five. However many times you’re asked to take them, always comply. The more x-rays a dentist has to compare, the better they can do their job and bring you back to good health.

5. To Act Quickly on Dental Issues

Speaking of bringing you to good health, at the end of the day, a dentist can’t do this if you don’t let them. It’s not enough to go in for cleanings and keep up with flossing at home.

You’re going to have to take x-rays from time to time to make sure your dental health is as good as you think it is. Not to mention, if something is wrong, you’ll be glad you took the x-rays sooner rather than later.

Discover the Benefits of Dental X-Rays for Yourself

Dental x-rays are nothing to fear or cause a fuss over. They’re incredibly safe, and although a little uncomfortable, quick to do when you follow directions.

The most important rule of going to the dentist, though, is to actually go! If it’s been a while since you sat in the dentist’s chair and you need to make an appointment, click here to set one up with us right away.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Do You Need a Periodontist?

Patient at dentists office, getting teeth examined with hand-held mirror and cleaned of tartar and plaque, preventing periodontal disease. Dental hygiene, painful procedures and prevention concept.

Every year, millions of people around the world are affected by periodontal disease or gum disease. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. One major concern is that most people do not realize that they have gum disease until they experience severe pain or they actually loose teeth. This is because there are very few symptoms of gum disease, especially in its early stages.

 

How Does Gum Disease Begin?

The problem starts when bacteria build up between teeth and along the gum line. As this happens, very few symptoms – if any- are visible or are felt. When bacteria continue to multiply, they can cause the gums to pull away from teeth. When the gum recedes, more of the tooth gets exposed to plaque and bacteria get even closer to the root as they get below the gum line. It is at this stage that tooth loss can happen.

When gum disease reaches an advanced stage, it may still be treated but the treatments would be more extensive and much more costly. It is therefore important that it gets caught as early as possible. Visiting your trusted dentist at Pickering Square Dental regularly is the best way to know for sure that your teeth and gums are healthy.

 

There are also a number of signs and symptoms that tell you that you need to see a periodontist:

* Gums are swollen, red, and bleeding, especially when you are brushing your teeth and flossing.

* Gums are receding. There may also be deep pockets between teeth and gums.

* There is an unpleasant taste in the mouth which tends to return even after you brush your teeth.

* You have chronic bad breath.

* Your teeth are moving and shifting out of their former alignment. They may also feel loose.

* You feel pressure or even pain when you are eating. This is because when there is infection around the tooth root, the pressure caused by biting food and chewing can result in discomfort or even pain.

* Your teeth are more sensitive to hot or cold food and beverages than usual. You feel more sensitivity as more of the roots of your teeth are exposed.

 

If you are noticing one or more of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with Pickering Square Dental so we can evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums. Remember that early detection is the key to fighting gum disease and saving your teeth!

Helpful Resources

Family Dental

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

What You Need to Know About Dental Sedation

Beautiful getting woman inhalation sedation at dental clinic

Many people have anxiety about going to the dentist. Because of this, some suffer dental problems that would have been avoided if they made trips to the dentist at least twice a year. If you, too, are uncomfortable with the idea of visiting your dentist for a treatment, then you should know that there is another option for you – dental sedation.

Not all methods of sedation dentistry involve actually putting patients to sleep. At Pickering Square Dental, there are a number of options for you to consider. There are techniques that can be used to make you calm before and during a procedure or simply more comfortable during procedures that last for hours. Don’t mistake dental sedation as the pain management like numbing creams and shots that dentists give. In fact, if you fear getting an injection in the gums and dental sedation can help calm you down. But that is not the only type of sedation. Read on to know more about the different types of sedation dentistry!

 

Oral Sedation

For oral sedation, the patient takes a prescribed sedative before the dental procedure. Depending on the case, the patient may need to take one pill the night before or up to an hour before the procedure. The patient is awake but significantly relaxed during the procedure when using an oral sedative. Those who have a high level of anxiety can benefit from this type of sedation dentistry. We will determine (depending on your case). It is mandatory to have a family member or friend with you to drive you home as it will not be safe to drive yourself when you take an oral sedative.

 

Laughing Gas

Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is commonly used to help patients relax during dental procedures. It may be used on its own or in addition to oral sedation. Patients remain conscious while breathing in laughing gas. Because it wears off quickly after you stop breathing it in, you will most probably be allowed to drive yourself home after your procedure.

 

IV Sedation

There are a few variations for IV sedation. One leaves the patient conscious but not very aware of what is going on in his or her surroundings. It makes the patient sleepy and should he or she falls asleep, the dentist can wake him or her up easily. Then there is general anesthesia, which is not that common but is necessary in some cases. This is often considered for use for patients who will undergo an extensive oral surgery or those who are resistant to other varieties of sedation. This type of sedation is administered only in a hospital or a specialized and licensed clinic. The patient is totally unconscious when under general anesthesia.

 

Do You Need Sedation Dentistry?

If you have any concerns or if you are feeling anxious about your upcoming dental work, you can give Pickering Square Dental a call so we can determine the best sedation dentistry option for you!

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our sedation dentistry services at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

men brushing teeth

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Cosmetic Dentistry 101

Beautiful smile and white teeth of a young woman. Matching the shades of the implants or the process of teeth whitening.

With all the TV shows about makeovers, you probably have heard of cosmetic dentistry. And if you are interested in improving your teeth, then you are in the right place. In this post, we are going to talk about everything that you want to know about cosmetic dentistry.

Basically, cosmetic dentistry is the term we use in the industry to describe procedures that can improve the look of teeth but not necessarily make them healthier. So they are not necessary, but they do offer various benefits including boosting a patient’s confidence, reducing teeth grinding, and making cleaning much easier.

What is the Difference between General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry?

We use the term collectively to refer to common procedures like extractions, cleanings, root canals, and fillings which are all available at Pickering Square Dental. These procedures are performed often because they are needed to address dental problems or to keep one’s teeth and gums healthy.  Cosmetic procedures, like we have mentioned are options for patients who want a better looking smile.

How Cosmetic Procedures Have Improved

We have seen improvements in the field of cosmetic dentistry that have resulted in quicker, more effective, and sometimes even pain-free procedures. For example, laser teeth whitening and gum treatments do not require anaesthetic because they are painless. There are also more complicated procedures like implants where we use state-of-the-art lasers to make accurate incisions and the patient is sedated. All the improvements take us one step closer to achieving the perfect smile without pain and anxiety!

Here some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures:

Whitening Treatments

There are a number of forms of whitening treatments that include bleaching and laser treatments. The most advanced ones can make your teeth up to 16 shades lighter!

Veneers

These are porcelain shells that are securely bonded to the front of the tooth or teeth. They are often used when a tooth or a few teeth are discoloured or sometimes as an alternative to orthodontics. Over time, veneers have improved so much that they can match your real teeth so that no one can even tell you’re wearing veneers! The procedure requires that a part of the tooth be shaved. If you are considering getting veneers, know that they will eventually need repair or replacement because porcelain wears away.

Orthodontics

Traditional braces and Invisalign are available to those who want to straighten their teeth. Depending on what you need, we can recommend the best approach for you when you come for a consultation.

Bridges and Crowns

Large gaps or missing teeth can be improved by bridges. They are a more affordable and much less invasive procedure than implants or orthodontics. Crowns can cover and repair cracked or chipped teeth and restore their normal shape.

Implants

Dental implants are used to replace decayed or damaged teeth. Advancements in dental implants have resulted in products that can closely match the rest of a patient’s teeth so they’ll blend naturally.

Cosmetic dentistry and all the other procedures we offer at Pickering Square Dental can help give you the smile you have always dreamed of. Visit us for a thorough check up and you can tell us what you want. We’ll discuss your best options so you can achieve the perfect smile.

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our cosmetic dentistry in Pickering at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

Dental Implants

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Procedures Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Toronto Maple Leafs’ Trusted Dentists

Picture of 4 ice hockey players without any signs or specific teams.

Who doesn’t know and love the Toronto Maple Leafs? As Canadians, we all feel very proud and excited when we see them play. Most adults enjoy watching all their games. Children look up to them and aspire to be a part of the legendary team one day. Indeed, we all think that the amazing players are just a cut above the rest.

But just like everyone else, athletes need to have their teeth taken care of. When it comes to their oral health, the Toronto Maple Leafs only trusts Dr. Marvin Lean and his partner from Pickering Square Dental.  Since 2005, Dr. Marvin Lean and his partner have been the team’s official dentists.

For more than 12 years, Dr. Marvin Lean and his partner have been a part of Toronto Maple Leafs’ training camp, providing all the hockey players with thorough dental assessments. Additionally, they also customize protective mouth guards for every hockey player so their teeth won’t be damaged when they are out on the ice.

Whenever there are home games at the Air Canada Center, Dr. Lean and his partner are also the official dentists that are on staff, ready to provide all the players (including those from the visiting team) with the dental assistance they need in case there is any emergency.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are the best and for their dental care, they depend on the best dentists, too. If our beloved hockey team trusts Dr. Lean and his partner to make sure that they have the best oral health possible, there’s no reason you shouldn’t! So whether you are looking for a new dentist for yourself or your child, don’t look elsewhere! Pickering Square Dental is the best place for you and your family to go when you’re in need of superior dental care.

You’ll find that a visit to the dentist doesn’t have to be traumatic! In fact, you’ll be really comfortable in our office while your teeth are getting the best care. There is a reason patients have been loyal to Pickering Square Dental for more than 25 years now! To find out more about all our services that we offer to patients of all ages, check out pickeringquaredental.com. You can also schedule an appointment with us by calling 905-420-1777!

Helpful Resources

dental crowns

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Answering Common Dental Implant Questions

woman take tooth implant false tooth on green background

Today, no other treatment can match the promise of dental implants when it comes to tooth replacement. If you are considering getting implants, there are probably a lot of questions on your mind that you want to be answered – What does it feel like to wear implants? How long do implants last?

Because we want you to know as much as you can about implants, we listed down some of the most questions our patients ask us, and our answers to those questions.

What are implants made of?

Implants are made of medically pure titanium alloy or titanium. This material is the same one that has been used in hip implants for years. It is not known to result in any type of rejection.

Should I be worried about complications and infections?

During the surgery, we do everything to keep a completely sterile field to minimize any potential post-operative infection. As a precautionary measure, appropriate antibiotics may be prescribed. Of course, once the implants are engaged in your prosthesis, you should ensure that you’ll maintain a good oral hygiene.

What do I need to do to receive dental implants?

The first thing you need to do is to schedule a consultation with us. We will do a thorough check-up and set up the perfect care plan for you. We will also give you instructions regarding the procedure, including the visits you need to make.

How long will the dental implants last?

In general, dental implants can last you forever. There won’t be any need for a replacement or repair. Just remember to follow our suggestions on how you should care for your oral health.

Will it be too obvious that I’m wearing dental implants?

Unless, you tell them, no one will know that you are wearing implants! They’re not noticeable at all!

Will the implants be uncomfortable? Will they feel like my real teeth in time?

Dental implants are comfortable. In truth, after a short period of adjustment, you will actually forget that you’re wearing them at all! Because an implant will replace your tooth’s entirety (and a restoration will replace the tooth crown), you get to enjoy the same stability that you got from your natural tooth. You need not worry about anything because all your activities like speaking, eating, and of course smiling, will all return to normal quickly.

Get all your questions answered and gain all the information you need to consider dental implants through a consultation with our practice. Contact Pickering Square Dental today!

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our dental implant services at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

Dental Implant

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Procedures Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Non-Dental Medical Issues Your Dentist Might Find

Dentist and patient

As you know, dentists can easily diagnose oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. What you may not know is that they can also discover issues that are non-dental!

Here are five non-dental issues that your dentist can detect during a check-up:

Anemia

This is a condition in which your body doesn’t have sufficient red blood cells circulating. Some signs of anemia include pale lining of the mouth, smooth tongue without the usual bumpy texture. Your Pickering Square Dental dentist may recognize these signs and let you know about it.

Diabetes

Dentists can easily recognize the early signs of diabetes like dry mouth, loose teeth, and receding, dry, or bleeding gums. Diabetes can make your immune system weak and cause oral wounds and infections to take much longer to heal.

Osteoporosis

Anybody can experience osteoporosis. Dentists can spot some of the warning signs of osteoporosis, including a receding gum line and loose teeth. These are signs that the bone supporting your teeth is changing. Going to a dentist on a regular basis makes it easier for your dentist to detect these signs.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is among the most common cancers diagnosed every year. Often, dentists are the ones who discover the early signs of this disease. Some of those signs include red or white lesions in the mouth. There are a number of factors that increase one’s risk of oral cancer, including smoking, heavy drinking, and the presence of HPV. If you want to be checked for oral cancer, you can visit Pickering Square Dental and we can do an oral cancer screening for you.

HIV

Some of the most common signs of HIV can manifest inside the mouth. These include lesions, warts, and spots on the tongue that can be brown, purple, red, or white, and other oral infections.

See, the dentist’s ability to detect signs of various diseases is one more reason for you to keep all your dental appointments. Aside from the dental care you’ll receive, going for a regular checkup could be the difference between catching the signs of a disease before it progresses and finding out too late. Visit Pickering Square Dental to get the best oral health care and a thorough checkup!

Helpful Resources

dental emergency

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Battling Aggressive Oral Cancer

oral cancer colorful word with stethoscope on wooden background

Diagnosis of cancer or even just a suspicion of cancer can be quite scary. Instantly, you think of people you know who lost their battles to cancer. You may even reflect on how most TV shows or movies that feature a character with cancer almost always has that person dying. You may be the one suffering or it could be someone dear to you – either way, cancer is something that can easily change the way you live your life.

Instead of living in fear, one of the things that you can do is to learn what you can about it. In this particular post, we aim to share with you some information on one of the most aggressive types of cancer which affects thousands of people every year – oral cancer.

Risk Factors

Knowing the causative factors of cancer can contribute to the prevention of the disease. For oral cancer, age is often named as a risk factor (it often occurs in those past the age of 40).  In the recent years, the anterior of the mouth, alcohol, and tobacco-associated cancers have declined in number along with a corresponding decline in smoking. Posterior of the oral cavity sites that are associated with the HPV16 viral cause, on the other hand, are increasing.

It is also likely that the accumulative damage caused by factors like excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and viral infections like HPV are the real culprits. It should also be noted that those who drink and smoke are at 15 times higher risk of developing oral cancer.

There are also physical factors like ultraviolet radiation exposure. This is often the cause of cancers of the lip, whose numbers have declined in the last few decades most likely because of increased awareness. People now understand the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to the sun and the benefits of wearing sunscreen. Biological factors associated with oral cancers include viruses and fungi. HPV16 in particular has been implicated in oral cancers.

Treatment

Once a definitive diagnosis is made and the cancer is staged, treatment may start. Treatment of oral cancers is often a multidisciplinary approach that involves the collaborative effort of dental practitioners, surgeons, chemotherapy oncologists, radiation oncologists, nutritionists, and rehabilitation and restorative specialists.

The actual treatment modalities are often chemotherapy with concurrent radiation, and sometimes, surgery.

Chemotherapy is currently not used as a lone approach for oral cancers but instead added to decrease the possibility of metastasis, to reduce the size of malignancy before the surgery, and to sensitize the malignant cells to radiation. It is also a powerful component of treatment for patients with confirmed distant metastasis of the disease.

 

Before the curative treatment starts, other oral health needs have to be taken care of. It is necessary so the likelihood of getting post-therapeutic complications would be lessened. Teeth that have poor prognosis from caries or periodontal problems may be extracted. Avoiding post-radiotherapy surgery is important because it can sometimes induce osteonecrosis which happens when tissue damaged by radiation exposes the underlying bone and does not heal. A thorough prophylaxis or cleaning will probably be done before treatments start.

Every cancer phase potentially paves an avenue to discovering a new therapy for treatment. And with all the research being conducted, there is always a possibility that we will see cures for oral cancer in our lifetime.


 

Helpful Resources

dental treatment

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.