Implant Key Terms You Need to Understand

woman take tooth implant false tooth on green background

If you have been told that you should consider dental implants and you are not exactly sure what they are, the best thing for you to do is discuss it with your dentist. But like with other dental procedures, there might be some terms that could sound “alien” to you. That could get in the way of you fully understanding what you need to know about dental implants.

To help you decode dental lingo, here are some terms that you should know:

Abutment

It is a connector that the dentist will attach to the top of your dental implant. This will serve as the attachment for the replacement tooth, bridge, or crown, keeping it securely in place.

Abutment Teeth

This refers to the teeth that support the partial denture or bridge. The bridge is attached during a crown prep or inlay/onlay prep. If for a partial denture, clasps or rests are necessary to support the denture on the abutment tooth.

Crown

A crown or a cap, as it is also called, replaces the top portion and layer of a tooth. If you have broken or lost a tooth because of injury, infection, or decay, your dentist can fit you with a crown to replace the damaged or missing one. Crowns fit over the top of existing teeth but they must be ground down to fit or attached to the abutment of an implant.

Ceramic

This is a material used to make dental implants. It is made of clay that is hardened by heat. Some people like the aesthetic appeal of ceramic better than titanium because it gives a more natural look. It is available in ivory, which looks similar to existing roots and teeth. Ceramic implants are an option for patients with allergy to metal.

Endosteal Implant

This is the most commonly used implant type in modern dentistry. To fit this particular style of implant, small screws, plates, blades, or cylinders are placed directly into the jawbone surgically. Every implant can hold at least one prosthetic tooth.

Eposteal Implant

This type of implant receives support by directly resting on the jawbone. This is not used often today in dentistry as it is often seen as an outdated method.

 

Implant or Fixture

This is a medical device that interfaces with the jawbone to support a bridge, crown, or denture. Most dental implants last for patients’ entire lives so they are deemed better than bridges which would need replacement and dentures which can be uncomfortable for the wearer.

Titanium and Zirconia

Most dental implants these days are made of titanium. This is the preferred material of most patients because very few people are allergic to titanium. It is also very durable and lightweight. There is a small percentage of people who are allergic to titanium, and for them Zirconia is a good option. Zirconia implants have no prosthetic connections, lowering the risk of bacteria growth. Patients may also find that they have better gum health with this type of implant. Its white colour makes it look more like a natural tooth.

If you want to know more about dental implants or you’re wondering if it’s an option for you, do call Pickering Square Dental and we will set an appointment for you!


 

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 service

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association on Dental Implants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental implants can last 25 years or more. Many patients enjoy their implants for a lifetime. At Pickering Square Dental, Dr. Lean uses high-quality titanium implants designed for long-term durability.

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report less discomfort than expected. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, and sedation options are available. Post-procedure soreness typically resolves within a few days with over-the-counter pain relief.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most adults with good general health are candidates for dental implants. You need adequate jawbone density to support the implant. Dr. Lean will assess your bone health and overall suitability during a consultation at our Pickering office.

Dental Care Resolutions You Really Need To Stick To

Beautiful young parents and their cute little daughter are looking at camera and smiling while brushing teeth, against gray wall

Did you know that only about 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolution? This can be attributed to a lot of factors, including unrealistic expectations regarding the ease, the speed, and the consequences of their resolutions.

What can you do then? Make more reasonable goals, of course! Because we want you to enjoy healthy and beautiful smile all year, here are some dental resolutions that you can easily stick to:

Brush and Floss Twice a Day

Well, you should already be doing this and you probably are. But there are probably a few times last year when you skipped brushing and flossing because you were a little too busy, sleepy, lazy, or distracted. Make sure that this year, nothing comes between you and your brush and floss!

Lessen Your Sugar Intake

Let us not kid ourselves. It is really hard to completely stop eating and drinking sugar. But it will greatly help if you at least aim to reduce your intake of sweets. It may also be time for you to discover healthier alternatives! While you lessen your sugar intake, increase your intake of water and make sure you rinse your mouth after eating sweets.

Break Your Bad Habits

Unfortunately, some of the things you like doing, like drinking coffee every so often and smoking can be really bad for your teeth. Not only do these habits stain your teeth, but they can even damage your gums and cause oral cancer! For these reasons alone, you should be working really hard to drop these habits. It can be really challenging, but your dentist and your physician can surely provide you with helpful suggestions on what you can do to beat your chemical dependency.

Get Checked for Oral Cancer

So, this is not really a resolution that you have to repeatedly do but one that you just have to do at least once this 2018. Then you can have it done next year again! Thousands of Canadians suffer from oral cancer. Most oral cancer cases are treatable as long as they are detected and treated early. Advanced tools can now be used to check your mouth for signs of inflammation and bumps that could be an early sign of oral cancer. Ask for a screening on your next dental appointment!

Set a Schedule and Stick to It

One of the best things you can do for your oral health this year is not just making an appointment with your dentist, but actually sticking to it. Your dentist is the one person who understands your needs when it comes to your oral health – even more than you do. Regular visits can help ensure that you won’t suffer from any problems in the near future.

These are pretty simple things that you can do for your oral health. And trust us – what you’ll get in return is all worth it.

Want to make 2018 the year where you got your best smile ever? Give Pickering Square Dental a call and set an appointment. We’ll be your partner in this very achievable goal!

Helpful Resources

dental bridges

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.

Keep a Healthy Heart with Better Dental Care

Portrait of beautiful young woman with perfect smile. Isolated on white.

Heart disease is among the top causes of death for both men and women worldwide. Countless studies have been dedicated to finding out the causes of this fatal disease. But did you know that research has also found that there is a link between heart disease and your gum health?

According to a 2016 study conducted in Sweden, having gum disease increases the risk of getting a first heart attack by 28%.Heart disease and gum disease have some common risk factors that include poor nutrition, diabetes, and smoking, among others. Many researchers also believe that inflammation that is caused by periodontal disease may be attributed for the connection.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Yet again, this old cliché proves to be true. Maintaining healthy habits can significantly lower your risk of both gum disease and heart disease. These strategies can help:

 

* Start (and stick to) a healthy diet. Make sure that your meals are rich in nutrients. Always include foods that contain vitamins A and E. Eliminate, or at least reduce sugar and starches, which are not only bad for your oral health but your overall health as well.

 

*Stop smoking! You know that this terrible habit can compromise your oral health, as well as your heart and lungs. Every time you light a cigarette, you are deliberately harming yourself and sometimes even those around you. Quit smoking before it destroys your gums and put you at a higher risk of heart disease.

 

*Brush and floss daily. Proper brushing is as important as doing it regularly. To make sure plaque and bacteria are removed, brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Do it in the morning and in the evening before bedtime. Don’t forget to floss! You should also pay extra attention to your oral hygiene if you are taking medicine because there are some that can increase the risk of gum disease. You can ask your doctor about it if you believe your medications are causing gum problems.

 

* Visit your physician and your dentist regularly. One way to avoid health problems is to have regular check-ups. Your doctor can perform tests to determine your health. Of course, regularly visiting Pickering Square Dental can help ensure that you don’t just have an amazingly white teeth but a healthy gum, too! Both your doctor and your dentist can tell you how often you should visit to help make sure you maintain optimal health.

Helpful Resources

sedation dentistry

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.

Wishing for a Whiter Teeth – Procedures That Can Help

closeup of smile with white heatlhy teeth

Who doesn’t wish for whiter teeth? Everyone wants to have the best smile they can ever have and that means having sparkly pearly whites. One of the ways to do that is to rid the surface of your teeth of stains. Whitening toothpaste can help with this. But deeper stains may require more than just your usual whitening toothpaste.

There are certain types of whitening procedures that can be done in the dentist’s office like the ones we offer at Pickering Square Dental and there are bleaching products that you can try at home.

Will Whitening/Bleaching Work?

Generally, whitening works for yellowish teeth really well and moderately well for more brownish ones. So if your teeth have been darkened a little by constant drinking of tea or coffee, smoking, or age, you might want to consider bleaching your teeth.

However, if you have grayish teeth, bleaching may not work that well for you. It may also not be applicable if your front teeth have tooth-coloured fillings or bonding. You won’t be able to change the color of artificial materials and they might end up standing out against your whiter natural teeth.

At-Home Whitening/Bleaching

You can also inquire about dentist-supervised bleaching. For this approach, a custom made and fit whitening tray will be prepared by your dentist or hygienist. A bleaching gel will be placed in the bleaching tray and you’ll wear the tray as instructed. Your dentist might suggest that you wear it overnight for a span of a week or two.

In-Office Whitening/Bleaching

If you prefer faster results, you can always opt to have your teeth professionally bleached by your dentist. You can visit Pickering Square Dental to have this done. It may take anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour. Depending on how much whitening your teeth requires.

If you want to know more about our teeth whitening procedure or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with us, simply give Pickering Square Dental a call!


 

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

Helpful Resources

tooth repair

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.

How Not to Let Holiday Spirits Lead to Dental Cavities

Happy family in the room with the Christmas tree.The family is enjoying in the holidays.They are celebrating their first Christmas together.

Christmas is the time where everyone celebrates the birth of Christ. We celebrate love and everything that’s good. It’s when we spend time with family and friends and usually, we do that over festive dinners and fun parties.

But even though the holidays are all about festivities, we should not neglect our oral health. Now more than ever, we should recognize the importance of preventing caries. After all, it is during the holidays when we double or even triple the amount of sugary foods and beverages that we consume.

Make sure you maintain good oral health during the holidays with these tips:

  1. Use a straw when drinking sugary beverages like pop, punch, and more. You can limit the exposure of your teeth to sugar by using a straw. See, when you sip out of a glass or a bottle directly, the liquid lingers in the mouth and coats your teeth. When you use a straw the liquid is directed away from your teeth, so it’s less damaging to your teeth.
  2. If you must indulge in something sweet, go for dark chocolate. Tannin in cocoa can help reduce plaque growth. Dark chocolate contains less sugar than other kinds of chocolate and it is also the least processed variety. Take note, however, that you should still not overindulge. It’s still best to eat dark chocolates in moderation!
  3. Reduce the number of times you eat sweets. Did you know that a big slice of cake throughout the day is even more harmful than eating it in just one sitting? According to studies, tooth decay has more to do with the frequency of eating rather than the amount of sugar itself, meaning how often you eat has more weight than how much you eat. If you have Christmas treats to enjoy it’s best to do so directly after each meal. Snacking throughout the day will expose your teeth to acid (produced when bacteria come in contact with sugar) constantly.
  4. Brush your teeth twice a day and don’t forget to floss. To lessen the amount of plaque on your teeth, you need to brush at least twice daily, ideally in the morning and before you go to bed at night. It is also important that you floss, especially during the holidays, to remove all the debris stuck in between your teeth. Skipping this step can greatly affect your oral health in the long run.

See? You don’t have to completely say no to that scrumptious fruit cake or those candy canes. As long as you take the necessary steps to remove sugar and thoroughly clean your teeth, you can still enjoy those holiday sweets! To make sure that your teeth are not compromised by the treats you eat, you can always visit Pickering Square Dental to have your teeth professionally cleaned, too!

Helpful Resources

Dental Care

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.

It Does Not Hurt, So Why Worry?

examination and treatment of the teeth in the dental clinic

On occasion a patient may come into our office just for a routine check-up and get surprised when we tell them that they would need a treatment like a filling, a crown, or a root canal. Why are they surprised? It’s because they haven’t even felt any pain. They often question the need for the recommended treatment because they feel fine.

Well, the answer is pretty simple. Many people do not know this, but the truth is, by the time a patient feels pain, the problem has already escalated and the decay has probably progressed to a more serious or damaging level, affecting the tooth and its surrounding tissues. That often means a more involved and probably more expensive procedure would be needed, too.

Cavity

For instance, you may already know that a cavity is simply a hole in the tooth caused by plaque (a sticky substance in your mouth made up of germs. If a dental professional catches the cavity in its early stages, a simple treatment like a filling can solve the problem. Cavities seldom cause pain until they’ve been ignored and the decay has gotten bigger. This is often that stage when the decay has broken through the enamel or outer layer all the way to the pulp or nerves. In this more advanced stage, a simple filling may not work or, may lead to the need for a root canal, which is a more extensive procedure, may be needed.

Root Canal

When the pulp of the tooth has been affected by decay, a root canal is performed by dentists. You see, the canal reaches down through the roots of your tooth and into its surrounding bone. A root canal basically hollows out the middle part of the tooth, fills it, and seals it completely to prevent any bacteria from getting inside. The main purpose of this procedure is to save the tooth since the soft middle part is not necessary for the tooth to function normally in your mouth.

You may think that if your tooth requires a root canal, then you’d definitely feel some pain, right? Well, not really. Sometimes, even teeth that need root canal don’t cause any pain. Your trusted dentist from Pickering Square Dental can see if there is anything wrong with the pulp of your tooth – it may be damaged or there may be some signs of infection. If your dentist finds a need for a root canal, then it would be done to avoid further infection both to the tooth and the nearby tissue.

Crown or Cap

This is another procedure that is often necessary, even if the patient is not feeling any kind of pain. The crown is the part above the gum line that you see. A dental crown is a replacement that is created to partially or completely cover the outside of your natural tooth. There are a few reasons a dentist might recommend a crown. For one, a tooth may have a large filling that shows signs of cracking or weakening. You cannot wait until that filling actually cracks because that would expose the nerves and you’ll experience extreme pain. A tooth that has undergone a root canal almost always needs a crown. In other instances, a dentist notices that a tooth is beginning to crack. In such a case, a crown can hold the tooth together and prevent further problems.

A regular check-up for preventive care can make a huge difference. You can avoid most dental problems or keep them from getting worse. Unfortunately, some people only visit their dentist when they are in pain, thinking they feel fine so there must be nothing wrong. But as with most other medical conditions, catching dental problems in the early stages could spare you from more complex and more expensive procedures.

Be responsible and give your oral health enough attention. A quick trip to Pickering Square Dental as scheduled can help you enjoy the benefits of healthy teeth and gums. Call us and we’d schedule you for a check-up!

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

Helpful Resources

sedation dentistry

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Emergency Guide.

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.

A Closer Look at Antibiotics in Dentistry

Pills, tablets capsules heap in hand, close up view

At Pickering Square Dental, your dentist provides dental procedures that are safe and comfortable; and for most patients, medication is not necessary. However, there are cases wherein the patient’s medical history indicates that he or she would benefit from what is known as “antibiotic prophylaxis”.

What is Antibiotic Prophylaxis?

Basically, it means taking preventative antibiotics before a procedure. To help you understand this better, let’s go and pay closer attention to what goes on inside your mouth.

There are more or less 600 species of bacteria living inside your mouth, and that is normal. But there are some dental treatments that can allow some of these bacteria to reach your bloodstream. This situation is called bacteremia. Usually, bacteria in the bloodstream are quickly mitigated by the immune system which recognizes those “non-self” cells that are in your blood and zap them.

Unfortunately for some patients, bacteremia can put them at risk for other infections in their bodies which can be dangerous.

Who Needs Antibiotic Prophylaxis?

Antibiotic prophylaxis is primarily recommended for patients with certain heart conditions and some transplant situations. That is why it is important that you discuss your medical history with your Pickering Square Dental dentist so we’d know how we can provide you with the best dental care possible. In certain cases where a patient’s medical history affects oral care, your dentist can work with other professionals in your healthcare team.

Patients who may require antibiotic prophylaxis are people who have had:

  • A heart transplant
  • A history of infective endocarditis
  • An artificial heart valve
  • Heart conditions since birth
  • Some transplant situations

It was previously recommended by experts that patients with joint replacements get antibiotic prophylaxis, too, but this has been re-evaluated and is no longer considered standard procedure. If you have further inquiries about these changes, you might want to speak to your orthopaedic doctor. Of course, you can also reach out to your Pickering Square Dental dentist who is up-to-date about these matters.

We know that the terms bacteremia and antibiotic prophylaxis can be quite intimidating or even scary. But it’s always better to know and understand what they really mean. If you or a loved one needs a dental procedure and you are not sure whether or not antibiotic prophylaxis would be necessary, don’t be afraid to ask about it. You can have a conversation about it with your trusted dentist, and we’re sure your primary care provider or your cardiologist, specialists or physician would be willing to answer your questions, too. Together, we can ensure that the dental procedures that you’ll have will always take your health history into consideration and we’ll make certain that we will not put you in any risks.


 

Helpful Resources

child brushing teeth

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.

Are Your Teeth Prepared for Trick or Treat?

Halloween Party With Children Trick Or Treating In Costume

Halloween is finally here! While the kids are preparing their costumes and getting excited about all those treats, dentists and doctors are also gearing up for all those patients coming in with problems that are associated with excessive sugar intake and tooth injuries.

There are three important things that we want you to remember.

  • Hard Halloween treats can crack teeth
  • Sticky sweets are more difficult to remove from your teeth
  • If you don’t thoroughly clean your mouth and teeth after you eat sugary snacks, you are creating an environment for unhealthy bacterial growth and eventually, tooth decay

Halloween is fun and your kids will definitely want to be a part of the festivities. But you might want to take an active participation this year. Here are some of our top tips for you:

Check the treats that your kids collect. If your kids are up for it, you can propose a “swap”, see if you can trade those hard sticky candies and the chewy ones that are made of sugar and very little else for better treats.

Think of better and healthier treats to purchase and give away, too.  You might also want to consider swapping sweets altogether for toys, plastic jewelry, or some school supplies. You can also try healthier chips and crackers. You should save some of those and try to trade them with the sweets your kids collect.

If you do have to have some candies (for your teens or even the adults), it’s better to go for those sweets that contain nuts as they supply some nutrition. Of course, this is only if no one has nut allergies. Stay away from taffies and sticky candies that are particularly harsh on tooth enamel.

Don’t let your guard down with the sweets. We understand that even parents have a tendency to be careless during this holiday and just dip into the candy bowls anytime they want. Keep your and your child’s access to candies in check. Limit the number of treats that your kids will have per day in an effort to maintaining a healthy balance!

Be vigilant about brushing after eating candies. It’s easy to just settle with a light and quick brushing, especially if you have to rush to another activity during a busy day. Try to avoid that, especially now that the kids are consuming more sugar than they probably do any other time of the year.

You don’t need to deprive your children of all the fun this Halloween. All it takes for you and your kids to enjoy this holiday without compromising your teeth are a few smart tricks and you can go and enjoy your treats!

 

 

Helpful Resources

Sedation Dentistry

For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental 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.

How Important is a Dental Checkup?

Teeth checkup at dentist's office. Dentist examining girls teeth in the dentists chair

We can never stress enough the importance of proper teeth cleaning and a dental checkup for your oral general health and well-being. While we do realize that everyone lives busy lives these days, it’s still essential that you take good care of your teeth. If you take care of your oral health, you’ll increase your chances of never having to get extensive treatments and dentures.

Here are some of the benefits of having your teeth regularly cleaned and checked by a dental professional:

Prevents Periodontal Disease

Plaque build-up can result in gum (periodontal) disease. Bacteria in plaque can cause irritation and potentially serious inflammation of the gums.  As well, may lead to a multitude of medical related diseases.

Prevents Halitosis

Nobody wants to have bad breath, right? Well, poor oral hygiene, as well as food bits lodged in hard-to-reach areas and gum disease, can all cause halitosis or bad breath. Getting your teeth cleaned and regular visits to your dentist are the best ways to ensure that you won’t have to deal with bad breath.

Lets You Enjoy a Whiter and  Brighter Smile

When you always brush your teeth and floss, you remove stains on your teeth that are caused by food and drinks like tea, coffee, wine, and more. There are also certain medications that can cause discoloration.

Helps You Keep Your Teeth

Who wants to lose their teeth? Poor oral hygiene may ultimately result in advanced gum disease, meaning the supporting bone can also be destroyed as plaque moves further into your teeth’s roots. You can avoid this by regular brushing and flossing, as well as thorough cleanings done by a dental professional.

Aids in Maintaining Good Health

These past years, studies have linked gum disease to other serious health concerns including heart attacks and strokes. While the correlation between them is not that clear yet, regular cleaning of your teeth can possibly lessen your risk of having a stroke and heart disease.

The only way your dentist can detect potential problems with your gums and teeth is when you go for regular dental check-ups. You see, there may be some potential problems that you are not even aware of. In a routine check-up, your dentist will check for cavities, plaque, and tartar build-up. Your gums will also be checked. Additionally, your dentist may also examine your throat, neck, face, and head to see if there are any signs of trouble like swelling or even cancer.

 We do hope that you understand the importance of regular dental check-ups and thorough teeth cleaning. Regardless of your age, a beautiful and healthy smile is always an asset. If you want your teeth and gums taken care of, don’t hesitate to contact Pickering Square Dental!

 

 

 

Helpful Resources

Dental Extractions

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.

Back-to-School Dental Checklist for Healthier Teeth

Back-to-School Dental Checklist for Healthier Teeth

So, you’ve got everything ready and you’re excited to go back to school. Wait! How about your back-to-school dental checklist? You should not forget it because it’s going to be your key to keeping that strong, healthy, and beautiful smile – and you don’t want anything less, eh?

Because we don’t want you to forget anything important, we rounded up some of the most important things that you should definitely add to your checklist:

ESTABLISH A GOOD ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE

It’s very easy to forget about brushing your teeth when you’re rushing off to school in the morning or when you’re crawling your way to your bed tired from the very busy day at school. The thing is, you don’t just have to establish an oral hygiene routine, what’s more important is that you make time for it. Brush your teeth every morning and night. Floss your teeth once or twice a day, too. It’s also a good idea to rinse the mouth with antibacterial mouthwash. Sticking with this routine will reduce your risks of having dental concerns. That means no emergency appointments with the dentist and no missing out on school in the future!

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS WITH YOUR DENTIST EVERY SIX MONTHS

Visiting your dentist every six months is very important if you want to have a clean and healthy mouth. You may think that you’re taking good enough care of your teeth, but there are things that only a dental professional can see. You can call Pickering Square Dental and we can easily schedule you for a check-up and cleaning!

OPT FOR HEALTHIER SNACKS AND LUNCHES

Healthy food is good not only for your body but also for your teeth. Choosing healthier food for your lunch and snack every day can help you keep a strong set of teeth. Don’t have any ideas what to pack? You can add vegetables, fruits, and string cheese, among others. Swap your usual can of pop for good old water.

USE A SPORTS MOUTH-GUARD

If you are an athlete, it is always a good idea to protect your teeth and gums with a sports mouth-guard that is customized just for you.  You can find off-the-shelf ones, but you won’t get the same level of protection and comfort that you would from a custom-made appliance.  You can have yours made at Pickering Square Dental.  Dr. Lean, the official dentist of the Toronto Maple Leafs customize one for you, too!

If you need more tips on how you can turn your smile into your best asset this school year, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Every member of our team will be more than happy to talk to you!

Helpful Resources

sedation dentistry

For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental 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.