How Dental Veneers Have Changed Over the Years

Dentist showing porcelain crowns to the female patient.

Did you know that dental veneers have been around for about a century? And in that long span of time, dental veneers have evolved drastically. Dental veneers of today are so far from those removable tooth caps that started it all. If you think you will need veneers, it is a good idea to know more about how they have changed over the years!

Porcelain veneers have first been used in the late 1920s. Its use began in Hollywood when a dentist from California named Charles Pincus thought of a way to improve the smiles of his celebrity patients. Dr. Pincus came up with the idea of making an acrylic tooth cap and fitting it over a patient’s existing tooth. Hollywood stars would wear those caps during the filming of movie scenes and then remove them afterward. This may seem too different from the porcelain permanent veneers that we have today, but it really is the beginning of dental veneers and how they were used to perfect people’s smiles.

Regular people then began getting that particular type of dental veneers to improve their smile up until the early 1950s. This dental solution was especially popular among those who have damaged or lost teeth. In the 1950s, dentists were already bonding veneers to the surface of teeth. The problem, however, was that the veneers, which were then already made of either composite or porcelain, would not adhere properly to the teeth’s surface. It was Dr. Michael Bunocore who discovered that using a mild acid to lightly etch the surface of the tooth made bonding easier and stronger. It was during this time that veneers became a more permanent and attractive option.

It was in the early 1980s that veneers that are similar to what we have today began. Dental veneers also became more affordable, making them popular among people who wish to get improvements for cosmetic reasons.

 

Veneers of Today

Today’s veneers look very real that it is very hard to tell if someone is wearing them. Now you can choose between two options: traditional and no-preparation veneers. For traditional veneers, a small amount of enamel from your teeth will be removed to make room for the veneers. For no-preparation veneers, there is no need to modify your natural teeth as the veneers are directly fitted over your natural teeth.

While the very first veneers were temporary and for short-term use, the ones we have available today are permanent. High-quality veneers can last anywhere between 2 to 20 years.

Veneers have really come a long way and now it has reached that stage where they look just like your natural teeth. Colour- matching with your existing teeth is, of course, an important aspect and that’s where the dentist’s and the dental laboratory’s skills come into play. Being able to create a natural-looking veneer with subtle translucency and the right shape for our patients is what sets Pickering Square Dental apart from others.

Veneers can fix a lot of problems like chipped, decayed, broken, or gapped tooth. But don’t just get veneers anywhere! Choose Pickering Square Dental to make sure that you get the best veneers! Our attention to detail and meticulous veneer application ensure that you will get that gorgeous smile that you are looking for.

What to Do About Your Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth in women

Many people experience tooth sensitivity and often, they blame their ice cream or hot soup for it. But what many do not realize is that sometimes the cause of sensitive teeth is more than just hot and cold food.

 

Why Tooth Sensitivity Occurs

The part of your tooth that shows above the gumline is protected by enamel, while the root that is below the gumline is protected by cementum. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is the dentin which is a lot less dense than the materials covering it. There are microscopic canals in the dentin called tubules. When either enamel or cementum gets damaged, the dentin is exposed and the tubules let fluid flow in them They are affected by heat and cold and causes the tooth nerves to have pain and sensitivity.

Enamel and cementum can wear away when you often eat and drink food and beverages that are too acidic. Aggressively brushing your teeth and using certain whitening products can also contributing to the wearing of your enamel. If you have hypersensitive teeth, though, tooth decay, fractured teeth, or worn fillings that expose more dentin may be the cause.

 

What Can You Do About It?

You can find some relief when you use desensitizing toothpaste. Your dentist can suggest some products that contain specific ingredients that can help protect the surface of your teeth. A fluoride gel treatment which helps strengthen your tooth enamel and decrease the sensations may also be recommended.

As we have mentioned, extremely sensitive teeth are usually caused by more complex problems. That is why it is important that you see your dentist at Pickering Square Dental to have the issue treated properly. Treatment options may include a crown, bonding or inlay, root canal, and others. If you are suffering from chronic or advanced gum disease, this will be treated as well.

Extremely hot and cold foods can usually trigger tooth sensitivity. However, if you are experiencing sensitivity along with other symptoms like pain when chewing, swollen gums, and loose teeth, your sensitive teeth may be caused by a different dental issue. Your Pickering Square Dental dentist can determine the real problem as well as the right treatment. Just like any other oral health concerns, you should not ignore sensitive teeth! Call Pickering Square Dental today and have an appointment scheduled!

How to Avoid Problems with Your Dental Crown

health care, dental hygiene, people and beauty concept - smiling young man with toothbrush cleaning teeth and looking to mirror at home bathroom

If you have chipped, damaged, or decayed teeth, getting dental crowns could be an excellent solution. Dental crowns can last for many years. However, that does not mean that you should neglect them. You will have to take care of your dental crown like you would your real teeth if you want it to stay functional and beautiful for as long as possible.

 

How should you take care of your dental crown?

Right after your dental crowns are placed, you might feel some sensitivity, especially to food and drinks that are cold or hot. You may also experience a very slight irritation due to the cement. You can use sensitivity toothpaste to help with your sensitive teeth.

Because dental crowns protect the area of your tooth that is visible above the gum line, it is important that you take extra precautions and make sure that the gums and that area between the gums and the crown stays clean and healthy. Remember that even if the crown itself won’t deteriorate, the area close to the gum line where your natural tooth is still visible remains susceptible to decay.

The best way to ensure that your own teeth and your dental crown stay healthy is by committing to brushing and flossing regularly. You should also consider swishing with a fluoride rinse to help strengthen the underlying enamel and steer clear of root decay. This is even more important if you have a history of tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Even if dental crowns are very strong and can generally withstand bite pressure, there is still a small risk of fracturing, just like a real tooth. You can extend the life of your crown by not chewing on ice and extremely hard food that can be damaging.

Of course, one of the best things that you can do for your dental crown is to visit Pickering Square Dental to have your trusted dentist check your dental crown and your overall oral health. We can assess your dental crown and closely inspect if there are any signs of damage to the underlying tooth structure. This will help you avoid any potential problem before they even begin. We can also clean those hard to reach areas that you cannot get at on your own at home to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

Your dental crowns can save your smile. But remember, that by taking care of your crown is key to enjoying their benefits for a really long time.

So, are you ready to have your dental crowns? Call Pickering Square Dental today!

Dental X-Rays – Are They Dangerous?

X-ray image.

Dental x-rays are usually used as a diagnostic procedure and it is considered safe as they have really low doses of radiation and produces just a small fraction of what other imaging procedures exposes you to. If you think you are going to need dental x-rays or if you are worried about getting one because of your medical condition, you should read on to know more about dental x-rays – why they are done and more.

 

What are dental x-rays for?

Dentists use dental x-rays to see issues that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Patients get dental x-rays if their dentist needs to detect and treat some issues that include areas of decay that are not visible, bone loss, abscesses, tumors, and more. Without an x-ray, these problems and more could go undiagnosed and get worse. Using x-ray as a reference, dentists are able to prepare treatments such as dentures, dental implants, braces, and others.

 

Are dental x-rays safe for children and pregnant women?

Some parents are concerned that dental x-rays may affect their children’s health as children are more sensitive to radiation. But you don’t have to worry because the amount of radiation that comes from a dental x-ray is still considered safe even for a child. Why would your child need a dental x-ray? Sometimes it is necessary to know for sure whether a child’s primary teeth are loosening the right way so new permanent teeth would come out properly, too.

As for pregnant women, it is generally advised that they avoid dental x-rays. Even if the radiation is very minimal, it’s still best to avoid any exposure at all for the health of the fetus developing inside the body. It is important that you inform your dentist if you are or you may be pregnant before getting any dental treatment, especially if you believe a dental x-ray may be required.

 

At Pickering Square Dental, we always do a careful clinical evaluation of our patients to minimize the need for dental x-rays. Note, however, that there are certain dental issues that would only be diagnosed using dental x-rays. If you want to know more about dental x-rays or if you need to discuss whether or not you need one, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you understand why it may be necessary for improving your oral health.

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!

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!

What You Need to Know Before You Get a Filling

Close up of dentist hand drilling the teeth and spraying the water

Did you know that whenever you chew food, your back molars exert a force of about 70 pounds a square inch? Think about that next time you eat dinner! Now if some of your teeth have filings, just imagine what it goes through every single day. No wonder they eventually crack!

Fillings allow you to keep a tooth that would otherwise have been destroyed by cavities. Your dentist clears the part with bacteria and uses a drill to shape the tooth, ensuring that there is no decay left. Then your tooth is filled with a specialized material to protect the exposed soft, inner part of your tooth from infection.

Here are some things you need to know about fillings:

Fillings Need to be Replaced Eventually

Like we mentioned above, your fillings go through so much when you eat.  If you’re also grinding your teeth when you’re sleeping, you’re exerting even more force and subjecting your filings to even more stress.  Fillings generally last anywhere between seven and 15 years, depending on the material used and how well you take care of your oral health.

Cracks and Damages in Your Filling Require Immediate Attention

Even if they seem microscopic, cracks in your fillings can let bacteria and germs in. Once this happens, it is impossible to remove the bacteria even by thorough brushing and flossing. So if you think your filling is cracked or even just loose, contact Pickering Square Dental immediately to schedule an appointment.

Fillings are Not a “Seal” for Your Teeth

Your fillings, even if they’re the most sophisticated ones, are just fillings. Having them does not mean you can slack off with your oral hygiene. It’s very important that you brush your teeth correctly because even with the fillings, they are still susceptible to decay.

The best way for you to avoid fillings is to make sure you have a good dental hygiene routine established. It is also important that you go to your dentist so you can prevent problems from progressing. Give Platinum Square Dental to schedule an appointment! We’ll help take care of your teeth so you won’t need fillings!

Tooth Whitening – How Safe is It?

Teeth After and Before Whitening high quality studio shot

Most people want to have whiter teeth and it’s perfectly understandable.  Many of us have teeth that are more faint yellow instead of pearly white. It can be caused by various factors, including age, tobacco usage, eating and drinking habits, and more. Sometimes even those people who do take extra care of their teeth still get frustrated because their teeth are not as white as they used to be.

It is therefore not surprising that many are interested in teeth whitening, hoping that they can achieve their dream pearly whites. Of course, these people have a few questions about it, including:

  • Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?
  • Is the effect of teeth whitening permanent?
  • Is teeth whitening safe?

If you are wondering about teeth whitening too, then you have come to the right place. Pickering Square Dental frequently get these questions from our patients! So read on and find out all you wanted to know about teeth whitening.

Years back, only celebrities like movie stars, athletes, and musicians have access to teeth whitening. But that is not the case anymore. Due to technological advancements, teeth whitening is now available to everybody and it’s much less expensive than what you probably believe.

There are a lot of reasons for you to whiten your teeth, including:

  • Wanting to look younger. Compared to other cosmetic procedures like Botox or facelift, whitening your teeth is a much cheaper option but can also make you look a lot younger
  • Wanting to gain confidence with a brighter smile. Let’s admit it. Whiter teeth do make you feel better about yourself.
  • Removing embarrassing spots. As you age, there may be some discoloration of your teeth that you want to address. Teeth whitening can help with that and let you get a more uniform smile.

Some say that all the reasons for teeth whitening are connected to vanity. Well, it may be, but if you feel better about your appearance, and it makes you more confident in facing the world – get a better job, start a business, meet new people – don’t you think it’s a worthy procedure?

Different Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

At the Dentist’s Office

Pickering Square Dental can help whiten your teeth. We use a safe peroxide power bleaching gel that can provide you with brighter and whiter teeth in an hour or less in the dental chair! Because it is chemically activated, it works as soon as it is placed on your teeth.

Of course, it is administered safely. We protect your gums to make sure that they are not damaged by teeth whitener. You can expect your teeth to be one to two shades lighter after, which is typical for patients who are jump-starting their bleaching process. If you want longer lasting results, you may follow up with at-home bleaching using custom trays.

Whitening Kits from Your Dentist

Your dentist can also provide you with whitening kits that you can administer at home. The whitening gel will be delivered using a custom tray which you will wear anywhere between 30 minutes to overnight. This whitening method is also safe as long as you carefully follow the directions. Do not leave the trays in longer than the recommended time.

Over-the-Counter Whiteners

The cheapest option you’ll find for teeth-whitening can be found at drug stores or groceries. Over-the-counter whiteners are usually in the form of strips or paint-on applicators. They are less potent than what you’ll get from your dentist and you may also get inconsistent results as they are not made nor administered by a dental professional.

Teeth-whitening is often not covered by insurance as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Insurance companies usually cover medically necessary treatments and procedures.

Is teeth-whitening harmful to your health?

While you may experience short-term sensitivity, teeth-whitening is not damaging to your natural teeth nor will it damage your restorations like bridges, crowns, veneers, fillings, and more. However, they will remain the same colour.

Teeth-whitening is worth the investment, especially if you are feeling self-conscious about discoloured teeth or you believe the procedure will give you more confidence to achieve more in life.

Should you decide to go ahead and try teeth-whitening, you can contact Pickering Square Dental so we can schedule an appointment with you!

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.

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!