TDCC

Surgical Advances & Innovations

Single Stage Implant Surgery

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, we are able to place single stage implants. The initial procedure is identical to the traditional two stage surgery, however, these implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them. The temporary cap or abutment is placed immediately and therefore sticks out of the gum tissue. These implants require still a minimum of 12-16 weeks of healing time before placing artificial teeth on them. The main advantage is patients only go through ONE surgical procedure. It is not indicated or right for every patient since it requires particular characteristics and quality of bone as well as a patient that is meticulous and committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

Simultaneous Implants & Immediate Loading

There are certain situations in which dental implants can be placed at the same time a tooth is lost further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible in particular cases, to extract teeth, place implants, and place a temporary tooth or crown over them. If the crown or temporary tooth is placed at the same time with the implant, the process is called “immediate loading.” The patient functions and chews on the implant the day it was placed. This greatly simplifies the surgical process, however it is limited to selected cases

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dentist. Implants that are cared for properly and maintained properly will last indefinitely.

Unlike dentures, dental implants cannot be removed since they are fixed permanently in the bone, and just like natural teeth, they do not interfere with teeth replacement.

Missing teeth can be addressed with dental implants, a fixed bridge or dentures. It is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible as they can prove problematic in a number of ways. Missing teeth compromise physical appearance and also cause a series of additional oral health problems. As an example, all it takes is a single missing tooth to cause teeth to shift into the gap. Shifting teeth are problematic for numerous reasons. Furthermore, missing teeth can eventually cause facial sagging.

Correctly designed and accurately placed porcelain veneers by an experienced cosmetic dentist can last over 10-15 years.  They do not require any special care other than regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist.

Your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears; or no later than his/her first birthday

Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, making it important to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.

In addition to braces, orthodontists use appliances such as aligners to move teeth. Consult an orthodontist to learn what type of appliance can correct your orthodontic problem.

If you notice a bracket is loose or if a wire has worked itself out of place, or if there is unusual discomfort, notify your orthodontist immediately.

Generally, untreated orthodontic problems may become worse. Lack of orthodontic treatment can be a factor in tooth decay, gum disease, destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place, tooth loss, chewing/digestive difficulties, or abnormal wearing away of tooth enamel. Ultimately, orthodontic treatment may cost less than the restorative treatment that could be needed to treat decayed, worn or lost teeth, or gum disease.

Veneers are thin shells made of tooth coloured porcelain that are custom made and bonded to your teeth to improve their appearance (changing the colour, shape, size or length).  Porcelain veneers are usually made in the lab and are more resistant to staining.

Crowns cover your teeth like a cap. A veneer is a thin shell that is applied to the front of your tooth with less damage to the tooth tissues.

Dental veneers are a great solution for people with discoloured, worn down, chipped, misaligned, uneven or irregularly shaped teeth.  Porcelain Veneers are a good solution to close a gap that may exist between your front teeth.

Because a very thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed to accommodate the thickness of the veneer, the process isn’t considered reversible.

Baby teeth help children speak clearly, chew naturally and aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt

Clean the gums and tongue with a soft muslin cloth starting from birth. Tiny smear of toothpaste as soon as the first tooth erupts till the age of 3 years. Pea sized tooth paste to be used from 3-6years.

There is a misconception that root canals are painful, but the truth is they are not. Thanks to technological advances, root canals are about as painful as getting a dental filling, which is not painful at all.

Root canals typically can be done in one visit to the dentist and usually do not take more than two hours. If your problem is severe, you will likely need at least two visits to the dentist to complete the procedure.

Although you will most likely be numb for 2-4 hours following the procedure, most patients are able to return to school or work directly following a root canal. However, it is advised against eating until the numbness is completely gone. 

The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy, functional “bite,” which is part tooth alignment and part jaw position. When jaws and teeth line up correctly, they are able to function as nature intended. This promotes oral health and general physical health. That orthodontic treatment also brings about an attractive smile is an added bonus.

Retainers are prescribed for two reasons: first, to allow the bone that holds teeth to rebuild after teeth have moved, and second, to maintain the healthy new positions of teeth after active orthodontic treatment ends. Your body changes your whole life, and your teeth change too. The only way to keep your teeth in the ideal position created by your orthodontic treatment is to wear retainers for life!