F.A.Q.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY TEETH CLEANED?
The frequency of dental cleaning are patient specific and is decided upon after a thorough examination. Usually patients are seen every 6 months for scaling and polishing. However, some patients with gingivitis and periodontal disease (bleeding gums and bone loss) require a cleaning every 3 or 4 months to maintain their dental health. Some patients with immaculate oral hygiene are able to be seen yearly.
WHAT IS A CAP OR CROWN?
A cap or crown refer to the same thing. A crown is a hollow, artificial tooth made from metal and/or porcelain to cover a damaged, decayed or heavily filled tooth. It fully encases the entire tooth that lies above the gum line. Quite often teeth that have had a root canal treatment along with large fillings require a crown. By encompassing the entire tooth it strengthens the previously weakened tooth.
WHAT ARE PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS?
Sealants are a thin plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth (usually the molars and premolars) to prevent tooth decay. The sealant fills the deep pits and cervices on the biting surface and is hardened or cured with a blue light. Sealants can last up to 10 years but need to be examined at check up appointments. Ideally, sealants should be placed as soon as the teeth erupt to help protect the teeth from future decay.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMALGAM FILLINGS AND TOOTH COLOURED FILLINGS?
Amalgam or silver fillings contain a mixture of silver-tin alloy, copper and mercury that sets up hard. These are the most economical fillings but the least aesthetic. They are also more durable than composite resin (plastic resin). Tooth coloured fillings are either composite resin or porcelain. Composite resin contains a mixture of acrylic plastics, quartz filler and colourants. These are done directly in the office. Because composite resins are more technique sensitive and require strict moisture control, tooth coloured fillings cost more than silver fillings. Porcelain fillings are usually laboratory processed and are called inlays (they fit inside the cavity) or onlays (replacing more extensive damaged tooth). These are the most expensive due to the laboratory costs).
WHAT AGE SHOULD I BRING MY CHILD FOR HIS/HER FIRST DENTAL VISIT?
We suggest seeing the child around 1 year of age before any dental problems occur. Quite often, the child will accompany his/her parents for their dental check ups. They see the office and surroundings as a pleasant place with T.V., books, interactive games and prizes.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TOOTHBRUSH?
A toothbrush should be changed every 3-4 months or when the bristles are frayed or splayed.
The frequency of dental cleaning are patient specific and is decided upon after a thorough examination. Usually patients are seen every 6 months for scaling and polishing. However, some patients with gingivitis and periodontal disease (bleeding gums and bone loss) require a cleaning every 3 or 4 months to maintain their dental health. Some patients with immaculate oral hygiene are able to be seen yearly.
WHAT IS A CAP OR CROWN?
A cap or crown refer to the same thing. A crown is a hollow, artificial tooth made from metal and/or porcelain to cover a damaged, decayed or heavily filled tooth. It fully encases the entire tooth that lies above the gum line. Quite often teeth that have had a root canal treatment along with large fillings require a crown. By encompassing the entire tooth it strengthens the previously weakened tooth.
WHAT ARE PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS?
Sealants are a thin plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth (usually the molars and premolars) to prevent tooth decay. The sealant fills the deep pits and cervices on the biting surface and is hardened or cured with a blue light. Sealants can last up to 10 years but need to be examined at check up appointments. Ideally, sealants should be placed as soon as the teeth erupt to help protect the teeth from future decay.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMALGAM FILLINGS AND TOOTH COLOURED FILLINGS?
Amalgam or silver fillings contain a mixture of silver-tin alloy, copper and mercury that sets up hard. These are the most economical fillings but the least aesthetic. They are also more durable than composite resin (plastic resin). Tooth coloured fillings are either composite resin or porcelain. Composite resin contains a mixture of acrylic plastics, quartz filler and colourants. These are done directly in the office. Because composite resins are more technique sensitive and require strict moisture control, tooth coloured fillings cost more than silver fillings. Porcelain fillings are usually laboratory processed and are called inlays (they fit inside the cavity) or onlays (replacing more extensive damaged tooth). These are the most expensive due to the laboratory costs).
WHAT AGE SHOULD I BRING MY CHILD FOR HIS/HER FIRST DENTAL VISIT?
We suggest seeing the child around 1 year of age before any dental problems occur. Quite often, the child will accompany his/her parents for their dental check ups. They see the office and surroundings as a pleasant place with T.V., books, interactive games and prizes.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TOOTHBRUSH?
A toothbrush should be changed every 3-4 months or when the bristles are frayed or splayed.