Vancouver Dental Blog | Yaletown Dentistry

How to Find a Dentist that performs Sedation Dentistry

14 Oct 2015

A lot of confusion surrounds the expression “sedation dentistry.” Many dental professionals refer to the use of general anesthesia as sedation, but the reference is imprecise. In truth, administering intravenous sedation requires an additional level of training that the majority of dentist’s lack. While many dentists profess to “sedate” their patients, far fewer are actually qualified and trained to administer a sedative intravenously. You should ask your dentist what type of sedation they commonly give to their patients. Also, inquire about their level of experience and the types of equipment they use to monitor patients once sedated. How Sedation Dentistry Can Help You With sedation dentistry, dental patients no longer have to worry about pain or other discomforts during their dental procedure Introduction to sedation dentistry The term “sedation dentistry” refers to the use of sedatives during dental procedures. Sedatives are chemical substances that act directly on the central nervous... Read More

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

14 Oct 2015

Sedation dentistry provides patients with dental phobias the opportunity to undergo dental procedures while fully relaxed. Most people hate going to the dentist. Their aversion sometimes has little to do with an actual experience they’ve had. The fear can be a reflection of a natural anxiety or inhibition toward dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is a technique that specifically addresses this concern. By administering a blend of sedatives and pain relievers, a dentist can offer patients a worry-free experience that leads to a beautiful smile. Types of Sedation Dentistry You can administer sedatives in a number of ways – these include orally, intravenously, or through inhalation. Oral sedatives are usually in the form of pills and are often given to patients who exhibit very little anxiety. Patients are given the pills up to two hours before the procedure is performed. While they do have a sedative effect, it’s often minimal. On... Read More

Understanding dental implants

15 Sep 2015

For people with missing teeth, dentures and bridges are no longer the only options to restore the look and function of their mouth. Dental implants are a modern, long-term solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Implants are considered a more realistic and aesthetically pleasing alternative to dentures, though the procedure is more complex. For a patient considering restoration options, the process and advantages of dental implants can be confusing. Read on for a run-down of the procedure, the benefits and some disadvantages’ of implants. Dental implants as we know them today were invented in 1952 by an orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Implants are surgically placed replacement tooth roots fitted with a realistic looking artificial tooth over top. The implant is designed to compliment or match remaining teeth. Integrating into the jaw bone, the titanium tooth root provides a strong foundation for the artificial teeth. Most dental implants are now... Read More

Options to Improve Discolored Teeth

15 Sep 2015

From small, subtle changes to major reconstruction, cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of procedures to improve your smile. There are many choices to improve the look of discolored, chipped, mis-shaped or missing teeth. Certain foods, drinks and medication, as well as cigarettes, can cause the discoloration of teeth. Hereditary factors can also play a part. Two of the most popular procedures to help with discoloration of teeth are whitening and veneers. Teeth whitening Removing stains and discoloration helps to lighten and whiten teeth. This process is called teeth whitening or bleaching, as some call it. Whitening can be performed at home or by your dentist. Convenient and inexpensive, whitening at home is increasingly popular. Results can be very long lasting. In-office whitening is also effective, but can cause more sensitivity during the procedure. For both methods, some temporary tooth sensitivity is normal. Over-the-counter kits consisting of whitening strips or trays,... Read More

The causes and solutions for crooked teeth

17 Aug 2015

Crooked or misaligned teeth can be unattractive and greatly affect the daily lives of both adults and children. It is not just an aesthetic issue, as people with crooked teeth are also at risk of long-term health issues. Thankfully, there are a number of modern solutions for people of all ages with misaligned teeth. First, the causes of crooked teeth must be understood for treatment to be possible. There a variety of factors that can contribute to crooked or overlapping teeth. The causes range from incorrect jaw development, tongue thrusting, premature tooth loss, improper fit of dental restorations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb sucking or use of a bottle or pacifier. Many people have experienced one or more of these problems during their lifetime. Genetics plays an important part, as jaw development and tooth size are hereditary, and these affect tooth alignment. Problems leading to crooked teeth can be spotted from as... Read More

The Truth About Root Canals

28 Jul 2015

A root canal is often talked about as a feared dental procedure. It is actually the common term for endodontic therapy. The aim of the procedure is to save an infected or decayed tooth. The root canal system refers to the natural cavity within each tooth. Soft pulp fills this system and consists of nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria enter this root canal system, the pulp can become abscessed. The infected pulp must be removed and the inside of the tooth cleaned and sealed. While the presence of healthy nerves within teeth is not essential to their function, they offer sensory benefits. Without nerves, the sensation of hot and cold cannot be felt. An infected tooth can also mean pain and discomfort. If a root canal infection is not treated, the tooth may have to be removed. Potentially, the infection could spread to other teeth, the jaw, sinuses and... Read More

10 Tips To Prevent Cavities!

19 Jun 2015

Cavities are an important oral health issue for children, teens and adults. Cavity creation is a risk when the sticky bacterium substance called “plaque”, steadily forms on teeth and gums. When foods containing sugar are consumed, plaque feeds on the sugars and produces acids. These acids attack tooth enamel (the tooth’s hard surface layer) causing the tooth to rot over time. A sign for early cavity detection is a ‘white spot’ appearing on the teeth enamel. At this stage, tooth decay, can be stopped or reversed. If the treatment of tooth decay does not occur, the enamel may be damaged and form a cavity. Here are 10 tips to prevent cavities from developing: 1. Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is a mineral found in soil, water and some foods that can avert, reduce or stop early tooth decay. It decreases the ability of the plaque bacteria to produce acid and avert... Read More

Home Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Bleaching – What You Need To Know.

24 Apr 2015

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) removes discoloration and stains from tooth enamel to achieve a whiter and brighter smile. While the natural color of teeth can range from light grey to yellow, a white smile is often perceived as a healthy one, explaining the popularity of teeth whitening. New whitening methods and products are continually being developed and there are now a number of different options ranging from easy and gradual at-home solutions to effective and fast professional treatments performed at dental practices. With so many methods on the market, it can be difficult to know what type of bleaching to use. One of the easiest ways to break down the options is to consider the differences between at-home and in-office treatments. At Home Teeth Whitening: All types of toothpaste whiten teeth by using mild abrasives to remove surface plaque and debris. Whitening toothpastes use additional chemicals to lighten tooth color... Read More