SANTÉ - DENTAL | London's Trusted Smile Experts
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“Why must a crown be placed on a tooth that has had a root canal?”
This is not always necessary. If the tooth’s filling area is too large a crown may be needed. Regardless, the root canal procedure does leave the remaining portion of the tooth brittle and vulnerable to breaking since there is no longer a blood supply to the area. Eventually a crown may be needed.
“When is it advisable to remove a tooth?”
A tooth extraction should only be used as a last resort. That is, when so much decay has occurred that it will no longer contain or hold a filling. Our dentists will always do as much as possible to save your tooth so that bridgework, crowns or implants can be avoided.
“Should I have my silver amalgam fillings replaced?”
No, your silver amalgam fillings should only be replaced if it has broken or if further decay is occurring. If you suspect you may have a genuine sensitivity to silver amalgam fillings. please discuss the concerns with your dentist for the most advisable options.
“Which is better; silver amalgam or composite fillings?”
Each has advantages and disadvantages. White composite fillings are tooth coloured and therefore more pleasing to the eye. Silver amalgams are typically more stable and longer lasting. However rare, some people have a genuine sensitivity to mercury in which case silver amalgam fillings should be avoided.
“What can I do to minimize tooth discolouration?”
There are several ways to minimize the natural process that ages and discolours teeth.
1. Do NOT brush too strongly, or use a hard bristle toothbrush since it tends to damage the tooth’s white enamel.
2. Brush immediately or rinse thoroughly after eating foods such as berries, juices, coffee, tea, red wine, colas and other foods with high stain potential.
3. Using a straw when drinking the liquids mentioned above permits it to flow past the front teeth with minimal contact.
4. Eat hearty, raw fruits and vegetables often. These provide a scrubbing action while chewing that tends to clean your teeth.
“Of the whitening procedures you offer, which do you recommend most frequently?”
“Are tooth whitening procedures safe?”
“Do I need to maintain regular dental visits if I have lost most or all of my teeth and fitted with dentures?”
Absolutely. Patients with dentures need to maintain regular contact with their dentist for oral health and disease screenings. Also, since loss of tooth function unavoidably causes bone reduction, your dentist will need to be consulted for occasional refits and relinings of your dentures. We recommend an annual checkup.
“Why is it important to come in for regular checkups when I am already careful to take good care of my teeth at home?”
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important for many reasons. It takes a dental professional to recognize early signs of periodontal disease, improper brushing techniques, oral cancer and many other dental conditions. Regular x-rays are important for the same reason. Finally, the best way to ensure that your teeth will last a lifetime is to schedule regular professional cleanings and checkups.
“What is the ideal age to determine if our child may need braces?”
Often, by the age of seven, your dentist will be able to determine if orthodontics may be needed for your child. Early intervention can eliminate or reduce the amount of correction needed later in life.
“At what age should we bring our child for their initial checkup?”
It is wise to schedule your child’s first appointment soon after their teeth are in. At this point, we can introduce your child to proper hygiene methods, the best foods and the child can begin to develop a trusting relationship with our staff, hygienists and dentist.
