General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary hear patients express concern about needing a Root Canal.  This form of dental treatment is performed to save the tooth, as the only other option would be to extract the tooth in an attempt to remove infection, decay and the associated discomfort.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental explain that root canal therapy is a procedure that is required due to the nerve of the tooth dying.  The nerve, or pulp, of a tooth starts to die due to trauma or decay and becomes inflamed before eventually dying.  Once the nerve of the tooth has died, infection becomes a concern as bacteria feed off the dead nerve, possibly leading to an abscess (localized collection of puss) forming at the tip of the root. Patients often express their shock at learning that their tooth has died because they are experiencing discomfort which makes them believe the tooth is very vital.  The discomfort comes from the pressure that has built up in the tooth, and then biting down puts force on the abscess.  A root canal alleviates the pain and discomfort almost immediately – and allows the tooth to remain in place.

Just like all areas of dentistry – technological advances and clinical training has enabled dentists to easily and effectively perform procedures that were once considered ‘dreaded appointments’ by patients.  Root Canal Therapy has seen its share of advances, leading to greater success rate and patient satisfaction.  One thing to mention is that once the nerve of a tooth has died, the tooth is no longer vital and over time becomes dry, brittle, and is at risk for fracturing.  The risk of fracture is easily prevented by placing a crown on the tooth once healing from the root canal is complete.  By placing a crown the tooth is protected and has a chance of lasting as long as a vital tooth.

Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary work had to ensure that patients are aware of treatment options and solutions that will keep them healthy and happy.  For more information on Root Canal Therapy or to schedule an appointment – call Discover Dental today 403.285.0222

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NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental understand that for patients who experience dental anxiety, a routine dental appointment can seem daunting, so often making a dental appointment is avoided.  The fact is; many people suffer from dental phobias – ranging from extreme fear that prevents them from entering a dental office, to those individuals who get pre-appointment jitters but are able to soldier through treatment.  Being afraid of dental treatment is more common than you might think – but there are ways to handle dental anxiety so that even extensive appointments are stress-free.

General Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge offer nervous dental patients the option of Sedation Dentistry.  Sedation Dentistry isn’t something new to the world of dentistry – but has been trusted and used by dentists around the world for decades – providing patients with a safe, effective option that enables them to relax during dental appointments.  For many patients who suffer from nerves and dental anxiety the thought of having dental treatment is enough to cause extreme stress – resulting in missed dental appointments and untreated issues.  Unfortunately the fear of dental treatment prevents some patients from receiving needed care to address dental decay, infections, and other ailments.

Avoiding seeing your NE Calgary Dentist is not the solution for dental nerves – finding a dental office that provides Sedation Dentistry is a great way to move forward with treatment and overcome dental fears.  Sedation Dentistry, or Sleep Dentistry, can be administered in different forms – from Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), pill form, to IV Sedation.  One of the many advantages of Sedation Dentistry is that it allows a patient to remain conscious during treatment but in a completely relaxed state – no more aching jaw muscles or tight shoulders – only a relaxed and stress-free dental appointment.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental explain that dentistry that has been avoided for years can be completed in just a few appointments with the use of sedation – allowing a patient to regain a level of dental health while building confidence in their ability to handle dental treatment.  If you experience dental nervousness that results in avoiding the dentist – call Discover Dental today and find out if Sedation Dentistry is suitable for you.

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Tired of hearing ‘there’s a cavity’ every time you take your child to the dentist?  NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental have some quick and easy tips that help eliminate the development of decay and keep everyone smiling.

General Dentists at Discover Dental want parents to know that childhood dental decay can be avoided when certain healthy habits are developed early.  Habits like daily brushing and flossing, limited exposure to sugary and acidic food, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and visiting your Calgary Dentist for regular cleanings and exams all play a huge part in protecting teeth and oral health.   Children who eat large amounts of simple carbohydrates (processed food), sugary treats and drinks, and fail to brush and floss their teeth daily will be at risk for developing cavities and loosing teeth to dental decay.  But the risk for tooth decay can be reduced dramatically when the following steps are followed:

1. Daily Brushing and Flossing is the foundation of a healthy mouth and teeth regardless of age and dietary habits.

2.     Eat a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and lean protein.

3.     Avoid eating high sugar and acidic food in between meals. Sodas (including diet) are highly acidic and contribute to the erosion of enamel.

4.     It’s ok to have some treats with a meal – but don’t snack on high sugar foods throughout the day – the longer sugar is on tooth surfaces the greater risk of decay starting.

5.     Drink water after a meal or snacking, as water returns the PH of the mouth to a neutral level.

6.     See your NE Calgary Dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.  Early detection of any soft spots on enamel can be treated to prevent a cavity from forming.  And don’t refuse x-rays at every appointment, as this is the only way your dentist will be able to diagnose any issues that are occurring in between teeth.

For more information regarding the health of your child’s teeth contact Discover Dental today 403.285.0222

The post The Easiest Way To Avoid Dental Decay appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental understand the importance of smiling – and why it’s important for people to feel confident about their teeth and smile.  Studies reveal the many health benefits of smiling – from lowered blood pressure, pain killing effects, and overall sense of well-being – so it’s hard to understand why some people don’t smile.  But for some patients with crooked, chipped, stained, or decayed teeth – smiling is the furthest thing from their mind.

 Dentists in Calgary know that for those of us who weren’t blessed with ‘perfect smiles’ the thought of having a photo taken, meeting new people, or delivering a work presentation can seem intimidating.  Hiding a smile behind closed lips, a hand, or avoidance of the outside world isn’t any way to go through life – and NE Calgary General Dentists – Dr’s Dhesi, Dhillon, and Jandu strive to provide treatment solutions and options to patients who want to fix their teeth and start smiling.  From orthodontic braces, porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, to the barely visible Invisalign retainers, there is a dental solution that meets every dental issue and budget – and can literally open up a whole new world once confidence and self-esteem is heightened.

Teeth Whitening is a safe and easy solution to correct minor flaws like stained and discolored teeth.  Taking a smile from dull and grey to white and vibrant in just a matter of days – this affordable and effective method for improving a person’s smile is turned to by many for quick, noticeable results.  And for those who are wanting a more significant and permanent option for fixing teeth that may be out of alignment, chipped, or broken – the placement of Porcelain Veneers, Crowns, or Bridges become a great option to improve colour, shape, size and position of teeth.  Living with the embarrassment of a gnarly smile can be corrected in a matter of hours and can last forever when maintained with great home care and regular visits to a Calgary Dentist.

Dentists in Calgary welcome enquiries from patients regarding the many options for enhancing a smile.  Welcoming new patients to their dental practice in Falconridge NE Calgary – Discover Dental encourages patients to start smiling by making an appointment today 403.285.0222

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Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary have been bringing you the top 10 dental concerns – and this week it’s all about tooth decay and mouth sores.  Tooth decay is something Calgary Dentists witness on a regular basis – often it’s seen in young patients who haven’t quite mastered the technique of effective daily brushing – but too often it is an issue that affects adult patients and can be extreme in some cases.

Tooth decay in adults is usually the result of a lack of regular brushing and flossing.  When plaque and calculus are allowed to build-up on tooth surfaces the amount of bacteria present in the mouth also increases.  There are always some bacteria present in the mouth; but when unhealthy levels of bacteria exist the risk of tooth decay – or cavities – is heightened due to the increased acid formation.  In order for a cavity to form there has to be plaque (made up of bacteria) and sugars (carbohydrates).  When the bacteria in plaque and sugars in our food combine, the by-product is acid; and it’s this acid that destroys tooth tissue which leads to the development of a cavity.  Every time you eat sugary food an acid-attack occurs, lasting approximately twenty minutes, and intensifying the risk of developing tooth decay.  Failing to brush and floss daily causes plaque to remain on tooth surfaces and available bacteria to react with food.  Dentists in NE Calgary stress the importance of good home care to avoid not only tooth decay – but tooth loss – as it is not uncommon for adults to lose teeth prematurely as a result of decayed teeth.

Discover Dental Dentists have been sharing the top 10 dental concerns for adults – bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and now mouth sores. Mouth sores consist of canker and cold sores, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, lichen planus, candidiasis, and oral cancers. Many sores that appear in or around the mouth are a response to an irritant, such as an ill-fitting denture, orthodontic wire, tobacco product, or allergy.  Canker sores can be incredibly painful but they are not contagious or precancerous. Over the counter medication may provide some relief from the discomfort, but these annoying sores will heal in time.  Cold sores are often brought on as a response to a stressor – be it physical or emotional.  Unlike canker sores – cold sores are contagious and are easily spread through kissing, sharing a cup or bottle, or by direct touching.  Anti-viral medication is usually prescribed to prevent or handle a cold sore occurrence.  If you have a cold sore and are scheduled to see your Calgary Dentist for treatment – informing your Calgary Dental office is recommended as treatment may have to be rescheduled.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental check for mouth sores and screen for oral cancers during your routine dental check-up.  Maintaining regular visits to your Calgary Dentist not only keeps your teeth healthy but presents an opportunity for your dentist to check for precancerous lesions.  Don’t neglect your dental health as it may affect your overall health – many diseases are discovered by dentists during regular exams – if you are due for a routine exam call Discover Dental today 403.285.0222

Follow our blog in the coming weeks to learn more about Dental Emergencies and Tooth Sensitivity 

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Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary are focused on providing patients with information that will improve their dental health.  During a dental appointment it is common for patients to experience some anxiety – which makes retaining dental information challenging.  That’s why this group of NE Calgary Dentists make sure accurate material is available to patients 24/7 through web and blog content.

Maintaining good oral health is not easy for everyone.  Some individuals are plagued with dental concerns from the moment teeth appear – possibly due to genetics, diet, physical health, or injury.  Preventing dental issues always starts with excellent home care – brushing and flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular exams and cleanings.  However, regardless of how hard we try to keep our teeth in tip-top condition problems can arise.  Here’s a list of the top 10 dental concerns – and tips on how to prevent them.

Bad Breath– this is the number one dental concern.  Let’s face it, we’re all self-conscious of our breath after a garlicky meal, or have wondered how to pluck up the courage to let our co-worker know they need a breath mint – bad breath affects everyone at some stage of life – but living with it day after day suggests there is a need to address this embarrassing predicament.  Over the counter mouthwashes, mints, and gum are merely a short-term solution – these products mask the odor but are not able to address the cause of it.  Bad breath is usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth as a result of poor home care.  Lack of daily brushing and flossing causes food particles to remain trapped between teeth and stuck to the surface of the tongue. The decaying food particles react to the bacteria already present in the mouth – releasing an unpleasant odor.  The bacteria and food particles increase the formation of plaque on tooth surfaces – which if not removed by brushing also contributes to bad breath and causes gums to become inflamed – which results in more places for food to get trapped.  There’s no other way to say it – Brushing and Flossing are the vital step in creating and maintaining a healthy dentition.  When you brush and floss, plaque is removed from the surfaces of teeth.  When plaque is removed, bacteria are reduced – and a healthier dental environment is created.

Gum Disease– is the number two dental concern that affects adults.  Above we mentioned the importance of daily brushing and flossing – so it won’t come as a surprise to learn that the second dental concern after bad breath is gum disease – as it’s a natural progression to go from having inflamed gums and moderate plaque and calculus to more significant gum recession and heavy build-up of calculus.  NE Calgary Dentists hate to nag their patients about the value of regular cleanings – but the reality is that when dental care is neglected a patient’s entire health system is affected.  You may have read about the increase risk of heart attack associated with gum disease (periodontal disease) due to the high levels of bacteria present in a patient’s mouth – increasing inflammation throughout the body.

General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary aim to improve the dental health of each and every patient – if you experiencing bad breath or have gum disease, call them today to schedule an appointment – 403.285.0222

Follow our blog in the coming weeks to learn more about the top 10 dental concerns – and what you can do to prevent them.

The post NE Calgary Dentists Share Top 10 Dental Issues appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

In an article by Chris Higgins on mental_floss, he writes:

“…in the modern era, credit goes to New Orleans dentist Levi Spear Parmly, who promulgated the notion of flossing one’s teeth with silk thread in his 1819 book A Practical Guide to the Management of the Teeth. It took until 1882 for the first commercial floss (“unwaxed silk floss”) to hit the scene, manufactured by Codman and Shurtleft.”

To read more on the history of modern dental floss including it’s connections to WWII, click here 

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Restorative dentistry in Calgary is about managing oral health issues that require restoring the mouth to its natural form, function, and optimum health.  Restorative dentistry includes, but is not limited to, placing fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers and implants. The ability to prevent tooth loss by improving tooth form, structure and health makes restorative dentistry a vital part of any General Dental Office in Calgary.

Teeth often require restorative treatment due to being naturally worn, have existing dentistry that requires replacing, is decayed or broken, is at risk for breakage or loss due to having a root canal, or has been damaged as a result of an injury – don’t forget to use a custom sportsguard! Old fillings that are worn down or don’t ‘fit’ the tooth anymore are highly susceptible to developing decay under the original restoration.  In recent years it has become customary to replace old mercury (silver) restorations with white or tooth colored material.  The desire to have tooth colored restorations is sometimes driven by esthetics, but often the critical factor is that the existing mercury filling no longer performs optimally due to wear and potential risk of underlying decay.

There are advantages and disadvantages that come with different materials so having guidance from a Calgary Dentist in using a material that’s ideal in your situation can contribute to the long term success of dental treatment. Whether your treatment involves placing a new white filling, porcelain crown or fixed bridge, having a knowledgeable, skilled dental team is the first step in creating a beautiful, healthy, functional smile.

Call Discover Dental today and find out the many restorative dental options available to you. New Patients Welcome 403.285.0222

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