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

The post Root Canal Therapy – Not As Bad As You Think appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

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.

The post Sedation Dentistry in North East Calgary appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

New Year’s Resolutions range from weight loss, debt reduction, travelling to exotic locations, and getting a smile you’ve always wanted. NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge encourage patients who are interested in exploring options for correcting crooked teeth to consider a consultation for Invisalign Teeth Straightening System.

This group of NE General Dentists are experienced and knowledgeable in consulting on the many advantages Invisalign has to offer patients. Suitable for teenagers and adults – Invisalign is the perfect orthodontic option for patients who have buys lives and don’t require the use of orthodontic brackets to straighten their teeth. The beauty of Invisalign clear aligners is that they don’t involve the use of orthodontic wires or brackets but are custom made from a digital impression to fit securely on teeth. The other significant advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable – making mealtimes an enjoyable and stress-free event. Invisalign technology has factored in the times in the day when aligners are removed – and gauges treatment time on the aligners being worn for approximately twenty-two hours a day.
Teenagers who wear Invisalign as an orthodontic solution find the ease of removing aligners comes in handy during sporting activities – especially when there is a need to wear a sportsguard. But another advantage of Invisalign clear aligners is that they are barely visible. Known as the ‘Clear Orthodontic Solution’ – Invisalign aligners are made from a BPA-free plastic that is smooth to touch – making it super comfortable for cheeks and lips – and nearly invisible to the eye. Because the aligners are custom made from a digital impression the fit is precise – creating an efficient system for moving teeth in to healthier positions in the mouth. Average Invisalign treatment time ranges from eighteen months to two years – with some cases taking longer due to treatment specifics.

Invisalign treatment involves wearing a set of aligners for approximately two weeks and then switching to the next set of aligners in the treatment plan. Switching to the next set of aligners continues until treatment is complete.

Invisalign is a trusted, effective, affordable method for straightening teeth – and is offered by Dentists and Orthodontists around the world. NE Calgary Dentist at Discover Dental welcome your enquiries regarding Invisalign treatment and invite you to contact the office today to schedule an appointment 403.285.0222

The post A New Smile For a New Year appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

Dentists in NE Calgary are often asked if ‘bad teeth’ are inherited just like hair color and height.  Genetics certainly influence the shape and size of a person’s mouth and jaw – as its part of the skeletal system that is influenced by genetic markers.  But whether your child displays your crooked front teeth or tendency to develop cavities doesn’t boil down to only genetics – as it is impacted by environmental, dietary, and oral habits that can sometimes play a far more significant role in how healthy teeth are, and if jaw deficiencies develop.

General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary explain that there isn’t one simple answer as there are many factors at play in determining if a child’s smile will replicate a parent’s.  The shape of your jaw and size of teeth may be inherited by your child – it’s common to see children exhibit the same ‘big square teeth’ that their Mother has, or the same narrow jaw.  But just because a parent has lived with crooked teeth due to a deficient jaw it doesn’t mean that their children will.  Early orthodontic treatment that involves the use of arch expanders can easily create more space to accommodate adult teeth – and certain appliances can also be used to promote correct jaw and arch development.

NE Calgary Dentists clarify that a child’s tendency to develop dental decay is not genetically inherited, but more habit and diet inherited.  If parents aren’t setting a good example of brushing and flossing daily – and avoiding sugar laden foods – then the risk of children being prone to decay heightens, not due to any genetic factor but from inheriting diet and oral habits.  Unless the child was exposed to certain drugs in vitro, the chance of having ‘weak dental enamel’ is rare – and most rampant decay cases are a result of poor home care (brushing and flossing) and poor diet choices.

If you have concerns regarding the development of your child’s teeth and jaw call Discover Dental today – these NE Calgary Dentists welcome patients’ enquiries and are accepting New Patients to their practice.  403.285.0222

The post Are Bad Teeth Genetic? 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

The post The Value of a Great Smile appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

This is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth.
This is the way we brush our teeth, early in the morning.

It may be a nursery rhyme dating back to the early eighteen hundreds, but this cute little ditty has saved many a child from a toothless smile.  Even our ancestors valued the importance of maintaining and preserving the health of baby teeth – and went to great lengths to conjure up any form of encouragement to make sure little ones brushed diligently.  Times may have moved on – and the birth of the electric toothbrush has made brushing time less stressful and more effective – but the underlying message remains the same – baby teeth (or deciduous teeth) play an important role in the development of healthy adult teeth, arch formation, speech, and overall oral health.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge are passionate about informing patients about the importance of keeping baby teeth healthy and for the desired amount of time.  Acknowledging that some people may view baby teeth as expendable as a set of permanent (adult teeth) are waiting to erupt – the reality is that baby teeth play a vital role in the healthy development of adult teeth, effective chewing, and the formation of words (speech).  And though the Tooth Fairy may make the odd visit to a child’s pillow – regular visits by this fantasy creature is not the goal.

NE General Dentists at Discover Dental go on to explain that early loss of baby teeth; due to decay or trauma, causes the undeveloped adult tooth to erupt prematurely and/or not in the desired position due to space being lost by the early loss of the baby tooth.  Tooth decay is the number one cause of premature loss of baby teeth – but can be easily prevented by maintaining great home care, eating a healthy balanced diet, and ensuring your child visits a Calgary Dentist regularly for routine exams and cleaning.  Regular visits to a NE Calgary Dentist provide an opportunity for any dental concerns to be detected early and treated swiftly.  Allowing a Dentist in Calgary to take x-rays also increases the chance for decay to be diagnosed in its early stages – and for the tooth to be saved.

Dentists in NE Calgary at Discover Dental want every child to have a healthy smile and encourage parents to schedule an appointment for their child to have an exam and cleaning.  Call today 403.285.0222

The post Why Baby Teeth Should Be Babied appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

NE Calgary Dentists – Dr’s Dhesi, Dhillon, Minhas and Chattha – make it a priority to share tips on how to keep your oral health in tip-top condition.  Obviously, visiting a Calgary Dentist regularly is a great start to maintaining healthy teeth and gums – but what about other influences like food choices – which foods help to keep your teeth shining bright, and which foods contribute to tooth decay and premature tooth loss?

When your nutrition is lacking your entire immune system is affected – leading to vulnerability to develop disorders such as periodontal disease.  Recent studies have discovered the correlation between systemic health and oral health; with conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease being directly affected by the condition of a person’s oral health.  Can you believe that there may be more bacteria in the mouth then people on earth!! Yikes – that’s motivation to go brush your teeth.  And though the large amount of bacteria found in an individual’s mouth seems alarming – not all of the bacteria is harmful.  Some bacteria is healthy and essential to destroying other harmful bacteria – the concern is when the balance between healthy and bad bacteria is lost – and lack of effective home care, dental cleanings, and good nutritional choices all contribute to raising the level of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Lack of good nutrition impacts every cell in the body – including teeth and gums – and bad food choices that are loaded with sugars and starch contributes to the formation of plaque and inflammation in the mouth.  When you eat starchy food you’re not just satisfying your own hunger pangs but the cravings of bacteria living in your mouth.  And when you have a late night snack sugary snack and then jump in to bed without brushing your teeth (you wouldn’t do that) the acid that is produced by plaque (bacteria), to break down the sugar on the teeth, eats away at enamel and weakens teeth.   Plaque also releases toxins that contribute to the destruction of gum tissue and bone – so brushing and flossing regularly along with eating less starchy, sugary food, and avoiding sugary drinks, is the first line of defense in keeping your mouth healthy.

Calgary General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary want you to make smart food choices not just for your dental health, but your overall health.  So, what should you be snacking on to keep your teeth healthy?  How about loading up on fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and yoghurt, sugar-free gum, and drink plenty of water or green tea.  Green tea is rich in polyphenols – an antioxidant – which helps to break down bad bacteria in the mouth.

Discover Dental welcomes new patients and invites you to contact the office to schedule an appointment – 403.285.0222

The post Eating the Right Foods to Keep Your Teeth Healthy appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

How valuable are the oil changes to your car? – Yep that valuable.  We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, seeing your NE Calgary Dentist for routine check-up exams, x-rays, and cleanings is the easiest and most beneficial habit you can form for your health.  For some patients it’s the fear of associated costs that stops them from seeing a dentist in Calgary on a regular basis – but just like the maintenance of your vehicle, regular oil changes are more cost effective than replacing an engine.  You’re probably wondering what the car talk has to do with keeping your teeth healthy – well it comes down to preventing expensive surprises by maintaining a level of continual health.

When you commit to regular visits to the dentist, and hygienist, you’re allowing your dental health to be monitored and assessed at regular intervals.  Major dental concerns tend not to flare up overnight, but are slowly created by ignoring warning symptoms and avoiding routine dental appointments.  During an exam with your NE Calgary Dentist – it’s not just teeth that are being examined – all tissues of the mouth are inspected and reviewed for signs of Oral Cancer, Viral Infections, Bacterial Infections, Unusual Oral Growths, Inflamed Tissue (gums, throat, and cheeks), and any indications that may reveal signs of disease and tooth decay.  Wondering why the dentist has you stick out your tongue to look at the top, and underneath, this muscle? Well it’s all part of a standard oral cancer screen that isn’t just protecting your dental health – but your life.

General Dentists at Discover Dental encourage to call to schedule a Routine Dental Exam and Cleaning – start investing in your dental health – your whole body will thank you.

The post Preventative Dentistry in NE Calgary appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge want to explain the importance x-rays play in maintaining dental health.  For some of us it seems easy to decline x-rays when we go to the dentist.  We just want them to ‘look’ at the sore tooth, inflamed gum, or annoying sore on the inside of our cheek.  Well when you think about it, we’d never get away with that if we went to a medical doctor and asked them to just ‘look’ at our symptoms.  We often agree to blood tests and other forms of diagnosing from our medical doctor – so why are we so reluctant to agree to dental x-rays?

Some people use the excuse that dental x-rays emit high amounts of radiation.  That just isn’t true. Most progressive dental offices in Calgary take digital x-rays – technology that reduces the amount of radiation that traditional x-rays emit by up to 90%.  To explain it in terms of sun exposure – one full day in the sun equates to roughly twenty dental x-rays.  That’s an awful lot of x-rays, as the average adult has just four x-rays taken on an annual basis – so one day in the sun is the same as five years’ worth of dental x-rays – so pretty minimal exposure to radiation per x-ray.

Now that we’ve explained just how safe dental x-rays are – let’s go on to share the many benefits there are to having routine x-rays taken by your dental provider. Your NE Calgary Dentist will recommend dental x-rays so that tissue that is not visible to the eye can be viewed and examined for health.  Teeth are supported by bone – but bone is not visible to your dentist during a routine check-up exam – so an x-ray is taken to make sure that bone and other dental tissues below the gum level are healthy.  Interproximal areas – or areas in-between teeth – are also not visible to the dentist, especially in adult patients when teeth are larger and tend to butt up against one another.  Taking an x-ray allows your Calgary Dentist to view the area in-between teeth and will show any areas when decay is starting.  Being able to detect dental decay in its early stages will help avoid more involved and costly treatment down the road – so the benefit of early detection far outweighs the cost of the x-ray.

Dental x-rays are used to diagnose dental abscesses, tumours, abnormal jaw growth, and normal eruption of adult teeth in young patients.  By refusing dental x-rays you are limiting your dentist’s ability to make a full and accurate diagnosis.  Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental understand patients’ concerns regarding the need for dental x-rays and welcome your questions to discuss the many advantages x-rays offer.  Discover Dental is welcoming new patients and is happy to address any concerns you may have regarding your dental health.  Call today 403.285.0222

The post NE Calgary Dentists Explain the Importance of Regular X-rays appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

Making an appointment to see your NE Calgary Dentist may be the best thing you can do for your entire health – not just your dental health.  It’s no secret that the health of the mouth reveals the overall health of the body – and many a disease and condition has been first discovered by your Calgary Dentist.  Delaying or putting-off seeing your NE Calgary Dentist for a check-up exam is not only compromising your dental health – but your entire system.

More and more studies are making the correlation between the health of the mouth and the health of the body as a whole.  We’ve discussed in past blogs the link between gum health and heart disease – but if you missed the previous post here’s a re-cap.  According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease (also called heart disease). And that other dental concerns such as, gum disease (gingivitis), dental decay, and missing teeth were as reliable of a predictor of heart disease as cholesterol levels. Epidemiologists go on to explain that patients who present with higher blood levels of certain disease causing bacteria in the mouth were more likely to have atherosclerosis of the carotoid artery – potentially leading to a stroke.

What’s the connection between gingivitis and heart disease and stroke? – well experts know that bacteria present in the mouth can enter the blood stream through the gums – and these bacteria stick to the fatty deposits in arteries, adding to the blockages. Inflamed gums may also be a sign that inflammation is occurring in other parts of the body – such as arteries.  Regardless of which came first, the obstructed arteries, or the periodontal disease – both conditions play off one another, so it’s imperative to take control of your dental health – thereby improving your overall health.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge also explain that seeing your Calgary Dentist for regular check-ups can ensure that you are being checked for early signs of oral cancer, fungal infections like candidiasis, halitosis (bad breath), canker and cold sores (that may be linked to a suppressed immune system) and other potential health issues that may be present.   And although this routine exam may be tempting to skip – making regular dental exams is just the first step in keeping both your dental health and complete health in tip-top shape.

Call this NE Calgary Dental office today and make an appointment to see one of Discover Dental’s experienced dentists today – you won’t be disappointed. 403.285.0222

The post Why seeing a Calgary Dentist protects more than just your Dental Health appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.