FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“A: Replacing your missing teeth does not only improve the look of your smile, it can also stop teeth from drifting out of place, improve your speech, and allow you to eat a wider variety of foods.

Implants are one of several options for replacing missing teeth. Implants consist of a titanium post and a crown or replacement tooth. The post fuses to the jaw bone, acting like the root of a tooth. This permanent attachment means that implants more closely resemble your natural teeth. It also means that you will not have to deal with loose-fitting dentures or the mess of denture glue. For patients who prefer dentures, implants can be used to anchor them more securely in place.

To learn more about dental implants, contact a member of our team today. ”

“A: Periodontal or gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria at the gumline. This bacteria, called plaque, eventually hardens into tartar. When the tartar is not removed, it can lead to an infection that may eventually break down the gum tissue and spread to the underlying bone. 

In extreme cases, teeth can loosen and fall out. Bacteria can also enter the bloodstream through the gums and lead to other serious health problems. 

Good oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease, but regular dental check-ups are essential to early detection, especially in those with a family history of the disease. 

When detected, gum disease can be treated. In its early stages, your dentist may recommend a thorough cleaning and improved oral hygiene routine. In later stages, you may be referred to periodontist. 

With regular dental check-ups and excellent oral hygiene, you can keep your gums and teeth in optimum health. Contact us at Dentistry on Danforth to learn more. ”

“A: While brushing is very effective at removing plaque and food debris from your teeth, a toothbrush simply cannot effectively clean all of the surfaces of your teeth. In particular, the spaces between your teeth are difficult, if not impossible to clean properly by brushing alone. This can mean that people who brush regularly are still very susceptible to cavities and gum infections in these areas. 

The use of dental floss or tape once a day can clean these difficult to reach surfaces and provide you with a truly clean and healthy mouth. It takes just a few minutes per day, and the payback is a cleaner and healthier mouth. Please contact our office if you have any questions about the proper care of your teeth and gums. Any one of our staff members will be happy to answer your questions. ”

“A: The answer is Yes and No. The whitening agents contained in almost all tooth whitening material products is either carbamide peroxide or a stabilized hydrogen peroxide. 

The difference is that the materials prescribed by a dentist are generally stronger concentrations that provide faster, more dramatic and longer lasting results. More importantly, we can provide the personalized advice that you need to determine if whitening is right for you. Dr. Papadopoulos is also trained to recognize and treat any potential problems that may arise from your use of tooth whitening products. 

We invite you to contact us at Dentistry on Danforth for more information on teeth whitening alternatives. ”

“A: Sedation dentistry is a very effective solution for people who experience anxiety prior to and during their dental visits. Sedation dentistry does not put you to sleep. It induces a sense of deep relaxation that enables you to feel comfortable while we carry out our work. 

You may be a candidate for sedation dentistry if you have:

• intense fear of dental visits
• a bad dental experience in the past
• sensitive teeth
• fear of needles
• extreme dislike of the smells and tastes associated with dental procedures
• strong gag reflex or inability to keep mouth open during treatment
• difficulty with traditional ‘numbing’ i.e. the numbing does not take
• extensive treatment or multiple procedures to be done at the same time

There are many options for sedation and one is sure to help you. Contact us to learn more. ”

“A: Chipped teeth should always be evaluated by a dentist to ensure the damage is assessed correctly. Depending on the size and location of the chip, there are a number of solutions available:

• Enamel Shaping – A reshaping of the tooth to smooth out small chips.
• Bonding – A quick solution for small chips that can be done in one visit. The dentist bonds a tooth-colored resin to the chipped area to mask the chip.
• Porcelain Veneers – Custom-made porcelain veneers are fitted to your teeth to cover imperfections, including chips. Crowns would be used for larger chips.
• Crowns – Crowns cover the chewing surface of a tooth and are best suited to chips in the molars. Like veneers, they are custom-fitted to your teeth.

Contact us today about the best option for natural-looking repairs of your chipped teeth. ”

“A: Recent studies have shown that by the age of three, a child is already at risk of having cavities which can be caused by something as innocent as putting a baby to sleep with a bottle of juice or milk. Along with taking our first look at your child’s oral condition, this first appointment is also largely focused on the parents and helping them to establish a good oral hygiene program and diet for the child. We believe that a child should have his or her first dental visit by the age of 3. 

It is a little known fact that a child’s primary teeth are vital to the long-term health of their permanent adult teeth. The premature loss of primary teeth as a result of accidents or decay can cause serious problems, including poorly spaced and crooked adult teeth. As a result, it is just as important to care for a child’s baby teeth as it is for the adult teeth that follow. ”

“A: Digital x-rays were first used in dentistry in the early 1990s. Since then the technology has improved greatly and the costs have come down, making digital x-rays increasingly common in dental practices. There are many benefits to digital x-rays, including:

• Less discomfort for the patient. Instead of bulky film, a small sensor is inserted in the mouth.
• Images are instantly displayed on a computer screen, where they can be enlarged and manipulated. This allows patients to be more involved in their treatment and gain a better understanding of their oral health.
• Improved diagnostic capabilities for dentists. Using the magnification capabilities of digital images, dentists get a better view and are more likely to spot small problems.
• Easier transfer of x-rays to insurance companies and other dental professionals.
• No need for harsh photo developing chemicals.

Digital x-rays make diagnostic procedures easier and faster for you and your dentist. If you have any questions about this technology, we invite you to contact a member of our team. ”

“A: Well, you might be surprised to learn the extent of what really goes on during your regular check-up. In addition to cleaning and polishing all the visible and hidden surfaces of your teeth, we also check for many potential problems. Tooth decay, oral cancer and periodontal (gum) disease are just a few examples of problems that can have serious consequences if left undetected.

We recommend that our patients visit our office at least twice each year to ensure their optimal oral health and to help avoid serious and costly problems. In certain cases, we may even recommend 3 or 4 visits per year in order to properly treat conditions that require more regular attention.

Maintaining a regular appointment schedule with your dentist isn’t just good for your teeth, it’s an important part of your overall health. ”

“A: Preventive care is an important element in any dental care plan. This is especially true in the case of children who often have high sugar diets that can lead to tooth decay. As a result, it is important that children visit their dentist for a check up and cleaning twice per year.

Another great way to protect young teeth is the application of tooth sealants. This procedure involves applying a plastic resin material to the grooves and pits of cavity prone teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier against oral bacteria to prevent the start of tooth decay. Applied soon after the eruption of new molars and premolars, tooth sealants could help your child to avoid the unpleasantness of cavities and fillings. Please call our office if you have any questions about tooth sealants. Any of our team members will be happy to answer your questions. ”