Newmarket Dental Blog | Useful Dental Tips from East River Dental Care

Understanding Dental Implants and How They Can Benefit Your Smile

Over time, many Canadians may progressively lose their teeth. However, unlike baby teeth, adult teeth unfortunately do not grow back. Therefore, replacement measures must be taken to restore the smile and improve eating, speech, and confidence.

There are several ways your dentist can replace lost teeth, including partial or complete dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Unlike the other replacement measures, however, dental implants are arguably the most convenient, comfortable, and sustainable option. Over the past half century, the invention of dental implants has been one of the biggest advances in the field of dentistry.

The Basics: What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are comfortable, are not removable and won’t come loose, and look almost exactly like your natural teeth.

Essentially, there are three parts of a full tooth implant: The artificial root base, the crown or artificial tooth, and the connector or abutment.

The root is a screw-like structure made of strong titanium metal. It is implanted into the jawbone just where a natural tooth would be located. It works as an anchor for the connector and tooth attachment, which both go on top of the metal root implant.

The connector attaches the crown (which resembles a natural tooth) to the implant base. As long as you have the correct amount of bone left after the loss of a tooth, implantation of a tooth implant can be anywhere in the jaw.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a Tooth Implant?

Anyone can lose a tooth or several teeth over time, and there are numerous reasons for tooth loss.

For some, loss happens after a severe injury or accident. For others, diseases may cause oral health problems that result in tooth loss. Still others may not have taken optimal care of their teeth and gums over the years, which can cause gum disease and shrinkage, periodontitis, and subsequent loss of teeth.

Before you can be a candidate for dental implants, you must meet certain criteria. First, you must have sound overall health. Your oral health should be especially good, meaning you have healthy gums and enough jaw bone to support an implant.

In some cases, if your jaw bone is not substantial enough, a bone graft may be used to build up bone and later support a tooth implant. Alternatively, a different type of implant called a subperiosteal implant may be used. This type of implant consists of a metal frame, and instead of screwing into the jaw bone like a classic or endosteal implant, it fits over the jaw bone; therefore, less jaw bone is needed for the implantation process.

If you would like to replace teeth with implants over other replacement measures (dentures, bridges), your first step should be to speak with your dentist. They will tell you if you are a good candidate or not, and they may even offer the procedure themselves. If not, they will refer you to a specialist such as a maxillofacial surgeon, oral surgeon, or periodontist.

What You Should Expect From the Dental Implant Process

Everyone will have their own unique experience with dental implants because the process must be catered to the individual.

While one person may simply need an implant into healthy jaw bone for one missing tooth, someone else may require bone grafting and the implantation of three or more artificial teeth. In this case, the latter individual should expect a longer-term process. Most of the time, however, every dental implant candidate can expect to visit the dentist (and possibly one or more specialists) at least four to six times before the full implant is completed. Many of these appointments will be initial consultations, fittings, and checkups after the core procedure has taken place.

Because of the personalized nature of the dental implant process, you should always speak with your local dentist first if you are considering Newmarket dental implants or all on four procedure. They will be able to assess your health to see if you are a good candidate and set up a procedure schedule so you can know what to expect.

Basic Implantation Procedure

Barring extenuating circumstances, the following will be the general procedure you can expect for dental implants:

You’ll meet with your dentist for a consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for dental implants.
At a separate appointment, your dentist will surgically insert the root implant into your jaw bone.
Between three and six weeks will need to lapse before the implant can fully fuse to the bone.
After three to six weeks, you’ll have another appointment with your dentist, during which they will check that the implant has bonded to the bone. At this point, if bonding was successful, your dentist will attach the connector or abutment to the root implant.
During another waiting period, the gum tissue surrounding the connector must have time to heal.
You’ll meet with your dentist again and have the crown (tooth-like structure) attached to the connector.
You will likely be required to return for an additional one or two appointments over the following year to check on the implant and ensure the procedure’s success.

Are You Interested in Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the most complicated of tooth-replacement procedures, but they are becoming increasingly common and are routinely successful for a variety of patients.

Furthermore, even though implants cost the most out of any tooth-replacement procedures, they do not require ongoing procedures and cumbersome care. This makes them cost-effective and extremely beneficial to patients who would rather not spend their time cleaning, removing and replacing, and seeking further care for bridges or full or partial dentures.

Dental implants are comfortable and make eating, drinking, and speaking much easier. Furthermore, they will almost certainly improve your confidence and self-esteem. They are the only permanent, long-lasting option for restoring a smile after tooth loss.

If you are interested in getting dental implants in Newmarket, make a consultation appointment with your family dentist today.

Choosing a New Dentist? Here Are the Top 5 Things You Should Look For

For most Canadians, the idea of a good day does not include a visit to the dentist. Still, many go regularly, at least once a year, for their annual check-ups.

For other Canadians, unfortunately, it’s usually fear, the cost, or confusion about which dentist to see, that stops them from getting dental check-ups altogether.

And when 96% of Canadian adults have a history of cavities and 21% have either past or present gum issues, that’s a problem.

Cavities and many other gum and teeth issues are almost entirely preventable. But part of a sound prevention strategy must include annual visits to the dentist.

Haven’t been to the dentist in the last year? Few years? Decade?

It’s okay — you can start now. Here’s what to look for when choosing a Newmarket family dentist.

Excellent Qualifications and a Positive Attitude

First thing’s first: Your new dentist should be highly qualified in their field and have extensive experience in family dental services. On top of that, they should be happy to be where they are! A kind, encouraging, and personable dentist can go a long way in making you feel positive about getting regular dental care.

Clean Offices and Modern Technology

The surroundings of the family dental care office you choose will matter too. First, waiting rooms, bathrooms, and office spaces should be clean and well-maintained. Furthermore, clinical technology should be up-to-date as much of modern dentistry relies on digital imaging and other advanced technology.

Continuous Training and Education

Dentists and other medical staff should receive regular, ongoing training and education in their fields. It’s a good sign if your dentist or hygienists are occasionally off for a conference, seminar, or other instructive experience.

A Friendly and Courteous Staff

There’s nothing worse than dreading a call to your family dental care office because the staff is rude and off-putting. Going to the dentist is hard enough for many people — staff should be courteous, knowledgeable, and enjoy what they do. This will make for a much more pleasant interaction for you and your family.

Dedication to Their Practice

Finally, family dentists should be passionate about what they do. Many of the best family dental care offices work with charities and support local organizations that are dedicated to improving oral health in the community and around the world.

Choose a Dentist When You Choose a Family Physician

If you’ve recently relocated or are looking to turn over a new leaf and start going to the doctor more often, you’ll certainly be on the lookout for a new family physician. This is the perfect time to find a new family dental care office as well.

Like a family doctor, accountant, or lawyer, your dentist should be someone you feel you can trust and have confidence in. Use the criteria above to make a tentative decision about a new dentist, then book an appointment to make certain it’s the right fit.

5 Parenting Hacks for Raising Kids With Good Oral Habits

As a parent, it is up to you to instill solid healthy habits from a very young age and few other habits are as important as caring for your teeth.

Getting kids to brush and floss regularly is easier said than done. Below, we’ll outline 5 key parenting hacks to help you teach your child healthy dental hygiene habits and make oral health more fun!

First, why is oral health so important for your children? Let’s explore.

The Risks of Poor Oral Habits From a Young Age

It’s all too easy to think that children are in perfect health and therefore don’t need to worry about their oral hygiene as much as adults. However, good oral health needs to starts early with children — or dangerous health issues like the following can become real problems for their future:

Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, and Loss of Teeth

The buildup of bacteria in the mouth due to not brushing and flossing will inevitably lead to the destruction of tooth enamel and tooth decay. In turn, this can easily lead to gingivitis (gum disease), which causes the gums to become swollen and turn red.

Gingivitis will also cause teeth to become decayed and loose. Later, complete tooth loss can become a problem. In this case, a root canal treatment may be able to save them. But if teeth become too severely decayed, they cannot even be improved with fillings, root canals, or dental veneers. Instead, dental implants will need to replace lost teeth.

Again, these problems all start from not brushing and flossing regularly.

Increased Risk of Endocarditis

Endocarditis (the infection of the inner lining of the heart) starts with bacteria that enters the bloodstream and becomes lodged on the heart lining or heart valves. This leads to heart valve damage and severe cardiovascular problems down the line.

The bacteria that causes this problem can come from several sources — one of which is the mouth. When brushing and flossing aren’t done consistently, bacteria builds up in the mouth and can later end up in the heart, causing endocarditis.

Increased Risk of Cancer

Several cancers have been strongly associated with poor oral hygiene. Although it is not yet fully understood by medical professionals, gum disease is often particularly correlated positively with pancreatic and oropharyngeal cancers.

Mental Health Problems

Mental health can even be affected by oral hygiene habits. A recent Canadian study explores the strong links between poor oral health and mental health. If left untreated, tooth erosion, cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis (gum tissue infection) have been known to be positively associated with affective disorders, eating disorders, and several other mental health issues. Some studies have even linked dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with gum disease.

5 Hacks for Raising Kids With Great Oral Health

Lead by example.

Your kids will want to do what you do, so lead by example. Make sure you brush and floss at least twice a day. Eat healthy and avoid sugar and soda. Finally, make your biannual Ontario dentist visits a priority. Your child will see you having good dental hygiene habits and want to do the same.

Push the healthy snacks.

Healthy snacks like veggies and cheese aren’t just better than sweets and candy because they pack more nutrients. Cheese, for example, is full of calcium and protein — great for the teeth. And veggies like chopped broccoli and carrots can actually help keep teeth clean. The act of chewing these cruciferous vegetables helps your mouth produce more bacteria-eradicating saliva.

Nix the juice and soda.

Candy and ice cream are definitely bad for your teeth, but some of the absolute worst offenders come in liquid form. Children should be drinking water or milk — not juice or soda — with their meals and at snack-time. Make this the rule from the get-go.

Make morning and bedtime brushing more fun.

Unfortunately, brushing and flossing are not most kids’ idea of fun. But you can make it better by implementing a few fun games and rewards.

Step one is starting a brushing chart. Create your own chart, or hang a calendar in your bathroom. Then, every time your child brushes and flosses, allow them to make one “leg” of a huge X on that day. You should have at least two legs every day (one each for morning and night brushing and flossing). Stickers can also be awarded for good brushers, or you might even come up with a fun reward for a fully completed month of brushing.

Songs can help too. To make sure kids are learning to brush more than just a few seconds, hum a “brushing song” together while you brush. This Sesame Street song (or this one) are fun options to start with. Otherwise, try “Down by the Bay” or “Apples and Bananas.” Anything that lasts at least 3 minutes is ideal.

Book their first dental appointment early.

Finally, teach your child that visiting the dentist shouldn’t be a frightening experience. This starts with booking their first appointment early. Your child’s first visit to the dentist should occur as soon as their first tooth appears. After this, plan your dental visits once every six months.

At your first visit, write down any questions you may have for the dentist beforehand. Your dentist will explain the basics of proper gum and teeth care to you — plus proper brushing techniques. At East River Dental, we aim to make the first dental visit especially calm and comfortable for children.

Visits to the dentist and standard dental procedures shouldn’t have to be scary experiences. With the right dentist, you and your child can establish a good working relationship with the dentist to ensure that proper dental care begins as soon as possible.

If your child is ready for their first dental visit, East River Dental can help. We’re the trusted Ontario dentist families in Newmarket trust. Call us at 905-895-8031 to book your child’s dental examination today.

Need a Boost in Confidence? Try a Smile Makeover!

When it comes to your confidence and self-esteem, looking better means feeling better. So when it comes to your teeth, the better cared-for they are, the more self-esteem you’ll have.

If you’ve been struggling with a smile you’re unhappy with, a smile makeover may be just what you need to regain your confidence.

How Can an Unattractive Smile Hamper Your Confidence?

If you have teeth that are decaying, crooked, stained, gapped, or missing, it can make you feel self-conscious when talking, laughing, smiling, or posing for photos. Certainly, an outward smile doesn’t dictate what’s on the inside. At the same time, however, mentally and emotionally, it can cause enormous damage to your social interactions, relationships, and career. After all, it’s difficult to go on a first date, give a presentation at work, or even interact with friends if you feel embarrassed every time you open your mouth to speak or smile.

Improving your smile with a smile makeover can change this.

After just one dental examination with a reputable dentist in Newmarket, you’ll be able to pinpoint particular improvements that will make a huge difference in the way you feel about your smile. It’s naturally important to remember that there is no perfect when it comes to a smile. All teeth are different. All smiles are unique and special.

Still, when you can make a change — if you think it will help you — it’s worth it. In the case of your teeth, small changes to improve shape, alignment, color, and evenness can yield big results. And this will make you feel better about yourself, boosting your confidence. Additionally, when you fix teeth that are missing, crowded, chipped, loose, or broken, they’ll also be easier to clean. There will be less risk of cavity, decay, and infection, and you’ll be more likely to hold onto them long into the future.

Who Can Benefit From a Smile Makeover?

If you struggle with any of the following issues, you may benefit greatly from a smile makeover:

Broken or chipped teeth
Crooked teeth
Yellow or stained teeth
Missing teeth
Misaligned or crooked teeth
Gaps or spaces

What Does a Smile Makeover Involve?

Your dentist will be able to tell you specifically which procedures will improve your teeth, but in general, the following dental services can go a long way in benefitting your smile:

- Porcelain Veneers – To cover and improve broken, chipped, or misshapen teeth
- Teeth Whitening – For stained or yellowed teeth
- Implants – To replace missing teeth
- Orthodontics – For improving straightness and alignment
- dental procedures to improve your smile overall
- Full Mouth Restoration – A mixture of several dental procedures to improve your smile overall

Remember that some of these procedures may require several dental appointments or procedures. Sometimes, patients put these appointments off because they fear discomfort. If this is you, not to worry — sleep dentistry offers an excellent solution. Sleep dentistry uses safe and effective sedation that will keep you comfortable and pain-free throughout your procedures.

Get Your Smile Makeover at East River Dental

At East River Dental, we’re the dentist Newmarket residents trust.

We are committed to making a difference in our patients’ lives. We believe in quality care with a personal touch and the healing power and benefits of great dental care — both physically and mentally.

If you are interested in improving your smile with a smile makeover, our dentists can help. Call East River Dental at 905-895-8031 to book your dental examination today.

5 Questions About Root Canal Treatments, Answered

If your dentist has informed you that a root canal may be necessary and you are feeling nervous, you aren’t alone, but the good news is this common procedure is safe, and not nearly as painful or unpleasant as you might think. The following are some frequently asked questions about root canals and what you can expect during and after the procedure.

If you are considering a root canal, you’re probably experiencing discomfort due to infection, and your dentist believes a root canal is the best option.

Why Would You Need A Root Canal?

Root canals are necessary when the pulp of the tooth becomes infected. Not only does the infected tooth cause pain, but the infection can also spread to neighboring tissues and into the jaw. This not only causes loss of the tooth but also creates other dental and health issues. A root canal eliminates the infection while saving the tooth.

What Happens During A Root Canal?

First, you’ll be prepped, and the area surrounding the affected tooth is numbed with an anesthetic. The procedure is frequently performed by your dentist unless it is a more complicated situation, in which case you’ll be referred to an endodontist.
During the procedure, the dentist works to remove infected tissues. Once complete, the canals are sealed with a substance called gutta percha. The tooth may be capped with a crown to strengthen it and restore appearance.

How Long Does It Take To Recover? Will You Be In Pain?

For the first few days after a root canal, you will likely experience some soreness and swelling. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief medication. It’s also vital that you follow any aftercare instructions closely to accelerate the healing process. Any pain or discomfort dissipate within a few days. Full healing of the site may take some time, but this is normal. Your tooth may feel “different” than your other teeth, which is also normal.

Are There Alternatives To A Root Canal?

If your dentist recommends a root canal, your only other option is to have the tooth extracted. Root canals are intended as an alternative to having the tooth pulled. If you want to save your tooth, a root canal is your best and, possibly, the only option.

I’ve Heard Horror Stories About Root Canals Gone Wrong. Are they a safe procedure?

Any medical or dental procedure involves some level of risk or complication. When it comes to root canals, they are a commonly performed and safe procedure with a very high success rate. Problems are rare when you choose a quality provider with a good reputation. It’s always a good idea to do some research when selecting a dentist to perform this procedure. And, it’s worth mentioning again that aftercare is essential for problem-free healing.

If you are struggling with tooth pain, or have been told you need a root canal or a tooth extraction, contact East River Dental. Call today at 905 895 8031 to book a consultation and join hundreds of other satisfied clients in the Newmarket area.

How to Ease Your Baby’s Teething Pains

Teething is a natural and inevitable stage of babyhood that is often distressing for both baby and parents. While some infants don’t appear to experience as much discomfort as others, most babies and toddlers do struggle with periodic pain, swelling, and irritability due to teething. Knowing that the pain and distress is a normal part of infant and toddler development may help to ease your concerns, but doesn’t relieve the pain, sleepless nights and fussiness. Fortunately, there are a number of tools and strategies that can help your baby feel better.

What Age Does Teething Start?
It depends on the child. Babies typically get their first tooth between six and nine months of age. However, teeth may show up as early as three months. The symptoms of teething may start to show weeks before the tooth erupts. Once teething starts, it’s an ongoing process throughout the baby and toddler stage.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Teething?
Your baby may display all of these symptoms, or you may simply notice a tooth one day. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

Redness and swelling of the gums
Increased drooling
Restlessness and irritability
Changes in sleep
Increased need to suck, bite and chew
Lowered appetite
Fever

It’s important that you not confuse teething symptoms with other conditions. If your baby appears ill, even if he or she is teething, it’s best to consult your doctor. A high fever, diarrhea, listlessness or other symptoms warrant medical attention.

How To Relieve The Pain
Finding a remedy that best soothes your baby is often a matter of trial and error. If your child shows signs of discomfort and is gnawing and mouthing objects in an attempt to get relief, it’s important to provide teething objects that are sturdy, safe and provide pressure on the gums. This is often all your child will need to relieve any pain.

Cold is another tried and true form of relief. You can use teething rings and objects that are specially designed to go in the freezer or refrigerator. Frozen washcloths are a go-to for many parents. It’s important that anything used for teething is not small enough to be swallowed or choked on, and is used with supervision. Some babies show an increased need for their mother’s breast, a bottle or pacifier, while others will push them away. Both are standard responses to teething discomfort. You can also massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger.

Finally, if your baby is in severe discomfort and the above treatments don’t bring relief, an over-the-counter pain reliever made for infants is another option. Be sure to consult with a physician before giving your child any medication.

What You Should Avoid
It’s important to ensure that baby doesn’t use anything for teething that he or she could choke on or that could be toxic. Now is also an excellent time to practice good dental habits. Wiping gums with a clean cloth after feeding is good practice. It’s important not to put your baby to sleep with a bottle, as pooling milk can cause tooth decay early on, and avoid sugary drinks and snacks.

If you have questions or concerns about your baby’s dental health, contact the professionals at East River Dental. Children should have their first dental appointment by twelve months of age, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. If you’d like to make an appointment with one of our dental professionals with extensive experience in child dentistry, please contact us. Call today at 905 895 8031 to book a consultation and join hundreds of other satisfied clients in the Newmarket area.

Keep Your Veneers Looking Their Best: 6 Simple Steps

Porcelain veneers are a great investment in your smile and your self-esteem to correct any cosmetic issues you might have with your teeth. Veneers can be expensive, so protecting your investment is essential. Luckily, keeping your veneers looking great isn’t that difficult.
Here are six steps you can take to maintain your veneers easily:

1. Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine and even some fruit beverages can stain your teeth – and your veneers too. If you enjoy any beverage that’s dark in pigment, you can prevent staining by drinking through a straw. If a straw isn’t your style, you can still decrease stains by rinsing your mouth after drinking a beverage that could stain your veneers.

2. Never use your teeth as tools. Most of us have probably seen – or at least heard of – a person pry off a bottle cap using their teeth, or maybe use their teeth and jaw to unscrew a cap. Doing so puts a lot of strain and stress on your teeth and any cosmetic or restorative work you’ve had done, including veneers. And that means your veneers are more likely to become cracked, chipped or broken (along with your underlying tooth).

3. Wear protective mouth guards if you play any sports. This is good advice to protect all of your teeth, not just your veneers. Today’s mouth guards are lighter and less bulky than older models; the key is to have a guard that’s custom-fit for your mouth to ensure your teeth are adequately protected.

4. Don’t smoke. Not only is smoking bad for your gums, increasing your risk of developing gum disease (and eventual tooth loss), but it can also cause areas of the veneers to become discolored over time. Kick the habit and your overall health as well.

5. Practice good oral hygiene. Your veneer is made of porcelain, which means it can never decay. But the tooth supporting your veneer can still develop a cavity or an infection in the surrounding gums. Brushing and flossing regularly – and using the right technique – is essential for making sure the tooth underneath your veneer stays healthy.

6. See the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings get into areas that are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing alone, plus the materials they use gently remove any plaque build-up to help your veneers look their absolute best. Routine checkups ensure your teeth and gums are healthy as well.

East River Dental has over 30 years as a dental services provider. We offer advanced cosmetic and restorative treatment options like porcelain veneers and dental implants that will give you a smile you’ll be proud to show off. If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, call East River Dental at 905-895-8031 to schedule a consultation with one of our dental professionals today.

5 Dental Care Options You Have to Repair a Cracked Tooth

If you’ve ever cracked a tooth, you know how painful an experience it can be. But pain is just part of the problem that comes with a broken tooth. Without proper treatment, even a tiny crack can cause decay-causing bacteria to enter the tooth, substantially increasing your risks of cavities, tooth breakage and, eventually, even tooth loss.

Cracked teeth are surprisingly common, and there are lots of factors that can contribute to crack formation. The five most common causes of broken teeth include:

Biting or chewing on hard objects, including ice, hard candy, and other hard foods
Using teeth as tools to pry open lids or other objects
Grinding and clenching habits that place continual or chronic stress and strain on teeth, eventually causing them to weaken and crack
Traumatic injury, including sports injuries and injuries from car accidents and falls
Untreated decay and deferred preventive care that allows the tooth structure to decline over time

Deferred preventive care includes the millions of people who put off routine dental cleaning appointments and other preventive care options that could help their teeth stay healthy.

Cracked Tooth Repair Options

Many years ago, when a tooth was broken, there was only one option: have it pulled and replaced with a denture. But today, several cosmetic dental surgery and repair options can be considered depending on the cause and severity of the crack, its size and depth, and the extent of the underlying damage.

Crowns

Crowns are like protective “jackets” designed to surround your entire tooth, right down to the gum line. They are an excellent solution for more severe cracks that have weakened the tooth’s structure. Made of durable material, crowns can be tinted to match your neighboring teeth so they look completely natural, and are typically applied across two visits to your dentist. During your first visit, the broken tooth is prepared to receive the crown. Any damaged areas will be repaired and the dentist will remove a small portion of the tooth’s surface material to make room for the thickness of the crown. Next, the dentist will create an impression of the tooth to serve as a mold for the crown. You’ll then receive a temporary crown that protects your tooth while the permanent crown is made. At the second visit, your temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is placed on your tooth, and carefully adjusted for a perfect fit.

Veneers

Veneers are a popular alternative for correcting the appearance of smaller cracks and other defects that detract from your smile. Just like crowns, veneers can be tinted to match the colour of your other teeth. They’re applied over two visits, but unlike crowns, veneers are applied to only the front surface of the tooth. At your first office visit, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing a small amount of tooth material, then an impression is made, and a temporary veneer is applied to protect the tooth. During the second visit, the dentist will apply the veneer using a robust dental adhesive.

Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is being used to address small cracks that don’t impact the integrity of the tooth’s structure. The bonding material is made from a resin or plastic, and like a crown, the bonding is tinted to match the colour of your other teeth. A bond can be applied in a single visit. Your tooth will be carefully cleaned, and the dentist will use a special etching fluid that helps the bonding material adhere to the broken tooth. The dentist will expertly apply the bonding material in layers, shaping it to match the natural contours of your tooth. Many patients like bonding because it can be completed in one visit and it’s less costly than a veneer. However, the resin material is not as durable as a veneer and can also become discoloured over time.

Root Canal

When deep decay causes a crack, you may need a root canal to treat it. A root canal uses special techniques to access the deep, central portion of the tooth (the pulp) to remove decayed areas of the tooth. Once the damaged part of the tooth is removed, it will need to be surrounded by a crown to add stability and hide any subsequent discoloration of the tooth. Root canals are performed in a single visit, but you’ll need to come back for a second visit so your dentist can place the permanent crown. A root canal can help avoid tooth extraction in many cases.

Dental Implants

If your tooth is so severely damaged that a root canal can’t save it, it will need to be extracted. Not a pleasant thought, but fortunately, it can be replaced with a dental implant that’s designed to look and “work” just like a natural tooth. Because implants are attached to your jaw bone, they can help prevent bone atrophy that can occur after a natural tooth is removed. Implants usually require three office visits – one to place the post in your jaw bone, one to prepare the area for the implant, and a third to attach the implant to the post.

Don’t Put Off Care

Being nervous about visiting the dentist – especially when you have a toothache – is very common. But the good news is that there are plenty of options to help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout your visit. East River Dental is committed to providing our patients with the care they need to feel confident about their care – and their comfort level – every step of the way. If you’ve cracked a tooth or have another issue that requires immediate attention, we’re ready and able to help you get the care you need.

Call East River Dental at 905-895-8031 to schedule an appointment today.

What Are Dental Veneers and How Can They Help Your Smile?

It’s natural for people with a healthy smile to want to show it off. Unfortunately, not everyone has been blessed with a perfect, all-natural smile. But there are a lot of options to fix dental issues, such as chipped, discoloured or crooked teeth, and one of the most popular choice is porcelain or composite resin veneers.

Here’s what they are and what they can do for you if you’re looking for a way to make your smile sparkle.

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin customized shells designed to cover the front surfaces of your existing teeth for a smile makeover. These shells are tooth-colored and can change the size, shape, and length of your teeth. Compared to cosmetic bonding, dental veneers can last longer and provide a superior appearance.

Porcelain veneers are designed from ceramic layers, which are better at resisting discoloration and stains and have a more natural-looking appearance. During the procedure, your dentist will create space for the veneers by removing a thin layer of your existing tooth enamel. A mold of your teeth will be made to customize a set of veneers fitted for your mouth. Before your veneers are ready, temporary ones can be placed to replace the detached tooth portion.

During your next visit, the cosmetic dentist will remove the temporary set and place a mild substance on the teeth to roughen the surface, ensuring the veneer attaches to the existing tooth properly. Using a special bonding agent, the dentist attaches the permanent veneers one at a time.

Unlike porcelain, composite resin veneers can be placed in a single visit to the cosmetic dentist. The procedure is similar to the porcelain veneer option, in that the dentist will roughen the surface of your natural teeth to ensure the composite veneers affixes properly. Using a bright light, the bonding agent is solidified and then the dentist polishes the veneer to provide the patient with a natural looking smile.

Who do People Choose Dental Veneers?

Most people get dental veneers:

To fix chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth
To whiten stained teeth
To correct irregular, gaps, misshapen, or uneven teeth’
To strengthen and protect teeth, particularly when you have had several root canal treatments
As an alternative to braces when correcting misaligned teeth
To correct worn down teeth (from excessive grinding)

Benefits of dental veneers

The benefits of dental veneers include:

They can match tooth color perfectly
All dental cosmetic procedures should be unnoticeable. The veneers are designed carefully to match the natural color of your teeth.
The provide a customized fit
Recovery time is short
They last a long time, and in some cases your dentist can repair them just like a normal tooth
They’re easy to take care of. Treat them like natural teeth with regular brushing and flossing

How Do I Choose a Dentist for Dental Veneers?

When performed by a qualified cosmetic dentist, your dental veneers will not only last longer but also achieve a natural look. You should be highly selective when choosing a veneer specialist to ensure the procedure produces the results you want to see.

You’ll want to consider the following factors:

Experience With Veneer Procedures

Ask your dentist how many veneers they’ve fixed — the more, the better. Many dentists have galleries of the past cosmetic work, which you should take a closer look at. Veneers are all about detail and appearance, and before-and-after pictures will show you exactly what you can expect from your procedure.

What’s Their Approach to Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental veneers treatment is more likely to be successful when the practitioner takes an artistic approach to the dentistry. The dental technology used can also impact the procedure. For example, intraoral cameras and digital x-rays can give more accurate molding images than traditional or manual techniques.

How do They Interact With Patients

The cosmetic dentist should have good chairside manners. Veneers are completely personalized restoration that will have a significant impact on your smile and appearance. It’s vital that you choose a practitioner that you’re comfortable with and who welcomes your input to make you an active participant in the procedure.

The Ceramist

Ultimately, the veneer result depends on top-quality fabrication. Thus, you should ask the dentist about the dental lab or ceramist they work with. Choose a dentist who works with top-rated craftspeople.

Porcelain veneers, crowns or bridges are the perfect way to protect teeth that are broken down. At East River Dental, you can expect the entire veneer process to take between 2 to 4 weeks, from initial consultation to veneer application. We’re proud to use the most advanced technology, provide flexibility for convenient bookings, and a welcoming and friendly staff committed to ensuring you’re as comfortable as possible during your procedure.

You deserve to smile with confidence. Call us at 905 895 8031 to learn more about East River Dental’s cosmetic dentistry procedures.

What to Look For When Choosing A Dental Services Provider

It’s important to establish a high standard of dental hygiene, especially considering poor oral health is linked to chronic conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. A crucial part of that process is finding a dental services provider for regular visits (every six months) that makes you feel comfortable and deliver quality care.

There’s a number of options you need to consider when picking a dentist, but most importantly, you want to find someone who is committed to taking your dental needs seriously and putting their patients before themselves.

You want a dentist that:

Wants to develop a relationship with you
Listens to you
Informs you of best service options
Is confident in his/her treatment planning

Here are some factors that you should take into account when choosing a dental services provider.

How Experienced is Your Potential Dental Care Provider?

Experience is vital to oral healthcare services. In many cases, the more experienced a dentist is, the better the results will be. Ask the dentist the number of patients he or she has handled with a condition similar to yours. For example, if you have dental anxiety, ask them about the approaches and techniques they use to treat other anxious patients.

What Dentistry Areas does the Clinic Specialize In?

Do some research to identify the different areas of dentistry that your service provider might specialize in. There are dentists who have continued their education to specialize in prosthodontics (dentures), oral surgery (extractions), periodontics (gum care and surgery), endodontics (root canals), orthodontics (braces), pediatrics (children), and implants. Always choose a provider who does more than just general dentistry.

How Up-to-date is the Clinic’s Technology?

Over the years, general dentistry has seen a proliferation of technological advancements that have improved quality of dental care dramatically. Therefore, you should inquire about the tools and technology a dental clinic is using before committing to becoming a patient.

Does the Dentist Accommodate Dental Emergencies?

Keep in mind that your dentist can’t be everywhere at anytime, so if he or she is out of town, they should have a referring dentist for you to see.

Reputation Means a Lot

Check to ensure that your would-be dentist has an excellent reputation and doesn’t have any suspicious claims brought against him or her.
You should also search for online reviews and testimonials to see the previous patients’ experiences as well as their satisfaction rates.

The Clinical staff

Besides oral care, a dental clinic make you feel comfortable and taken care of. During your first visit, note how the staff treats yourself and the other patients. Choose a clinic with a friendly, empathetic, and responsive staff that provide an efficient appointment process and pleasant interactions. Also make sure to confirm whether or not their billing process accepts your insurance plan.

The Bottom Line

Oral healthcare plays a vital role in your overall health and lifestyle. At East River Dental, we pride ourselves in offering our patients, new and old, the best possible dental care. Using state-of-the-art technology, our expertly trained and experienced staff is committed to your health and safety. We’re open 7 days a week and accommodate dental emergencies.

Call today at 905 895 8031 to book a consultation and join hundreds of other satisfied clients in the Newmarket area.

Keep Your Child’s Teeth Cavity-Free With These Easy Dental Hygiene Habits

The old adage that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” has an equivalent for dentists.

The dental version is “keep your teeth cavity-free with healthy dental hygiene habits.” While not quite as catchy, the sentiment is still true. Teaching your child healthy dental hygiene from a young age is essential to preventing dental issues later in life.

Infants generally get their first teeth between 4 to 7 months, although this varies depending on the child. A full set of healthy baby teeth should grow in by age 3.

Baby teeth generally start to fall out between 6 and 12 years of age. Wisdom teeth may not grow in until at least the age of 17, if at all.

Teaching young children that the kids dentist is friendly and helpful goes a long way toward making them happy and excited to visit the dentist. Regular visits can help you to reinforce your dental hygiene routine at home and help children develop a positive relationship with oral care.

Teaching Dental Hygiene Habits at Home

As a parent, you can teach your children important dental hygiene just like you teach them how to avoid injury and eat healthy foods. Even as infants, it’s important that children learn to adhere to a dental hygiene routine and why it’s important to the overall health of their teeth and gums.

Here are a few tips to get your young children familiar with the importance of oral healthcare.

1. Even before your child has teeth, promote positive dental hygiene. Start by wiping their gums after eating with a clean, damp washcloth to reduce the spread of bacteria in the mouth.

2. Once your child’s baby teeth start to grow in, brush them after meals using an infant-size toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush lightly and ensure your child doesn’t swallow any of the toothpaste.

3. Flossing can begin once your child’s teeth begin to touch each other. Remember to floss lightly.

4. Avoid putting infants to bed with a bottle, as this habit encourages tooth decay.

5. Speed up the transition from drinking out of a bottle to a cup. Doing so ensures healthier teeth in the future.

6. About 2 years of age, teach your toddler to spit out when brushing. But don’t give them water to rinse with because they may swallow toothpaste still lingering in their mouth.

7. By age 3, increase the amount of toothpaste squeezed onto a toothbrush to resemble a pea size.

8. Supervise children under 6 while they brush to keep them from swallowing toothpaste.

9. After age 8, your child is old enough to have an adult-sized toothbrush. Consult with your dentist to determine the proper size.

10. Use floss sticks to make it easier for young children to handle and manipulate.

11. Switch out your child’s toothbrush whenever bristles start to look worn out.

Make the process fun by keeping your child engaged. Allow them to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste at the store. Read books or watch videos online related to healthy dental hygiene, and use a timer or a favorite song to show them how long it should take to brush their teeth.

When Should Your Child Start Visiting a Dentist?

Unless you’re concerned there are issues with your child’s baby teeth, a child should first visit the family dentist when they turn one year of age.

Should I Be Using Fluoride-based Toothpaste on my Child’s Teeth?

Fluoride helps harden tooth enamel, which prevents cavities. But use it cautiously. Too much fluoride can stain the teeth and shouldn’t be ingested.

Why Are Children More at Risk to Have Cavities?

Cavities are caused by bacteria that create holes in the enamel of a tooth. Children may be more at risk for cavities because their teeth are harder to brush.

Other risk factors include:

Premature birth or low birth-weight
Special healthcare needs
Infrequent visits to the dentist
A diet that’s high in sugar

The Importance of a Healthy Diet to Your Child’s Teeth

A healthy diet helps to promote better overall health, including the mouth and teeth. Children who consume a lot of high-sugar foods and drinks (soda, fruit juices) are at a higher risk to develop cavities. While candy is an obvious source of sugar, the body still considers foods made with honey or other “natural” sweeteners as sugar. Do your best to ensure your child brushes their teeth immediately after consuming any sugar.

A balanced diet made up of healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits and proteins chock full of vitamins goes a long way in ensuring your child’s overall health is optimal, but also help to establish strong oral health while they’re young and minimize issues with their teeth as they get older.

Promoting healthy oral hygiene to children has a lasting impact on the overall health of their teeth throughout their lives. Making the effort to establishing an oral health care routine at a young age helps young children make an investment in their teeth later in life.

East River Dental has over 30 years of experience providing dental services to children. If you’re seeking a new practitioner, we’re always glad to accept new patients, no matter their age. Reach out today to have your dental care needs are taken care of by our experienced and professional staff at 289-301-5570.

7 Signs You Might Need Emergency Dental Care

Knowing what types of injuries require emergency dental care is critically important to the health of your and your family’s teeth. Accidents can happen any time, and some injuries may require immediate dental care. In some cases, waiting too long after an injury to your mouth or teeth to see a dentist can have severe consequences to the quality of your oral health and even bigger, more expensive dental emergencies later on.

Most common mouth injuries include cracked, broken or knocked out teeth, the result of biting into a piece of food that’s too hard, a sports-related injury or an unfortunate fall. Depending on the severity of the crack in your tooth, it might be necessary to seek out immediate emergency dental care, especially if the tooth is missing a large piece, is knocked out completely or has nerve damage.

But there are a number of other instances where emergency dental care might be necessary. Below, we’ve outlined 7 signs that your teeth might require immediate attention.

Are You Feeling Constant Pain?

Pain is a signal from the body that something is wrong. Similar to chronic pain elsewhere in the body, pain in your gums or teeth is a signal that you should seek out immediate dental care. Common causes include tooth decay, especially through the root of the tooth that’s made its way into your gums. In these cases, your dentist will likely suggest a root canal to remove the decay and alleviate any pain.

Do You Have a Loose Tooth?

Adults should never have to experience loose teeth. If any of your adult teeth are starting to feel loose, a few things could be at play. First, a loose tooth can indicate a tooth injury, which can be incredibly painful for some patients and in many cases requires immediate care. If you’ve been in a car accident or an unfortunate sport-related incident, you should visit a dentist immediately even if the tooth appears to be OK to assess if there’s been any nerve or jaw damage. If you have a loose tooth, it’s always better to be safe than sorry: visit a dentist immediately to assess any potential damage even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms related to infection or pain.

A loose tooth can also indicate a localized infection. Visiting a dentist immediately to identify the type of infection and necessary treatments is critical to ensuring the tooth heals properly and avoid any other issues related to the infection, which could spread throughout other parts of your body and keep the problem tooth from having to be extracted.

Is One of Your Teeth Cracked?

Fortunately, cracked teeth can be saved if they’re tended to quickly enough. It’s important that you see a dentist as soon as possible to assess any damage and prescribe a solution.

Do You Have a Constant Headache?

While dental issues aren’t the only reason you might be suffering from a constant headache, a tooth injury could be the cause. Your headache could be the result of tooth decay or tooth grinding while you sleep. You may also have an infection from previous dental work that will need to be diagnosed.

If you believe the cause of your headache might be the result of grinding your teeth throughout the night, which is known as bruxism, treatment might be as simple as wearing a mouthguard while you sleep. Speak to your dentist immediately if you’ve noticed that your teeth are showing signs of worn down enamel or sensitivity.

Is Your Jaw Swollen?

A swollen jaw can be caused by an infection or injury to the affected area. If the swollen jaw is coupled with a funny taste in your mouth or breathing difficulties, it’s best to seek out immediate dental care to diagnose the issue as quickly as possible.

Do Your Gums Bleed Regularly and Excessively?

While blood-stained floss isn’t necessary an emergency, regular bleeding from the gums often requires immediate attention and can indicate signs of early gum disease or gingivitis. Excessive and regular bleeding and aches are warning signs there’s an issue with your gums that needs tending to. Catching gum-related issues early is critical to keeping your gums and teeth healthy and intact, especially considering untreated symptoms can reach a point of no return and result in the loss of your teeth.

Does Your Mouth Taste Like Metal?

If so, a previous filling may have cracked or become loose. Seeking immediate care is important if you’ve noticed these symptoms because an open filling can become a cesspool for bacteria and result in new infections or cavities. Don’t leave these to chance: you’ll likely suffer from toothaches, cavities or, in extreme cases, a root canal. Your dentist will prescribe you with a new filling, clearing out any infection or bacteria left behind.

Don’t Wait to Call

Don’t wait until your next scheduled visit to your dentist if any of these issues arise. Doing so can have severe consequences to the overall quality of your oral health and cause more significant issues in the future. If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms outlined above, don’t hesitate to reach out to East River Dental at 289-301-5570.

How East River Dental Takes Care of Your Entire Family’s Dentistry Needs

Staying on top of your entire family’s dental care can be difficult to manage. It might not be convenient to bring each member of the family in for regular check-ups separately due to time restraints or financial concerns. At East River Dental we do our best to accommodate your entire family by making sure everyone can come in at the same time, make it easy for your children to get comfortable with our dentists and procedures, and make sure the entire process is as affordable as possible to make sure everyone’s receiving the dental care they need to maintain optimal oral health.

Your One-Stop-Shop for All of Your Family Dentistry Services

East River Dental is a one-stop-shop for family dentistry services. One of our favorite capacities as a dental office is providing our expert services to entire families who attend dental appointments together. We’re proud to provide:

Convenient hours designed to accommodate busy families. We have multiple dental hygienists on staff, working throughout the day to ensure our patient’s appointments are handled efficiently and effectively. Unlike many dental offices, we’re open on weekends and later into the evening during the week.

We also have a number of payment options that keep families with multiple children in mind to ease any financial stresses related to dental care. We’re also happy to handle any insurance claims on your behalf while your family is at their appointment.

We make every effort to keep your child engaged while undergoing exams and treatments. One of the techniques we use is to keep your child distracted at all times during the visit. Our office is outfitted with toys, video games and TV shows to keep your child relaxed and distracted.

Your family visit will rarely exceed one hour, and will only be required in cases where extensive care is necessary, such as root canals or surgical removals. During your family’s visit, your dentist will explains any details you need to know and devise a treatment plan that outlines how your entire family can maintain optimal oral health.

If your family is not insured, East River offers a 10% discount on your family services account total.

We’re proud to have over 30 years experience providing the highest-quality dental care by using the latest technologies and most advanced dental processes. We keep your family’s oral health at top of mind, and help you develop a plan that gets your children into a regular dental care routine that keeps visits to our offices quick, efficient and affordable.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to East River Dental to schedule appointments for your entire family today.

Flexible Financing Options For The Cosmetic Dental Procedures You Want And Need

Oral health is essential to your overall health, and while many cosmetic dental procedures are elective, sometimes they’re necessary to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

Most cosmetic dental procedures require a great deal of surgical expertise, which means they can end up being quite expensive. But, there are options available that limit the impact to your bank account while receiving the care and attention your teeth may need.

East River Dental offers a number of state-of-the-art cosmetic dental procedures using advanced technologies. We guarantee our procedures are minimally invasive, causing the least-amount of pain and deliver accelerated recovery times, helping our patients maintain optimal dental hygiene and achieve personal goals for the health and appearance of their teeth.

We’re happy to provide our patients with flexible payment options for cosmetic dental procedures, including financing tools and assignment from insurance companies. We’ve partnered with DentalCard to maximize value to our clients. This affordable financing option for elective cosmetic procedures is useful in cases where a patient may not be able to pay for the procedure immediately or if their insurance policy doesn’t cover the full cost of the procedure and they need to bridge the balance until a later date.

How DentalCard Works
Since 1996, DentalCard has been providing Canadians with a variety of dental finance programs, and is now offered at more than 10,000 medical, dental and veterinary offices across Canada.

DentalCard financing doesn’t require a down payment or collateral, provides competitive interest rates, there aren’t any early pay penalties and its approval rate is high.

Applying for financing is as simple, and completed through an online application. Applicants are also able to apply for only a portion of the cost of the procedure if necessary. In most cases, applications are approved quickly, sometimes even as you’re at your dentist office.

Financing terms range from 6 months to up to 6 years.

Determining Whether or Not You’ll Need Financing
If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, such as crowns or veneers, and are uncertain about the costs, East River Dental’s team of professionals will be happy to provide you with the information you need to make informed decision.

You will find out what the procedure involves, your dentist will develop a comprehensive treatment plan and outline the costs associated with having it performed.

You will then need to determine whether or not your insurance policy covers a portion or the entire procedure. If it only covers a portion, you’ll have to determine whether you can afford to pay the balance out of pocket or apply for financing through DentalCard.

The process is quick and easy, and delivers flexible financing options to make your decision an easier one.

Cosmetic Dentistry, The Simple And Affordable Way
We’re proud to offer a number of cosmetic dental procedures, including crowns, veneers and bridges, and provide our clients with flexible payment options that ensure they receive the care and attention they need, no matter their budget.

Need more information on our cosmetic dentistry services? Don’t hesitate to reach out today. Learn more about cosmetic dentistry here, or call us to see how we can help you at 905-895-8031.

Why East River Dental Care Trusts Straumann Dental Implants

Until the day comes where medical research advances to the point that humans can actually “grow” new teeth, dental implants will remain the best option to replace missing teeth.

At East River Dental Care, we have more than 30 years experience as a professional dental practice and take pride in using the most advanced and latest technologies to provide our clients with the highest-quality care. That’s why use the highest quality Straumann implants to perform tooth replacement procedures.

Keeping Our Patients Best Interests in Mind
The decision to replace a missing tooth with dental implants can be a hard choice to make, but they are almost always an excellent investment in your oral health. Implants are now the standard care for missing teeth, proven more effective than crown and bridge because they look, feel and function like natural teeth.

Dental implants also help to prevent bone loss and don’t require adjacent teeth to be ground down. Whether you are missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, Straumann dental implants are produced using state-of-the-art technology to provide you with a healthy, natural looking smile.

Not All Implants Are Created Equally
Straumann’s implants deliver some of the most advanced dental implant surfaces and high-performance implant materials on the market. The Roxolid implant is manufactured from Titanium-Zirconium, a metal alloy created specifically for dental implants.

The alloy is stronger and more resistant than pure titanium. It delivers high osteoconductivity and high mechanical strength. Because of its biomechanical implant design and size, Roxoloid implants helped 54% of patients in a clinical, non-interventional study avoid costly bone augmentation surgery.

The SLActive implant is also a popular choice among dentists, designed to bond faster with bone, reduce healing time and improve the predictability of implant treatment.

Straumann’s implants, which have shown a 98.8% survival rate in long-term clinical studies, help to prevent bone loss, avoid shifting teeth and changes in facial structure, while maintaining the health of your remaining natural teeth.

Less-Invasive Procedures
Our implant procedures are designed to be as least-invasive as possible, particularly procedures in compact spaces. Our Straumann implants deliver some of the most advanced dental implant surface and materials on the market to shorten treatment times.

All of our implant procedures are performed by our gum specialist, who has placed thousands of implants and has extensive experience. Once our gum specialist has identified the exact area for the implant, it is surgically inserted into the predetermined locations in the jawbone. This is a minor procedure that typically requires only local freezing to eliminate any pain, but we practice extreme precision to ensure an aesthetic outcome.

In many cases, we wait between 3 to 6 months before attaching a crown to allow your jawbone to develop an affinity with the metal alloy implant and ensure long-term durability. Once your gums heal, a permanent crown is fixed to the implant. Your dentist will determine whether the crown will be screwed or cemented in place depending on the type of implant used.

Quality Care Requires Quality Technologies
East River Dental prides itself on providing over 30 years of quality dental care. We’ve made a commitment to using the highest quality technologies to perform and compliment our dental care services. Don’t let the idea of a dental implant procedure overwhelm you: our high-tech Straumann implants and precision procedures help to prevent bone loss, maintain the health of your remaining natural teeth and give you a natural-looking smile you’ll be proud to show off.

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