Dentist Calgary NE

Preventative Hygiene

You can keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing and flossing regularly, However, most people need hard deposits of tartar or calculus removed with scaling to prevent gum disease. Gum disease includes gingivitis and periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gum tissue and bone that holds a tooth in the mouth. At Alpine Dental we monitor every single patient for gum disease because we want to catch problems early, before irreversible changes occur, which can lead to tooth loss. Scaling removes plaque, hard deposits of calculus and bacterial deposits which cause gum disease. With the aid of a periodontal exam (examination of the gums and supporting structures) and discussion with you, your hygienist will determine the appropriate frequency for you. Most people need scaling every 6 months, but patients with gum disease may need more frequent cleanings.

Signs of gum disease include:

• Red, puffy gums
• Gums that bleed with brushing or flossing
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth or spaces developing between the teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Our hygienists go above and beyond in terms of providing meticulous care and also the most comfortable treatment possible. Getting rid of the plaque and calculus gives your gums a chance to get better so that periodontal infection doesn’t worsen, leading to irreversible changes such as bone loss. They use a combination of hand scaling, technology such as ultrasonic cleaners with a gentle water flow and a soft tissue laser. The concentrated light of our diode laser can be used in deep pockets around the teeth to kill bacteria and promote healing. We want to ensure your teeth and gums stay free of disease and also look their most beautiful.

Our dental hygienist will:

• Update your periodontal (gum) exam at appropriate intervals
• Explain all treatment plans carefully and the impact of your dental health on your overall health
• Provide gentle and effective treatments
• Treat gum disease using deep scaling and root planning
• Provide teeth whitening when requested
• Offer dietary advice with regards to dental health
• Discuss effective hygiene products that are most appropriate for you: floss, tooth pastes, electric toothbrushes, and other hygiene aids
• Offer anesthetic for more comfortable appointments

White Fillings

Many people want their existing, older amalgam fillings (silver) replaced with white ones. Tooth coloured fillings have come a long way in recent years. The strength and longevity of composite fillings is comparable to that of silver fillings, but they have much improved esthetics. After an exam with x-rays, Dr. Brescia can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this with you. Removal of old amalgam fillings is a simple procedure. The composite material used is a mixture of tooth coloured resin with clear glass particles to make it strong. The material comes in many shades and a skilled dentist can place natural looking fillings that are not noticeable when you smile. No one will ever know that you had a cavity. Other advantages are that they do not contain mercury and require very conservative tooth preparation compared to silver fillings.

Implants

Implants are the most advanced therapy available to replace missing teeth. They are also one of the most predictable and longest lasting forms of dental work we can provide, making them cost effective in the long term. In many cases, getting an implant is a one-time cost in your lifetime. It is also a very conservative procedure as there is no need to touch adjacent teeth with a drill. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, many teeth in one area, or to support a denture that can replace all of the teeth in the top or bottom jaw. Implants are also a great option for people who have trouble with dentures, as implants can be used to lock their denture into place in the mouth. The benefit of implants is to build back your smile, helping you to speak and chew properly.

Implants are tiny titanium posts that are inserted into the bone under your gums to act as artificial roots. A crown that looks like a natural tooth is then placed on top of the implant. Titanium is a completely biocompatible material, the same material used in artificial hips, which allows the surrounding tissues to heal well.

People are scared at the thought of dental implants, thinking it will be a long, painful procedure. It is actually quite a simple procedure with very minimal discomfort. To place the implant into the bone under the gums, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic (freezing). Afterwards patients are usually surprised at how little discomfort there is during healing. Long term care of implants is routine, just requiring the same care as natural teeth.

Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. It is best to book an appointment with Dr. Brescia for an exam to discuss treatment optons and to determine if you would be a good candidate.

Sport Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are an essential piece of sports equipment whenever bodily contact is possible, whether it is in causal recreational sport activities, or full contact, hard-hitting sports such as football. Most people think a mouth guard's main purpose is to protect the teeth, but they also aid in preventing concussions and injury to the jaw joint, lips, tongue, and neck. Stock mouth guards, sometimes called "boil and bite" mouth guards are not recommended by Dr. Brescia due to poor fit, non-uniform thickness, or inadequate coverage. Dr. Brescia can make you a custom mouth guard that fits precisely so is more comfortable, meaning you will be more likely to use it. Quality mouth guards are relatively inexpensive and can prevent injury and so the need for costly dental treatments. The better quality the mouth guard is, the more supportive it will be and the lower the risk of injury.