How Often Should Teeth Be Checked by a Dentist?

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining oral health, but how often should you actually see a dentist? Most dental professionals recommend visiting the dentist every six months for optimal results, but individual needs can vary.

Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter

Routine dental checkups play a critical role in identifying early signs of decay, gum disease, and other issues that could escalate if left untreated. During these visits, your dentist performs a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, which can reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. If you’re seeking dental checkups in Okotoks, professional care can help keep your smile in top shape.

Factors That Affect Visit Frequency

Some people may require more frequent visits, especially those with a history of dental issues, chronic conditions like diabetes, or those prone to plaque buildup. Conversely, individuals with excellent oral health may be able to maintain their dental health with annual visits. Consulting with a dentist near you will help determine the ideal schedule based on your specific needs.

Establishing Good Dental Habits

Between visits, maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine—including brushing twice a day, flossing, and avoiding sugary foods—can support a healthy smile. Your dentist in Okotoks will provide guidance on the best practices to protect your teeth.

At Cornerstone Dental Wellness, we’re here to ensure you receive personalized care and attention during every visit. Book your appointment today and let us help keep your smile healthy!

All About Dental Crowns

Thanks to modern dentistry, there are many ways to restore a damaged tooth. One of the most common is a dental crown due to its resistance and aesthetics.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged dental piece. Its function is to provide strength for preventing cracks and ensure the patient chews, bites, and speaks correctly. 

We offer the best dental crowns in Okotoks for each case - as abutment teeth in dental bridges, on top of dental implants, and as a permanent restoration for teeth with endodontic treatment. We will explain all the cases below.

Dental Crowns in Dental Bridges

A dental bridge consists of two dental crowns and a pontic (a false tooth) in the middle. The pontic replaces the missing tooth, and the crowns are over the abutment teeth.

Ideally, the abutment teeth would have caries; otherwise, the doctor must remove healthy dental structures. When abutment teeth are not damaged, and the patient cannot afford a dental implant, the dental professional files down the healthy enamel.

The procedure consists of administering a local anesthetic for sensitivity. Then, the dentist prepares the teeth next to the gap and takes a mold. They send it to a dental laboratory, and a dental technician creates the bridge. In another appointment, the doctor cements it.

While waiting for the dental bridge, the dentist will likely place a temporary one for aesthetics and function.

    1. Dental Crowns over Implants

If you lose a dental piece, you should look for implants and dental crowns near you. While it is more expensive than other methods, it is the most permanent solution for teeth replacement. A dental implant is a metal post placed inside your jawbone (under local anesthetic) to replace the root of the missing dental piece. Afterward, the patient must wear three months for the implant and bone to integrate (osseointegration). Then, the patient gets their permanent dental crown.

After osseointegration, the dentist will cut a bit of gum to expose the implant and place a small piece called an abutment. Next, they will take a mold for a dental technician to create the crown, and in another appointment, the doctor installs the crown on top of the abutment. 

With dental implants and crowns, you look and feel natural. Besides, dental implants last a lifetime; hence, they are the best solution for replacing lost teeth.

    2. Dental Crowns after Root Canal Treatment

When a dentist performs a root canal, the tooth remains brittle in many cases, which increases the risk of fracture and tooth loss. Our dentist in Okotoks recommends getting a porcelain dental crown for restoring a tooth with endodontic treatment; this way, the dental piece strengthens. Also, a dental crown protects teeth against cavities better than dental fillings.

After getting a root canal with an endodontic dentist near you, they will prepare the dental piece for the crown. In the meantime, the dentist will place temporary cement or composite, and you must avoid chewing with that side until getting the crown. We recommend looking for prosthodontics right away because the longer you wait, the higher the risk of cracking.

In some cases, there is no need for a dental crown after a root canal (when there is enough dental structure to withstand forces with a dental filling). However, if the dental piece requires endodontic treatment, it means the damage is in the pulp, and most likely, the tooth is severely damaged.

We recommend visiting a dental professional for guidance in any case. A correct diagnostic is a key to the best and most adequate treatment in each case.

Dental Bridges in Okotoks - An Excellent Option to Restore Your Missing Teeth

If you missed a tooth, let me tell you it is not the end of the world because there are many ways to replace them.

Our dentist in Okotoks offers dental bridges to improve smiles with missing teeth. Keep on reading to find out about their advantages.

What are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is an oral device that consists of a fake tooth (the pontic) and a dental crown on each side. So, it has three units (but it is a single piece).

Depending on the number of teeth you are missing, there can be more or fewer dental crowns and pontics.

Our dental bridges in Okotoks are excellent when you lose a dental piece with damaged neighboring teeth. For preparing the latter for dental crowns, it is necessary to shave down their enamel (to make room for them). So if you have healthy adjacent dental pieces, your doctor will need to remove their dental structure. In some cases, even though it is not ideal, there is no other option (for example, when the patient does not want a dental implant).

What to Expect from the Procedure?

After you find a dentist near you who is an expert with dental bridges, you must schedule a consultation appointment to determine if you qualify for them. You may discuss costs and expectations during this visit.

During the treatment, your doctor will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. Removing enamel and dentin from your teeth is painful; hence, our doctors always anesthetize before preparing teeth for dental bridges.

Then, they will file down the dental structure to make room for the oral device. Next, your dentist will take a mold of your mouth for the bridge and place a temporary one.

Manufacturing the dental bridge takes about two weeks. A dental technician will do it, and you will visit your doctor when it is ready.

In a second appointment, they will fit the bridge and cement it permanently. Taking care of it is essential to prevent damage. We will discuss it further.

The Benefits of a Dental Bridge

If you acquire dental bridges near you, you will enjoy the following benefits:

1. Look good – Your smile will finally look beautiful! No more gaps between teeth.}
2. Eat and speak correctly – If you miss one or many teeth, you probably struggle during mealtime. With your teeth replaced, you will be able to pronounciate
3. Keep your teeth in their place – When you lose a tooth, the neighboring teeth shift towards space. Also, the antagonist dental piece (the one in the opposite jaw) protrudes. All of this causes misalignments and oral issues.

Take Care of Your Dental Bridges

Dental bridges don’t last forever. A bridge may last up to 15 years, sometimes more (when the patient is strict with keeping the instructions). 

For extending the life of it, you must:

1. Brush your teeth – twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time. It will remove dental plaque and prevent it from accumulating around the bridge.
2. Floss daily – We suggest flossing your dentition once a day. Keep in mind that the bridge is a single unit; hence, there is no space between the dental crowns and the pontic. In these cases, flossing is tricky. We advise using special devices, like water flossers.
3. Avoid hard foods – And biting solid objects as well.
4. Visit your dentist regularly – During checkups, they will evaluate the condition of the bridge, along with your oral health.

Why Implants Are Your Best Choice for Replacing Teeth

Popular as they are — and over half a million people in the United States alone get dental implants every year — dental implants aren’t your only choice when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Partial dentures, full dentures and dental bridges can accomplish the same goal and have served many people well. Dentures, bridges and implants have different advantages and disadvantages, though, and there are clear reasons that dental implants have risen above the crowd and noise to be the gold standard for replacing teeth. 

If you’re ready to bid adieu to the negative consequences of tooth loss — your missing smile, your embarrassment, the changes to your face, the inability to eat your favourite foods, and the changes to your diet and nutritional health — here’s what you need to know to choose between getting bridges, dentures or dental implants in Okotoks. When you’re ready to take the next step away from your life of missing teeth, make an appointment with a dentist near you to discuss these alternative solutions. 

What are the options for replacing teeth?

Dentures have restored tooth function and appearance for many patients, but at the cost of constant concern about those dentures slipping, shifting, or coming loose. Dentures may not restore your ability to eat all foods and require special maintenance.

Dental bridges are an effective cosmetic dentistry option that must be connected to healthy teeth in your jaw. For patients who would rather not alter their existing natural teeth, bridges are a less ideal solution than implants.

Implants are permanent, artificial roots made of titanium that are planted into your jaw bone, where they are accepted as new roots and trigger new bone growth.

Which alternative is best for you?

Each of dentures, bridges, and implants have advantages that make them appropriate for some patients and disadvantages that recommend other options. Here are six factors your dentist in Okotoks will discuss with you when helping you decide whether implants are a good option for you. 

You’ll be able to chew more easily and effectively

Removable dentures improve your ability to chew by roughly 10 percent, but still leave it impossible to eat many foods without anxiety. On the other hand, getting dental implants near you can restore 90 percent of your naturally chewing ability. 

You’ll be able to speak more clearly and even eat more satisfyingly

Your teeth play an essential role in helping you to pronounce sounds and to speak persuasively. They also contribute to your ability to taste and experience foods fully. Poorly fitting, loose, or badly maintained dentures do not solve the speaking problems related to tooth loss, but can make them worse. Dentures continue to limit your ability to eat and taste many foods, resulting in an altered diet. 

Implants are maintenance-free (other than keeping up good daily habits!)

Preserving the lifespan of removable dentures requires daily maintenance. They also need to be re-lined every few years. That’s in addition to your ongoing oral hygiene and dental care. Maintaining implants is simply a matter of good oral hygiene habits (brushing, flossing, and mouthwash) and regular dental visits. They are otherwise maintenance-free. 

With implants, you won’t need to have other teeth altered

Creating a bridge to replace one tooth means attaching it to — and removing existing and healthy material — from teeth on either side of that gap. Implants are tooth-specific, meaning your remaining healthy teeth do not need to be altered to accommodate it. 

Implants may be the most cost-effective alternative

Even in the best case scenario, a well-maintained bridge needs to be replaced approximately every 15 years (and perhaps after five years). That involves a recurring cost in terms of time, disruption, and money. Implants are significantly more cost-effective on all those fronts, since they are permanent solutions that will never need replacing.

Implants preserve and protect the health of your jaw and shape of your face

Implants also trigger the growth of healthy bone tissue in your jaw to prevent bone loss that happens gradually the longer that you live without teeth and teeth roots. Dentures won’t reverse that bone loss or the sunken appearance that can develop in your face as a result. In fact, dentures can contribute to the deterioration of the jaw over time due to their constant contact with your gums.

For the right patient, implants offer a superior solution for tooth loss compared to bridges and dentures based on a consideration of these facts. Are you that patient? The first step to confirming that dental implants in Okotoks may solve the tooth loss issues that you’ve been tolerating is as simple as contacting a dental office near you. 

 

What are Tooth-Coloured Fillings?

A long time ago, if you needed a dental filling, a family dentist near you would place a metal one, also known as amalgam. Amalgams are still in use, and they work excellently; however, they darken your teeth, and patients now value aesthetics more than ever, which is why we want to tell you about tooth coloured fillings in Okotoks.

What are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-coloured fillings near you are dental materials made of plastic (composite resin) that dental professionals place in your cavities to restore your teeth. A cosmetic dentist in Okotoks will fill them so you can feel and look natural again.

When Do I Need a Tooth-Colored Filling?

When you have tooth decay, you lose dental structure, and your dental professional needs to drill the damaged tissue away, leaving a hole in your tooth.

Your doctor will fill the cavity with the composite resin; however, if it’s too big, you may need a more resistant material, such as porcelain. 

Tooth-colored fillings near you withstand chewing forces, but there needs to be more remaining dental structure than composite resin; otherwise, the occlusal forces may crack the tooth.

They also restore a chip of a tooth or enhance the appearance of a dental piece. Your dentist may add layers of resin to improve its size, color, and shape.

What Happens During the Procedure?

It is safe to say that most people have had a dental filling. 

The procedure is simple. First, your dental professional will administer a local anesthetic in the area. It will make your tooth feel numb during the treatment. 

Your doctor will remove the damaged tissue and shape the cavity. Afterward, they will place layers of composite resin to fill the hole and harden them with a blue light. Finally, they will evaluate your biting and polish the composite resin so it can perfectly blend with your natural tooth.

Once you are ready, you don’t need to take special care of your dental filling. It will be like your regular teeth. You need to brush your dentition twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss between teeth, avoid sugary snacks, and keep up with your dental checkups. 

If you maintain good oral care habits, a dental filling may last from 5 to 7 years; sometimes even more. We have had patients with composite resins with ten years in excellent condition. It will depend on the patient’s diet, habits, and lifestyle. 

We strongly recommend not chewing ice, biting your nails, and opening hard objects with your teeth to extend the life of your tooth-coloured fillings (and to prevent damaging your natural teeth).

What to Expect After the Procedure?

Most people feel perfect after getting a composite resin; however, you may feel slight sensitivity when biting, especially very cold or hot foods. After a couple of days, tooth sensitivity will cease. If it doesn’t, you must contact your dental professional. 

Are Composite Fillings Expensive?

Composite fillings are affordable for almost everyone. Each filling may cost about $150. You may contact your insurance company since most of them offer coverage for dental fillings.

You must visit your dentist every six months for a checkup. They will take a set of x-rays and evaluate the condition of your fillings. If it is leaking, they may polish the edges and add another layer of composite resin or replace it entirely. 

Schedule Your Appointment

If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch with our dental clinic. We offer a wide range of dental procedures and have a team of caring specialists that look forward to helping you restore your smile.

The Need For Velscope Screening At Every Dental Clinic

According to the CDA, oral cancer occurs in 12 out of every 100,00 persons. Most people, who take their oral health seriously and visit dental clinics regularly to receive dental care, have a good chance of oral cancer detection at an early stage. When detected early, it has an 80 percent five-year survival rate, whereas the overall five-year survival rate of oral cancer is only 59 percent. 

A dental clinic is the first line of defence against oral cancer, as when you go for a screening of the disease conducted by a dentist near you, they look for cancer growths or any other changes you might be experiencing in your mouth. This screening can be conducted either through visual examinations or with the help of screening tools such as Velscope and Vizilite. Let us delve deeper into oral cancer screening methods and their importance.

Incidence Of Oral Cancer

According to the data collected by the CDA, a general dental practitioner will come across a case of oral cancer once every 7-10 years and will lose a patient to oral cancer once every 20-30 years. Unfortunately, the survival rates of oral cancer have not improved much in the last 30 years. As mentioned earlier, early detection of the disease plays an important role in bringing these numbers down. Oral cancer that has progressed into advanced stages without being treated, has a substantially lower five-year survival rate. 

Causes And Signs Of Oral Cancer

For a long time, excessive consumption of alcohol, UV exposure, and the use of tobacco, have been regarded as the main causes of oral cancer. However, more recently, HPV163 has been recognized as a more challenging form of oral cancer as it is the most difficult to identify. It tends to occur at the back of the mouth and mostly in younger people, unlike the traditional age-range for other forms of oral cancer. Also, recently the gender ratio or oral cancer incidence has evened out due to the rise of smoking among women. However, men continue to be twice as likely to get oral cancer compared to women.

Oral cancer is quite challenging to diagnose in the early stages as there are very few physical symptoms. Some common symptoms are:

● Mouth ulcers that have yet to healover the period of a few weeks. 

● Lingering lumps in the mouth or throat.

● Changes in your mouth, like numbness on the tongue or lips.

● White or red patches inside your mouth or on your tongue.

● Unexplained loosening teeth.

The best way to defend yourself against the possibility of mouth cancer is to visit a dental clinic providing Velscope screening near you at the earliest sign of any symptom. Regular dental check-ups also help to a large extent, because during a dental exam a dentist gets an opportunity to detect any early signs of oral cancer, even if you haven’t experienced them yet. If your dentist in Okotoks feels the need, they might suggest that you undergo a visual or Velscope screening for oral cancer to rule out any possibilities. 

Need For Velscope Screening At Dental Clinics

According to data, the number of oral cancer screenings conducted every month at dental clinics is less than 10 percent of the total number of patient visits. This number needs to go up drastically to prevent more people from losing out on their survival chances from oral cancer only due to the failure in early detection of the condition. Considering that dentists are the first in line in our defence from oral cancer, it seems logical to have more dental clinics equipped with oral cancer screenings. A dentist offering Velscope screening in Okotoks needs only a few minutes of your time to complete the procedure for screening, but undergoing this will drastically reduce your chances of suffering from late detection of oral cancer.

4 Advantages Of Invisalign Over Braces

When it comes to choosing how to straighten your teeth and get the best smile possible, you’ve most likely come across two solutions.

The first is the “traditional” approach - metal braces.  These have been around for decades.  Almost everyone knows someone who’s had braces at some point in time. 

And while most don’t necessarily hate the experience, the majority of people do not look back on that time of their life with any great fondness.

Fortunately, there’s another solution - Invisalign is a relatively new technology that offers patients the end result of a straight set of teeth without many of the drawbacks of traditional braces.

Here are four advantages that Invisalign in Okotoks can provide that give them a serious edge over the old school option and the problems associated with it.

Less Pain And Discomfort

One of the big drawbacks of braces (as anyone who’s had them will tell you) is the pain and discomfort. 

Not only do you have to deal with the fact that you have a wire in your mouth that’s gradually pulling your teeth in all sorts of directions, but you also have the metal factor.  As you can imagine, metal brackets don’t exactly feel amazing, and they tend to do a lot of poking and prodding.

While Invisalign may not be entirely discomfort free (the aligners do still shift your teeth around after all), they tend to be far more comfortable than braces, and come without all the annoying poking and prodding.

Less Food Restrictions

As you’re no doubt aware if you’ve known anyone who’s had them, braces don’t just come with a lot of discomfort, but a lot of restrictions as well - carrots, apples, nuts, popcorn and a whole list of your other favorite foods go out the window. 

This is all thanks to the fact that these foods can damage both the brackets and the wires that come with a set of braces.

With Invisalign, there are no food restrictions - you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, which makes the process much more bearable.

Less Social Awkwardness

While more and more adults are now opting for teeth realignment procedures, the reality is that traditional braces are still commonly associated with teenagers.  And while you will indeed see more adults wearing them than in the past, the fact of the matter is that most people over the age of 18 (as well as most teens themselves) would rather not spend 18 months walking around with a mouth full of metal.

This is one of the key benefits of Invisalign (and the reason for its name) - the aligners are completely invisible.  No one will know that you have them on. You’ll be able to go through the process of straightening your teeth 100% incognito, and you won’t have to deal with the awkwardness of explaining why you have a mouth full of braces.

Safer And More Efficient

Last but not least, Invisalign is also safer than the alternative.  While braces aren’t dangerous per se, there are some risks.  A broken wire could end up stuck in your gums, for example. 

With Invisalign, not only will you not have to deal with these potential safety hazards, you could also potentially get the whole process over with quicker. 

While they are certainly reliable, braces tend to take a bit longer.  It does depend on your specific situation and the extent of realignment that needs to be done (consult with a dentist in Okotoks for a more informed opinion), but many patients find that Invisalign tends to work faster than the traditional alternatives - definitely a plus if you want to get the smile of your dreams as quick as you can. Looking for Invisalign near you? Visit a dentist near you that offers this service.

Cosmetic Dentistry 101

The one accessory that we wear proudly is our smile. Having the perfect smile is not just a confidence booster but enhances the appearance of the face. From teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental crowns, and more – cosmetic dentistry is the answer for the confident, bright smile you long for!

There are several types of cosmetic dentistry treatment available for your teeth. Based on your requirement, your dentist can recommend the best treatment for you. Read on to learn more about some of the common cosmetic dentistry treatments available for you.

Teeth Whitening

One of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures, teeth whitening is also referred to as teeth bleaching. It is a solution to fix teeth discoloration or stained teeth. The procedure can be carried out at home as well as at a dental clinic. Although not applicable to every individual, it is best to ask a dentist near you for advice before bleaching your teeth.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a thin layer that is cemented on the front of the teeth. It is made from composite resin material or porcelain. Veneers are used as a solution for slightly chipped teeth, crooked teeth, discolored teeth, and space fillers between teeth. Dental veneers are custom made to fit your teeth comfortably.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are used as an alternative to replace missing teeth. It is a metal device, made out of titanium and inserted in the jawbone of the missing tooth. The dental implant acts as the root to support the replacement tooth (crown, bridge, or denture).

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are made from materials like acrylic and porcelain. The cap is integrated with metal to resist biting pressure. The crown is custom made to fit your tooth. Dental crowns are a solution to cover large fillings, space between teeth, decayed or damaged teeth, or chipped and broken teeth.

Teeth Shaping

The process of teeth shaping is also known as enamel shaping. A dentist near you will reshape your tooth by removing or filing a portion of the enamel on the tooth. The process is generally not painful and produces immediate results.

Tooth Bonding

As the name bonding suggests – this is a process in which materials that resemble the color of your natural teeth are bonded to your teeth. Tooth bonding is a great solution for teeth that are stained, discolored, broken, and chipped.

Orthodontic Treatment

Want to improve your smile or the appearance of your teeth? Orthodontic treatment is the answer for you. Orthodontic treatments are available for adults as well and are not restricted to only kids. It is a great solution for buck teeth or chipped teeth. Visit your dentist for more information on orthodontics

For any cosmetic dentistry, it is essential to take the advice of your dentist. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Okotoks, book an appointment with your nearest dental clinic in Okotoks. A dentist in Okotoks is happy to help!

What Can We Do to Whiten Our Smiles?

Have you noticed how the bad guy in the movies has yellow teeth, but somehow the hero has white teeth? Even though our teeth are not naturally white, dark teeth don’t cause a good impression on other people. It may be a sign of bad habits, such as smoking or poor oral hygiene.

It is for this reason that we will discuss how teeth whitening near you can improve your appearance.

Let’s start by reviewing the causes of darker teeth:

• Antibiotics – Some antibiotics, such as the tetracycline, stain your teeth.
• Dental trauma – After a tooth injury, it may get darker because of the internal bleeding.
• Smoking – Smoking tobacco or using it in any of its forms may stain your teeth over time.
• Pigmented foods – Colored foods and drinks, such as red wine, coffee, and chocolate, stain your dentition.
• Aging – As you age, the enamel gets thinner and thinner, and the underlying dentin shows more. The dentin is naturally yellowish; therefore, your teeth will look yellower as you get older.

As you can tell, many things discolor our teeth, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Teeth whitening in Okotoks may be your solution.

 

What Is Teeth Whitening?

 

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that our cosmetic dentist in Okotoks performs to whiten your teeth. They do so with a bleaching agent, which can be carbamide or hydrogen peroxide.

 

Professional Teeth Whitening

 

If you decide to undergo teeth whitening in a dental office, here’s what you can expect:

 

Your cosmetic dentist near you will choose a shade of white that matches the rest of your teeth. Afterward, they will retract your cheeks and lips for better vision.

 

Next, they will apply the bleaching agent with a brush or a pen on the front surface of your teeth and let it act for about 20 minutes. They may activate the product with a special light. After that, they will wash it off, dry your teeth, and apply the peroxide a second time.

Finally, they will wash it away, dry, and you will be ready to show your whiter smile to the world.

 

The benefit of in-office teeth whitening is that your cosmetic dentist does it in a single appointment, it may last up to three years with proper care, and your dental professional is right there to manage any complications.

Dental whitening is a safe procedure, but you may experience tooth sensitivity. Your cosmetic dentist may use a desensitizing gel to make you feel better.

 

At-home Teeth Whitening

 

Another option to whiten your teeth is to do so from the comfort of your house. Your dental professional will give you whitening trays that you will use with the bleaching agent to make your teeth whiter. The frequency of use will depend on how white you want your teeth to be and on your sensitivity. 

 

It is a less expensive method because your dental professional doesn’t invest so much time in it and because it achieves results in about two weeks.

 

Other Options

 

There are over-the-counter products to whiten your teeth; however, we don’t recommend them because they may harm your teeth and gums if not used carefully. We strongly suggest that you visit a dental professional before choosing a whitening method.

 

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our dental offices. We have a team of caring specialists that look forward to helping you improve your smile. 

 

You may schedule a consultation visit at your earliest convenience to determine if you qualify for teeth whitening. Many factors impact this decision, but our experts will guide you through the process.