Author: Raymond Joseph

This author has written 3 articles
Read more about the article How Often Should You Really Get a Dental Cleaning?

How Often Should You Really Get a Dental Cleaning?

When it comes to keeping your smile bright and your teeth healthy, regular brushing and flossing at home simply aren’t enough. Professional dental cleanings are essential—but how often do you really need to book one? Is twice a year enough for everyone, or do some people need more frequent care? At Expressions Dental™ Calgary, this is one of the most common questions we hear from our patients. Let’s explore how often you should schedule your dental cleanings—and why consistency matters more than you might think. The Standard Answer: Every Six Months For most people, a dental cleaning every six months is recommended. This allows your dental hygienist to: • Remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing can’t handle • Polish away surface stains for a whiter smile • Detect early signs of cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer • Catch minor issues before they become major (and costly) problems Why six months? Tartar tends to accumulate steadily over time, and waiting longer could lead to gum irritation, bad breath, and more serious oral health issues. But Not Everyone is the Same: Personalizing Your Schedule While the “every six months” rule works for many, some people should visit more often. Factors that can increase your need for professional cleanings include: ▸ Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) • Patients with gum disease should typically come in every 3–4 months. • Frequent cleanings help control bacterial buildup that causes gum inflammation and bone loss. ▸ Smokers • Tobacco use increases plaque buildup and risks of gum disease and oral cancer. • Smokers often benefit from 3–4 month cleaning intervals. ▸ Diabetic Patients • Diabetes makes individuals more prone to gum infections. • Cleanings every 3–4 months help reduce risk. ▸ Braces or Invisalign Wearers • Orthodontic appliances make cleaning teeth more difficult. • Professional cleanings every 4–6 months are often recommended. ▸ Pregnant Women • Hormonal changes increase susceptibility to gingivitis. • More frequent cleanings during pregnancy can help protect oral and overall health. ▸ History of Frequent Cavities • If you’re cavity-prone, your dentist may suggest visiting every 4 months to keep decay in check. Why Regular Dental Cleanings Matter Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar in hard-to-reach spots. Only professional tools can remove tartar effectively. Routine cleanings can help you: • Prevent tooth decay • Avoid gum disease • Maintain fresh breath • Catch oral health problems early • Enjoy a whiter, brighter smile Skipping your cleanings could lead to cavities, gum recession, and eventually tooth loss—not to mention more expensive treatments down the road. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I wait longer than 6 months between cleanings if my teeth feel fine? Even if you’re not experiencing pain, plaque and tartar are building up silently. Delaying cleanings risks hidden decay or gum issues progressing without symptoms. 2. Does insurance cover dental cleanings? Most dental insurance plans in Alberta cover two cleanings per year. Additional cleanings (if medically necessary) may also be covered with dentist documentation. We offer…

Read more about the article Chipped a Tooth? Here’s How Emergency Dental Care Can Help

Chipped a Tooth? Here’s How Emergency Dental Care Can Help

It can happen in an instant—a crunch on a hard candy, an accidental elbow during a game, or an unexpected fall. Whatever the cause, a chipped tooth can be both painful and unsettling. If you're in Calgary and you've found yourself in this situation, it's important to know you're not alone—and more importantly, that help is readily available. At Expressions Dental™, we understand the urgency and discomfort that comes with dental emergencies. In this blog, we'll walk you through what to do if you chip a tooth, how emergency dental care can help, and what to expect during your visit. First Things First: Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency? Not all chipped teeth are created equal. Some may be minor and purely cosmetic, while others may involve nerve exposure, bleeding, or sharp pain. Here are signs you should seek emergency dental care right away: • Persistent pain or sensitivity to hot or cold • Bleeding around the affected tooth or gums • Swelling in the mouth or face • Sharp or jagged edges that may cut your tongue or cheeks • The tooth is loose, cracked deeply, or has broken off completely When in doubt, don't wait. Call an emergency dentist immediately to assess the severity. What to Do Right After You Chip a Tooth Here’s a simple action plan to follow: 1. Rinse Your Mouth Use warm water to clean the area gently. This helps remove any blood, food particles, or bacteria. 2. Apply a Cold Compress If there’s swelling, use a cold compress or ice pack on your cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time. 3. Control Bleeding (if any) Apply gentle pressure with a piece of clean gauze or cloth if the gum is bleeding. 4. Find and Save the Tooth Fragment If you can, retrieve any broken pieces and store them in a clean container of milk or saliva. Bring it with you to the clinic—your dentist may be able to reattach it. 5. Avoid Eating on That Side Stick to soft foods and avoid biting down on anything hard until you've seen your dentist. How Emergency Dentists Treat a Chipped Tooth At Expressions Dental™ Calgary, our emergency dentists take a tailored approach based on the location, size, and severity of the chip. Here’s how we might help: Minor Chips (Cosmetic) For small surface chips that don’t affect the tooth’s structure or nerves: • Dental bonding: A tooth-coloured resin is shaped and polished to restore the tooth’s appearance. • Smoothing: Sometimes, minor rough edges can simply be polished for comfort and aesthetics. Moderate Chips When more tooth structure is lost: • Composite fillings or onlays may be used to rebuild the tooth. • Porcelain veneers can restore front teeth with larger chips for a flawless look. Severe Chips or Fractures If the damage exposes the inner pulp: • Root canal treatment might be necessary to remove infected tissue. • Crowns are then used to protect and restore the tooth’s integrity. • In rare cases, tooth…

Read more about the article The Ultimate Guide to Root Canal Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

The Ultimate Guide to Root Canal Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on Root Canal Treatment you'll ever need! At Expressions Dental, we're committed to providing you with the best dental care, and that includes educating you on various dental procedures. So, let's dive right in! Table of Contents What is Root Canal Treatment? How Painful is a Root Canal? Why Do Root Canals Take 2 Visits? Is a Root Canal a Major Procedure? Do I Need a Crown After a Root Canal? Root Canal Recovery Time FAQs Conclusion What is Root Canal Treatment? A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at treating infection at the center of a tooth. It involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the pulp chamber, and sealing it. For more details on what a root canal involves, check out our Root Canal Treatment Steps. Why Do Root Canals Take 2 Visits? Typically, root canals require two visits: one for cleaning and shaping the root canal, and the second for filling and sealing the tooth. The two-step process ensures that all infection is eliminated. Read more about what to expect during a dental visit. Is a Root Canal a Major Procedure? While it's more complex than a dental filling, a root canal is a standard procedure that many dentists perform. It's generally considered a minor to moderate procedure. For more on dental procedures, visit our Root Canal page. Do I Need a Crown After a Root Canal? In most cases, a crown is recommended to protect the tooth and restore its function. Learn more about dental crowns and their benefits. Root Canal Recovery Time The average recovery time is a few days to a week. During this period, you may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. For more on recovery, read our guide on Root Canal Recovery. FAQs Can You Eat After a Root Canal? Yes, but it’s advisable to wait until the anesthesia wears off to avoid biting your cheek. Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Learn more about post-procedure care. Do You Need Antibiotics After a Root Canal? Antibiotics are generally not required unless the infection has spread to other areas. What is the Average Age for a Root Canal? Root canals are most common among adults aged 30 to 50, but they can be performed at any age. What Not to Do After a Root Canal? Avoid hard and crunchy foods, and refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours. Are You Put to Sleep for a Root Canal? Sedation is optional and can be discussed with your dentist. Is it Better to Do a Root Canal or Extraction? A root canal is generally preferred to save the natural tooth. However, in severe cases, extraction may be necessary. Learn more about Tooth Extraction. When is it Too Late to Avoid a Root Canal? If the tooth is severely decayed and the infection has spread, a root canal may not be effective. How Long Does Root Canal Pain…