Dental Bridges

Is it safe to see the dentist during COVID-19? Yes!

The coronavirus pandemic has altered the world around us. Preventive protocols like physical distancing and covering mouth are now important to avoid the risk of Covid-19 infection. But, it is also important to maintain oral health. A cleaner and healthy mouth contribute to minimizing the chances of viral infections as it is well known that a healthy body is less prone to any infections. The pandemic has pushed many to neglect their oral health concerns and as the world starts to unlock, the question still persists- Is it safe to see the dentist during COVID-19?

Dentist-Covid19

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), there has not been one single reported case of COVID-19 transmission associated with dental offices so far. Just like any of us using masks on daily basis, washing hands, using sanitizers, disinfecting surfaces, the dentists to have already put all preventive protocols in action to ensure safety for their staff and patients. All safe dental offices have geared the patient & staff interaction to be straightforward and predictable by minimizing contact wherever possible, by using PPE kits and minimizing chairside adjustments, etc. Efficiency in all aspects of treatment and operations has now become critical. So, why neglect oral health when all the infection control procedures are in place! The dental community has been issued safety guidelines to follow, but here are a few things you can do to overcome the hesitation of seeing your dentists during the pandemic.

Yes, Please.

Before you make an appointment, here are a few questions you may ask to overcome the apprehension:
If patients are screened over the phone before their visit.
If the practice limits the number of people allowed in the waiting room at one time.
If they disinfect all surfaces including telephones, the EFTPOS machine, door handles, etc.

If all instruments/tools are sterilized after each patient.

If the staff have enough personal protective equipment?
If both staff and patients wear masks at all times?
If they have removed high contact items in the reception area like, magazines & toys.
If they have adjusted seating in the reception area to facilitate social distancing.

If the answer to all of these questions is “yes,” it means the dental office is doing everything to provide a safe environment & hence, you can feel at ease going to the dentist’s office.

Your Call
A safe dental practice puts infection control measures in action and you can see it for yourself in the initial visit. It’s then your choice to go ahead or not. So, here’s a list of everything you need to observe before you make an informed decision.

A safe dental practice:

● Records your detailed travel history and medical history.
● Sterilizes instruments for each and every patient.
● Uses disposable suction tips and instruments.
● Disinfects the dental chair, instrument panels, dental light unit and benchtops between every appointment.
● Places protective barriers over surfaces such as a headrest, x-ray units, etc.
● Uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
● Requests patients to undertake a 30-second preoperational antimicrobial mouth rinse with a 0.1% hydrogen peroxide solution before treatment
● Uses high-speed suction that reduces aerosols by 95% whenever possible.
● Uses rubber dam that reduces aerosol by 70% whenever possible.

We know it is not easy right now. Post lockdown, many businesses have reopened, including dental practices. Pandemic or not, dentists are trained to regularly disinfect and will continue to do so. Returning to your dentist is purely a personal decision, but making an informed choice by assessing the hygiene protocols will save you from neglect that can cost more than just money.

Come to Expressions Dental for all your Dental Needs!

Our team of dental professionals follow stringent safety protocols and are always here to help you get the expert dental care you need in Calgary even during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Do you have questions about our safety procedures? Need more information? Interested in an appointment? You can contact us online or give us a call. See you soon!
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5 Health Problems caused by Crooked Teeth

Crooked-Teeth-Treatment
Crooked teeth are not just the cause for a self-conscious smile, but can also affect your overall health. Properly aligned teeth allow you to properly brush and floss, removing grit and bacteria that build in your oral cavity every day. Misaligned or crooked teeth make it difficult for bristles to get into the crevices. Harmful bacteria building on the teeth and gums leave the whole body at risk! Read on to discover some of the troublesome ways your crooked teeth can affect your health.

Improper Digestion

Misaligned teeth make it hard for you to chew properly. Human teeth are designed for different functions of chewing. Misaligned teeth hinder the function, leading to digestion problems. Proper chewing is necessary for the breakdown of nutrients for your body. Hence, crooked teeth can negatively impact your intake of nutrients causing a negative impact on your immune system and overall health.

Persistent Headaches

Crooked teeth throw your bite off-balance & put pressure on your jaw muscles. Temporomandibular joints connected to your lower jaw move smoothly when there is a perfect alignment of teeth. Crooked teeth restrict the TMJ’s smooth movement. This leads to a condition called TMJ disorder which gives way to chronic headaches & migraines.

Gum Diseases

Crooked teeth don’t allow bristles of the toothbrush to reach in all places, which leaves more room for bacteria to sneak in. Bacteria that survive the cleaning process start to build on and around the teeth which lead to deep pockets in your gums. The bacteria thrive in these pockets which leads the way to various dental complications like gum disease called periodontitis which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Heart Diseases

Bacteria that thrive due to crooked teeth cause gum diseases & can travel through the bloodstream. When these bacteria reach the heart, it can result in cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies suggest that people with moderate to advanced stages of gum diseases are at greater risk for heart disease. Researchers have uncovered oral bacteria in the fatty deposits of people with atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries. When untreated, these deposits can narrow arteries, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Respiratory Problems

Crooked teeth allow the breeding of bad bacteria in your mouth. Such bacteria in the mouth can reach the lungs and cause infections such as pneumonia. Studies have suggested a higher mortality rate from pneumonia in people with higher numbers of deep gum pockets which can be a result of crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can also cause airway problems such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Now you know that crooked teeth can not be ignored. Crooked teeth can be caused due to various factors like genetics, facial injury, habits like mouth breathing, etc. Certified dentists evaluate the underlying cause and formulate a custom plan to straighten up your crooked teeth. To save your pearly smile and overall health, consider getting orthodontic care today. For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment for your crooked teeth, please contact us today.
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Read more about the article Replace Your Missing Tooth With Dental Crowns And Bridges

Replace Your Missing Tooth With Dental Crowns And Bridges

If you have a missing tooth you know the effect it can have on the quality of your smile and also your life as it also affects the choice of your food consumption. It can also cause a problem in how you chew and speak. To fix the problem of a missing tooth you can opt for dental crowns and bridges, which is one option for it. A weak, broken, or an incomplete smile may be able to restored by fixing dental crowns and bridges.

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Read more about the article About Mouth Guards

About Mouth Guards

blog3 Mouth guards cover your gums and teeth to help keep your mouth and teeth from harm. Mouth guards should be used to keep you safe when you play contact or highly physical sports. They also help to reduce the effects of teeth clenching or grinding. In all cases, the goal of mouth guard use is to help you keep your teeth from being chipped or broken, prevent nerve damage, and avoid tooth loss. Also, mouth guards are used for some tooth whitening procedures. A sports mouth guard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral haemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures, and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouth guards are effective in moving soft issue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. Types of Mouth Guards
  • Stock mouth guards – Low cost stock mouth guards can be found at most department stores and sporting goods stores. This type is ready to use, but they do have a few down sides. Most dentists do not advise their use. The drawbacks include trouble related to proper fit as well as the ability to speak and breathe comfortably. This type offers the least defence for your mouth and teeth.
  • Boil and Bite Mouth Guards: This type is made from a kind of plastic that can be reshaped when heated. Boil and bite mouth guards can often be found at sporting goods stores, and they may fit better than stock mouth guards.
  • Custom-fitted Mouth Guards: This type is made in a dental office or lab for the person who will wear it. It offers the comfort and protection. Custom-fitted guards are also the most costly type due to the use of special materials and the time and work needed.
Mouth Guards for Braces Wearers Injury to the mouth can damage invisalign or other fixed appliances. Because of this, it is especially important for those who wear braces to use protective mouth guards during sports. Your dentist or orthodontist can provide you with a custom-fitted mouth guard that will meet your needs. Care for your mouth guard Clean the mouth guard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water. Before storing, soak the mouth guard in mouthwash. Keep it in a well-ventilated plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouth-guard will dry. Heat is bad for mouth guards, so do not leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. Don’t bend the mouth guard when storing. One should not handle or wear someone else’s mouth guard. Contact us if there are any problems with the mouth guard. Feel free to contact our office to learn more about mouth guards and to schedule an appointment with our general dentist.
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Read more about the article Dental Myth: Missing Teeth Are Always Replaced By Bridges Or Removable Dentures

Dental Myth: Missing Teeth Are Always Replaced By Bridges Or Removable Dentures

There are several reasons that you want to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A tooth has many functions, some being to chew, to speak, to keep the facial muscles and tissue in a proper position, to smile, and to keep the other teeth from shifting. Once a tooth is lost this whole balance is disrupted and it may lead to many problems.

Missing teeth are always replaced by bridges or removable dentures To minimize the possibility of problems, the missing tooth should be replaced promptly. There are many ways to replace that missing tooth or teeth:

  • Conventional fixed bridge – The conventional fixed bridge is a tooth replacement that is attached with cement to the adjacent natural teeth. If you have one or two missing teeth on a single side this can be a good method of replacement. If the two teeth adjacent to the space are healthy and the supporting structure (bone and gum tissue) are adequate a fixed bridge can be placed.

  • Removable partial or full denture – A partial or full removable denture is a set of artificial teeth that are not fixed permanently to natural teeth. This set consists of usually plastic teeth set in an artificial plastic or plastic and metal framework that rests on the gum tissue. A partial denture is used for people who have multiple spaces on one or both sides or whose teeth are not strong enough to support a fixed bridge. A complete denture is just that, it replaces all the teeth on either the top or bottom jaw. The full denture can be the most difficult restoration to get accustomed to.

  • Implants – Implants are used to replace a single tooth, many teeth on one side, or used to support an entire fixed or removable bridge replacing all the upper or lower teeth. The implant is placed in a hole which is drilled into the patient’s lower or upper jaw. Depending on the number of teeth being replaced, one or more implants are placed in the bone. If necessary a substructure is fabricated and then a crown, bridge or denture is securely fastened to the substructure or implant. Implants are useful for patients that have tried but can’t wear conventional dentures.

  • Flipper – This is probably the cheapest option to restore missing teeth, however it should be seen as a temporary solution. The expected longevity of a flipper should only be a few months, though with meticulous care and minimal use with chewing, it could last a bit longer. Flippers are similar to removable partial dentures, except they are made from weaker materials.

There are other methods such as using a combination of crowns and partial dentures that can keep the retaining clips out of sight. From the available options, the most appropriate treatment will depend on various factors including the number of teeth missing; therefore it is advisable to consult your dentist about the right solution for you.

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