Dental Care in Calgary

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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5 Dental DIY Trends You Need To Unfollow

DIY is often thought of as a way to cut corners. But, it becomes a scary proposition when it comes to Dentistry. The professional supervision & controlled environment of a dental office can never be the same as a kitchen sink. No matter how easy it is to rely on ‘Doctor Google’, one should never attempt DIY’s that pose health risks. Here are a few DIY Dental dont’s you must never attempt.

Dentist Calgary

DIY Tooth Filing

DIY Tooth Filing Tooth filing using nail files, sandpaper, handheld power tools, etc is an alarmingly unsafe idea that’s been trending on social media platforms like Tik Tok and YouTube. Such practice causes irreparable damage and destruction to teeth. Dentists use proven tooth filing techniques that have been researched for years, if not decades. A DIY enthusiast attempting to file their tooth themselves could potentially remove vital enamel coating, causing the tooth to become hypersensitive, misshaped or even die.

DIY Tooth Whitening

The internet is full of ‘crazy hacks’, one of them being ‘ways to whiten teeth using household ingredients’. Citrus rinds, baking soda, activated charcoal, are unfortunately the popular choices of the internet. However, resorting to quick fixes with these ingredients can cause long term damage to your teeth. These ingredients are harsh on the tooth surface causing dental cavities, sensitivity and gum problems in few cases.

DIY aligners

Aligning teeth is something one should leave to the professionals. Dentists carefully assess a patient’s full medical & dental history, then design custom-fit aligners that work wonders without restricting the structures around the tooth. Remote alignment services or DIY Aligners lack one-on-one professional care. These unsupervised dental solutions come at low-cost but prove to be a costly mistake in the long run. Many Orthodontists have witnessed patients who have developed gum diseases, cavities and tooth loss due to direct-to-customer orthodontics.

DIY Restorations

Believe it or not, some people use materials like wax and store-bought adhesives to ‘fix’ their restorations. Glues have toxic compounds which can cause serious damage to the tooth and surround tissue. One must never try to poke, prod, and scrape cavities or restorations in an attempt to ‘fix’ them. Such attempts permanently damage the restoration or introduce infections or cause an abscess. DIY methods often bury the underlying cause and extend the amount of professional care needed which proves to be a costly affair in the long term.

DIY Extractions

Toothache isn’t easy to handle, but DIY tooth extraction sounds like something nightmares are made of. Tooth extraction is a form of surgery, and surgery comes with the risk of complications. Only a certified dental surgeon must assess the underlying cause of toothache & attempt a tooth extraction. Few popular culture DIY extractions methods are, using pliers, using a string tied to a door, etc. Described as creative on the web, these methods are rather medieval which cause infection, excessive bleeding, gum damage, serious damage to other teeth and underlying bone.
However easy or cost-effective DIY dental hacks might seem, it’s wise to consult with a certified dentist for all your tooth qualms. It’s understandable to look for shortcuts in life, but your shiny pearls are simply too important to risk. Got a dental worry to share? Write to us or book a consultation visit here.
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Read more about the article Dental Care During Cancer Treatment

Dental Care During Cancer Treatment

Your dental care is also an essential part of your overall cancer treatment. When you are diagnosed with cancer, make sure you let your dentist know about your treatment so he/she can update your medical history. Also, ensure to share your oncologist’s name and number with your dentist. This is because your cancer treatment can have side-effects or can also interfere with your dental treatment.

Before beginning any cancer treatment, your doctor may advise you to complete any major dental procedures. Any form of mouth, teeth or jaw pain or any dental problems must be reported immediately to your oncologist and dentist.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw:

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an uncommon but severe condition that has occurred in some cancer patients receiving treatment using a particular drug called bisphosphonates. The link between the drug and the disease is only a suspect as of now.

When the jaw fails to heal after a minor trauma like a tooth extraction, it leads to the development of ONJ. This may result in the jawbone being exposed. Pain, swelling, gum infections, etc. are the symptoms when you develop ONJ. The factors that may increase the risk of ONJ include:

  • Radiation therapy to the head or neck
  • Chemotherapy
  • Anemia
  • Poor dental health
  • Poor nutrition
  • Poor blood circulation

An oncologist should manage bisphosphonate treatment by coordinating with your oral surgeon or your dentist. Before you begin your therapy, you should:

  • Undergo a dental examination
  • Complete your existing dental treatments and procedures
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
The treatment of ONJ includes:
  • Frequent dental assessments
  • Oral rinses
  • Removable mouth appliances
  • Surgery to remove injured tissue

Do you have any queries regarding your dental health? Feel free to visit our dental clinic in Calgary or Call +1 (403) 252 7733 to consult our dentists.

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Read more about the article Technologies Used By Dentists Today

Technologies Used By Dentists Today

Technology is continually evolving, and so is the field of general dentistry. Implementation of these technologies may make your dental visit feel different than previous ones. 1) Digital X-rays: Traditional x-rays are being seen less and less. More dentists are utilizing digital x-rays, which help display the results almost instantaneously on a digital screen. Also, the radiation emitted by these x-rays is significantly lower than the previous generations. 2) Patient Tracking and Management Software: Earlier, the patient’s data was stored in a physical format, which was a tedious task. But now, there exists software that can store patient’s data digitally. This software helps in tracking and management of a patient’s dental treatment. The software can give reminders about scheduled treatment and recommended procedures. Also, looking up a patient’s details can be more efficient. 3) Smart toothbrushes: The new intelligent toothbrushes are Bluetooth enabled, which can connect to your smartphone and provide you with your brushing details. The operating modes can be personalized as per one’s needs. This brush can also protect the gums by alerting the user when the pressure’s too hard. It can also keep track of your brushing history and performance. 4) CBCT scans: CBCT has been one tremendous advancement in dentistry. CBCT scans are 3D x-rays. CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Technology, where a cone-shaped beam is used for the scan to produce 3D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. CBCT scans can be used for dental implants and wisdom teeth removals.  They can also be used for root canal procedures. If you would like to learn more about the services offered by us at Expressions DentalTM, please feel free to visit our dental clinic in Calgary or Call +1 (403) 252 7733 to book a consultation.
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Read more about the article Dental Care During Cancer Treatment

Dental Care During Cancer Treatment

Your dental care is also an essential part of your overall cancer treatment. When you are diagnosed with cancer, make sure you let your dentist know about your treatment so he/she can update your medical history. Also, ensure to share your oncologist’s name and number with your dentist. This is because your cancer treatment can have side-effects or can also interfere with your dental treatment. Before beginning any cancer treatment, your doctor may advise you to complete any major dental procedures. Any form of mouth, teeth or jaw pain or any dental problems must be reported immediately to your oncologist and dentist.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw:
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an uncommon but severe condition that has occurred in some cancer patients receiving treatment using a particular drug called bisphosphonates. The link between the drug and the disease is only a suspect as of now. When the jaw fails to heal after a minor trauma like a tooth extraction, it leads to the development of ONJ. This may result in the jawbone being exposed. Pain, swelling, gum infections, etc. are the symptoms when you develop ONJ. The factors that may increase the risk of ONJ include:
  • Radiation therapy to the head or neck
  • Chemotherapy
  • Anaemia
  • Poor dental health
  • Poor nutrition
  • Poor blood circulation
An oncologist should manage bisphosphonate treatment by coordinating with your oral surgeon or your dentist. Before you begin your therapy, you should:
  • Undergo a dental examination
  • Complete your existing dental treatments and procedures
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
The treatment of ONJ includes:
  • Frequent dental assessments
  • Oral rinses
  • Removable mouth appliances
  • Surgery to remove injured tissue
Do you have any queries regarding your dental health? Feel free to visit our dental clinic in Calgary or Call +1 (403) 252 7733 to consult our dentists.
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Read more about the article The Rising Tooth Decay Rates Amongst Young Canadians

The Rising Tooth Decay Rates Amongst Young Canadians

The tooth decay rates among the young Canadian children have been on the rise. This worsening oral health situation sheds light on the lack of proper oral hygiene education and prevention components.

Tooth decay rates had been falling for the last couple of decades, until now. Decay in children is the most widespread disease of childhood. Tooth decay in five-year-olds rose close to 10% in 1999-2000, and 11.6% on 2005-06, according to the survey conducted by Toronto Public Health and published on canada.com. Whereas in five-year-olds with two or more decayed teeth, the percentage rose from 9.9% to 14.6% in the same six-year stretch.

How does tooth decay occur?

According to colgate.com destruction of the tooth enamel causes tooth decay. It occurs when foods with carbohydrates, like milk, raisins, cakes, etc. get left behind on the surface of the teeth. The bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on these foods, which then produces acids as a result. Over time, these acids destroy the tooth enamel, which results in tooth decay.

What causes this tooth decays amongst children? 

Lack of education about dental hygiene, no proper oral maintenance routine, lousy diet, etc. are some of the reasons which contribute to tooth decay. Lack of fluoridation of Calgary waters can also be one of the reasons for the rise in tooth decay. Failure to visit the dentist once every six months is also one of the reasons for rising tooth decays. Children of families of the low-income group also faced issues, since they skipped on dental check-ups due to financial problems.

What to do in such cases?

There are various dental programs across different provinces of Canada offering dental care programs. There are also programs to educate the masses on dental hygiene through public health units and community health centers.

Visiting the dentist regularly can help maintain your child’s dental hygiene. Minimizing or avoiding sugar intake for children can help cut down on tooth decays. You can also provide fluoride treatment for your children and learn more about tooth decay prevention from your dentist.

If you would like to learn more about tooth decay in children and also the prevention methods, please feel free to visit our dental clinic in Calgary or Call +1 (403) 252 7733 to book a consult with Dr. Gill our dentists.

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Read more about the article 5 Bad Habits Dentists want you to Avoid

5 Bad Habits Dentists want you to Avoid

Teeth are vital players in digestion, help us to form our words properly, and are even central to our appearance. Enamel is the toughest substance in our bodies, offers a tough outer layer made of intricate crystals rods. As tough as teeth are, our habits can compromise our smile and leave us with the damage that can be challenging to repair.

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