Dentures

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

Is It Safe to Visit the Dentist During COVID-19? Yes — visiting the dentist during COVID-19 is safe when proper infection control protocols are followed. Licensed dental clinics across Canada, including those in Calgary NW, have implemented rigorous safety measures to protect both patients and staff. Neglecting your oral health during the pandemic can lead to more serious dental issues that are harder to treat later. Why Oral Health Matters More Than Ever During a Pandemic A healthy mouth contributes directly to overall health. Research consistently shows that poor oral hygiene can increase susceptibility to infections, including respiratory illnesses. Conditions like untreated gum disease, tooth decay, and dental infections can compromise your immune response — making it more important, not less, to keep up with your regular dental care during uncertain times. Routine professional teeth cleaning and check-ups help identify problems early, reducing the need for more complex and urgent treatment down the road. If you're experiencing sudden tooth pain or swelling, don't delay — emergency dental care is available and is carried out under the same strict safety protocols. What Dental Offices Are Doing to Keep You Safe According to public health authorities, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmission linked to dental office visits when proper protocols are followed. Licensed dental teams have adapted their practices to meet and exceed infection control standards. Here is what you can expect at a safety-compliant dental clinic: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Dentists, hygienists, and assistants wear masks, face shields, gowns, and gloves during all procedures. Enhanced sterilisation: All instruments are sterilised between patients, and high-touch surfaces are disinfected regularly throughout the day. HEPA air filtration and aerosol management: High-efficiency air filtration systems and aerosol reduction strategies minimise airborne risk during treatment. Pre-screening protocols: Patients are screened for symptoms before appointments, either by phone or upon arrival. Physical distancing in waiting areas: Seating arrangements and appointment scheduling have been adjusted to reduce crowding. Contactless check-in where possible: Digital forms and minimal paperwork reduce unnecessary contact. Hand hygiene stations: Sanitiser is available at entry points and throughout the clinic. What You Can Do Before Your Dental Appointment Patients also play an important role in keeping dental visits safe for everyone. Here are a few simple steps you can take: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your dental clinic to reschedule. Arrive on time — not early. This helps manage the number of people in waiting areas at any one time. Wear a mask to your appointment and remove it only when directed by your dental team. Inform the clinic of any recent travel or exposure to confirmed COVID-19 cases. Brush and floss before your visit to support good hygiene practices for your dental team. Don't Let COVID-19 Anxiety Put Your Oral Health on Hold It's understandable to feel hesitant about visiting any healthcare setting during a pandemic. However, postponing dental care often leads to worsening conditions that may require…

Read more about the article How Do You Know That You Need Dentures?

How Do You Know That You Need Dentures?

How Do You Know If You Need Dentures? You may need dentures if you are experiencing significant tooth loss, severe gum disease, or multiple teeth that are too damaged to restore. However, many people who recognise the early warning signs can take action to preserve their natural teeth and avoid dentures altogether. Understanding what to look for — and acting quickly — is the key to protecting your smile. Can You Avoid Needing Dentures? In many cases, yes. The two most common reasons people ultimately need dentures are advanced gum (periodontal) disease and severe tooth decay that leads to multiple extractions. Both conditions are largely preventable with consistent oral hygiene and regular professional dental care. Prevention starts with routine visits to your dentist. During a professional teeth cleaning, your dental team removes plaque and tartar build-up that you cannot eliminate at home. More importantly, your dentist can detect early signs of decay or gum disease before they become serious — often before you notice any symptoms at all. Skipping or rescheduling these appointments may seem harmless, but it allows small, treatable problems to develop into conditions that threaten your teeth. If gum disease is detected early, your dentist can help stabilise it through dedicated periodontal care, significantly reducing the risk of tooth loss. The goal is always to save your natural teeth wherever possible. Warning Signs You May Need Dentures If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. These signs often indicate underlying conditions that, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss. Sore or tender gums — persistent gum soreness can indicate infection or periodontal disease Difficulty eating hard foods — struggling to chew may signal weakened teeth or jawbone deterioration Tooth sensitivity — increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods can point to enamel loss or exposed roots Teeth shifting or spacing apart — gaps forming between teeth may indicate bone loss caused by gum disease Loose teeth — teeth that move when touched are a serious warning sign requiring urgent dental attention Frequent toothaches — recurring pain is often a sign of deep decay or infection that may not be salvageable without treatment Missing teeth — even a single missing tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, accelerating further tooth loss Do not wait for these symptoms to worsen. Many of these conditions are treatable if caught early, and your dentist may be able to save teeth that you assumed were beyond repair. What Can Be Done Before Considering Dentures? Modern dentistry offers a wide range of restorative options that may allow you to keep or replace teeth without full dentures. Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, your Calgary NW dentist may recommend: Composite white fillings for early to moderate decay Dental crowns to restore and protect a heavily damaged tooth Root canal treatment to save an infected tooth that might otherwise require extraction Dental implants to replace missing teeth permanently without…

Read more about the article How to Take Care of Removable Dentures?

How to Take Care of Removable Dentures?

How to Take Care of Removable Dentures To care for removable dentures, rinse them after every meal, brush them daily with a soft denture brush, soak them overnight in a denture-cleansing solution, and handle them with care to avoid damage. Keeping your dentures clean prevents bacterial build-up, reduces staining, and helps maintain a comfortable, secure fit. Whether you wear partial dentures or full dentures, a consistent daily routine is essential for long-term oral health. Daily Denture Care: A Step-by-Step Guide The following routine is recommended by the licensed dental team at Expressions Dental in Calgary NW. Following these steps every day will help protect your appliance, your gums, and your remaining natural teeth. Step 1: Remove and Rinse After Every Meal After eating, take out your dentures and rinse them under cool or lukewarm running water to remove food particles and loose debris. Never use hot water, as heat can warp the denture material and affect the fit. To prevent damage from accidental drops, place a folded towel on the counter or fill the sink with a small amount of water before handling your dentures. Even a short fall onto a hard surface can crack or chip the appliance. Step 2: Handle Your Dentures With Care Always handle your dentures gently. Avoid bending the metal clasps on partial dentures or placing unnecessary pressure on the plastic framework. Distorting the shape — even slightly — can compromise the fit and lead to discomfort, sore spots, or the need for costly repairs. If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, contact your dental office rather than attempting adjustments at home. Step 3: Clean Your Mouth After Removing Your Dentures Your oral health does not stop at the dentures themselves. After removing them, care for your remaining natural teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft cloth, gauze, or a soft toothbrush to gently clean your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. This removes bacteria, prevents bad breath, and keeps your gum tissue healthy — all of which contribute to a better denture fit over time. Maintaining healthy gums is especially important for denture wearers. Consider scheduling regular dental hygiene appointments in Calgary to keep your soft tissues and any remaining teeth in good condition. Step 4: Brush Your Dentures Daily Rinse your dentures are not enough on their own. Brush your dentures at least once per day using a soft-bristled denture brush or a soft toothbrush with a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Do not use regular toothpaste — most toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can scratch the denture surface, creating microscopic grooves where bacteria and stains can accumulate. Brush all surfaces of the denture, including the inner fitting surface Rinse thoroughly after brushing Do not use stiff-bristled brushes, which can cause surface damage Avoid bleach-based products on dentures with metal components Step 5: Soak Your Dentures Overnight Most removable dentures need to remain moist to hold their shape. When you are not wearing them — typically overnight — place…

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

Missing Teeth Don't Have to Mean Bridges or Dentures — Here's What You Should Know A common dental myth is that bridges and removable dentures are your only options for replacing missing teeth. In reality, there are several effective tooth replacement solutions available today — including dental implants — and the right choice depends on your specific situation. Replacing a missing tooth promptly is important for your oral health, function, and appearance. Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters Each tooth in your mouth plays several important roles: chewing food properly, supporting clear speech, maintaining the position of your facial muscles and soft tissues, and keeping neighbouring teeth from shifting out of alignment. When a tooth is lost, this balance is disrupted — and without prompt treatment, it can lead to bone loss, gum changes, bite problems, and further tooth loss. The sooner you address a missing tooth, the better your long-term outcomes are likely to be. Our family dental care team in Calgary NW can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate replacement option for your needs. Your Tooth Replacement Options 1. Conventional Fixed Dental Bridge A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that is cemented permanently to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. It is a well-established and reliable option when: One or two teeth are missing in the same area The adjacent teeth are healthy and structurally sound The surrounding bone and gum tissue are in good condition Because a bridge is fixed in place, most patients find it easier to adapt to than a removable appliance. It restores chewing function and prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting into the space. 2. Removable Partial or Full Dentures Removable dentures — either partial or complete — are a non-surgical option for replacing multiple missing teeth. A partial denture is used when some natural teeth remain; a full (complete) denture replaces all teeth on the upper or lower jaw. Removable dentures consist of artificial teeth set in a plastic or plastic-and-metal framework that rests on the gum tissue. They are typically recommended when: Multiple teeth are missing across one or both sides of the jaw The remaining teeth are not strong enough to support a fixed bridge A patient prefers a non-surgical approach It is worth noting that full dentures can take longer to adapt to, and some patients find them less stable or comfortable compared to other options. 3. Dental Implants — The Modern Standard Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. An implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time to create a stable, long-lasting foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants offer significant advantages over traditional options: They preserve jawbone: Unlike bridges and dentures, implants stimulate the bone and prevent the bone loss that occurs after tooth loss. They don't affect adjacent teeth: A bridge requires shaping the neighbouring teeth; implants stand independently. They look and…