Dental Choice provides a comprehensive variety of general dentistry treatments to patients. We encourage all our patients to come in for routine dental exams and teeth cleanings. This allows us to make sure everything is looking good so that we can get ahead of any issues that might pop up, working towards optimal oral and physical health.
Custom Mouth Guards in Alberta
What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips and gums.
Why should I use a mouth guard?
There are many reasons why a person may use a mouth guard. If you are playing sports, the purpose of the sports mouthguard is to act as a shock absorber in the mouth to protect the teeth from excessive forces. The mouthguard also protects your head and brain from a concussion if the blow is onto the lower jaw. Mouthguards can also be used to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching while you sleep, which can lead to longer-lasting problems such as TMJ.
How does a custom mouth guard fit?
Well-made mouthguards adapt smoothly to the upper teeth and gums, staying firmly in place, even when speaking, breathing heavily or playing sports very actively. There are several specific design options, but for the vast majority of people, the customized smooth upper mouthguard is the correct choice.
How long does it take to get a mouth guard?
A custom mouth guard requires two appointments, each about 20 minutes long. The first appointment requires an upper impression or intra-oral scan. We can make it a specific colour, or it can be clear. Then, the second appointment is about a week later, to pick up your mouthguard. We want to make sure it fits properly before you head home with it. You may choose to keep the dental mould for your mouthguard. You also get a carrying case to keep your mouth guard in.
Is a custom mouth guard better?
Yes – as they are custom fit to your mouth. You can buy a mouthguard at most drug stores, however these generally do not fit well and are difficult to keep in place.
What kind of mouthguard can you make?
Dental Choice offers two levels of professional mouth guards. You can choose between a standard custom guard or you can get a personalized custom guard. With the personalized guards you can select the style and design that you prefer, ranging from Canada flags to wild colours. This customization makes it difficult to mix up mouthguards in the locker room.
Why does a custom mouth guard cost more than a store-bought mouth guard?
Here are some factors that can influence the cost:
- Mouthguards are custom-created using professional dental laboratory fabrication techniques
- The dentist makes an accurate mould of your teeth, so it fits perfectly
- If adjustments are needed, your dentist can conveniently address any concerns
- Mouthguards can be personalized, letting you select the colour, style and design so that your mouthguard is distinct.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
Dental Fillings in Alberta
What is a filling?
Dental fillings are used to replace natural tooth material that’s lost because of decay. They are made from special materials used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Common materials used for fillings are amalgam (silver) or composite (white).
What is the difference between a white filling and a silver filling?
Both types of fillings have the same job of restoring damaged or decayed teeth. White fillings are made up of a hard plastic material known as composite resin, with fillers that provide additional strength. A white filling is cured with a special light which means when your appointment is done, the filling is as hard as it will ever be. Silver fillings are made up of a compound of several different metals. Silver filling material is mixed just before placing it into the tooth and can take up to 24 hours to fully harden. Therefore we recommend not to eat anything sticky or chew on the side of the new filling during the curing time. Silver fillings in some cases might be recommended due to their durability over a white filling. Your dentist would be able to guide you to the best type of filling for your needs.
How long does a filling last?
Fillings are designed to last for years, but do eventually break down and need to be replaced. The mouth is a harsh environment where fillings are exposed to moisture, plaque bacteria, and pressure from biting and chewing. Over time, older fillings may eventually begin to leak, break, or fall out. These are common dental issues and may require emergency dental care if the exposed area of the tooth is sensitive or painful.
How do I take care of my filling?
Taking care of your dental fillings is easy. They require regular brushing and flossing at least twice a day – just like your natural teeth. You should also avoid eating foods that contain too much sugar, such as soda, as well as acidic and processed foods. Make sure you visit your dentist at least once every six months to check on the progress of your fillings.
How long does it take the dentist to apply a filling?
Applying a dental filling doesn’t normally require more than one session. Depending on the amount of decay and how many teeth are affected will influence the duration of the filling process. For our patients’ comfort, we often will limit how many fillings we do at a time.
How much does a dental filling cost?
White dental fillings are becoming the most common option in the treatment of cavities. Amalgam is another alternative that tends to cost less. However, many patients prefer white resin composites because they blend in more naturally, and some are concerned about the effects of metal amalgam on their health. Dental fillings save in the long run as they lower the risk of more costly procedures such as root canals, extractions, and other restorative practices.
Like any dental procedure, there are a few factors that will determine the pricing of your filling. Your Dental Choice dentist will go over these with you ahead of time, but they could include:
- The condition of your smile
- The extent of the tooth decay
- The location of the damaged tooth
- Whether or not sedation is used
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
Root Canal Therapy in Alberta
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a type of dental treatment for an infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the nerve and pulp tissue from the infected tooth, followed by a thorough cleaning of the infected area. The next step involves filling and sealing the tooth using a rubber-like material.
When would I need a root canal?
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when dental X-rays indicate your nerve and pulp tissue have a bacterial infection. The source of the bacterial infection is usually tooth decay, but trauma and structural damage (eg, cracks) are other possible causes. If left untreated, a bacterial infection of the pulp can lead to loss of the affected tooth, and the infection may spread to cause damage to the surrounding tissues and adjacent teeth. Signs of a pulp infection can include:
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- A dull ache or sharp shooting pain in the tooth
- Swelling around the gums of the tooth
- A tooth that is noticeably discoloured compared to the others
How long does the procedure take?
Root canal treatment may require more than one or more appointments, depending on the severity of the infection and the type of infected tooth. A simple procedure may take an hour or less. A complicated root canal procedure may require multiple visits of approximately 90 minutes in length.
Will I feel the root canal?
You won’t feel the root canal treatment since the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to desensitize the surrounding area.
Will root canal treatments be painful?
Your doctor will use local anaesthesia before beginning the procedure to ensure you don’t feel any pain. You may also use over-the-counter pain relievers in case of any pain or discomfort.
What are the side effects of root canal treatment?
Some patients might feel sensitivity and slight discomfort after the procedure. This feeling of discomfort or sensitivity usually subsides after three to five days. Complications might also arise in case of an undetected crack in the tooth or a breakdown of the sealing material. However, your dentist will be able to notice these issues in subsequent visits.
How quickly will I recover?
In most cases, patients resume their regular schedule immediately after completing treatment. If the tooth was very painful prior to the root canal, or if it had been infected for a long time, the recovery period may take a little longer. However, taking good care of your oral health is important to enhance the recovery process.
What are the costs associated with a root canal?
Like many procedures we perform at Dental Choice, the cost of a root canal will vary depending on a few variables associated with your case. The best way to minimize costs is not to delay booking an appointment if you suspect a problem. The longer you wait, the more complications may arise which will involve a great cost.
Before proceeding with your root canal treatment, your dentist will discuss pricing with you. Some factors that may come into play with the overall cost include:
- Location of the tooth that needs to be repaired — molars can have four or more nerve canals, as opposed to the one root nerve canal found in front teeth
- Condition of the affected tooth and the severity of the cavity
- The process used to repair the tooth
- If the tooth has already undergone a root canal
- Receiving a filling versus a dental crown
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
Teeth Grinding Treatment in Alberta
What is teeth grinding?
Teeth grinding — known medically as bruxism – is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. This is often brought on by stress or anxiety and can happen during the day or when you sleep at night.
Can grinding harm my teeth?
While bruxism is not considered dangerous, habitual grinding can significantly damage teeth. As you grind your teeth together, they may fracture, loosen or wear away down to a stump. As the enamel wears down, you may be more prone to sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food and drink. In some cases, you might need dental bridges, dental crowns, dental implants or dentures to prevent further harm.
Bruxism can also have lasting effects on the jaw and bite. Your grinding might cause or worsen TMD — a condition that causes significant jaw pain and compromised jaw movement — and may even affect your face’s appearance.
How can I prevent grinding my teeth?
If you’re grinding your teeth due to stress, you can take several steps to help reduce grinding as well as relieve the associated pain in the meantime. These steps include the following:
- Wear a custom mouthguard or nightguard
- Relax your face muscles
- Find ways to relieve stress
- Avoid hard foods, chewing gum, and caffeine
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
TMD & TMJ Treatment in Alberta
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments. These joints are located on both sides of the jaw near each ear and connect the jawbone to the skull. They are two of the most frequently used joints in the body and play a significant role in eating, speaking, and making facial expressions.
What are some of the causes of TMD?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be caused by many factors, including teeth grinding, a misaligned bite, dislocation of the TMJ, trauma, arthritis, and wear and tear of the cartilage disks that pad the TMJ.
What are some of the symptoms of TMD?
You may have TMD if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness associated with chewing, clenching, or yawning felt just in front of the ear. TMD pain may be periodic or constant and is usually a dull aching pain. TMD pain is often located on one side of your jaw but can involve both.
- Limited mobility in your jaw joint. This can cause difficulty in eating or speaking due to limited opening. This limited mobility may be due to muscle tightness and/or pain on movement.
- Periodic or constant noises such as clicking and popping or grating from your jaw joint(s).
- Headaches in the back of the head and neck, often referring pain to the forehead, a frontal headache. Headaches caused by TMD can often be in the temples.
- Pain in the teeth, neck, shoulder, jaws
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
Who is affected by TMD?
TMD is common among adults between the ages of 20 and 40.
What is the treatment for TMD?
TMD treatment can take the form of custom mouthguards or night guards, jaw exercises or TMJ bite therapy. We can help you alleviate painful TMJ symptoms and restore full functionality to these important joints.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
Tooth Extraction
Why would I need a tooth extracted?
Sometimes, teeth need to be extracted due to injury or disease. Our first priority at Dental Choice is to provide thorough cleanings and general dentistry treatments so that patients’ teeth are healthy and less likely to require removal in the future.
Will I feel anything during the procedure?
Your doctor will use local anaesthesia before beginning the procedure to ensure you don’t feel any pain. Additionally, we offer sedation techniques so that the procedure is as comfortable as possible and will minimize discomfort during dental surgery.
Once the tooth/teeth are removed, what are my options?
Our Dentists will discuss solutions such as dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures to replace teeth that are removed.
Why am I being referred to an Oral Surgeon?
Dental Choice dentists will review options to best suit your dental needs and requirements. You might need to see an oral surgeon for a dental implant or the treatment of tumours and cysts in the jaw. Oral surgery may also be required to solve cosmetic dental and reconstructive dental problems. Tooth extraction is the most recognized form of oral surgery, but there are several other reasons why your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon.
These reasons include the following.
- Removal of one or more teeth
- Emergency wisdom tooth extraction
- Replacement of missing teeth using dental implants
- Treating obstructive sleep apnea
- Treating serious conditions affecting the teeth, lips, jaw, palate and face
- Alleviating problems caused by a tooth infection, facial swelling or facial pain
- Reconstructing the maxillofacial region after a serious accident or an injury
- Removing a tumour caused by cancer in the jaw, face and neck area
How much will it cost to have a tooth/teeth removed?
Pricing for dental extractions varies depending on a number of factors. These factors include:
- Examination and x-rays needed to diagnose the tooth’s condition
- The level of difficulty of the extraction
- The degree to which the tooth is visible (for example, wisdom teeth are often buried in the gums, making their removal more complicated)
- If sedation is used
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Alberta
What are wisdom teeth?
The wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that usually grow in when people are a little older, between the ages of 17 and 21. They are located in the very back of the mouth.
Why would I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Many people do not have enough space in their jaws for the wisdom teeth to come into the mouth normally. If a wisdom tooth comes in part way, this can make it difficult to clean the area, leading to infection of the gums, and cavities. Sometimes, the tooth next to the wisdom tooth may also be affected. In addition, wisdom teeth may contribute to the crowding of other teeth. Because wisdom teeth typically come in around the age of 17, parents are encouraged to bring their children in for a thorough dental exam when they reach their early teens. Digital X-rays will help determine when and if oral surgery is necessary for wisdom teeth removal. This removal procedure is called wisdom teeth extraction.
Here are signs you may need your wisdom teeth removed:
- Your wisdom teeth come in crooked
- There isn’t enough room in your mouth
- Your wisdom teeth are hard to clean
- You notice swelling developing around the tooth
- You’re experiencing pain or discomfort
- Sore, swollen or bleeding gums
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Do I have to get them removed?
Some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth. Often, however, there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow in properly. They might crowd other teeth, grow in crooked, grow in only partially or never erupt from the gums at all. As a result, wisdom teeth can cause several oral health problems for young adults. A Dental Choice dentist can help you figure out whether impacted wisdom teeth are causing your symptoms and what the best course of action might be.
How much will it cost to have my wisdom teeth removed?
The price for wisdom tooth removals varies, depending on the number of wisdom teeth being extracted, whether they are impacted or not and the use of a local anaesthetic versus sedation or general anaesthesia.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact a Dental Choice clinic near you. We’re here to help.