General Dentistry


Thanks to improved awareness of home care, water fluoridation, and effective preventative treatments, tooth decay and other oral health issues are becoming less common than ever before. Dental technology is also constantly improving, offering more effective, less invasive methods to keep your smile healthy. The best way to minimize the severity of problems, and the treatment required, is to catch the issues early with regular dental check-ups.

Dental Checkups

Most patients who come to our clinic will have some form of dental benefits either through their employer, or through private insurance. Most dental insurance plans in Sparwood, and throughout BC, will allow you to come into our office for a cleaning every 6 months. While it is not mandatory to have dental insurance when you come to our office, it does help with the costs. When you do come in for a visit, you will meet with one of our dental hygienists who will go through a full mouth cleaning, including: removing plaque, floss, and polish. We will also conduct an oral exam for signs or distress, oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, and other infections. This would also be a great time to share any concerns you have and to talk about any cosmetic procedures you may be considering.


At your first dental visit, the complete exam will be done by the dentist. The dentist will check:

 

  • X-rays for tooth decay, tumors, cysts, bone loss, and tooth positions
  • Your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer
  • Your gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of periodontal (gum) disease
  • Examination of tooth surfaces to check for decay
  • Examination of existing restorations to check for stability (fillings, implants, crowns, veneers, etc)

 

Dental Fillings

Tooth decay can effect anyone at any age. The symptoms of tooth decay can vary from patient to patient, but the general symptom of tooth sensitivity is common for all patients. If you are a new patient to our clinic and have had x-rays in the past year, we will want to take a look at them for signs of decay before any treatment is planned.


If there are any signs of decay, we may choose to monitor the situation before deciding to act because tooth decay can improve with proper oral care. In the event a dental filling is needed, a composite will be used to match the color of your existing teeth to improve their aesthetic appeal.

Dental Fillings | Sparwood Dental Clinic

When decay rots away enamel, the resulting space is called a cavity. Left untreated, the decay will eventually cause extensive damage to the tooth, and potentially cause the root to become infected. However, if the cavity is caught early, your dentist can treat it with a simple filling, typically in one appointment. The process begins by your dentist applying a local anesthetic, then using a drill or laser to remove the decay. Then they will apply filling to prevent further decay, and to prevent the sensitive inner layers of the tooth from cold, heat, or pressure. The filling is applied in layers and hardened with a special light. The final layers are shaped and polished to restore the tooth’s appearance and function.


Composite (plastic resin) is the modern filling material of choice in most cases. We consider it superior to the silver amalgam fillings commonly used in the past because they contain small amounts of mercury, while composite fillings are completely mercury free. Composite fillings are also less likely to result in sensitivity to heat or cold. This is because the material does not expand or contract as much as silver amalgam. Additionally, composite fillings are nearly invisible since the composite material closely matches the colour of the tooth.

Sports/Night Guards

Our mouthguards are custom made for each patient and are made from professional-grade materials.The most common reasons why a patient will look into a custom fit mouthguard is because they play a contact sport or because they grind their teeth at night. Whatever the case may be, we want to make sure your teeth are protected from damage.

Sealants

Tooth groves, especially on the molars in the back of your mouth, can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cleaned. The bacteria can turn into acid, which breaks down tooth enamel and can cause cavities. Tooth sealants are used to help protect your teeth and are typically made from tooth color resin that can last several years if properly maintained.

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