General dentistry

Jump to:

• Abrasion
• Attrition
• Bonding
• FAQ about bonding
• Root canals
• Extractions
• Wisdom teeth
• Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)
• Digital X-rays
• How often should X-rays be taken?
• Make an appointment
• Clinic hours (COVID)
• Location

Abrasion

Enamel, the outer layer of a tooth, is the hardest substance in our body, even harder than bone. However, this doesn't mean enamel is indestructible.
Brushing only back-and-forth, with a hard bristle brush or brushing using too much pressure can wear away the enamel over time.

This type of wear is called ABRASION.

The worn areas, right next to the gums, aren't very attractive and can sometimes be sensitive to sweets, hot or cold.

Areas of abrasion can usually be repaired with bonded tooth colored fillings that appear natural, and relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with the condition. Also, our periodontist, can help you replace the gum tissue that has been worn away.

Attrition

When two objects rub against each other, over time, they will show signs of wear.

The same thing happens with teeth, and the wear that results is called ATTRITION.

If you're concerned this may be happening to you, contact our office and we can help.

Bonding

Fillings for back teeth were traditionally made of amalgam. Amalgam is a compound of metals and is dark in colour. Until recently, there was no material as strong as amalgam for fillings on back teeth.

Now, with a procedure called bonding, and with a material called COMPOSITE, we are able to provide strong tooth colored fillings.

Tooth colored fillings appear more natural and the bonding process can strengthen teeth

FAQ about bonding

Root canals

When a patient has a toothache or infection, a root canal is a method of avoiding loss of the tooth. Inside the tooth there is a space filled with nerves called the pulp. When this area gets infected with bacteria, either through trauma or a deep cavity, it needs to be cleaned out completely through a procedure called a root canal.

At King East Dental, we often surprise our patients by how comfortable a root canal treatment can be! We provide the most up-to-date rotary endodontic techniques and offer laughing gas for our very anxious patients. Once the root canal is completed, the area around the tooth can finally heal and the toothache will go away.

Please remember: A tooth with a root canal needs a crown in order to function again without cracking.

Extractions

At King East Dental, we know that it is scary and upsetting to have to remove a tooth. We can assure you that we are here to take care of you and want you to have a comfortable experience.

Please feel free to ask any questions and communicate with us throughout the procedure.

Wisdom teeth

We perform most wisdom tooth extractions right here in the clinic! We also try our best to make this as pleasant of an experience as possible with our gentle, yet skilled, hands.

If you are anxious at all please let us know. There are many options available for you to improve your experience.

See: wisdom teeth extraction

Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a colorless, odorless and non- irritating gas that is breathed in and used as a sedative agent to help you relax during dental procedures. It induces a pleasurable/euphoric feeling where people often get ‘the giggles’ and that’s why it is also known as laughing gas.

The advantages of using nitrous oxide for dental treatment include:

• It is very safe and has very few side effects.
• Nitrous oxide works very rapidly.
• The depth of sedation can be altered from moment to moment as needed.
• The gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. You can safely drive home after the appointment without an escort.
• For certain procedures (like deep cleanings on patients with periodontal disease) – it may be possible to use nitrous oxide instead of local anesthesia. N2O acts as a painkiller on soft tissues such as gums. However, its pain-relieving effects vary a lot from person to person and can’t be relied upon.
• Nitrous oxide is very effective in eliminating or at least minimizing severe gag reflexes on most patients.

Contraindications: Patients should avoid laughing gas if they have any of the following:

• Empysema
• M.S.
• Chest problems (please consult with your doctor)
• Pregnant (first trimester)
• Nasal congestion or blockage

Digital X-rays

X-rays are used to help diagnosis most dental problems which cannot be seen by the naked eye. X-rays help show:

• Decay
• Wisdom teeth
• Cysts
• Abscesses
• Bone loss and calculus associated with periodontal disease

How often should X-rays be taken?

Every patient and situation is unique so there are no firm rules as to how often dental x-ray should be taken.
Generally:

• “Cavity check” (or bitewing X-rays) are taken every 6-12 months.
• A complete series of x-rays is taken once every 3-5 years

At King East Dental, the digital X-ray technology provides several advanced imaging options that are not only less time consuming and more comfortable, but they provide clearer images, and expose patients to less radiation than with traditional X-ray technology.

Location