ASK THE DENTIST

“A: Yes, City Place Dental is accepting new patients. We also offer a free consultation or 2nd opinion to discuss your treatment options. ”

“A: According to recent studies, almost half the population of adults in North America suffers at least occasionally from bad breath (halitosis). The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth and on the back of the tongue. Other non-dental causes of halitosis include certain foods, smoking, alcohol and hormonal changes. 

If the halitosis is of oral origin, the treatment usually begins with ensuring meticulous hygiene of the mouth. We will check for gum disease and, if necessary, prepare a detailed treatment plan. Tongue scraping should also become an important part of daily home care and part of your regular tooth brushing routine (it’s easy and painless). ”

“A: A significant percentage of adults suffer from some level of fear of dental treatment – you can take solace in the fact that you are not alone! Given the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums to your overall health, it is imperative that you find a way to deal with these fears. 

In our office we offer a range of techniques to help our patients reduce their anxiety. Here are a few ideas that you might consider: 

Visualize yourself in a comfortable place while in the dental chair – a warm sandy beach, for example. 

Avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine before your appointment. 

Ask questions about your treatment – quite often fears of the unknown are the worst fears of all. 

Our ultimate goal is to enable our patients to receive dental treatment in a comfortable state of mind.”

“A: Bleeding after brushing or flossing can be unsettling. It can also be a sign of an otherwise mostly silent disease — periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss. It is a build-up of bacteria from plaque and tartar that can inflame or infect gum and bone. 

Periodontal disease causes deep pockets to form in tissue between the gums and teeth. This sometimes gives the appearance of puffy or receding gums. 

During dental exams, we routinely examine your gums. There are a number of treatments for bleeding gums and periodontal disease, including removing plaque and tartar below the gum line. These treatments, performed in our office, are called scaling and root planing. They allow the gum to heal and become healthy again. 

We recommend daily brushing and flossing as well as regular checkups and cleanings to help prevent periodontal disease. ”

“A: A dental crown is a custom-designed, tooth-shaped restoration that is fitted over the prepared surface of a damaged tooth to recapture the appearance and function of the tooth. A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth and is attached securely to the existing teeth on either side of the gap. Recent developments in dental techniques and materials have allowed dentists to provide crown and bridge restorations that are virtually indistinguishable from a person’s natural teeth in both form and function. 

If you suffer from lost teeth or teeth that are badly damaged by decay or accident, crowns or bridges may be able to repair their appearance and preserve their function. 

Please contact our office if you would like more information on crowns and bridges. ”

“A: Dental Implants are part of a tooth replacement treatment. They are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. These implants are metal roots made of titanium, that are surgically placed under your gums. They then fuse to the bone of your jaw and act as roots. Replacement teeth, called crowns and made of porcelain and are then attached. They will fit securely allowing them to look and function just like natural teeth. 

Give us a call today to set up an appointment to find out if dental implants are right for you. ”

“A: Sometimes the body’s immune system will fight and heal infections on its own, but often it needs some help. This is why it is so important to have dental infections and abscesses examined by a dentist. 

Oral infections are a serious health matter. Symptoms include tooth, gum, and jaw pain, lumps or pus-filled abscesses, and weeping or bleeding gums. Left untreated, they can affect your overall health. 

Dr. Levin can diagnose an infection during an oral examination. He will examine your gums, gently tap your teeth, and take x-rays to determine the extent of the infection and whether it has spread. 

If he feels the infection is harmful, or your body is not fighting it effectively, he may prescribe antibiotics. Dr. Levin will also want to treat the underlying cause of an oral infection to prevent it from reoccurring in the future. Causes may include tooth decay, periodontal, or gum disease, tooth cracks, and weakened fillings. 

Don’t ignore the signs of oral infection. Practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis, and have your mouth and teeth examined routinely. ”