3 Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies can occur at any time, for a wide variety of reasons.

It is important to be able to recognize the signs of a dental emergency so you can take the proper steps to restore your oral health and avoid any long-term effects.

DDS Collingwood has helped hundreds of patients with their dental emergencies and will take all necessary precautions to provide you with top-quality dental care.

Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

It can be difficult to determine what classifies as a dental emergency and what can wait a day or two.

We have put together this list of the top three most common signs you need emergency dental care. We are proud to serve the residents of Collingwood and the surrounding areas with top-quality dental services, no matter how big or small the issue is.

Knocked-Out Teeth

If your tooth has become dislodged from your mouth, it is important to act quickly to prevent any further damage or infection to the root of the tooth.

Make sure to retrieve the tooth, if possible, and begin by running it underwater to clean it off. If you are able to, reinsert the tooth into your mouth. If this isn’t possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk or water to transport it to the dentist. The quicker you are able to have your tooth reattached, the quicker your recovery time will be.

Contact us today if you require any further information on this subject, or if you require a tooth reattachment in the Collingwood area.

Infection or An Abscess

A tooth infection can lead to something called an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in your mouth. Symptoms of an abscess include:

• A persistent throbbing toothache
• Fever
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Sensitivity to chewing
• Swelling in your face or cheek
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you suspect you may have a bacterial infection that has caused an abscess, contact DDS Collingwood today to book an emergency dental appointment to prevent any unnecessary complications.

Toothache or Jaw Pain

Toothaches and jaw pain often appear out of the blue. This is something you should closely monitor. If the pain reaches a level where it is no longer tolerable this is considered a dental emergency.

There are few times when oral pains go away on their own, however, it isn’t unheard of. If you find the pain is intermittent, a likely cause of this is you suffer from TMJ.

TMJ has a negative impact on the joints that connect your jaw to your skull and is frequently caused by extreme teeth grinding. Another cause of jaw and tooth pain is untreated cavities. If you find yourself with unbearable pain in your mouth make sure to contact DDS Collingwood right away to book an emergency appointment.

DDS Collingwood - Emergency Dental Experts

Our team of trained professionals here at DDS Collingwood has helped hundreds of happy patients treat their emergency dental needs in a timely and cost-effective manner.

We will work tirelessly to ensure you are perfectly taken care of and your needs are addressed in a calm and professional manner.

Oral health is extremely important. We understand this, which is why we only employ the highest quality dental technicians. You can rest easy that you are in excellent hands. Contact us today to book your emergency dental service appointment.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening With DDS Collingwood

Over the last twenty years or so, we have seen a huge boom in the demand for teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening technology has made huge advancements in the last decade, and it is safer than ever to rejuvenate your smile and restore your self-confidence.

Here at DDS Collingwood, we are a team of highly trained and licensed dentists committed to providing you with world-class treatments and customer service. We understand that teeth whitening treatments can be daunting, so we have put together this simple guide to answer all of your biggest questions.

Teeth Whitening Treatments - What To Know

There are many factors to consider when deciding to book a teeth whitening procedure. How does it work? Why choose an in-office treatment when I could do it from the comfort of my own home? What are the benefits? We have answered all of these questions and more!

How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening treatments use a chemical called peroxide to essentially “bleach” your teeth. The peroxide is applied to your teeth, and it breaks down the stain, restoring your teeth to a brighter white colouring! Teeth whitening treatments also use a chemical called fluoride to protect your teeth from weakening during the process, and reduce tooth sensitivity after the treatment is complete!

The teeth whitening process is an extraordinary dental advancement, and in the past 15 years, we have seen the process become much simpler. Since it is simpler it is significantly more affordable!

Benefits Of Teeth Whitening

The major benefit to teeth whitening treatments performed by a professional is the huge boost in self-confidence you will feel after the treatment!

Everybody loves to smile, and you deserve to feel confident in expressing yourself however you would like to do so. We have hundreds of happy clients who can’t thank us enough for making them feel like whole new people after their teeth whitening treatment.

Here at DDS Collingwood, this is what we live for. Book an appointment with us today so we can help you rediscover your self-confidence and brilliant smile.

In-Office Treatments

In-Office treatments are always what we recommend over at-home DIY kits. Our in-house team is capable of performing the treatment in one visit as opposed to dozens of at-home treatments, so you can rest assured you will have almost immediate results when trusting a professional to handle your teeth whitening treatment. Yes, it may cost more upfront, but it is a one-time procedure as opposed to having to purchase multiple boxes of at-home treatments.

In-Office treatments can be intimidating to some, but you can rest easy knowing our team will make your treatment as quick and painless as possible!

Why Avoid At-Home Treatments?

Although it may seem more convenient, you should choose in-office teeth whitening treatments for many reasons, such as but not limited to:

Developing tooth sensitivity due to lack of knowledge on how to apply the treatment
Over-whitening your teeth and essentially staining them
Causing pain in your mouth due to undiagnosed cavities
Inferior results to in-office treatments
Not all staining is minor enough for at-home treatments

It is always wise to trust a professional to handle sensitive areas of your body, especially your mouth! A properly maintained and healthy mouth reflects the healthiness of your entire body. Don't take any risks and talk to a professional about keeping your teeth happy and healthy.

DDS Collingwood - Your Teeth Whitening Experts!

Here at DDS Collingwood, we want to see you restore your smile to its former glory, and with that, restore your self-confidence! We will walk you through every step of the treatment in a timely and cost-effective manner, with no need for multiple treatments back to back!

If you would like to book a teeth whitening treatment with our team of dentists, contact us now and we will begin your journey back to self-confidence together.

Replacing Missing Teeth With Dental Implants

Facing the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth not only impacts your oral health but your quality of life as well.

Due to advancements in dentistry, there are several ways to replace missing teeth including dental bridges, crowns, dentures, implants, and more.

In recent years, dental implants have become the preferred choice for replacing missing teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a method of restorative dentistry that permanently replaces missing teeth. They are a long-lasting solution that is designed to replace the root of a missing tooth.

Implants consist of a titanium post, an abutment, and a prosthesis (usually a permanent crown).

As long as you have healthy oral tissue and gums, and enough bone in your jaw to support the implants, you’re likely eligible for dental implants.

The Dental Implants Procedure

The dental implant procedure may vary depending on your specific case however it typically consists of three stages. If you still have a tooth remaining that needs to be replaced with a dental implant, that must be removed and properly healed before treatment can begin.

Once you’re ready to begin, the first step of the procedure consists of placing the titanium post. Our dental surgeons will place the implant post into your jawbone. Before moving on to the next step you will need to allow your jawbone to heal and fuse to the implant post. This can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months.

When you’ve healed enough so that the implant is stable, it’s time to place the abutment. This is the piece of the implant that the prosthetic will be secured to. Once again, your gums will need to take some time to heal before moving on to the next step.

Your dentist will have a custom prosthetic (usually a crown) made to place on top of the implants. This allows you to have a natural look and feel while speaking and eating.

If you’re having multiple teeth replaced, you may have the option of having an All-on-4 dental implant. As described in their name, there are 4 to six implant posts strategically placed to support an implant bridge.

DDS Collingwood - Dental Implant Consultations

If you’re looking for a dental restoration solution, our dental team at DDS Collingwood can help you determine whether dental implants are the right solution for you.

At DDS Collingwood, we offer All-on-4 implants and other dental implant solutions as the ideal solution for missing teeth. During our dental implants consultation, we will assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw. Once our assessment is complete, we’ll be able to recommend the right path for treatment to restore your smile!

If you’re interested in dental implants in Collingwood, contact us today to book a consultation.

5 Reasons to Choose Invisalign Treatment in Collingwood

Invisalign treatments have become increasingly popular over the last 15 years.

Nowadays, thousands of Canadians choose the option of Invisalign instead of standard braces when it comes to straightening their teeth.

But when it comes down to it, what are the major benefits of choosing Invisalign over a standard braces treatment? We are so glad you asked.

Why Choose Invisalign Treatment?

Here at DDS Collingwood, we have helped hundreds of happy patients through the Invisalign treatment process, with stunning results.

We understand there is a lot to learn about Invisalign before deciding to select this treatment option, which is why we have assembled this easy-to-read guide to the top benefits of Invisalign so you can make the best choice for yourself!

Continue Eating Your Favourite Foods

Unlike braces that restrict what foods you can responsibly consume while wearing them, Invisalign fits right to your teeth and doesn’t leave any sharp edges that can get caught on stickier foods. This is a huge benefit to Invisalign for many because nobody wants to sacrifice some of their favourite foods!

To keep your diet and routine as normal as possible, choose Invisalign for your teeth straightening treatment today.

Smile With Confidence

Invisalign is practically invisible when someone is wearing one unless you are specifically looking for one. Having a new invisible teeth corrector in your mouth will allow you to smile confidently without worrying about people staring.

Take your smile to the next level and contact us today. We will get you started on your Invisalign journey to restore your confidence quickly and easily.

Reduce Pain

Invisalign is significantly more comfortable than braces to wear for two main reasons. The first is that it doesn’t have any sharp edges.

Brackets on braces are known to irritate your cheeks when wearing them, even cutting them at times. Invisalign, however, is smooth so you won’t experience any cutting or irritation.

The second reason is there is no need for tightening your Invisalign. With braces your orthodontist must tighten them multiple times throughout your treatment, causing extreme aching in your mouth. With Invisalign, you receive slightly modified models once every two weeks and may only cause minor aching for a day or two.

Explore Invisalign as an alternative to braces and determine if this is the right fit for your needs.

Cost-Effective

Many dental insurance policies are prepared to cover Invisalign as an approved form of dental straightening treatment. As they’ve grown in popularity they have become more affordable.

Easy To Clean

Compared to metal braces, Invisalign is extremely easy to clean! Simply remove them from your mouth and brush them gently with a toothbrush and baking soda. Just like that, you are ready to wear them again the following day!

DDS Collingwood - Trained Invisalign Experts!

DDS Collingwood has helped hundreds of happy clients in the Collingwood area get set up with world-class Invisalign treatments tailored to their client's specific needs.

We are passionate about providing transparent, safe dental services and are excited to bring our expert Invisalign services to our happy clients.

Contact us today to book a consultation to see if Invisalign is right for you. You won’t regret taking steps to restore your confidence in your smile!

Oral Hygiene Tips to Protect Your Teeth

While brushing and flossing are staples in a good oral health routine, there are other things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

There are billions of bacteria living in our mouths at any given time, feeding off of food particles and sugar and creating a buildup of plaque. Tooth decay and gum disease, among a handful of other problems, can be the result of a poor oral hygiene routine.

Preventative hygiene care, including regular visits to the dentist, thorough at-home brushing and flossing routines, and being mindful of your daily habits can help you avoid these painful issues.

Understanding how to properly protect your teeth will help minimize the risk of contracting dental diseases and ensure you have a healthy, beautiful smile at all times.

Brush and Floss Regularly

It’s no secret that the key to maintaining healthy teeth is brushing at least twice a day.

By brushing, you not only protect your teeth by removing all the food particles but you’ll be strengthening them with the minerals found in toothpaste.

Many people neglect to brush their teeth before bed, especially if it’s been a long day. Though understandable, leaving the germs and plaque that have accumulated throughout the day heavily contribute to gum disease and tooth discoloration.

There are some areas that even the brush can’t reach, which is where a piece of floss comes in handy. If you only decide to brush and skip flossing, the hidden bits of food and materials can eventually develop into decay.

When flossing, be sure to slide it up the whole tooth, and don’t be afraid to reach the tight spaces, as they’re the most important to clean.

Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

When choosing toothpaste, most people make decisions based on flavours and the strength of whitening agents. No matter which one you choose, make sure it contains fluoride as the mineral is a leading defense against tooth decay.

Fluoride is known to support the minerals found in the tooth’s enamel and helps fight against the bacteria attacking the enamel. If enamel erosion has already begun, stronger fluoride treatments can be provided by your dentist to help strengthen the tooth.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Dental health and overall health work hand in hand.

The food you eat affects your whole body, including your teeth. Many instances of tooth decay are largely caused by the consumption of harmful carbohydrates and high in sugar foods.

Sugar converts into acid in the mouth with the help of bacteria, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth and lead to cavities.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums doesn’t necessarily mean cutting out all unhealthy foods and sugars, simply limiting fast food and incorporating more foods that are high in calcium into your diet will significantly help prevent periodontal disease.

Improve Your Oral Health With DDS Collingwood

Achieving healthy teeth and gums takes a lifetime of care. While brushing and flossing play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health, regular visits to the dentist will help detect any trouble areas you can’t see at home.

Our team at DDS Collingwood strives to provide our clients with the best care from the moment they walk through the door.

Whether you’re due for teeth cleaning or want to improve your oral health, get in touch with us today to book an appointment.

What You Need to Know About Root Canals

The thought of getting a root canal is enough to send many people running in the other direction.

But how many of these people know what a root canal actually is?

Sometimes, bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth and cause an infection. When this happens, root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is used to remove the infection from the tooth and protect it from future infections.

A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on that tooth, large fillings, or a chip in the tooth. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will form an abscess, which is a painful buildup of pus.

People fear root canals because they assume they’re painful or don’t know what to expect from the procedure. Understanding exactly what root canal therapy is and its procedure will help relieve any anxiety or stress.

What is a Root Canal Treatment?

When a cavity is left untreated for a long time, harmful bacteria can infect the pulp and damage the nerves in the tooth.

During the root canal process, the inflamed pulp is removed, the surfaces inside the tooth are cleaned and disinfected, then a filling is used to seal the hole. In some cases, you may not know you have an infected tooth, although there are certain symptoms you can look out for including:

• Sensitivity to heat and cold
• Swollen gums or jaw
• Tooth discoloration
• Pimple on the gums
• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Tooth pain that doesn’t go away

Each person may experience symptoms differently, which is why it’s crucial to talk to your dentist if you feel any pain or discomfort.

Root Canal Procedure

Root canal therapy requires one or more office visits and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist.

Your dentist will begin by taking an x-ray to see the shape of the root canal and check for any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. After the anesthesia has been administered, access to the pulp is made by drilling a small hole in the tooth.

The pulp, decay, and dead nerve tissue are removed from the tooth. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, a sealer paste and rubber compound are used to close the access hole created at the beginning of the procedure.

A tooth that needs a root canal often has a large filling, in which case a crown or other restoration is needed to prevent the filling from breaking and restore the tooth to full function.

For the first few days following the completion of a root canal, your tooth may feel sensitive due to tissue inflammation, though that can be remedied through over-the-counter medication.

Brush, floss, and use mouthwash as you regularly would, and see your dentist regularly.

Root Canal Treatment in Collingwood

Root canals carry a certain stigma and painful connotations, though the procedure is nowhere near as painful as it’s made out to be.

Our experienced, caring team at our Collingwood dental office has created a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere to make you feel comfortable during your visit. We take pride in our ability to provide superior customer service and the best dental care possible.

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.