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Frequently Asked Questions

At Richmond Hill Dental Group, we are always more than happy to answer any questions or address concerns that our patients may have. We want our patients to be informed about their oral health and how to best care for their teeth and gums. If you would like more information about the questions below or if you have other dental questions, we invite you to call us.

“A: Visiting the dentist twice a year helps us catch small problems early, before they turn into costly, complicated dental problems. While your routine cleaning is an important part of the visit, we also check for early signs of tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. If we spot potential problems, we may suggest an additional visit to make sure the symptoms clear up. ”

“A: A custom-fitted mouth guard will provide the best protection for you or your child and help prevent common dental injuries. This mouth guard is made especially for you by your dentist and is therefore more likely to stay in place in your mouth. Custom-fitted mouth guards are also made from a heavier material and provide superior cushioning. ”

“A: If you chip a tooth, call your dentist, explain what happened, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Your dentist will determine the best course of action based on the size and location of the chip. Below is a list of some ways to repair chipped teeth:

• Enamel shaping – Your dentist can smooth away small chips as the tooth is reshaped.
• Bonding – Tooth-coloured resin is bonded to the damaged area, convincingly masking the chip.
• Veneers – Custom-made from porcelain to match your teeth, veneers cover any imperfections and look and feel like natural teeth.
• Crowns – Crowns are custom-fitted to restore the shape, appearance and function of damaged molars. You may need a crown to protect a molar that is diseased or decayed, has undergone a root canal or that has sustained a large chip.

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“A: There are two ways that your dentist can help you achieve a whiter smile.

• The first option is an in-office treatment. Your dentist will use a dental bleach and a source of heat or light to activate the bleach. Patients typically see results within an hour of an in-office treatment.
• Option two is an at-home kit. This kit includes a tray that is custom-fitted to your teeth. Inside the tray is a special dental bleaching gel. Your dentist will tell you how long to wear the tray each day and your teeth will become whiter over a period of time.

Your dentist must always supervise any tooth-whitening treatments. A thorough check-up will rule out any underlying causes for the discolouration of your teeth and we can help you choose the whitening option that will best achieve your desired results. ”

“A: Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused by plaque. Over time, plaque builds up along the gums and hardens into tarter. This can lead to an infection that may eventually break down the gum tissue and spread to the underlying bone. The result is often loosened or lost teeth. Bacteria can even enter the bloodstream through the gums and result in additional health issues.

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining oral health, but are even more important for individuals with a history of gum disease. Always remember that early detection is your best defence. If gum disease is detected early on, it may be easily treated and even reversed with thorough professional cleanings and a more rigorous oral hygiene routine. ”