Prevent Teeth Staining and Brighten Your Smile

Prevent Teeth Staining and Brighten Your Smile

Introduction: A smile is one of the most important features of a person’s face. It not only enhances your personality but also influences the first impression you leave on someone.

However, yellow, or stained teeth can ruin your smile and impact your self-confidence. Therefore, it is essential to take care of your teeth and prevent them from staining.

Fortunately, there are several easy methods you can try to keep your teeth bright and white. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some effective ways to prevent your teeth from staining.

Avoid Foods and Beverages that Stain Your Teeth?

Certain foods and drinks can leave a stain on your teeth. For instance, tea, coffee, red wine, can cause yellowing of the teeth.

To prevent staining your teeth, try to limit your intake of these foods. If you can’t avoid them, use a straw to minimize the contact of these staining substances with your teeth. Additionally, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after consuming them.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily is one of the most effective ways to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent them from staining. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Flossing is equally important to remove the food particles trapped between your teeth. Make sure to floss at least once a day to prevent plaque build-up that causes discoloration of your teeth.

Use Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste can be an effective solution to whiten your teeth. However, it is essential to use the right toothpaste that contains safe and effective ingredients.

Look for toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide or baking soda, which can break down stains and help whiten your teeth.

Get Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

If your teeth are severely discoloured, professional teeth whitening treatment could be the best option for you. A dentist can offer several teeth whitening treatments, including bleaching, laser whitening, and custom trays. A professional treatment can remove deep-seated stains from your teeth and give you a brighter, whiter smile.

At Pacifica Dental we offer professional teeth whitening. If you are interested in finding out more contact us at: (250) 384-7141.

Take Care of Your Overall Health

Your overall health and lifestyle can also contribute to the discoloration of your teeth. Certain medications, diseases, and smoking can cause your teeth to turn yellow.

Therefore, it is important to take care of your overall health to prevent staining of your teeth. Find an alternative to smoking, and coloured alcohol, and maintain a healthy diet containing crisp foods, such as apples, to keep your teeth white and bright.

To Wrap Things Up…

Taking care of your teeth is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and a beautiful smile. Stained or yellow teeth can impact your self-confidence.

By following these tips, you can prevent your teeth from staining and maintain a bright, white smile.

So, make brushing and flossing a daily habit, avoid foods and beverages that stain your teeth, use whitening toothpaste, get professional teeth whitening treatment, and take care of your overall health. Start today, and you’ll see the positive impact on your smile and your overall health.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today! Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

The Team at Pacifica Dental.

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Exam & Hygiene

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Exams & Hygiene

Taking care of your dental hygiene is essential to maintain good oral health. However, it’s also crucial to visit the dentist regularly to get your teeth examined and cleaned.

A dental exam is an important part of your overall health care routine. It enables the dentist to spot early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. This blog will provide you with an in-depth understanding of what a dental exam and hygiene entail.

1. What is a Dental Exam?

A dental exam is an evaluation of your overall oral health and hygiene. During the exam, the dentist will check for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. They may also take x-rays to get a better view of your teeth and gums. Additionally, the dentist will examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer or other diseases.

2. What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleaning, also known as scaling, involves removing the buildup of plaque and tartar from your teeth. This is done using special devices such as a piezo or ultrasonic units and hand instruments plus a polisher.

The dentist or dental hygienist will also floss your teeth to remove any debris that may have accumulated between them. Afterward, they will apply fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.

3. Why is Dental Hygiene Important?

Practicing good dental hygiene is crucial to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It also helps keep your teeth healthy and strong, allowing you to eat and speak properly.

Regular brushing and flossing can prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Moreover, visiting your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings can help detect and address dental problems before they worsen.

4. Is Dental X-Ray Safe?

Dental x-rays are a standard part of dental exams and can provide valuable information that can’t be seen with the naked eye. The amount of radiation exposure from dental x-rays is very low and safe.

Moreover, dentists use the most advanced technology to minimize the amount of radiation exposure. If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, it’s important to inform your dentist before getting an x-ray.

5. How Often Should You Go for a Dental Exam and Hygiene?

The frequency of dental exams and cleanings is dependent on one’s overall oral health and risk factors. At Pacifica Dental, we provide customized recommendations tailored to everyone’s needs. If there is a history of gum disease or other dental issues, the dentist may advise more frequent visits. We have some of our patients on a 3-month dental plan.

To Wrap Things Up…

Dental hygiene is a crucial aspect of your oral and overall health. A dental exam allows dentists to check for any dental problems and address them early on. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease and keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings. By doing so, you can maintain good oral health and avoid more extensive dental procedures in the future.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today! Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

The Team at Pacifica Dental.

What Are Dental Veneers and How Can They Improve Your Smile?

What Are Dental Veneers and How Can They Improve Your Smile?

Have you been wanting to improve the appearance of your smile? One popular option is dental veneers.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front of your teeth. They are made of either porcelain or composite material and can help improve the appearance of your teeth by making them look straighter, whiter, and more symmetrical. Let’s take a closer look at what veneers are and how they can help you smile more. Click the link to view our page on Dental Veneers: https://pacificadental.ca/services/dental-veneers/

What Are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?

Veneers can be used to address a wide range of cosmetic issues with your teeth. From gaps between teeth to discolouration, chips or cracks, dental veneers may be able to give you the perfect smile you have always wanted. In addition, they can also help protect your teeth from further damage due to wear and tear.

One of the major benefits of veneers is that we can lighten the shade in order to make teeth look brighter and more uniform. This can be particularly helpful for people who have teeth that are naturally yellow or discoloured from years of consuming coffee, tea, wine, or other foods and drinks known to stain the teeth. Not only do veneers provide a quick and relatively minor solution to lightening stained teeth, but they also give us greater control over colour choice when compared with other methods such as conventional bleaching procedures. Therefore, using this method of treatment can help patients achieve the bright smile of their dreams.

How Long Will My Dental Veneers Last?

The lifespan of your veneers will depend on the type of material that is used as well as how well you take care of them. Porcelain veneers typically last longer than composite ones but both types should last for several years with proper care and maintenance.

It is important to remember that regular flossing, brushing twice a day, avoiding hard foods, following proper oral hygiene habits, and visiting the dentist every six months for checkups will all help ensure that your dental veneers last as long as possible.

Are Dental Veneers Right for Me?

If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your smile, then dental veneers may be right for you. However, it is important to note that not everyone is an ideal candidate for this procedure, so it is best to consult with your dentist before having any work done on your teeth.

During this consultation, the dentist will be able to determine if this procedure is right for you based on factors such as the health of your teeth and gums as well as any underlying medical conditions that may affect the outcome of the procedure.  Click the link to see what the Canadian Dental Association say about Dental Veneers: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/bonding_veneers/

To Wrap Things Up…

Veneers can be a great way to improve the appearance of your smile if other methods have failed or if they just don’t fit into your lifestyle or budget. Not only do they provide an immediate transformation, but they also require very little maintenance which makes them an attractive option for those who want a quick fix without too much effort involved in keeping them looking bright white! So why not give yourself a boost in confidence with some new pearly whites today! Speak with one our dentists here at Pacifica Dental about whether dental veneers are right for you!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, contact Pacifica Dental today!

Visit https://pacificadental.ca/contact/

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about taking care of your pearly whites!

Sincerely

The Pacifica Dental Team

Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy (LBR) available at Pacifica Dental

Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy (LBR) available at Pacifica Dental

We know how important comfort and time are for our patients and that’s why here at Pacifica Dental, we consistently invest in state-of-the-art technology that helps us achieve better and faster results. A recent example is Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy (LBR), a therapy that eliminates harmful bacteria in the oral cavity in less than a minute.

You often hear us talking about bacteria in the oral cavity because it represents a threat not only for our oral health but also for the rest of our body. It can lead to problems such as tooth decay and gingivitis, heart attack, diabetes and dementia.

Plaque is formed when residue from food and drink remains on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth are fed by this residue, producing acids as a result. In time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause the bone supporting the teeth to breakdown.

With manual cleaning we only eliminate part of that bacteria. Luckily, technology comes once again to our rescue 😊 With Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy, we can target up to 88% of the bad bacteria in your mouth. LBR is completely painless and it takes less than a minute. It reduces the risk of gum disease resurgence. Even better, there are no side effects and the results can last up to six months.

Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy main benefits:

  • Improved oral health
  • Stronger resistance to infection and gum disease
  • Immune system boost
  • Increased protection from other inflammation-based diseases throughout the body
  • Lower risk of cross-contamination between healthy and diseased teeth and gums

At Pacifica Dental, our patients can benefit from the advantages of laser therapy during professional cleaning sessions. We recommend it especially to patients that suffer from gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontal disease. The procedure is safe and gentle on the teeth and gums, with no pain or discomfort.

How does LBR work?

The laser used for Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy is a non-cutting laser, which means it emits a light that won’t cut through soft or hard tissue. LBR only targets harmful bacteria and diseased tissue, protecting healthy bacteria, teeth, and gums. In this way it helps to maintain a healthy environment in the oral cavity.

LBR therapy can benefit everyone, and we recognize that every patient is unique and has specific needs. That’s why we personalize every treatment to meet each patient’s situation.

We’re waiting for you to try Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy during your next appointment at Pacifica Dental.

Dental Implants – Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Implants - Frequently Asked Questions

More than half of the Canadian population has at least one missing tooth. Although this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it is actually a problem that could affect a person’s general health and wellbeing.

A single missing tooth can lead to changes in the geometry of the oral cavity, which can cause infection in the gums and the roots of the other teeth. Also, adjacent teeth will migrate, and we can have problems chewing, speaking, and even breathing. It could also lead to migraines. Because teeth play a key role in shaping the face, the lack of one or more can affect facial aesthetics, leading to the appearance of premature aging.

In addition to physical ailments, people suffering from missing teeth- known as edentulousness- are also often prone to psychological problems, some therapists say. The appearance of one’s smile is extremely important today, and its imperfections give rise to frustrations and complexes. Patients with dental problems sometimes avoid laughing or even smiling, and we already know that these are the best medicines for our body and brain. At the psycho-emotional level, such behavior can lead to depression, due to decreased self-confidence, avoidance of social engagement and the deterioration of professional and personal relationships.

Fortunately, treatment methods have evolved and we can now replace lost teeth in a short period of time and with minimal discomfort, with the help of dental implants.

For those of you interested in this procedure, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about dental implants:

When should one consider to implants?

Implants are recommended as soon as possible after losing a natural tooth. After losing a tooth, the area around it begins to lose its function. When the tooth is not being stimulated, the bone volume in the area diminishes and the jawbone actually becomes smaller in size. Although it previously supported the roots of the teeth, the area around the tooth – known as the periodontium – shrinks due to the lack of purpose for which it was created. This phenomenon is called resorption or bone atrophy.

What are implants made of?

A dental implant is a piece of pure titanium (99.95%) in the shape of a screw. It is meant to create an artificial root in the jawbone, where the natural root missing.

Reconstruction consists of two stages:

  1. the implant is surgically placed in the bone and
  2. a prosthetic abutment is placed into the implant. Above the prosthetic abutment is anchored a crown, a bridge or a prosthesis. The materials used are biocompatible and aesthetic: composites, polymers, porcelain on metal structure, porcelain on zirconium structure or integral ceramics, meaning porcelain without metal.

What are the contraindications of this procedure?

Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, uremia, heart conditions, hypertension, acute rheumatoid arthritis and those undergoing radiation therapy are not candidates for dental implants.

Also, the procedure is contraindicated for pregnant or lactating women.

Is there a maximum age restriction for implants?

There is no age restriction. It is the general health of the patient that is important. As per above, implant treatment may be contraindicated in certain chronic diseases.

What are the costs of implants?

An implant will cost an average of 4,300 CAD.

What are the success factors?

The dental implant imitates the structure of the natural tooth. Therefore, the conditions in the mouth can affect the success of the procedure.

Like a natural tooth, the implant penetrates the jawbone. A healthy bone can support a dental implant.

The bone must be high and thick enough for the implant to fit. The jaw must have solid bone on the outside around softer bone on the inside in order to keep the implant safe. A healthy gum helps protect the jaw from infection by tightening around the implant.

If your oral cavity is healthy and you are in overall good health, you are a possible candidate for dental implants.

What is the success rate?

At Pacifica Dental, the success rate of a dental implant procedure is 98%.

How long does an implant treatment last?

Depending on the type of implant, its location, and the type of work selected, the total time period can be between 4 and 6 months. There are special dental implants, which due to their composition and surface, can be loaded prosthetically immediately.

If bone augmentation is necessary, then the healing period is longer. Pacifica Dental doctors discuss all aspects of any treatment with each patient and will also advise them on the recovery process.

What does the surgical procedure consist of?

The dental implant is placed into the bone through a painless and minimally invasive surgical procedure. With vast experience in the field of dental implantology, specializations and endowment technology, Pacifica Dental specialists can perform any type of dental implant – from the simple to the complex.

Is the procedure painful?

Many patients say that implant surgery is less painful than extracting a wisdom tooth. With state-of-the-art equipment, safe and effective local anaesthetics, specialized medical staff and years of experience, Pacifica Dental strives to provide treatment with minimal discomfort.

What is the lifecycle of a dental implant?

Many dental implants perform their functions successfully for 25-30 years. The prognosis for patients who have had periodontal problems in the past, especially those with bone damage around the roots of natural teeth, is less optimistic than for healthy patients. Diligently following the dentist’s recommendations for post-surgical care is also a factor in determining the success of the implant. Like any artificial body replacement, there are no promises or guarantees regarding the implant’s longevity.

What are the precautions to take after the procedure?

The long-term success of the treatment is dependent on impeccable oral hygiene, done daily by the patient at home, but also, periodically, professionally with special instruments and equipment in the dentist’s office.

Pacifica Dental specialists will help teach you correct brushing techniques, and will recommend the most effective oral hygiene products, including those products developed for taking care of dental implants in Victoria BC. Periodic professional sanitizations will be performed by trained hygienists, with specific tools and equipment, designed to protect both the implant and the tissues around it.

Pacifica Dental patients benefit from such a periodic monitoring program. In addition to oral hygiene, the occlusion (bite) will be checked every time, especially in the area of ​​the implants, so that there will be no mechanical changes (overloads) that would lead to compromise and loss of the implant.

If you still don’t know if you are a candidate for dental implants or still want to find out more about this procedure, give us a call and schedule your appointment @ Pacifica Dental. Our specialists will explain the entire process to you and we’ll decide together what type of treatment suits you best.

Dental Technology For Your Comfort And Convenience

As a dentist in Victoria, at Pacifica Dental, we refuse to compromise on the level of quality care we offer. Part of that commitment is the use of diagnostic technologies because they provide many advantages for you – our valued patient.

In this blog … I’ll talk about the technology that helps us better determine the state of your oral health while offering you a better experience in the dental chair. You may be surprised to learn how beneficial this equipment really is.

Dental Diagnostics Technology

Digital x-rays allow your dentist in Victoria to get a clear picture of the inside of your teeth and gums, so that diagnosis is more accurate and treatment specific to your unique situation. In addition, there’s…

  • up to 90% less radiation than with traditional x-rays
  • less time in the dental chair because they are faster and more efficient
  • no exposure to film chemicals – safer for you, our team, and the environment
  • faster insurance processing because claims are illustrated, and electronic communication is instantaneous.

The intraoral camera is a small pen-sized camera that is linked to a chairside monitor to display what we see when we examine your teeth, gums, and mouth. Because it displays images on a screen, it helps you understand what we mean when we’re discussing our findings with you during your dental cleaning, exam, or consultation.

Digital impressions are 100% comfortable, and a clear techno winner that…

  • eliminate the need for goopy impressions (awesome, right?!)
  • take clear, color impressions of your teeth, gums, and other soft tissue
  • can be sent electronically to the lab, for faster service and more accurate results.

Panoramic x-rays make it possible to get a full view of your entire mouth – with just one image. This includes both the upper and lower jaws, jaw joints, all your teeth, and even your nasal region. Other advantages of this technology at Pacifica Dental include…

  • a very detailed image that can show us bone abnormalities, cysts, fractures, impacted teeth, infections, and tumors
  • it aids in accurate fit and placement of restorations, especially implants and dentures
  • because the images are taken outside of your mouth, it means a fast, painless experience for you.

In-house CBCT allows you to have scans done conveniently in-office! In less than one minute, we can generate a 3-D virtual model of your anatomy in astonishing detail from virtually any angle. Another plus is that this requires only one scan so generates less radiation than standard CT scans. Whether we are evaluating your jaw function, bone health, tooth structure, or the health of soft tissues, with this state-of-the-art technology we can provide precise treatment plans with reliable, predictable, excellent results.

Dental Treatment Technology

CEREC is the world’s most advanced dental restoration system. After taking an accurate 3-dimensional digital impression of your teeth, the system then transfers the images to a computer screen so we can design and color match your restoration together. After we are happy with how your restoration will look, the design is sent to another machine that precisely mills your restoration while we watch. The strong ceramic material is matched to your tooth color, is translucent like natural enamel, and is biocompatible. The final step? Bonding your finished restoration in place. All in one visit!

Air Abrasion works like an extremely precise miniature sandblaster. It sprays a stream of tiny particles too small to be seen with the naked eye gently and precisely onto the tooth to wear away decay. The action is so gentle, air abrasion allows us to treat decay without removing as much healthy tooth material. That means fewer crowns and smaller fillings.

Soft tissue lasers are most often used in dentistry to correct gum issues. This can include gum disease treatment or changing the shape of your gums. Our patients love it because it feels less invasive than a scalpel and often reduces swelling and bleeding after treatment. They’re not ideal in all situations, so depending on your individual history and needs, we may recommend a different choice.

We are committed to making your experience as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Technology is a big part of that – and we make good use of it.

Please call today to book your consultation or to ask any questions about our practice. We welcome new patients and our friendly team will be happy to talk to you.

Yours in excellent dental health,
Drs. Cristina and Bogdan Coca, dentists in Victoria, BC