Dental care at every age

Dental care at every age

There is no age category that is safe from dental problems. From the eruption of the first baby tooth, through to retirement, here are the most frequent dental conditions encountered by children, adults and seniors.

Babies and children

  • Baby bottle tooth decay and cavities

Decay occurs due to sugar in various drinks such as milk, fresh juice, or sweetened tea that remain on the teeth for long periods of time.  It is important that babies and small children do not fall asleep with the bottle in their mouth, or use it as a pacifier, and as soon as they finish eating, we must make sure that they have swallowed all the liquid.

  • Crooked teeth because of thumb-sucking

Most babies suck their thumbs or fingers. It’s a habit that hopefully ends by the time they turn five and their first permanent teeth start to erupt. Otherwise, the pressure exerted by the tongue or finger can lead to deformation of the teeth, and from here problems can arise regarding the bite or even the correct development of speech.

Adults

  • Tooth decay

Tooth decay occurs when acid is produced from plaque which builds up on our teeth. Many people tend to think that plaque is only an aesthetic problem, but in fact, if the process advances, it can lead to further concerns such as cavities, gum disease or dental abscesses.

  • Gum line cavities

Cavities that appear under the gums are harder to detect than those formed on the enamel of the teeth and have a faster evolution. The main causes are improper brushing, aggressive brushing, or the use of a toothbrush with very rough bristles. Sometimes cavities occur due to poor nutrition.

  • Gum disease

Risk factors of gum disease include vitamin C deficiency, smoking, hormonal disorders or certain drug treatments. Bleeding gums and redness of the gums are the first signs and it is recommended to go to the dentist as soon as possible. If left untreated, it could lead to tooth loss.  Basic prevention of gum disease is thorough, consistent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

  • Tooth sensitivity

As far as tooth sensitivity is concerned, we are not talking about a disease itself, but rather a problem that can have multiple causes and just as many treatments. The only one in a position to make a diagnosis and offer solutions is the dentist, following a check-up and specific tests.

  • Bad breath (halitosis)

Many associate bad breaths with digestive problems, but more often than not, the cause is poor oral hygiene. Food debris and bacteria from the oral cavity that remain between the teeth or in the gum groove need to be removed by constant and correct brushing. It is also important to brush not only the teeth, but also the tongue. Professional cleaning sessions in the dentist’s office are just as important, as hygienists can reach areas that are commonly missed at home.

  • Tooth loss

We may tend to think this mostly happens to seniors, but, in fact, some people start losing their teeth in their forties. Lifestyle, diet, general health, and oral hygiene are factors that increase the risk of tooth loss. Luckily, we have access to solutions such as dental implants for replacing missing teeth, but prevention continues to be the best route when it comes to oral health.

Seniors

  • Gum recession and periodontal disease

The chance of developing periodontal disease and gum recession increases as we age. Oral hygiene is again the main method of prevention, but it is not always sufficient. Untreated gum problems, reduced salivary gland function, and hormonal imbalances are some of the factors that contribute to the appearance of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Regular dental check-ups are necessary from childhood in order to thrive with healthy teeth and not struggle with pain, surgeries, or prosthesis.

Pacifica Dental specialists can guide you on your journey to good oral health at every age. We are here for you in our beautiful office in Victoria BC!

What To Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Tooth Removed

What To Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Tooth Removed

Wisdom teeth certainly don’t make you smarter or wiser. However, they can give you serious headaches if you do not pay due attention to them. In order to avoid complications, it is important to know if wisdom teeth should be extracted or not, what complications can occur if you ignore certain symptoms, what extraction surgery involves and how you recover after such a procedure.

The decision to remove a wisdom tooth is not always an easy one to make. It is recommended that you discuss it with a dentist or a dental surgeon to examine the position and health of the molars, so that they can decide what is best for you, depending on the situation you are facing.

When a wisdom tooth should be removed

The problems that can arise in the case of wisdom teeth relate, in particular, to the position in which they develop and how they erupt. From this point of view, the following situations are serious reasons why extraction could be recommended or even mandatory:

  • Partial eruption (part of the mass remains in the gums). Because the tooth erupts in the back of the mouth, it’s hard to see exactly what’s going on there, and brushing isn’t easy either. Therefore, partially erupting teeth can be open corridors for food retention. They can lead to gum disease and other oral infections
  • They do not have enough space to grow. When the teeth do not have enough space to develop normally, they can force adjacent teeth to make room. Basically, they push into the molars next to which they grow and cause a domino effect.

Symptoms

Specialists recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth if certain symptoms or manifestations appear in the area, such as:

  • gum pain;
  • bleeding gums;
  • cysts, swelling in the molar area;
  • repeated infections of the soft tissue behind the brain mass;
  • tumors;
  • damage to nearby teeth;
  • gum disease;
  • extensive tooth decay.

What does the extraction involve?

The extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth. Most such interventions do not involve high risks or long-term complications, but it depends very much on the technique used. In the case of teeth that grow in the gums, an incision and removal of the bone may be needed. Very rarely, the complications that can occur are infections caused by bacteria or food debris not cleaned properly, or damage to neighboring teeth, nerves, sinuses or jaw. The duration of the procedure depends on its difficulty.

Before the treatment, the surgeon will opt for a type of anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your level of comfort. The dentist will use local or general anesthesia.

During the procedure, the dentist will:

  • perform an incision in the gum tissue to reach the tooth or bone, in the case of included or semi-included molars;
  • remove the bone that blocks access to the root of the tooth;
  • cut the molar into two sections if it is easier to cut it into pieces;
  • remove the tooth;
  • clean the extraction site of any tooth or bone residue;
  • suture the wound;
  • apply sterile dressing. They are very important in the recovery process because they prevent excess bleeding, protect the wound from infections and exposed bone, and help grow new tissues.

Recovery after an extraction

The recovery process could be outlined as follows:

  • the first 24 hours – blood clots form;
  • 2-3 days – swelling of the mouth and cheeks should diminish;
  • 7-10 days – stiffness and pain in the jaw should disappear;
  • 2 weeks – light bruises on the face should heal.

Recovery can take up to two weeks, but this varies from patient to patient. Swelling and pain may occur after the extractions; sometimes there is infection or bleeding. Postoperative care is very important and helps you recover faster. We recommend that you keep in touch with your doctor during the entire process and maintain constant communication. You will be advised about what you should eat/drink, how to perform oral cleaning, which physical activities are recommended and which are not, and what medication you should take.

At Pacifica Dental, Dr. Fatemeh Karimi is performing oral surgeries such as complicated wisdom tooth extractions. Dr. Karimi a dedicated professional with 22 years of experience. As a team, we endeavor to make any wisdom tooth extraction as easy and painless as possible, and make sure that the recovery process is fast and without any complications.

If you have any questions about removing your wisdom teeth don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an 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. 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.

A Tooth Extraction Primer – First In A 2-Part Series!

Women places fingers on lips due to pain from dental trauma

As a dentist in Victoria, BC, at Pacifica Dental, a tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures we do besides regular dental hygiene care and thorough oral health checkups. And while we’ll always do our best to treat your tooth to save it, there are many reasons why pulling one or more teeth may be necessary, depending on your individual needs.

But why do we extract teeth instead of saving them?

For children and young adults, a tooth extraction is most often done to make room for adult teeth, to prepare for orthodontics treatment, or to prevent crowding, tooth damage, or jaw issues. Because everyone is different, we also have different dental needs. Here is a quick primer on some of the reasons that a tooth extraction may be your best course of action. Of course, this is only a guideline. If you’re concerned you may need a tooth removed, give us a call for a consultation of your unique dental needs.

Early Orthodontics

When there isn’t enough room in your child’s jaw, we may recommend extracting a tooth or teeth to allow for orthodontics treatment to move the teeth into their desired positions. The result is a balanced, functional smile that may not be possible with a full mouth of teeth – one that allows your child to smile and speak with confidence. This missing tooth or teeth become unnoticeable after orthodontics care.

Wisdom Teeth

If they haven’t been removed already for early orthodontics, wisdom teeth are commonly extracted to prevent dental health issues. Often our jaws are too small to accommodate these teeth that erupt in young adulthood. If they become impacted (stuck below the gumline), come in on their side or some other unusual position, or threaten your child’s oral health in any other way, we will often recommend extracting these third molars. Interestingly, not all people have four wisdom teeth (one at the back of each quadrant of your mouth) – some have none at all, and others just one or two.

Dental Trauma

Rough play, sports, or accidents can damage a tooth beyond repair. We will always do everything we can to prevent this type of tooth loss – fabricating custom-made mouthguards, for example. Preventive techniques also include root canal treatment and a dental crown, which is often the preferred treatment, but sometimes a tooth extraction after dental trauma is unavoidable.

Extensive Decay

At Pacifica Dental our focus is on prevention and treating dental disease as soon as possible – when issues are smaller and easier to treat. But sometimes, dental decay is so extensive that it travels right through your tooth to the sensitive root below and causes a painful infection. If root canal therapy cannot clear the infection or the infection is too severe, a tooth extraction is your only option.

Damaged Restorations

Sometimes, if your bite is off or you clench or grind your teeth, your teeth can crack or break. If your bite is strong enough, and for many people it is, then old restorations could fail, while damaging your tooth so much that there is no way to bond a new restoration.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Your gums have an important job in protecting the ligaments and bones that keep your teeth firmly in their sockets. When gum disease progresses too far, your teeth loosen because your ligaments and bones are unable to hold them. A tooth extraction is sometimes the only solution when gum disease has progressed too far.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After your appointment, we’ll give you take-home instructions to help your extraction site heal. You can count on needing a few days to recover after having a tooth pulled. For the first 24 hours you’ll want to take it easy, avoid drinking through a straw, rinsing or spitting forcefully, and smoking. Take your painkillers as prescribed to help prevent pain and follow our aftercare instructions carefully. Enjoy a diet of soft foods such as soup, pudding, yogurt, and applesauce on the day of and after your extraction. Continue your oral homecare of brushing and flossing to prevent infection – but avoid the extraction site.

At Pacifica Dental, we have many services to help you prevent dental issues in Victoria, BC – and repair them if they do arise. Our kind and compassionate team is dedicated to creating an experience that puts you in control of your care and treatment options. If you’re in any kind of dental pain at all, let us help you get out of pain. And if you need a new dentist in Victoria, BC to help you stay healthy and prevent dental issues, or rejuvenate your smile with cosmetic options, we’re here to help you make your unique smile dreams come true. Call us today – and let us help you gain control of your oral health and love your smile.