- smile@munjalcareredental.ca
- (519) 886-0330
A typical dental checkup includes a complete extra-oral and intra-oral examination, evaluation of medical history, past dental history, and x-rays. This helps the dentist to diagnose and make recommendations best suited for you. This is generally followed by a visit with the hygienist for cleaning, polishing, gum probing, and oral hygiene instructions.
Periodontics deals with the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. Along with the jaw bones, gums hold teeth firmly in place and protect below-the-gum tooth surfaces, which lack protective enamel.
Periodontal Probing is measuring the depth to which a probe can travel between the tooth and gum, an indicator of your gum health. The dental hygienist uses a periodontal probe to measure the depth of gum pockets and compare the new measurements to previous measurements to see if the pockets are getting deeper. If periodontal disease has already progressed, x-rays are used to see and compare with the previous ones to make a diagnosis.
When gums are compromised, bacteria can slip into the vulnerable area between teeth and gums. The result may be tooth decay and/or gum infection resulting in loss of supporting bone.
HOW CAN GUMS BE COMPROMISED?
On tooth surfaces, we find a sticky colorless film called plaque. It contains a build-up of bacteria, which is what makes the substance sticky. Brushing and flossing regularly removes plaque before the salts in saliva act to harden it into calculus, a rough substance that irritates gums and interferes with the seal between gums and teeth. If bacteria are left in contact with tooth surfaces for too long, the result is caries (cavities).
If bacteria get a purchase in the gum tissue, infection results. If that continues long enough, gums pull away so far that teeth can loosen in their sockets, and eventually, there may even be bone loss.
. Bleeding gums
. Redness of gum tissue
. Swelling of gums around the teeth
. Breath odour
. Receding gums
. Mobility of teeth (loose teeth)
SOLUTIONS FOR A GUMMY SMILE
Gum Contouring – Some people find their smile has just too much gum and not enough tooth. When gums are extended far down on the surfaces of the teeth, less tooth enamel shows, so the teeth seem short. There is not necessarily anything wrong with this from a health standpoint, but from an aesthetic point of view, it is good to know that an improvement can be made.
A fracture of a tooth at the gum margin makes placement of the crown difficult, hence repositioning of gum to expose the fracture margin often results in a properly contoured crown that looks more natural. Cosmetic crown lengthening requires re-sculpting of gum margins so the adjacent teeth look harmonious.
HOW TO BEGIN
We believe that it’s easier than you think to achieve a beautiful smile and a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums if you are willing to take it one step at a time. No matter what condition your teeth and gums are in, right now is the best time to begin. An exam, x-rays, and pictures of your mouth can tell us everything we need to know to come up with a customized and step-by-step plan.
We work in close association with a few of the top specialists in the region, hence we don’t hesitate to refer you for a second opinion or procedure if it is the best option for you.
There are two situations when teeth benefit from extra protection. One is when you are sleeping, and the other one is when you are doing athletic activity. The need is obvious for a dental guard while engaged in football, boxing, wrestling, hockey, baseball, and other sports dangerous to your teeth. Athletic guards prevent lost and broken teeth, thus avoiding thousands of dollars in dental expense.
NIGHT GUARDS & ATHLETIC GUARDS
Some people have a night-time habit of grinding or clenching their teeth, putting a great deal of pressure on their natural teeth, replacement teeth, and dental restorations, such as fillings and crowns. In addition, this can place too much pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ or jaw joint), resulting in pain, headaches, and/or clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth.
Ready-made athletic guards may be found at sporting goods stores, but there is little that can be done in the way of adjusting the fit. Such devices can be uncomfortable and even interfere with breathing and speaking, thus discouraging an athlete from wearing the device at all. Given the importance of protecting your teeth, you might want to order a custom-made athletic guard that you will actually wear.
Another effective preventative measure to protect the teeth from caries in early childhood is the application of sealants. The natural teeth often have deep grooves and fissures on the biting surface. These grooves may retain bacterial plaque leading to caries. The application of sealants requires polishing the biting surfaces of molars and the application of tooth-colored flowable resin. This flows into the deep grooves and fissures. Once cured in place, this prevents the entry of harmful bacteria into the grooves and protects the teeth from decay.
We can provide you with a custom-made night guard or athletic guard, consisting of a thin layer of molded plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, prevents the top teeth and bottom teeth from making contact, and (in the case of an athletic guard) protects you from blows to the mouth. During your first appointment, we will make impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These will be sent to a dental laboratory, where trained technicians will model and form the guard appliance. Dual-laminate mouthguards consist of two layers, an inner layer for comfort and an outer layer for durability. Pro-Form athletic guards, which we recommend, are made of three laminated plastic layers and incorporate a shock transmitter behind the four most vulnerable teeth – the incisors. During your second visit, we will make sure the guard fits properly and give you instructions regarding its use and care. Brush your guard when you brush your teeth! Depending on the type, the use, and the degree of care, they generally last 2-4 years
