The care

General dentistry

Examination and cleaning

Oral examination

Everyone should have a dental checkup at regular intervals, even if they maintain good oral hygiene. These checkups aim to:

In addition, certain conditions or lifestyle habits can affect oral health, for example, tobacco or alcohol consumption, certain illnesses or even taking medication.

The dental examination includes an assessment of:

Your dentist will check for gum infection or cavities, worn fillings, and any other unusual signs. Dentures, if present, will also be examined.

Your dentist will also inquire about your health and lifestyle habits using a medical questionnaire.

This questionnaire covers in particular:

Your dentist may need to take X-rays to make a diagnosis. These are safe because you are only exposed to very small amounts of radiation in targeted areas. Your dentist also uses the necessary means to protect you, including a protective lead apron.

Frequency

The frequency of examinations depends on the needs of each patient and several factors, including:

The College of Dentists recommends a visit every six months. During the checkup, the dentist may adjust the frequency of visits, if necessary.

(Reference: My Healthy Mouth from the Order of Dentists of Quebec)

Dental cleaning

Cleaning includes scaling (to remove plaque and accumulated tartar) and prophylaxis (polishing the teeth with a mildly abrasive paste to remove surface stains).

Operative dentistry

Dental caries is a disease of the hard tissues of the tooth which progresses inwards, forming a cavity and leading to the localized and progressive destruction of:

Your dentist will remove the part of the tooth affected by tooth decay and replace it with a filling (composite or amalgam).

Prevention is the best way to avoid cavities, and early diagnosis will allow for easier and more conservative treatment. By practicing good oral hygiene and adopting healthy eating habits, you can protect your teeth!

Periodontics

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses specifically on the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is the term used when these are affected.

The two main periodontal diseases are:

Gingivitis

This is the most common form. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums, which become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and regular professional care.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. This is more serious because it affects the tissues that support the teeth. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loosening, mobility, and even loss.

Endodontics

Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, is sometimes the only way to save the tooth rather than extract it.

At the center of the tooth is the pulp. It is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The pulp can become inflamed and/or infected in the presence of deep decay, or when a tooth has undergone repeated fillings, or as a result of trauma (shock). Root canal treatment is then necessary.

Root canal treatment consists of:

Once the root canal treatment is completed, all that remains is to restore the tooth with a traditional restoration (filling) or a crown depending on the condition of the tooth.

Crowns and bridges

Crown

A crown is an artificial tooth that completely covers a damaged or weakened natural tooth to restore and protect it. It is designed to resemble a natural tooth in shape, size, and color.

When do you need a crown?

Your dentist will check for gum infection or cavities, worn fillings, and any other unusual signs. Dentures, if present, will also be examined.

Your dentist will also inquire about your health and lifestyle habits using a medical questionnaire.

Bridge

A fixed bridge is a permanent restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of:

Pontic tooth

It is the artificial tooth that replaces the missing tooth. There may be one or more artificial teeth.

Abutment teeth

These are the natural teeth located on either side of the toothless space, on which the bridge will rest. These teeth are covered with crowns to provide support.

Dental prosthesis

Complete removable prosthesis

A complete denture, also called a full denture, is a removable dental appliance that replaces all the teeth in a dental arch (either the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both) when there are no natural teeth left.

Removable partial prosthesis

A removable partial denture is a dental appliance designed to replace one or more missing teeth in a dental arch, while relying on the remaining natural teeth for stability. It is removable, meaning the patient can easily take it out and put it back in place for maintenance and cleaning.

Tooth extraction

Extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth.

Here are some examples for which extraction may be necessary:

Advanced caries: When a cavity has destroyed a large part of the tooth, it is therefore impossible to restore it with a filling or a crown.

Periodontal disease: When periodontal disease is advanced, it leads to destruction of the bone supporting the teeth. As a result, the teeth become loose and painful.

Lack of space: Wisdom teeth that don’t have enough space to erupt properly can cause pain, infection, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth. Removing them prevents these complications.

It’s important to note that tooth extraction is usually a last resort. Your dentist will explore all other possible treatment options before recommending an extraction.