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Do you remember when your last dental appointment took place? If it was more than six months ago, you might be putting your oral health at risk. There are many reasons why it is important to see your dentist regularly, with many professionals recommending a visit twice a year. Here are just a few of the benefits of attending regular family dentist appointments.

10 Reasons Why It’s Important to See Your Dentist

1. Prevent Future Issues

Almost all oral health issues start off as small problems that can easily go unnoticed. Early gum disease and small cavities are not obvious and rarely hurt. This does not mean that they do not need treatment. Getting regular dental checkups allows your family dentist to use their expertise to help you minimize your risk of future problems. The sooner any oral health issues are identified, the easier they are to treat and eliminate.

2. Save Your Teeth

You only get one set of adult teeth to last your entire life, so it makes sense to do everything you can to preserve them. Seeing your dentist regularly is key to making this happen. The longer you go between dental checkups, the more likely it is that you will develop gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues. Over time, these problems will get worse. Eventually, they may cost you your teeth. Getting quality preventive care from your dentist is the best way to ensure that this does not happen.

3. Education on Good Dental Hygiene

We all know that we should brush our teeth twice a day and floss, but there is much more to optimal dental hygiene than that. Should you brush before or after you eat breakfast? Should you floss before or after you brush? What kind of toothpaste is best for your needs?

Your family dentist in Mississauga can answer all of these questions and more. They can also offer guidance on your specific brushing technique, pointing out areas that you miss the most based on the plaque build-up on your teeth.

4. Help with Other Oral Health Issues

Did you know that problems like teeth grinding and sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated by dentists? These issues are oral health problems, just like cavities and gum disease. Your dentist can help you figure out why you are experiencing these problems and offer you some treatment options to address them. If they cannot solve the problem on their own, they will refer you to a specialist who can provide you with further assistance.

5. Treat Bad Breath

Bad breath is a common problem that can be devastating to your social life and self-esteem. While the solution is sometimes as simple as avoiding certain foods or brushing a little more frequently, you could also struggle with these issues due to untreated oral health problems.

Tonsil stones or advanced dental decay and gum disease can cause you to develop a foul odour in your mouth that will not respond to conventional breath freshening measures. Your dentist can help you resolve the underlying issues behind your bad breath and put this problem to rest for good.

6. Give You Peace of Mind

Severe oral health problems can be devastating to your health, your comfort, and even your wallet. Visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to protect yourself from these impacts. Your family dentist is trained to identify oral health problems before they progress into major issues like periodontitis or dental abscesses. You will always know exactly what is going on in your mouth and have the opportunity to address any problems before they develop into something worse.

7. Help Prevent Cavities

Cavities do not appear overnight. They start off small and slowly grow larger. In their earliest stages, they are actually reversible. Your dentist will check for new and worsening cavities during each of your dental checkups. They will then give you specific advice based on what they find. They may recommend a fluoride treatment to address some early demineralization or suggest treating a small cavity before it gets the chance to spread further.

8. Help Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is an extremely common oral health problem that many people do not take seriously. While early gum disease, known as gingivitis, is reversible, it can quickly progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the bacteria in your gums may begin attacking your jawbone. This causes your bone to degrade and may lead to loose teeth and collapsed facial structures.

To prevent these problems, your dentist will monitor the state of your gums over your checkups. They may recommend measures like more frequent dental cleanings or a subgingival deep cleaning, which reaches below the gum line, to keep any gum disease in check.

9. Help Treat Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth affect countless people, leaving them unable to enjoy hot, cold, or sweet items without pain. Your dentist can address any tooth decay, gum recession, or structural damage that might be causing your sensitivity problems. They can also offer you fluoride treatments that will strengthen your tooth enamel and help keep your teeth safe from unpleasant shocks.

10. Screen for Oral Cancer

Sadly, oral cancer can strike anyone at any age. It is more common among people who smoke or drink excessively, as well as among people who have had the disease before.

If oral cancer is not treated, it can be fatal. Catching it early gives you a much better chance of making a full recovery. Your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening as part of your regular checkups, examining your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and even your neck and throat for signs of disease. If they spot anything, they will refer you to another healthcare professional for prompt treatment.

Book an Appointment with the Top Dentist in Mississauga

Seeing your dentist frequently is the best thing you can do for your oral health. Protect your teeth and gums by booking an appointment at Trillium Smile Dentistry, the best family dentist in Mississauga. Contact us today online or by phone to make arrangements for your next dental checkup with our expert team.

Many people who are thinking about getting dental implants feel apprehensive about the process. With so many unknowns to contend with, this is no surprise. Learning more about dental implants and the procedure needed to place them can put your mind at ease and help you discover if they are right for you.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about dental implants, including who can get them, which types of implants exist, and what you need to do to prepare for the procedure.

The Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants

Most people can get dental implants to replace a missing tooth, but not everyone can safely undergo the procedure. The best candidates:

If you do not meet these requirements but still want to receive an implant, talk to your dentist. They can help you take steps toward becoming a good implant candidate in the future.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?

Endosteal

Endosteal implants are implants that are anchored to the jawbone using a titanium screw. These are the most common type of implants due to the many benefits they offer. Not only does anchoring the implant to your jaw offer better comfort and functionality, but it also provides stimulation to the jawbone to prevent future bone loss.

Subperiosteal

Subperiosteal implants are very similar to endosteal implants, but the screw that holds them up is placed just under the gums instead of inside the jawbone.

These types of implants can provide passable results, but they are not nearly as stable or functional as endosteal implants. Their main benefit is that patients can receive them even with advanced bone loss.

Many dentists do not perform subperiosteal implants except in rare circumstances. Ideally, people who do not have enough jawbone for an endosteal implant should be given a bone graft to correct this problem. If this is not possible, a subperiosteal implant may be an option.

Single Stage

Single stage implants are placed in a single surgical appointment. A long implant screw is inserted into the jawbone and left exposed above the gumline. Then, the patient is given time to heal. Once they are fully healed a few months later, the implant is attached to the exposed part of the screw.

Two Stage

Two stage implants are placed in two surgical appointments. During the first, the dentist installs the main part of the implant screw in the jawbone. The top of this screw will be covered by the patient’s gums during the healing process. The second appointment removes the gum in this area and places a connecting piece that will hold the implant crown. This procedure is more complex than single stage implants, but it offers a better fusion of screw and jawbone.

Dental Implant Materials

Titanium Dental Implants

Titanium dental implants are the most common type of implant. This is because titanium is highly biocompatible and allows bone to grow around it, making it easier for it to fuse properly with your jawbone. Many modern titanium dental implants are actually made from titanium alloy, making them safer for people who are allergic to pure titanium.

Zirconia Dental Implants

Zirconia dental implants are made from the same material as many dental bridges and crowns. This material has not been used for implants for very long, so it lacks the same scientific support as titanium. Dentists have observed that it is more brittle than titanium but integrates almost as well with human bone. It is also rust-resistant and light-coloured, making it the superior aesthetic choice.

Potential Issues During the Dental Implant Procedure

Some potential issues that may arise during the dental implant procedure include:

What to Expect as a Patient

Before receiving a dental implant, you will need to:

After the procedure, you will likely feel tired as the anesthesia begins to wear off. After this, you will feel some discomfort that you can manage by taking your prescribed pain medication. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and bleeding during the healing process.

A few months later, you will need a second surgery to attach the implant’s connector hardware. This time, the dentist will open your gums and place the connector above your gumline. Once this heals, you will receive your implant crown, and the procedure will be over.

Pre-Care Requirements

Before your surgery, you will need to:

Dental Implants in Mississauga

Getting dental implants in Mississauga is much easier than many people think, so what are you waiting for? Call Trillium Smile Dentistry today. Our expert staff and glowing reviews make us a top choice for people searching for dental implants near where they live. Contact us to book an appointment or receive more information on the procedure, the cost, or anything else you would like to know.

Have you booked your next dental checkup yet? If not, you should. There is a good reason that your dentist recommends you visit them for a checkup every six months. These appointments give them the chance to perform many critical tasks that keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Our list of 8 things your
family dentist in Mississauga does during each checkup will help you understand why these biannual trips are so important.

8 Things Your Dentist in Mississauga Does During Checkups

X-Rays

Taking x-rays is the first thing your dentist will do during any checkup. X-rays give dentists valuable insight into how the soft and hard tissues of your mouth are faring in areas they cannot see first-hand. X-ray imaging can identify tooth decay, bone loss, tumours, impacted teeth, and other serious problems. Getting regular checkups is key to catching these issues early and mitigating their destructive potential.

Comprehensive Visual Exam

Once your x-rays are done, your dentist will look at the inside of your mouth. Using their trained professional eye, they will look for damaged dental work, gum disease, visible signs of tooth decay, and other red flags that may indicate an oral health problem. They may also measure the depth of your gum pockets with a special probe to determine the severity of any gum disease.

Bite Evaluation

The way your teeth meet when you close your mouth is called your bite. Your dentist will check your bite to make sure that none of your teeth are under too much pressure during normal speaking and eating. They will also look for evidence of a shifting bite that might become a problem soon. If they find any issues, they may recommend orthodontic treatment to address them.

Salivary Gland Inspection

Adequate saliva production is critical to good oral health, so dentists look at your salivary glands as part of the checkup process. They examine the glands for signs of problems, such as swelling or abnormal coloration. They also gauge how much saliva your glands can produce. If they are not satisfied with the results, they may order further tests or offer advice on how to stimulate those glands and boost their productivity.

Tongue Evaluation

The condition of your tongue can tell your dentist a lot about your oral health and even your general health. Your dentist will check its colour, texture, and size during your checkup to see if anything is amiss. If they observe signs that point to possible health conditions like diabetes or vitamin B12 deficiency, they will let you know so you can see your doctor for treatment.

Early Detection

Dentists are trained to care for a wide variety of oral health issues, and they use checkups as an opportunity to keep on top of these things. Your dentist will look for indications of severe problems like oral cancer, nerve damage, and impacted wisdom teeth, as well as cavities and gum disease. They will also evaluate how well attached your teeth are to your gums and bone. If any are loose, they may be able to initiate treatment that will reattach it and avoid irreversible tooth loss.

Oral Cancer Screening

One of the most important duties a dentist has is to check their patients for oral cancer. This cancer can develop anywhere along the lips, gums, tongue, the insides of your cheeks and throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth.

Your dentist will look for telltale signs of the condition, such as white patches and abnormal growths, but you should let them know if you have experienced any problems like tenderness in your mouth or lips, sores that are slow to heal, or a feeling like something is stuck in your throat. The survival rate for this type of cancer is higher the earlier it is caught, so it is important not to overlook this aspect of dental checkups.

Building Rapport

Just like a doctor, a good dentist takes the time to get to know their patients. During your checkups, your dentist will chat with you to learn more about your personality and oral health habits.

Are you a nervous person who needs a gentler approach? Does your oral hygiene need some work, and if so, which challenges are getting in your way? Do you have a family history of oral health conditions like amelogenesis imperfecta? All of these things are important for your dentist to know and can help inform the way they provide your care. This is one of the reasons why it is beneficial to keep seeing the same dentist for many years. Over time, they will come to know all of your quirks and traits, and you will feel more comfortable with them as a result.

Book a Dental Exam with the Best Family Dentist in Mississauga

Dental checkups are extremely important opportunities to evaluate your oral health. They should never be skipped, and your dentist should never rush the process. At Trillium Smile Dentistry, we put your oral health first. We are a leading family and emergency dentist in Mississauga with staff who are trusted by countless patients. Contact us today to book your next dental checkup – when you visit us, you can be sure that you are in good hands.

Do you and your children have a family dentist? If not, you should begin looking for one. Family dentists do much more than just clean and examine your teeth: they are your partner in the journey to improve your family’s oral health. Here are some of the top reasons it is worth your time to establish a relationship with a dentist for your family’s oral health needs.

Top 10 Benefits of Having a Family Dentist

1. Reduce Dental Anxiety

Do you become anxious when thinking of going to the dentist? Many people do, and it may be challenging for them to fight through the feeling for long enough to go to their appointment.

Having a family dentist builds predictability and familiarity in your dental visits. You know you will always see the same familiar faces in the usual office, which reduces some of the stress of the visit. This is especially important for children who are reluctant to go to the dentist. If they never feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair, they will try to avoid visits for as long as possible. This may cause them to miss out on preventive care like routine cleanings and oral exams that could reduce their likelihood of developing dental problems in the future.

2. Your Dentist Knows Your History

If you visit a different dentist every time, the dentist treating you will not know anything about your medical history. Your family dentist, on the other hand, keeps an extensive file on your medical history. They know things like:

This allows them to give you the best possible care and avoid triggering any adverse reactions to the products they use.

3. Convenience and Flexibility

It can be difficult to get every member to see a dentist regularly in today’s busy families. You will need to work around school hours and activities when booking appointments. If you call last-minute, the dentist might not have enough slots left that day to see everyone at once, forcing you to make multiple trips.

Your family dentist will be happy to arrange all of your family’s dental appointments with one phone call. They may even offer to schedule them back-to-back for added convenience, or at the same time if possible, through other dentists in the office. Many are open during evenings and weekends to help you find the best time for your visit.

4. Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is extremely common in Canada, affecting nearly all Canadian adults at some point in their lives. However, it is not inevitable. With good home care and regular visits to your dentist, you can avoid developing cavities in your teeth.

A family dentist is best suited to help you and your children reduce your chances of tooth decay. They can chart any existing or developing cavities, apply fluoride treatments to slow the decay, and offer personalized guidance to help you improve your oral hygiene routine and eating habits.

5. Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health problem. Bleeding, painful gums are bad enough, but the problems do not end there. If the infection sets into your jawbone and begins to cause bone loss, your teeth may start to shift around and fall out. This is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, especially in older people.

Gum disease is preventable and can even be reversed in its early stages. Seeing your family dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups will help you ward off gum disease and keep your teeth healthy and intact for as long as possible.

6. Consistent Access to Services

If you are not a regular patient at a particular dental office, you might have trouble getting appointments when you need them. This is often seen when attempting to book an appointment several months in the future.

Having a dedicated family dentist eliminated this problem. Not only will they allow you to book ahead of time, but they will often suggest that you do without you even having to ask.

7. Brighter Smiles

Maintaining bright, white teeth is an important part of personal grooming for both children and adults. Teenagers are especially likely to feel self-conscious about stained or yellow teeth. Getting regular dental cleanings at your family dentist’s office will help your whole family maintain brighter smiles all year long.

If you have a special event coming up or just want to achieve an even brighter white, you can also ask your family dentist about professional whitening treatments. Using these, your dentist may be able to make your teeth several shades lighter still.

8. Preventive Care

Preventive dental care plays a significant role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. People who receive regular dental care are less likely to develop severe problems like advanced tooth decay, periodontitis, or dental abscesses.

Your family dentist will see all your family members on a regular basis. They can spot problems before they develop into severe issues and make the appropriate interventions to keep them from becoming worse. They can also clean any built-up tartar off your teeth and suggest things you can do at home to better care for your oral health.

9. Emergency Dental Services

Most children are extremely accident-prone, and their teeth are often easier to dislodge or break than an adult’s teeth would be. If they were to get hit in the head or jaw, there is a decent chance that some dental damage may be done.

Having a family dentist allows you to rest easy, knowing that if something does happen, you know where to go to get your child’s teeth examined and fixed. Considering that timing is critical to achieving the best results in many cases, this is no small advantage.

10. Access to A Range of Dental Services

Each member of your family needs different types of dental care. From orthodontic screenings and cavity prevention to tooth extraction and implant placement, you will need a dentist that can do it all.

A good family dentist in Mississauga offers services for patients of all ages. Whether you need tips on how to care for your baby’s first few teeth or need to have a crown placed on a severely damaged tooth, you can go to the same dental office you always visit and have all of your family’s dental needs addressed.

Book Your Family Dentist Appointments with the Best Dentist in Mississauga

Having a family dentist can make a significant difference in the oral health of you and your children. Find yours today at Trillium Smile Dentistry. Dr. Tousi and her team are always happy to take on new patients of all ages, and with our sterling reputation, you can be sure that your family will receive the quality dental care they need. Contact us today at 905-828-9894 or fill out our online form to set up your first round of appointments today.

Children require regular dental care as much as any other type of healthcare, even when they are very young. The Canadian Dental Association recommends that all children visit a dentist before their first birthday and receive regular dental checkups every six months afterwards.

However, finding a family dentist in Mississauga is not always an easy task. You must choose a dentist that is able to provide reliable, convenient care for both the children and adults in your family. This guide will identify what to look for at a family dentist and offer tips to find the right one for you.