Devices other than partial dentures which attempt to replace the appearance and function of a tooth are: a bridge. It is not removable but is permanently fastened in place to adjacent teeth. or an implant. These are devices which permanently attach themselves directly to the bone of the jaw and protrude through the gum just as teeth do. At Growing...Read More
Before we get into non-surgical gum treatment, let’s clear up some vocabulary. We need to understand what gum disease is. We need to get an idea of what surgical treatment is about. Surgery is very commonly recommend by the mainstream. The Vocabulary We dentists and hygienists have really messed up communications in this area.Read More
The mainstream in dentistry staunchly defends the use of mercury fillings. Historically the mainstream became the mainstream by winning a nasty professional debate (“the amalgam war”) in the eighteen-fifties. What I refer to as “mercury” fillings, are what most people call “silver fillings” and what the dental profession calls “dental amalgam fillings.” (Actually we call a filling...Read More
If your first visit to Growing Beautiful Smiles was for some purpose other than a New Patient Complete Dental Examination, then once that other bothersome issue is disposed of, a complete dental exam should become a priority. Sometimes people ask us why this is necessary.Read More
Crowns are an excellent way to repair teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be made for a number of other reasons, for example: you may have a discoloured filling and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth. you may have had a...Read More
There are two general types of white fillings: ceramic and composite. In truth so-called white fillings are tooth-coloured) Composite Fillings Composite fillings represent an ever-evolving technology to repair and restore teeth in a way that is both strong and pleasing in appearance. The word composite implies that the constituents of these fillings are complex.Read More
Cosmetic dentistry is the general term used to describe what dentists do to improve your appearance. An improvement in your appearance increases self esteem. That, in turn, can improve overall health. The Concerns People often complain that their teeth are crooked, chipped or broken from accidents. They are self-conscious about visible natural imperfections. They can see decay and stains. Fillings are showing. Read More
Did you know that stem cells are the latest technology to restore teeth and damaged cells such as joints, muscles, bones, nerves and even hearts? It may provide new treatments even for conditions such as diabetes, spinal cord injury or Parkinson’s disease. If you have a baby tooth, wisdom tooth, orthodontic procedure or other tooth...Read More
What patients call a “cleaning,” dental professionals call scaling and polishing. Instead of polishing we sometimes use the word “prophylaxis” which means “prevention.” As much as it thrills?us to use important sounding words like “prophylaxis” we often can’t be bothered with all those pesky syllables. So we just say “prophy.” Let’s settle for “polishing.” What, Exactly, Are...Read More
