Coquitlam Dentist Accepting New Patients: (604) 420-2545

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Dentist on Ridgeway in Coquitlam BC>burnaby dentist
emergency dentist burnaby
General Dentistry
August 31, 20178

Emergency Dental Services

Dental emergencies are both painful and terrifying. It’s possible for trauma, grinding, eating hard foods, etc. to lead to fractured teeth. At this stage, treatment is always required to alleviate the pain and to ensure your teeth have the best chances of survival.

For many, being at a Dental Office is far from ideal. That is why at Bainbridge Dental in Burnaby, we offer several sedation options for those who are extremely nervous or undergoing major dental procedures. We strive to have you feel very safe and relaxed so that you can forget about your worries while we take care of your dental emergency. While most nervous patients only require a minor sedation that keeps them conscious, it is not uncommon for some to fall asleep during treatment, simply because they are so relaxed!

Call us if you experience

  1. Toothache
  2. Chipped or broken teeth
  3. Lost filling or abscessed tooth
  4. Sensitivity to heat and cold
  5. Emergency issue in teeth or jaw region

Most dental emergencies escalate quickly, so do not wait any longer than you have to.. Please contact Bainbridge Dental in Burnaby at: (604) 420-2545 or simply drop into our dental office. We accept new patients and walk-ins.

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

types of cracked tooth vancouver

  1. For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the CDA Seal of Acceptance. Then, get to Bainbridge Dental on Lougheed Hwy in Burnaby right away.
  2. For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
  3. If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
  4. For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
  5. For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to visit our Burnaby Dental Office on Lougheed Hwy or an emergency room as soon as possible.

Here are some simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

  • Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
  • Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
  • Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

At Bainbridge Dental Office, our Burnaby Dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients. Call our Burnaby Dental Office at (604) 420-2545 and provide as much detail as possible about your dental emergency.

Dental emergencies are both painful and terrifying. It's possible for trauma, grinding, eating hard foods, etc. to lead to fractured teeth. At this stage, treatment is always required to alleviate the pain and to ensure your teeth have the best chances of survival. For many, being at a Dental Office...
best comfortable dentist
General Dentistry
August 31, 20175

Comfort Aid

burnaby dentist sedation

A high number of people choose not to visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings because they suffer from dental anxiety. At Bainbridge Dental Clinic in Burnaby BC, our dentists understand how scary a dentist’s chair can be, and so we take extra measures to ensure all our patients are as comfortable as they can every time they come in. This includes comfort aids for patients to make their visit more enjoyable and less anxiety-provoking.

These comfort aids include:

Sedation dentistry

An excellent way of decreasing patient anxiety for those who are afraid of the dentist. There are currently 4 levels of sedation:

  1. Minimal: Oral medication in pill form (Ativan, Rezipan) is provided prior to treatment. This type of sedation does not cause sleep but rather dulls the senses so that the patient is fully awake, yet more relaxed.
  2. Moderate: The patient is fully conscious but may not remember the procedure. Slurring of words following the procedure is also common.
  3. Deep: The patient is close to a state of unconsciousness, but can still be woken if needed.
  4. General Anesthetic: Generally used during longer medical procedures. The patient is in a deep sleep throughout the procedure and shortly afterward.

It is very important that we have your medical history up to date so that we are aware of any medications you are taking and any potential allergies before we administer any sedation.

Topical Anesthetic

burnaby dentist anesthetic

Topical anesthetic reduces the slight discomfort associated with insertion of the needle. It is effective to a depth of 2-3mm. Although its application is beneficial for reducing patient discomfort during the initial phase of local anesthetic administration, it may be a disadvantage in children if the taste is disagreeable to the patient. Also, excessive length of application time may increase apprehension of the approaching procedure.

It is available in gel, liquid, ointment, patch and pressurized spray forms. The most common topical anesthetics used in dentistry are those containing benzocaine or lidocaine.

Benzocaine (ethyl aminobenzoate) is an ester local anesthetic. It is available in up to 20% concentrations. It is not known to produce systemic toxicity but can produce local allergic reactions especially after prolonged or repeated use. It exhibits poor solubility in water and poor absorption into the cardiovascular system, thus it remains at the site of application longer, providing a prolonged duration of action. Systemic toxic (overdose) reactions are virtually unknown. Benzocaine is reported to inhibit the antibacterial action of sulfonamides.

Lidocaine is available as a solution or ointment up to 5% concentration and as a spray up to 10% concentration. It has a low incidence of allergic reactions but is absorbed systemically and application of excessive amounts of topical lidocaine may absorb rapidly into the cardiovascular system leading to higher local anesthetic blood levels with an increased risk, especially in the pediatric patient, of overdose reaction. Thus a minimal amount of topical gel should be applied to the tissue and a metered spray is suggested if an aerosol preparation is selected.

Local Anesthetic

burnaby dentist topical anesthetic

Sometimes our Burnaby Dentists needs to numb a part of your mouth. He or she injects medicine into your gum or inner cheek. This medicine is called local anesthesia.

Lidocaine is the most common local anesthetic that our dentists at Bainbridge Dental Clinic use. There are many others. They all have names ending in “-caine.” Many people think of Novocain as the classic numbing drug. But Novocain actually is not used anymore. Other drugs last longer and work better than Novocain. These drugs also are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

The numbing drug is only one part of what’s injected. The liquid in the injection also can include:

  • A type of drug called a vasoconstrictor. This drug narrows your blood vessels. This makes the numbness last longer.
  • A chemical that keeps the vasoconstrictor from breaking down
  • Sodium hydroxide, which helps the numbing drug work
  • Sodium chloride, which helps the drugs get into your blood

There are two kinds of numbing injections. A block injection numbs an entire region of your mouth, such as one side of your lower jaw. An infiltration injection numbs a smaller area. This is the area near where the injection was given.

If you need local anesthesia in order to have your dental treatment done, our Burnaby Dentist will dry part of your mouth with air or cotton. Our dentists then will swab the area with a gel to numb the skin.

Then, our Dentist in Burnaby will slowly inject the local anesthetic. Most people don’t feel the needle. Instead, the sting they feel is caused by the anesthetic moving into the tissue.

An injection of local anesthesia can last up to several hours. After you leave our dental office in Burnaby, you may find it difficult to speak clearly or eat. Drinking from a straw can be messy. Be careful not to bite down on the numb area. You could hurt yourself without realizing it.

Side Effects

Local anesthetics are the most common drugs used in the dental office. Side effects are very rare.

One possible side effect is a hematoma. This is a blood-filled swelling. It can form when the injection needle hits a blood vessel.

The numbing medicine sometimes causes numbness outside of the targeted area. If this happens, your eyelid or mouth can droop. You will recover when the drug wears off.

If you are unable to blink, you may need to have your eye taped shut until the numbness wears off. The anesthetic usually lasts for only a couple of hours. In some people, the vasoconstrictor drug can cause the heart to beat faster. This lasts only a minute or two. Tell your doctor if this has ever happened to you.

Finally, the needle can injure a nerve. This can lead to numbness and pain for several weeks or months. The nerve usually heals over time.

Concerns

It is rare to have an allergic reaction to a local anesthetic. Be sure to tell our dentist about all of the medicines you take. This should include over-the-counter drugs and also any herbs or vitamins you take. Also, tell our dentist about any reactions you have had with medicines, no matter how minor the reaction was. Some drugs can interact with local anesthetics.

Local anesthesia can lead to a short-term problem with the operation of wheelchairs that use “sip and puff” technology. If your mouth is numb, you may not be able to create a tight seal around the straw that controls your wheelchair. Make sure that you have someone with you who knows how to use the manual controls on your wheelchair until your numbness wears off.

A high number of people choose not to visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings because they suffer from dental anxiety. At Bainbridge Dental Clinic in Burnaby BC, our dentists understand how scary a dentist's chair can be, and so we take extra measures to ensure all our patients...
burnaby oral hygiene
General Dentistry
August 31, 20176

Oral Hygiene Education

Practicing good oral hygiene is of the utmost importance. To ensure all our Burnaby dental patients maintain healthy, clean, and fresh teeth and gums, we encourage them to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with our highly trained dentists every 4-6 months. Everyone at Ridgeway Dental Clinic in Burnaby, BC is here to help you with any questions or concerns you have regarding daily dental practices like brushing and flossing.

Velscope: Our Ridgeway Dental Office on Lougheed Hwy in Burnaby is dedicated to both help you maintain a beautiful smile and to your overall wellness and health. We take a slightly different approach to your care, which includes a screening for oral cancer as part of your regular exam. Like other cancers, oral cancer is life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated at the early stages.

We have the skills, tools, and knowledge to identify early signs of oral cancer and ore-cancerous conditions. While some symptoms might be caused by other problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.

burnaby oral hygiene dentist

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Hygiene Education

1. What is the first thing that you will do while going to a regular oral check-up?

Before anything is done inside your mouth our Burnaby Dentist will need to know about your medical history if this is your first appointment at the dental clinic in Burnaby or, if you have been to the practice before, any changes in your health such as new medications, diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy, etc. It is important that our dental care team knows about any health concerns, anxieties, or allergies you may have in order to avoid incidents and to make sure you get the kind of care you need.

2. What is a teeth examination?

It is having a look at any problem areas in your mouth. A metal probe with a small angled mirror will be used, which will help we see behind and between teeth and gums, as well as check for the softening of tooth enamel and dentin.

We will also be on the lookout for the swelling of gums in any areas, mouth sores, and redness. Finally, we will measure your mouth’s periodontal pockets, which are the spaces between the top of the gum line and where the gum tissues firmly attaches to the tooth. Ideally, this pocket should only be between one and three millimeters deep, however, deeper pockets can be a sign of gum disease and thus should be closely monitored.

3. What is a dental exam?

The dental exam is different from the initial teeth examination that our hygienist completed as this one is done by our Burnaby dentist. We will use our dental x-rays to see if there is any loss of bone, fractures, or any other abnormality below your visible gum line before moving on to look for issues with jaw alignment, teeth grinding, and oral cancer.

Once all of this is done, our Burnaby Dentist should have a full understanding of what your oral health needs are, and will be able to prescribe any necessary dental treatments to prevent or treat your issues.

4. Who Needs Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are used diagnostically to help our dentists see issues that are otherwise nearly invisible to the naked eye. Adults receive dental x-rays so dentists can better identify and treat various issues. Using these x-rays, our dentists at Ridgeway Dental can see:

  • Areas of decay, including those in between teeth or under a filling
  • Bone loss associated with gum disease
  • Abscesses, which are infections at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and gum
  • Tumors
  • Changes in the root canal

Without an x-ray, many of these problems could go undiagnosed. With an x-ray as a reference, our dentists are also better equipped to prepare tooth implants, dentures, Invisalign, and other cosmetic dental treatments.

5. What happens during a Teeth Cleaning?

We will start by scraping off built-up plaque and tartar that collects above and below the gum line before flossing between and around every tooth to remove any plaque or food particles that are clinging on.

We will also give your teeth a smooth and shiny finish using a tooth polisher with a spinning head and slightly abrasive paste. The polishing will get rid of any residue that was previously missed and will make your teeth smoother so that plaque will not collect as easily on them between visits to the dentist.

6. What are the differences between Hygienist and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)?

Hygienists are trained dental professionals who take care of routine dental care, such as regular cleanings and assist dentists in other procedures. They are an integral part of our Burnaby Dental Practice and make up a big part of the team that works to keep your oral health at its best.

CDAs don’t do as much of the nitty-gritty cleaning work that hygienists do, but they provide excellent help with the preparation work and with assisting dentists during procedures.

You can think of both of these roles as the truly unsung heroes of a dental practice.

7. What is the VELscope® Vx?

The VELscope® Vx is an oral disease visualization device, not an oral cancer diagnostic device. The VELscope® is the first adjunctive device cleared by the FDA and Health Canada to help clinicians visualize cancerous and precancerous lesions and other lesions that might not be apparent to the naked eye. The VELscope is also cleared to help surgeons determine appropriate surgical margins around lesions prior to excision.

The VELscope® Vx is LED Dental Inc.’s newest model release of the VELscope system, and has identical Indications for Use to the original VELscope system.

The VELscope® Vx’s blue light excites natural “fluorophores” in mucosal tissues. The VELscope® Vx’s proprietary filter makes fluorescence visualization possible, by blocking reflected blue light, and by enhancing the contrast between normal and abnormal tissue.

Like other visualization technologies, such as panoramic radiography, CT, MRI, PET and ultrasound, the VELscope is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic test. However, used in conjunction with the standard oral soft tissue exam, VELscope® Vx provides visual information that cannot be acquired in any other way.

8. How long does a VELscope® Vx exam take?

In about 2 minutes, with no rinses, dyes or discomfort, a VELscope® Vx examination helps healthcare professionals assure their patients that their oral mucosa has been assessed to an advanced level of preventative care.

9. Is VELscope® Vx safe?

Yes, the VELscope® Vx system is safe. All that’s being shone into the oral cavity is blue light, generated by light emitting diodes. However, patients with a history of photosensitivity or those using photosensitive medications should not be exposed to the light emitted from the VELscope® Vx device.

10. What is the last thing of a regular oral check-up?

The final step of the routine dental checkup is scheduling your next one for a date 4 to 6 months in the future. Scheduling your next appointment right away is the easiest and most effective way to ensure that you don’t forget to have your dental checkup regularly. Even if you are diligent in your personal dental care, there is no better protection against oral issues than having your mouth professionally cleaned and monitored.

Advantages of the Velscope system

  1. FDA approved
  2. Easily combined with digital photography
  3. Detects problem areas unseen under white light
  4. Detects lesions, as well as white and red patches
  5. Checks soft tissue
  6. Helps diagnose oral cancer in earliest stages
  7. Examinations are always quick and painless
Practicing good oral hygiene is of the utmost importance. To ensure all our Burnaby dental patients maintain healthy, clean, and fresh teeth and gums, we encourage them to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with our highly trained dentists every 4-6 months. Everyone at Ridgeway Dental Clinic in Burnaby, BC is...
burnaby routine dental cleaning
General Dentistry
August 31, 201710

Routine Cleanings

burnaby dental cleaning

Keeping up with the correct oral health standards is extremely important, as poor oral health can negatively affect a person’s day to day life. Depending on oral health needs, our Burnaby Dentists recommends having a regular check-up and cleaning every 4-6 months. Call our Ridgeway Dental Office on Lougheed Hwy in Burnaby, BC to book your next check-up and cleaning appointment with our exceptional Dentists.

5 steps to a healthier mouth

  1. Keeping mouth moist, flossing every day and night, and brushing twice a day
  2. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes lots of water to stay hydrated and less carbonated beverages
  3. Seeing your dentist regularly to ensure any problems are caught and dealt with early (this is very important!)
  4. Avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco
  5. Not waiting until you have a toothache or another dental emergency!

What Happens During a Routine Dental Checkup?

What happens during a typical checkup? Well, let us tell you all about it!

According to the Canadian Dental Association, about 80% of Canadians visit their dentist at least once each year for a regular dental checkup. However many people have little to no idea what is actually happening in their mouth while they’re in the dental chair.

Hearing strange noises and having someone work inside your mouth can understandably cause a lot of stress and anxiety. But not to worry, we’re here to tell you exactly what will be going on from start to finish the next time you visit our Dentist in Burnaby on Lougheed Hwy for a routine checkup. After all, the more you know about something, the less scary it seems!

Say hello to our friendly receptionist

The first person you’ll meet during your dental appointment is our dental receptionist. She makes things flow smoothly around the office, coordinate payments and appointments, and give you your notifications for when you’re supposed to come in next. We have a lot of love for our dental receptionists! Don’t be afraid to ask them about all our dental promotions.

Meeting our Hygienist or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in Burnaby, BC.

The next person you’ll meet after checking in for your dental appointment, and the person you’ll spend the most time with, is our dental hygienist, or perhaps our CDA. It can vary whether your appointment will involve a CDA or a hygienist, but there is a notable difference between the two.

Our Burnaby Hygienists are trained dental professionals who take care of your routine dental care, such as regular cleanings and assist our Burnaby Dentists in other procedures. They are an integral part of any dental practice on Lougheed Hwy and make up a big part of the team that works to keep your oral health at its best.

CDAs don’t do as much of the nitty-gritty cleaning work that hygienists do, but they provide excellent help with the preparation work and with assisting dentists during procedures.

You can think of both of these roles as the truly unsung heroes of our Dental Practice in Burnaby!

Your Dental History

Before anything is done inside your mouth, our dental hygienist will need to know about your medical history if this is your first appointment at our Burnaby Dental Office or, if you have been to the practice before, any changes in your health such as new medications, diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy, etc. It is important that our Burnaby Dental Care Team knows about any health concerns, anxieties, or allergies you may have in order to avoid incidents and to make sure you get the kind of care you need.

And when we say that we want you to tell us about any concerns or anxieties you have, we mean it! Don’t be a hero and try to be brave – it’s VERY common to be afraid of the dentist. Sometimes, all a person needs is a little explanation or a little listening to their fears to make things seem a little better.

Dentist Teeth Cleaning

dentist teeth cleaning burnaby

Now that you have shared your health concerns, our team of dental professionals can start working inside your mouth. The first thing they will do is give your teeth a thorough cleaning. They start by scraping off built-up plaque and tartar that collects above and below the gum line before flossing between and around every tooth to remove any plaque or food particles that are clinging on.

Our Burnaby Clean Team will also give your teeth a smooth and shiny finish using a tooth polisher with a spinning head and slightly abrasive paste. The polishing will get rid of any residue that was previously missed and will make your teeth smoother so that plaque will not collect as easily on them between visits to the dentist.

Examining the teeth

Now that your pearly whites are squeaky clean, it’s time to have a look at any problem areas in your mouth. A metal probe with a small angled mirror will be used, which will help them see behind and between teeth and gums, as well as check for the softening of tooth enamel and dentin.

Our Burnaby Hygienist will also be on the lookout for the swelling of gums in any areas, mouth sores, and redness. Finally, our dentists will measure your mouth’s periodontal pockets, which are the spaces between the top of the gum line and where the gum tissues firmly attaches to the tooth. Ideally, this pocket should only be between one and three millimeters deep, however deeper pockets can be a sign of gum disease and thus should be closely monitored.

Dental X-Ray

burnaby dental x ray

The last thing to do is take dental x-ray pictures of your mouth so our Dentist in Burnaby can see if there are any issues below the mouth’s surface. This involves biting down on a piece of specially designed plastic while an x-ray imaging machine is placed against your cheek. The resulting image will show the visible parts of your teeth as well as the roots below the gum line and your jaw bones, allowing our dentist to see exactly what is happening in your mouth and assign your oral care as needed.

We want to mention here that our Burnaby Dental Office only recommends digital x-rays, which emit up to 90% less radiation, allow for easy storage, and take less time than traditional machines – which means shorter, more convenient, and safer visits for you!

Dental Exam at Ridgeway Dental on Lougheed Hwy

The dental exam is different from the initial examination that our hygienist completed as this one is done by our dentist. Our dentists will use your dental x-rays to see if there is any loss of bone, fractures, or any other abnormality below your visible gum line before moving on to look for issues with jaw alignment, teeth grinding, and oral cancer.

Generally, our dentist in Burnaby, BC will feel your jaw bones from outside of your mouth while you bite down to ensure that your bite is smooth, aligned, and there is no clicking or popping from your jaw joints. They will also inspect the grooves of your teeth to see if any of them have been cracked or smoothed down due to grinding or jaw clenching. Finally, our dentist will gently feel behind your jaw and your neck to see if there are any signs of oral cancer.

Once all of this is done, our Lougheed Hwy Dentist should have a full understanding of what your oral health needs are, and will be able to prescribe any necessary dental treatments to prevent or treat your issues.

Dental Results & Advice

After the dental exam is complete, our Burnaby Dentist will let you know exactly what is going on in your mouth and will advise you about next steps. Sometimes this involves scheduling another dental appointment at our Burnaby Dental Office for a procedure while other times our Burnaby Dentist will give you advice about what you can do at home to better your oral health. It is extremely important that you listen to this advice and put it into action as best you can to ensure that your next checkup is the best it can be.

Future Dental Appointments

The final step of the routine dental checkup is scheduling your next one for a date four to six months in the future. Scheduling your next appointment right away is the easiest and most effective way to ensure that you don’t forget to have your dental checkup regularly. Even if you are diligent in your personal dental care, there is no better protection against oral issues than having your mouth professionally cleaned and monitored.

Take a trip to our front desk and once again you’ll be helped out by a smiling and attentive dental receptionist. And, as always, if you have any questions or concerns about any part of your dental visit or your upcoming scheduled visits, make sure to let her know. Trust us, she doesn’t bite. We’re very strict about that sort of thing.

To schedule a dental cleaning with Ridgeway Dental Clinic on Lougheed Hwy in Burnaby, BC please call (604) 420-2545 or visit our Burnaby Dental Office at 2842 Ridgeway Ave (Off Lougheed Hwy), Burnaby, BC V5A 3W7. We accept walk-ins and dental emergencies!

Keeping up with the correct oral health standards is extremely important, as poor oral health can negatively affect a person’s day to day life. Depending on oral health needs, our Burnaby Dentists recommends having a regular check-up and cleaning every 4-6 months. Call our Ridgeway Dental Office on Lougheed Hwy...
burnaby dental fillings
Family Dentistry
August 31, 20175

Composite Fillings

burnaby composite fillings

At Ridgeway Dental in Burnaby, BC, we do not advocate for the use of amalgam fillings. As such, our Burnaby Dental Clinic only uses composite fillings, which are a mixture of tooth-colored plastic and glass, to restore teeth. Since composite fillings are colored, our dentist in Burnaby can more easily match the color of the existing teeth. The aesthetics of this can be easily appreciated in the front teeth area. Composite fillings are very durable and can last many years, however, they are not permanent and will eventually need to be replaced.

How long do they last?

With more durable resin material available for only a decade, resins haven’t stood the test of time in teeth where grinding and chewing result in heavy wear; by contrast, the durability of amalgam fillings is well documented — the average life span of amalgams is 8 to 10 years, but many last 20 years or more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Composite Fillings

burnaby bc dental fillings

1. What are the advantages of composite fillings?

Most of our patients in Burnaby who choose composite fillings do so because of the cosmetic benefits. Our friendly dentists can create a filling that is personalized to the shade of your teeth, so your fillings will blend seamlessly into your smile. Like all fillings, composites protect your teeth after decay is removed to prevent breakage of the remaining tooth structure. These fillings also help to prevent sensitivity that can occur after the decayed portion of the tooth is removed.

2. What are the disadvantages?

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience post-operative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if you drink tea, coffee or other staining foods. As a remedy, our Dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if you are particularly concerned about tooth color.

3. Why should we choose composite fillings over metal fillings?

The most obvious answer is your appearance. All-white fillings will not compromise your gorgeous smile. Another benefit of composite fillings is that they require less removal of healthy, tooth structure, allowing for more conservative restorations.

4. How can I know if composite fillings are for me?

There are various factors to consider when choosing a material for your fillings. Patients with composites may also be more prone to post-treatment sensitivity. Composite fillings can be stained by coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining foods, and the fillings will not respond to teeth whitening treatments. However, our Burnaby Dentist can put a protective coating on your fillings to reduce staining if this is a concern.

5. What is the cost of composite fillings?

Prices vary, but composite fillings average about one-and-a-half to two times the price of a silver filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference.

Not sure if your insurance company will cover it? Give Bainbridge Dental in Burnaby a call and we’ll find out for you.

6. What is the process of composite fillings?

Following preparation, the composite is placed in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the composite is shaped to fit the tooth. It is then polished the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

7. How long does it take to get a composite filling?

There are many factors that can determine just how long it will take to get a composite filling, including the size of a cavity or fracture, its location, and how many fillings you need. Patients should be prepared to sit in the dentist’s chair for up to one hour or more for a filling.

8. Can my old fillings be replaced by composite fillings?

Many people opt to remove metal fillings and replace them with composites for purely aesthetic reasons. If your old repair starts to crack or leak, you should definitely have the filling updated.

9. Can you eat after a composite filling?

Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings allow patients to eat right after getting the procedure. However, our dentists do recommend that patients only resume eating after the local anesthetic wears off. It can be quite difficult to eat when your lips and mouth are numb! Plus, you do not want to run the risk of accidentally biting your lip, cheek, or tongue. While composite fillings are very strong, you should probably opt out of chewing anything too crunchy, hard, or sticky right after getting the procedure.

10. How to make your composite fillings last longer?

Many patients see their composite fillings lasting for about ten years. But if you take really great care of your fillings, they may be able to last you longer than that — and even a lifetime! In order to help your composite fillings last longer, you should always see your resident Burnaby dentist at Ridgeway Dental twice a year for regular dental cleanings and exams, brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and eat a variety of healthy food to boost your oral health.

At Ridgeway Dental in Burnaby, BC, we do not advocate for the use of amalgam fillings. As such, our Burnaby Dental Clinic only uses composite fillings, which are a mixture of tooth-colored plastic and glass, to restore teeth. Since composite fillings are colored, our dentist in Burnaby can more easily...
burnaby oral surgery
Family Dentistry
August 31, 20175

Oral Surgery

burnaby-oral-surgery

Any procedure that involves cutting into or removing tissue from your mouth, tooth extraction, or installing a dental implant is considered oral surgery. This type of surgery is used to treat many problems in the areas of the face, jaw, neck, and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

Usually, our Burnaby Dentist will remove a tooth if it appears to be broken, infected, loose, or impacted. After taking a dental x-ray and examining the problem area, our Dentist in Burnaby will decide which type of extraction is needed. Of course, other options are available if tooth removal is unwanted.

Reasons for Extractions

  1. Trauma to the mouth
  2. Badly damaged tooth or teeth
  3. Crowded mouth
  4. Caved or infected tooth or teeth

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery

burnaby dental oral surgery

1. Who will need an oral surgery?

Oral surgical procedures involve the incision, excision, or reflection of tissue that exposes the normally sterile areas of the oral cavity. Examples are biopsy, periodontal surgery, apical surgery, dental implant surgery, and surgical extractions of teeth (removal of erupted or nonerupted tooth requiring elevation of the mucoperiosteal flap, removal of bone or section of tooth, and suturing if needed).

2. Who will need periodontal surgery?

Periodontal or “gum” surgery is needed when conservative non-surgical treatments are ineffective in completely eradicating the periodontal disease. Luckily, periodontal surgery is a very simple and extremely effective technique to treat advanced periodontal problems.

3. What is apical surgery?

Apical surgery is considered a standard oral surgical procedure. It is often the last resort to surgically maintain a tooth with a periapical lesion that cannot be managed with conventional endodontic (re-)treatment. The main goal of apical surgery is to prevent bacterial leakage from the root-canal system into the periradicular tissues by placing a tight root-end filling following root-end resection. A major step in apical surgery is to identify possible leakage areas at the cut root face and subsequently to ensure adequate root-end filling. Only a tight and persistent apical obturation will allow periapical healing with good long-term prognosis.

4. When do I need a surgical extraction of teeth?

If a more volatile tooth has yet to grow in, however, our Ridgeway Dentist needs to remove gum tissue or bone in order to extract it. This is called a surgical extraction and requires stitches to close the site so that it can heal properly.  If a tooth breaks off during the procedure, for instance, it may need to be taken out in pieces. Wisdom teeth often face surgical extraction because they are usually impacted, meaning they are not completely erupted into the mouth. This condition requires cutting through bone and tissue. Removing severely broken down teeth, root tips or teeth with long-curved roots are other examples of surgical extractions. Then there are times when the bone around a tooth has become dense, resulting in the need for surgical treatment.

5. What will happen during my procedure?

Our Burnaby Dentist will explain how they plan to perform your surgery. Without having to get into too many specifics, you will know where your incision is being made, and any other details about what the procedure entails and what the goal is.

6. Do I need to be sedated during my oral surgery instead of the local anesthesia?

Our Dentist in Burnaby will request in-depth past medical history before a patient can be sedated. Not all patients are able to be sedated. Patients who are anxious, nervous, or scared of dental visits may request sedation for a variety of dental care from a regular cleaning to wisdom teeth extractions. However, there may be other techniques to help a patient receive the necessary dental treatment in a safe and comfortable manner.

7. How long will the procedure take?

It depends on which oral surgery that our dentist consulted you to take. It could be from one hour to four hours or more. Ask our dentist at Bainbridge Dental for more details to suit your schedule.

8. How long is the recovery?

It depends on the kind of oral surgery. Wisdom teeth extraction usually takes a few days to one week for the pain and swelling to subside. The gums can take up to a month to completely heal. Our Burnaby Dentist will recommend a soft diet for a few days and provide detailed recovery instructions, such as how to deal with discomfort and swelling. Dental implants also require some healing time and this varies from patient to patient and procedure to procedure.

9. What food should I eat and avoid after surgery?

For 2 days after surgery, drink liquids and eat soft foods only. Such as milkshakes, eggnog, yogurt, cooked cereals, cottage cheese, smooth soups, mashed potatoes, refried beans, ice cream, pudding, fruit smoothies and protein shakes. On day 3 after surgery, eat soft foods that do not require much chewing, such as macaroni and cheese, cooked noodles, soft-boiled /scrambled/ poached eggs and soft sandwiches. Avoid tough or crunchy foods, such as pizza, rice, popcorn, and hamburger. Avoid spicy and acidic foods. Most patients may resume their normal diet 7 days after surgery.

10. What should not you do after oral surgery?

  • Do not apply heat to your face, unless your surgeon told you to do so.
  • Heat can increase swelling.
  • Do not use straws, suck on anything, or smoke.
  • These actions cause negative pressure in your mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot that is keeping your wound closed, causing more bleeding, and delay your healing.
  • Do not blow your nose. Wipe instead.  If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open.
Any procedure that involves cutting into or removing tissue from your mouth, tooth extraction, or installing a dental implant is considered oral surgery. This type of surgery is used to treat many problems in the areas of the face, jaw, neck, and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth....
burnaby dentist veneers
Cosmetic Dentistry
August 31, 20172

Veneers

veneers by burnaby dentist

Dental veneers are what dental professionals call a complete “smile makeover” because of the superb results are seen after just a few short appointments. They are specifically designed to alter dental imperfections such as irregular shape and yellowish color. Each veneer is placed over the surface of the tooth in order to fix these imperfections, thus allowing patients to feel better about their appearance and feel more confident when they smile. At Bainbridge Dental in Burnaby, we’ve successfully placed over 1000’s of veneers.

Reasons for Porcelain Veneers

  1. Misshapen or misadjusted teeth
  2. Chipped teeth
  3. Crooked or gapped teeth (slight or largely noticeable)
  4. Stained tooth enamel

Is a complete smile makeover something that you’ve been debating?

Questions before considering treatment:

  1. Do I feel self-conscious with others when I smile and worry about what they think?
  2. Do I want to improve my confidence?
  3. Do I want to look my best in professional and social situations?

Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers

veneers by burnaby dentist

What happens to my teeth after veneers, and will I ever get cavities? The integrity of veneered teeth is only marginally compromised, and the veneer is bonded to the existing teeth. There is no higher incidence of decay provided the veneers are properly cared for as previously mentioned with regular flossing and brushing with toothpaste. In general, it is good dental advice to keep your sugar consumption low and confined to meal times to prevent decay.

How long will porcelain veneers last? They can last from seven to twenty years. While the veneer itself is inert and non-living, the tooth or teeth to which they are attached and the surrounding gum tissues are living and may change. For example, gum line shrinkage may expose or reveal root surfaces. If a veneer comes off it can generally be rebonded. If it chips it can sometimes be rebonded or otherwise replaced.

How Do I Choose a Dentist for Porcelain Veneers? As with any elective procedure, the most important factor in choosing a dentist is experience. While any dentist can offer porcelain veneers, not all have additional training in cosmetics dentistry. This is where things can get tricky and research (before and after pictures) becomes even more important.

Our dentists at Bainbridge Dental are all skilled in cosmetic dentistry.

Do Porcelain Veneers Look Fake? Individual results vary, but the goal is for the porcelain veneers to look and feel like a person’s own teeth, only better. To avoid the too-straight, too-white appearance that many associates with obvious veneers, intentional imperfections like slight rotation, subtle discoloration, and grooves can be made to imitate natural flaws.

A successful case is the result of great teamwork between a dentist and lab technician. The dentist must design the case for long-term success and the ceramist must create custom works of art to give a beautiful and natural look. Cosmetics is not taught in dental school, so it’s important to find a dentist that has extra training and certification showing this education. Experience counts.

Can Veneers Be Removed? Because some tooth structure and enamel are removed prior to placing veneers, this is considered an irreversible treatment. Veneers may be replaced, but removing them for good will leave your teeth permanently scarred, at high risk for damage, and unhealthy looking.

What are the advantages of porcelain veneers over other types of cosmetic dental bonding procedures? Porcelain veneers are superior to other types of cosmetic dental bonding procedures in several ways:

  • Veneers look very life-like
  • Veneers are highly stained resistant
  • Since porcelain is a ceramic, stain-producing products such as coffee, tea, and red wine will roll right off the surface of your teeth. This means after your porcelain veneers are placed, you don’t have to worry about making changes to your lifestyle to accommodate your beautiful teeth.

If my teeth are reshaped for veneers or crowns, what will they look like? Will they be sensitive? Generally, cemented restorations, such as crowns or veneers (see the procedure section), will require two visits: one to shape the teeth and one to cement the restorations to the teeth. Between visits, your Burnaby Dentist can place attractive provisional restorations to help prevent sensitivity, allow limited function, and provide a nice smile. These temporaries are designed to be in your mouth for a limited time but should be comfortable and natural looking until your new smile is completed.

Do porcelain veneers stain with normal things like tea, coffee, and wine? Porcelain veneers should never stain; however; if your teeth have a propensity to stain you should try to avoid or minimize the behaviors that lead to staining and look after them as recommended above with normal hygiene and maintenance procedures.

How do I get veneers to match my other teeth? This concern will be addressed by your dental professional. Most people get their veneers in a whiter shade than their natural teeth and then under tooth whitening to create a matching aesthetic.

How do I take care of my veneers? Once applied to your teeth, porcelain veneers should be treated just like your natural teeth. Don’t miss your twice-annual visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning and dental exam. And be sure to brush and floss daily to clean your teeth properly. There is no special treatment needed to care for your veneers.

Are you ready for porcelain veneers? Talk to one of our cosmetic dentists at Bainbridge Dental in Burnaby, BC. Simply call us at: (604) 420-2545.

Dental veneers are what dental professionals call a complete “smile makeover” because of the superb results are seen after just a few short appointments. They are specifically designed to alter dental imperfections such as irregular shape and yellowish color. Each veneer is placed over the surface of the tooth in...