Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is typically caused by the growth of bacteria on your teeth and gums. This bacteria can gradually destroy the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth as it settles in a crevice (called a sulcus) under your gums. Gum disease is typically painless (especially in its early stages) and thus is only detected when you visit your Dental Hygienist who will do assessments to determine your gum health. This is why it is very important to maintain regular check-ups and cleanings with your dental team. Treatment options are dependent on the type and progression of gum disease. Gum disease is mostly preventable with proper brushing, flossing and coming in for regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Our knowledgeable and highly qualified Dental Hygienists at Apollonia Dental Clinic can help guide you to achieving your optimal oral health. They provide many treatments including scaling, root planing, desensitization, polish and fluoride, etc. These procedures will remove excess bacteria and improve the health and strength of your gums and teeth. At Apollonia Dental Clinic, we always try our best to provide comfortable and gentle care to our patients. This means using everything in our disposal to make you feel at ease before your appointment such as using desensitization treatments and numbing/freezing, as necessary. While you are having your dental cleaning, you can even kick back in our comfy chair and watch T.V!

Stages of Gum Disease

There are two main stages of gum disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

• Gingivitis: The earliest form of gum disease is gingivitis. This is when the bacteria under your gums causes them to become chronically inflamed. Signs of gum inflammation include gingival redness, swelling and bleeding easily (i.e when brushing and flossing). Gingivitis is preventable and reversible with good oral home care and regular dental hygiene cleanings
• Periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, which occurs when plaque spreads and grows below your gum line. The toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque will cause chronic irritation and inflammation of your gums. When this happens, the tissues and bone that support your teeth begin breaking down. Eventually, your gums will start to separate from your teeth and you will lose bone, forming a “pocket” or space between your teeth and gums.  The more your bone and tissue is destroyed, the deeper the pocket becomes which ultimately leads to tooth loss

Other Risk Factors

Although plaque is the leading cause of gum disease, other factors that can increase the risk and severity of the disease include:

• Tobacco use
• Poor nutrition
• Hormonal changes
• Some systemic diseases such as diabetes
• Stress
• Certain medications

Connection to Other Diseases: Periodontitis is widely researched and has been connected to numerous systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Due to the chronic inflammation caused by periodontitis, research is also beginning to suggest links to rheumatoid arthritis and alzheimer’s disease. Connections have also been shown between gum disease and low-birth weight babies for pregnant women.  As more and more research is conducted, we are beginning to learn how important your oral health is to your overall systemic health. Taking care of your teeth and gums is no longer just about your mouth, it is for the health of your whole body!

Ultimately, when it comes to your dental health, prevention is key!  Make sure you are following proper brushing, flossing and other home care guidelines, see your Dentist and Dental Hygienist regularly and keep up with any recommended dental work.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front side of your teeth to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Porcelain veneers are gaining popularity because of how easily they are applied and their long-lasting aesthetic benefits.

Porcelain veneers can be used to correct a range of imperfections, such as teeth that are:

• Stained or discoloured
• Worn
• Chipped
• Misaligned or crooked
• Cracked or broken
• Unevenly spaced

There are many advantages of porcelain veneers, including:

• Minimal tooth reduction – Porcelain veneers fit over the tooth like a jacket and require very little surface enamel to be removed.
• Realistic appearance – Porcelain veneers are glass-like, and mimic the characteristics of natural enamel, giving your enhanced teeth a life-like appearance.
• Stain resistant – Porcelain is ceramic and resistant to staining, unlike the bonding agents used in the past that were susceptible to stains from cigarettes, wine, coffee and tea.
• Long lasting – Porcelain veneers have an average life expectancy of ten years, although may last longer depending on how well you care for them.

Composite veneers

Porcelain veneers may not be the first choice for the cosmetic needs of every patient for various reason. We are able to achieve a similar effect using composite (white filling) bonded veneers. There are pros and cons of using composite veneers as opposed to porcelain veneers. We recommend you discuss these advantages and disadvantages with your Dentist to determine what will best fit your dental needs.

Pros:

• Lower cost
• Potentially less tooth reduction
• Can be done in one visit

Cons:

• Not the same level of esthetics (compared to porcelain veneers). As porcelain can produce a more natural appearance than even the best composite material.
• More likely to chip and stain
• Will not last as long
• Very dependent on practitioner skill (not every Dentist will be able to produce similar results)

Composite fillings (white/tooth coloured fillings)

If your teeth have minor imperfections such as stains, chips or spaces, dental bonding can help you regain your confidence. Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin that is designed to match the exact shade of your natural teeth, resulting in a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing smile.

Bonding Benefits

Dental bonding is one of the easiest and most cost-effective cosmetic dental procedures. This procedure can be used if your teeth:

• Are chipped
• Have minor stains
• Are cracked
• Have minor decay
• Have small spaces too minor for veneers
• Are too short
• Are crooked or misshaped

Dental bonding is available in different shades, which allows our dental team to select the colour that best matches your natural teeth. Over time tooth bonding can begin to stain over time. If you are worried about the aesthetics of this, porcelain veneers may be a good option for you.

Dental crowns

If your teeth are severely damaged, dental crowns may be the right treatment for you. Our dental crowns utilize a tooth-shaped covering or “cap” made from metal, porcelain and metal fused to porcelain. Crowns are used to restore the strength of your tooth and alleviate oral discomfort. They can also be used to cap the titanium post of a dental implant or to anchor a dental bridge in place.

Types of Dental Crowns

The type of dental crown used in your treatment will depend on your dental goals and the recommendation of your Dentist

• Metal Crowns: Silver or gold in colour, these metallic crowns are not ideal for visible teeth. However, metal crowns are incredibly strong and durable, which makes them ideal for repairing and restoring your molars and damaged, non-visible teeth.
• Porcelain Crowns: All-porcelain crowns are ideal for your front, visible teeth. They are not as strong as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, but are the most aesthetically pleasing. When porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are used for your front teeth, the metal can begin to show through at your gum line, creating a dark line after several years
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns: Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns replicate your natural teeth beautifully and are stronger than ceramic crowns. The downside, as mentioned above, is the tendency for the metal to show after years of wear. Therefore, these crowns are ideal for your back teeth, which are partially noticeable, but not as visible as your front teeth.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are a few options that you can consider. These options vary depending on how many teeth are missing, which teeth are missing (i.e a tooth in the front or back of the mouth), and the cost of the procedure. Replacing missing teeth can help with the aesthetics of your mouth but more importantly, it can also help improve functionality (i.e chewing), prevent teeth from drifting and maintain a proper bite.  There are three options when considering replacing a missing tooth: a bridge, a partial denture or an implant. Each of these options have their advantages and disadvantages and it is important for you to discuss it with your Dentist.

Bridges

A dental bridge works to “bridge” the space created by missing teeth. It is made up of two crowns that are fixed on the teeth to either side of the empty space. The crowns on these anchoring teeth (called abutment teeth) are then used to hold one or more fake teeth in place. Your fake teeth may be made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of these materials.

Benefits of a Dental Bridge:

Aside from filling the void of an empty space in your mouth, a dental bridge has other benefits, such as:

• Restoring a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile
• Distributing the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Restoring your ability to chew, speak and talk properly
• Maintaining your facial structure, preventing a “sunken in” appearance
• Preventing remaining teeth from drifting out of position

Partial dentures

A removable partial denture consists of replacement teeth attached to a gum-coloured plastic base and a metal framework that holds the denture in the mouth. The framework attaches to existing teeth in your mouth to allow for stability and support. These dentures can be removed for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Benefits of a Partial Denture:

• Distributing the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Restoring your ability to chew, speak and talk properly
• Preventing remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Maintaining your facial structure
• The cheapest option for replacing missing teeth

Dental Implant

A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root that is surgically placed into the bone by the Dentist or Specialist. These teeth are fixed into the bone and provide a strong, stable and natural looking tooth. While this option is typically the most ideal for replacing missing teeth, it is also the most expensive and often requires a referral to the Specialist.  We recommend you discuss this option with your Dentist before proceeding.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a treatment that is done on a tooth where the nerve has been damaged or infected. It is the last resort to fix a tooth that cannot be filled, capped or restored any other way. The procedure works by removing your tooth’s pulp chamber (the inside of your tooth where the nerves are located) and filling it with a suitable filling material. Removal of the nerves in the tooth will make the tooth more fragile and prone to breakage. A dental crown is highly recommended for root canaled teeth to keep it strong and prolong the life of the tooth

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Tooth Decay: This is the leading cause for root canal treatment. When your tooth decay becomes severe, bacteria can get into the nerve of the tooth and cause an infection in your bone. This is visible in x-rays, which are very important during a routine exam, because there may be no symptoms as your nerves slowly die. If left untreated, the abscess can grow and eat away at bone, causing swelling and pain
• Tooth Fracture: The second leading cause for a root canal treatment is tooth fractures which allow bacteria into the pulp chamber of your tooth, inflaming the nerve and infecting your tooth. You will feel pain when chewing, if this is the case.
• Trauma: Another common cause for a root canal is trauma. If you were struck in the mouth as a child, for example, your tooth may get infected in your adult years. Other incidents that may require endodontic treatment include:

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold, even after the hot or cold substance has been removed from the tooth.
• Severe toothache pain that is dull and lasts for a long time or wakes you up in the middle of the night.
• Swelling and/or tenderness.
• Sometimes no symptoms are present!

Orthodontic treatments can restore the function and aesthetics of your teeth while increasing your self-confidence. Today’s braces are no longer used for just teenagers and young patients. Many adults have undergone orthodontic treatment to enhance their smile. Orthodontic treatments work by repositioning your teeth and their underlying roots.

Orthodontics can:

• Create a well-aligned smile
• Correct and protect your bite
• Help with jaw problems
• Maximize the functionality of your teeth and gums
• Make it easier for you to maintain good oral hygiene

There are two types of orthodontic treatments that we provide at Apollonia Dental Clinic: Traditional braces and Invisalign

Traditional braces

Traditional braces consist of standard metal or ceramic brackets that are adhered to your teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. They require periodic tightening so pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw as needed.

Invisalign

If you want to straighten your teeth naturally without traditional braces, Invisalign may be just what you need. This innovative procedure moves your teeth through a series of clear plastic aligners

How Invisalign Works

Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, you can see your complete treatment plan, from your teeth’s starting position to the final, desired outcome. A series of clear aligners is then custom-designed for your teeth to move them gradually.

Each aligner is worn for approximately two weeks, during the day and at night. When your teeth have moved to a certain point, your current aligner will be replaced by the next aligner in the series.

Benefits of Invisalign

Because they are clear, people often will not know you are wearing these aligners. Invisalign also fits into busy lifestyles. You can play sports and remove the aligners to eat and drink as you would normally. Their removability also enables you to brush and floss without restrictions, allowing you to maintain proper dental hygiene.

Unlike braces, there are no metal wires or brackets or wires that can irritate your mouth or cut your gums and cheek. Since Invisalign does not need to be adjusted, you will spend less time visiting the dentist’s office.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Not all patients can undergo this treatment. Invisalign is not recommended for children because the aligners must be removed frequently and require a certain level of patient responsibility and cooperation. As well, invisalign is not recommended for patients who require significant tooth movement or jaw realignment.

In their first six months, infants begin developing teeth. By about 7 years old, they begin losing their first set of teeth or “baby teeth” and permanent teeth begin to grow in. If your child does not undergo sufficient dental care, these secondary teeth may decay or grow in crooked and cause a misaligned bite.

Hidden Dangers

As a parent, you may think that your child’s baby teeth are not important since they will soon be lost. However, poor dental habits that children learn early on can follow them throughout their lifetime. The habits that led to cavities in their baby teeth will undoubtedly lead to cavities in permanent teeth. As well, if baby teeth are lost too early, it can create spacing problems with the permanent teeth that grow in.

Bad Habits

Here are a few bad habits that your child should refrain from:

• Eating or drinking something at bedtime after brushing
• Drinking an excessive amount of juice or other sugary drink during the day
• Going to bed with a bottle or cup of milk or juice
• Eating many sticky snacks (fruit snacks, raisins, candy, etc.)
• Eating unhealthy snacks between meals

Night Guard

We offer these appliances for patients who clench and grind their teeth at night. Many people clench and grind their teeth while they are sleeping. This can cause the wearing down of their teeth as well as other symptoms such as a sore jaw and frequent headaches.

Sport Guard

Sport guards are important for patients who participate in contact sports and activities. This appliance will help prevent damage or major injuries to your teeth

At Apollonia Dental Clinic, we offer ZOOM whitening as both customized trays with a whitening gel that you apply at home or as an in-office treatment. We strongly recommend patients discuss whitening with their dental team before proceeding as whitening is not recommended for patients with sensitive teeth, decayed or broken teeth or patients with active gum disease. Please be aware that whitening only works on natural teeth and will not alter the colour of any pre-existing restorative work.

We offer extractions to patients under local anaesthetic only. The Dentist will refer you to the Oral Surgeon specialist if you require sedation or the tooth is in a difficult position to remove.

A tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where a persons tongue is tethered to the floor of their mouth. This can cause difficulty swallowing (causing what is called a dysfunctional swallow), eating, drinking, speaking, tension in the head/neck, and can even lead to severe problems likes obstructive sleep apnea.

Tongue-tie release is a surgery where your Dentist uses a laser to surgically cut the frenulum that ties your tongue to the floor of your mouth. This procedure typically involves doing exercises with a Myofunctional Therapist both prior to and after the surgery.