Reasons for Tooth Extractions

We regularly extract teeth at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, but we always give the decision to extract serious consideration. There are a few reasons why we might recommend it, and we thought it would be helpful to patients who are nervous if they understood what those are.

The teeth that are most often extracted are wisdom teeth and premolars. Modern people’s mouths often don’t have room for all their teeth. When kids are being prepared for orthodontic correction, it is common for a set of premolars to be removed so that the remaining teeth will be able to form a perfectly-aligned arch. Wisdom teeth often do not emerge until late in adolescence, after the window for major orthodontic correction has closed. They are especially likely to get stuck and to push other teeth out of alignment while causing soreness and creating a difficult-to-clean home for bacteria.

Adult teeth can also become impacted if the baby teeth ahead of them don’t fall out. Even when they are able to emerge, the overcrowding and awkward positioning of the baby teeth will create a trap for sugar. Occasionally, a tooth might be too infected or cracked to be saved. This has gotten rarer as root canal techniques have improved, but it can happen, and the surrounding gum tissue may be too weak to support a tooth. However, dental roots help to stabilize the jaw bone, so we would usually try to restore a broken crown.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

 

Diabetes and Gum Disease

Gum inflammation is so common that many people think it’s normal to see blood in the sink after they spit. In fact, inflammation is a sign of a problem. There are various things that could cause it, but the most common is a gum infection. At Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, we’re particularly concerned about the impact gum disease has on people with diabetes and we want our patients to know why.

Inflammation prevents pathogens from traveling to other parts of the body and makes cell membranes more permeable to proteins used by white blood cells. Unfortunately, inflammation is also painful and prolonged inflammation can weaken or scar tissues. People with uncontrolled blood sugar have higher rates of inflammation and more difficulty fighting off infections. There is evidence that gum disease causes the body to become worse at glucose regulation, creating a feedback cycle.

Gum disease in diabetic people is treatable, but they need to be especially committed to brushing and flossing. At regular appointments, we can provide deep cleanings to remove plaque from gum pockets before inflammation sets in. When gum disease is treated, blood sugar becomes better regulated. And if their blood sugar is well-regulated, diabetic people are no more at risk for gum disease than anyone else.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

 

Mouth Guards

Mouth guard use has been shown to reduce the risk of sport-related dental injuries. Imagine playing a sport that you love and suddenly your teeth get knocked out. Smiling, talking and eating would be difficult and it will probably take you some time to recover. When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouth guard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard from an early age. Fortunately, our doctors at Vista Dental can provide patients of all ages with custom-fitted mouth guards for proper protection.

Custom mouth guards are made from exact and precise models of an individual’s own teeth. They are also made of resilient and tear resistant materials ensuring a proper fit. A properly fitted mouth guard absolutely must be protective, comfortable, resilient, tear resistant, odorless, tasteless, and allow room for you to breathe. Because our custom-fitted mouth guards are made for your mouth and your mouth only, they are more reliable than over-the-counter mouth guards.

If you have questions regarding custom-fitted mouth guards, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Traditional Braces

Everybody wants the perfect smile, but most of us need assistance getting there. Correcting crooked or misaligned teeth isn’t just about creating a picture-perfect smile. It can also help protect the long-term health of your teeth. One of the biggest challenges of having traditional braces is removing all of the food that gets trapped in brackets and wires but they are an orthodontic method that has evolved over the years. Allow our doctors at Vista Dental to share the benefits of traditional braces with you.

Traditional dental braces consist of brackets and archwires that are placed across the teeth, which use elastic ties to secure them. Though they are the least aesthetically pleasing option, patients can select from a variety of color choices to express their personalities through their smile. Traditional braces treat a wide range of malocclusion issues such as crowding, alignment issues, and irregular spacing. Though there may be mild discomfort once the brackets are placed, they are permanent until removed, so you don’t have to worry about misplacing aligners.

If you have questions regarding orthodontics, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Dental Instruments

You’re probably familiar with some of the commonly used instruments in dental offices, but do you know their names? At Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, we want our patients to feel comfortable with their care, and we believe that people feel better when they have the words to describe things.

During the regular cleaning, our hygienists will use a handheld mirror to see inside a patient’s mouth and an explorer to break up calculus on the teeth. The explorer is a hooked metal instrument and is also used to test the stability of enamel and whether there are infections in the gum pockets. Scalers are flattened hooks used to remove debris from below the gum line. A hose called an evacuator is used periodically to suction away broken up calculus.

The most common issue we encounter during routine cleanings is tooth decay. Before removing it, we’ll deliver a localized anesthetic through a syringe. Our Waterlase instrument can be used to remove decayed enamel without the heat and vibrations of a conventional drill. The filling material is applied using a variety of blunt-tipped instruments called burnishers, which are also used to contour it to fit perfectly with the patient’s teeth. Should a tooth need to be removed entirely, it is wiggled with a long, shallow spoon called an elevator until it can be lifted out with reverse-action pliers.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

Teeth-Safe Halloween

We hope all our patients at Vista Dental in Medicine Hat enjoy a tooth-friendly Halloween. It is possible to make choices that are less harmful to dental health without taking all the fun out of the holiday, and since there are lots of sugary treats available during the fall and winter festivities, we thought it would be a good idea to go over some tips.

People are right to be concerned that the sugar in candy increases their risk of tooth decay. But sugar is hardly limited to candy—it is also common in the caffeinated drinks that are popular in the fall, and winter squash is high in starch. But the amount of time sugar remains on teeth has more to do with decay than the amount of sugar in any particular food. The biggest threat to teeth comes from hard candies that people suck on for extended periods and from toffees that get stuck between teeth (and can dislodge fillings).

You can reduce your exposure to sugar by eating candy after meals, when your saliva glands will be more active. This will wash away sugary residue and food debris. If you can’t brush your teeth right away after eating, you can still chew on sugar-free gum. Keep bottles of fluoridated water around to swig from in between drinks from soda or creamy coffees. You can also gravitate toward sugar-free hard candies or candy that can be consumed quickly without getting stuck.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

Harmful Acids and Tooth Enamel

Our doctors at Vista Dental want you to take a quick test and you don’t even have to grab a pen to take it. Lick your teeth, do you feel a layer of plaque there? Plaque is caused by harmful acids and bacteria that form from foods and beverages that we consume. Highly acidic foods include pickles, tomatoes, coffee, and especially alcohol. If plaque isn’t adequately removed, these harmful acids may cause tooth enamel to erode.

Once tooth enamel begins to erode, the teeth and gums may appear more sensitive than usual. Enamel protects the teeth from daily use, such as chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding. Once tooth enamel is lost, it’s not coming back and will require cosmetic or restorative procedures to repair. To prevent tooth sensitivity and periodontal disease, it’s important to visit our doctors at Vista dental twice a year for dental checkups and routine cleanings in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal.

If you have questions regarding dental health or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Whitening Methods

For many years, dental companies have been perfecting the art of professional teeth whitening, creating professional-grade products that whiten teeth dramatically – sometimes anywhere from four to eight. At Vista Dental, each one of our doctors is proud to offer professional tooth whitening using a specialized bleaching gel and custom-made trays to reveal radiant results.

When you whiten your teeth, you wish to make a noticeable difference in your smile’s appearance. Over-the-counter gels and strips can whiten teeth between one to two shades. Professional teeth whitening at our office can whiten teeth anywhere from four to eight shades. This means that even the least noticeable result with professional whitening is twice as effective as over-the-counter kits. If you desire a brighter smile, schedule a consultation to discuss your whitening options.

If you have questions regarding teeth whitening or cosmetic dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Cirrhosis and Gum Disease

Oral health has many benefits for the rest of the body. At Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, we encourage all our patients to get regular cleanings. We’re particularly excited about new research showing that treatments for gum disease can also improve symptoms of cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver due to chronic inflammation. It is often the result of smoking or alcohol, both of which are also linked to gum disease. But people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are also at increased risk for periodontal disease, which prompted scientists to look for a deeper connection.

People with cirrhosis have more frequent bouts of inflammation and decreased cognitive function. Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University investigated whether these symptoms improved in patients who underwent periodontal therapy. They found that treated patients had improved cognitive function and a higher count of bacteria that fight inflammation. While it is too early to definitively say that treating gum disease improves outcomes in people with cirrhosis, we can say that people without gum infections are less likely to inhale harmful bacteria. Better oral hygiene also leaves people with less mouth discomfort and feeling better about themselves.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

Bridges

Vista Dental in Medicine Hat is a modern dental office with all sorts of ways of restoring missing teeth. Dental bridges are one of the most commonly used kinds of prosthodontics, so we want to ensure our patients’ understanding of them is up to date.

Bridges are used when multiple teeth are missing or have extensive decay. The most basic kind of bridge is a series of connected crowns. Two of a patient’s natural teeth would be reshaped into cylindrical abutments, and the artificial crowns at the ends of a bridge would be fitted over them, with a third crown suspended between. Bridges are less taxing on the patient than implants, which have to integrate with the jaw bone, and individual crowns won’t drift. But the classic bridge requires all the teeth in its way to be removed or reshaped, making it undesirable for people who only need some teeth replaced.

Dentures can also be thought of as bridges, and removable partial dentures can be used for people who only need a few teeth replaced. The denture can be constructed with a gap for a natural tooth, and although it may need to be refitted if the tooth drifts, it is easier to clean. Partial and full dentures can also be supported with mini-implants, providing some jaw bone stability with a shorter osseointegration process than full-sized implants.

Vista Dental is located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 403-548-7077 or visit Vista Dental MH.

 

Benefits of a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard

Mouthguards are very versatile. They provide damage control for those who grind and clench the teeth, athletes with an increased risk of dental injuries, and to reduce snoring from sleep apnea. At Vista Dental, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards to our patients for ultimate comfort and protection.

Mouthguards can be used by anyone but are most beneficial for those who play contact sports. Those who play hockey, soccer, football, or basketball, pose a higher risk of dental injury and trauma and a mouthguard provides a barrier to protect them from these problems. A custom-fitted mouthguard will also benefit a “bruxer” who grinds their teeth and risks wearing down tooth enamel. If you’ve ever considered a mouthguard, our doctors will discuss what is best for you.

If you have questions regarding custom-fitted mouthguards please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Halitosis

When bad breath isn’t masked by mints or mouthwash, the odor may become a chronic problem. Unlike morning breath, halitosis, also known as chronic bad breath, may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If you have an adequate oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day, but still suffer from a foul odor in the mouth, you may need to visit our doctors at Vista Dental to discuss your treatment options.

Bad breath is embarrassing, especially when you aren’t the first to notice. With halitosis, chronic bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits. It can also be a result of dry mouth, dental problems such as gum disease, or an underlying medical condition. If your bad breath has you feeling self-conscious, schedule a consultation with our doctors at Vista Dental to get the problem under control.

If you have questions regarding halitosis, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Periodontal Maintenance

In its most advanced stages, gum disease can lead to gum recession, and even tooth loss.  Vista Dental wants to make sure it never gets to that point for you and your family!  When plaque builds up on a tooth, the gum starts to pull away from the tooth and form a pocket around the buildup, which only leads to more gum recession.  A scaling and root planing procedure is used to treat this buildup and prevent the later stages of gum disease.

Scaling and root planning are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure your dentist can perform to help reverse the progress of gum disease.  The procedure beings with scaling, which is the process of the dentist removing plaque from the surface of the teeth, all the way down to the gums. Root planing is the term for any minor contouring to smooth the surface of a tooth near the root.  When plaque has been removed and the tooth root has been smoothed, the gums that have pulled away will have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to as they heal

To learn more about deep periodontal cleaning and all the other treatments we offer, visit VistaDentalMH.Ca for more information. To schedule an appointment at Vista Dental, located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.

Bone Grafting For Dental Implants

A bone graft is the term for harvesting bone material from a healthy location and grafting it to a location that is broken or weakened.  At Vista Dental, our doctors perform bone grafts on patients in need of dental implants.  Missing a tooth for an extended period of time can leave the jaw bone vulnerable and compromise its structure.  When a patient needs an implant for a permanent replacement tooth, a bone graft reinforces the jaw bone so it is strong enough to handle the placement of an implant. 

In the same procedure, bone material is harvested from a healthy location in the patient’s mouth and grafted to the compromised area of the jaw bone.  This strengthens the weakened bone, and encourages growth of new bone material as it heals.  After the procedure, the bone graft will be monitored over the course of months.  When the jaw bone has strengthened enough to handle the placement of an implant, the dentist can move forward with the patient’s plan of care.

To learn more about bone grafting and all the treatments we offer, visit VistaDentalMH.Ca for more information. To schedule an appointment at Vista Dental, located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.

Restorative Dentistry

When our doctors at Vista Dental use the term “restorative dentistry,” they are referring to the integrated management of oral health problems and restoring the mouth to a functional and esthetic state. Restorative dental procedures may include replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, tooth bonding, crowns, or dentures. The goal of these procedures is to preserve the natural teeth as much as possible.

Dental restorations that our doctors provide to makeover your smile are endless. Dental implants can replace missing teeth and provide a natural look and feel to patients, while veneers can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, or uneven. With proper oral care and hygiene maintenance, whichever restoration you and our doctor decide on will be the best option for you.

If you have questions or concerns regarding restorative dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Though baby teeth are temporary, they are important for setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Baby teeth are prone to cavities and this tooth decay that occurs in toddlers and infants is called baby bottle decay. Baby bottle tooth decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, though others can be affected. The common cause is frequent exposure to sugary beverages. Our doctors at Vista Dental are here to help parents prevent this condition in their child.

After feeding your child, wipe his or her gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth. Begin brushing his or her teeth without toothpaste once the first tooth is exposed. Clean and massage the gums and make sure your child is getting enough fluoride to ward off cavities. Depending on your child’s age, he or she may be a candidate for dental sealants to prevent tooth decay.

If you have questions or concerns regarding pediatric dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

The Process of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. Tooth decay originates with dental plaque that isn’t removed between the teeth during brushing and flossing. A person is more likely to develop decay if they suffer from poor oral hygiene, a diet that is high in refined sugar, tooth roots exposed by receding gums, and/or reduced flow of saliva. To prevent tooth decay, it’s important to visit our doctors at Vista Dental twice a year for professional cleanings.

Tooth decay occurs in stages. The first stage of decay begins when chalky white areas on the surface of the tooth appear, due to the loss of calcium and plaque buildup. Acids will begin to deteriorate tooth enamel and will eventually start breaking underneath the tooth’s surface. If decay is left untreated, the dentist will begin to dissolve, resulting in potential tooth loss. If you experience tooth pain of any kind or are concerned about a cavity, schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options.  

If you have questions regarding oral care for orthodontics, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

TMJ/TMD Diet

A temporomandibular joint disorder may cause the jaw to be achy, sore, and difficult to open. Because of these symptoms, it’s helpful to adjust your diet after being diagnosed with this condition. The temporomandibular joint acts as a hinge that causes your jaw to slide forward and side-to-side to assist you with yawning, chewing, and speaking. Our doctors at Vista Dental suggest adjusting your diet to alleviate these discomforts.

Soft food gives your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers, and cheesecake are good things to choose from. They may not be the healthiest of options, but they are delicious and easy to eat!

If you have questions regarding temporomandibular joint disorder, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Sealants For Pediatric Patients

Most tooth decay in children and teenagers occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars, where the pits and grooves tend to trap food and bacteria.  Vista Dental wants to help you protect your children’s teeth with sealants, a preventative measure used to preserve the teeth and tooth enamel.

Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.  Dental sealants are applied to surfaces of these back teeth much like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, so bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Sealants also protect tooth enamel from plaque and acids, and can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years. If you think anyone in your family would benefit from a dental sealant, our dentists can determine if you are eligible and start preserving your teeth!

To learn more about sealants and all the services we provide, visit VistaDentalMH.Ca for more information. To schedule an appointment at Vista Dental, located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.

Lumineers For A Smile Makeover

At Vista Dental we are always being asked by patients about the latest cosmetic solutions available.  There are several methods for whitening or straightening teeth, but lumineers are the best way to give your smile a complete cosmetic makeover without undergoing a procedure.

Lumineers are thin shells made of high quality porcelain that bond directly to the surface of your teeth and look like your natural smile.  To outfit a patient with a full set of lumineers, we begin with taking an impression.  This impression will be used to ensure a perfect fit for your new smile.  Some patients won’t require preparation of the teeth, but depending on your individual case your dentist may want to contour or shave teeth in select places.  This is only done when your dentist sees an area they determine could be a problem to fit the shells on.   A new set of lumineers is fabricated outside the office, and on a final visit they are bonded directly to the surface of your teeth to wear forever!

If you’re ready to makeover your smile or have questions about lumineers, please give us a call!  To learn about all the services we provide at our practice, visit VistaDentalMH.Ca for more information. To schedule an appointment at Vista Dental, located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.