Botox for More Than Wrinkles: Surprising Benefits for Edmonton Residents

Botox has become synonymous with wrinkle reduction and facial rejuvenation, but its benefits extend far beyond cosmetic applications. For Millwoods residents, this versatile treatment offers surprising advantages that many may not be aware of. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic conditions or exploring new ways to enhance your quality of life, Botox might be the solution you didn’t know you needed. Let’s dive into how Botox is revolutionizing health and wellness in unexpected ways.

Botox: More Than Skin Deep

While many associate Botox with beauty, it has a long history of medical applications. Approved by health authorities worldwide, Botox’s active ingredient, botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes muscles by blocking nerve signals. This mechanism is what makes it so effective in treating a variety of conditions—both cosmetic and therapeutic.

Chronic Migraine Relief

For those who suffer from chronic migraines, Botox has been a game-changer. It is FDA-approved for migraine treatment and works by relaxing muscles and blocking pain signals. Many patients experience fewer headaches and reduced severity of symptoms after receiving Botox injections. If you’re a Millwoods resident struggling with debilitating migraines, a visit to an Edmonton dentist or a local healthcare provider could lead you to this effective treatment.

TMJ and Jaw Pain Management

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) can cause severe discomfort, jaw stiffness, and headaches. Botox is increasingly being used by dentists in Millwoods to alleviate these symptoms. By relaxing the overactive muscles in the jaw, Botox helps reduce pain and improve mobility, providing much-needed relief for TMJ sufferers. If you’ve been searching for a “dentist near you” who offers innovative treatments, consider asking about Botox for TMJ.

Teeth Grinding and Bruxism

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can lead to dental damage and chronic pain. Botox injections can weaken the muscles responsible for grinding, minimizing its impact. If you visit a dental clinic in Millwoods that offers advanced solutions, you may find that Botox is an effective way to protect your dental elements and preserve your oral health.

Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can significantly impact one’s confidence and quality of life. Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for hyperhidrosis, as it temporarily blocks the nerves that activate sweat glands. This treatment is especially helpful for underarm sweating but can also be used on the hands and feet. If you’re searching for a dental clinic near you that partners with professionals offering this service, Botox could be an unexpected but welcome solution.

Facial Pain and Neurological Disorders

Botox has proven effective in treating certain neurological conditions such as facial spasms and Bell’s palsy. It helps by relaxing the affected muscles and providing relief from involuntary movements. For Millwoods residents dealing with these issues, Botox offers a minimally invasive option to regain control and reduce discomfort.

Cosmetic Botox in Millwoods

Of course, we can’t overlook the traditional cosmetic applications of Botox. Reducing wrinkles and fine lines remains one of its most popular uses. Whether you’re looking to smooth crow’s feet, soften forehead lines, or achieve a more youthful appearance, cosmetic Botox in Millwoods is readily available at clinics and dental offices specializing in facial aesthetics.

Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

Unlike traditional beauty treatments, Botox offers dual benefits. Its ability to address both cosmetic and medical concerns makes it a versatile option for individuals looking to improve their overall well-being. For example, an Edmonton dentist offering Botox may not only help you achieve a younger-looking face but also relieve dental-related pain and discomfort.

Finding the Right Provider

Choosing the right provider is crucial for a successful Botox experience. Look for a trusted and reliable dentist in Millwoods or a reputable dental clinic that understands the complexities of administering Botox. Licensed professionals with experience in both cosmetic and therapeutic applications can ensure safe and effective results.

Combining Botox with Dental Care

Integrating Botox into dental care is a growing trend. Dentists are uniquely positioned to administer Botox for conditions like TMJ, bruxism, and facial pain due to their expertise in facial anatomy. A dental clinic in Millwoods that offers Botox treatments can address a range of issues, from enhancing your smile to improving your quality of life.

What to Expect During a Botox Appointment

Whether you’re visiting a dentist near you for TMJ treatment or seeking cosmetic Botox in Millwoods, the procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive. During the appointment, the provider will assess your needs, determine the appropriate injection sites, and administer the Botox using a fine needle. Most sessions take less than 30 minutes, and there is little to no downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities immediately.

Safety and Side Effects

Botox is considered safe when administered by trained professionals. Side effects are typically mild and may include temporary swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site. Serious complications are rare but emphasize the importance of choosing a qualified provider. If you’re considering Botox, consult an Edmonton dentist or a dental clinic near you to discuss your options and address any concerns.

Why Millwoods Residents Are Embracing Botox

Millwoods residents are increasingly turning to Botox for its wide range of benefits. From relieving pain and improving dental health to enhancing appearance, Botox offers something for everyone. Its versatility and proven track record make it a valuable tool in modern healthcare and aesthetics.

The Future of Botox

As research continues, new applications for Botox are being discovered. Its potential to treat conditions like depression, gastrointestinal disorders, and even weight loss is currently being explored. For now, Millwoods residents can take advantage of the existing benefits offered by this groundbreaking treatment.

Final Thoughts

Botox is no longer just a tool for reducing wrinkles; it has evolved into a multi-faceted treatment with significant medical and cosmetic advantages. For residents of Millwoods, accessing Botox through a trusted dental clinic or Edmonton dentist opens the door to improved health and well-being. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, managing a dental condition, or simply wanting to look and feel your best, Botox could be the solution you’ve been searching for. With experienced providers offering Botox treatments right in your neighborhood, there’s no reason not to explore its surprising benefits today.

Everything You Don’t Want to Know - But Should Know - About Tooth Extractions

There are three general situations when a dentist near you may recommend tooth extraction in Millwoods: If your tooth is so badly damaged or infected that no other form of treatment can save it; if your jaw has become too crowded to contain all of your current or emerging teeth in proper and healthy position; and if your wisdom teeth are emerging and may threaten or distort the alignment of your other teeth, or if those wisdom teeth are becoming impacted (stuck) under other teeth in your jaw.

What happens during tooth extraction procedures?

The precise process that your dentist in Millwoods will follow to pull a tooth depends on whether the tooth to be pulled is intact (or broken) and visible (or still beneath your gums). While every tooth extraction near you varies from one patient to the next depending on their personal situations, extractions generally fall into two categories: Simple extractions and surgical extractions.

Simple extractions

A simple extraction is the pulling of a tooth that is visible above your gums and in a single piece. They call it a “simple” extraction because it’s, well, simple (for your dentist). After completely numbing the area around your tooth, your dentist will lift the tooth from and out of its position in your jaw using instruments called elevators and forceps.

Surgical extractions

Surgical extractions are performed in more complex situations, such as when the tooth broke beneath your gums, has fractured into more than one piece, or was impacted beneath your gums (such as unerupted wisdom teeth). Surgical extractions involve many more steps than simple extractions, including incisions into your gums to expose the roots of teeth and the bone of your jaw; removal of bone and/or gum tissue to enable access to the tooth; sectioning (reducing the tooth into smaller fragments) of the tooth; and extraction.

If necessary, that staff at your dental office in Millwoods will close up your gums with self-dissolving stitches and will ensure that a clot has developed in the extraction site to ensure infection-free recovery. Your dentist will give you detailed instructions about how to maintain that clot throughout your recovery process to avoid the development of a painful potential complication called dry socket.

What about after getting a tooth pulled?

While the extraction process itself will be pain-free — which is not to say you won’t sense pressure, movement, vibrations or sounds unless the procedure is performed under sedation — you should anticipate some discomfort during your recovery period. Here are several simple tips to follow to minimize discomfort as you recover while minimizing the risk of developing complications:

• Use cold compresses and ice to reduce swelling
• Use over the counter pain medications if necessary, but always follow directions
• Minimize your physical effort and exertion during the recovery period
• Don’t use straws or spit during recovery; both activities produce suction that can dislodge your clot
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol during recovery; both activities delay your body’s normal healing processes. Smoking also produces suction that can dislodge your clot
• Eat only soft, bland and lukewarm foods until your dentist advises otherwise. It’ll be boring for a while, but it’s the best way to protect the sensitive tissues around your extraction site during recovery
• Don’t neglect your oral hygiene during your recovery. Keep brushing and flossing, but avoid your extraction site until your dentist tells you otherwise

If you ever experience any sensations or symptoms that you did not expect or were not prepared for during your recovery period, get in touch with a dentist near you right away. While we understand that tooth extractions are a stressful experience for patients, the procedure is a simple and straightforward one for a qualified and conscientious dentist. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions you have before your extraction and to follow your dentist’s instructions during your recovery.

Address: 322-6203 28 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6K3, Canada

When It Comes To Fillings, You Have More Choices Than You Think

Cavities are preventable, but if you’ve already got one it’s essential that it get treated right away. It’s important that infected tooth material — after all, tooth decay is a type of infection — be removed and that your cavity be filled by a dentist near you. Removing that tooth decay and filling that cavity is essential to prevent tooth decay from spreading and undermining the structure and integrity of your tooth.

For a dentist in Millwoods, filling cavities is a routine matter. Considering how avoidable they are, though, and how important it is that they be treated effectively when they do develop, it’s worth spending a bit more time on the topic.

Where do cavities come from? 

While genetic influences do play some factor, the most significant cause of cavities is the ongoing presence of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a biofilm that accumulates on your teeth in gums as you eat and process food, especially foods high in sugar and starch. Plaque converts sugars and starches to acids that eat away at your enamel. By eating away, we mean digging holes into your teeth — quite literally cavities. Those cavities become pools for holding more and more bacteria and plaque which can accelerate the progress of tooth decay unless it is halted as quickly as possible. 

What can be done about cavities?

To halt the progress of tooth decay, your dentist in Millwoods will remove decayed tooth material which ironically has the effect of making some cavities even bigger. Unfortunately as that is, it’s necessary to prevent the spread of that tooth decay on the tooth or to other teeth. Once all decayed tooth material has been removed, the remaining cavity can’t be left open, but must be filled. Filling that cavity prevents bacteria and food particles from accumulating in the space to begin the decay process anew and replaces some of the structural integrity lost with the removal of decayed material.

When it comes to fillings, what are your options?

Traditionally, cavities have been filed with gold or “silver” amalgam fillings that are made up of a combination of several metals — including some silver but also some mercury. Today, you have more options than those if you’re having a cavity filled by a dentist in Millwoods.

Many people opt for tooth-coloured fillings made from composite resins that are tinted to match your healthy tooth and applied in your cavity in layers to fill the space. The composite material is initially a putty-like substance that is easily placed in the cavity and molded to meet other layers and gradually but completely fill the void. Each successive layer is hardened using dental lasers. Tooth coloured fillings in Millwoods are increasingly popular because they blend with your teeth and appear natural without the garish and all-too-obviousness of a silver or gold filling. Opting for composite tooth fillings near you may be an especially attractive option if your cavity is located on any of your incisors or canine teeth. Those are the six teeth in the front of both jaws that (especially on the top) are often referred to as your “smile zone.”

Removing tooth decay and filling a cavity is typically a process that is completed in a single appointment. If you have an unusually large cavity, the filling process with composite materials may take longer than usual and may even require a second appointment. That’s simply because composite filling materials tend to take longer to dry than traditional metal filling materials.

If you suspect you have a cavity or you have a filling that seems loose or fragile, get in touch with a dentist near you and ask if tooth coloured fillings are available to protect your teeth and preserve your natural smile. 

Address: 322-6203 28 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6K3, Canada

Kids’ Dentists vs. General Dentists: Why it Matters

Children are not merely shrunken versions of adults. Just as medicine includes a specialization for meeting the medical needs of newborns and growing children, dentistry has a specialization for responding to the unique dental needs of young people — pediatric dentistry. 

When should a child first go to a dentist?

Parents are recommended to take their infant child to a dentist in Millwoods within six months of their first tooth breaking through. Up to that point, parents will have been cleaning their child’s gums and those first new teeth at home. Do not wait until a problem seems to have emerged before making that first dental visit. 

Preventative treatment and early intervention have three important benefits: you’ll discover how well your cleaning-at-home has been done; your child’s dentist can discover and respond to an issue before it becomes complicated; and your child will learn right from the start that dentists are not to be feared. There is a pediatric dentist in Millwoods ready to meet your infant and get him or her on a path toward a healthy mouth for life. 

As for how long your child should see a pediatric dentist as opposed to a general dentist near you, a pediatric dentist in Millwoods can treat your child well into their teenage years, to roughly age 16. Your kid’s dentist will be able to identify any early need for eventual orthodontic treatment and may also recommend when it is appropriate to transition to a general dentistry practice.

What special training do pediatric dentists receive? 

Every pediatric dentist near you completes a two-year residency program focusing on the dental needs of children. That’s after completing a four-year degree program in general dentistry. During those two additional years of training to treat children, kids dentists learn: 

• Diagnostic and surgical techniques, especially for children
• Child psychology and development
• Dental pharmacology (drug treatment), including delivery and dosage requirements unique to kids
• Radiology techniques
• Trauma management and treatment
• Conscious sedation and general anesthesia
• Special needs dentistry for children

A particular focus of many pediatric dental practices, including kids dentists in Millwoods, is preventative dental care. Kids dentists will try to teach and instil good oral care habits in kids — and their parents — to set them up for a lifetime of good oral health. From the start, a pediatric dentist in Millwoods will teach kids proper brushing and flossing techniques, often using kid-friendly materials like videos and comic books.

Do pediatric dentists treat kids differently than adults?

Kids’ dentists in Millwoods know better than anyone that dental treatment can be stressful for children. Their goal is to reduce that stress in the moment and to eliminate the anxiety associated with a visit to the dental office going forward. 

They do that in several ways, including: using specially designed equipment; decorating and arranging their offices in kid-friendly ways (think colours, furniture, and toys); rewards; early education in fun ways; dentists who speak the child’s home language; and sedation for particularly stressful events.

Some children come with special needs. Those needs might relate directly to the child’s mouth and teeth, such as severe misalignment or a cleft lip or palette. A child may have underlying medical conditions such as autism or bleeding disorders that need to be taken into account. Pediatric dentists are trained to support families and children with special needs. Those dentists will count on the child’s parents to give them all the information they need to provide sensitive and safe care.

If you have an infant or child with new teeth, congratulations! Take the first and easy step toward ensuring your child has a lifetime with healthy teeth by contacting a pediatric dentist in Millwoods. 

Address: 322-6203 28 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6K3, Canada

Things You Should Know Before Getting Dental Crowns

Thanks to modern dentistry, there are many options to restore a damaged tooth. Among them, you may find dental fillings, dental veneers, and dental crowns in Millwoods. 

Our cosmetic dentist in Millwoods will explain the things you should know before getting dental crowns near you.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a cap that fits over a tooth or a dental implant. A prosthodontic dentist near you will evaluate you and determine if you require one or not.

If you have an extremely large cavity, a dental filling will not work because it doesn’t withstand heavy forces, and the tooth may crack. It is due to this reason that dental professionals opt for more resistant materials, such as porcelain, to restore these damaged dental pieces.

Types of Dental Crowns

A dental crown can be made of multiple materials. Among these, you may find stainless steel, porcelain, metal, metal fused with porcelain, and more. 

The most expensive ones are gold and may reach up to $2,500. They may last up to a lifetime. 

The most popular are porcelain because they match the color of your teeth. They may last up to two decades and cost from $500 up to $1,000.

What to Expect of the Procedure?

Before the procedure, your dental professional will take a set of x-rays of your tooth to determine how much dental structure is healthy. They may need to perform a root canal before placing a dental crown.

If the dental piece is irreparable, your doctor will extract the tooth and suggest dental implant surgery. A dental implant is a small post that your dental professional drills inside your jawbone to replace the root of your missing tooth.

You will need to wait three months for the dental implant to fuse with your jawbone to opt for dental crowns in Millwoods. After this time, your prosthodontic dentist will take a mold of the area and send it to a dental laboratory. A dental technician will create your dental crown with a specific material according to your needs. 

Finally, your doctor will install the crown on top of the implant.

When the crown caps your natural tooth, a doctor will administer a local anesthetic to shave the enamel down. They will take an impression of your tooth, and a dental laboratory will create the crown.

While it is ready, your dental professional will place a temporary one to protect your tooth. We recommend not chewing with that side of the mouth until you have the permanent one not to damage it. 

For the placement of the crown, your doctor will ask you to bite down to determine if there are any interferences. If it fits correctly, they will use special cement that lasts for several years. You will now show a beautiful smile to the world.

Caring for Your Crown

For your dental crown to last many years, you must take good care of it. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss between teeth, avoid hard foods and chewing ice, and visit your dental professional every six months.

During dental checkups, your doctor will monitor your teeth and gums and the condition of your dental restorations, like dental fillings and dental crowns, among others.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in getting a dental crown or any dental restorations, you may visit our centers at your best convenience. We have a team of doctors that look forward to helping you enhance your smile.

Our goal is to help you improve your oral health for better life quality.

Address: 322-6203 28 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6K3, Canada

The Experience of Getting a Root Canal

The thought of having to get a root canal treatment is quite scary and can shake one’s wits. It is safe to say that the fear and anxiety surrounding a root canal procedure is due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the procedure. The course of this article will explain the experience of getting a root canal and why an individual should not fear root canal treatment. Visit a dentist in Millwoods today to seek professional advice.

Why would you need a root canal? 

The soft-core portion of a tooth is known as the pulp, extending from the visible portion of the tooth (the crown) all the way to the jawbone where the tip of the tooth’s root lies. The pulp constitutes blood vessels, nerves, and other connecting tissues. Damage to the tooth, such as a crack or severe cavity, can expose the pulp to bacteria. The bacteria, when left untreated along with decaying material in the tooth can lead to a severe infection that causes the pulp to dye. It could also result in losing the bone and the tooth itself. The major signs or red flags to watch out for are swelling on your face and in your neck, constant pains and aches in your tooth or teeth, inflammation in your gums, increased sensitivity in your teeth, and look out for holes in your teeth. 

Individuals who seek a root canal treatment do so because of experiencing pain in their molars. For people who have never experienced any toothaches before, this pain can be abnormal levels of excruciating pain. It can cause you to lose your sleep and peace of mind and, using a cold compress may not do the trick for this kind of pain! At first, you may not be able to fathom the pain or understand what is causing it, so it is best to seek professional help from a dentist near you at the earliest. At a dentist in Milwoods, any individual is more than welcome to come in with any questions, concerns, or dental emergencies that may arise at any point. Look for root canal treatment near you today to save your teeth!

Defining a root canal

It is essential first to understand the definition of a root canal treatment. A root canal treatment is conducted to remove an area of the tooth that is infected or damaged. When the pain increases, the pulp of the tooth tends to be inflamed and gets infected. If left untreated, it can cause a great deal of pain to the individual. A root canal treatment will remove this pulp and clean the infected area. It also ensures that the infection does not spread to any other parts of the body and, your tooth can be saved from a tooth extraction if treated at the right time. 

What to expect during the root canal treatment?

During the root canal treatment, the patient will be administered anesthesia but will still feel some pain during the procedure. Although the procedure is not supposed to be painful in general, if the tooth is infected with an abscess on the tooth, the acids that it contains can reject the injected anesthesia. If the infection on the tooth is deep, the anesthesia may not affect the area. No matter the situation, dental clinics in Milwoods assure a safe and comfortable environment for patients no matter the severity of the dental procedure. 

For more information on root canal treatment in Milwoods, schedule an appointment at the nearest dental clinic to you. A dentist is happy to answer your questions and put your fear of root canal treatment to rest.

Address: 322-6203 28 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6K3, Canada

 

Oral Cancer Screening - Should Seniors Patients Be Subject to Oral Cancer Screenings?

Oral cancer is not the most common topic of conversation. However, people over the age of 65 must consider getting mandatory regular oral cancer screenings. The chances of getting oral cancer are much higher for people over the age of 65. A great number of individuals, at least 65 percent - diagnosed with oral cancer survive for over five years. If oral cancer is detected early with the right oral screenings, the number of people who live beyond five years increases to 85 percent. For oral cancer screening in Millwoods, schedule an appointment today at a dental clinic near you. 

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is defined as cancer developing on the roof and floor of the mouth. Oral cancer can also develop on the teeth, gums, cheeks, lips, throat, tongue, and behind the mouth. Oral cancer belongs to a bigger group of cancers – the head and neck cancers. It is most often discovered once it has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. The key to survival from oral cancer is early detection. 

Can early signs of oral cancer be detected? 

Oral cancer causes changes in the mouth that are notable. However, older patients tend to ignore these signs. The signs or symptoms include:

• Sudden loss of teeth 
• A lump in the neck
• A sore on the mouth or lip that won’t heal or go away 
• The sudden growth of mass anywhere in the mouth or tongue
• Bleeding in the mouth
• Sudden loss of weight 
• Numbness in the mouth, lips, cheeks, face, or neck
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing 
• Not being able to wear dentures
• Sore throat
• Stiff jaws or pain in the mouth 
• Patches in the mouth, lips, or tongue
• Continuous earache 

How can oral cancer be treated? 

Treatment for oral cancer involves chemotherapy, medication, surgery, and radiation treatment. It could either be one of these treatments or a combination of treatments. The treatment is administered based on the location of cancer in the mouth and the stage of cancer. 

Factors that can lead to the development of oral cancer

• Poor oral health care or lack of oral hygiene
• A weak immune system
• Continually exposing your face to the sun
• HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
• Existing history of oral cancer or other cancers in the family
• An old diagnosis of oral cancer 
• Lack of good nutrition 
• Genetic factors

It is also a known fact that men have double the chances of getting oral cancer than women.

What are the stages of oral cancer?

Oral cancer has four stages 

Stage 1: In this stage, the tumor size is 2 centimeters or smaller and has not spread to the lymph nodes in the neck

Stage 2: During this stage, the size of the tumor grows to about 4 centimeters and does not spread to the lymph nodes as yet. 

Stage 3: During this stage, the tumor is either any size and has advanced to one lymph node and no other part of the body or is larger than 4 centimeters but has not transmitted to the lymph nodes. 

Stage 4: At this stage, the tumor is of any size and has advanced to surrounding tissues, lymph nodes in the head and neck, and other parts of the body. 

The National Cancer Institute says that the survival rate for patients with oral cancer is five years and is as follows: 

83 percent for individuals with localized cancer which has not spread 

64 percent for individuals with stage 3 oral cancer

38 percent for individuals with stage 4 coral cancer

Oral cancer is a grave concern for individuals over the age of 65. It is essential to make oral cancer screening mandatory for individuals who are at high risk of getting oral cancer. For oral cancer screening near you, visit a dental clinic in Millwoods today.

Address: 322-6203 28 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6K3, Canada

What's The Best Age To Schedule My Baby's First Pediatric Dental Appointment

Your baby’s first teeth represent a major dental milestone in their life.  

And while it may seem really early to think about a dentist appointment, booking in to see a pediatric dentist near you is an important first step.  

A good dentist will be able to look at your child’s mouth, make sure there are no major complications, and help get them setup for a lifetime of good oral health.

When Do Children’s Teeth Come In?

Generally speaking, you can reasonably expect your child’s first teeth to come in anywhere from six to ten months.  This is by no means a firm rule, and if the teeth come in a little earlier or later, there’s no reason to panic.  

For the majority of children, their teeth will come in normally by the end of the first year.

How Old Should My Child Be For Their First Appointment?

You’ll want to schedule your first appointment at a pediatric dentist in Millwoods either shortly after the first tooth develops or by the age of one.  

While waiting a little longer isn’t the worst thing in the world, two is the absolute latest age you’ll want to leave it.  The reality is that the sooner you can get in to a dentist, the more of a jump start you can get on your child’s oral health.  

It’ll also give your dentist the opportunity to spot any issues or problems early.  For many parents, new teeth are yet another source of worry (particularly when your baby is having a rough time with it), so the fact that you’ll have a qualified professional checking up on everything to make sure it’s alright can be a major source of relief.

What To Expect In Your First Appointment

When most adults think of a dentists appointment, they imagine a process filled with a lot of scrubbing, cleaning and (if you’re unlucky) drilling.

But in most cases, a child’s first pediatric appointment is a much quicker and simpler procedure.  

Basically, your pediatric dentist in Millwoods is going to want to have a look inside your baby’s mouth to make sure that there are no problems.  That includes looking at and counting the teeth that are coming in and ensuring that the gums are healthy, as well as checking on the child’s bite.

The first appointment is also a great opportunity to familiarize your baby with a dental environment and for you to get any questions that need answering answered.  This can include anything from proper cleaning and care to good nutrition.  

Your pediatric dentist will also educate you on what to expect going forward, and what to look for in your child’s oral development.

And while the first appointment can be a stressful experience (both for you and your baby) there are a few things that you can do to prepare, including playing games beforehand and maintaining a calm, positive demeanor to help keep your child calm.

Caring For Your Child’s First Teeth

Most of what you need to know about caring for and keeping your baby’s new teeth clean will be covered in the appointment.

However, here’s a short version of what you should know before you come in for your first visit.  

Basically, caring for an infant’s is relatively straightforward.  You can start as soon as you notice the first teeth coming through.  You don’t need anything special - just a simple infant toothbrush (which can be bought at any pharmacy or drug store) and a small amount of toothpaste.  

At this stage, it’s important that you get your child used to brushing as part of their routine, so keeping it short and simple is probably your best approach.

Address: 322-6203 28 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6K3, Canada

5 Habits Your Dentist Can Identify From A Dental Visit

When visiting a dental clinic near you, we may be inclined to slightly stretch the truth when our dentist asks about how well we have been taking care of our oral health. While this might cause us to avoid some of the initial embarrassment that comes with admitting to our mistakes, your dentist will likely already know that you aren’t telling the whole truth about some of your habits. For your next visit, we encourage you to be honest with your dentist if asked about any of these six things. After all, your dentist in Millwoods will probably already have a good idea about the truth.

1. Nail Biting

Nail-biting might not seem like a harmful habit. However, doing so continuously can result in teeth that appear flatter in the front or have small chips or fractures. Letting your dentist know about this habit may help them to identify treatment to improve the aesthetic appearance of your front teeth if this is since becoming a cause for embarrassment. 

2. Smoking

Smoking is one habit that you will have a hard time hiding from your dentist. The practice of smoking results in a distinct odour that can be picked up on your breath, clothes and hair. Those who are smoking habit will also notice stains on their teeth from the tobacco in cigarettes. Still, many might find it easier to stretch the truth about how often they smoke. Doing so should also be advised against. Nicotine can also stain the fingers that you use to hold a cigarette. Therefore, a quick look at your hands can reveal the truth. 

Coming clean about this habit to your dentist is only to your benefit. When visiting your dental clinic in Millwoods, keep in mind a dentist will only ask these questions to get a more holistic view of your routine. In asking these questions, your dentist hopes to get enough information to make the best recommendations for treatments. They are not here to judge you or remind you of the harmful side effects of smoking.

3. You Consume Sugary Beverages Often

A dentist worried about your enamel might ask if you have a habit of drinking sugary beverages like juice or pop or how often you do so. If asked, your dentist has likely already noticed that your enamel has become worn down or that your teeth have chips or fractures. Consuming sugary beverages can also result in the yellowing of teeth and tooth sensitivity, which can be hard to hide when your dentist looks at your teeth.

4. Sucking Your Thumb As A Kid

Although you might not be in the habit of sucking your thumb anymore, it might not be the first habit you want to admit to. Unfortunately, those who sucked their thumb frequently often have an overbite or shifts in their front teeth. Letting your dentist know about this past habit can help them provide recommendations for teeth straightening treatments that can perfect your smile. 

5. Flossing Regularly

One of the most common questions your dentist will ask is how often you floss or if you have been flossing at all. Those who aren’t in the habit of flossing will likely have red or inflamed gums or gums that bleed when a dental professional performs a cleaning. That said, if you really are flossing and still have these symptoms, your dentist can provide you with tips to improve your technique.

Locating a Dentist Near You

Dental Elements is a dental clinic in Millwoods specializing in quality dental care for your whole family. Our team of friendly and professional staff can help answer any questions you might have about habits impacting your oral health and help to develop a treatment plan that works for you. To learn more about our team and how we can help, we encourage you to book a consultation today! Appointments can be booked online or by calling (780) 462-8056. 

Address: 322-6203 28 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6K3, Canada

How Do Dental Veneers Work?

Ah, dental veneers. Every day more and more patients visit our cosmetic dentist in Millwoods asking for this treatment due to their exceptional results.

It is safe to say that the majority of people, if not all, want to show a movie-star smile to the world. Every time you see a movie, the bad guy has unattractive yellow teeth; and the good guy has a perfect smile. A bright smile not only shows that you take care of yourself and have discipline with your oral care routine, but it also boosts your self-esteem and makes you feel happier. Some studies even show that a person with a pearly white smile has better chances of getting hired and even finding a love partner.

However, not everybody is that lucky, and many patients look for dental veneers in Millwoods because of their unappealing smiles. Dark, crooked, and chipped teeth are some of the causes of why people are demanding dental veneers.

Look no further to know how they work.

Dental Veneers

You may be looking for dental veneers near you, but do you know what they are? Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment, and they are made of porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that a cosmetic dentist near you places on the visible part of one or many teeth to conceal some defects. You can discuss your preferences with your dental professional to determine the length and white shade of yours.

As for the composite resin ones, they are less expensive but also have a shorter life (five to seven years). Your cosmetic dentist reshapes your tooth in a single appointment, using composite resin.

The Power of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are superior to composite resin ones. They last longer, they are stain-resistant, and they strengthen your teeth.

Let’s detail the benefits of dental veneers:

1. Stain-Resistant

As we mentioned above, porcelain is stain resistant; hence, you can eat and drink any foods and beverages freely, without the fear that they will stain. On the contrary, composite resin can get stained, so you have to be more careful with the consumption of colored substances.

2. Conceals Chipped Teeth

If you have one or many cracked teeth, you can mask them with porcelain veneers. Once your cosmetic dentist bonds the porcelain veneer, your teeth will be virtually chip-free.

3. Fast Treatment

Placing composite resin veneers can be done in a single appointment. As for the porcelain veneers, it takes only two. In the first one, your dental professional will shave down a small amount of enamel and take an impression of your teeth, which he or she will send to a dental laboratory for the manufacturing of the veneers. In the second appointment, they will bond them to the visible part of your teeth (the front part). 

The procedure is pain-free, and you don’t need any recovery time afterward.

4. Corrects Gapped Teeth

If you have space between a couple of teeth, you can opt for dental veneers to cover them for a better appearance. Also, filling the gaps will prevent food particles from getting stuck in the area, which will decrease the risk of developing any cavities.

As you can tell, there is little reason not to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist to determine if you qualify for dental veneers. Your teeth will be healthier and look more beautiful, and the procedure is completely pain-free.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our dental offices. We have a team of caring specialists that look forward to helping you achieve a Hollywood smile, like you always wanted.

Address: 322-6203 28 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 6K3, Canada