Kelowna Dentist and Cosmetic Dentistry
Kelowna Dentist:
A dentist has completed the necessary educational and practical requirements to become a licensed professional dentist. Educational and training requirements vary by state, but generally, a dentist can diagnose and treat the conditions and diseases that affect the gums, teeth, and the mouth in general. A dentist is also licensed to repair damaged teeth and extract those that are beyond saving and replace them with artificial teeth.
Dental hygiene:
The term dental hygiene, sometimes called oral hygiene, refers to the routine practiced by an individual to maintain their gums, teeth, and mouth in good health. It includes brushing, flossing, abstaining from foods that damage oral health, regular dental visits, and other activities that contribute to good oral health. Dental hygiene can be positive or negative depending on the results. Good oral hygiene usually results in healthy teeth and gums while poor oral hygiene usually results in gingival disease and loss of teeth.
Teeth whitening:
The term teeth whitening refers to the process of eliminating stains and discoloration from the tooth enamel so that the teeth are whiter and more visually attractive. There are several methods for achieving whiter teeth and the time involved will depend on the process used and the degree of whitening desired. Depending on the degree of staining and discoloration involved, the process can be completed in a couple of office visits or it may span several months.
Crowns:
Dental crowns are used for various applications and they function the same as the crowns of the natural teeth. Available in a variety of materials, crowns are often used when a tooth has required an extensive filling, and they help restore the size, shape, and function of the tooth. They’re installed over the tooth and cover it down to the gum line. Dental crowns are sometimes used after a root canal and will restore the functionality of the tooth.
Bridges:
A dental bridge is comprised of one or more artificial teeth that are attached together and replace missing or damaged teeth. They’re usually anchored to abutment teeth or an implant. Bridges are usually permanent installations that can only be removed by a professional dentist. They don’t slip or fall out and require no additional maintenance, only the regimen of good oral hygiene that’s used for natural teeth.
Root canal:
When a tooth has significant decay or needs to be removed for another reason, a dentist may perform a root canal. Each natural tooth is anchored in place by roots in the pulpy interior of the gums, which also contain the nerves and blood vessels that maintain a healthy tooth. If a tooth is badly damaged or needs to be extracted, then the dentist will perform a root canal to try to save the tooth. The pulp and nerve will be removed and the inside of the tooth will be cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection or an abscess.
Veneers:
Dental veneers are thin layers of enamel, porcelain or other material that look and function the same as tooth enamel. They cover the front of teeth and can mask minor issues such as misalignment, discoloration, tooth size, wear, gaps, chips, and damage. They’re available to cover a single tooth or many. Since they’re custom-designed, they’ll be comfortable and will appear natural.
Tooth extractions:
When a tooth is badly decayed or has suffered severe trauma and cannot be saved, it may need to be extracted. Extractions can also be necessary if a tooth hasn’t fully erupted or has come in at an angle. During an extraction, the dentist will numb the surrounding teeth, jaw, and gums. Then the tooth will be removed in its entirety and the socket will be rinsed to eliminate any debris. Sometimes, a tooth will need to be removed in sections, but there shouldn’t be any pain. Bleeding should stop when a blood clot forms in the socket and normal eating and drinking can be resumed as directed by the dentist.
Periodontal gum treatment:
When gingival disease has progressed to a more serious stage, then periodontal gum treatment may be necessary. Usually, this involves root planing and scaling and more than one dental visit. Scaling will remove tartar and plaque that have accumulated below the gum line down to the bottom of the tooth socket. The tooth roots will be planed so that they’re smooth and can reattach to the tooth root. A local anesthetic is generally used as are antibiotics, probiotics, lasers, and special mouth wash solutions.
Invisalign:
Invented in Northern California in the late 1990s, Invisalign was intended to appeal to adults who needed braces but didn’t like the appearance of traditional metal braces. Invisalign braces use clear plastic trays to gently reshape tooth alignment rather than bulky and uncomfortable metal braces. The procedure usually takes less time than traditional metal braces and the trays are more comfortable than metal wires, but they’re more expensive initially. Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign and the program must be administered by a professional dentist.
Children’s dentist:
Also called a pediatric dentist, a children’s dentist is a general dentist who has completed additional training and education in the field of pediatric dentistry, which requires special skills and treatment that are different from adult dentistry. A pediatric dentist has completed a minimum of two to three years of specialized training, has supplies and instruments that are appropriate to the size of the child, and has an atmosphere that focuses on the special needs, behaviors, and treatment of children.
Dental cosmetic botox:
In addition to the cosmetic applications of botox, it’s now used therapeutically for dental issues such as temporomandibular joint disorders, bruxism, tension headaches, and joint pain in the jaw. Botox contains a neural blocker that decreases the perception of pain and helps muscles to relax, which can reduce or eliminate teeth grinding while improving facial aesthetics. Dental cosmetic botox treatments must be administered by a professional dentist.
Cosmetic dentistry:
Those who are unhappy with their smile or the appearance of their teeth and jawline can use cosmetic dentistry to solve the problem. Cosmetic dentistry includes teeth whitening, bonding, crowns, veneers, implants, bridges, inlays, onlays, and more. It can fix dental issues such as misaligned or misshapen teeth, discolored or stained teeth, missing or damaged teeth, and more. Generally, cosmetic dentistry can provide beautifully white and even teeth, even for those who have severe issues.
Dentures:
Available as full, partial, or permanent installations, dentures are artificial teeth that look and function the same as natural teeth. They’re custom-made to replace missing teeth, and the full and partial types can be removed for cleaning. Permanently installed dentures require the same oral hygiene regimen that’s used for natural teeth. The type of material used will depend, in part, on the type of denture and the dentist’s recommendation as well as personal preference.
Kettle Valley Family Dental Kelowna 5315 Main St #103 Kelowna, BC V1W 4V3
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