What Is An Apicoectomy?

The doctors at Riverwalk Dental perform many root canals to save and repair teeth that are badly damaged or infected.  A root canal procedure involves removing any inflamed or infected tissue, and thoroughly cleaning the root canal system.  In most root canal cases, the tooth heals and doesn’t require further treatment. When an infection won’t go away or the canals become re-infected, our doctors can perform an apicoectomy.

An apicoectomy removes damaged tissue and seals a tooth’s root from any further infections.  The procedure involves a small incision in the gums, followed by removal of any infected tissue and finally the end of the root tip itself.  A root-end filling is placed there to act as a seal, preventing reinfection. The gum is sutured, and most patients only feel slight discomfort or swelling during healing.  If you have a tooth infection lingering after a root canal gone wrong, please contact us to discuss your treatment options.

To learn more about the apicoectomy procedure and all the services we provide, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

A Whiter Smile Next Year

Everyone likes to make a make a great impression with a nice bright smile.  Riverwalk Dental provides an at-home whitening system to patients that you can use to whiten and brighten your smile gradually at home.  Patients with serious and minor stains can both see great results from this whitening treatment.  A consultation can help you determine how severe your stains are and what kind of results you can expect from a whitening treatment.  Come visit us about teeth whitening and start the New Year with your best smile!

To whiten your teeth at home, we outfit patients with whitening gel and a set of custom trays for application.  A dentist takes an impression of your teeth, and from this impression two custom trays are made for your top and bottom teeth.  The trays are made for you to take home and use by applying gel to the trays and then fitting them over your teeth. The dentist’s recommendation of how often to treat and how long each treatment should last may vary.  When following the dentist’s recommendations, most patients see results of teeth whitening 4-8 shades.

To learn more about teeth whitening and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Have You Had A Cleaning This Year?

At Riverwalk Dental we encourage all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. 

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays, and start the year off with your best smile!

To learn more about the services we offer, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Adult Orthodontics

Riverwalk Dental provides orthodontic care for adolescents and adults.  It is often recommended to start treatment on an adolescent patient once all the permanent teeth have come in, but adults can still get great results from orthodontic care.  There are several options for adults beginning orthodontic treatment, and the best one for you will depend on what needs to be corrected.

To correct bite issues and straighten teeth, the traditional braces method includes brackets on the teeth and connecting wires that are tightened over the course of treatment. Clear braces use the same method but the materials are tooth-colored to avoid a metallic look.  Accelerated orthodontics are applied to correct cosmetic issues in about six months. Severe misalignments and bite issues can’t be corrected in such a short time, but if your concerns are purely cosmetic, it’s a great option for a short treatment time that can completely transform your smile. Invisalign treatment is popular because of its almost invisible appearance.  A treatment plan consists of a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time.  Come see us and find out what will be best to correct your smile!

To learn more about all the orthodontic treatments we provide, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Restoring Smiles with Dental Implants

Riverwalk Dental replaces teeth and restores patient smiles with dental implants. Implants are a permanent restorative option for teeth that are missing or have been extracted.  They look and feel like natural teeth, and are the most permanent and efficient means of replacing lost teeth.  Implants are titanium screws inserted into the jaw bone. Over a period of 3-6 months, the jaw bone heals around the implant to become a solid, stable base for the new tooth. During this time a patient is fitted with a temporary crown, and a custom crown is created to match their smile perfectly.

After the jaw bone and gums have healed appropriately, the custom crown is placed in a second appointment. Sometimes, the doctor may need to expose the head of the implant in a second minor surgery.  When everything is healed, the crown will be screwed or cemented to the top of the implant.  When this is complete the tooth looks like part of the natural smile, and with proper care will last for decades!

To learn more about dental implants and all the treatments we offer, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Drinking Water for Oral Health

Drinking water is important for your health at all ages.  At Riverwalk Dental, we see that plenty of adult patients that are guilty of not drinking enough water, so we know it can be tough to monitor if kids are getting enough too.  We want to encourage you and the kids in your family to stay hydrated and healthy!

We all know kids love drinking juice and soda, but we forget that these beverages leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  The type of bacteria that causes cavities feeds on sugar, and produces acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it even from a young age.  When kids drink juice or soda, it is helpful just to drink some water afterwards to dilute acids and wash away food particles and residue. You and your children should be drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.  Drinking tap water with fluoride is important to help prevent cavities.  If you’re worried that your children may not be drinking enough water, come see us to discuss tips that might help them drink more!

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early, and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  To learn more about the services we offer, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Prevent Embarrassing Bad Breath

Bad breath that results from consuming potent foods like onions or garlic isn’t harmful to our health. However, when it becomes persistent due to lack of oral hygiene, then our doctors of Riverwalk Dental have a bone to pick with patients. Medically deemed, halitosis, bad breath can be an acute or chronic condition. There are many risk factors, such as tobacco products, dry mouth, or poor oral health.  

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. Bad breath odors vary, depending on the source or the underlying cause. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum disease. If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits. If your bad breath persists after making changes, visit us as soon as possible.

If you have questions or concerns about oral health or bad breath prevention, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.

Composite (White) Fillings

Bonding can be used to correct cracks or gaps in teeth and is a popular method to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. It is also used as a filling after a cavity has been removed, or to cover up stains or discolored teeth. Ultimately, the best dental filling is no dental filling, but here at Riverwalk Dental, we focus on providing you with a bright smile that blends with the natural color of your teeth.

Aesthetics are the main advantage of white fillings since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. This mixture of tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. In addition, these tooth-colored fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing.

If you have questions or concerns about dental fillings or composite fillings, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.

Pediatric Dentistry

The doctors and staff of Riverwalk Dental take pride in serving the families from our community, and we want you to know it’s just as important for children to have regular dental visits.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled when the first baby tooth appears, or around the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development is important for overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth.

Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development.  Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  Our dentists are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seems nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, we recommend going through a brushing routine with them at home, and talking about the dental visit before you arrive.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants.

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  To learn more about the services we offer, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Smoking With Sleep Apnea

Smoking will exacerbate any respiratory condition and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should see the doctors at Riverwalk Dental for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!  Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep disorders, please give us a call. To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments we offer, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, call 403-456-4994.

Fluoride Treatment

At Riverwalk Dental, our doctors provide patients with fluoride treatments to help protect their tooth enamel. Fluoride is commonly called nature’s cavity fighter and there’s a good reason for this. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the entire tooth surface more resistant to acid attacks from the bacteria that live in the plaque on your teeth. Fluoride also promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before a cavity forms in the tooth.

Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, foods, and several minerals. When present at the right level, fluoride in drinking water has two beneficial effects preventing tooth decay and contributing to healthy bones. The type of fluoride we utilize at our practice is called topical fluoride. Topical fluoride is applied directly to and absorbed by the surface of the teeth. It may be applied as a foam or gel after a professional cleaning and can additionally be found in personal oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses.

If you have questions or concerns about preventive dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked tooth syndrome does not mean that you are clumsy enough to crack your teeth all the time. Believe it or not, cracked tooth syndrome occurs when a tooth has a crack that is too small to show up on X-rays or is under the gum and challenging to identify. The sensitivity may be mild to intense, which is why to determine if you have a cracked tooth, one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental, will examine your mouth and teeth with and without X-rays, focusing on the tooth in question.

Cracked tooth syndrome more often occurs in molars, usually lower molars, which absorb most of the forces of chewing. People who grind or clench their teeth may be more susceptible to cracked tooth syndrome because of the constant forces put on the teeth. Many people with cracked tooth syndrome have symptoms for months, but it’s often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are not consistent.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.

Cirrhosis and Gum Disease

We hope patients at Riverwalk Dental see the dentists’ office as a hopeful place. There are a growing number of studies that show dental health is vital to overall health, and that regular cleanings can lead to unexpected improvements in other areas. Recently, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found evidence of a causative effect between treating gum disease and cirrhosis symptoms.

Cirrhosis, which results from scarring of the liver, is seriously detrimental to the body. It results in increased inflammation and decreased cognitive function. Both cirrhosis and periodontal disease can result from abuse of alcohol and tobacco, so it’s unsurprising that people with one would be at increased risk for the other. But periodontal disease is also unusually common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which prompted researchers to experiment.

They found that when people with cirrhosis were treated for gum disease, the number of bacteria in their gut that combat inflammation increased, as did their cognitive function. No significant change was found in the control group. Researchers are unsure what the connection is, but it demonstrates why it’s wrong for people to think that regular dental cleanings aren’t important.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Tooth extractions are a commonly done service at Riverwalk Dental. While we would always rather save a tooth than remove it, there are times when extractions are necessary to prevent overcrowding or the spread of decay. The procedure almost always succeeds without any complications, but patients should be aware that we need their full cooperation to prevent problems such as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).

Tooth extractions are usually a simple affair in which the tooth is rocked to loosen it up until it can be pulled the rest of the way. The jaw bone will be briefly exposed at the base of the empty socket, but a blood clot will seal it off. ONJ describes when the bone tissue begins to die. It can happen if the patient is taking bisphosphonate medications, which are used to prevent bone resorption. People with osteopenia may take them orally, but the majority of ONJ cases occurred in people taking them intravenously for chemotherapy.

ONJ is treatable. The decayed material would be shaved and the bone would be rinsed with antibiotics. But it can be avoided if patients inform dentists of all the medications they are on. If a patient is taking bisphosphonates, we may be able to come up with an alternative solution for their dental issue.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

How Cavities Damage Teeth

The sugary food and beverages we consume on a daily basis might taste delicious, but they are slowly wreaking havoc on tooth enamel. Foods that cling to the teeth, such as bread, cakes, and hard candy, produce acids that weaken enamel and cause cavities. Cavities don’t go away by themselves and will need to be filled by one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental. We’d much rather you practice prevention instead of reaching that point.

Fillings help cavities from growing larger, but the best thing you can do for your teeth is to avoid them altogether. To prevent cavities, avoid frequent snacking and specific food and drinks, such as honey, raisins, and dry cereal. If your oral hygiene routine doesn’t include brushing at least twice a day for two minutes or flossing at least once a day, you’ll need to improve to prevent holes from developing in the teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.

Water Flossing

What is water flossing? Water flossing is another way to clean teeth, and this method involves using a hand-held device. Water flossing can be ideal for people who have trouble flossing by hand and our doctors at Riverwalk Dental want patients to know that if they are going to invest in a water flosser it should have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Water flossers have been tested to be safe and effective for removing plaque, and are helpful if you’ve had dental work performed on the teeth, such as bridges, dentures, or braces. Depending on which flossing technique you decide to use, keep in mind that cleaning between your teeth should never be painful. Talk to our doctors and discuss which dental cleaner is best for you and remember that whichever floss you decide to use is better than not flossing at all.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located at Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.

Back to School Cleanings

If it’s been more than six months since your child’s last teeth cleaning, now’s a great time to visit Riverwalk Dental in Calgary. We’re open late, allowing kids to come in without missing school, and if they have a dental problem, it’s best to get it taken care of early in the year.

Children are the age group that gets dental infections the most frequently. Usually, the issue is bad hygiene. We can educate children about better brushing and flossing techniques and direct parents toward toothbrush grips if their child had a motor control issue. Even if the decay is in a baby tooth, parents should take it seriously. When children have toothaches, they may have difficulty eating and sleeping, leading to worse behavior in school and slower learning.

The dental examination is an opportunity to plan for long-term dental care as well as to do a cleaning. It may be where other conditions come to light, such as if pain in the upper teeth is being caused by a nasal or sinus blockage. We can also reshape a mouthguard for school sports and provide a night guard if we observe signs of nighttime teeth grinding.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Patients at Riverwalk Dental in Calgary are accustomed to nonjudgmental, individualized care. One of the most sensitive oral health issues is the impact of autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren’s Syndrome. Because this condition is linked to gingivitis, we want our patients to be aware of it and how to manage it.

The causes of Sjögren’s Syndrome are not fully understood, but the disease mostly is found in middle-aged women who have recently had an infection or otherwise been under stress. The disease causes the immune system to attack the tear ducts and saliva glands, drying out the patient’s mouth. This puts the patient at increased risk for tooth decay because saliva helps to wash away food debris and keep the pH level of the mouth inhospitable to bacteria and fungi. Infections in the gum pockets create acid, which causes gum tissue to bleed and triggers the immune system’s inflammation response.

The test for Sjögren’s Syndrome involves plucking a few saliva glands from the lower lip and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. If the patient tests positive, we can prescribe throat moisturizers and saliva production stimulants to ease their discomfort.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Tooth Extraction

If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental will first try to fix it with a filling, crown or other dental treatment. However, when there’s too much damage for the tooth to be repaired, the tooth may need to be removed from its socket in the bone. Here at Riverwalk Dental, we offer tooth extractions to eliminate your oral discomfort.

A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that can be seen in the mouth. In a simple extraction, the dentist will loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Then, the dentist uses forceps to remove the tooth. A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure. It is used if a tooth may have broken off at the gum line or has not come into the mouth yet, such as wisdom teeth. During a surgical extraction, the doctor will make a small incision into your gum. Sometimes it’s necessary to remove some of the bone around the tooth or to cut the tooth in half in order to extract it.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth extraction, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.

Oral Cancer Risks

Oral cancer is a malignant growth that affects any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, upper or lower jaw, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat. Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risk is higher if you are male, over age 40, use tobacco or alcohol or have a history of head or neck cancer. Understanding the causative factors of oral cancer will contribute to the prevention of the disease. Your health is important to us and you should schedule regular dental checkups with our doctors at Riverwalk Dental to detect oral cancer early when it is the easiest to treat.

If you smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol or have a poor diet, changing these habits can decrease the chances of developing oral cancer. Also, if you’ve had oral cancer before, you may be more likely to develop it again, so keeping up with regular dental visits is important. If you notice mouth ulcers that do not heal, pain when swallowing, a sensation that something is stuck in the throat, or pain in the neck or ears that isn’t going away, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental to treat the problem.

If you have questions or concerns about oral cancer, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.