Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains

Riverwalk Dental provides patients with tooth whitening treatments, but which kind of treatment is appropriate depends on the nature of the stain. If a stain is on the outside of the tooth or just slightly below the surface, it is called an extrinsic stain. But a stain could also be caused by damage to the pulp of the tooth, in which case it is called an intrinsic stain, and treating it could be more complicated.

Any kind of stain can be masked with a veneer or bonding. Since extrinsic stains are acquired from exposure to tar or dark liquids, dentists usually simply bleach them, but that won’t work on an intrinsic stain. Furthermore, damaged dental pulp might indicate a continuing infection which would threaten the patient’s health and comfort. Other possible causes include an excessive amount of fluoride exposure and the use of certain antibiotics, but we’ll need to use our imaging systems to determine whether a root canal or replacement of the crown is necessary. If there is no ongoing threat to the patient’s health, concealing the stain may be all that is required.

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.

 

Preventing Dry Sockets

Patients at Riverwalk Dental rarely have to struggle with a dry socket, but when they do, we’re here to help. We generally try to avoid extracting patients’ teeth, but sometimes, overcrowding or damage leaves us little choice. Although there is a risk of the empty socket drying out, we try to make sure our patients understand how to care for themselves until it closes and how we will address complications, should they arise.

When a tooth is extracted there is expected to be a small amount of bleeding, which will result in a clot. This clot is what protects the socket from infection, foreign debris, and dryness. Therefore, it is important for the patient to disclose to us all the medications they are on, as some may interfere with clot formation. The patient must avoid disrupting the clot until the socket closes after a few days. This means no sipping through straws, no sticky food, and brushing the area around the surgical site very gently.

Dry sockets are rare, but they are more likely if we had to make an incision into the patient’s gum and suture it shut. The appointment to remove the sutures will supply us with an opportunity to ensure everything is healing correctly, but patients who experience a dry socket should contact us right away so we may provide cleaning and moisturizing therapy.

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.

 

Basics of Bruxism

When you’re angry, or anxious, do you find yourself clenching your teeth together? Do you wake up with a sore jaw and ask yourself why? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions, you may want to pay attention while our doctors at Riverwalk Dental discuss the basics of bruxism. Bruxism is the action of clenching or grinding the teeth and although this can occur during the day, it’s most common during sleep.

Bruxism takes a toll on tooth enamel because the action of grinding your teeth can wear it down.  Enamel can’t be restored once it’s lost, so it’s important to address this problem at the first sign of grinding.  Bruxism may cause tooth sensitivity, headaches, and aching jaws due to the overuse of the jaw muscles. When bruxism interferes with sleep, our doctors may suggest a night guard as a treatment option. Depending on the severity of malocclusion, orthodontic options may also be explored.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism or night guards, 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.

Traditional Braces

When you hear the term “orthodontics,” traditional braces are probably the first thing to come to mind. At Riverwalk Dental, we have a variety of orthodontic options for patients to choose from if they desire a straighter smile, but we’d like to take the time and explain the benefits of traditional braces. Depending on your level of self-discipline, they may or not be a better option than their clear alternative – Invisalign.

Traditional dental braces consist of brackets and archwires that are placed on 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. The length of treatment varies from person to person, but once they come off, you’ll see that the duration was worth it.

If you have questions about our orthodontic options, 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.

ZOOM! Whitening for a Dazzling Smile!

inquiries from patients just like you about how they can whiten their teeth.  We offer ZOOM! Whitening to patients looking to treat stained teeth or whiten their natural teeth.  When surface stains penetrate the tooth enamel, they can darken the color of the dentin, the hard tissue layer of your tooth under the enamel. Once the dentin is darkened, it can make the whole tooth appear yellow. Successful whitening systems go below the tooth enamel to reach the dentin.

ZOOM! Whitening combines whitening gel with an activator light to penetrate the enamel and break up stains at the dentin layer. Once the gel is applied to your teeth, the light activates and accelerates the whitening process.  When the chemical reaction lightens the color of the dentin, the whole tooth is free to become whiter. A dentist can tell you based on the level of staining on your teeth what results you can expect from ZOOM!  Patients have left the office after an hour treatment with a smile up to ten shades whiter!

If you are interested in a professional whitening system that delivers dramatic results, contact us to find out more about ZOOM! Whitening. 

WaterLase Technology

WaterLase is an impressive development in the tools dentists use every day, and has many benefits for patients.  Riverwalk Dental takes pride in offering the best dental technology for our patients.  The WaterLase device uses a combination of laser and water power to replace the traditional drill and scalpel tools.  The WaterLase can be used on both hard and soft tissue, and is so versatile that dentists can complete more work in a single session.  This powerful and precise technology helps dentists achieve great results without causing trauma to the mouth, which results in less pain and recovery time. 

When used on the gums, the WaterLase causes little to no bleeding and less swelling. The precision achieved using WaterLase is also important for teeth because the laser can target only decayed tissue without compromising the healthy tooth that remains.  Using WaterLase means fewer anesthetic shots and can even eliminate the need for anesthetic.  Patients who experience anxiety at dental appointments should also try this less invasive and virtually painless method.

To learn more about WaterLase and all the technology we use, 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.

Gum Disease: Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is left untreated and over time, may lead to tooth loss. If a patient’s gum disease reaches this point, our doctors at Riverwalk Dental will likely suggest periodontal therapy.

Periodontitis is treatable, but more importantly, it is preventable. Like gingivitis, periodontitis begins with plaque. The longer plaque remains on your teeth, the more damage it can do to your gums. Other factors include tobacco use, heredity, diabetes, and/or hormonal changes. Proper oral hygiene is critical in preventing periodontitis and so is proper nutrition. In addition to brushing and flossing, you should supply your body with nutrients to keep your gums healthy.

If you have questions or concerns about gum disease, 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.