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Click on a common question to find the answer…
- When should I bring my child in for a dental visit?
- Why does my elderly parent need the special attention of a dentist?
- Why do I need a dentist checkup if my teeth are fine?
- Why is it important for me to visit a hygienist?
- How is my 'oral health' linked to my 'overall health'?
- Why should a missing tooth be replaced?
- What are the advantages of implants over bridges?
- Why should I wear a nightguard?
- Why should I wear a sports guard?
- Can I view ON-SCREEN the treatment my child received today?
- Can I see a cosmetically enhanced image of my smile to help me decide before we begin?
- Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
- Do you accept referrals?
- Why do I have sensitive teeth?
- I brush daily, but my breath still isn't fresh. Is there anything I can do?
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Answers
When should I bring my child in for a dental visit?
Most children should visit the dentist with a parent before the age of three. Simply bring your child to your scheduled hygiene appointment. Our team will take the opportunity to familiarize your little one with our Oakville, ON dental office and become friends. This fun approach to visiting the dentist helps kids feel confident and secure at their first checkup. We’ll allow your child to take a “ride” in the dental chair and watch us clean your teeth. Dr. Baluschak is excellent with children. His goal is to ensure a great start to a lifetime of positive dental experiences.
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Why does my elderly parent need the special attention of a dentist?
Elderly patients often suffer needless dental discomfort and pain that can be prevented with regular dental visits. Caring adults often stay abreast of their parent's physical conditions. Asking key questions can help you, help them enjoy a quality life:
- Are they experiencing any pain or discomfort anywhere in their mouth?
- Do they avoid chewing on one side?
- Can they chew meat and raw vegetables?
- Are any of their teeth or dentures loose?
- Do they have sore spots on their gums?
- Have they stopped eating the foods they love?
Our dentist cares for many elderly patients and approaches them with great empathy in an unrushed manner. Our thorough dental exam allows him to assess what you cannot see, and he will be happy to share the images with you. Many times, we can offer preventive services that will eliminate potential discomfort and reduce the need for future dental treatments considerably.
In consultation with you and your parent, a treatment can be decided on to best offer a solution to improve their ability to eat well. A nourishing diet hinges on sound ability to bite and chew a variety of foods. Many are not aware that modern-day dentistry can offer simple solutions that were not available in the past. The eventual resorting to a soft-food diet is often unnecessary and diminishes optimal health. We would be happy to help you get the care you would like for your elderly parent. (Parking at our doorstep, our wheelchair ramp, and the unrushed caring manner of Dr. Baluschak and our staff will help make the visit friendly and informative.)
Why do I need a dentist checkup if my teeth are fine?
For the same reason your car needs a regular tune up – to check for problems. Dental health impacts overall health, according to recent research, so maintaining optimal oral health is a step toward overall health. Issues like gum disease, cavities, fractures, and oral cancer start small and sometimes cause no pain. Regular checkups are your best defense against the silent but serious problems like gum disease and oral cancer. When Dr. Baluschak finds these problems early, he can recommend conservative treatment that may save you from discomfort, expense, and time in the dental chair. Every person needs a dentist checkup examination twice a year. With our help, patients can keep their teeth and gums healthy well into their senior years.
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Why is it important for me to visit a hygienist?
Our hygienists are a critical part of your oral healthcare team. In our clinic, they work closely with our dentist in gathering and relaying essential oral-health data. Together they compile a treatment plan designed for both gum and tooth health. During your hygiene visit, the dentist conducts a critical checkup exam. Our dental hygienists do much more than simply clean your teeth. They skillfully eradicate the destructive bacteria that clings to tartar accumulations below the gumline. Regularly ridding the bacteria under the gumline is key to mouth health and body health. The strain on the immune system is lessened. These important hygiene visits help prevent bone loss caused by bacterial accumulations. Healthy bone levels are essential to support teeth. Tooth loss from this silent disease is highly preventable. Regular hygiene visits are your 1st defense in helping you stay healthy and keeping your teeth for a lifetime.
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How is my 'oral health' linked to my 'overall health'?
You’ve heard about the mind-body connection, but not many are aware of the mouth-body connection. The latest research shows many connections between your oral health and your overall health. A visit to the dentist isn’t just about teeth anymore. It makes perfect sense, though. What goes on in your mouth affects the rest of your body, and what goes on in your body can affect your mouth, as well. The two are deeply interconnected.
For example, many prescription drugs and medical therapies can cause problems like dry mouth. Dry mouth can contribute to more dental decay, and it can also affect taste. It works in reverse too—an infection in the mouth can increase your risk of certain systemic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums, increasing the risk of heart disease. Gum disease has also been shown to disrupt blood-sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control.
While examining your mouth, the dentist may notice a sign of a problem that you were not aware you had. Gum disease and oral cancer have very subtle, often painless symptoms that often go unnoticed by patients. When these problems are caught in their earliest stages, your chances of recovery are far greater. Maintaining optimal oral health may be the first step toward a healthier life overall.
Why should a missing tooth be replaced?
Unlike the old-days, advances in modern dentistry have made missing teeth for long periods of time a rare occurrence. Today, the simple solutions have outweighed the consequences of doing nothing. Left untreated, missing teeth can cause a wide range of issues, including tooth shifting, discomfort, increased risk for gum disease and tooth decay, bone loss, and TMJ jaw-joint issues. A tooth replacement will allow you to maintain a comfortable bite, speak with clarity, and your regain your self-confidence. Similar to the prior high levels of cavities in children, missing teeth have largely become a thing of the past.
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What are the advantages of implants over bridges?
Fixed bridges were the treatment of choice for many years. They fill the gap left by missing teeth by anchoring crowns to healthy neighboring teeth on either side of the gap. Dental implants represent the latest tooth-replacement option. With implants, the neighboring healthy teeth no longer need to be treated. Instead, an artificial tooth root is placed in the jawbone for a more natural design. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and unlike bridges, which must be replaced periodically, dental implants are designed to last for a lifetime.
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Why should I wear a nightguard?
Dr. Baluschak often recommends a nightguard for patients who subconsciously grind their teeth. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in our society, and because it most often occurs during sleep, many patients are unaware of the problem. Without treatment, bruxism can cause tooth wear, cracks, fractures, sensitivity, TMJ issues, and even tooth loss. A nightguard is a thin, comfortable appliance worn over teeth to protect them from destructive teeth grinding. In the long run, the cushioning effect of a nightguard will prevent you from needing more extensive dental work in the future.
Why should I wear a sports guard?
Forty percent of all sports injuries involve the face and head. A sports guard helps eliminate the risk of tooth loss, and recent research shows that it can also reduce the risk of concussion by cushioning the blow. All athletes, from pee-wee to professional, should wear a sports guard to protect their smiles from unnecessary injury. A dentist-made custom sports guard provides the most comfortable fit, increasing the likelihood that it will be worn regularly. Custom sports guards allow the athlete to breath normally and speak effectively.
Can I view ON-SCREEN the treatment my child received today?
Yes! This is something that sets Dr. Baluschak apart as a truly conscientious dentist. At our clinic, we save all live intraoral images and take magnified before-and-after photos at EVERY VISIT, so parents can examine the treatments we perform. Dr. Baluschak and our clinicians are happy to share the images with you prior to AND after each appointment. We even keep them on file in case you would like to see them again at a later time.
Can I see a cosmetically enhanced image of my smile to help me decide before we begin?
Absolutely. We are proud to offer this complimentary service. Previewing how you could look after proposed dental treatment will help you make your final decision to proceed. We want our patients to have all the resources available to them, so they can feel confident in the care they receive. Dr. Baluschak has invested in digital imaging software, so you can "test drive" your new smile to help you decide. Take home your FREE printed 'before-after Smile Trial' photo, discuss it, and call us when you're ready. Our 'before-after Cosmetic Imaging Service' is quick, simple, and free. Even if you're not a patient, you can still try OUR ‘Smile Trial Service’ for FREE! Try it today -- call us, no obligation!
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
We perform a thorough exam of your teeth and gums in order to carefully assess if you are a good candidate. Jumping into whitening without a thorough dental exam, could result in pain, sensitivity, and undesirable multi-colored teeth. We offer a professional teeth whitening system that is gradual and proven to result in lower tooth sensitivity than other systems.
Do you accept referrals?
Yes we do! When you recommend a family member or friend to us, we believe it is one of the highest compliments we can receive. We are always looking forward to new patients, and you can be assured that we will extend the same comprehensive, caring service to your friends and coworkers that we give you every time you visit. Thank you for your confidence!
Why do I have sensitive teeth?
A variety of factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity. Worn-down tooth surfaces, for example, can expose the sensitive layer of dentin that lies just beneath the enamel. Receding gums (possibly caused by gum disease) can expose tooth roots and also lead to sensitivity. Avoiding brushing because of sensitivity only worsens the problem. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity, call us so we can help determine the cause. We will assess your situation and recommend the best treatment to help alleviate your discomfort.
I brush daily, but my breath still isn't fresh. Is there anything I can do?
Up to 90% of halitosis (bad breath) stems from oral diseases or disorders. Personal habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can also play a role. Some of the most common causes include:
- Dry mouth
- Denture wearing
- Food retention
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental decay
- Gingivitis
- Gum disease
- An unclean tongue
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
Most of these factors cause an increase of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce compounds that cause “bad breath.”
What's the treatment? The Hygienist will start with a thorough assessment of your condition, as well as a professional cleaning of your teeth. Then she will work with you to design an effective home-care program including conventional tooth brushing and flossing, daily irrigation of the oral tissues, and regular cleaning and brushing of the tongue. She may also recommend an oral rinse. If you’re uncomfortable discussing your bad breath with us, don’t be! It’s a common problem and many patients have easily resolved it with help from our dental professionals. Simply ask us; we’re here to help.
OUR WEBSITE is full of information and videos designed to empower you. We encourage you to browse our site and find the solution you're looking for, and how we can help. , and share what you've discovered!
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