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Most people know that smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco is bad for their oral health, but many do so anyway. Perhaps it is because they wanted to look cool in front of their teenage friends and formed an addiction over the years, or maybe it’s because they find comfort in the act of smoking with a nice, warm cup of Joe. While we’re not here to judge, we do have some bad news for smokers: tobacco use is one of the biggest causes of many serious oral infections and diseases.

At Trillium Dental, we care about our patients’ oral health and do everything in our power to ensure that they are maintaining good oral hygiene habits between teeth cleanings at our Ottawa dental clinic. Our job is to ensure that you are receiving the best dental care possible, even if that means reminding you to use dental floss more often or to quit smoking. That being said, here are a few ways smoking cigarettes negatively affects your oral health.

INCREASED RISK OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

One of the most significant impacts smoking has on your oral health is that it causes an increase in plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline, which eats away at the tooth enamel. Your gums need a smooth, clean surface to attach themselves to — otherwise, they can recede and become infected. Smoking and chewing tobacco accelerate the process of the tooth enamel breaking down, as the carcinogenic chemicals in these products aggressively attack the teeth and surrounding oral tissue. It is believed that these chemicals also interfere with the ability of gum tissue to function and protect the roots of the teeth, leaving them prone to infections like gingivitis, also known as early-stage gum disease.

Though the symptoms of gum disease are not always apparent at first, they will progress over time to include gum recession and puffiness, gum and tooth sensitivity, persistent jaw pain, and loose or missing teeth due to tooth decay and a deteriorating jawbone. There are many health risks associated with gum disease, and not all of them have to do with the oral cavity. In fact, periodontitis is also linked to serious health conditions like coronary heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and pancreatic cancer, as this infection can enter the bloodstream via swollen or bleeding gums and attack vital organs throughout the body. And, you guessed it — much of this can be avoided if you quit smoking and take good care of your teeth.

INCREASED RISK OF ORAL CANCER

Another common dental problem caused by cigarettes and chewing tobacco is an increased risk of oral cancer, which is a major cause for concern among dental patients who smoke. This, again, is largely due to the carcinogens in these addictive products, which can cause cancers of the mouth, throat, sinuses, and lungs, as well as pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and countless other life-threatening diseases. The lungs and oral cavity are especially susceptible to developing cancerous cells, as they have the most direct contact with the carcinogenic particles when the smoke or tobacco juice rests on the teeth, gums, cheeks, throat, and lungs.

Because of this, it is not uncommon for chain smokers or long-time smokers and tobacco chewers to notice red and white patches (leukoplakia) cropping up on the inside of their mouths. Though this is not always an indicator of oral cancer (sometimes these are cold sores or canker sores), red and white mouth sores, lumps, patches, and mouth ulcers are all symptoms of a serious oral health problem. Of course, oral cancer is fairly easy to avoid if you are not genetically predisposed to the condition and do not use tobacco products. Fortunately, our dentists and dental hygienists include oral cancer screenings as part of our routine dental exams, so we may be able to catch the early signs before it progresses into a more serious problem. If we do notice signs of oral cancer during your dental cleaning, we’ll point you in the right direction for treatment.

SCHEDULE A DENTAL EXAM IN OTTAWA AT TRILLIUM DENTAL

At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, we work to ensure that each of our patients receives the best dental care possible through routine teeth cleanings and additional dental treatments when necessary. For smokers who have developed gingivitis or periodontitis, we offer a number of gum disease treatments, including root planing (tartar removal), gingival grafts, gingivectomies, and crown lengthening procedures.

In addition to periodontics, we also perform oral cancer screenings and restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental implants, dental crowns, and dental bridges, which aim to replace decayed or missing teeth. Whatever the case may be, our dentists are prepared to treat any patient who is suffering from the consequences of smoking on their oral health, even if that means referring them to an oral surgeon or an oral cancer specialist who can provide the appropriate treatment. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are concerned about your oral health, or feel free to make an appointment with us online.

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Porcelain veneers are frequently used in the world of cosmetic dentistry, as they offer a quick, painless, and affordable solution to many aesthetic dental concerns. At Trillium Dental, we are pleased to offer porcelain veneers at each of our eight dental clinics in Ottawa, including Alta Vista, Downtown Ottawa, Stittsville, and the Bayshore and Westgate Malls. From our team of family dentists and dental hygienists, here’s what you need to know about porcelain veneers!

TOOTH APPEARANCE

Though this may seem obvious, the main benefit of porcelain veneers is that they can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth. So, what are veneers, exactly? Dental veneers are very thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the teeth in order to cover up cosmetic imperfections, such as cracked or chipped teeth, yellow teeth, or teeth that are not shaped to your satisfaction. These tooth cover-ups are also incredibly discreet, given most dental offices offer a variety of different shades of white veneers, so you can choose the one that best matches your ideal tooth color. The end result is a beautiful, white smile in no time!

CUSTOMIZABLE

Another great thing about dental veneers is that they can be customized for each individual dental patient. As previously mentioned, our dentists will work with you to determine which shade of white you’d like your new teeth to be, as well as which imperfections you want to cover up. Got a chipped tooth that drives you crazy? Porcelain veneers can smooth it over, leaving the tooth looking good as new. Tired of having stained teeth from tobacco, cola, medications, or drinking coffee every morning? Porcelain veneers offer an effortless alternative to at-home teeth whitening kits, and they are sometimes even cheaper than using professional teeth whitening gel at your local dental clinic, depending on your dental insurance coverage.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

STRONG & DURABLE

Despite being extremely thin, porcelain veneers are strong and long-lasting — that is, unless you take a baseball bat to the face, trip and fall on the sidewalk, or bite into something hard, like a jawbreaker candy. Because of this, you won’t have to walk on eggshells with your newly covered teeth, but do keep in mind that they can break if enough force is applied or if you grind your teeth at night. Fortunately, if one of your porcelain veneers does chip or break, this is easy for our family dentists to touch up when you visit us in Ottawa.

CONFIDENCE & SELF-ESTEEM

There’s nothing better than being able to smile from ear to ear without hesitation, and porcelain veneers can help you regain confidence in your smile if you’ve been holding back due to insecurities. Whether you’ve been battling with yellow teeth and have tried all the teeth whitening strips at the drugstore or you’ve got a tooth crack that’s driving you nuts, porcelain veneers offer the perfect cosmetic dentistry solution to get your confidence back up. If you’re interested in learning more about dental veneers or any of our other cosmetic dentistry options, such as white fillings, dental crowns, or complete smile makeovers, contact us today or book an appointment online at Trillium Dental in Ottawa!

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For many people, oral health is an out-of-sight, out-of-mind concept — that is, until something goes wrong, such as a tooth cavity or the early signs of gum disease. As we’re sure you’ve heard many times before, prevention is key when it comes to dental problems and oral infections, which is why it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits at home in between general dentistry appointments. Continue reading for some key tips and tricks for establishing good oral hygiene habits at home, courtesy of our family dentists and dental hygienists at Trillium Dental in Ottawa.

START A ROUTINE

People tend to slack on their oral health practices at home if they do not have a set schedule, such as a solid morning and bedtime routine. If you find yourself forgetting to brush twice per day, or if flossing is an issue, try forming a step-by-step routine to follow every single day. Not only will this help keep you accountable with regard to your oral hygiene, but it will also help you structure your days so that self-care and your overall health is a top priority. Hate flossing because your gums are sensitive or sometimes bleed? Remember that the more you floss and brush, the better your gum health will be. Too tired to brush your teeth after a long night out with friends? Don’t let yourself crawl into bed until you’ve washed your face, brushed your teeth, and flossed that sugary plaque away.

USE A TIMER

More often than not, it isn’t a lack of brushing and flossing that is the issue — it’s the thoroughness. Many people give their teeth a quick brush in the morning and at night, flossing only between the teeth that are easy to reach and swishing with mouthwash in an attempt to compensate. The key to good oral hygiene is to be mindful about how you brush and floss, not necessarily how often (twice per day is enough), so be sure to take your time and do a good job. One way to do this is to set a timer on your phone for two minutes, brushing every nook and cranny until your teeth are squeaky clean. You can also find fun hourglasses and sand timers online, which can help you stay on track with how long you’re brushing in the morning and at night.

PRIORITIZE FLOSSING

We can all relate to the frustration that comes with flossing those hard-to-reach spaces between the molars, but it’s important not to let this stop you from using dental floss at least once per day. It’s nearly impossible to keep food from finding its way into the spaces between your teeth, which is the number one cause of cavities. Trust us, cavity fillings (yes, even the pretty white tooth fillings) are far more of a pain than making an effort to floss everyday, so do yourself a favor and prioritize flossing when you establish a morning and bedtime routine by doing it every night.

SCHEDULE A TEETH CLEANING APPOINTMENT AT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA

Of course, there is only so much you can do at home to maintain good oral health, which is why our dentists and dental hygienists highly recommend visiting our Ottawa dental clinic twice per year for a routine dental cleaning. Contact Trillium Dental in Ottawa to schedule an appointment, or book your dental exam with us online!

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In the world of dentistry, we commonly use different types of sedation for a number of reasons. For some patients, a mild sedative is beneficial to help ease nervousness or a dental phobia, and for others, local anesthesia is used to numb areas in the mouth before undergoing dental treatment. In some cases, such as wisdom teeth removal and other forms of oral surgery, patients are put under a general anesthetic during the dental procedure. Regardless of the type of anesthesia being used, many patients express anxiety with regard to sedation dentistry, and more often than not, this is because they don’t know what it entails.

At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, we strive to ensure that every one of our patients has a pleasant experience with us and receives the quality dental care they deserve. For us, this means not only providing them with affordable dental care that addresses all of their oral health needs, but also doing everything in our power to make sure patients are comfortable during their dental visit. Our dentists and dental hygienists believe that communication is the key to a pleasant dental experience, so for those of you who have reservations about anesthesia, “laughing gas,” and other aspects of sedation dentistry, here’s what you need to know.

TYPES OF SEDATION DENTISTRY

Though there are several different kinds of sedation used in family dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery, they all have one thing in common: the purpose is to make the patient more comfortable during the dental treatment. Some sedation techniques involve putting the patient to “sleep,” while others simply aid in patient relaxation when an area is numbed for treatment. That being said, here are the different types of sedation we use at our Ottawa dental clinic:

IV SEDATION

IV sedation stands for intravenous conscious sedation and is commonly referred to as “sleep dentistry,” though this is deceiving because patients that undergo IV sedation remain conscious. However, these patients are put in a much more relaxed state, which proves helpful for those who have a fear of dental tools, treatments, and procedures, as well as those with anxiety or a low pain tolerance. If you wish to use IV sedation during a general dentistry teeth cleaning, cavity filling, or any other type of treatment, you’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to your dental appointment and bring you home afterward. This is because IV sedation puts you in a deeply relaxed state that renders you incapable of driving safely until it wears off after an hour or two.

ORAL SEDATION

Another sedation dentistry option we offer at our Ottawa dental office is oral sedation, which acts similarly to IV sedation in the sense that it puts patients in a relaxed, yet conscious state during their dental treatment. The main difference is that this type of sedation is taken orally in the form of a pill, rather than being administered intravenously, where the patient is hooked up to an IV drip. As with IV sedation dentistry, patients who opt to undergo oral sedation during their dental visit must arrange for someone to bring them to and from their dental appointment, as the effects of oral sedation inhibit a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Our team at Trillium Dental also recommends that someone stay with you until the effects of either IV sedation or oral sedation have completely worn off, because the last thing you’d want is to trip and fall or hurt yourself in some way at home.

NITROUS OXIDE

Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is a sedation dentistry technique that is administered through a small mask that is placed over a patient’s nose and mouth. Like the previously mentioned types, this kind of anesthesia helps patients relax without rendering them unconscious. Rather, it eases any stress the patient might be experiencing before their dental treatment, which makes the overall experience much more pleasant and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide are calming and wear off soon after the mask is removed, so patients do not necessarily require someone to take them home after the dental treatment is complete. However, our dentists and dental hygienists believe that it’s always best to air on the side of caution, so please don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member to accompany you to and from our dental clinic.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Unlike the three types of dental sedation mentioned above, general anesthesia puts patients “to sleep” or “knocks them out” during the duration of their dental treatment. This type of sedation dentistry is often used during wisdom teeth removal and dental implant procedures, as these tooth extraction procedures would be far more complicated and unpleasant for patients if they were awake. When you meet with your wisdom teeth removal specialist and anesthesiologist, they will explain how the procedure works, what to expect during recovery, and how the general anesthesia will be administered. Common techniques for this type of sedation include total inhalation anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia, both of which put the patient in a safe, unconscious state. When patients come out of general anesthesia, it is not uncommon for them to feel “loopy,” “silly,” or otherwise disoriented, so it is mandatory for them to have someone transport them to and from their dental appointment.

LOCAL ANESTHESIA

This brings us to the last type of sedation dentistry we use here at Trillium Dental, which is local anesthesia, or the numbing of certain areas in the mouth during a dental treatment or procedure. Local anesthesia is commonly used to numb the treatment area around tooth cavities or a damaged nerve in the tooth, which is removed during a root canal treatment. In either case, a shot of local anesthesia is administered around the treatment area to help prevent any discomfort when a patient gets a cavity filling or an infected tooth pulp removed. Not only does local anesthesia help prevent the patient from feeling any pain during these types of dental treatment, but it also makes their overall dental experience much more comfortable.

TRY SEDATION DENTISTRY AT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA

We hope that this post has answered some of your questions regarding the different types of sedation dentistry and how they are used at our Ottawa dental clinic. Our philosophy is to provide the best dental care possible for all of our patients, and sometimes, that means providing them with a mild sedative to calm their nerves and ease any fear they may have. As a family dental clinic, there is nothing more important to us than the comfort, happiness, and well-being of our patients, so we do everything in our power to help make that happen.

Interested in trying a method of sedation dentistry during your next dental appointment? Contact us today to learn more, or book your appointment online at Trillium Dental in Ottawa!

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