Archive

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

At Trillium Dental, we include oral cancer screenings as part of our general dentistry appointments. Our dentists strive to provide the best dental care for all of our patients, and for us, that means taking a comprehensive approach to your family’s dental care. When you schedule a checkup at one of our eight dental clinics in Ottawa, we’ll provide a thorough teeth cleaning and flossing, as well as dental x-rays (if you’re due) and an oral cancer screening during your appointment. That being said, here are the signs of oral cancer that our dentists look for.

LUMPS

A common sign of oral cancer is one or more lumps in the mouth, lips, or gums. Often, patients who have early-stage mouth cancer don’t notice this symptom until it is pointed out by their family dentist, which is why we feel your cheeks, neck, and jaw area during your dental checkups. However, many of them do notice this symptom when their mouth tissue begins to thicken or swell, or if rough spots appear in or around the mouth cavity. Whatever the case, if you notice that something is off with your oral tissue, it’s best to visit your local dental office right away for a thorough dental exam.

PATCHES

Another common symptom of oral cancer is white or red patches appearing in the mouth. These growths will look and feel velvety, which certainly isn’t normal for a healthy oral cavity. If you see any of these mouth patches cropping up, it’s important not to fuss with them and get yourself to your family dental clinic as soon as possible. Our dentists would be more than happy to take a closer look to assess whether or not the patches are an indication of oral cancer. If we suspect that they are, we’ll refer you to an oral cancer specialist so you can get the appropriate treatment.

BLEEDING

Mouth bleeding is normal in some cases, like after wisdom teeth removal. However, unexplained bleeding in the mouth is a cause for concern, especially if you are experiencing any other symptoms of mouth or throat cancer. Do not ignore this symptom and visit your local dentist as soon as possible if you are bleeding from the mouth for no apparent reason.

NUMBNESS

Sometimes, people with oral cancer experience unexplained numbness in their face, neck, or mouth. While this is not normal and should be addressed right away, try to remain calm and get in touch with your family dental office as soon as possible. Loss of feeling is a fairly common symptom of oral cancer, and our dentists can determine whether or not you should be worried.

PAIN & SORENESS

People who are suffering from oral cancer often develop sores on their face and neck, as well as mouth ulcers (on the cheek tissue, gums, tongue, and the roof of their mouth). These sores tend to bleed easily and do not heal, warranting a visit to the dentist if they do not subside in two weeks. Patients may also experience a sore throat, hoarseness (raspy voice), or the sensation that something is stuck in the back of their throat. Any of these symptoms may be an indication of a growth or patch of oral cancer that has developed in the throat.

DIFFICULTY EATING

Often, people notice the signs of oral cancer when they eat. It is not uncommon for people with throat or mouth cancer to experience pain when chewing and swallowing, as well as difficulty moving the jaw and tongue. Some people also notice that their teeth don’t fit together as well as they used to, and that they have persistent bad breath. It is important to pay attention to these signs and visit your dentist for an oral exam, rather than brushing it off and waiting for other symptoms to arise.

WEIGHT LOSS

Sudden weight loss is a common sign of many different types of cancer, including lymphoma and oral cancer. Alone, this symptom can be indicative of lots of different health conditions, but if you are experiencing any of the other symptoms we’ve mentioned, it’s definitely worth a trip to the dentist.

SCHEDULE A DENTAL CHECKUP IN OTTAWA

Though the symptoms of oral cancer can crop up suddenly, there are several things you can do to prevent the onset of throat and mouth cancer. Steering clear of tobacco products is an easy one, as is limiting alcohol consumption. Another thing you can do to avoid developing oral cancer is to take good care of your teeth and gums by prioritizing oral hygiene at home and making regular trips to the dentist. If you are due for a routine dental exam, or you have noticed any of the symptoms listed above, we invite you to visit one of our dental offices in Ottawa for a thorough checkup. Thanks for choosing Trillium Dental — we hope to see you soon!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Many people floss less often than they should, whether that be a few times a week or every once in a blue moon. Ideally, you should be flossing your teeth at least once per day as part of your oral hygiene routine for healthy teeth and gums. So, why is this important? Our dentists and dental hygienists at Trillium Dental will explain below.

PREVENTS TARTAR BUILDUP (AND CAVITIES)

Even if you brush your teeth twice per day, bacteria can still collect in the crevices between your teeth where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. If you don’t floss regularly, this bacteria turns into plaque, which then hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar feeds on tooth enamel, creating cavities between the teeth and causing further tooth decay if it is not removed by your family dentist with a dental scaler. When you floss, you’re removing plaque before it hardens, which is an easy way to prevent dental problems like cavities and gum disease.

PREVENTS GUM DISEASE

When tartar builds up along the gum line, it eats away at the tooth enamel and infects the gum tissue, increasing your risk of developing periodontal disease. If you don’t floss your teeth on a regular basis, you may develop gingivitis, or early-stage gum disease, which is characterized by swollen, tender gums that bleed easily. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed with various periodontal treatments like gum lasering and gingivectomies. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry — gum disease is linked to many life-threatening health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

Swollen, infected gums aren’t a pretty sight, especially if the infection has progressed to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Many patients with gum disease have receding gums, which make the teeth appear longer than normal due to the infected gums pulling away from the teeth. It is also not uncommon for people with periodontal disease to have extensive tooth decay, which causes the teeth to turn a grayish color. If you value the appearance of your pearly whites, flossing daily is essential for an attractive smile.

BOOK A DENTAL CHECKUP IN OTTAWA

At Trillium Dental, our dentists and dental hygienists emphasize the importance of flossing to all of our patients. If you are due for a teeth cleaning at your local dental clinic, contact us today or book your appointment online at one of our eight dental offices in Ottawa. We look forward to seeing you!

Here in Ottawa, there are many cosmetic dentists to choose from if you’re looking to get your teeth whitened, have a chipped tooth covered up, or invest in a total smile makeover. However, not all cosmetic dental practices are the same, and some offer better services than others. That being said, here’s what to look for in a cosmetic dentist:

EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

The first things to consider when looking for a cosmetic dentist are their experience and credentials. The best cosmetic dentists have years, if not decades, of experience performing a range of cosmetic dentistry services in an established dental practice. They’ll have obtained a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) at a reputable dental school, such as McGill University or the University of Western Ontario. Before you choose just any cosmetic dentist, read up on their background to find out how long they’ve been practicing and what their main focus is.

A RANGE OF DENTAL SERVICES

In addition to a quality education and years of experience, reputable cosmetic dentists will also offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services using industry-leading tools and technology. At Trillium Dental, we do everything from Zoom! whitening and porcelain veneers to dental bonding, gum contouring, ceramic inlays and onlays, and more. We even offer complete smile makeovers for patients who want to change multiple things about the appearance of their mouth, such as reducing a “gummy smile” and whitening teeth in one appointment.

GOOD REVIEWS

If you’re torn between two or more cosmetic dentists, take a look at their reviews online or call and ask for referrals. At the end of the day, what really matters is the quality of service you receive, and you want a cosmetic dentist that has your best interests in mind. Look for a dentist that has a track record of happy patients who appreciate the care that goes into their dental work. Anyone else just isn’t worth it!

SCHEDULE A COSMETIC DENTISTRY TREATMENT WITH TRILLIUM DENTAL

At Trillium Dental, our family dentists pride themselves on providing quality dental care for all of our patients. We use the latest tools and technology for every dental treatment, and we are always educating ourselves to stay on top of best practices. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist you can trust, contact Trillium Dental today or book an appointment with us online!

If you’re nervous about an upcoming root canal, you certainly aren’t alone. Lots of people have dental fears and phobias, especially when it comes to restorative dentistry procedures like root canals and tooth extractions. At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists have years of training and experience in endodontics, and we’re here to make your root canal as painless and stress-free as possible. To ease your mind in the weeks leading up to your root canal procedure, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about root canals.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL?

Root canals are one of the most misunderstood dental procedures, next to wisdom tooth removals. Lots of people are afraid of root canals because they aren’t sure what to expect, and their nerves get the best of them when their mind wanders to the worst possible scenario. In reality, root canals involve your dentist numbing the area and drilling a small hole in the infected tooth, then removing the pulp. Once the bacteria is removed, your dentist will insert a rubbery replacement, which will support the tooth and help to prevent bacteria from finding its way back in. Finally, they’ll cap the tooth with a temporary dental crown to protect it from becoming weak and brittle, then they’ll switch it out for a permanent crown at a second dental appointment.

HOW LONG DO ROOT CANALS TAKE?

Contrary to what you might think, root canals are a straightforward procedure that usually don’t take very long. Depending on the procedure and the number of root canals you’re having done, you’ll only be at our dental clinic for an hour or two at the most. Our goal is to get you in and out as quickly as possible so you can get back to your normal routine.

ARE ROOT CANALS PAINFUL?

As family dentists, we get this question all the time. One of the most common misconceptions about root canal therapy is that it’s excruciating, when in reality, root canal treatments are no more uncomfortable than a cavity filling. At Trillium Dental, we use local anesthesia to numb the area first, so patients don’t feel much during the treatment. However, they may experience some discomfort the day or two after their root canal procedure. If you experience any pain, our dentists recommend using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen as needed.

HOW MUCH DO ROOT CANALS COST?

When it comes to dental treatments and procedures, the cost depends on your dental insurance coverage. In most cases, it’s far cheaper to save a damaged or decaying tooth than it is to extract it and replace it with a dental implant or denture restoration. If you have questions about the cost of root canals, feel free to reach out to our team at Trillium Dental for a cost estimate. We’d be happy to help you determine your coverage and form a treatment plan.

WILL I LOSE MY TOOTH?

Root canals are performed when a tooth is damaged or infected, but still has potential. Our dentists firmly believe that if a tooth can be saved, it should be. If we determine that your tooth is not fully decayed and will respond well to root canal treatment, we will perform a root canal to protect and preserve the tooth. However, if your tooth is too damaged to be saved, we’d be happy to discuss other restorative dentistry procedures with you instead, such as dental implants, dental bridges, and full and partial dentures.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

There are many signs and symptoms that your tooth has become infected, and some are more noticeable than others. Some of the most common signs are toothaches and pain when chewing, as well as heightened tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. You may also start to notice tooth discoloration in the infected area, in addition to swollen gums that are tender to the touch. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your local dental office right away to schedule a checkup.

CHOOSE OUR OTTAWA DENTAL CLINIC FOR YOUR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canals don’t have to be painful or scary — in fact, they are meant to relieve pain. Our dentists have performed dozens of root canals and are here to help. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment in Downtown Ottawa, Alta Vista, Orléans, Stittsville, Kanata, or the Westgate or Bayshore Mall. We look forward to providing the quality dental care you deserve!