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Key Takeaways

Dental fear is common, and a thoughtful appointment can feel much more manageable when your care team understands what you need.

• Tell the dental team about your anxiety before treatment begins.
• Ask questions about what will happen and agree on a stop signal.
• A first visit may focus on conversation, examination, and planning.
• Simple preparation can make your visit to a nervous-patient-friendly clinic feel calmer.
• Severe fear deserves compassionate support and a discussion about appropriate options.

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can make an ordinary appointment feel physically and emotionally overwhelming. Some people feel uneasy only before a cleaning, while others avoid care for years because the fear feels impossible to control. If you’re nervous about an upcoming dental appointment, that reaction doesn’t mean you’re difficult or unreasonable. It means your concerns deserve to be heard.

What is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a strong feeling of worry, tension, or fear connected with dental care. It can show up as a racing heart, nausea, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, or a strong urge to cancel. Sometimes the anxiety is tied to a previous painful or embarrassing experience; sometimes it comes from not knowing what will happen. Naming the feeling is a useful first step because it gives you and the dental team something specific to work with.

Common Triggers – Why People Feel Nervous About Going to the Dentist

Triggers vary from person to person. The sound of instruments, the sensation of being unable to speak, needles, gagging, sensitive teeth, or fear of being judged can all contribute. Even a long gap between appointments may create embarrassment, especially when someone worries that their oral health will be criticized. A sense of control matters: knowing that you can ask for an explanation, pause, or break often changes how the appointment feels.

What Should You Tell Your Dentist About Your Anxiety?

You do not need to explain your entire history perfectly. A short, honest statement such as “I feel very anxious about dental treatment” gives the team a chance to adjust the pace and communication. Tell them what has been difficult in the past, whether you have trouble with needles or sounds, and what helps you feel safer.

It is also helpful to share practical details. Mention whether you have postponed care because of fear, whether you have had a panic response in a dental chair, and whether you take medication or have medical conditions that may affect treatment. You can ask for a step-by-step explanation, request a pause signal, or arrange for the first appointment to focus mainly on an assessment and conversation.

Before booking, you can also review a simple appointment preparation guide for reminders about arrival time, paperwork, oral-health concerns, and discussing anxiety in advance. The goal is not to be calm. The goal is to give the team useful information so the visit can be planned around your needs.

Your First Visit to Trillium Dental Orléans

A first appointment does not have to feel like a test that you must pass. It is an opportunity to meet the team, explain your concerns, and understand what care may be appropriate. At Trillium Dental Orléans, a nervous patient can begin by describing their comfort level before any treatment is discussed in detail – our team, including hygienists like Kelsey and dentists such as Dr. Yamisleidis Aguilar, is used to starting there.

What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation

The initial consultation may include questions about your dental history, current concerns, general health, and previous experiences. The dentist may examine your mouth and recommend diagnostic steps, but you can ask what each step involves before agreeing to it. You should leave with a clearer sense of the findings, possible next steps, and which questions still need to be answered.

How Our Team Makes Treatment More Comfortable

Comfort begins before an instrument is used. A calm visit is built through listening, clear explanations, reasonable pacing, and attention to the patient’s responses. When expectations are discussed openly, the appointment can feel less like something happening to you and more like something you are managing together.

A patient-centered conversation should include room for questions. You can ask what a procedure is for, how long a step may take, what you might feel, and when you can rest. If you are comparing options, dental sedation information can help you prepare questions about approaches for mild, moderate, or extreme anxiety.

Patients regularly tell us this approach makes the difference. Our hygienist Kelsey is known for staying patient and gentle even with patients who feel especially on edge, and Dr. Yamisleidis Aguilar is frequently described as calm, thorough, and reassuring from the first freezing to the last step of a procedure.

Trillium Dental Orléans provides comprehensive dental care for patients from children to seniors at its Orléans dental clinic on Mer Bleue Road, according to its location information. The same source describes clear communication, plain-language explanations, and coverage verification when applicable. Those practical details can make arranging care feel more straightforward, especially when administrative uncertainty adds to your stress.

What Nervous Patients Can Expect During a Dental Cleaning

A dental cleaning is usually a series of small steps rather than one long, mysterious event. The hygienist may discuss your current concerns, look at your teeth and gums, and use instruments to remove buildup. You can ask for a pause at any point, particularly if your jaw, neck, or shoulders become tense.

Some sensations may feel unfamiliar, including vibration, water, pressure, or brief sensitivity. They are not necessarily signs that something is wrong, but you should mention discomfort instead of trying to endure it silently. Agreeing on a hand signal before starting can make communication easier when your mouth is occupied.

If you’re planning a calming dental visit, you can feel more prepared by asking how long the cleaning may and whether the hygienist can explain each stage. A little music, slow breathing, or a planned break may help settle your attention. Afterward, ask what the hygienist noticed and what at-home steps would be most useful before the next visit.

Strategies to Ease Your Fears Before and During Your Appointment

Dental anxiety tips work best when they are realistic rather than demanding. You do not need to promise yourself that you will feel completely relaxed; aim instead to make the next few minutes manageable. Preparation, honest communication, and a little control can lower the pressure around the appointment.

Communication is Key: Talk to Your Dentist

Tell the office about your anxiety when you book, and repeat the concern when you arrive if needed. Ask who you should speak with if you become overwhelmed and agree on how you will signal for a pause. Writing down your questions can help when nerves make it difficult to remember them.

A short plan may be easier to follow than a long list of promises:

• Arrive with enough time to settle in rather than rushing through the door.
• Bring a written note describing your triggers and preferred communication style.
• Use a prearranged hand signal whenever you need the team to stop or check in.
• Take slow breaths and relax your shoulders during brief pauses.

These steps do not remove every anxious feeling, but they give you practical choices during the visit. You can also read general dental anxiety tips for ideas about identifying triggers and choosing communication that feels comfortable.

What If You Are Extremely Anxious About Dental Treatment?

Severe anxiety can make phone calls, forms, and even opening a dental reminder feel daunting. Avoiding care may feel like relief in the moment, but it can leave concerns unaddressed and make the next appointment seem even larger. You do not have to begin with extensive treatment; asking for a consultation about your fear is a reasonable starting point.

Tell the dental team how intense the reaction is and what happens when you try to attend. Depending on your health history and the planned care, a dentist may discuss ways to support relaxation, including sedation dentistry Orleans. This is also worth raising if fear has caused you to put off procedures like tooth extractions. Any sedation option should be reviewed carefully, with attention to your medical history, instructions, consent, and the arrangements needed before and after treatment.

If you’re searching for a dentist experienced with anxious patients, look for a practice where questions are welcomed and your boundaries are respected -this is a recurring theme in how our own patients describe their visits, from a senior patient who called a recent appointment the calmest dental visit of his life, to parents who’ve watched their children go from fearful to comfortable after just one appointment. It may help to bring a support person to the conversation, ask for written information, or schedule a shorter first visit. Progress can be gradual; a consultation, examination, or agreed plan can each count as meaningful progress.

How to Prepare for Your Next Dental Appointment if You Feel Anxious

Preparation can reduce the number of decisions you have to make while you are already tense. Confirm the time, plan your route, and give yourself a little extra time so arriving does not become another source of stress. If your anxiety has changed since your last visit, tell the office before the appointment rather than waiting until you are in the chair.

Pack anything that helps you communicate or stay comfortable, such as a question list, headphones if permitted, or details about medications and medical conditions. And if anxiety has caused you to delay care for a long time, know that catching up doesn’t have to mean starting with something drastic – even patients who eventually need restorative care like dental implants usually begin with the same first step: a conversation.

On the day, keep your goal modest. You might aim to arrive, discuss your concerns, and complete only the care that feels appropriate after the plan is explained. That approach can help replace an all-or-nothing expectation with a sequence of manageable choices.

Why Choose Trillium Dental Orléans for Your Dental Care?

Choosing a dental clinic is personal, particularly when fear has made care difficult in the past. Look for clear communication, a respectful response to anxiety, and a willingness to explain options without pressure. It also helps to choose a team that can handle whatever comes next – from routine visits to same-day emergency dental care to cosmetic dentistry at our Orléans clinic so you’re not starting over with a new, unfamiliar office every time your needs change. Patient experiences shared with the practice also highlight how clear communication and prompt attention can make an urgent dental visit feel more manageable – with front-desk staff helping confirm Canada Dental Care Plan coverage before treatment even began, so cost surprises weren’t added to an already stressful day.

A More Comfortable Dental Experience in Orléans

Trillium Dental Orléans describes care for the whole family, from children to seniors, serving Orléans and nearby communities. Its location information also says the team explains options in plain language and can verify Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage beforehand. Those documented details may be useful to someone seeking a less complicated path to care, though your comfort plan should still be discussed directly with the dental team.

A comfortable experience is not about pretending fear is absent. It is about being treated with patience while you ask questions, take breaks, and decide on next steps. If you have been postponing an appointment, a straightforward conversation can be the beginning of a more workable routine.

Conclusion

Dental anxiety is common, and it can be met with honesty, preparation, and compassionate communication. Tell the team what worries you, ask for a clear plan, and take the appointment one step at a time seeking support is a practical part of caring for your oral health.

If you’re ready to take that first step, you can become a new patient at Trillium Dental Orléans. Contact our team or call us directly at (613) 830-3033 just let us know you’re feeling anxious when you book, and we’ll plan the visit around that from the very first call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel nervous about a dentist appointment?

Yes. Many people feel some degree of worry before dental care, especially when they have had an unpleasant experience or are unsure what to expect. Sharing that concern can help the appointment be adapted to your needs.

What should I say when I call to book an appointment?

Say clearly that you feel anxious about dental treatment and briefly describe your main trigger. You can ask how the first visit will work and whether the team can discuss comfort measures before treatment begins.

Can I ask the dentist to stop during treatment?

Yes. Agree on a hand signal or another simple way to request a pause before treatment starts. This gives you a reliable way to communicate when speaking is difficult.

What happens during a first dental visit?

A first visit may include questions about your health and dental history, an examination, and a discussion of possible next steps. You can ask for explanations before proceeding with any part of the visit.

How can I stay calmer in the dental chair?

Slow breathing, relaxing your shoulders, listening to permitted music, and arranging planned pauses may help. Choose one or two techniques that feel practical rather than trying to manage everything at once.

What if I have avoided the dentist for years?

Begin with an honest conversation or consultation and explain that embarrassment or fear has delayed care. A supportive professional can help you understand your current needs and create a gradual plan.

Is sedation appropriate for every anxious patient?

Not necessarily. Sedation depends on factors such as your health history, the treatment planned, and professional assessment. Ask the dentist to explain suitable options, preparation requirements, and aftercare before making a decision.

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Click to view our Co-Founder Dr. Dave Bartos talk about the importance of continuing Oral Health Care, in spite of COVID-19 pandemic with news anchor Rosey Edeh on CTV Morning News Live!

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CTV Ask The Expert Morning Live With Dr.dave Bartos Discussing Your Smile And Using Your Dental Benefits Before The Year Ends.

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Dr. Dave Bartos joins CTV for a morning live segment with ask the expert to discuss using your dental insurance for improved oral care and preventative care as we approach the fall and winter months ahead. Click to watch the details on how to gain the most from dental plans this year.

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Fear of sedation is more common than many people think, and our friendly dentists at Trillium Dental in Ottawa are here to help you prepare for anesthesia so you can ultimately overcome your anxiety and have a smooth recovery. As it turns out, sedation dentistry is not nearly as scary as it seems — after all, you won’t hear, see, or feel a thing. Yet for some people, that is exactly what causes them fear. That being said, here are some tips to help you prepare for a sedation dentistry procedure, beginning with learning more about the procedure and sedation method, itself.

LEARN ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

While ignorance is bliss, this is often not the case with sedation dentistry. Prior to even scheduling your procedure, you must visit your dental clinic for a consultation with your dentist so that they can give you the lowdown on the procedure. During this meeting, you will learn exactly what the surgery entails, why it is the best option for you, what you can expect from the results, and how to prepare for sedation in terms of fasting, making driving arrangements, etc. You will also learn what kind of sedation is best for you and the nature of the surgery, whether that be IV sedation, oral sedation, or nitrous oxide.

This consultation is your chance to learn about the sedation dentistry procedure first-hand from the dentist who will be performing the surgery, so ask as many questions as you need to feel reassured. That way, you will have established greater trust for your dentist and will not be as afraid of losing control when you are given anesthesia. Another important thing to note is the importance of trusting and sticking to the information provided by the dentist in charge of your surgery, as staying up all night searching up the risks of anesthesia online will only put more irrational fears in your head. Remember, not everything on the internet is true, so it’s best to trust the experts at your local dental clinic.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

Hand in hand with learning about the procedure is following the instructions you are given by the dentist who will be performing the surgery. You may have heard that you should not eat or drink for eight hours prior to your procedure, and this is usually true due to nausea being a major side effect of most types of anesthesia. There are other health risks of not adhering to fasting instructions prior to oral surgery, so be sure to read the information your dentist gives you and take it seriously. That way, complications and surprises on the day of your procedure will be far less likely, which will put your mind at ease knowing that you have done everything in your power to prepare for success.

If you have an upcoming wisdom teeth removal, dental implant procedure, root canal treatment, or any other kind of oral surgery that requires sedation, follow these two tips to help ease your fear of anesthesia. It really is that simple, and the more you know, the better prepared you will be. Please don’t hesitate to contact our dentists at Trillium Dental in Ottawa if you have further questions about sedation dentistry, and request a consultation online if you think you might need oral surgery.

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To all of our patients,

We hope all is well with you and your family during these challenging times. Many of our patients have been forced to wait for dental care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding while we were closed to prevent the spread of the virus. We are committed to providing for the dental needs of our patients and fully restoring services as soon as possible. We are happy to say our office will reopen for patient treatment on as of this past Monday June 8 2020 and our hours of operation will be 8am-4pm. We are now scheduling dental appointments, and taking extensive precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our patients and staff that we outlined below. First, we are fully compliant with infection control procedures set by RCDSO ( Royal College of Dentists Canada and CDHO College Of Dental Hygienists ) as well as health regulations set by (CDC / OPH,). We have also changed our appointment procedures and taken other safety measures to provide a safe dental appointment. These include;

• Patients will be required to complete a COVID-19 questionnaire before their appointments
• Patients will be pre-screened prior to their appointments and again at the entrance to the office.
• Temperature checks will be taken upon entering the practice.
• Disposable face masks and hand sanitizer will be provided upon entrance that patients will be asked to use.
• Modifications have been made to reception and waiting areas to provide for social distancing.
• Magazines, children’s toys, and other items that are difficult to disinfect will be removed from waiting areas.
• The number of patients at any given time in the practice will be limited and appointments will be staggered.
• Common areas including restrooms will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be worn by all clinical and administrative staff.
• Staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms on a daily basis.
• Treatment rooms will be completely sterilized before patients are seated -extra time will be scheduled in-between appointments to allow for the thorough cleaning and disinfection of treatment rooms and equipment.
• During treatment, our team will strictly follow guidelines set by (CDC, public health, RCDSO and CDHO)

The safety of our patients is our top priority, and our entire dental team is committed to ensuring your safety and comfort in receiving dental care from our office. We are looking forward to reconnecting with our patients and providing for your dental needs. If you have any questions or concerns related to your care after reviewing this information, please contact us directly.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

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Attention to our current and new patients, 

It is important that if you feel the onset or the occurring following symptoms, to report to triage or reception. Please review the information listed below:

If you have at least one of the following symptoms:

• Fever and/or new onset of cough or difficulty breathing OR At least two of the following symptoms:
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Stuffy or congested nose
• Lost sense of taste or smell
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain)
• For young children and infants: sluggishness or lack of appetite

Please, report IMMEDIATELY to triage or reception.

Welcome Back Trillium Family,

As you know, we are committed to maintaining the best quality of care for all visitors, current patients and new patients. Due to new implementations required to minimalize the spread of infection of COVID-19, we ask that you review the important information below prior to your appointment with us.

If you have at least one of the following symptoms: fever and/or new onset of cough or difficulty breathing OR At least two of the following symptoms:

• chills
• fatigue
• headache
• sore throat
• runny nose
• stuffy or congested nose
• lost sense of taste or smell
• hoarse voice
• difficulty swallowing
• digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain), or
• for young children and infants: sluggishness or lack of appetite

PLEASE delay your visit AND contact your health care provider, or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000)

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If you read part one of this blog series about forming good oral hygiene habits at home, you already know how important it is to brush your teeth twice per day, floss daily, and incorporate a little mouthwash into your oral health routine. Of course, there are many other ways you can keep your teeth, gums, and oral tissue healthy between teeth cleanings at your local dental clinic, which we will continue outlining below. Continue reading for more tips and request a general dentistry appointment at Trillium Dental in Ottawa if you’re due for a professional dental cleaning!

LIMIT SUGARY FOODS AND DRINKS

You’ve probably heard that consuming excess sugar is bad for your teeth — especially if you neglect to brush and floss as much as you should. This is true for many reasons, the first being that sugary foods eat away at tooth enamel and dissolve essential minerals when they sit on the teeth for an extended period of time. Another reason is that the bacteria in plaque (the white substance that builds up on your teeth and gumline) converts the sugar into acid, which creates holes in your teeth otherwise known as cavities and leads to further tooth decay.

Even if you brush regularly, consuming too much sugar can accelerate plaque production, causing it to harden and turn to tartar, which must be removed by a dentist using a scaler. But don’t fret — tooth scaling is included in our general dentistry appointments at Trillium Dental, so we can get rid of it for you every six months. That being said, we recommend not ingesting a lot of sugary foods and drinks for many different health reasons aside from plaque production and tooth decay, such as the risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood sugar.

QUIT SMOKING AND CHEWING TOBACCO

Another major life change you can make to stay on top of your oral hygiene is to quit smoking or eliminate your dependence on chewing tobacco. Not only are both linked to cancers of the oral cavity, oesophagus, lungs, pancreas, kidneys, and more, but they are also known as major contributors to plaque and tartar formation, tooth decay, and gum disease. Plus, people who smoke are more prone to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration — a painful condition that often requires the help of dental implants to stimulate regrowth.

Aside from the carcinogenic properties of cigarettes, the scary thing about them is the increased buildup of bacteria and chemicals they cause in the mouth. When inflamed or infected gums bleed, these contaminants can enter the bloodstream, causing a myriad of other problems such as blood clots and heart disease. To avoid these serious health risks, simply abstain from smoking or chewing tobacco and visit your dental office to see what treatments are available to you if you are recovering from a nicotine addiction that has negatively impacted your oral health.

VISIT YOUR DENTIST TWICE PER YEAR

At the end of the day, there is only so much you can do to maintain perfect oral hygiene at home. Even those that brush their teeth twice per day, floss every single day, use mouthwash, avoid sugary foods, and don’t smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco still have to go to the dentist at least twice per year for a professional teeth cleaning. Only then are they able to get rid of any plaque that has hardened into tartar and get X-rays in order to determine whether they are experiencing any underlying dental problems that may have flown under the radar.

Often, dental problems like gingivitis (early-stage gum disease), cavities, and tooth decay don’t have noticeable symptoms when they first start developing, which is why it’s important to schedule dental visits on a bi-annual basis. As dental professionals, we are the experts who have the tools, knowledge, and experience to diagnose these issues before they become much more serious. That being said, one of the best things you can do for your long-term oral hygiene is find a family dentist in your area that you like and stick with them so they can provide you with comprehensive dental care for years to come.

VISIT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA FOR PERSONALIZED DENTAL CARE

When you choose Trillium Dental for your general dentistry appointments, you get personalized dental care that caters to your specific needs, whether that means simple dental cleanings or specialized treatments such as gum lasering, dental implants, or complete smile makeovers. We do it all, from general dentistry appointments to cosmetic, restorative, and sedation dentistry procedures, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you are in need of more than just a professional dental cleaning.

We hope that this blog series has proven helpful for you as you continue to maintain good oral hygiene between dental appointments. And, if it’s time for your bi-annual dental check up, contact Trillium Dental in Ottawa today or request an appointment online!

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Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of both your dental health and the overall health of your body. As much as we don’t like to admit it, our mouths are full of hundreds of different species of germs and bacteria — both good and bad. You may have even heard the myth that dogs have cleaner mouths than humans do, but let’s get down to the facts before kissing our furry friends on the mouth.

About Mouth Bacteria

All humans have some ratio of good and bad mouth bacteria — which is normal as long as you have a healthy balance between the two and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. When the bad mouth bacteria (Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and other cavity-causing germs) builds up due to poor brushing and flossing habits, smoking cigarettes, eating lots of junk food, etc., this is when problems begin to arise. In fact, bad mouth bacteria is often the culprit of gum disease, irritation, and inflammation, as well as plaque and tartar buildup, cavities, tooth decay, and bad breath. Some of these consequences can even lead to more serious health risks such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and oral cancer.

On the other hand, “good” mouth bacteria is responsible for fighting off external germs that make their way into your mouth, aiding in digestion, combating bad breath, and keeping the bad bacteria under control. Commonly referred to as the mouth’s “checks and balances” system in the field of dentistry, this good mouth bacteria is essential for keeping everything in line so the mouth can perform normal bodily functions without succumbing to disease. As it turns out, the key to preventing this and maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad mouth bacteria is to establish good oral hygiene habits — and stick to them.

At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists and dental hygienists care about each and every one of our patients and regularly emphasize the importance of good oral health. Since we usually only see our patients during their bi-annual general dentistry appointments for professional teeth cleanings or when they visit our dental clinic for a cosmetic, restorative, or sedation dentistry procedure, we want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to keep your mouth healthy once you leave our dental office. That being said, here are some tips for staying on top of your oral hygiene at home!

Rush Your Teeth Twice Per Day

Obviously, the first step toward maintaining good oral hygiene at home is brushing your teeth at least twice per day — and doing so thoroughly. Our dentists recommend brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes so that every nook and cranny is reached and that the toothpaste has enough time to fully do its job. If you have a hard time remembering to brush this long, consider setting a timer on your phone or buying a cheap little hourglass that runs out after two minutes. And, if the actual act of brushing is the problem, invest in an electric toothbrush to take some of the work out of the process. If you aren’t sure which kind to buy, feel free to give Trillium Dental a call or visit our dental clinic for a recommendation about the best electric toothbrush for you.

Floss Daily

Hand in hand with remembering to brush your teeth twice per day is making a point to use dental floss every day as well. No matter how thoroughly you brush your teeth, the reality is that your toothbrush won’t be able to eliminate all the food buildup, plaque, and bacteria in between your teeth. This is where flossing comes in — it is essential to fully clean your teeth, prevent cavities, and reduce your risk of developing gum disease. However, if your gums bleed, swell, or cause you any pain when you floss, this could be a sign of a gum infection or gingivitis (early-stage gum disease), which should be checked out by your local dentist as soon as possible.

Use Mouthwash

Although mouthwash isn’t always required for preventing cavities and keeping your teeth and gums healthy, it is a great extra step to take if you want to ensure that your mouth isn’t being overcome with bad bacteria. Simply swish a capful in your mouth after brushing and flossing to rinse out any lingering bacteria, which will be killed off as the liquid cleanses your teeth, gumline, and the rest of the oral cavity.

Schedule A Teeth Cleaning Appointment At Trillium Dental In Ottawa

Now that you know a few basic tips for staying on top of your oral hygiene at home, it’s time to put these suggestions to practice by establishing an oral health care routine that works for you. Whether that means investing in an electric toothbrush, trying mouthwash for the first time, or reminding yourself to floss every single day, every change you make to improve your oral health is worth it in both the short and long-term.

Interested in learning more about how you can improve your oral health and keep your mouth free of bad bacteria? Continue to part two of this blog series for more advice about how to maintain good oral hygiene between dental cleanings, and request a dental cleaning at Trillium Dental in Ottawa today!

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Not many people know what gingivitis or periodontal disease is, yet according to the Canadian Dental Association, nearly 70 percent of Canadians will develop some form of gum disease over the course of their lives. While this figure might come across as alarming at first, it makes sense when you consider the causes of gum disease and the fact that it can go unnoticed for quite some time until you develop painful symptoms. That being said, here is a brief rundown of periodontics and the procedures involved.

WHAT IS PERIODONTICS?

Essentially, periodontics is a branch of dentistry that involves the treatment of the oral structures that surround and support the teeth. These include the jawbone, the gums, and surrounding oral tissue, which can be harmed by the persistent plaque buildup that causes gingivitis and gum disease. In order to combat this, periodontists are able to perform a number of treatments and procedures such as root planing or lasering away the bacteria, as well as gum grafting, crown lengthening, or performing gingivectomies. But don’t panic — these procedures aren’t nearly as scary as they sound.

ROOT PLANING & LASERS

Root planing is the term periodontists use to describe the process of gently removing tartar, or hardened plaque, from along and underneath the gumline with a dental scaler. Often, this painless procedure is done as part of your general dentistry checkups. However, patients who are experiencing mild gum disease, or gingivitis, may have this done to help clear the area of bacteria that caused the gum infection so the receding gums can naturally reattach themselves to the teeth.

Recent advancements in the field of dentistry have also made it possible for periodontists to precisely kill bacteria along the gum line and remove infected gum tissue so that the gums can reattach to the teeth. While this might sound painful, there is usually no need for local anesthesia, and the procedure doesn’t take long to complete.

GINGIVAL GRAFTS & GINGIVECTOMIES

Once a patient’s gum disease has worsened past the mild stage of gingivitis, surgical periodontal treatments may be required with the application of local anesthesia. One of these procedures is gingival grafting, or gum grafting, during which your periodontist will gently graft a small bit of tissue from another area (usually the roof of your mouth), then add it to the receding or diseased gums for support.

Gingivectomies, on the other hand, involves the lasering away of infected gum tissue from the deep pockets of bacteria that develop under the gumline in patients with periodontal disease. This surgical periodontal procedure is only performed in patients with severe gum disease that has attacked and deteriorated the gums, causing them to recede significantly.

CROWN LENGTHENING

Finally, your periodontist may perform a crown lengthening procedure for patients who do not have much natural tooth surface for a dental crown or cavity filling to attach to — as is often the case for those with deteriorated teeth from periodontal disease. During this periodontal procedure, we simply laser away extra gum tissue so that the following restoration process will be most effective.

Interested in learning more about the field of periodontics? Contact us with any questions you may have, and request an appointment at Trillium Dental in Ottawa today!

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Restorative dentistry encompasses many different forms of oral surgeries and procedures, from replacing missing teeth and repairing those that are damaged to inserting dental implants and performing root canal treatments. With so many things falling under this umbrella, not many people outside the medical community know what restorative dentistry entails. That being said, here is a little more information about the restorative dentistry procedures we offer at Trillium Dental in Ottawa.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

A procedure commonly performed in the field of periodontics, dental implants are a solution for many patients with missing or deteriorating teeth. At our family dental office, we offer implant-retained dentures that allow patients to eat, drink, and speak as they would with natural teeth. We do this by removing what’s left of the damaged tooth and replacing it with a small titanium post and crown by securing it to the underlying jawbone. Over time, the permanent dental implant will stimulate additional jawbone growth and result in a perfectly functioning set of teeth.

Given that our Smile-In-A-Day dental implants come in the form of implant-retained dentures, they are a great alternative for people with traditional dentures. Rather than falling out and sliding around in your mouth as you speak and chew, our dental implants remain secured in place and don’t inhibit these necessary daily functions.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS

Another component of restorative dentistry is root canal treatments, which aim to remove damaged nerve (the “pulpy” center) from the tooth. This is done by numbing the area with a local anesthetic, drilling a small hole in the tooth, and clearing out the bacteria inside. Then your dentist will fill the hole with a sealer and cap it with a dental crown to protect it from further damage, leaving you with a reinforced, functional tooth.

TRADITIONAL & CEREC® DENTAL CROWNS

For many reasons, patients often require either traditional or CEREC® dental crowns to cover up and protect decayed teeth from further damage. This could be a follow-up restorative dentistry procedure from root canal treatments, a component of dental bridging, or an improvement of the appearance of a tooth. At Trillium Dental, we now use CEREC® CAD-CAM technology, so the procedure can be completed in just one appointment rather than two, which is the case with traditional dental crowns.

DENTAL BRIDGES

Also called fixed bridges, dental bridges are a type of prosthetic that secures fake teeth to the surrounding dental crowns (known as the anchor teeth). Dental bridges aim to support the false teeth by permanently adhering to the tooth crowns, keeping them firmly in place so that the fake tooth, or dental implant, is secure. This procedure requires two dental visits, where the first one consists of your dentist filing down the anchor teeth and capping them with temporary dental crowns and bridges, and the second one consists of your dentist replacing the temporary bridge fixture with a permanent one on the anchor teeth via dental cement.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT AT TRILLIUM DENTAL

If you’d like to learn more about restorative dentistry, visit the page on our website or give us a call! Our dentists and dental hygienists at Trillium Dental in Ottawa would be happy to answer any questions you may have. And, if you think you might need a restorative dentistry procedure, don’t hesitate to request an appointment online!