The information presented is intended to educate you on common dental procedures. Many people do not completely understand these dental procedures unless they have had first-hand experience with them at their dentist's office.

 

We hope that this information on our services will provide you with some basic dental knowledge so that together we can devise a plan to keep your smile healthy and looking great.

 

    People usually think of a new born baby as having no teeth. But the 20 primary teeth that will erupt in the next two and a half years are already present at birth in the baby's jawbones. At birth, the crowns of the primary teeth are almost complete, and the chewing surfaces of the permanent molars, have begun forming. The front four teeth usually erupt first, beginning as early as six months after birth.

    Your infant depends totally on you for dental care. You should begin cleaning the baby's mouth during the first few days after birth. After every feeding wipe the baby's gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. This establishes at the early age the importance of dental hygiene and the feeling of having clean teeth and gums.

    To clean your child's teeth, you can sit on a sofa with the child's head in your lap, or you can lay the child on the floor or a dressing table. Whatever position you use, be sure you can see into the child's mouth easily.

    As soon as teeth appear in the mouth, decay can occur. One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition can occur when an infant is allowed to nurse continuously from a bottle of milk, formula, sugar water or fruit juice during naps or at night. If these liquids pool around the child's teeth during sleep, the teeth will be attacked by acids for long periods of time, and serious decay can result. When putting your young child to bed, use only water in the bottle or give the baby a pacifier.

    Early detection is the key in avoiding costly and painful dental treatment. Prevention begins with the control of plaque and calculus, the main cause of decay and gum disease. We recommend that you see our hygienist every 6 months and have a dental check-up every 12 months (unless otherwise prescribed by Dr. Breault).

    We especially emphasize the importance of regular cleanings because we believe that it is important for people to retain their natural teeth as long as possible. Natural teeth can greatly enhance to general health and well being of people as they age. Each patient is accessed on his or her own individual needs. What one individual in your family may need may differ from another.

    A Sealant is a clear, acrylic-like material that bonds with the tooth to shield out decay-causing bacteria from the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They form a protective barrier covering the pits and fissures (depressions and grooves) to prevent cavities in hard to clean back teeth. Sealants are a safe, painless, and low-cost way to protect patient’s teeth – particularly children.

 

The tooth crevice has been filled with sealants.

 

Restoration of Damaged Teeth

    Unfortunately, teeth damaged by decay or injury will not heal like most other tissues in the body. They require an artificial material to replace and restore the damaged tooth structure.

    If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomeS infected or inflamed, root canal treatment is often necessary to save the tooth.

 

    A crown is utilized to restore a broken, heavily-filled or cracked tooth to its original size, shape and color. Dr. Breault also recommends A crown after a root canal since the tooth tends to become brittle and discoloured.

 

    Bridges restore and/or replace missing teeth. Bridges are generally three units (teeth) or more. Dr. Breault often recommends the replacement of missing teeth with a bridge.

 

    Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care; however, Dr. Breault recommends that denture wearers get regular check ups and maintenance to ensure continued health, comfort, and appearance.

    Our goal in modern dentistry is to prevent the loss of any teeth; however, there are situations in which extraction is the only course of treatment.

    Ask us how technology helps provide more effective treatment for the prevention of certain dental conditions. We look forward to helping you increase your understanding of recommendations made by Dr. Breault.