Not that we want you to eat that much chocolate, but we do want you to feel confident about your smile.

In a study of Major League baseball players, those who exhibited full smiles in their photographs lived seven years longer than those with no smile.

If you avoid smiling because you feel self-conscious about your teeth, there may be an easy solution: cosmetic dental bonding.

If you’re asking yourself what is dental bonding, read our article to learn more about this pain-free, low-cost solution to give you the smile, and maybe even the longevity, you deserve. 

What Is Dental Bonding?

Otherwise known as cosmetic bonding, this procedure is used to close a gap between two teeth and to fix teeth that are stained, cracked, or chipped. It can even lengthen teeth that are too short.

What to Expect

We will apply tooth-coloured material made of plastic or resin that will adhere to the tooth. It is low-risk as it rarely removes bits of your original tooth, unlike other procedures, and usually doesn’t require anaesthesia.

The procedure takes 30 minutes to one hour and is significantly less expensive than crowns and veneers.

How Long Does It Last?

That depends on your overall habits and how well you take care of your teeth. Bonding can last several years, but it is not as strong as your actual teeth.

It can chip or wear away, so avoid hard candy as well as biting on hard objects such as fingernails or pens.

It can also stain, so avoid consuming products that stain your teeth, such as coffee, especially for the first 48 hours after the procedure. 

If you also want to whiten your teeth, it’s best to do that before the bonding procedure since the dentist will choose a bonding composite close to the natural colour of your tooth.

Ready for a Healthy Confidence Boost?

The main reason patients seek cosmetic bonding is for increased confidence. When you aren’t confident about your smile and try to hide it as a result, you can seem timid or even unfriendly, making you less approachable.

If you’re still wondering what is dental bonding or have questions about cosmetic dentistry, please contact our dental team. At Estrabillo Dental Group, we want to ensure you have a clear picture of what it entails and are completely comfortable prior to scheduling your appointment.

The post What Is Dental Bonding? FAQs about the Treatment Answered Here appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.

If your smile isn’t quite how you’d like it to be, it’s natural that you might want to change it. Cosmetic procedures are a great way to get the smile you want.

Such surgery can also seem intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect.

Considering cosmetic surgery for teeth? Read on to learn the 5 questions you need to ask.

1. What Is the Best Cosmetic Surgery for Teeth?

Ask your cosmetic dentist this question to find out what the best option is for you. There is no ‘best’ surgery because each procedure offers something different.

For one person, teeth whitening might be enough. Another patient might need veneers.

Your dentist will take your preferences and oral health into account when recommending a procedure.

2. What Alternatives Are There to Getting Surgery?

Many of us still operate under assumptions we had about dentistry years ago. Dentistry has made many improvements so there could be alternatives to surgery.

Ask your cosmetic dentist what alternatives are available, if any. If surgery is the only real option, ask which procedures are the most likely to be successful.

It’s best if you work with your dentist to find the right procedure to suit the smile you want.

3. Are There Any Side Effects to Worry About?

Not all procedures will create side effects. For those that do, it’s important to know what they are.

Ask the dentist about side effects and how you’ll handle them if they do occur. It’s also a good idea to ask about aftercare following the surgery.

Find out what you can and can’t do in the days following the surgery. Check if there’s anything specific you need to do after you leave the dentist office.

4. How Long Will the Procedure Take?

Some procedures only take a single session. Others may need repeat visits to finish the work. 

Check with your dentist how long your chosen procedure will take. This can include how long the entire process will take. It will also include each individual appointment.

Knowing this can help you plan your appointments in advance.

5. What Pain Relief Options Are There?

Nearly 1 in 2 Canadians suffer from some form of dental anxiety. The idea of a painful procedure doesn’t ease this anxiety.

If this affects you too, ask about the pain relief options the dentist can provide.

Here at Estrabillo Dental Group, we pride ourselves on our ‘painless dentist’ approach. We offer a range of sedation options to suit you. Discuss these options with your dentist during your consultation.

Enjoy Your New Smile

Asking these questions can make cosmetic surgery for teeth seem less intimidating or scary. Visiting your cosmetic dentist office should be an easy and stress-free process.

These questions will help you choose the right procedure for you. They’ll also help you to prepare for it so you get the best results.

Contact us today to explore your cosmetic surgery options.

The post 5 Questions You Need to Ask Before Having Cosmetic Surgery for Teeth appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.

With a dental implant, a piece of titanium is screwed into the jaw bone and serves as the root of the tooth. Once this is in place a crown is attached, now it feels and looks like a normal tooth.

If well cared for a dental implant is able to last an entire lifetime. Explore even more of the countless dental implants benefits below.

Behave Like Natural

This means that even with an implant being used you are returning your mouth to a close to the natural state. All parts of the tooth are being replaced, from the root up. The whole presentation will be natural and no one would know unless you tell them.

You will be able to brush, floss, and eat all with the natural flow. There is no need for the maintenance of dentures or the adhesive of those as well. They are as natural as an addition as possible.

Keep Other Teeth Healthy

Other methods often force a dentist to modify surrounding teeth that could very well be healthy. This means there is collateral damage! Using an implant only modifies that particular spot.

Using partial dentures require clasps that clip on to surrounding teeth, putting pressure on to those teeth. This can potentially damage those teeth or wear away at the gum tissue.

Prevention of Bone Loss

Implants provide stimulation where an empty gap otherwise would be. Bone loss can be up to 25% in the first year of losing a tooth and continue as years progress.

With the implant serving like a tooth normally would be chewing and operation are restored to how they usually work. That stimulation helps with natural bone growth and promotes health within the mouth.

Additionally, when dentures come loose they can rub against the areas they treat, wearing away at the bone. This adds to the bone loss already present.

Permanence of treatment

Something like a bridge is not a permanent solution and will eventually need to be replaced. A dental implant can be a lifetime solution! 98% rate of success at that.

Because of the material, titanium, and how the implant is integrated into the bone surrounding it a dental implant can last for a lifetime. As long as it is cared for properly there will be no need for replacement.

The materials used are bio-compatible and there will be no problems as long as it is cared for.

Appearance and Self Esteem

Outside of the medical improvements you just look better and with that, a boost of self-esteem comes. No one is going to complain about that! It is also a preventative measure.

As bone loss may occur, the structure of the face can occur. There may be excessive wrinkles, thinning lips, a more pointed chin, among other changes. These changes can make a huge change to one’s self-esteem.

But an implant can prevent a huge majority, if not all, of these changes from occurring.

There is an impact on speech at times with other treatments which could lead to an impact on self-esteem too.

Benefitting From Dental Implants Benefits

On both the medical and personal sides of things, there is a great deal on dental implants benefits. The procedures can and will make an incredible difference in the life of those that need them.

When it is time to get that procedure done, to improve that quality of life, see what Estrabillo Dental Group can do for your implant needs.

The post 6 Unique Dental Implants Benefits to Consider appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.

Is dental sedation important for you? Perhaps you feel it makes dental treatment possible. Read on to learn about the several types of dental sedation we offer.

Nitrous Oxide

Laughing gas is no joke. It’s a very effective means of reducing anxiety even if it’s just about a dental check up. It’s especially useful for moderately painful procedures.

We administer Nitrous Oxide using a mask put over the nose. The patient inhales the odourless gas and feels relaxed and comfortable. It might even make them giggle a little.

We remove the effects by administering pure oxygen and they can safely leave the dentist and even drive themselves home.

IV Sedation

More serious anxiety or more painful procedures might be best supported with the use of IV sedation.

After fasting before attending the dentist, the sedation is administered and the patient is monitored throughout the procedure. The patient may not even recall the treatment after it is over.

Patients cannot drive themselves home after the procedure as the medication may take a little while to wear off.

Oral Sedatives

When a mild sedative is needed, we can administer oral sedation. Taken a short while before treatment, oral sedation reduces fearful feelings. The patient is awake throughout but they feel relaxed and can cope with pain more easily.

An oral sedative can also help patients handle the anxiety and discomfort around local anaesthetic use. Patients need someone to drive them home afterward. 

General Anaesthetic

General anaesthesia renders the patient unconscious throughout the dental procedure. It is best used for patients with a great deal of anxiety or when treatment when greater pain management is needed.

Patients under general anaesthetic feel no pain whatsoever. The medication is administered either through a face mask or intravenously. A patient will need to be accompanied and driven home.

There are some possible side-effects of general anaesthesia and existing conditions that need to be taken into consideration. We will need to discuss the procedure, its risks, and benefits with patients beforehand.

Let’s Talk

It starts with a conversation. Dental sedation may be helpful in many cases of dental anxiety.

Talk about your needs now by contacting us.

The post Understanding the Various Types of Dental Sedation appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.

In that same survey, some 12 percent of Canadians reported pain or avoided certain foods because of dental problems. That’s where an aesthetic dentist can help.

This type of dentist looks to restore the natural look of your teeth and the way they work in your mouth. Aesthetic dentistry is very much in-line with the Estrabillo Dental Group.

In the following post, we’ll take a look at aesthetic dentistry, how it differs from cosmetic dentistry and some procedures that fall under the aesthetic dentistry umbrella.

Cosmetic vs. Aesthetic Dentistry?

The very definition of the word aesthetic means “concerned with beauty.” But there’s no shame in wanting a beautiful smile. A natural smile is a self-confidence booster, makes you more attractive, and signifies good overall health. 

But aesthetic dentistry is not quite the same as cosmetic dentistry. 

Cosmetic dentistry is a higher level of oral care. Sometimes done for personal reasons rather than oral health. And there’s nothing wrong with that! We have so many clients that want movie-star white teeth and a straighter smile.

Aesthetic dentistry is different than cosmetic in that it aims to mimic the smile’s natural appearance more accurately.

What Work Does an Aesthetic Dentist Do? 

A perfect smile, as many believe, is not the primary focus of aesthetic dentistry. We believe that a beautiful smile is the result of good overall oral health and a dentist can help achieve that.

Aesthetic dentistry utilizes a number of techniques to create a natural, beautiful smile. It looks to repair or replace crooked, cracked, or stained teeth through a number of techniques, including: 

• Teeth whitening – Restoring the natural color of your teeth.
• Dental crowns – Restoring the shape of a damaged tooth a cap is installed.
• Dental bonding – Closes gaps, brightens teeth, and smooths edges.
• Dental implants – Necessary to restore function and prevent persistent gum disease.

A Brighter, Straighter Smile 

Let’s delve a little deeper into two of the above list: dental bonding and teeth whitening. 

The Estrabillo Dental Group in Ancaster offers a number of different teeth whitening techniques. Teeth become discolored over time due to food and beverages, like tea and coffee. Improper oral care, cigarettes, and other tobacco products can also darken teeth.

While over-the-counter products promise brighter teeth, it’s really best to get a whitening evaluation from one of our dentists. One of our more common procedures is the application of a hydrogen-peroxide gel-activated solution.

Dental bonding is another great tool in aesthetic dentistry. This is where a dentist repairs a cracked tooth with a specially prepared resin. The resin matches your natural tooth color and helps even out gaps in your teeth and correct your smile. 

Great Oral Care

Here at the Estrabillo Dental Group, we know how important a natural smile is to our patients. One of the most satisfying outcomes is the joy our Ancaster patients express after they see their rejuvenated smile in the mirror for the first time.

That’s why we take great pride in offering the most up-to-date and extensive care that an aesthetic dentist can provide.

Are you interested in restoring the natural brilliance of your smile? Please contact us to schedule an appointment or a whitening assessment today.  

The post What Is an Aesthetic Dentist? (And How They Can Help You) appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.

We can help you put these fears at ease by answering your most pressing questions including “do root canals hurt?” Get comfortable and keep reading to learn more. 

What is a Root Canal? 

A root canal is a typical dental procedure done to remove the nerve and pulp of a tooth. During the procedure, the pulp and nerve are removed and the inside of the canal is cleaned and then sealed.  Neither the pulp, which is the soft tissue surrounding the blood vessels and the nerve or the nerve itself are vital for a tooth to function properly.

This procedure is often recommended if your tooth is in danger of becoming infected and forming abscesses among other symptoms. Infections and abscesses are especially dangerous to your health, so its best to get it done as soon as possible. 

Do Root Canals Hurt?

The burning question everyone wants to know. A root canal doesn’t hurt any more than getting a filling. Before your doctor begins the procedure they will numb the tooth and the area around your tooth with local anaesthesia. This will keep the majority of procedural pain to little to none.

However, you may experience some slight discomfort after the procedure. This can be easily managed with over the counter pain medication. Just be sure to ask your doctor if there are any particular medications to avoid during recovery. 

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

We’ve all heard the age-old story of root canals taking all day. But thankfully with today’s technology, this isn’t true.

These days root canal procedures typically last from 30-60 minutes. However, if its a more complex tooth the procedure may be a bit more complicated and can take up to 90 minutes. 

After the Procedure

After your root canal, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your tooth stays healthy while you’re recovering from the procedure. For example, your dentist may recommend a crown be put on the tooth after the root canal is done. This will help make sure your tooth stays strong and healthy. 

You will also need to make sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Typically in the morning after breakfast, and at night before bed. You should also make sure you are flossing at least once per day. 

By doing these few things you can ensure your tooth stays healthy for the rest of your life. 

Learn More With Us

So do root canals hurt? For the most part no. 

We hope this article has put some of your root canal fears to rest. If your ready to schedule your procedure today reach out to us here to schedule your appointment. Don’t forget to check out our other great articles on our blog for all your dental related questions. 

The post Do Root Canals Hurt? What to Know About the Procedure appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.

Only 37.5% of Canadians brush their teeth twice daily and floss once a day. Nonetheless, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth doesn’t deliver the same degree or quality of the benefits that cosmetic dentistry provides.

You have to live with your smile for the rest of your life, You might as well invest in it with cosmetic dental treatments.

Here are five benefits of finding great cosmetic dentists:

1. Better Dental Health

Cosmetic dentistry is good for your dental health. Certain dental treatments prevent deterioration as well as gum and bone damage, while others also strengthen your teeth and gums.

The cost of a crown is worth it when you consider how it prevents damaged teeth from further deterioration. Furthermore, it’ll protect your teeth from future decay just as well as a crown from a mainstream dentist will, if not better. It’s also important for receiving the following benefit:

2. More Attractive Smile

It takes a cosmetic dentist to truly upgrade your smile. Brushing your teeth and flossing is important to keep up a healthy and happy smile, but so is receiving professional cosmetic dental treatment to maintain it.

For instance, whitening your teeth makes your smile look more radiant than ever. The level of improvement you’ll experience often depends on maintaining a healthy teeth-whitening schedule.

3. Increased Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

Improving your smile has marked psychological benefits. These include improved self-esteem and self-confidence, which means more smiles.

Having a shinier, healthier smile will make you feel better about yourself. You’ll also feel more confident in social situations, and free to flaunt your smile when you need to make a good impression.

4. More Opportunities

A brilliant smile opens more doors than anything else, and it all starts with the dentist office. It leads to more professional opportunities such as interviews and promotions.

You’ll also appear more attractive to people you’re interested in dating. Your new smile will make you glow with confidence, and your love interests will certainly take notice of it.

5. Save Money

Think of seeing a cosmetic, painless dentist as an investment. The more you invest in your smile now, the less dental problems you’ll have later on. Plus, you won’t hurt in the process.

Cosmetic dentistry can improve your bite and gum health. People also get cosmetic dental treatments to improve their teeth alignment, which prevents shifting and enamel weakening later on.

Embrace the Power of Cosmetic Dental Care

The act of smiling improves your mood by making you feel happier. Receiving high-quality cosmetic dental care is the quickest route to a full, beaming smile.

People who smile often live an average of seven years longer than people who don’t smile frequently. Fortunately, our cosmetic dentist office will have you smiling more often than ever.

Beautify your smile—learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services. It’ll bring you closer to obtaining the smile of your dreams.

The post 5 Benefits of Finding Great Cosmetic Dental Care appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.

But how often should you whiten your teeth and what method should you choose? Keep reading to learn what dentists want you to know!

What Treatments Are Available

There are many treatment options available across different price points for teeth whitening. While there are many safe treatments available for anyone to buy at stores across the country, these treatments may not provide the significant smile enhancement you are hoping for.

Professional teeth whitening by a trained and certified professional provides the best outcome. On the first visit to Estrabillo Dental Group, your dentist will assess your teeth and recommend a treatment that can be done in as little as one visit!

So How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?

The answer to this question will vary by person and treatment. With over-the-counter dental trays and treatments, for instance, the product may instruct you to follow a two-week plan that brightens your teeth for anywhere from 6 months to one year.

With a professional treatment, many dentists recommend doing this once a year, with touch-up work as needed. Your dentist may give you trays for some follow-up work at home to ensure that your teeth are as white as you want them to be. It’s important that you and your dentist communicate about your expectations.

The key is to stay away from excessive whitening (every day, for instance) because this can hurt the enamel on your teeth. Make sure that you understand the instructions associated with your whitening treatment. 

How To Keep Your Teeth Whiter After Treatment

Once you’ve had a whitening procedure, whether over-the-counter or with our dental team, there needs to be follow-up treatment. Those brighter teeth won’t last forever!

Between whitening procedures, you can make a difference. Yes, it is possible to stretch the benefits of professional teeth whitening! Aside from dental trays or follow-up appointments, changes to your habits can have a big impact.

Schedule regular cleanings with our dental team to maintain good oral health. And of course, brush and floss regularly.

Certain foods can help your smile, too. And avoid drinking too much coffee or wine to keep your smile whiter longer.

But do load up on fruits and vegetables since these foods help you produce saliva that will clear out harmful acids. One more good snacking choice to recommend: a slice of cheese or glass of milk can build tooth enamel.

The Bottom Line

How often should you whiten your teeth? The best answer is to talk with the team at Estrabillo Dental Group to determine the right plan for you. There’s no reason to feel dissatisfied with your smile!

With so many safe ways to enhance it, a brighter smile is just a visit away. Contact us to set up an appointment, and our dental team will help you get the whiter smile you deserve!

The post How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth? Here’s What Dentist Want You to Know appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.

Although these numbers show the majority of Canadians take care of their dental health, a small percent of them wish their oral health was better. 

If your teeth have suffered from decay over the years, there’s a chance you might need a dental crown.

Read on to learn about the most common types of dental crowns.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Although many people believe the main purpose of dental crowns is to repair cracked teeth, they have multiple functions.

Weak Teeth: If you have weak teeth due to decay, dental crowns can protect teeth from further damage.

Worn Down Teeth: Dental crowns can help restore teeth that have been worn down due to teeth grinding or dental erosion.

Large Filling: Not only can dental crowns repair cracked teeth, but they can also protect your teeth’ internal structure.

Tooth Discolouration: Dental crowns are also commonly used to covered discoloured teeth. Dentists use tooth-coloured crowns to cover the discolouration of your teeth. 

Different Types of Dental Crowns

When it comes to crowns, some dentists have preferred types they use to meet the need of the patient. The main types of dental crowns include porcelain, metal, stainless steel, ceramic, and all-resin crowns.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

For many years, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have been one of the most commonly used by dentists. This type of material is highly durable due to the bonding process between the porcelain and the metal. 

When the metal and porcelain combine during the heating process, the ceramic chemically fuses and oxides with the metal creating a bond. The metal acts as a support for the porcelain making it more durable. 

Metal Crowns and Gold Alloys

Metal has always been a material of choice for dental crowns due to its versatility. Not only does metal form a strong bond, but it also doesn’t wear down teeth.

Dentists also have the option of choosing different types of metal in a variety of colours. 

Stainless Steel Crowns

Although stainless steel is an option for dental crowns, dentists only use them on baby teeth. Dentists only use stainless steel crowns on children as temporary solutions until they protect the tooth from further decay. 

Ceramic Crowns (Cosmetic)

Dentists use ceramic or cosmetic crowns to create a more natural look. These crowns have the shape, colour, and function of teeth. 

These ceramic crowns are durable, match the colour or your teeth, and don’t chip easily. 

All-Resin Crowns

All-resin crowns are more affordable than other crowns such as metal, gold, ceramic, and porcelain. 

Although they’re more affordable, dentists don’t often recommend them as they tend to be more susceptible to fractures. Dentists recommend all-resin crowns on decaying baby teeth. 

These Are the Most Common Types of Dental Crowns

Now that you know about the most common types of dental crowns, you will be able to make the right decision. Some of the most common dental crowns include porcelain, metal, stainless steel, ceramic, and all-resin crowns.

Are you in need of dental crowns? Let Estrabillo Dental Group help you find the right crown for you. Contact us today to make an appointment.

The post A Complete Guide on Popular Types of Dental Crowns appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.

It could be an indicator of more significant health problems such as diabetes, immune disorders, hormonal problems, or nutritional deficiencies. 

There are multiple stages to periodontal disease. Here are some of the signs of gum disease and how to notice them. 

What Are the Signs of Periodontal Disease? 

Gum disease needs to be diagnosed and treated by a dentist. These are symptoms of periodontal disease; if you experience any of these, it’s time to schedule an appointment. 

• Persistent bad breath 
• Tooth and gum sensitivity
• Receding gums 
• Inflammed, tender, red or bleeding gums 
• Pain when chewing 
• Loose or shifting teeth

What Are the Stages of Periodontal Disease? 

There are multiple stages of periodontal disease. The earlier it is detected, the better.

Stage One: Gingivitis 

The first stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, is inflammation caused by the buildup of plaque along the gums. Daily brushing, flossing, regular cleanings and other good dental hygiene habits are necessary to remove the plaque. Plaque buildup releases toxic bacteria that irritates the gums and causes inflammation. 

In these early stages, you may notice gingivitis if your gums bleed when you brush or floss. The effects of gingivitis can be reversed. We typically recommend patients with periodontal disease come for a checkup every 3 to 4 months. 

Stage Two: Early Periodontal Disease 

In this stage, the recession of the gums starts and small pockets form between your teeth and your gums. These pockets contain hostile bacteria. Bleeding during brushing and flossing as well as possible bone loss are present at this stage. 

Stage Three: Moderate Periodontal Disease

When periodontal disease is left untreated and it reaches this stage, you’ll likely experience gum recession, bleeding and soreness. The health of your bone and connective tissue will suffer and your teeth will become loose. Treatment for gum disease is more difficult at this stage, as some irreversible damage has happened. 

Stage Four: Advanced Periodontal Disease 

This is the final stage of gum disease. The connective tissues and in the gums have deteriorated beyond repair and tooth loss or shifting teeth is common. Quality of life can suffer if the periodontal disease goes untreated, especially when it advances to this stage.

It is imperative to speak to a dentist and learn about your treatment options.

How Periodontal Disease Is Treated

Since periodontal disease can lead to bigger issues if left untreated, it’s important to treat the cause, not just the symptoms.

Our goal is to help you make positive decisions about your oral care and prevent any more problems in the future. Periodontal disease is treatable and with early intervention it is reversible.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Periodontal disease is a serious threat to your oral health. However, it is treatable. If you are worried you may be experiencing the symptoms of periodontal disease, contact our dental team today to schedule an appointment. 

We can provide you with a long-term treatment plan and get you your smile back. 

The post Periodontal Disease Explained: Stages, Signs, and Treatment appeared first on Estrabillo Dental Group.