At Old South Dentistry, we begin with a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums. The examination will include low radiation digital x-rays to detect cavities between the teeth, oral cancer screening, and a periodontal examination to assess the health of your gums.

The cleaning is performed with hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler to gently break up plaque and tartar that build up below the gum line. If you have sensitive teeth, our hygienists can discuss options to make your cleaning more comfortable, such as local anesthetics or needle free anesthetic gels.

Our team will show you how to perfect your home care in between visits so that future cleanings will be effortless and easy.

Old South Dentistry we use digital sensors, which give 60% less exposure to
radiation over regular x-rays.
We use x-rays as a supplemental diagnostic and preventative tool to assess several
oral issues, such as the presence of cavities, development of teeth, bone levels, size
and shape of roots, as well as the presence of infections.
We recommend them based on each patient’s individual needs. A healthy adult who
has not had cavities or other problems probably won’t need x-rays at every
appointment, while someone who is at higher risk of cavities, or has active gum
disease, may require them more frequently.
We follow the Royal College of Dental Surgeons and the Canadian Dental
Association guidelines to minimize exposure to our patients and our operators.

If you are not sure why a particular x-ray is being taken, please feel free to ask us!
Remember that dental x-rays deliver very little radiation. These are a vital tool for
your dentist to ensure that small problems don’t develop into bigger ones.

Oral cancer is the 13th most common cancer diagnosed each year in Canada. It can develop in any part of the mouth, including on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, sinuses and throat. Like any kind of cancer, oral cancer can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Oral cancer screening is part of our routine dental examination, where we will check for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and inside your mouth.

Crowns are full-coverage restorations that are used to protect a tooth that is cracked, or heavily restored, from fracture. Crowns fit over the original tooth, can be made out of porcelain or metal, and have the appearance of a real tooth, so that only you know that it is in place. Dental crowns can also whiten, reshape and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.

A bridge, also called a “fixed bridge” or a “fixed dental prosthesis,” is a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It extends across an area that has no teeth and is typically made up of an artificial tooth fused between 2 crowns. The bridge is held firmly in place by your own teeth or by dental implants.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums to provide stable support for artificial teeth.. Once put into place, these implants enable the dentist to attach a crown, denture, or bridge to them.
They are designed to be long lasting and, with proper care, can last for many years. They are not your teeth but can function just like them.

A root canal therapy is usually recommended when the tooth surface is healthy, but its root or pulp is inflamed or infected. Common symptoms are: acute and intense pain, sharp pain when biting down, lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods or dull ache and pressure.

During a root canal therapy, the pulp of your tooth, which consists of nerves and blood vessels, is completely removed and the ‘canal’ is cleaned out, filled and sealed again to preserve the inner and the outer structure of the tooth and prevent any infection from recurring.

A tooth may need to be extracted for various reasons: severe decay, fracture beyond repair or gum disease. Occasionally, an extraction may be required if there is not sufficient space in the jaw, or prior to orthodontic treatment.
Since the removal of a tooth can cause aesthetic and functional problems, such as teeth shifting and inability to chew, our team will give you alternatives to extraction and options to replace an extracted tooth.

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back in your mouth. Today’s dentures are made more natural looking and comfortable than ever. There are two types of dentures; full and partial.

Dentures are custom made in a dental laboratory after impressions are taken of your mouth. Our dentists will discuss options with you and help determine what type of denture is best for you.

Teeth grinding can disrupt a good night’s sleep, cause jaw pain and extensive enamel loss.
Night guards are bite pads that are supposed to be worn at night as you sleep, and will keep your upper teeth from grinding against the lower teeth, preventing tooth wear and protecting your jaw muscles. They are fabricated with high-grade acrylic and our team will custom fit them to your teeth.

A sportguard/mouthguard is an important piece of athletic equipment for anyone participating in a sport that involves falls, body contact or flying equipment, and can result in an injury to the mouth. This includes football, basketball, baseball, hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking.

Mouth guards create a cushion that provides potential stabilization of the jaw, and reduce injury to your teeth and soft tissues surrounding it. Our customized mouthguards provide the best fit, protection and comfort and are more durable than store-bought ones.

Whitening is a safe, effective, and efficient way to dramatically improve the overall appearance of dull or yellowish teeth. We offer a custom made whitening system to help you brighten your smile again.