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ORAL EXAMINATION & CLEANING

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.

At Old South Dentistry, we begin with a comprehensive examination of 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.

Based on our findings, our team will show you how to perfect your home care in between visits so that future cleanings will be effortless and easy.

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X-RAYS/ RADIOGRAPHS

We follow the Royal College of Dental Surgeons and the Canadian Dental Association guidelines to minimize exposure to our patients and our operators.

Old South Dentistry uses digital sensors, which give 60% less exposure to radiation than regular xrays.

We use xrays 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, and the presence of infections.

We recommend xrays based on each patient individual needs. A healthy adult who has not had cavities or other problems probably won’t need x-rays at every appointment. If your dental situation is less stable and we are monitoring your progress, you may require more frequent x-rays.

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.

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ORAL CANCER EXAMINATION

In this exam, your dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and inside your mouth.

Oral cancer starts in the cells of the mouth, tongue or throat. Oral cancer screening is usually a routine part of a dental examination. In this exam, your dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and inside your mouth. Your dentist will also look for sores or discolored tissue in your mouth

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RESTORATIONS/ FILLINGS

Dental fillings and repairs use restorative materials used to repair teeth which have been compromised due to cavities or trauma.
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    Bridges and Implants:

    Bridges and implants are two ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Bridges are false teeth anchored in place by neighbouring teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns on the anchoring teeth along with the false tooth in the center.

    Dental implants are artificial roots used to support replacement teeth.

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    Root canals:

    A root canal, known as endodontic therapy, is a treatment to save a diseased or broken tooth before removal is required.

    The pulp is soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. When the pulp is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, it dies. The most common causes of pulp death are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, problems with large fillings, or serious injury to the tooth. All of these can allow bacteria to enter into the pulp.

    If the problem pulp is not removed, the tissues around the root of the tooth can become infected, often resulting in pain and swelling. Even if there is no pain, bacteria can damage the bone that anchors the tooth in the jaw. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be pulled.

    A root canal removes the infected pulp of the tooth, allowing the area to heal the damage. Often this process ends with the addition of a crown to fully restore the tooth.

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    Crowns:

    When a tooth is cracked, decayed or damaged, a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A dental crown is a permanent covering that fits over the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain or a combination of porcelain and noble metal materials (such as gold). The crown materials are determined by our dentists to meet the needs of each patient. Our crowns are realistic or natural looking in appearance. Dental crowns can whiten, reshape and realign existing teeth, adding to a healthy and vibrant smile.

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    Extractions:

    An extraction may be recommended for various reasons: severe decay, fracture beyond repair or periodontal bone loss. Occasionally, an extraction may be required if there is not sufficient space in the jaw or prior to orthodontic treatment.

    The removal of a tooth can cause esthetic 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.

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CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY

We strive to make your child’s every appointment comfortable and fun so they can keep a positive attitude towards their dental visits.

The Canadian Dental Association and The Ontario Dental Association recommends that a child’s first visit to the dental office should be within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth or by their 1st birthday. Lifelong health begins early, so our team at Old South Dentistry will help your little ones develop and maintain healthy oral habits from the start.

We strive to make your child’s every appointment comfortable and fun so they can keep a positive attitude towards their dental visits. We will help your family establish healthy oral hygiene and dietary habits to grow cavity free.

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    Dentures

    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. The dentist will discuss options with you and help determine what type of denture is best for you.

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    Night guards

    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. These guards are usually made of high-grade acrylic and are custom made to fit your teeth. This device keeps the upper teeth from grinding with the lower teeth, preventing tooth wear and protecting your jaw muscles.

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    Sports Guard

    Sport guards are a device worn over your teeth to protects them from blows to the face and head.  They are an important piece of athletic equipment for anyone participating in a sport that involves falls, body contact or flying equipment. This includes football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking — any activity that might result in an injury to the mouth.

    Mouth guards create a cushion that provides potential stabilization of the jaw, and can help to reduce injury affecting the soft tissues of the mouth such as lips and gum tissues surrounding the teeth.

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    Teeth Whitening

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

Come check us out and see if we are a great fit for you and your family! Ask us for a tour! Call 519-434-5599