Preparing Children for the Dentist

At Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie, we offer many sedation techniques that are safe for children. However, it is always better when children are prepared psychologically for their visits, which is why we want to provide parents with guidance on preventing dental anxiety.

We would like for visiting the dentist to be such a normal part of a child’s life that they don’t ever worry about it. Cleanings should be done on a biannual basis from the time the first tooth begins to erupt. But it is still necessary to explain the purpose of the visits to the child, which is why it’s best to just say that our doctors are experts in keeping teeth healthy and cleaning them. Children pick up most of their attitude from their parents, so it’s better if they are accompanied by an adult who is sure of their own comfort. Things also tend to go better when siblings go together, and the younger one can watch the older one set a good example. Don’t overemphasize the need for bravery, as this creates an expectation of discomfort, and remember that cleaning, providing sealants, and possibly filling in cavities are usually the only services which require explanations. We’ll be able to give demonstrations with the chair and explain anything else that is necessary in terms your child will understand.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Cleaning Night Guards

The staff at Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie is attentive to each of our patients’ individual needs, and we understand that many of them wear night guards for help with sleep apnea and night-time teeth grinding. These devices are incredibly valuable, but they have to be cared for properly or bacteria will build up in them, sickening the patient and causing bad breath.

After being removed each morning, the night guard should be brushed. As is the case with dentures, only soft-bristled toothbrushes should be used and toothpaste with extra fluoridation should be avoided. This is to prevent the night guard from being scratched. It is also a good idea to have different toothbrushes for the night guard and the teeth.

The container also needs to be kept clean with something that will not damage it. For this reason, it should not be cleaned with alcoholic solutions, but people often get satisfactory results with ordinary soap. The main difference between night guards and dentures is that they should be dried before being put away. Patients should also be sure they have thoroughly brushed and flossed their teeth before putting the night guard back in.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Filling a Cavity

Cavities are the destruction of tooth enamel and once this enamel is gone, it doesn’t repair itself. To repair a cavity, one of our doctors at Bear Creek Dental will use a filling material to fill the space that has been destroyed. We encourage all of our patients to practice cavity prevention to avoid costly procedures in the future and to ensure that your oral health status is in good condition.

Many options are available for dental fillings and one of our doctors will discuss these with you during your consultation. The two most commonly used are porcelain (composite) and amalgam. Both are very durable options, and each will last several years before they need to be replaced. If you’ve already received a filling and notice signs of wear, give us a call as you may need a dental crown instead of a filling.

If you have questions or concerns regarding cavities or tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Have a Healthy Holiday Smile

During the holidays, temptation lurks around every corner. The appetizers, the desserts, all of it can either be a good or bad decision for our tooth enamel. Making wise choices during the holiday season is definitely a challenge, but our doctors at Bear Creek Dental are here to tell you what to reach for on the holiday table to help keep your smile healthy throughout the holiday season.

A poor diet can lead to gum disease and tooth decay and the holidays are no excuse to fall off the healthy wagon. Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to decay, so it’s best to avoid candy canes, popcorn, and other foods that can chip or crack a tooth. If you notice a cheese platter on the table, cheese contains calcium that keeps enamel strong. Whatever you decide to eat, be sure to brush thoroughly after your meal and floss the leftovers out of your teeth to prevent bad breath and gingivitis from developing.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

How Diet Relates to Dental Health

Eating patterns play a key role in dental health because they decide whether or not a person will develop tooth decay. If you wish to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, a healthy smile begins with a healthy diet. A poor diet can lead to periodontal disease and cavities which is why our doctors at Bear Creek Dental are here to tell you what to add to your plate.

Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and plain yogurt assist tooth enamel in staying strong. Foods that are high in sugar and starches stick to the teeth, leaving plaque behind which can turn into tartar if left untreated. It’s best to avoid cookies, pastries, candy, and soft drinks, as they provide no nutritional benefits to the teeth. Reaching for fruits and vegetables that have a high water content increase saliva flow, protecting you from cavities and dental diseases.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Fight Bad Breath

Bad breath is embarrassing. It may leave you feeling afraid to speak, smile, and address the problem. Bad breath is caused by leftover food particles that aren’t washed away by proper brushing and flossing. Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental preach proper oral hygiene to patients not only to prevent bad breath but to fight against periodontal problems and other dental diseases.

If you eat foods like garlic, coffee, or onions, the odor will linger and mouthwash will only be a temporary solution. If you don’t practice proper oral hygiene habits, bad breath will likely be caused by gum disease. It’s important to keep the mouth clean at all times to keep it healthy. Persistent bad breath is a symptom of gingivitis, therefore it’s important to visit our doctors at Bear Creek Dental twice a year for a routine checkup to ensure optimal oral health.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a procedure to remove a frenulum, which is muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth. At Bear Creek Dental, we perform frenectomies to correct a number of issues patients may have with their teeth, lips, and tongue.  There are three frenulums in your mouth.  One is located underneath your tongue, and removing this is called a lingual frenectomy.  Patients with an enlarged frenulum underneath their tongue will not be able to move their tongue freely.  This can impede breastfeeding, interferes with speech, and is often called ‘tongue tie’. Lingual frenectomies are typically performed on very young patients, who recover quickly and continue to develop their speech.

Two other frenulums in the mouth are between the font teeth (both upper and lower) and connect the inner surface of the lip with the gum. Removing this attachment is called a labial frenectomy.  Patients who have receding gums can benefit from this procedure, because a strong frenulum from the gum to the lip can cause extra pulling on the gums and lead to further recession.

To learn more about frenectomies and all the services we provide, visit BearCreekDental.CA for more information.  To schedule an appointment at Bear Creek Dental, located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada, call 780-539-0404.

Crowns Restore Smiles

The doctors at Bear Creek Dental fit patients with crowns to restore aesthetic and function to teeth that have a significant amount of decay or are chipped.  A tooth with minor damage can be repaired with a crown before it reaches the point of needing to be extracted or replaced with an implant.  The safe and non-invasive procedure of installing a crown can be completed in as little as two visits.

To begin the process of fitting a patient with a custom crown, your dentist will remove any decay.   A crown fits over the tooth like a little cap, and covers the whole tooth.  To ensure a great fit for the crown, your dentist may need to contour the tooth that remains.  Once the tooth has been prepared, an impression of the mouth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory for the custom product to be fabricated.  Ask us about temporary options to wear while your new crown is being made.  Your custom crown will take 2-3 weeks to be fabricated and returned, and at a second appointment the crown will be cemented into place by your dentist.

To learn more about crowns and all the restorative services we provide, visit BearCreekDental.CA for more information.  To schedule an appointment at Bear Creek Dental, located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada, call 780-539-0404.

Extrinsic Tooth Discoloration

When you look in the mirror do you notice dark yellow or brown stains on your tooth enamel? This can be embarrassing but the good news is that it can be fixed. Stains that develop on the surface of tooth enamel are called extrinsic stains and unlike their counterpart – intrinsic – these stains are the easiest to remove from the teeth. Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental will likely suggest teeth whitening to remove the discoloration.

Getting a brighter smile is as simple as visiting our Bear Creek Dental office. The process of teeth whitening removes stains on the outer surface of the teeth and can improve the color of enamel by several shades. Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental have several whitening options to choose from, such as in-office whitening or take-home trays. To see which is best for your level of discoloration, schedule a consultation today.

If you have questions or concerns regarding teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

When Fillings Become a Problem

At Bear Creek Dental, we work diligently to remove decay from our patients’ teeth and supply them with high-quality fillings. For many people, fillings are the first form of dental restoration they become acquainted with during childhood, and our naturally-colored options allow us to repair the aesthetics of their smile as well as their health. However, fillings are not truly permanent, and it is important for patients to recognize when something is wrong with one.

Although fillings and bonding are usually placed with the utmost care, it is possible for a high filling to interfere with the patient’s bite. If this happens, the filling will have to be removed. Furthermore, while the teeth are always sensitive after decayed material is removed, fillings should not cause a great deal of pain more than two days after their placement. If they do, they may be misshapen.

The bonding holding fillings in place has a lifespan of about ten years. After this, it will start to crack, providing bacteria with a home they cannot be brushed out of. To prevent further decay, the fillings will have to be replaced. By maintaining regular appointments, patients can get old fillings replaced before experiencing more decay.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Dental Bonding

If you have teeth that are chipped, cracked, or fractured, then you may benefit from dental bonding. Dental bonding is a service that we provide at Bear Creek Dental to repair and restore teeth that have aesthetic damage. Once you chip your tooth’s enamel on a hard piece of food or crack it due to dental trauma, it’s gone forever. Fortunately, dental bonding can make it appear and feel as good as new.

Dental bonding is a tooth-colored composite resin that your dentist mixes together to match the color of your natural tooth. The procedure itself only lasts about 30 minutes and allows you to leave the office with a brand new repaired tooth. Food and beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine can stain the resin, so it’s important to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine to keep the bonding white.

If you have questions or concerns regarding cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

From the moment a child’s first tooth emerges, preventive care is important. At Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie, we want all our patients to be set up for a lifetime of good oral health, which is why parents should beware of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

When babies drink milk or formula from bottles, sugary residue tends to accumulate on the fronts of their incisors. The phrase Baby Bottle Tooth Decay describes decay in this location. While many people understand that too much sugar is dangerous for teeth, they often don’t realize that it’s the amount of time teeth are exposed to sugar which is the main determining factor in whether decay will occur. Babies are dependent on others to brush their teeth for them, and if they aren’t given water to drink in between swigs from the milk bottle, it may be hours before the residue is washed away.

The risk of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay can be reduced by limiting children's time with a milk bottle and by supplying them with water. Children should transition to drinking from cups around the time of their first birthday and not be given more sugary drinks, such as juice, until then.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Intrinsic Stains

We provide top-quality cosmetic care at Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie. Whitening is an enormously popular service which has helped people to remove a lifetime of stains from the surfaces of their teeth. But a certain kind of stain, called an intrinsic stain, may be too deep for whitening and require a different approach.

Intrinsic stains have two causes: exposure to dark molecules during the tooth’s formation and infection. The first cause is harmless; it usually results from tetracycline antibiotics or too much fluoride and an affected tooth can simply be covered with a veneer or bonding. However, an infection is dangerous as well as painful. It must be treated with a root canal or else it will spread, causing an abscess, or even sepsis. Once the root canal is complete, the tooth may be able to receive a veneer or need to have its crown replaced. Our artificial crowns are colored to look like natural teeth and are resilient, ensuring that our patients will have shiny, working smiles even if they suffer from the nastiest of intrinsic stains.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Dry Sockets

We strive to save patients’ teeth at Bear Creek Dental, but when extractions are necessary, we do them safely and efficiently. Tooth removal is a routine procedure; however, there are rare cases in which patients can suffer a dry socket. This is more likely when the extraction required incisions into the gum line.

Before extracting teeth, we will need patients to provide us with a list of all the medications they are on. We do this because we are counting on the blood to form a clot after the tooth is removed and there are medications which interfere with clotting. A clot will seal off the empty socket, preventing it from drying out and becoming infected. But a successful clot could still be torn loose by suction or dissolved, which is why we also tell patients to avoid sipping through straws and smoking during their recoveries.

While it is normal for the extraction site to be sore for a few days after the surgery, patients should make an emergency appointment if they are in severe pain. We can medicate a dry socket with antibiotics and moisturizers to get the healing process back on track.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Bruxism

Do you wake up in the morning and struggle to brush your teeth because you can barely open your jaw? When jaw muscles tighten during sleep, this is usually due to a condition called bruxism. Bruxism occurs when teeth clench or grind together during the day or throughout the night. To treat this condition, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental may suggest a night guard.

Bruxism can be attributed to stress, anxiety, frustration, and anger, or it can simply occur from a misaligned bite. Misaligned bites are usually treated with orthodontics, but an alternative treatment is a night guard to alleviate pressure on the jaw. If you notice your jaw muscles contracting, a grinding sound that disturbs your partner during sleep, or long-lasting facial pain, schedule a consultation with us today.

If you have questions or concerns regarding bruxism, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

Most of us may notice a clicking or a popping sound when we chew, but we don’t realize where it’s coming from. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull which are located in front of each ear. Without this joint, we wouldn’t be able to speak, eat, or yawn. When this joint becomes inflamed, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental can treat the problem.

Temporomandibular joint disorder is a name for a combination of symptoms that arise with inflammation in the temporomandibular joint. Though there is no documented cause for these conditions, speculations include teeth clenching, arthritis in the joint, and/or stress. If you are experiencing these symptoms, treatment options may include a mouth guard or a night guard to wear during sleep to alleviate pressure on the jaw muscles.

If you have questions or concerns regarding facial pain, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Acid Reflux

As part of our focus on preventive care, we at Bear Creek Dental want to educate our patients about one of the most common causes of toothaches in adults: acid reflux disease. This condition can be highly damaging to oral health, but there are ways of managing it.

Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it is easily eroded by stomach acid. If a patient’s stomach acid escapes into their esophagus at least twice a week, they are said to be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or, more informally, heartburn. The upper back teeth are the ones in the most vulnerable position and their erosion usually follows a pattern. First, the teeth look frosted and glazed, then they develop small cracks, and finally, the cusps wear away.

Although damaged enamel cannot be regrown, it can be repaired with fillings and partial crowns. But because acid reflux is painful and can contribute to esophageal cancer, patients will need to prevent it anyway. Reducing intake of fatty meats, citrus juice, onions, garlic, chocolate, and alcohol is a good start, as is avoiding large meals before bed and maintaining better posture.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Tooth Sensitivity in Children

Our child patients are no less important to us than adults at Bear Creek Dental, and we want to help children resolve problems they may experience with oversensitivity. It is an unfortunate truth that new teeth pushing through the gum line sometimes cause soreness and that new teeth will be sensitive when they are first exposed to air. However, there are some other reasons for tooth sensitivity in children which require our attention.

Children are the demographic which is most likely to experience cavities. They also experience high rates of gingivitis. This usually happens when they don’t brush their teeth enough. However, an alternative reason for sensitivity is that they are brushing too hard, damaging their gum tissue and allowing their tooth roots to become exposed.

It is important to encourage children to be as specific as possible when describing their symptoms. Soreness in the back upper teeth may indicate a sinus infection. Pain in their jaws may indicate that they are grinding or clenching their teeth while asleep. It is also possible that there is a greater underlying problem which needs to be investigated. Children with diabetes have higher rates of gum inflammation, and people with autism are often more sensitive in general.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Whitening Advantages

Are you afraid to show off your smile due to its lackluster appearance? If so, our doctors of Bear Creek Dental are here to revive it – with whitening services. Professional in-office teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures. This is because it allows you to whiten in a safe, controlled, and carefully monitored environment.

In-office teeth whitening provides fast results and has the ability to make your teeth appear at least two shades whiter. Though whitening will not remove intrinsic stains that are deep in the enamel, it will remove extrinsic stains that are caused by coffee, red wine, sodas, and or dark colored fruits and vegetables. With whiter teeth comes more self-confidence, so if you want that winning smile, contact us today.

If you have questions or concerns regarding whitening services, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Wisdom Teeth

With age comes wisdom, and also, wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17-22 and are the third and final set of molars to develop. Although most people have them, it is possible for them to never evolve.  If a wisdom tooth is impacted – under the gum – our doctors at Bear Creek Dental may need to discuss extraction to avoid complications.

Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted, but when they become problematic, the need for extraction increases. When wisdom teeth are misaligned, they will not erupt properly. The partial eruption may damage adjacent teeth and cause pain to the jawbone and nerves. When wisdom teeth are impacted, or partially erupted, bacteria can enter around the tooth and cause an infection. During your next dental appointment, ask one of our doctors about the positioning of your wisdom teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Sedation Dentistry

Does the idea of visiting the dentist give you mild anxiety? Or does it leave you with a paralyzing fear? At Bear Creek Dental, we specialize in sedation dentistry; therefore we are prepared and ready for patients who suffer from dental phobias and anxieties. Different types of sedation we provide include oral sedation, a pill, nitrous oxide, and intravenous sedation. The type you receive will need to be discussed with our doctor during a consultation.

Sedation is a process used to establish a relaxed and calm state through the use of sedatives.  Sedation techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure, depending on the needs of the patient. In fact, it often makes patients feel as if a procedure has only lasted a few minutes instead of several hours. Questions to ask your doctor are “Will I be unconscious during the dental procedure?” or “Do I need someone to drive me home?” Regardless of the type of sedation, our doctor deems best for you, you are guaranteed to be safe in good hands.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Prevent Periodontal Disease

When you visit our team at Bear Creek Dental, how often do our hygienists tell you to brush and floss, more than you already are?  How often do you listen?  Our mouths are full of bacteria that along with mucus and other particles are constantly forming plaque on the teeth. Plaque is the leading culprit of periodontal (gum) disease which can be prevented by the simple action of brushing and flossing.

Periodontal disease can range from mild inflammation to a serious disease that can cause major damage to tooth structure, eventually resulting in tooth loss. Gum disease can also be painless, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms. If you have gums that are swollen, red, or bleed easily when you brush or floss, you should address the problem immediately. The longer plaque sits on the teeth, the more dangerous it becomes. In addition to visiting us twice a year for routine cleanings, we encourage patients to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to prevent periodontal disease.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your oral hygiene status, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Dental Implants

Are you self-conscious about your smile because you have teeth that are missing? If so, then dental implants might be the solution. A dental implant is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the span of a few months. Out of a variety of tooth replacement options, we offer to patients at Bear Creek Dental, dental implants are the most permanent and beneficial.

Having a dental implant fused to the jawbone is the closest thing to replacing a natural tooth because it stands on its own without any support from nearby teeth. In addition, dental implants have many advantages such as improving a patient’s speech, making eating easier, improved comfort, as well as improved self-esteem. Success rates of dental implants vary, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental implants, please give us a call immediately. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Don’t Delay a Dental Emergency

At Bear Creek Dental, our experienced dental team is ready to handle any situation, including dental emergencies. Accidents happen, but when a tooth becomes chipped, cracked, or knocked out, you’ll need to visit us immediately to correct the problem and prevent any further damage. Broken teeth can almost always be saved, but at the first sign of a dental emergency, we encourage patients to please call us and explain what happened. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding emergency dental care, please give us a call immediately. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Mouth Guards for Sports

The staff at Bear Creek Dental wants you and your family to know you may be overlooking an important safety precaution.  Adults and children who are active in sports should always wear some kind of mouth protection. A mouth guard helps prevent damage to the teeth and jaw, and also helps prevent injuries to the cheeks, tongue, and lips.

You can find generic mouth guards in most sporting goods stores, but not in many sizes. These mouth guards often end up feeling bulky and uncomfortable, which leads to child and teenage athletes in particular not wearing the protection at all. A bulky or cushioned mouth guard can even interrupt breathing and speaking.

Have a dentist perform a custom mouth guard fitting and get a mouth guard made of thin, hard plastic that protects your teeth and still fits comfortably.  This is an easy precaution to take, and you can go right back to playing your best.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

Invisalign

The doctors at Bear Creek Dental are excited to offer Invisalign smiles to patients looking to straighten their teeth without traditional braces.  Invisalign is the invisible alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens recommended to correct mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth. An Invisalign treatment plan consists of a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made for your teeth, and a typical treatment plan can be completed in less than a year.

To straighten your teeth with Invisalign, we begin with an examination. A dentist can determine if Invisalign will be effective in achieving the smile you want. Impressions or scans of your teeth are used to create a full set of aligners customized to your teeth and your treatment plan. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, depending on your individual treatment plan. For the best results a set of aligners should be worn at least 20 hours a day. You should remove the aligners to eat, and to brush and floss.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

Night Guards

At Bear Creek Dental, we help our patients with every aspect of their oral care, including teeth grinding. Also known as bruxism, this behavior is commonly the result of sleep apnea and can cause headaches and neck aches, as well as tooth damage. CPAP machines are the most commonly employed means of combatting sleep apnea, but they may not defend against bruxism, for which patients need an oral appliance known as a night guard.

Like the mouth guard used to protect athletes, a night guard is custom-made from an impression of the patient’s mouth. The durable material resists grinding better than enamel. But a night guard also provides the wearer with more restful sleep by keeping the jaws in a forward position. Sleep apnea is often the result of patients’ airways getting closed off during sleep, and teeth grinding is sometimes a result of the body attempting to open airways by changing jaw position. The forward position maintained by night guards is the optimal one for airflow, removing a cause of bruxism as well as preventing damage.

Tough though they are, night guards still need to be protected during the day by being kept in a hard plastic container. They and the container also need to be cleaned and dried on a daily basis.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

How to Clean Dentures

We always encourage proper oral hygiene at Bear Creek Dental, but people may not always be aware of how oral hygiene practices must change if they get dentures. Regardless of whether the dentures are partial or replace all of a patient’s natural teeth, they are made of very different material and require more care.

While it is always a good idea to use soft-bristled toothbrushes, dentures also require specially designated toothpaste which lacks the gritty minerals of toothpaste for natural teeth. This is because natural teeth produce a protective film and can incorporate fluoride into their enamel, but dentures can neither protect nor repair themselves. Patients should also continue to brush inside their mouths (perhaps with a different toothbrush), being sure to clean their tongues and any exposed abutments, in cases where dentures are supported by implants.

Dentures need to be removed on a nightly basis. This will provide the patient’s gums with a chance to rest. But while moving dentures, it is important to remember how fragile they are. Keep them above a towel or other soft surface and put them in room temperature, not hot, water or cleaning solution. Even well-cared for dentures will need to be adjusted as the patient’s mouth naturally changes shape. This should only be done by a professional.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8V 0Z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Consequences of Thumb Sucking

Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie is a family dentistry office and we’re happy to guide parents caring for their children’s oral health. Many parents of young children notice their children sucking their thumbs or give them pacifiers and wonder whether this is having an impact on their oral health. The answer depends largely on how close the child is to getting permanent teeth.

Babies’ skeletons are not fully fused together and their faces are more flexible than those of adults. Thumb sucking by children four and under is unlikely to have a permanent effect on their mouth structures. But baby teeth usually start falling out when a child is around five, and continued thumb (or pacifier) sucking as permanent teeth come in could result in an overbite or in misaligned jaws.

It is advisable to try to include the child in creating strategies to break their bad habits because using coercive measures may not address the underlying problem. Common though thumb sucking is, it sometimes results from stress. Children who feel a need to self-soothe often replace thumb sucking with pushing their tongues against their front teeth, which also causes overbites. Though corrective orthodontic devices are available, it may be necessary to consult a child psychologist.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

HPV and Oral Cancer

We don’t just treat teeth at Bear Creek Dental; as practitioners of general dentistry, our Grande Prairie office also provides preventive care for oral pathologies. Recently, there’s been a major change in the landscape of oral cancer as cancers associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV) have outpaced those associated with smoking, and we want to ensure our patients know how to use us as a resource.

There are nearly two hundred known strains of HPV, only nine of which are known to cause cancer, and only one of which is known to cause mouth and throat cancer. The non-cancerous strains of HPV are extremely common, but there is no way of testing for them in the mouth. To complicate matters further, cancer caused by HPV usually occurs far back in the throat, in a region called the oropharynx. This region cannot be tested with standard office equipment used to check for cancer in the oral cavity, though doctors can perform tactile examinations.

Patients need to be aware that abstaining from smoking does not make them immune from oral cancer. Numbness, swelling, and pain in the throat and the region between the ears and jaw are warning signs of an infection, and it’s worthwhile to ask us about throat cancer. Though rates of infection are going up, fatalities are going down as public awareness increases.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

Sealants

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  Most tooth decay in children and teenagers occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars, where the pits and grooves tend to trap food and bacteria.  Bear Creek Dental wants to help you protect your children’s teeth with sealants, a preventative measure used to preserve the teeth and tooth enamel.

Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.  Dental sealants are applied to surfaces of these back teeth much like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, so bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Sealants also protect tooth enamel from plaque and acids, and can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years. If you think anyone in your family would benefit from a dental sealant, our dentists can determine if you are eligible and start preserving your teeth!

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

Everyone wants to make a great first impression with a nice smile.  At Bear Creek Dental we know that the overall look of your smile includes your gums.  Even patients with teeth in good condition feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their best smile.  Bear Creek Dental offers cosmetic periodontal surgery so that any patient can have their perfect smile.

Cosmetic periodontal surgery is an elaborate way of saying sculpting the gum line.  Patients with a gummy smile, uneven gum line, or elongated teeth often ask what can be done to achieve the look they want.  To correct these issues, cosmetic periodontal surgery can include removing excess gum tissue and exposing more of the tooth, placing soft tissue grafts to extend the gum line, or both.

Soft tissue grafts are typically harvested from the roof of the patient’s mouth.  This tissue is then placed where gums have receded to create a balance in the amount of tooth versus gum that is exposed.  In areas when excess gum tissue is hiding teeth, the gum tissue is removed to achieve the same balance.  The result is an even, stunning smile!  If you think your smile would benefit from cosmetic periodontal surgery, please contact us.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

Getting Dentures

Dentures are the most famous kind of prosthodontic (prosthetic tooth). Though other options, such as implants, now exist for individual teeth, there are situations in which it is best for a patient to have a removable appliance. Getting dentures is a big decision, but Bear Creek Dental is dedicated to helping patients get maximum satisfaction from their treatments.

Partial dentures are like removable bridges. They replace the front teeth and clasp onto the teeth on either side. Installing them requires reshaping of the teeth being clasped unless they are supported by implants. Full dentures require the extraction of all the teeth in the arch. The denture will replace all of them and be either implanted or suctioned to a patient’s mouth.

Before their teeth are extracted, patients will have an impression made of their bites. This will be the basis for the immediate dentures they use in between the extractions and the second set of dentures they get, which will be based on an impression taken of their mouths a few months later. The second impression and denture set are necessary because the removal of teeth roots causes the patient’s jaw to change shape. After the dentures are placed, the patient’s jaw will continue to lose bone matter, which is why the dentures must be refitted periodically.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

 

Inlays and Onlays

For nearly every problem a patient could have with their teeth, there is a restorative option which is both cosmetically pleasing and will get them back to chewing without pain. One specialized type of restoration is the partial crown. Also known as inlays or onlays, partial crowns repair the chewing and grinding surfaces of the molars and premolars.

The chewing teeth are distinguished by their large surfaces. The raised bits, called cusps, are separated by indentations which are often a trap for plaque. An inlay, the smaller of the partial crowns, covers an indentation like a permanent sealant. Onlays replace cusps along with indentations. Any decay a patient has experienced must be drilled away before an impression of the patient’s mouth can be made.

Once an impression is made, a dental laboratory can use it to mill a custom-fitted partial crown from porcelain. (Ceramics are the most popular restoration material in modern times, although glass resins and gold are sometimes used.) During a return visit, the partial crown may be cemented in place, completing the restoration process. Standard oral hygiene will remain necessary.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit BearCreekDental.CA.

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry emphasizes the importance of ongoing hygiene procedures and daily practices to prevent tooth decay and dental diseases. Preventive oral care strategies begin with home care, such as brushing at least twice a day and flossing after each meal. When our Bear Creek Dental team and the patient work together, this can prevent costly, invasive procedures in the future and allow you to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime.

The most important part of preventive dentistry is brushing your teeth daily with American Dental Association approved toothpaste. Additionally, your toothbrush should be replaced when you notice that the bristles are starting to fray. The act of brushing your tongue and flossing the correct way will remove bacteria that if not removed, may lead to gingivitis. The most important thing you can do to maintain a healthy mouth is schedule routine dental appointments every six months. Considering that oral health is the window to your overall health, it’s best to keep your mouth as clean and healthy as possible.

If you have questions about preventive dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Botox for Facial Pain

For over 20 years, Botox has commonly been used to erase unsightly frown lines and/or wrinkles. Recently, Botox has developed a popular reputation in the dental industry as a therapeutic use for facial pain due to TMJ/TMD. This is because Botox contains a tiny dose of botulinum which has the ability to decrease facial pain associated with this condition. If you’ve exhausted your treatment options for eliminating facial pain, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Bear Creek Dental to see if Botox is right for you.

TMD, commonly known as a temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition associated with pain in the jaw and facial muscles, which can cause headaches, earaches, and general facial pain. During the procedure, Botox will be injected into the facial muscles without any sensory loss. This allows the facial muscles to relax, instead of contracting, which typically causes pain. There are other dental conditions that are sometimes treated using Botox, but our doctors at Bear Creek Dental will recommend the usage of this substance as he or she sees fit.   

If you suffer from facial pain and would like to discuss your treatment options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Reasons for a Root Canal

If the cause of your teeth pain is serious decay or infection in the tooth pulp, our doctors at Bear Creek Dental may recommend a root canal. A root canal is a multi-step dental procedure that involves removing the infected tooth pulp (and sometimes the nerve) from a tooth and sealing it to protect against future teeth pain.

Not all types of teeth are indications for a root canal. But signs of infection severe enough to require a root canal include: severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed), discoloration (darkening) of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, and a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums. Root canal therapy helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limit the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Are You Flossing Properly?

Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach – under the gum line and between your teeth. The next time you visit us at Bear Creek Dental for a professional cleaning, it’s important to utilize the floss we give you in your goody bag. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.

To receive maximum benefits from flossing, use the following proper technique:

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back ones!

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

The Proper Brushing Technique

If you’ve ever licked your tongue and felt a fuzzy buildup, that buildup is called plaque and it can be very dangerous if not removed accordingly. Plaque can lead to periodontal disease and eventually tooth decay if a proper oral hygiene routine is not practiced on a daily basis. Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental can’t stand behind you while you brush your teeth, but he can encourage you to brush at least twice a day for two minutes. He can also provide you with these brushing tips, to make sure that you are doing the job correctly.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.


• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.


• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.


• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria

If you have questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Anxiolysis Sedation

The purpose of oral sedation is to allow a dentist to work more effectively by helping a patient become as comfortable as possible with the use of sedative medications administered orally and sublingually. Here at Bear Creek Dental, our doctors utilize a safe and effective minimal sedation called anxiolysis – a drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands.

The definition of anxiolysis is simply, a reduction in anxiety. Although cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected. In the spectrum of sedation, anxiolysis is the lightest level of sedation. Anxiolysis involves the use of a single anxiolytic drug in a single dose, prescribed before a patient’s appointment, and administered prior to the beginning of the dental appointment. The anxiolysis technique can be administered in fearful and anxious patients as well as patients with a pronounced gag reflex.

After the procedure, you will even be able to drive yourself home since anxiolysis uses a light sedative. If you have been fretting having dental work done, call us to learn about our anxiety-free options for dentistry. To learn more about anxiolysis sedation, give us a call or visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.