Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the surfaces of teeth.  At Bear Creek Dental, we remove gum tissue from patient’s mouths for aesthetics and for function.  We see many patients unhappy with their smiles, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their ideal smile.  When gum tissue is removed for function it is typically for making room to affix a restoration, like a crown, to a tooth.

Whether a crown lengthening procedure is done for function or aesthetics, it is a simple in-office procedure. Local anesthetic is used while your dentist removes excess gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser tools.  If tissue is being removed for a restoration to fit you may only require tissue to be removed from a couple of teeth.  Some people have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, which can be corrected throughout the entire mouth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of teeth to gums that creates an even smile! 

To learn more about crown lengthening 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.

Sealants for Pediatric Patients

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  At Bear Creek Dental, we apply sealants for young patients to start protecting teeth early. 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. 

In children and teenagers, most tooth decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars where the pits and grooves can trap food and bacteria.  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 then hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, and 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.

To learn more about dental sealants 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.

Take Good Care of Your Toothbrush

Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental want you to take a look at your toothbrush. If the bristles are discolored and frayed, it’s time to replace it with a brand new one. Proper toothbrush care is important to your oral health because a toothbrush that is worn out won’t clean the mouth thoroughly. Allow us to remind you how to take good care of your oral care instrument.

The human body is constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes, and particularly when you are sick, bacteria will contaminate your toothbrush. For effective plaque removal, and optimal oral hygiene, the American Dental Association recommends that consumers replace toothbrushes approximately every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed with use. You should never share a toothbrush with a significant other and always store your toothbrush in open air away from other toothbrushes to avoid cross-contamination.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral care, 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.

Sedation Options: Nitrous Oxide

If you have an oral surgery procedure or wish to take the edge off during a dental appointment, at Bear Creek Dental we have the sedation option for you. The type you receive will depend on the procedure, but in this post, we would like to discuss nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over the nose.

Nitrous oxide is a type of sedation that isn’t meant to put the patient to sleep. Once nitrous oxide is administered, the patient will be able to hear and respond to any request that the dentist may have. One of our doctors will ask you to breathe through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you will begin to feel the effects. You may feel lightheaded, but ultimately you will feel calm and comfortable.

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 www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.