Our Services
Your Smile is Our Priority
Whether you need a complete exam and cleaning, a full-mouth restoration, or anything in between, we promise to provide exceptional care to enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Below are some of the many procedures and services we regularly offer to our patients with a gentle touch and stunning results. Your smile is our top priority, and we’ll give you something to smile about.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to providing you with the personal care you deserve.
Preventive Care
A preventive program is a team effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to maintain natural teeth and supporting structures by preventing dental diseases. Good oral hygiene and a balanced diet at home, combined with regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays, are essential. Sealants and fluoride treatments also help protect teeth. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems, ensuring a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.
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During your initial visit, your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam. Regular check-ups include:
X-ray Examination: Detects decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss; checks tooth and root positions.
Oral Cancer Screening: Examines face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums.
Gum Disease Evaluation: Assesses gums and bone for signs of periodontal disease.
Tooth Decay Examination: Checks all tooth surfaces for decay.
Restoration Examination: Reviews current fillings, crowns, etc.
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X-rays are essential diagnostic tools that reveal hidden dental issues, aiding in accurate treatment planning. They can detect:
Abscesses or cysts
Bone loss
Tumors
Decay between teeth
Developmental abnormalities
Poor tooth and root positions
Issues inside teeth or below the gum line
Early detection saves time, money, discomfort, and teeth!
Safety of Dental X-rays
Dental X-rays are safe and emit low levels of radiation, comparable to daily natural exposure. Precautions like lead aprons and modern, fast film minimize exposure.
Frequency of Dental X-rays
The frequency depends on individual dental health needs. New patients typically get a full mouth series, which is good for 3-5 years. Bite-wing X-rays are recommended once or twice a year during check-ups to detect new problems.
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Composite (tooth-colored) fillings repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. The decayed area is removed and filled with composite material, which closely matches the natural tooth color, making them ideal for visible areas.
Advantages of Composite Fillings:
Aesthetically pleasing
Durable, lasting many years
Suitable for front teeth and visible areas
Uses:
Chipped teeth
Closing gaps
Cracked or broken teeth
Decayed teeth
Worn teeth
Placement Process: Composite fillings are placed in one appointment. After numbing the tooth, the dentist removes the decay, cleans the area, and prepares it for the filling. If decay is near the nerve, a special medication is applied. The composite is then placed, shaped, and polished.
Aftercare: Sensitivity to hot and cold is normal initially but will subside. Maintain good oral hygiene, healthy eating habits, and regular dental visits to prolong the life of your fillings.
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Dental implants replace missing teeth and provide a stable solution for removable dentures. They are artificial roots (usually titanium) surgically placed into the jawbone by a dentist or periodontist. The attached teeth look natural and enhance or restore your smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants:
Replace missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
Resolve bite issues and joint pain
Restore confident smiles
Improve chewing, speech, and digestion
Enhance facial tissues
Support and stabilize bridges or dentures
Procedure: The implant process takes several visits over a few months. X-rays and molds are taken to assess bone, gum tissue, and spacing. The implant is surgically placed and allowed to heal for up to six months. A second surgery may place the post, or it may be placed with the implant initially.
After healing, artificial teeth are made and fitted, a process taking 1-2 months. The final teeth are securely attached to the implant, offering stability and comfort.
Aftercare: Maintain good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits to extend the life of your implant. For questions or consultations, contact our office.
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A crown encases the entire tooth, restoring its shape and size, and protecting it when fillings aren't sufficient. Porcelain crowns are popular for their natural look and durability, though they may need replacement over time.
Reasons for Crowns:
Broken or fractured teeth
Cosmetic enhancement
Decayed teeth
Fractured or large fillings
Teeth with root canals
Procedure:
The crown process usually requires two appointments.
First Appointment:
Take molds (impressions) for the custom and temporary crowns.
Numb the tooth, remove decay, and shape the surface.
Place the temporary crown with temporary cement and check the bite.
Second Appointment:
Remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and place the new crown.
Ensure proper spacing and bite.
Aftercare: Follow care instructions and maintain regular dental visits to ensure the longevity of your new crown.
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A dental bridge is a non-removable appliance that replaces missing teeth, typically made of porcelain fused to metal for a natural look. It consists of two crowns on anchoring teeth with artificial teeth (pontics) filling the gap.
Benefits:
Fill gaps from missing teeth
Maintain facial shape
Prevent teeth from drifting
Restore chewing and speaking ability
Enhance your smile
Upgrade from removable dentures
Procedure:
First Visit:
Numb and prepare anchoring teeth by removing some enamel.
Take a precise mold for the custom bridge.
Place a temporary bridge.
Second Visit:
Check, adjust, and cement the permanent bridge.
Temporary cementing may be done initially for adjustment.
Aftercare: Follow care instructions, practice good oral hygiene, and have regular dental visits to extend the life of your bridge.
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Porcelain inlays are custom-made fillings that resemble natural teeth. Made by a dental laboratory, they are cemented into the tooth by your dentist and are ideal for repairing large fillings or damage from decay or trauma. Inlays are more conservative than crowns, preserving more tooth structure.
Benefits:
Repair broken or fractured teeth
Cosmetic enhancement
Treat decayed teeth
Replace fractured or large fillings
Procedure:
First Appointment:
Take impressions for the custom inlay.
Numb the tooth, remove decay or old fillings, clean, and prepare the area.
Apply a temporary filling.
Second Appointment:
Cement the new inlay and make any necessary adjustments.
Aftercare: Maintain good oral hygiene, a proper diet, and regular dental visits to extend the life of your inlay.
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Porcelain onlays are custom-made fillings resembling natural teeth, also known as partial crowns. They are crafted by a dental laboratory and permanently cemented onto the tooth by your dentist. Onlays conserve more tooth structure than crowns, making them an ideal option for repairing large fillings or damage from decay or trauma.
Benefits:
Repair broken or fractured teeth
Enhance aesthetics
Treat decayed teeth
Replace fractured or large fillings
Procedure:
First Appointment:
Take impressions for the custom onlay.
Numb the tooth, remove decay or old fillings, clean, and prepare the area.
Apply a temporary filling.
Second Appointment:
Cement the new onlay and make necessary adjustments.
Aftercare: Maintain good oral hygiene, a proper diet, and regular dental visits for the longevity of your onlay.
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Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made pieces of durable porcelain bonded onto the front of teeth to enhance your smile. They can reshape teeth and treat various dental conditions, offering a long-lasting solution.
Benefits:
Create a uniform, white smile
Correct crooked or misshapen teeth
Address severe discoloration or staining
Adjust tooth size or spacing
Repair worn or chipped teeth
Procedure:
First Visit:
Lightly buff and shape the teeth.
Take a mold and choose a shade for the veneers.
Second Visit:
Cleanse the teeth and apply bonding cement.
Harden the bond with a special light beam.
Aftercare: Follow care instructions, maintain good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits for the longevity of your veneers.
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Traditionally, dental crowns were made of porcelain fused to metal, but the introduction of fully ceramic Procera® crowns has revolutionized smile aesthetics. Procera® crowns function like traditional crowns but offer a more natural appearance due to their ceramic composition.
Why Choose Procera® Crowns?
Exact Color Matching: Procera® crowns perfectly match existing teeth, making them virtually invisible.
No Metal Base: Unlike traditional crowns, Procera® crowns eliminate the metal aspect, providing a more natural look.
Biocompatibility: Designed to encourage gum growth, Procera® crowns promote gum symmetry and stability.
Custom Fitting: Custom-made Procera® crowns ensure a perfect fit.
Procedure:
Evaluation: X-rays, impressions, and examination are conducted to assess tooth and gum health.
Tooth Preparation: Local anesthetic is administered, and the tooth is shaped for a snug fit of the crown.
Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed while the custom Procera® crown is made.
Final Placement: The temporary crown is removed, the tooth is cleansed, and the permanent Procera® crown is affixed using luting cement.
For questions or concerns about Procera® crowns, please contact our office.
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Athletic activity can damage teeth and orthodontic devices, especially in young patients. If you or a family member plays sports, it's essential to use a specially-made sports mouth guard. These guards significantly reduce the risk of oral injuries.
Proper care is key for lasting protection:
Cleaning: Brush the mouth guard before and after each use.
Rinsing: Occasionally clean with soap and lukewarm water.
Storage: Keep it in a firm case when not in use to prevent damage.
Replacement: Monitor for wear and replace when necessary.
If you have any questions about athletic mouth guards, please contact your dentist.
If you suffer from migraines or tension headaches, relief could be within reach. Tantallon Dental Centre offers a cost-effective, drug-free solution: a stabilization splint. This small, comfortable mouthpiece helps prevent teeth clenching during sleep, reducing headache triggers by nearly 70%. Unlike other mouth appliances, stabilization splints are unobtrusive and won’t trigger your gag reflex. They also provide relief for teeth grinding, jaw muscle pain, and protect teeth after dental trauma or procedures. Contact Tantallon Dental Centre today to see if stabilization splints are right for you.
Migraine Pain Prevention
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a non-invasive treatment to enhance your smile by changing the colour of natural tooth enamel. The most popular method is a home teeth whitening system, which dramatically whitens teeth. It's important to replace any old fillings, crowns, etc., after whitening for a seamless match. Teeth whitening isn't permanent and may require touch-ups every few years, especially for smokers or those who consume staining substances.
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Key Contributors
Fluorosis, resulting from excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development, can lead to discolouration. Additionally, the natural wear of the outer tooth layer and staining caused by medications like tetracycline contribute to yellow and brown discolouration of the teeth.
How It Works
Teeth whitening usually requires two visits. First, impressions are taken to create custom trays. At the second appointment, you try on the trays for fit, and adjustments are made if necessary. You wear these trays with a whitening solution either twice daily for 30 minutes or overnight for a few weeks, depending on the stains and desired whiteness. Tooth sensitivity may occur but usually goes away after treatment. You'll receive care instructions and should maintain regular dental check-ups for oral health.
Restorations Dentistry
Teeth are still vulnerable to damage and decay and often require restoration for optimal health. With advancements in techniques and technology, we offer various options to restore teeth to their natural shape, appearance, and function. If restorative treatment is necessary, we will discuss the available options with you, prioritizing your comfort and ensuring minimal invasiveness. Our goal is to provide excellent care for your beautiful smile.
Reasons for restorative dentistry include enhancing your smile, correcting bite issues, preventing tooth loss, relieving pain, repairing damage, replacing missing teeth, and improving eating and chewing.
Give your teeth the attention they deserve today!
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A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissue, resembling natural teeth and enhancing your smile.
Types of Dentures:
Complete Dentures: For all missing teeth.
Partial Dentures: For some missing teeth, preventing remaining teeth from shifting.
Complete Dentures:
Conventional: Made after gums heal (4-6 weeks).
Immediate: Placed immediately after teeth removal, needing later adjustments.
Reasons for Dentures:
Full or partial tooth loss.
Enhancing smile and facial structure.
Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.
Getting Dentures:
Multiple appointments over weeks for impressions and fittings.
Final adjustment for comfort.
Initial increased saliva, soreness, and difficulty speaking/chewing are normal.
Proper cleaning, oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will prolong the life of your dentures.
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Traditional Bridge: Most common, made of porcelain fused to metal, consists of two crowns on anchoring teeth and artificial teeth (pontics) filling the gap.
Durability: Dental bridges are long-lasting but may need replacement or re-cementing over time.
Reasons for a Fixed Bridge:
Fill space of missing teeth.
Maintain facial shape.
Prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
Restore chewing and speaking ability.
Enhance your smile.
Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent appliance.
Procedure:
Visits: Usually requires two or more visits.
Preparation: Numbing and preparing anchoring teeth by removing some enamel.
Impression: Taking a mold for the dental lab to create the bridge.
Temporary Bridge: Worn until the permanent bridge is ready.
Final Visit: Checking, adjusting, and cementing the permanent bridge. Temporary cementing might be done initially.
Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will help maintain your new bridge.
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An inlay restoration is a custom-made filling crafted from composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. Made by a professional dental laboratory, it is permanently cemented into the tooth by your dentist.
Uses: Inlays repair teeth with large defective fillings or damage from decay or trauma. They are a conservative alternative to silver and composite fillings, requiring less tooth structure removal than crowns.
Durability: Inlays are highly durable and can last many years but may eventually need replacement.
Reasons for Inlay Restorations:
Broken or fractured teeth
Cosmetic enhancement
Decayed teeth
Fractured fillings
Large fillings
Procedure:
Appointments: Requires two visits.
First Visit: Takes impressions and places a temporary restoration. Removes decay or old filling, cleans, and prepares the tooth.
Second Visit: Cementing the custom inlay and making necessary adjustments for fit and bite.
Proper oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits will help maintain your new inlay.
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An onlay restoration is a custom-made filling from composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain, also called a partial crown. It repairs teeth with large fillings or damage from decay or trauma and is an alternative to crowns, requiring less tooth removal.
Reasons for onlays:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured or large fillings
Onlay procedure:
1. First appointment: Impressions are taken, decay and old fillings are removed, and a temporary filling is placed.
2. Second appointment: The custom onlay is cemented, with adjustments for a proper fit.
Care instructions will help maintain your onlay, which is durable but may need replacement over time.
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Root canal therapy treats a tooth with decayed or infected nerves. It removes the pulp, nerves, bacteria, and decay, filling the space with medicated materials to restore function.
Benefits:
- Saves the tooth from extraction
- Prevents issues with adjacent teeth
Success:
- Often lasts a lifetime
- May need retreatment if reinfected
Symptoms:
- Gum abscess
- Sensitivity to hot/cold
- Severe toothache
- Swelling/tenderness
- Sometimes no symptoms
Reasons:
- Decay reaching the pulp
- Infection/abscess inside the tooth
- Tooth injury/trauma
Procedure:
1. First appointment: Tooth is numbed, decay and pulp are removed, and a temporary or permanent filling is placed.
2. Second appointment: The roots and cavity are filled and sealed, with a crown added for protection.
Post-treatment, sensitivity may occur but will subside. Follow care instructions, practice good oral hygiene, and have regular dental check-ups to extend the treatment's life.
SPECIALIZED TREATMENTS
Temporomandibular
TMJ is a common condition characterized by headaches, jaw pain, teeth grinding, and ringing in the ears. Many sufferers are unaware that dentists can effectively treat it. These symptoms can significantly affect daily life, and dentists prioritize pain relief. TMJ is often worsened by stress and can lead to severe dental issues if left untreated.
Diagnosis involves examination, X-rays, and bite analysis. Treatment options include bite guards, bite realignment, relaxation techniques, and muscle relaxants. Realignment can alleviate symptoms and improve tooth appearance without surgery. If you experience TMJ symptoms, contact us for an appointment.
Joint Dysfunction - TMJ
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers a calm, anxiety-free dental experience for those who fear the dentist. It doesn’t induce sleep but eases anxiety during procedures. Options like nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation help patients feel relaxed without needles or pain. This approach allows for more work to be done in fewer visits and is perfectly safe. Common sedatives include nitrous oxide, Valium®, Halcion®, Ativan®, and Versed®. Consult your dentist for more information.
Orthodontics
A dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities in the jaw, face, and bite. Orthodontists receive additional training beyond dental school to provide this specialized care.
Advancements in dentistry have reduced tooth issues, leading to increased interest in orthodontics for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Whether through braces or custom appliances, orthodontics can help you achieve the smile you desire.
Malocclusion, or teeth misalignment, affects both teeth and facial appearance. Causes include genetics, habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, and tooth loss.