Old fillings, most likely silver amalgam fillings, are not only unsightly, but they may also be causing more significant harm to your teeth. The void between the tooth and the filling extends as the filling ages. This allows food and bacteria to get into the tooth, causing decay.

During your dental exam at Dentistry by Design, we search for old fillings and address the need for replacement with our patients.

It’s still preferable to keep a natural tooth if at all necessary. Removing teeth without replacing them with a dental implant or removable device can result in bone loss and tooth shifting, which can lead to a variety of dental problems.

Excessive wear on some teeth, as well as TMJ issues, are two potential issues. These issues will ultimately impair the ability to chew.

Replacement options for missing teeth include:

• Removable Appliance: A temporary appliance may be made to replace a single tooth or a group of teeth. Artificial teeth and metal clasps are attached to natural teeth to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. This alternative would be the least natural-looking due to the inability to cover the metal in certain situations, but it will be the most cost-effective.
• Dentures: Dentures are permanent teeth that are entirely removable and are usually used on patients who are missing most, if not all, of their teeth.
• Fixed bridges:  A fixed bridge is affixed to the teeth next to the missing tooth and is permanently anchored. This is a strong choice, but crowns would need to be put on the two teeth next to the bridge to keep it in place.
• Implants: Dental implants are the most durable, natural-looking, and aesthetically appealing choice for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that is attached to an artificial root that is implanted into the jaw bone. They’ll be the nearest you’ll get to your natural teeth.

All of the above options are available at Dentistry by Design. However, it is our intention to see all of our patients for routine check-ups in order to avoid tooth loss. In the long run, keeping your daily cleaning appointments and being diligent will save you time, money, and discomfort.

Teeth whitening is one of the treatment choices for discoloured teeth. You may either buy an over-the-counter whitening kit or get your teeth whitened professionally by your dentist. Over-the-counter kits are less costly than specialist treatments, but they are also less reliable.

For those with more serious staining, whitening may not be an option, so veneers or crowns may be necessary to conceal the stains.

By concept, cosmetic dentistry refers to a number of dental procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance of one’s teeth and overall smile.

Cosmetic dental procedures include the following:

• Teeth Whitening: Ideal for teeth that have been discoloured. We will lighten the colour of your teeth to a pre-determined shade using teeth whitening. The degree of staining on your teeth will determine how successful the whitening is.
• Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: We prefer this form of filling over silver amalgam fillings at Dentistry by Design because it looks more natural in the mouth.
• Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are shell-like coverings for the fronts of your teeth. They are slim and custom-made, and they can turn a less-than-perfect smile into a stunning one. For many celebrities, this is the technique of choice for achieving the perfect camera-ready smile.
• Porcelain Crowns (caps):A porcelain crown, unlike veneers, encases the entire tooth in a custom-made artificial tooth that helps to strengthen the underlying tooth.
• Dental Implants: The next best thing to your natural teeth. Dental implants are a solid, long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Dental implants are also used to help temporary dental instruments including bridges and dentures stay in place.
• Orthodontics: When most people think of orthodontics, they think of braces and retainers, which are mainly used to straighten teeth. Many general dentists now give their patients a straightening solution that does not include braces, but rather custom-made, transparent inserts that are worn every day for a period of time to fix spacing issues.

Flossing is important for removing food, plaque, and bacteria from between your teeth on a regular basis. You risk decay and periodontal disease if you don’t floss and let these things live between your teeth.

• Plaque –A film on teeth formed by a mixture of bacteria, food, and saliva. If bacteria is allowed to remain on and between the teeth for a prolonged period of time, acids are produced, which eat away at the tooth, causing cavities and inflaming the gums.

Periodontal problems can be detected early if you have routine dental check-ups. Some people have little noticeable symptoms, while others can notice a mixture of the following: swollen, puffy, probably pus-filled gums, poor breath, and new gaps between teeth, missing teeth, and gum loss around their teeth.

A dental check-up should be done at least twice a year, according to Dentistry by Design. We recommend more regular visits if you have periodontal disease.

We will keep on top of any problems that might occur by seeing you on a daily basis and dealing with them immediately, which is typically more painless and cost effective than finding them later while you are in pain.

Due to the presence of mercury in the mix, there has been some doubt about the safety of this method of filling. The American Dental Association maintains that silver fillings are healthy.

We mainly use composite (tooth-colored) fillings at Dentistry by Design. Porcelain and gold are the other choices, depending on your tastes.

• Tooth brushing – Clean your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and an electric or conventional toothbrush. Once they have mastered the ability to spit and not chew toothpaste, young children can use a fluoride-free toothpaste.
• Flossing – The easiest way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line is to floss every day. Flossing before brushing is advised by our hygienist. If you floss after cleaning, be sure to clean the food particles out of your mouth afterwards.
• Rinsing – After brushing and flossing, you can rinse your mouth with water to rid your mouth of any food particles that might have been dislodged during brushing and flossing.

• Drink water frequently – Water can keep your mouth moist while also washing bacteria and food particles away.
• Good oral hygiene –Clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Floss every day to get rid of food and plaque. To remove bacteria from the tongue, brush it or use a tongue scraper.
• Stop using tobacco – If you’re having trouble breaking the habit on your own, ask us what we suggest at your next appointment.
• Use mouthwash/rinses – Using an over-the-counter rinse first, and if that doesn’t help, inquire for antiseptic rinses, which not only relieve bad breath but also destroy the germs that cause it.
• Visit us regularly – At least twice a year, have a check-up and washing. We suggest more regular visits for those with periodontal disease.

Morning – Saliva clears the mouth of bacteria, and the saliva glands almost completely shut down at night. As a result, more bacteria accumulates in your mouth during the night, resulting in bad breath when you wake up in the morning.

Food – If you eat a lot of onions, garlic, and other strong-smelling foods, this may be the cause of your bad breath. These odors linger in your body for a long time before being exhaled, resulting in bad breath.

Tobacco products – The saliva glands in the mouth are suppressed by tobacco use.

Periodontal disease –Inflammation is caused by bacteria and food trapped between the teeth. This, too, can cause bad breath and other dental problems if not properly removed on a daily basis or at routine dental hygiene appointments.

Dry mouth – It’s possible to get bad breath if you’re on some drugs, breathe mostly through your mouth, or have a difficulty producing enough saliva.

Poor oral hygiene habits – The food particles that stay in your mouth if you don’t brush and floss properly will cause bacteria to develop, resulting in bad breath.

Dehydration or Hunger – Saliva flow is boosted and bacteria are washed away by drinking water and chewing food. This may also be the case if you aren’t drinking or eating enough.

Halitosis is the medical word for bad breath. It affects some people more severely than others. Some people just have it in the morning, and others have it all day. Microbial deposits on the tongue are the most common source of halitosis. Brushing your tongue with your toothbrush every time you brush and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash are two things we recommend.

Food has a major effect on dental health, believe it or not. Asking your dentist if any dietary changes are recommended will help you enhance your smile.

Some may have bruxism, or involuntary teeth grinding, and are totally unaware of it. Inquire with your dentist about the signs and symptoms of bruxism, as well as treatment options.

Dentistry as a science and practice is continually evolving, and your dentist should be attending continuing education to stay current. Don’t be afraid to inquire about how they keep up to date with new therapies and innovations.

Even if your smile appears to be in good condition, you can benefit from such dental procedures. It’s a good idea to discuss your options with your dentist.

This question will trigger a discussion about the current state of your smile’s wellbeing, as well as suggestions for how to improve it.

This question will help you understand how to keep your smile as appealing as possible.

This is a good question to ask because it will assist you in enhancing your at-home dental treatment, which is important for a beautiful smile.

This question is great because it’s broad; it allows your dentist to give you a lot of information that’s tailored to your particular situation.

Although most people need a dental checkup every six months, everybody is different, so it’s a good idea to inquire about what’s best for you.