Dental FAQs & Patient Questions | Smile Design Dental Care

Are bleeding gums a sign of a problem?

Bleeding after brushing or flossing can be unsettling. It can also be a sign of an otherwise mostly silent disease — periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss. It is a build-up of bacteria from plaque and tartar that can inflame or infect gum and bone. Periodontal disease causes deep pockets to form in tissue between the gums and teeth. This sometimes gives the appearance of puffy or receding gums. During dental exams, we routinely examine your gums. There are a number of treatments for bleeding gums and periodontal disease, including removing plaque and tartar below the gum line. These treatments, performed in a dental office, are called scaling and root planing. They allow the gum to heal and become healthy again. We recommend daily brushing and flossing as well as regular checkups and cleanings to help prevent periodontal disease.

Are lip fillers painful?

Lip augmentation is generally comfortable…

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes, Smile Design Dental Care continues to grow and accept new patients. Walk-ins and emergencies are also welcome. Call us to schedule your appointment.

Can I replace an old crown that looks unnatural?

Many of our patients have asked us about replacing very old crowns that have deteriorated or crowns that do not blend well with their natural teeth. We will ensure that the shade is matched and the crown is shaped precisely for a very natural, indistinguishable appearance that is also functional.

Do you offer dental care for children?

Yes. We welcome patients of all ages and provide gentle, preventative-focused dental care for children. From early checkups and cleanings to education on proper brushing habits, our team ensures your child feels comfortable and confident during every visit.

Do you offer dental implants?

Yes! Our restorative dental solutions include Single-Tooth Replacement, All-on-4 Implants, and Implant-Supported Dentures.

Do you offer Invisalign?

Yes! Invisalign is a teeth-straightening treatment that gradually uses a series of clear plastic aligners to shift your teeth into place. These are almost invisible and snugly fit around your teeth. It is an excellent option for people who want a corrected smile but don’t want to wear metal braces.

Fillings: silver or white…what’s the difference?

Many of us who grew up before the time of fluoridated water have a mouth full of silver fillings. These fillings known as amalgams, have proven to be extremely durable restorations, but they are not very pleasing to the eye. Fortunately, recent advances in dental materials have made it possible to use tooth coloured filling materials. These materials can be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth and are used to achieve long lasting and attractive restorations. In our practice, we use tooth coloured materials for almost all of the fillings that we place. We even use these materials to replace old amalgam fillings that have started to deteriorate or that simply detract from the appearance of our patient’s smiles.

How is Botox used in dentistry?

In dentistry, Botox is commonly used as a therapeutic treatment to relieve jaw tension, TMJ disorders, bruxism (teeth grinding), and chronic facial pain. It works by relaxing overactive muscles, reducing discomfort and preventing further damage to teeth caused by clenching or grinding.

How long do lip fillers last?

Lip fillers typically last between 9 and 12 months…

How long do the results of dental Botox last?

The effects of Botox treatment generally last between three to four months. Depending on the severity of muscle tension and individual response, periodic maintenance treatments may be recommended to maintain long-term comfort and symptom control.

How long will the sedation take to wear off?

It is quite normal to feel drowsy after the dental procedure. Give 24 hours to allow the sedation to wear off completely.

Is Botox treatment for TMJ and bruxism safe?

Yes. When administered by a trained dental professional, Botox is a safe and minimally invasive treatment. The procedure involves small, precise injections into targeted muscles and typically requires no downtime. Most patients experience relief within a few days.

Is it important to have an Oral Infection treated?

Sometimes the body’s immune system will fight and heal infections on its own, but often it needs some help. When it comes to oral infections such as tooth and gum infections, only your dentist can make that call. This is why it is so important to have infections and abscesses examined by a dentist. Oral infections are a serious health matter. Symptoms include tooth, gum, and jaw pain, lumps or pus-filled abscesses, and weeping or bleeding gums. Left untreated, they can affect your overall health. Your dentist can diagnose an infection during an oral examination. They will feel your gums, gently tap your teeth, and take x-rays to determine the extent of the infection and whether it has spread. If your dentist feels the infection is harmful, or your body is not fighting it effectively, they may prescribe antibiotics. Your dentist will also want to treat the underlying cause of an oral infection to prevent it from reoccurring in the future. Causes may include tooth decay, periodontal, or gum disease, tooth cracks, and weakened fillings. Do not ignore the signs of oral infection. Practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis, and have your mouth and teeth examined by a dentist.

What are All-On-4 Implants, and what are the benefits?

A revolutionary method for rectifying the issue of several missing teeth is the All-on-4 approach to implantation.All-On-4 dental implants offer a permanent solution, prevent bone loss, and can help restore facial features.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants add aesthetics and functionality to your smile by giving you an entirely new root system and tooth.

What are the recommended non-invasive cosmetic procedures?

Teeth whitening and cosmetic bonding are two popular non-invasive treatments that can significantly enhance your smile with minimal alteration to your natural teeth.

What are two quality features of cosmetic dentistry?

Precision and natural aesthetics are key. Treatments are designed to look natural while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

What can dental bonding do for my teeth?

Dental bonding is a simple, painless and affordable procedure that has many uses, including: • repairing chipped or cracked teeth • closing spaces between teeth • reshaping teeth • covering badly stained teeth Bonding involves the application of a tooth-coloured resin. The dentist prepares the tooth for bonding by placing a mild chemical on it to roughen the surface. Using a shade guide, the dentist selects a shade that closely matches your tooth and then mixes and tints the resin. The resin is applied in thin layers and then hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser. The dentist then shapes and polishes the resin to smooth it and give it a natural look. The procedure usually takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. You can even get several teeth bonded in one visit. No special techniques are needed to care for bonded teeth – just good oral hygiene.

What can I expect when visiting your clinic?

Your visit begins with a thorough examination using advanced diagnostic technology to assess your overall oral health. We take time to explain findings, discuss treatment options, and answer your questions. Our goal is to create a calm, supportive environment where you feel informed, comfortable, and cared for at every step.

What general dental services do you offer?

At Smile Design Dental Care, we provide comprehensive family dentistry services including routine cleanings, digital exams, tooth-coloured fillings, root canal therapy, crowns and bridges, gum disease treatment, wisdom tooth extractions, and preventative care. Our focus is on maintaining long-term oral health through modern technology and personalized treatment plans.

What is considered cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile, including the colour, shape, alignment, and overall aesthetics of your teeth while maintaining optimal oral health.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry relieves patients of fear or severe anxiety they may feel during a dental procedure. It is also recommended for those undergoing multiple or lengthy dental procedures.

What is the procedure of an orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment follows a structured process designed to safely move teeth and correct bite issues. Here is a clear, step-by-step breakdown of what typically happens:

1. Initial Consultation — Your orthodontist assesses your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate.

2. Treatment Planning / Ortho Records — Detailed records are taken, including X-rays, photographs, and digital scans or impressions. These are used to design a customized treatment plan.

3. Appliance Placement — Braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances are fitted. Your orthodontist will explain how to care for them and what to expect.

4. Adjustment and Monitoring Visits — Regular appointments are scheduled throughout treatment to make adjustments, monitor progress, and ensure teeth are moving as planned.

5. Removal of Braces / Completion — Once your teeth have reached their ideal positions and the bite is corrected, your appliances are removed.

6. Retention Phase (Very Important) — A retainer is provided to hold your teeth in their new positions. Skipping this phase can allow teeth to shift back over time, so wearing your retainer as directed is essential for maintaining your results long-term.

What services do you offer for cosmetic dentistry?

We offer dental implants, porcelain veneers, professional teeth whitening, white fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays, and full smile makeovers.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Having a tooth knocked out is one of the most serious dental emergencies. It can be caused by accidental falls, sports-related trauma, fighting, car accidents and even by biting on hard food. However, the damage can be fixed. If you act quickly, there’s a good chance the tooth can be saved. Immediately contact and get to a dentist right away when a tooth is broken or knocked out. If your dentist can put the tooth back in place within an hour, there’s a good chance that the supporting tissues will reattach and hold the tooth in place. If you can find the tooth after the accident or injury, bring it with you when you seek medical help. Pick the tooth up by the crown – this is the part of the tooth that you see in the mouth – and avoid touching the root end. Do not wrap the tooth in tissue or gauze or scrub the tooth. This will damage the delicate cells on the root needed to attach the tooth back to the gum. Place the tooth in a cup of milk (or water, if milk is not available) to keep it moist. Remember: get to a dentist as quickly as possible. The chances of saving the knocked out tooth are much greater if the dentist is seen within an hour.

What to expect after IV sedation?

The effects of sedation will continue hours after the appointment. It is highly recommended to bring a friend or family member to take you home. It is essential to rest till the sedation wears off.

What’s today’s potential of cosmetic dentistry?

You may have heard a lot about cosmetic dentistry, and for good reason. Cosmetic dentistry holds the promise of a brighter, more attractive smile. Restoring the beauty of your smile through cosmetic treatments can do wonders for your sense of confidence. We offer a wide range of treatments that can improve the colour of your teeth, repair chips and cracks, and cover dark stains. We can also help with crowded and crooked teeth. If you have any questions about the appearance of your smile and the possibilities offered by cosmetic dentistry, speak to us today.

Who would benefit from orthodontic treatments?

Children with mature teeth and adults of any age can experience orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatments are meant to correct crowded teeth, crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, or bites.

Why choose a dental professional for lip fillers?

Your dentist has an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy…

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