Cosmetic Dentistry | 416-922-1012 | 60 Bloor Street West, 10th Floor, Suite 1001, Toronto, ON M4W 3B8

Early Detection of Tooth Decay

February 6th, 2012

Tooth decay is one of the most common problems that bring people to the dentist. In many cases, people wait until the tooth has become uncomfortable before they make an appointment. However, regular visits can help spot these issues earlier, allowing them to be treated promptly and effectively.

Why Early Detection is Important

One reason why regular visits to the dentist are so important is because your dentist, with his professional tools, can detect tooth decay well before you are even aware of it. If decay is found early, before it becomes symptomatic, it can be treated quickly and easily, with little chance of future problems. If the decay is left to become worse over a period of time, treatment becomes more extensive and more difficult. For example, if you wait until your tooth is actually uncomfortable, you might require a crown or a root canal rather than a simple filling. Detecting tooth decay early saves you time and money, and might even keep you from losing a tooth.

How Is Tooth Decay Detected?

Dentists use several techniques to diagnose tooth decay. In some cases, they can detect decay with a visual examination, but more often they find spots in the teeth that are not immediately visible but that feel softer when explored with dental probes. Dental X-rays are also an important tool in detecting early symptoms of decay. Your dentist might also take digital photos of your teeth to examine the surfaces for any irregularities.

Tooth decay is one of the most common problems that bring people to the dentist.

If you do feel any discomfort in your teeth, or see any irregular coloration or other unusual symptoms, bring them to the attention of your dentist. Another symptom that could indicate decay is bad breath that does not go away, even when you brush or use mouthwash. This, too, should be mentioned to your dentist, both so he can look for cavities and so he can recommend treatment if your persistent bad breath stems from another cause.

For more information about how cavities can be detected early, and how our dentist can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy, please contact Nicholas Kemp Dentistry in Toronto ON to make an appointment.

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Solutions for a Great Smile Today

January 30th, 2012

Flashing a great smile can change everything. People who are happy with the appearance of their smile tend to smile more often. It’s true that your smile can even improve the lives of those around you.

When you are unhappy or not satisfied with your smile, you may tend to avoid smiling, or worse, conceal your smile with your hand or some other object.

Rather than shield your smile from the world, you may want to explore the possibility of teeth whitening in Toronto. Seeking the expertise of a cosmetic dentist is a smart way to learn more about the available options for improving your smile.

Teeth whitening is one of the most common methods of improving your smile. Today’s whitening solutions are safer and more effective than ever before, making it a great choice for a wide range of patients. In addition, today’s whitening methods tend to work much faster, revealing a new, dazzling white smile in no time. Even patients who have a history of tooth sensitivity can successfully whiten their teeth. Many of the newer whitening solutions have added desensitizers and are formulated to reduce sensitivity.

Prior to whitening your teeth, your cosmetic dentist can evaluate the initial shade of your teeth and discuss your expectations in order to recommend the appropriate solution for you. Most patients will notice that there is naturally some degree of yellow, brown, or gray shading in the enamel. This shade can become noticeably darker after repeated exposure to certain foods and drinks. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking are some of the most common causes of darkened enamel.

Whitening may also be recommended in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as bonding, porcelain veneers, Invisalign, dental crowns, and dental implants for a more complete result.

Without changing the composition of the enamel, the whitening solution can power away both internal and external discolorations, revealing your brighter, whiter smile. With such simple solutions available for achieving a great smile, why not call Nicholas Kemp Dentistry at 416-922-1012 for your appointment today?

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What causes dulling and discoloration of teeth?

January 17th, 2012

Dull or discolored teeth can be unattractive, adding unfair years to your appearance. There are many causes of tooth discoloration. Fortunately, there are also many available solutions to rejuvenate the teeth and your smile. Dr. Nicholas Kemp, your cosmetic dentist in Toronto, has the knowledge and resources to create a smile that also restores your confidence.

Among the most commonly used treatments in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and veneers may be the most versatile and most commonly recommended.

Among the most commonly used treatments in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and veneers may be the most versatile and most commonly recommended. Identifying the cause of your dull or discolored enamel can help your dentist to recommend the appropriate cosmetic solution.

Beverages. Coffee, hot and cold teas, and red wines are common contributors to external or extrinsic stains on enamel.

Foods. Frequent consumption of whole grains, deeply pigmented fruits, certain nuts, and certain medications can also cause stain on the outer surface of the enamel.

Smoking. In addition to the other well-known health effects of smoking, the high levels of tar and nicotine found in cigarettes can leave an unpleasant residue on the teeth. The sticky residue is difficult to remove with brushing and flossing, and can quickly cause significant staining of the enamel.

Abrasive toothpastes. A low level of abrasiveness is necessary to polish away plaque and stains, but a paste that is too abrasive can damage the enamel. The result? Duller and thinner enamel that reveals the naturally yellowish dentin layer underneath.

Poor oral hygiene. Failing to properly remove plaque and food debris at least three times each day can lead to unattractive staining. Plaque accumulation also causes decalcification, a process in which minerals are leached from the enamel. Decalcification can be observed as chalky white or brown spots on the teeth which are also more susceptible to decay.

Old restorations. Old composite bonding, amalgam or silver fillings, and worn crowns or veneers can cause your smile to appear dull or discolored. Although most dental work can be expected to last many years, it is not uncommon for some restorations to wear out. In these instances, it is acceptable restore these areas, both for cosmetic and functional purposes.

Consult Dr. Kemp today for a recommendation on how to address dull or discolored teeth.

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Tips for Relieving Dental Anxiety

January 6th, 2012

If you have been dealing with dental anxiety, then you should know that there is help available for you. Millions of people each year suffer in silence from a condition that prevents them from seeking even the most minimal level of dental care. Often times, patients are too embarrassed to reveal their feelings, choosing instead to shy away from necessary dental healthcare.

By choosing sedation dentistry in Toronto, you can work together with a dental team that is committed to helping you find a way to relax in the dental office. Sedation dentistry offers a number of relaxation techniques designed to reduce your stress and anxiety levels. By enabling you to feel more comfortable in the dental office, your dentist can help you to focus on your dental needs.

Arming yourself with a few proven tips for relieving dental anxiety will help to pave the road towards good dental health.

Identify your fears. What aspect of dental treatment seems to provoke the most anxiety? Perhaps the sounds, smells, or tastes that are associated with the dental office are unnerving for you. For some patients, a bad previous dental experience can be hard to forget. If it has been a while since your last dental visit, it is common to feel nervous or embarrassed about what the dentist may find.

Communication is the key. Expressing your main concerns with your dentist will help to open the lines of communication. Once your dentist understands the cause of your anxiety, the dental team can work to make you as comfortable as possible.

Sedation dentistry. Depending on your level of anxiety, prescription medications may be recommended before or during your dental visit. Some of these medications are used for their calming effects. Others are used to achieve deeper levels of relaxation, and even a light sleep. After reviewing your medical history, your sedation dentist can recommend the appropriate medication for you.

If your dental treatment has been delayed or postponed as a result of dental anxiety, then sedation dentistry may be right for you. While it is important to seek regular dental care, it is not necessary to suffer undue stress. Call Nicholas Kemp Dentistry at 416-922-1012 and schedule your appointment today to learn more about your options.

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How Can I Benefit from a Smile Makeover?

December 27th, 2011

One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. For this reason, the condition of your teeth can play a big role in the kind of first impression you make with others. If you are self-conscious about discolored, crooked, or misshapen teeth, Dr. Nicholas Kemp, your cosmetic dentist serving Yorkville, can consult with you about a smile makeover to improve your appearance and increase your self-confidence.

Smile Makeovers

A smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures designed to make your smile the best it can be. The makeover is designed specifically to meet your needs, so the combination of procedures differs from one person to the next. Some procedures often used in a smile makeover include:

Teeth whitening
Veneers
Dental implants
Dental bonding
Tooth-colored fillings or crowns

Any one of these treatments can make a dramatic difference in the look of your smile. Two or three combined into a smile makeover can revolutionize your look.

A smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures designed to make your smile the best it can be.

Deciding on a Smile Makeover

The first step in deciding whether to have a smile makeover, and what procedures should be included, is a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. You will discuss concerns about your smile and what procedures will best address these concerns. One purpose of the consultation is for you to get a clear idea of how your goals will be met with your smile makeover. If you have a realistic idea regarding your goals, you will be more likely to be satisfied with the final results.

Some issues you might choose to address in a smile makeover include:

Misalignment
Discoloration
Misshapen or asymmetrical teeth
Gaps between the teeth

Based on the issues you present, your cosmetic dentist will decide the best procedures to give you the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. Together, you can determine which of these procedures you would like to pursue, and if you’d like to have several done at once, or space them out over a period of time.

To find out more about smile makeovers and how they can give you your perfect smile, please contact Nicholas Kemp Dentistry at 416.922.1012 to schedule a consultation.

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Do Dental Implants Require Special Care?

December 16th, 2011

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They take the place not only of the visible portion of the tooth, but also the tooth root, providing a complete replacement that not only allows for a natural look and comfortable performance but also helps maintain the health of your jawbone. If you are considering dental implants in Toronto, here is some information about long term care of dental implants.

Caring for Dental Implants

The everyday care of your dental implants depends upon the type of implant you have. In most cases, permanent implants can be cared for through regular brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth. If your implants involve a removable denture affixed to the root portion of the implant, a different care routine will be required. Be sure to consult with your implant dentist regarding care to be sure your implants last and look good for years to come.

It is also important to protect dental implants from staining. The material from which the visible portion of your implants is made is susceptible to staining just like natural tooth enamel. If you drink large quantities of coffee or tea, or if you smoke, stains can build up on your implants in the same way that stains can build up on the teeth they replaced.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Unlike dentures, dental implants do not need to be removed to be cleaned (although some implants are meant to support a removable denture—consult your implant dentist regarding what type of implant is best for your individual situation). They can be brushed in the mouth just like natural teeth, using a toothbrush and toothpaste. This convenience is one of many advantages that dental implants offer over traditional dentures or bridges.

Dental implants also help stimulate the natural growth of the jawbone. Loss of bone mass in the jaw is an unfortunate side effect of denture use, since dentures do not have tooth roots to encourage bone growth. This helps you maintain a more youthful appearance even if you have lost multiple teeth.

For more information on caring for your dental implants, please contact the office of Dr. Nicholas Kemp at 416.922.1012.

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How Can I Tell If I Have Gingivitis or Periodontitis?

December 7th, 2011

Gingivitis and periodontitis are different types of gum disease. Gingivitis is a relatively minor inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis generally refers to more advanced gum disease. Any symptoms of gum disease should be reported to your dentist right away. If you believe you might have gingivitis or periodontitis, Dr. Nicholas Kemp, your dentist serving downtown Toronto, can help.

The best treatment for gum disease is prevention.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

In some cases, it can be difficult to determine if you have gum disease. Your dentist can determine if there are problems with your gums during your regular dental exams. Between exams, you should be aware of any unusual symptoms that might indicate gum disease or inflammation.

Some symptoms that you might be suffering from gum disease include:

Puffiness in your gums
Bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth
A shininess or purplish tint in the gums

In addition, your dentist can diagnose gum disease by measuring the pockets between your teeth and gums. If these pockets are too deep, it means the gums have become inflamed and are pulling away from the teeth. Without treatment, gum disease could become severe, requiring surgical treatment or leading to tooth loss.

Treatment for Gum Disease

In early stages, gingivitis is relatively easy to treat. Your dentist might recommend a baking soda toothpaste or other special toothpaste or mouthwash to reduce the inflammation. In more advanced cases, you might require treatment with antibiotics. When gum disease becomes severe, your dentist might recommend deep cleaning and scaling around the teeth and tooth roots, or even surgery to remove severely infected tissue.

The best treatment for gum disease is prevention. By brushing and flossing regularly, you can keep your gums healthy and prevent development of gingivitis or periodontitis. Always be sure your dentist is aware of any unusual symptoms or problems with your gums. For more information about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent gum disease, please call Nicholas Kemp Dentistry at 416.922.1012.

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Amalgam vs. composite for fillings

November 29th, 2011

For many years, there has been a battle raging within the dental community about the safety of amalgam for dental fillings. Your dentist in Toronto can supply you with the much needed information to make an educated decision on this matter.

The question about the safety in amalgam is due to the mercury content in the material used for dental fillings. And since mercury is considered a toxin, the question of safety continues to be hotly discussed.

When you are in your dental office, you should not have any concerns about exposure to mercury itself. It is not something stored on a shelf that could be spilled causing a toxic situation. It is mixed with other material to form the amalgam used for your dental filling.

Composite fillings have become very popular for several reasons. The fact that composite is formulated to more closely match your tooth make it much more pleasing from an aesthetic perspective. This is very important for fillings needed in your smile line.

When considering which material to use for your next filling it is important to note that both amalgam and composite fillings have been deemed safe by the ADA and other dental organizations. There are, however, different positions taken on the strength and durability of composite material vs. amalgam.

Both materials have demonstrated strength, but there is much more history with amalgam. Your dental provider will be able to explain which material would be best for your needs.

Amalgam has been around for over one hundred years and continues to be an effective solution to fill dental cavities. Research continues to determine if the level of mercury that could leech into your system due to an amalgam filling could pose a danger.

Most dental insurance companies recognize composite fillings as a cosmetic procedure, and will downgrade the amount they are willing to cover to the amalgam fee.

One thing is certain … the discussion and research will continue. There are some countries that have banned the use of amalgam due to concern with contaminants and disposal of amalgam. And some dental providers in North America and Canada will no longer place amalgam.

So if you are told that you have a cavity and need a filling, have the discussion of the advantages and detractors of both amalgam and composite with our dental provider so you can make the best decision for you.

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Eat the foods you want with dental implants

November 11th, 2011

Quite often when one or more teeth are lost due to trauma, disease, or are missing for any reason, the first thing that suffers is the way we are able to eat. Dr. Nicholas Kemp, your implant dentist serving Yorkville, can restore the ability to eat your favorite foods again.

The inability to chew properly might mean eliminating many of the healthy nutritious foods needed to maintain a proper diet. A missing tooth can change the way we bite, can result in shifting of teeth and lead to many other dental deficiencies. But a dental implant can be the answer to many of the issues that can not only lead to dental problems, but impact our overall health as well.

A dental implant is designed to be placed in gum tissue by your implant dentist. Before initiating this procedure, however, your dentist will evaluate you to make sure your dental and physical health are adequate to support a dental implant.

In addition to health questions, your implant dentist will want to make sure your jaw bone structure has matured and is strong enough for the implant to graft to the bone. If you have been advised that you lack the bone for dental implants, don’t despair. There are different avenues for your implant dentist to take that will provide adequate bone structure to support a dental implant.

Once you have received your implant, you will go through a four to six month healing process. During this time, it is advisable to eat conservatively, as you would not want to run the risk of breaking away your temporary covering or implant.

When your implant is completely healed and you have received your final restoration, you are pretty much able to eat the foods you have always loved. As with your own natural teeth, there are some precautions you should consider.

Would you munch away on hard rock candy before your implant? Probably not, and your dental implant is not a license to chew on hard items such as ice.

However, if you crave a nice juicy steak or want corn on the cob, go for it. If you are in the mood for a shiny red apple, munch away.

The foods you loved when you enjoyed life with all your natural teeth are back on the menu again. Just be sensible and follow normal precautions. This includes good oral hygiene habits like flossing and brushing and twice yearly visits to our dentist for a professional cleaning and exam. For additional information on dental implants and diet, call 416-922-1012.

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Dental Implants: A great investment into your health

November 1st, 2011

There are many things we can do to ensure our good health. One thing often overlooked when thinking of our overall health is our dental health. Some might feel that a missing tooth is no big deal, however a conversation with Dr. Nicholas Kemp, your Yorkville dental implant provider, can explain to you why that misconception is critical to your good health.

An open space where a tooth should be might impact your diet by altering the quality of foods you’re able to eat. One answer to resolve this issue is a dental implant.

You used to smile all the time, but now feel very self-conscious. That gap can be corrected by a visit to your implant dentist, and you’re able to smile and be happy again.

Even your speech has been impacted because of that missing tooth. An investment certainly worth investigating is a dental implant.

A dental implant works much like your own natural tooth. Your implant dentist will place a device that resembles a small screw into your gum tissue. For the next four to six months, the implant is allowed to heal and graft to your bone.

Once this portion of your treatment is completed, the implant provides strength and stability to your final restoration. In addition to being virtually undetectable from your natural teeth, the implant is now a permanent addition that allows you to eat your favorite healthy foods, smile broadly and speak naturally again.

Your time and financial investment can’t be measured in the joy you will experience at the conclusion of your treatment. And because this is an investment in your good health, it is important to do all you can to ensure the success of your dental implants.

Quit smoking, practice excellent oral hygiene, and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and exams to keep your dental implants and natural teeth in good health.

Keeping all of your own natural teeth is a goal for everyone. But if one or more teeth are lost due to trauma, disease or are missing for any reason, it is good to know that there is a solution that our implant dentist can offer, allowing you to return to the normal life you enjoyed before that loss.

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