Author: Dinajoon

Dental Radiography

Posted on by in Dental Services

Digital Radiography

Dental X-rays (dental radiography) are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays are used with low levels of radiation to capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums. This can help your dentist to identify problems, like cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth.

Why dental X-rays are performed

Dental X-rays are typically performed yearly. They can happen more often if your dentist is tracking the progress of a dental problem or treatment.

Factors affecting how often you get dental X-rays may include:

If you’re a new patient, you’ll probably undergo dental X-rays so that your new dentist can get a clear picture of your dental health. This is especially important if you don’t have any X-rays from your previous dentist.

Children may need to have dental radiography more often than adults because their dentists might need to monitor the growth of their adult teeth. This is important because it can help the dentist determine if baby teeth need to be pulled to prevent complications, such as adult teeth growing in behind baby teeth.

Risks of dental X-rays

While dental X-rays do involve radiation, the exposed levels are so low that they’re considered safe for children and adults. If your dentist uses digital X-rays instead of developing them on film, your risks from radiation exposure are even lower.

Your dentist will also place a lead “bib” over your chest, abdomen, and pelvic region to prevent any unnecessary radiation exposure to your vital organs. A thyroid collar may be used in the case of thyroid conditions. Children and women of childbearing age may also wear them along with the lead bib.

Pregnancy is an exception to the rule. Women who are pregnant or believe they may be pregnant should avoid all types of X-rays. Tell your dentist if you believe you are pregnant, because radiation is not considered safe for developing fetuses.

get to know our dental radiography

Periapical x-ray

A periapical x-ray is one that captures the whole tooth. It shows everything from the crown (chewing surface) to the root (below the gum line).

Panoramic

Panoramic x-ray, is a two-dimensional (2-D) dental x-ray examination that captures the entire mouth in a single image, including the teeth, upper and lower jaws, surrounding structures and tissues. The jaw is a curved structure similar to that of a horseshoe.

Cephalometric X-rays

Cephalometric X-rays are extraoral, meaning that no plates or film are inserted into the mouth. Cephalometric and panoramic X-rays display the nasal and sinus passages, which are missed by intraoral bitewing X-rays. Cephalometric X-rays are usually taken with a panoramic X-ray machine.

Bitewing

The bitewing radiograph depicts the top and bottom jaws crowns of the teeth, providing a clear image of the in between surfaces of the teeth and allowing for detection of interproximal caries.

CBCT

Cone-beam computed tomography systems (CBCT) are a variation of traditional computed tomography (CT) systems. The CBCT systems used by dental professionals rotate around the patient, capturing data using a cone-shaped X-ray beam. These data are used to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) image of the following regions of the patient’s anatomy: dental (teeth); oral and maxillofacial region (mouth, jaw, and neck); and ears, nose, and throat .

digital radiography

It has never been safer and easier to take x-rays!

Dental Sedation

Posted on by in Dental Services

Learn about Dental Sedation

Overcome Fear & Anxiety

We help people overcome their dental fear and anxiety every day. Even if a past experience has kept you from the dentist for a long time, there is no need to be embarrassed. You can be confident in knowing that our team ensures a comfortable, anxiety-free visit for patients just like you with offering dental sedation.

Comfort and Rest

Feeling comfortable at the dentist? It happens every day at Mccallum Dental through the use of sedation. Not only will we help you feel comfortable, sedation dentistry allows you to rest quietly and calmly during your treatment. Many patients find their sedation dental experience provides a relaxing break from a busy life.

Ease of Treatment

Whether you struggle with a gag reflex or have sensitive teeth or gums, sedation allows our team to perform dental procedures without the stress you may be used to experiencing. With a relaxed patient, treatment is easier for both the patient and the dentist as it allows the patient to rest, enabling our team to focus solely on the procedure.

Fewer Appointments

Sedation allows us to perform more treatment in fewer visits. More extensive procedures that normally require multiple visits may be completed in as little as one visit with the advancements of sedation dentistry.

Choose the perfect solution

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is used to relax patients during dental procedures. Patient will be conscious while taking laughing gas, but because it’s a gas, it wears off very quickly once you stop breathing it in. Patients who only receive laughing gas as a sedative are often allowed to drive themselves home after a procedure.

Oral Sedation

Prior to treatment, patients are given an oral sedative to encourage relaxation. Your dentist may recommend taking this pill the night prior to your visit or up to an hour before your procedure. Often, patients under oral sedation cannot recall details of their procedure. If you move forward with this treatment option, you will need to arrange a ride to and from our office.

IV Sedation

This type of sedation places patients in a state of deep relaxation, but they can still respond to directions or questions during treatment. During your procedure, your dentist can adjust the amount of sedation you receive. If you want to undergo IV sedation, we can refer you to specialists who does deep sedation.

Frequently asked questions

Children with severe dental anxiety, dental phobias, or who aren’t able to sit for the procedure may benefit from sedation dentistry. However, parents should consult with both their child’s dentist and their pediatrician before making a decision.

Patients who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea should consult with both their dentist and their family doctor before making a decision.

If you or your child experiences any unusual or unexpected reactions, you should contact our office immediately at (250) 391-6490. If our office is closed, proceed to your nearest drop-in clinic or emergency room.

A good rule of thumb is to allow a full 24 hours after the procedure for the full effects of dental sedation to wear off.

Dentists use a combination of sedation and anesthetic to keep you relaxed and pain-free throughout your procedure. Many patients leave the appointment with little to no memory of their treatment and feel good afterward.

For more questions please  Contact Us (250) 652 2222

General Dentistry

Posted on by in Dental Services

We have millions of bacteria living in our mouth and some of which produce harmful acids that can destroy soft and hard tissues. General dentistry involves the restoration of these damaged/decayed teeth. The procedures done by highly trained and experienced dentist involved can include fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, and root canals to help restore function and bite.

Restorative dentistry as part of general dentistry refers to the restoration of decayed, lost or damaged teeth, tissues and gums. It includes a wide range of services: from the replacement of lost teeth to preventive care. Restorative dentistry works well for dental crowns, dental implants, dentures, dental bridges, gum disease, endodontics, TMJ disorders and complete reconstruction of the mouth. Restorative dentistry is ideal for tooth extraction. It is held with replacement teeth and fixed permanently in the jaw, which prevents painful alignment.

Dental Bridges:
“Dental bridges” is a technique of dental restoration that generally consists of two important components: the replacement of dental bridges and crowns. The dental crowns are attached to both sides of the replacement tooth (also known as politics). In this procedure, the replacement tooth is placed over the missing tooth stain and the dental crowns are attached to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Therefore, a bridge consisting of a replacement tooth and crowns is created to cover an empty place when the adjacent teeth are used as a support for the bridge or a replacement tooth. That is why it is known as the dental bridge. The repair process protects decayed or damaged teeth, strengthening the jaw and strengthening it. It is economical, convenient and highly efficient. Prevents tissue infection and tooth loss. It is tender, swollen or bleeding gums.

Full Coverage Crowns:
The crown is a lid that fits over the tooth to restore its original shape and strength. The crowns can be made of an alloy of the metal, stainless steel, ceramic or porcelain, and can be used if a tooth is too damaged by decay to support the filling. Porcelain is more discreet than metal or silver and can be molded easily according to the appearance of natural teeth for an impeccable appearance. Crowns can be especially useful for children whose teeth are severely damaged by the baby’s bottle and can not maintain the filling. The crown will serve to strengthen and preserve the tooth until it falls naturally, leaving space for the secondary tooth.

Tooth Colored Fillings:
White resin fillings are just dental fillings that restore and protect damaged teeth. They also replace unattractive metallic fillers. The best part or advantage of dental fillings is that they look the same as your natural teeth. Occasionally, patients feel embarrassed when the metal filler is visible, however, with these types of fillers, patients can be relaxed. The damage we cause to our teeth can only be eliminated by such dental procedures in general dentistry.

The main advantage that can be obtained with the help of white fillings is the aesthetic finish of the restoration. The restorative material is available in many different shades to adapt to the tone of the tooth, which must be restored, thus providing excellent aesthetics, which is impossible when materials such as amalgam or gold are used.

The improved resistance of dental fillings has led to better fracture resistance, especially in fillings that do not have significant tooth support. Therefore, fillings that use restorative materials of tooth color seem to have a better life than materials such as amalgam or gold.

Dental Implants

Posted on by in Dental Services

Missing, or badly damaged teeth can truly have a massive effect on one’s ability to chew or to feel comfortable in social situations. Teeth marred by neglect and lack of care often require comprehensive restorative treatment. At our Saanich dental clinic we offer you a full range of options to get you smiling again. Healthy smile and Dental Implants is one of them.

Titanium implant fixture osseointegrates to the living bone of the jaw. This allows for a durable and strong anchor for a mouth restoration. Dental implants are used to restore a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth. They are one type of procedure that is available to patients for tooth/teeth restoration.

We offer free implant consult session. 2D xrays help dentist to see if the patient is eligible to get an implant however to check the bone quality a 3D scan of the bone is necessary which is available at Bakerview Dental free of charge.

After reviewing the CT-Scan and confirming the good bone quality and size dentist can place implant in one session. this procedure is a minor surgery. Post operation instructions being given to patient verbally and written. Oral or Nitrous sedation is also an option.

Three to six months after implant placement, it is time to place a crown on top of the implant. Patient needs to start with soft food to start to learn how to chew but eventually finds the confidence to use the implant like natural tooth. We believe having an implant need commitment to keep it clean and visit to hygienist frequently.

Contact us to book your free implant consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Posted on by in Dental Services

Oral health is an important part of any individual’s general wellbeing. It is not just enough to brush your teeth daily (even if done twice daily), there is also a need to seek professional help as you seek to improve the appearance and state of your mouth and teeth. With cosmetic dentistry, we carry out procedures that improve the look of the teeth, gums and the pressure of a clamp/bite. These cosmetic dentistry  procedures include teeth whitening, plaque removal, teeth replacement, teeth shaping and more.

So also do we fix those decayed teeth with composite bonding, use inlays and outlays to strengthen the teeth structure. Our primary goal with this is to bring an about marked improvement in your teeth shape, color and of course your smile.

Porcelain Dental Veneers:

What happens when you want your teeth to transform within just a few days? It has happened in the past and would be willing to continue this concept further for the future. It has all become possible because of the magic of one treatment, Porcelain Veneers. Our dental clinic is the best option for you to resolve if you want to have Porcelain Veneers.

Dental veneers (also known as Porcelain Dental Veneers) prove very helpful for the person in achieving his or her wish of having completely white and flawless teeth. You will not have to worry at all before smiling after receiving the treatment of Porcelain Dental Veneers. There has been a dramatic development in the Dental Technology over the last thirty years. During this phase, veneers have provided a lot of convenience to the people as a result. Though, it is very necessary to have complete understanding related to the vital and technical information regarding Porcelain Dental Veneers which will assist you in making decision in the best possible manner.

We offer Dental veneers that are thin in size. They are custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials which are prepared effectively in order to provide complete cover to the front surface of the teeth in order to improve the appearance. These shells are attached with the front tooth which then further goes through a lot of variation like in colour, size or the entire length of the whole tooth. Dental veneers are usually made from the porcelain material or resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers have shown much better resistance in comparison to resin veneers and making a significant improvement in the overall image of the teeth as well. The need of dental veneers arises when the people suffer from discoloured or a high stained level of teeth, when the teeth gets worn down, broken or the shape gets in irregular shape.Out team of experts will ensure to personify your smile. Hygiene and healthy treatments are our core values that we ensure to provide our customers. We love your smile and we love to beautify it. Our dental clinic will help you build your confidence.

Composite Dental Bonding

he Dental Union is a method of repair used in cosmetic dentistry, where a composite material that imitates the color of a tooth is placed on a tooth, molded to form a mold, cured or hardened with light, and then polished. The term “union” refers to the bond that is formed with a tooth. This procedure is suitable for small repair jobs in cosmetic dentistry, for example, to repair a fractured tooth, fill a chip or close non-aesthetic gaps (diastema) between the front teeth. This method is also used as a preferred alternative to amalgam or silver fillings since it has the same color as tooth enamel, which creates more attractive cosmetics.

Phases of the process:

    • The first phase is the preparation of the tooth surface for bonding, the mild phosphoric acid is used for the etching or roughness of the surface to provide a “grip” for the binder material. The acid does not cause pain and can not burn the gums.
    • Then, the composite material is applied to the prepared surface, paying special attention to ensure that the bubbles do not fall into the trap between them and are not molded as close as possible to the shape of the tooth, using a strip of celluloid to prevent Stick to the adjacent teeth. Everything is kept in place since a hand tool that emits light is directed directly to the dental compound. This activates the catalyst mixed in the compound, whereby the mixture solidifies or solidifies.
    • The final phase is polishing to reinforce the texture of the composition set.

BOTOX

The effect of a good smile cannot be quantified. We know this and are at your service to ensure you are able to put your best smile forward. With dental BOTOX injections, we offer patients access to a treatment with virtually no side effects. The injection of the Botox relaxes the muscles of the face, remove the wrinkles, give you a youthful appearance and help as you unleash that devastating smile. Do note that the injection would in no way affect your ability to make facial expressions and that it wears off after a while.

In addition, we use Botox to treat problems like muscle tension, bruxism, and TMJ/TMD and to offer relief from orofacial pain. If you are having pains around your jaw you are unable to wish away, come by and let us see if a Botox injection is all you need.

Invisalign

Posted on by in Dental Services

Invisalign in Saanich and Victoria is now affordable. Crooked teeth should never cause any distress to someone that’s why we use one of the most innovative technology in dentistry to fix that. Forget about the old metallic braces that put you off. If you are looking for a convenient way to straighten your teeth without advertising the fact that you are receiving orthodontic treatment, we just have the solution for you. Invisalign is the solution. Invisalign uses a series of comfy, easily removable, transparent aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. this will help you to achieve the best smile that you have ever wanted.

At our Saanich location, invisalign exam session is free. With the use of iTero, the latest technology in 3D scanning the teeth, in less than 10 minutes we can show you a 3D simulation of your teeth after treatment.

They are made to satisfy cosmetic dental needs, They are also easily removable, thus offering you a greater ability to clean and maintain your teeth and gums. Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can even take them out when you eat and brush and floss your teeth.

To make a set of Invisalign Clear Aligners that are customized for your teeth, our dentists will take dental impressions, x-rays and photographs of your teeth.

The Clear Aligners technology that we use assists to straighten your teeth with a series of customized clear braces/transparent trays, which are practically invisible and comfortable. Here are some of the benefits of this system:

Customized:

Aligners or Clear Aligners that we use for our patients are made to order for precise fitting. The trays are made just for you and will fit perfectly on your teeth set. At our facility we believe that there is no one size fits all Invisalign invisible braces. Thus, they are custom made for each patient.

Comfortable:

The braces are made from soft transparent/clear plastic for the purpose and don’t hurt your soft tissues at all. They are very easy to wear, clean and remove. Plus there are no brackets to poke or metal wires that can tear your gums and mouth.

Invisible:

Clear aligners are practically invisible. So, you can smile confidently.

Easy to use:

Clear Aligners have a Blue Dot Wear Indicator that shows an estimate of wear time. The dot is designed to lighten to clear over a 2 week period if you wear them properly. Also you can take them out to brush and floss your teeth normally. In addition, you can eat anything just as you do without braces. Call our office to see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign! Begin your journey to a beautiful smile today.

 

Unlock your perfect smile with Invisalign! Our advanced digital scanning ensures a customized treatment plan. Say goodbye to braces and hello to comfortable aligners.
Contact us now for a free consultation – let’s start your smile journey today!

Preventive Dentistry

Posted on by in Dental Services

Preventive Dentistry is the process of keeping your teeth clean and healthy. There are a number of activities that are part of preventive dentistry. They include:

Flossing

This is a big part of dental health. Flossing removes any food particles that may be trapped in the spaces between the teeth. You should always make sure to grind the right way.

Healthy Eating

One of the activities you should do in preventive dentistry is to eat foods and fruits that provide nutrients that are good for your teeth. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Fruits are a great source of vitamins that are good for your teeth.

Comprehensive Patient Exams

Good health involves both physical and mental wellbeing. Physical wellbeing is as dependent on any other form of health as the state of an individual’s oral health. Thus, we provide thorough exams and take a holistic approach to the prevention of diseases and the growth of disease-causing agents in the oral cavity. Our thorough exams include various procedures that are aimed at ensuring all aspects of your oral health are covered. This will involve questions about your dental history, any surgeries, cosmetic or otherwise, complaints, pain, the purpose of visit, etc. The goal is to ensure accurate diagnosis and maintain or restore good oral health.

Recall Exams

Sometimes called “the recall” or “recare” exams, recall exams are central to overall oral health. Dental check-ups, another name for recalls, are central to continued oral health and we ensure we schedule regular appointments for patients after every consultation. The recalls are not just for those who have had a procedure done. We provide care services to all patients, especially during scheduled cleaning appointments in order to kill multiple birds with one stone. These periodic evaluations are patient-specific, inexpensive, not to be avoided and generally painless.

Fissure Sealant for Kids

Fissure sealants or dental sealants are plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth against the bacteria and plaque that cause cavities. They are mainly applied to the grooves of the posterior teeth: premolars and molars, where caries is often produced. You will find that most of the decay that occurs in children and adolescents occurs on these surfaces of the teeth. The use of this coating protects the chewing surfaces of the germs, as well as the foods that adhere to the grooves of these teeth. The best way to protect your child’s permanent teeth is to use dental sealant. Adults can also take advantage of this.

The sealant application process is relatively simple and does not require drilling or removing the structure of the teeth. The whole process can take several minutes for each tooth. Sealants are capable of withstanding normal chewing pressures. The sealant generally remains intact for 5-10 years and until the sealant remains on the surface of your tooth, it will not decompose; You can request the second application only a few years after consulting your dentist.

Teeth Cleanings

Getting your teeth cleaned twice a year helps prevent gum disease. During a professional dental cleaning, it’s easy for your dentist to detect early signs of problems such as broken fillings and fractures. Tooth polishing also removes bacteria from the surface of your teeth. Polishing is both cosmetic and healthy. While it certainly can significantly improve the look of your teeth, it also removes unwanted plaque and biofilm, to create healthy gums. Polishing is very important because it is more difficult for food debris and bacteria to attach to a polished surface.

Contact our office to book your cleaning if your gums are bleeding or puffy.

Botox Cosmetic

Posted on by in Dental Services

Botox Cosmetic is FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines look better in adults. So your face  looks with less noticeable facial lines.

It’s a quick 10-minute treatment with minimal downtime. You may begin to notice results within few days. Results may last up to 4 months for moderate to severe frown lines.

The effect of a good smile cannot be quantified. We make sure you are able to put your best smile forward. BOTOX Cosmetic injections is a treatment with virtually no side effects. The injection of the Botox relaxes the muscles of the face. Relaxed muscles remove the wrinkles, give you a youthful appearance . Injection would not affect your ability to make facial expressions and that it wears off after a while.

You need to renew your Botox Cosmetic normally after 3-6 months . It’s easier to get better results and maintain if you start from younger ages like 30s  . some wrinkles after ages can’t be fixed by botox and needs different solution which doesn’t give any guarantees.

call or email us to book a free consult appointment to talk to our certified dental assistant about your basic questions. If you are interested in getting the treatment our dentist must perform a complete patient exam and take photos and treatment plan.