	Preventive Dentistry		Orthodontics / Braces
	Digital Radiography / X-Rays		Cosmetic Dentistry
	Restorative Dentistry / Fillings		Surgery: Wisdom Teeth and Extractions
	Children's Dentistry		Emergency Dentistry / Sports Safety
	Endodontics / Root Canal Therapy		Treatment of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy and/ or Radiation

Restorative Dentistry / Fillings

Broken, decayed teeth are restored at our office by treatments involving fillings, inlays, onlays or crowns. Our patients are given an option of the type of filling material they prefer. We use amalgam, composite, porcelain or gold fillings.

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings are the most cost effective filling material; they are the cheapest, strongest material and are not moisture sensitive, making them last a long time. Unfortunately, they are silver coloured and not recommended as a cosmetic material. Over the past few years there has been an ongoing controversy regarding the use of metal components of silver fillings. The use of silver fillings is still supported by the Canadian and American Dental Associations.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings are plastic filling materials that are glued to the tooth structure. They are weaker than amalgam fillings, technique and moisture sensitive and rely on patients’ hygiene for longevity. On the positive side, they are very aesthetic and are not composed of non-precious metals. As dental plans only pay for the cheapest, most cost effective fillings, there may be extra cost incurred with composite fillings.

Porcelain fillings

Porcelain fillings offer the best cosmetic and strength options. They are lab processed white fillings that are completed in two appointments. The first appointment requires preparation of the anesthetised tooth to receive a filling. Then an impression is made of the prepared tooth and a temporary filling is put in to protect the tooth until the next appointment. The temporary filling is removed at the second appointment and the permanent porcelain filling is bonded (glued) into the tooth.

Crowns

Crowns offer the most cosmetic restorative and the greatest protective strength to the tooth. However, they are the least conservative preparation. Usually we recommend crowns for teeth with cracks, sections that have broken off, root canals and large restorations. Dental plans will reimburse anywhere from zero to 100% of the fees involved. Crown coverage is found under Section B of your dental plan.

Replacement of missing teeth

Tooth loss is not aesthetic and can impair proper chewing and eating. This can result in loss of self-confidence, a negative self-image and decreased digestion. Teeth can be lost due to severe cracks and fractures, periodontal disease and /or injury. Rarely, patients may have congenitally missing teeth (a permanent tooth may not be present).

Gaps due to tooth loss can be fixed by:

a bridge
a flipper
a cast partial or valplast (non-metal partial)
an implant and crown/denture
a denture

Bridges

A bridge is considered when there is a gap between two existing, healthy teeth. The teeth on either side of the space are prepared so that they can function as anchors for the false tooth. When done properly, no one can tell that a tooth is missing. Dental plan coverage for bridges can be found in Section B of your plan information.

Flippers/Partials/Partial Denture/Valplast

This is a removable option for closure of a space from a missing tooth. Flippers are temporary; removable retainers made from acrylic and held in place by metal (silver coloured) clasps. Partials, plates, and dentures are all the same. They are stronger, thinner and smaller than flippers as they are metal based (cobalt-chromium). They still utilize metal clasps and are removable. Valplast partials are non-metal partials which utilize a new, flexible plastic option for clasps. They are very aesthetically pleasing.

Implants

Implants are titanium screws that are placed in bone to simulate the lost tooth’s root. Titanium has long been used in medical procedures for knee replacements, fixation of bones, plastic surgery and more. It does not degrade or break down in the body. In fact, upon placement, it fuses with the bone and becomes a strong part of it. As a result, we can use implants to restore missing teeth and to anchor full dentures in place.

Our office will only allow implant placement by a professionally trained specialist who has extensive practice and continuing education in this area. As a result, we only refer patients to periodontists (gum specialists) or oral surgeons for implant placements. However, the fabrication and attachment of teeth and dentures to implants are done completely at our office.

The advantage of implants over bridges is that neighbouring teeth are not cut to replace a missing tooth. They are also the only option to keep a denture tightly in place. The disadvantage to implants is two-fold. First is the multi-step process involved in their placement and restoration, which translates to many appointments for you. Second is the cost. Implants can cost anywhere from $1500 to $2500 each. This cost does not include the restoration that is placed on top of the implant and is not covered by any dental plan (unless you play for the Canucks!).