FAQ
Dental flossing is indispensable for maintaining oral health. It effectively removes food particles and plaque lodged between teeth and along the gumline, preventing the formation of tartar. Neglecting this vital routine can lead to tartar buildup, which can result in gum pockets and widened gaps between teeth.
The frequency of dental x-rays depends on your individual oral health condition. Typically, a healthy adult without recent cavities or dental issues may not require x-rays at every appointment. However, if your dental situation is less stable and your dentist is closely monitoring your progress, more frequent x-rays may be necessary.
If you're uncertain about the purpose of a specific x-ray, don't hesitate to ask your dentist. It's important to note that dental x-rays involve minimal radiation exposure and serve as a crucial diagnostic tool for your dentist to identify and prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
Advancements in dental x-ray technology, particularly digital x-rays, have significantly reduced radiation exposure for patients by up to 70% compared to traditional x-rays, making them much safer. Your dentist carefully evaluates the necessity of x-rays, taking into account individual patient factors and potential risks.
Early detection plays a crucial role in improving the prognosis of oral cancer patients. Consequently, many dentists advise undergoing regular oral cancer screenings covering the entire mouth. Individuals aged 20 and above should undergo screenings every three years, while those aged 40 and older should have annual screenings.
Teeth naturally accumulate stains over time from the pigments found in foods and beverages. To maintain a brighter smile, it's advisable to minimize consumption of enamel-staining drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. Additionally, smoking is a significant contributor to tooth discoloration and should be avoided. Regular brushing and incorporating water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet can also assist in preventing stains.
This information enables Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates to assess the nature and severity of specific underlying medical conditions. Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates may also identify potential adverse drug interactions and risks associated with over-the-counter medications, such as increased bleeding time with Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or certain herbal supplements.
Early indicators of unhealthy teeth and gums include gum soreness, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, bad breath, or dry mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's advisable to consult Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates promptly for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
If you experience anxiety during visits to 2000 Yonge Dental, it's advisable to limit caffeine intake. Instead, consider opting for decaffeinated coffee as an alternative.
Choosing a dentist with whom you feel comfortable and who can address your concerns is paramount. Factors to consider include:
- Accessibility of appointment scheduling and compatibility with your schedule
- Convenient location of the office
- Cleanliness and tidiness of the office environment
- Your level of comfort and relaxation during dental visits
- Willingness of the dentist to engage with you and respond to your inquiries
Don't hesitate to ask questions. While it may seem simple, sometimes we feel embarrassed to ask even basic questions. There's no need to feel that way.
Understanding the recommended dental procedure can make you feel more at ease and enable you to make a well-informed decision. If you remain silent, your dentist might assume you already comprehend the details.
Here are some helpful tips for posing questions:
- If you can see any pictures of the procedure or what it looks like when it is done;
- How much it will cost;
- How long it will take;
- If it will need to be redone in the future;
- If there are alternatives to the procedure and if so, what are the pros and cons of each option.
The ultimate decision regarding the timing and method of proceeding with any treatment rests with you. Your dentist may provide printed materials to help you comprehend the treatment process.
If you've left the dental office without asking questions, don't hesitate to call back later. Exercise caution when seeking information from unfamiliar sources, as some internet information may be unreliable.
Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates have been doing what's called "non-vital" bleaching for many years. Non-vital bleaching is done on a damaged, darkened tooth that has had root canal treatment. "Vital" bleaching is done on healthy teeth and has become more popular in recent years.
Vital bleaching, also called whitening, may be carried out in the dental office or the dentist may instruct the patient on how to do the bleaching at home. There is also a wide variety of products for sale in stores. Not all products are the same and not all give you the same results.
Different products, including those used by Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates, may also have different risks and side effects.
Here is an overview:
Whitening toothpastes with abrasive ingredients are really not bleaching products at all, but work on surface stain only. These products are sold in many stores.
Some whitening toothpastes do contain a chemical ingredient (or "bleach") that causes a chemical reaction to lighten teeth. Generally, they have the lowest amount of "bleach." They may not whiten as well as stronger products, but they have less chance of side effects. These pastes are brushed onto teeth and rinsed off, like regular toothpaste.
Bleaching kits sold in stores stay on your teeth longer than toothpaste and contain stronger bleach." These store-bought products do not come with the added safety of having your dentist monitor any side effects. They also come with a one-size-fits-all tray that holds the "bleach" and is more likely to leak the chemical into your mouth.
Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates may use products with stronger "bleach", but they give patients careful instructions to follow. They are also trained to spot and treat the side effects that patients sometimes report during bleaching. In addition, if a tray is needed to apply the "bleach", dentists supply custom-made trays. Because products used by dentists are strong, they tend to produce the best results.
Patients should be aware that the long-term use of whitening or bleaching products may cause tooth sensitivity or tooth abrasion. Please consult with Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates before using a whitening or bleaching product.
How often you go for a dental exams depends on your oral health needs. The goal is to catch small problems early. For many people, this means a dental exam every six months.
Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates may suggest that you visit more or less often depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums, problems you have that need to be checked or treated, how fast tartar builds up on your teeth, and so on.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I floss every day?
- Do I brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and follow my dentist's instructions on how to brush properly?
- Do I eat a well-balanced diet, including food from all food groups, and limit sweets and sticky foods?
- Do I smoke?
- Do I have a history of cavities or gum disease?
- Is my overall health good?
The answers to these questions are all factors that affect your oral health. They will help you and Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates to decide how often you need to visit for dental exams. It's worth noting that you should not determine your need for dental care on what your dental plan covers.
During your visit to 2000 Yonge Dental, Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates will formulate a treatment plan tailored to your oral health needs. It's important to note that your needs may differ from what your dental plan covers. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with any treatment lies with you.
Base your decision on your oral health needs rather than solely on what your plan covers. If you opt for treatment, you are responsible for payment, with the benefits carrier reimbursing the covered amount. 2000 Yonge Dental is prepared to liaise with your benefits carrier to determine coverage, with you covering any portion not included.
I don't have dental insurance and can't afford to go to the dentist.
If you lack dental coverage and cannot pay the entire bill upfront, inquire with 2000 Yonge Dental about potential payment plans. If affordability remains an issue, explore the following options:
- Contacting a social services agency to inquire about eligibility for government-funded dental care;
- Exploring opportunities at a dental school where senior dental students offer treatment at reduced rates.
Dental services may appear costly, especially since in Canada, we don't pay directly when visiting a doctor or hospital. However, overhead costs for dentists are substantial, encompassing staff salaries, equipment, and other operational expenses.
Fortunately, you can mitigate expensive dental treatments by practicing good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and scheduling routine dental exams with Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates. While dental exams incur costs, they are more economical than addressing severe dental issues resulting from neglect.
Commencing dental care early is crucial to instill in your child the importance of regular visits to 2000 Yonge Dental as part of overall health care.
The dental association recommends infants undergo assessment by a dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth or by one year of age.
Ensuring the first dental visit is a positive experience for your child is paramount, underscoring the importance of preemptive visits before issues arise. However, if you suspect a problem, promptly take your child to see Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates, regardless of age.
If you experience dental anxiety, consider having your spouse or another family member accompany the child to the appointment. Avoid conveying nervousness to your child, as it may evoke similar feelings. When discussing dental visits with your child, provide an explanation of the procedure without assuring that it won't hurt or encouraging them not to be scared.
Initiating regular dental care at home from an early age is essential. Begin cleaning your child's mouth with a soft, damp cloth before teeth emerge, transitioning to a soft toothbrush once the first tooth appears. Limit sugary treats and prioritize healthy food choices right from the start.
At 2000 Yonge Dental, your health is our priority. Our dental professionals are committed to safeguarding your well-being by employing preventive measures to curb the spread of germs. Utilizing barrier protection like gloves and masks is among the most effective methods.
We adhere to stringent sterilization protocols, ensuring that equipment used in the dental office is sterilized, and examining rooms are thoroughly cleaned after each patient. This practice, known as standard precautions, is applied uniformly to every patient.
If you're interested in learning about our sterilization procedures at 2000 Yonge Dental, feel free to request a demonstration. We value the opportunity to address any concerns you may have and prefer to provide clarity rather than leave you with unanswered questions. Witnessing the meticulous efforts invested in maintaining a clean and safe dental environment will offer you reassurance.
Inform Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates about any changes in your health. This enables Dr. Ramin Hassanein & associates to recommend suitable treatment options tailored to your needs.
As a patient, you are entitled to receive copies of your dental records upon request. Should you or your authorized representative seek a copy of your complete file from your dentist, including chart records, x-ray images, referral slips, study models, photographs, and correspondence, this information can be provided.
Original dental records are owned by the dental office that provided the treatment, not the patient. Dentists are obligated to retain all records for a specified duration as mandated by their provincial dental regulatory body. However, patients have the right to request copies of their records or have them transferred from their previous dentist.
You may need to complete a release form from your former dental office, and there might be an administrative fee for copying and transferring your records to another dental office. If you have inquiries regarding the records transfer process, whether inbound or outbound, feel free to reach out to us at 2000 Yonge Dental, and we'll be happy to assist you.
Explore cosmetic dentistry to determine if it's the right choice for you. Cosmetic dentists utilize various techniques beyond whitening to achieve a uniform, radiant smile.
Bonding entails the application of tooth-colored resins to address chips, gaps, and stains on teeth.
Veneers, whether porcelain or composite, offer durable coverage for chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth, providing an ideal smile with consistent contour, shape, and color. Custom veneers are crafted in a laboratory based on tooth impressions.
Crowns encompass the entire tooth, serving both cosmetic and restorative purposes by enhancing appearance and fortifying weakened or fractured teeth.
Implants, a surgical procedure performed by specialists, replace tooth roots by integrating with the jawbone, followed by the attachment of a crown resembling a natural tooth.
Inlays/Onlays, fabricated from porcelain or composite materials, are indirect fillings utilized for treating tooth decay or structural damage, crafted in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the affected tooth.
Smile makeovers entail a combination of cosmetic treatments like dental implants, veneers, and teeth whitening to enhance overall mouth aesthetics.
Full mouth reconstruction addresses functional issues affecting teeth, muscles, bite, and bone structure to restore optimal oral health.
