Family Dentistry in Medicine Hat, Alberta
Family dentistry at Red Rock Dental encompasses a wide range of dental services designed to cater to patients of all ages, from young children to seniors. Drs. Kay and Gibb provide comprehensive oral care, including routine check-ups, cleanings, preventive treatments, and more complex procedures when necessary. Their approach focuses on maintaining optimal oral health for the entire family through regular examinations, patient education, and personalized treatment plans.
What is Family Dentistry?
A wisdom tooth extraction becomes necessary for various reasons. If the wisdom teeth are causing pain, discomfort, or swelling due to impaction or improper growth angle, removal may be recommended. Insufficient space in the jaw can lead to crowding or damage to neighboring teeth, making extraction necessary to prevent complications. Persistent pain during chewing or signs of infection or gum disease around wisdom teeth may also prompt the need for removal.
Cleanings & Exams
Regular dental cleanings and exams are the cornerstone of preventive dental care. During these appointments, our skilled hygienists thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease. We also perform comprehensive examinations to assess your overall oral health, check for any signs of decay or other issues, and provide personalized advice on maintaining a healthy smile.
The Benefits of Having a Family Dentist
Convenience and Consistency
Having a family dentist offers unparalleled convenience and consistency in dental care. With one trusted provider for all family members, you can streamline appointments, potentially scheduling multiple family members on the same day. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress of managing different dental offices for various family members.
Comprehensive Care Across All Ages
A family dentist is equipped to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. This wide-ranging expertise means that as your family grows and changes, your dentist can adapt their approach to meet evolving needs.
Building Trust and Reducing Anxiety
Lastly, wisdom tooth extractions can reduce the risk of oral disease. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and can become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. By removing these teeth, you can maintain better oral hygiene and reduce the risk of these conditions.
The Dental Cleaning Treatment Process
Initial Examination
The dental cleaning process begins with a thorough examination of your oral health. The hygienist or dentist will visually inspect your teeth, gums, and oral tissues for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other concerns. They may also take X-rays if needed to get a more comprehensive view of your dental structures. This initial assessment allows the dental team to identify any areas that require special attention during the cleaning or potential issues that may need further treatment. It's also an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns or symptoms you've been experiencing with your oral health.
Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Once the examination is complete, the hygienist will begin the actual cleaning process. Using specialized tools, they will carefully remove plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from your teeth surfaces, between teeth, and along the gum line. This step is crucial because while plaque can be removed at home with proper brushing and flossing, tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. The hygienist will work methodically, ensuring all surfaces of your teeth are cleaned thoroughly. This process not only improves the appearance of your teeth but also helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay by eliminating harmful bacteria.
Polishing and Fluoride Treatment
After removing plaque and tartar, the hygienist will polish your teeth using a gritty toothpaste-like substance and a high-powered electric brush. This polishing helps remove any remaining stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean. Following the polishing, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen your tooth enamel and provide additional protection against decay. The fluoride is typically applied as a gel, foam, or varnish and left on for a short period to allow absorption. Your hygienist will provide instructions on eating and drinking after the treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness. This final step completes the cleaning process, leaving you with a fresh, clean smile and reinforced dental health.
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Why do I need antibiotics?Periodontal disease forms when there is inflammation in the gums. This inflammation can lead to infection caused by an abundance of harmful oral bacteria. Your dentist may prescribe you antibiotics to help kill and control this harmful bacteria, allowing your gums to heal. If you are prescribed antibiotics to help control your periodontal disease, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to a tee to ensure the harmful bacteria is eradicated. If you fail to complete the full prescription of antibiotics, the bacteria could become resistant to subsequent treatments with the medication.
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What causes gum disease?Gum disease is caused by large quantities of bacteria flourishing in the mouth. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene. Failing to brush and floss properly allows the bacteria that are present in your mouth to reproduce and form plaque and tartar between your teeth and your gums. Over time, these bacteria begin to attack and infect your gum tissue. Over time, this infection can result in permanent, irreversible damage to your oral health unless you seek out proper treatment. Some patients are also genetically predisposed to developing gum disease. This is why it is important to discuss with your doctor if there is a history of gum disease in your family. You and your doctor will work together to employ the best at-home care and in-office treatments to protect against it.
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What are the stages of gum disease?Gum disease is commonly split into three different stages. The first stage is called gingivitis. In this stage, there is usually no permanent damage to your teeth or gums yet. This means your dentist will likely be able to reverse and eliminate gum disease with proper care. Common symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding when brushing, inflamed and discolored gums, and chronic bad breath. If left to worsen, gingivitis will advance to the second stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis. This stage of gum disease is unfortunately not reversible, but can be controlled with proper intervention. Symptoms of periodontitis usually include gum recession, increased sensitivity or sore teeth and gums, excessive gum bleeding, and very swollen or puffy gums. The final stage is advanced periodontitis. In this stage, permanent damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone occurs. Common symptoms include pus forming between the teeth and gums, shifting of the teeth, changes in your bite, or the loosening of one or more teeth. Surgical intervention is usually necessary to treat advanced periodontitis. In very severe cases, your teeth may even need to be extracted and replaced with a dental prosthetic like dentures or dental implants.
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Is gum disease contagious?No, gum disease is not contagious. This is because it is caused by bacteria that are already present in all of our mouths. In a healthy mouth, these bacteria are not found in a high enough quantity to cause gum disease. These bacteria become an issue when they are left to reproduce and grow uncontrollably. Gum disease occurs when poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to reproduce, or if a patient is genetically predisposed to gum disease.
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What is sedation used for in dentistry?For most cases, sedation is used to treat dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is extremely common for patients of all ages and can keep people from getting the care they need. If you are anxious or nervous about coming to the dentist, sedation can help you feel more safe and comfortable. Sedation also minimizes pain and discomfort during more invasive procedures, such as tooth extractions and dental implant placements. It also helps you feel more comfortable if you require multiple dental procedures and need to sit still for several hours during treatment.
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Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?If you are healthy, do not have a history of drug abuse, and are not taking any medications that may interfere with the sedation process, you should be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Reach out to our team to learn more about your options.
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Is sedation dentistry safe?Absolutely. Our team is qualified and experienced in providing all methods of sedation dentistry. While deeper methods of sedation like oral conscious sedation and IV sedation have more prolonged side effects compared to laughing gas, they are still very safe, and they have no serious risks to your health or well-being if you are a good candidate for sedation.
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What does sedation dentistry feel like?Each sedation option feels a little different, so it depends on the method you choose. Laughing gas will make you feel light-headed, giggly, and relaxed, but you will be fully conscious and aware of your surroundings. You will also feel less discomfort during treatment. On the other hand, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation will usually make you feel groggy and “out of it”. You’ll probably fall asleep and forget most of your procedure. However, you will not be unconscious, and you can still be woken and respond to commands. General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation. You will be completely unconscious and will not feel anything or remember anything from your procedure.