Preventative

Diagnostic X-rays allows us to find decay, tumours, cysts, bone loss and tooth positions. We use the state-of-the-art Gendex 700 Panoramic X-ray system.

Are dental X-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a series of X-rays performed on your mouth is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Dental X-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. At our office, we take necessary precautions to limit your exposure to radiation. We use lead apron shields to protect your body and also modern, fast film that reduces exposure time.

In addition to taking X-rays, we also perform the following examinations:

• Gum disease evaluation: to check your gums and the bone around your teeth for any signs of periodontal (gum) disease.
• Examination of tooth surface: to check for decay using special dental instruments.
• Examination of existing restorations: to check your fillings, crowns, veneers etc.

The naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth secretes a film onto our teeth. This film is known as plaque. When plaque accumulates, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Ensuring that you follow good oral hygiene practices in your day-to-day routine at home, and that you schedule regular check-ups at your dentist, is the best way to combat plaque build-up.

Finding oral cancer in its early stages saves lives, allowing for more effective treatment.

At Fraser Dental, we have invested in an oral cancer screening system – the Velscope®. It emits a safe blue light that allows the dentist and the hygienists to examine any abnormalities in the mouth.

We provide Velscope® screening.

A mouth guard is a protective shield for covering your gums and teeth. Mouth guards can be used to prevent damage to the teeth and gums during contact sports, or they can also be used to prevent TMJ issues and problems with teeth grinding. The making of a mouth guard in the dental office requires impressions be made of your teeth. The mouth guard is then made to fit your teeth perfectly so it is as comfortable as possible. Our mouth guards are made from thermoplastic material.

Instructions

Before putting the thermoplastic mouth guard in your mouth you should place it into a cup of warm water for 1 minute to soften it up. This allows for minor adjustments to be made when placing your mouth guard so that it fits even more perfectly. To clean your mouth guard you should brush it with a regular toothbrush with soap and warm water. If you choose to place it in some mouthwash, don’t leave it for too long, as this can wear away at the material.

A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. Teeth with pits and fissures are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.

What do sealants involve?

The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry. A special solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried. Sealant material is carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves or depressions.

No matter how well you take care of your teeth, they can darken or stain over time. We can provide an at home whitening system to help you get back your youthful smile.

Before we begin any whitening treatment, we’ll check the health of your teeth and repair any damage. We take impressions of your teeth. From these impressions, we will make plastic trays to fit your teeth exactly. You will use these at home with a special whitening gel that’s stronger than any over the counter product.

Place a small amount of the whitening gel on the front surface of the trays and place them over your teeth. If any gel ends up on your gums, simply wipe it away. You’ll wear these trays for two weeks. Depending on your situation, you’ll wear them from 1 hour to over night each day. Home whitening can be an easy way to brighten your smile.