Why dentists take x-rays?

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-x-rays-when-get-them

Dental x-rays are one of a common and effective diagnostic tools that dentists use. Dentists use them to confirm the health of patient's teeth, roots, bones and gums, that may otherwise missed with a simple oral examination. Often times, x-rays reveal early stage of tooth decay, infections, gum diseases and more. Dentists rely heavily on x-rays to help them determine which is the best treatment for the specific tooth for the specific patient. Prior to major dental procedures, such as tooth implant, braces, wisdom teeth extractions and root canals, x-rays are used to evaluate the necessity of performing suggested procedures and to check progress of the procedures. Early diagnose and getting proper treatment is the key in slowing down the progression of dental diseases, increasing the chance of saving the original teeth, avoiding pain and discomfort.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2013/02/18/3691558.htm

DIET AND TOOTH DECAY

Bacteria that causes dental disease became more apparent as farming was introduced and even more so after the industrial revolution. 

Has the change in our diets since the past really affected the amount of decay we are now experiencing in our mouths today?  

The link above has an article in which a study was done that does prove this information, feel free to click on it and read more about this.

If you have any questions regarding tooth decay and you over all dental health our staff here at Metro Dental Care would be more then happy to answer those questions for you.

X-rays and Radiation 

 http://www.physics.isu.edu/radinf/dental.htm

Many people think that dental x-rays can be harmful due to radiation and some even refuse to have them done due to this scare. However with technology being as far as it has come there is not a lot of radiation that is being given off when taking a dental x-rays.

When flying in an airplane you are being exposed to amounts of radiation which can be more then the amount you are exposed to while having dental x-rays done.

Attached above is a link to an article regarding radiation and dental x-rays feel free to read it and if you have any questions about this topic our friendly staff at Metro Dental will be happy to help and answer any questions you may have to the best of our knowledge.

Dental Myths Busters at Metro Dental Care- Episode 1

At Metro Dental we want everyone to know the important facts about dental care. The internet provides a lot of valuable information which can be helpful, but there are also a lot of 'myths' about your teeth that are not evidence or scientifically based and many of those myths can be detrimental to your oral health. Welcome to the first episode of Metro Dental Care Myth Busters! 

Myth #1 - Baby Teeth Don’t Matter

Some parents ask us why we bother fixing baby teeth if they will fall out anyway. Baby teeth help children speak clearly, chew naturally and provide a path for permanent teeth to follow. Further, failure to treat cavities in baby teeth will lead to pain (often on a Friday night thus ruining the whole weekend!), abscess, systemic infection, and damage to the permanent tooth buds below. 

A child who has a mouthful of cavities is going to be in pain and can have difficulty concentrating in school, and may not be eating properly therefore not receiving the nutrients a growing body needs.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have their first dental visit six months after their first tooth appears or around their first birthday. The first visit is typically a lap exam where the child sits comfortably in the parent’s lap for an oral inspection and to learn about the dentist. The kids love watching their favourite TV programs on our ceiling-mounted entertainment system. A Metro Dental Care we are a family-oriented practice and we hope to establish long, trusting relationships with your children.

Myth #2 - You Can Feel a Cavity
Tooth decay do NOT always cause symptoms. By the time a cavity gets to the point of pain, it usually require invasive and expensive treatments, like a root canal or extraction, because once the nerve in a tooth is damaged, it has very limited ability to repair itself (unlike a cut or bruise on other body parts such as your tongue or finger).

Many of the severe dental problems we see are preventable. A small cavity is quick and easy to take care of, and costs a lot less than root canal therapies. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. A small hole in the tooth is definitely easier to fix and will have less complications than fixing a big hole! If you suspect something is wrong with your teeth, give us a call!

Myth #3 - Flossing Isn’t Necessary because I use an electric toothbrush and mouth rinse.
The places where most cavities form are in the deep chewing grooves and between the teeth where NOTHING EXCEPT FLOSS can reach. Dental product companies have been years trying to come up with products such as Waterpik and AirFloss that can replace the old-fashioned floss, but there is no complete substitute yet. 

Gentle flossing should be done at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria that turn into sticky plaque. The acids in plaque eat away at teeth and can cause toothaches, hot or cold sensitivity, pain when biting down and cavities. Since interproximal cavities grow from the 'inside', very often only x-ray pictures will reveal these lesions. At Metro Dental Care, we offer safe, efficient digital dental x-rays to ensure diagnostic accuracy and your comfort.

When you brush your teeth, you miss up to a quarter of the tooth surface. That’s why flossing is important. It dislodges the particles and plaque that cause decay. You Don't Need To Brush Every Tooth- Just The Ones You Want To Keep!

Metro Dental Care Tooth Myth Busters will continue.... 

Healthy Teeth leads to Healthy Minds: Oral Health and Dementia

Oral Health and Dementia

Need more reason to brush at least twice per day, floss daily, and keep your regular dental check-ups? Besides keeping your pearly whites actually white and healthy, good oral hygiene habits have now been linked to mental health as well.

According to new study, people who brush and floss their teeth well have a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. The link to the article is above.

As always, the friendly and knowledgeable staffs at Metro Dental Care are here to make sure your teeth and mind are both as healthy as they can be! Contact us at 403-262-2627 for your appointment. We are open evenings and Saturdays for your convenience.

Informative Article on Dental Care for Children in the Globe & Mail

Tooth Decay in Young Children

In this modern day and age dental decay in children is still a major problem in developed countries such as Canada. Dental decay is almost an entirely preventable problem with proper diet modification and proper oral hygiene. It is recommended that all children have their first dental examination latest by 1 year of age and recall care every 6 months.

At Metro Dental Care we are committed to give you and your children the bright, healthy smile you deserve. Please contact us via phone 403-262-2627 or email metrodentalcarecalgary@gmail.com to find out more. 

Celebrating a Milestone! Improving your oral health one smile at a time

Metro Dental Care Harvest Hills has now been operational for over 6 months and our team would like to thank all our patients and the community for your support. We will continue to deliver affordable, quality dentistry that's tailored to your budget and needs.

Multiple dentists available at Metro Dental Care means you can either choose a male or female dentist to your preference, and also families can all be seen at the same time therefore reducing the wait!

Our family-friendly office has kept kids entertained while their parents get their work done, and while the kids themselves get their work done as well!

Our wait-list for evening and weekend appointments are growing longer so if you would like to to book an appointment for yourself or your family please call in advance.

We are still accepting new patients.We will always strive to accommodate same-day emergency services. 

Please call 403-262-2627 for your unique dental experience.