Overview

Bleaching (tooth whitening) | Porcelain Veneers | Crown & Bridge | Implants | Composite Bonding | Endodontic Treatment | Dentures | Children | Hygiene Services

Bleaching (tooth whitening)

After an brief exam to ensure oral health, Dr. Barakat will determine if you are a candidate for a whitening process. There are a few alternatives:

The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It's safe effective and fast, very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Zoom! Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days of wearing trays and gradual whitening makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual. To view a patient brochure about Zoom!, click here.

A dentist-supervised, at-home whitening system is the other popular way to achieve a whiter smile. Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom bleaching tray, you will also receive the whitening gel and specific instructions on how to use the system. This system usually takes 10-14 days to complete but some patients may begin to notice results right away.

Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a terrific way to improve a smile. Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front surface of teeth. This procedure is used to mask discolorations, close spaces, repair broken, cracked or chipped teeth and to realign crooked teeth. They are able to achieve the size, shape, and colour of teeth you want. Minimal tooth preparation is required and once bonded, a veneer virtually becomes part of the tooth. This procedure offers strong, dazzlingly beautiful results. Veneers are very translucent and life-like. This procedure is much stronger and more durable than bonding. If spectacular enhancement of a smile is desired, this is the procedure of choice.

Crown & Bridge
A crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap”, is an artificial covering cemented over an existing tooth that has been specially prepared by the dentist. Dr. Barakat may recommend a crown if your tooth is fractured, has a large, old filling, has had a root canal treatment, or is severely damaged by decay. Crowns can restore a tooth to its original shape, strengthen a tooth and improve your overall appearance.

A bridge is an excellent way to replace a missing tooth and keep a good-looking smile. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching to the teeth on either side of the empty space. Why replace a missing tooth? Teeth need each other for support. When teeth are lost, the biting force changes on the teeth next to the space and the teeth begin to shift. When the opposing tooth no longer has anything to bite against it will also begin to shift. A bridge is a very effective alternative used to replace missing teeth when implants are not an option. It requires the placement of crowns on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth with a prosthetic tooth connected to these crowns. The prosthetic tooth fills the empty space providing the look and feel of a natural tooth.

Implants
Implants are an exceptional treatment option for replacing a single tooth or a complete full arch of teeth. These titanium anchors are fixed into your jaw and provide a foundation from which replacement teeth can be attached. If you are concerned about a loose fitting denture or missing tooth, contact us for a consultation and examination to determine if implants are a suitable treatment option for you.

Composite Bonding
Minimal areas of tooth decay may be successfully restored using dental fillings. Traditionally, teeth were restored using amalgam (silver), and this material still has its place in certain cases, but we are now able to offer patients a choice in materials. If aesthetics is a concern, a tooth coloured material may be used that is virtually undetectable in the mouth

Endodontic Treatment
Root Canal therapy is the treatment of the nerve of the tooth. Prior to the availability of root canal treatment, teeth with diseased and infected nerves were simply extracted! Today, with root canal treatment being available, teeth with diseased nerves can be saved in a large percentage of cases. Our practice like many others puts much emphasis on preserving and saving a person's own teeth where possible.

Several of the more common reasons for a tooth needing root canal treatment include deep decay, very large fillings close to or into the nerve of the teeth, and a bump or blow the tooth. Whatever the cause, the nerve of the tooth becomes irritated and deteriorates. Left untreated, an abscess or infection will occur which can lead to a sore aching tooth, swelling, and possible tooth loss.

The more obvious symptoms of diseased tooth nerves include hot and cold sensitivity, biting sensitivity, aching, throbbing and swelling. (Some of these symptoms also occur in decayed teeth, cracked teeth, and can even be due to receded gums). Other times, you many not notice anything, and your dentist will find clues pointing to a diseased tooth nerve on your x-ray, or in your mouth.

Once the infection is removed and the tooth is properly restored, a patient can expect continued function for years to come.

Dentures
Replacement teeth or dentures can be of benefit to you whether you are missing all or just a few of your natural teeth. Dentures can be made to resemble your natural teeth so that there will be little change in your appearance. Dentures may improve your look by giving you a more confident smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile.

Children
Dental health care for children five and under is essential for developing proper oral health habits that will lead to a lifetime of oral health care.
Here’s how you can ensure your child has healthy teeth in the future:

• understand that the first teeth are vital to permanent teeth development
• start with positive infant feeding habits and good nutrition
• guard against baby bottle decay and excessive thumb-sucking
• brush and floss your child’s teeth until she or he is able
• we recommend that you bring your baby to see us by its first birthday; this is generally when the first tooth comes in. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future

Remember that, as a parent, you have a vital role to play a teacher and motivator. With your support, your child can develop excellent oral health habits that will last a lifetime.

Hygiene Services
Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain optimum oral health for a lifetime. While our restorative efforts are effective in removing decay from teeth and rebuilding them, the supporting structures, bone, ligament and gums are often neglected. The number one threat to oral health is periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease will affect 75% of North American Adults at some time in their lives. Regular professional teeth cleaning by our hygienist is an essential part in controlling and preventing gum disease. Also, we have a new, advanced laser technology that help to treat some resistant forms of periodontal disease: Periowave. Routine dental visits are a vital part for early detection of periodontal disease and preservation of healthy gums and smiles. Our staff is readily available to book appointments for a cleaning and check-up at your convenience.