Preventive Care and Cavities - Laval
Occlusal Plates
What Are Occlusal Plates?
Occlusal plates are made-to-measure acrylic devices that protect teeth from wear and tear and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD).
Advantages
- Prevent premature tooth wear
- Reduce jaw muscle tension and pain
- Reduce headaches
Consequences of Not Using an Occlusal Plate
- Increased tooth wear
- Increased risk of tooth fracture/cracking
- Possible increase in tooth mobility
- Increased joint pain and jaw popping
Sealants for Pits and Fissures
What Are Sealants?
Sealants are a white protective resin applied to the surface of teeth having deep grooves and/or fissures as a preventive treatment against tooth decay. They make the biting surface smoother and easier to brush, thus considerably reducing the risk of developing cavities in the pits.
Consequences of Failing to Seal Teeth That Have Deep Pits and Grooves
- Higher risks of cavities
- Fissure discolouration
- Dental plaque and food can get stuck in deep fissures
Tooth Decay
Adequate dental hygiene, a low-sugar diet and regular dental check-ups help prevent tooth decay.
Dental decay is symptom-free in the early stages, but it may progress and cause pain if left untreated. Once the cavity has reached the dentin (the layer below the enamel), it will continue to advance and attack the pulp if not removed. Depending on the stage of decay, symptoms may start to appear. These can range from simple sensitivity to hot and cold to more severe pain if the decay reaches the nerve.
Therefore, do not wait for symptoms to appear before going to the dentist. There are various ways for detecting cavities, including thorough tooth examination and dental X-rays. If you have a previous history of caries or other risk factors that make you more prone to them, you should visit the dentist twice a year.
If you fear you may have a cavity, call us to make an appointment and prevent it from progressing and causing further damage.
State-of-the-Art Techniques and Equipment
Obturations
Dental obturations are designed to restore the tooth's shape and function or repair any lesions caused by a fracture or cavity.
There are two categories of obturations: silver fillings and white fillings. Silver fillings are made of a metal alloy, whereas white fillings are made of plastic polymers and are designed to match the colour of your teeth.
Each material has its advantages.
Your dentist will help you determine which is best for your situation.
