BRIDGE: This is a prosthesis which is fixed in the mouth and is made up of a series of crowns joined by prosthetic teeth spanning the areas where teeth are missing. They are strong, natural in appearance and function and can help to prevent collapse of your bite and drifting and tipping teeth.

CARIES: Another word for the disease process which causes cavities. Difficult areas to clean are susceptible to caries. That is why a healthy diet, and a regular and thorough regimen of oral hygiene are important to prevent caries.

COMPOSITE FILLING: composite is a plastic, tooth colored material used for filling a tooth. Composite fillings can be successfully used on front and back teeth.

CROWN: A prosthesis which covers your natural tooth to restore it to its original contour and function. A crown will be placed when a basic filling is large enough to compromise the strength of the tooth in normal function. Crowns can be made or porcelain, gold, or a combination. They are excellent long term solutions for teeth which are heavily restored, or bracken.

FISSURE SELANTS: provide a physical barrier to protect the tooth from bacteria and decay. They are clear or opaque in color, made from a plastic material, and are applied to the biting surface of the teeth to cover pits and grooves.

FLUORIDE APPLICATION: Fluoride application through gels, rinses and toothpastes has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel, and be effective in fighting caries.

INLAY: is a cast restoration that fits snugly into a preparation within the tooth. It covers a portion of the biting surface and the sides of a tooth. Inlays are an alternative to conservative fillings and can be made of composite, porcelain, or gold alloys.

ONLAY: A restoration which helps to strengthen a tooth which has a large filling, however there is still significant tooth structure left to support normal functioning. These restorations are similar to crowns, however are more conservative of tooth structure. They can be made of composite, porcelain or gold alloys.

IMPLANTS: Implants are used to replace missing teeth. They have been around for many years and are very effective at giving patients many options to get natural looking and functioning replacements for missing teeth. They are made of titanium and surgically placed into upper and lower jaw bones. Crowns, bridges and dentures can then be attached to implants to achieve the patient’s and dentist’s restorative goals

POLISHING: is the removal of stains and plaque from your teeth, generally by using a slow speed rotary dental handpiece and a polishing paste. Polishing can also refer to refinishing to dental restorations at initial placements, and at follow up visits.

RESTORATION: This represents a dental treatment such as a filling, crown, onlay, or inlay where the goal is to restore the normal functioning of that tooth or tooth system.

ROOT PLANING: is removing hardened plaque or tartar, from below the gum line. This also involves smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to minimize the chances of bacteria and plaque reattaching to the tooth. Root Planing is an important treatment in the prevention of gum disease.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY: is the removal of infected tissue bacteria and pain in your tooth to prevent bacterial growth or loss of teeth due to an abscess.

SCALING: is the process of removing hard plaque above the gum line so your gums will not become irritated.

VENEERS: are thin porcelain facings placed on your top and bottom front teeth to enhance the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. The shape, colour and functioning of your teeth can be improved by placing veneers. Generally veneers are not used to strengthen your teeth. Veneers are an excellent treatment option if you have a balanced bite and are interested in improving your smile.