Frequently asked questions regarding dental treatment at Westmount Dental in Thornhill

Frequently Asked Questions

Since education is an important part of the dental services we provide, we have assembled some of the most common questions we have heard from you. We hope the answers will give you an idea of our practice philosophy and our commitment to you as our patient.

Why should I come to Westmount Dental? What does it offer?

If my gums bleed after I brush, should I be concerned?

Is there anything you can do to help me relax during dental treatment?

What can I do to improve the appearance of my front teeth?

Are dental x-rays safe?

Do I really need x-rays when the dentist requests them?

How often should I see the dentist?

The frequency of visiting the dentist should be made on an individual basis. The general rule of "seeing your dentist twice a year" applies to most patients. Decay, recession, TMJ clenching/grinding problems, and gum disease are slow developing problems. For a healthy patient with very few dental fillings, seeing your dentist twice a year should be often enough. If a problem develops, it can be caught early and be easily fixed. However, some patients should be seen more frequently. We provide those who need a little extra care or attention with a check-up schedule according to their individual needs.

Cavity-prone patients - Some patients, particularly children, develop cavities very rapidly. Waiting a year or more between visits may allow their decay to progress. There are many reasons why some patients develop cavities faster than others such as diet, immune disorders, medications, genetics, etc. Unless the reason is discovered and corrected, these patients should see the dentist more often.
Periodontal disease - This is an often painless disease that infects the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. This disease can lead to tooth loss if it is not managed. Patients who have periodontal disease or have had it in the past should see their dentist 3 to 4 times a year to make sure the disease is under control or has not returned.
Patients with many dental restorations - Many patients have invested a great deal of time and money in restoring their teeth. They may have crowns, fillings, implants and bridges. The last thing they want is to have their dental work fail, lose their investment and increase their risk for health problems. Dental work can fail. Decay and cracks that developed in the past may occur again. There is no better dental insurance than to see your dentist and hygienist at the intervals we establish after assessing your particular circumstances to make sure that your dental restorations are holding up.
Diabetes - Patients who are diabetic often have a weakened immune system that can cause serious health problems including infections of the teeth and gums. If your diabetes is becoming unstable, the first sign is often gingivitis and periodontal infections. If you have diabetes or a family history of diabetes you should consult your dentist about increasing the frequency of your check-ups.
Patients with a Weakened Immune System - Patients who undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or have a disease that affects their immune system should increase the frequency of their check-ups, particularly during medical treatment. The last thing you need while battling an illness is a tooth ache or dental infection that could delay or potentially affect your healing. Let your dentist know what treatments and medications you are taking and any changes in your treatment. Your dentist will advise you on the best way to preserve your teeth during your recovery.
Pregnancy - Pregnancy can lower your immune system as your body takes care of your baby. Many expecting mothers complain about their perfect teeth losing their lustre. At least once during your pregnancy, preferably during your first trimester, you should visit your dentist for a check-up even if you have done so in the past few months. Let the dental team know that you are pregnant and they can advise you of special precautions until you have your baby and how to care for your babies teeth.

My tooth hurts, what do I do?

Situation 1: You have had a new filling placed and you are experiencing sensitivity:

It is very common to have some degree of sensitivity when new fillings are placed. Please refer to the following situations that may apply to you.

If your sensitivity develops from drinking hot or cold and the discomfort goes away almost immediately, then your tooth will most likely get better within the coming weeks. This is simply a healing phase of your tooth. It is recommended that you avoid extremes of temperature and take an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, to manage any inflammation and discomfort.
If your sensitivity occurs when chewing only and the discomfort last for only a few seconds, this suggests that your new filling is too high and it may require a minor adjustment. Please call our office at your convenience to address your problem.
If you are experiencing spontaneous pain, or an aching, throbbing, or lingering pain in response to biting or temperature, this suggests that the decay may have progressed too deeply near the nerve of the tooth, and you may require additional treatment. This may represent early stages of an infection and, if left untreated, the abscess may spread to other parts of your body and cause you to lose your tooth. Please call our office immediately so that we can help you get comfortable and lower the risk of developing an infection.
If the pain is accompanied by swelling, this is the sign of an abscess and it must be treated without delay. Please call our office immediately so that we can treat the problem the infection and lower the risk of it spreading to other parts of your body. If you cannot reach us, visit a medical doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing any discomfort that has not been mentioned here, please contact our office so that your dentist can address your concern.

Situation 2: You have older fillings and you are experiencing sensitivity:

It is very common to have some degree of sensitivity when older fillings are present. Most dental fillings last many years before they show signs of wear and tear. Please refer to the following situations that may apply to you.

If your sensitivity develops from hot or cold foods and the discomfort goes away almost immediately, then your tooth may have decay, a crack or the gums may have receded exposing the sensitive layer of the tooth. This discomfort will likely not go away and it may worsen. Please call our office to schedule an appointment to assess your concern so that we may provide you with options to get you out of pain.
If your discomfort occurs when chewing or you are experiencing an aching, throbbing, spontaneous or lingering pain in response to biting or temperature, this may suggest a more significant concern within the tooth or in the surrounding bone. This may represent early stages of an infection and, if left untreated, the abscess may spread to other parts of your body and cause you to lose your tooth. Please call our office immediately so that we can help you get comfortable and lower the risk of developing an infection or abscess.
If the pain is accompanied by swelling, this is the sign of an abscess and it must be treated without delay. Please call our office immediately so that we can treat your infection and lower the risk of it spreading to other parts of your body. If you cannot reach us, visit a medical doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing any discomfort that has not been mentioned here, please contact our office so that your dentist can address your concern.

Thank you for considering Westmount Dental in the heart of Thornhill.