Frequently Asked Questions

Why can prices for a cleaning be different between patients or between cleanings on the same patient?

A proper cleaning or recare appointment involves a number of procedures including some or all of the following: exam, polish, fluoride, scaling, root planning, and radiographs or x-rays. When we create your custom treatment plan you will know ahead of time what procedures each cleaning will involve.

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A proper cleaning or re-care appointment involves several procedures, including some or all of the following:

• Exam
• Polish
• Fluoride
• Scaling
• Root planing
• X-rays

There may be cost differences if an additional X-ray is required to investigate a problematic tooth. A longer interval between your cleaning appointments, inadequate oral hygiene, or a predisposition to calculus buildup means greater effort and time are required to clean your teeth.

Not everyone has the same gum and bone health. Some patients are predisposed to gum disease, and some are not. Therefore, some patients may require more or less scaling and root planing than others. All these factors affect the cost of re-care appointments.

The benefit we provide to our patients is a customized re-care appointment designed for your specific needs.

The bone around your teeth is like the concrete foundation of a house and provides the structural support necessary for your teeth to be held in a strong position while chewing. Once bone is lost around your teeth, it is very difficult to get back without costly gum procedures, and in most cases, with current science, impossible. The bone needs to last for your entire life.

At Advance Dental, we classify your gum and bone health and provide you with an appropriate re-care appointment and frequency that is evidence-based and designed specifically for your needs.

In the long run, by maintaining a healthy mouth, patients save money, time, and painful toothaches.

Why do I have tooth sensitivity after my white fillings?

Tooth sensitivity after a filling is a common problem. It can be caused by a number of factors. Bonding agents, polymerization shrinkage, proximity to the nerve and bite pressure can all lead to tooth sensitivity. The bonding agents used in white fillings are very technique sensitive and have varying degrees of susceptibility to moisture contamination.

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Tooth sensitivity after a filling can be a problem. It can be caused by a number of factors:

• Bonding agents
• Polymerization shrinkage of filling material
• Proximity to the nerve
• Bite pressure

The bonding agents used in white fillings can be very technique-sensitive and have varying degrees of susceptibility to moisture. If saliva comes into contact with the preparation at the wrong time during the filling process, it may lead to an improper bond to dentin and the enamel, which could lead to sensitivity. High spots on your filling may also cause sensitivity.

At the end of an appointment, a dentist will use bite paper to identify pressure points on your filling. When you’re frozen, you don’t always bite the same. It can be difficult for patients to feel where the high spot is and for dentists to detect it. If you do feel that your bite isn’t right when the freezing comes out, a quick appointment with your dentist for an adjustment should allow the sensitivity to settle very quickly.

It’s normal for patients to have sensitivity after a filling; however, the sensitivity should gradually become less in the coming weeks and resolve itself. If it doesn’t, there may be some underlying problem that has caused inflammation in the nerve of the tooth. Other factors, such as deep decay, clenching, or grinding, can stress the nerve of the tooth and result in inflammation.

A toothache that doesn’t resolve itself should be checked by a dentist to ensure a more serious problem is not occurring.

Why do some dentists offer free tooth whitening?

Many dentists will offer free tooth whitening to acquire new patients and grow their practice. What is important for the patient to understand is that not all tooth whitening systems are the same. Patients need to be informed about the type of tooth whitening being used or offered and need to ask the following questions.

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Some dentists will offer free tooth whitening to attract new patients and grow their practice. What’s important for the patient to understand is that not all tooth whitening systems are the same. Patients need to be informed about the type of tooth whitening being used or offered and need to ask the following questions:

• How effective is it compared to other products on the market?
• Will it cause sensitivity, and are there ways to control sensitivity?
• Am I getting a custom tray made from molds of my teeth, or is it just a SWAT or stock tray?
• If I whiten my teeth, will I have to incur additional expenses to replace fillings on my front teeth to match my lighter-coloured teeth?
• Will I need to purchase whitening materials later on for touch-ups?

Remember, you shouldn’t whiten your teeth if there is existing decay. Decay should always be treated first. At the end of the day, most patients want the best results and value available.

At Advance Dental, we can explain all the whitening options available to you and recommend the best solution for your situation. In addition, our Whitening for Life program offers excellent value with a whitening system that is highly consumer-rated.