It never seems to amaze me how often I run into my patients while I am at the movies, in the mall, at weddings, in the airport, and even at my daughters' piano recital.
Outside of office hours, by far the most common question I am asked is, "Dr. Mark, this tooth right here is sensitive. What do you think it is?” And they are very sincere when they do this because they obviously want to give me the best view possible as they retract their cheek with one finger and slide another finger down into the recesses of their oral cavity.
While I always encourage my patients to approach me with any dental concern they may have, I always laugh to myself when I am asked to diagnose their dental problems on the spot.
So, what should my response be?
1.Give me a sec while I take out my dental instruments from my back pocket as I never leave home without them.
2.Let's have a look, open up. Oh I hope you don't mind me doing this without gloves.
3.Why don't we see if this piano recital concert hall has a dental examining chair and x-Ray.
4.While I don't mind talking about it, please schedule an appointment for me to properly assess your problem in a more appropriate setting.
Tooth sensitivity is very common and is a symptom of many dental conditions including:
1. A “cavity" - Decay, caries, or what is commonly referred to as a "cavity" is a very common reason for tooth sensitivity. When bacteria create a hole in a tooth it can penetrate deep enough to irritate the nerve and become sensitive heat, cold, sweets and sour. These holes can develop in the biting surfaces of teeth (i.e. in pits and fissures) or in between your teeth (if you don’t floss enough).
2. Gum Recession – The gums tissue sits around your teeth similar to a collar around your neck. If the gums are irritated by bacteria or get traumatized by an aggressive brushing technique they tend to move, or “recede”, away from the tooth. This will expose the sensitive root of the tooth making it more sensitive to temperature, foods or even touching it.
3. Crack – Due to the force of chewing, teeth undergo extreme pressure and may crack as a result. If the tooth or pre-existing filling break the sensitive layer of the tooth can be exposed and result in discomfort.
4. Abrasion – The bristles of a toothbrush can traumatize the surface of a tooth if you brush too aggressively. Scrubbing side-to-side, similar to a lumberjack’s saw with a tree, can be very abrasive to the tooth and lead to the formation of a groove that penetrates to the sensitive layer of the tooth.
5. Erosion - Dental erosion is the progressive, irreversible loss of tooth structure caused by chemicals such as acidic foods (citrus fruits, juices, carbonated beverages and sports drinks, herbal teas, pickled foods, candies), medical conditions (gastric reflux, vomiting during pregnancy, bulimia and anorexia) or environmental acids (improperly chlorinated pools or occupation). Erosion alters the appearance and anatomy of the tooth and can lead to extreme sensitivity and can compromise the esthetic appeal of one’s smile.
6. Clenching & Grinding - If you wake up with a headache or a sore or stiff neck you may have been clenching or grinding your teeth while you have been sleeping. Other signs may include sensitive teeth, notches in your teeth near the gums, worn down or chipped teeth.
7. Attrition – This is the gradual loss of tooth structure on the biting surfaces of teeth due to excessive wear and tear often caused by eating excessively hard foods for a prolonged period of time or grinding. Sensitivity develops because the outer protective layer of the tooth (“enamel”) has been worn away.
8. Sinus Congestion – When sinuses get inflamed and congested with mucus, this can apply pressure to the area above your upper molars, leading to sensitivity, especially when chewing.
9. Infection – When a tooth is in the early stages of infection, the nerve may become inflamed and sensitive as a result.
10. Recent Trauma – When a tooth is traumatized, either due to a fall or biting on something too hard, the nerve may become inflamed and sensitive to biting and temperature. This can linger for days, weeks and even months.
11. Uneven Bite – When teeth are moved to a different position with orthodontic appliances, or if a filling was placed recently in a tooth, the new bite may irritate the nerve causing it to become inflamed and sensitive to biting and temperature.
12. Healing from Recent Dental Treatment – Most dental procedures require some time to heal and inflammation is a natural process of healing.
13. Pre-Existing Restorations – If a tooth has received dental treatment in the past that required a deep restoration, nerve inflammation may develop at any point the life of the tooth, even many years after the work has been done, and this can result in sensitivity.
14. Recurrent Decay – With time, sugar and poor oral hygiene bacteria can create decay around pre-existing restorations. The spaces that are created allow for sweets and temperature to penetrate and irritate the nerve.
15. Nerve Damage, Hypersensitive Nerves and Neurological Disorders – Trauma and medical conditions can alter the way a nerve responds to stimulation. Pain and sensitivity without any obvious dental problems may indicate an issue with the body’s nervous system. A consultation with a Medical Doctor may be indicated.
16. Lesions – If a cyst and cancerous lesion grows and compresses the neighbouring nerves it may lead to altered sensations. Thankfully, the development of such oral lesions is rare and more commonly leads to loss of sensation.
About Westmount Dental
At Westmount Dental, we always recommend a thorough examination to determine the cause of your discomfort and provide you with treatment options that are not only conservative, but will also restore function and comfort as quickly as possible.
Westmount Dental is located in the heart of Thornhill. In an effort to make dental care easy and convenient for all of our patients, we provide a complete range of specialized treatments, all under one roof. From paediatric dentistry to orthodontics, implants, root canal and preventive treatments, we minimize the need for outside referrals.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Buzaglo is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, receiving the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for outstanding academic achievement. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours. Dr. Buzaglo is an avid believer in ongoing continuing education and has completed many certified courses in all aspects of dentistry with particular focus in the fields of Cosmetic, Invisalign Orthodontics, and Implant Dentistry. He is a contributing writer and editor for the oral health programs at AdvancingIn.com and mdBriefCase.com, Canada’s foremost on-line continuing medical education websites for Medical Doctors in Canada. Dr. Buzaglo has a creative passion that is evident throughout your experience in his office, Westmount Dental. He has personally designed the layout and features of the office to provide an esthetic appeal to the flow of the working space. His creative ability is truly reflected in the dental treatment he provides to his patients.
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
I Saw The Future In Vegas
- I Saw The Future In Vegas -
Without a doubt, Las Vegas is a city of extremes. No other city can offer the same extravagance and superficial displays of affluence as this city can. Of all places in the world to visit, this one provided me with a glimpse of what the future holds for the field of dentistry.
Our family visited “Sin City” for the first time this past February and I quickly realized that hotels, restaurants and stores push the definitions of “biggest”, “most” and “cheapest” to the extremes of absurdity. One place boasts they have the fattest burger, another has the spiciest patty, and yet an other has the unhealthiest burger.
On our way to the Red Rock Canyons for a hike with the kids, we drove through a suburban neighbourhood that had more than a dozen plazas all in a row and each commercial unit within each plaza was dedicated to dentistry or medicine.
In keeping with Las Vegas marketing tactics, many of the dental offices advertised their services and each was, in my opinion, more ridiculous than the next. Row upon row of pylon signs offered promotions and promises in varying hues of annoyingly oversized fluorescent lettering. As we continued our drive we were bombarded by the messages from the dental offices which promised being the cheapest, or the most effective, or using the fastest tooth whitening system in “The West”.
The promotions grew increasingly more desperate and, in my opinion, verging on unethical.
One office offered new patients free tooth whitening while the neighbouring office offered the unrealistic promise of “free bleaching for life!” Another practice provided discounted rates for treatment to new patients only, while yet another promoted “your first appointment is on us”. The most absurd advertisement I came across was plastered on a massive billboard and it read “Let us take out your teeth for under $200!” Maybe you can explain this one to me, who pays who?
I also noticed that several dental offices are owned and operated by parent dental corporations, advertising that patients could have their treatment at any of their affiliated locations. This is the other significant change I have noticed; a trend has begun where dentists open multiple retail-style practices. The largest dental corporation owns 326 dental offices across the United States (and guess who invested $1.3 billion dollars and is the majority stakeholder – the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan). I wonder what kind of personal attention and care a patient receives in those McDental types of practices.
Is this what dentistry in Canada will morph into? Tasteless and desperate marketing ploys? Devaluing the profession with gimmicks and teaser rates? Corporate take-overs by faceless entities who usually only care about maximizing profits? I sincerely hope that my fears and suspicions will not materialize here in Canada. But from what I’ve experienced, we Canadians aren’t too far behind our American counterparts when trends set in.
This is where my dental office sets itself apart. The Doctors, Hygienists and Support staff are committed to providing an experience that is unlike anything you have ever had. We aim to provide a quality of care that we are sure will exceed your expectations.
We are constantly honing our skills by learning new techniques, using sound principals with advanced technology, and practicing with a philosophy of treatment that focuses on reducing the risk of requiring more invasive and costly procedures for our patients in the future.
We do not use gimmicks, teaser rates or incentives to entice patients to join our practice. We treat all of our new patients with the same respect and dignity as our long-time, loyal patients. This is our core value and the reason for our office’s success.
Dr. Mark M. Buzaglo
Hon BSc DDS
About Our Office
In an effort to make dental care easy and convenient for all of our patients, we provide a complete range of treatments. From paediatric dentistry to orthodontics, implants and preventive treatments, we minimize the need for outside referrals. Visit our website at www.wmdental.ca to review our services and amenities.
Westmount Dental is located in the heart of Thornhill. It would be our pleasure to care for you and your family.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Buzaglo is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, receiving the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for outstanding academic achievement. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours. Dr. Buzaglo is an avid believer in ongoing continuing education and has completed many certified courses in all aspects of dentistry with particular focus in the fields of Cosmetic, Invisalign Orthodontics, and Implant Dentistry. He is a contributing writer and editor for the oral health programs at AdvancingIn.com and mdBriefCase.com, Canada’s foremost on-line continuing medical education websites for Medical Doctors in Canada. Dr. Buzaglo has a creative passion that is evident throughout your experience in his office, Westmount Dental. He has personally designed the layout and features of the office to provide an esthetic appeal to the flow of the working space. His creative ability is truly reflected in the dental treatment he provides to his patients.Transparency and Openness
- Transparency and Openness -
To celebrate the launch of our revamped website (wmdental.ca) and our series of informative articles, we feel that it is appropriate to begin with a discussion of Westmount Dental's stance on transparency and openness, and how fundamental they are to putting you, as our patient, first.
Many people have been faced with this situation: Your car is getting routine maintenance and the mechanic says, "I'm sorry but your engine has a problem that needs to be repaired." And you reply, "I don't understand, my car runs fine, I don't hear or feel anything wrong." Would looking under the hood help you validate your mechanic's claim? Sure it would - if you knew what to look for.
What if we could help you look inside your mouth and see exactly what your Dentist sees? Wouldn't that allow you to make a more informed decision as to how you want to proceed?
At Westmount Dental we believe that a healthy and long-lasting relationship with any patient must be founded on trust earned through education. And what better way to understand your situation than with the ability to see exactly what your Dentist is talking about with a real-time image of your tooth, magnified to more than fifty times, and viewed on a monitor from the convenience of your dental chair.
Our intra-oral digital camera is one of the tools we use to keep you actively involved in your oral health and gain your trust. This specialized camera allows us to diagnose conditions much earlier than with unaided visual inspection and therefore, allows us to recommend preventive treatment options at a much earlier stage.
The most obvious benefits of early interceptive treatment are undergoing procedures that are less invasive and less expensive than if these conditions were left to progress.
Additionally, our professional team will always take the necessary time to discuss your treatment options, review the advantages and disadvantages of each, discuss the risks and consequences of not proceeding with treatment, and provide you with the approximate costs.
Our digital technology maintains our accountability and transparency with all of our patients because you can actually see what is happening, even if you do not feel that anything is wrong.
For more information about treatment and services we provide please visit our website at www.wmdental.ca.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Mark M. Buzaglo
Hon BSc DDS
To celebrate the launch of our revamped website (wmdental.ca) and our series of informative articles, we feel that it is appropriate to begin with a discussion of Westmount Dental's stance on transparency and openness, and how fundamental they are to putting you, as our patient, first.
Many people have been faced with this situation: Your car is getting routine maintenance and the mechanic says, "I'm sorry but your engine has a problem that needs to be repaired." And you reply, "I don't understand, my car runs fine, I don't hear or feel anything wrong." Would looking under the hood help you validate your mechanic's claim? Sure it would - if you knew what to look for.
What if we could help you look inside your mouth and see exactly what your Dentist sees? Wouldn't that allow you to make a more informed decision as to how you want to proceed?
At Westmount Dental we believe that a healthy and long-lasting relationship with any patient must be founded on trust earned through education. And what better way to understand your situation than with the ability to see exactly what your Dentist is talking about with a real-time image of your tooth, magnified to more than fifty times, and viewed on a monitor from the convenience of your dental chair.
Our intra-oral digital camera is one of the tools we use to keep you actively involved in your oral health and gain your trust. This specialized camera allows us to diagnose conditions much earlier than with unaided visual inspection and therefore, allows us to recommend preventive treatment options at a much earlier stage.
The most obvious benefits of early interceptive treatment are undergoing procedures that are less invasive and less expensive than if these conditions were left to progress.
Additionally, our professional team will always take the necessary time to discuss your treatment options, review the advantages and disadvantages of each, discuss the risks and consequences of not proceeding with treatment, and provide you with the approximate costs.
Our digital technology maintains our accountability and transparency with all of our patients because you can actually see what is happening, even if you do not feel that anything is wrong.
For more information about treatment and services we provide please visit our website at www.wmdental.ca.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Mark M. Buzaglo
Hon BSc DDS
In an effort to make
dental care easy and convenient for all of our patients, we provide a complete
range of treatments. From
paediatric dentistry to Invisalign orthodontics, the full service and placement of dental implants, porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, tooth whitening, esthetic white composite fillings and preventive treatments. We
minimize the need for outside referrals.
Visit our website at www.wmdental.ca to review our services and amenities or come in to our office for a tour. We at out Dental is located only 5 minutes north of Toronto in the heart of Thornhill. It would be our pleasure to care for you and your family.
Visit our website at www.wmdental.ca to review our services and amenities or come in to our office for a tour. We at out Dental is located only 5 minutes north of Toronto in the heart of Thornhill. It would be our pleasure to care for you and your family.
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Tooth Whitening - Part 2 - Is It Safe?
This is the second instalment of my Tooth Whitening series of articles that
will address the most common safety-related issues.
When I ask my patients what they would like to improve about their smile, the most common response is whiter and brighter teeth. If you are searching for a cost-effective, safe and non-invasive way to esthetically improve your smile then whitening may be an excellent treatment for you.
Whitening Treatment Options
Tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten most people’s smiles and is available in a variety of methods and concentrations. The most common methods are Custom-Tray Whitening which is done in the comfort of your home, Laser Whitening is performed in our clinic, and there is a variety of commercial products sold over-the-counter at retail stores.
First Steps
For your safety it is imperative to have a comprehensive examination first by a Dentist to assess for conditions that may impact on the success of this treatment. Additionally, we strongly advise having a professional cleaning by a certified Hygienist to remove plaque and tartar so that the whitening effects are maximized (i.e. we want you to whiten your teeth and not the bacteria on them!).
For Your Safety & Comfort
If you have ever tried store-bought whitening products then you have likely experienced tooth and gum sensitivity. The main reason for these complications is due the type of bleaching agents used and due to the lack of proper isolation of the tooth and gum tissues during treatment. Our whitening solutions contain Potassium Nitrate which protects teeth from excessive sensitivity during and after treatment. We also have additional desensitizing treatments available in-office to improve your comfort.
Meeting Your Expectations
Since each option has different advantages and disadvantages, a consultation with one of our Dentists is integral to determining the cause of discolouration and the suitability of the patient for whitening. We will also discuss additional treatment that would reduce the risk of complications, increase the success of treatment, and help you achieve reasonable expectations.
For Your Safety
Since tooth whitening is a treatment, maximizing results and minimizing potential side effects are best accomplished when whitening procedures are provided and monitored by a dental professional.
Complications If Not Done Properly
Pre-existing restorations, such as dental bonding, porcelain veneers or crowns, do not respond to treatment at all. Instead, whitening agents can damage the surfaces of these materials causing microscopic abrasions and scratches that may attract and accelerate staining. Additionally, if your gums have receded and the root surfaces have been exposed, unfortunately whitening will have no effect. For this reason, it is important to consult with your Dentist to determine reasonable expectations and seek protective treatment in advance of whitening treatments.
If you whiten the root surfaces where gums have receded, unfortunately there will be no marked effect. Instead, you may experience a more than typical amount of temperature sensitivity and pain. Our laser whitening and custom tray treatments avoid these complications with the precise use of materials and techniques to protect these fragile tissues.
Laser vs Trays vs Strips
Both Laser and Custom Tray whitening systems offer fast, comfortable and effective results. The choice of one system over the other simply depends on your personal goals. If you would like fast results, laser whitening takes an hour. If you have a history of tooth sensitivity or would like a more controlled and targeted approach, then custom-trays would be more suitable for you.
Strips are not custom fit to your anatomy and therefore your teeth are not properly isolated from the gums. Excess whitening solution then oozes onto the gums (and burns them) or onto sensitive areas of the tooth (such as the root). Our whitening systems isolate the teeth and seal the gums, protecting them from the whitening agents.
This is why it is essential to seek the advice and supervision of a dental professional. At Westmount Dental we will always educate, inform, and help you make the best choice that is in your best interests.
Dr. Mark M. Buzaglo
When I ask my patients what they would like to improve about their smile, the most common response is whiter and brighter teeth. If you are searching for a cost-effective, safe and non-invasive way to esthetically improve your smile then whitening may be an excellent treatment for you.
Whitening Treatment Options
Tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten most people’s smiles and is available in a variety of methods and concentrations. The most common methods are Custom-Tray Whitening which is done in the comfort of your home, Laser Whitening is performed in our clinic, and there is a variety of commercial products sold over-the-counter at retail stores.
First Steps
For your safety it is imperative to have a comprehensive examination first by a Dentist to assess for conditions that may impact on the success of this treatment. Additionally, we strongly advise having a professional cleaning by a certified Hygienist to remove plaque and tartar so that the whitening effects are maximized (i.e. we want you to whiten your teeth and not the bacteria on them!).
For Your Safety & Comfort
If you have ever tried store-bought whitening products then you have likely experienced tooth and gum sensitivity. The main reason for these complications is due the type of bleaching agents used and due to the lack of proper isolation of the tooth and gum tissues during treatment. Our whitening solutions contain Potassium Nitrate which protects teeth from excessive sensitivity during and after treatment. We also have additional desensitizing treatments available in-office to improve your comfort.
Meeting Your Expectations
Since each option has different advantages and disadvantages, a consultation with one of our Dentists is integral to determining the cause of discolouration and the suitability of the patient for whitening. We will also discuss additional treatment that would reduce the risk of complications, increase the success of treatment, and help you achieve reasonable expectations.
For Your Safety
Since tooth whitening is a treatment, maximizing results and minimizing potential side effects are best accomplished when whitening procedures are provided and monitored by a dental professional.
Complications If Not Done Properly
Pre-existing restorations, such as dental bonding, porcelain veneers or crowns, do not respond to treatment at all. Instead, whitening agents can damage the surfaces of these materials causing microscopic abrasions and scratches that may attract and accelerate staining. Additionally, if your gums have receded and the root surfaces have been exposed, unfortunately whitening will have no effect. For this reason, it is important to consult with your Dentist to determine reasonable expectations and seek protective treatment in advance of whitening treatments.
If you whiten the root surfaces where gums have receded, unfortunately there will be no marked effect. Instead, you may experience a more than typical amount of temperature sensitivity and pain. Our laser whitening and custom tray treatments avoid these complications with the precise use of materials and techniques to protect these fragile tissues.
Laser vs Trays vs Strips
Both Laser and Custom Tray whitening systems offer fast, comfortable and effective results. The choice of one system over the other simply depends on your personal goals. If you would like fast results, laser whitening takes an hour. If you have a history of tooth sensitivity or would like a more controlled and targeted approach, then custom-trays would be more suitable for you.
Strips are not custom fit to your anatomy and therefore your teeth are not properly isolated from the gums. Excess whitening solution then oozes onto the gums (and burns them) or onto sensitive areas of the tooth (such as the root). Our whitening systems isolate the teeth and seal the gums, protecting them from the whitening agents.
This is why it is essential to seek the advice and supervision of a dental professional. At Westmount Dental we will always educate, inform, and help you make the best choice that is in your best interests.
Dr. Mark M. Buzaglo
Hon BSc DDS
About Our Office
In an effort to make dental care easy and convenient for all of our patients, we provide a complete range of treatments. From paediatric dentistry to orthodontics, implants and preventive treatments, we minimize the need for outside referrals. Visit our website at www.wmdental.ca to review our services and amenities.
Westmount Dental is located in the heart of Thornhill. It would be our pleasure to care for you and your family.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Buzaglo is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, receiving the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for outstanding academic achievement. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours. Dr. Buzaglo is an avid believer in ongoing continuing education and has completed many certified courses in all aspects of dentistry with particular focus in the fields of Cosmetic, Invisalign Orthodontics, and Implant Dentistry. He is a contributing writer and editor for the oral health programs at AdvancingIn.com and mdBriefCase.com, Canada’s foremost on-line continuing medical education websites for Medical Doctors in Canada. Dr. Buzaglo has a creative passion that is evident throughout your experience in his office, Westmount Dental. He has personally designed the layout and features of the office to provide an esthetic appeal to the flow of the working space. His creative ability is truly reflected in the dental treatment he provides to his patients.
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