FAQ

Yes. However, we recommend postponing non-urgent treatments until after the baby is born. The second trimester of pregnancy is also a better time.

No. However, the treatment should be monitored by a professional. Since it involves an agent with 0.1% hydrogen peroxide concentration or more, bleaching isn’t a simple cosmetic procedure. Your oral health should be verified by a professional, who will determine the cause of tooth discoloration and take into consideration any other oral health issues and existing restorations or appliances. For instance, since composite resin doesn’t react to peroxide, it can lead to significant cosmetic concerns. Also, depending on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, application time and frequency, these products can generate harmful effects such as increased tooth sensitivity and mouth irritation. That’s why it’s important to check with your dentist before beginning a tooth whitening treatment.

Tooth whitening products aren’t recommended for persons under the age of 18.

No, both are equally good when the right technique is used for the right amount of time.

No. Since each case is different, we need to perform a careful exam, which may involve additional tests such as x-rays. The same problem can often be treated in a number of ways, depending on the patient. When providing a quote, we also include specific and transparent explanations so that you understand the recommended treatment. That way you can make an informed decision. Providing a quote over the phone would be highly unprofessional.

No, but x-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool. They allow the dentist to provide you with an informed explanation and help you better understand the treatment.

Yes, as long as you have paid for them in advance. X-rays are part of your medical records and they belong to you. Most dental offices now use digital x-rays. This makes the files easy to share by email or on a USB key.

Implant rejections are very rare. Dental implants are made of titanium, the same biocompatible material used to make almost all bone prostheses. Rejection due to allergic reaction is very unlikely. If an implant is rejected, it typically happens soon after installation because the patient didn’t follow pre- and post-operative instructions or a complication occurred during the operation. In such cases, a new implant can be installed at the same site once it has properly healed. Implants that integrate into the bone are usually successful, provided that your crown fits snugly and the area is cared for with good daily hygiene and regular check-ups.

Yes. Pregnant women experience major hormonal changes, which alter the composition of their saliva, an important factor in protecting teeth. This leads to increased risk of cavities and chronic gingivitis, a condition that is very common in pregnant women and is characterized by bleeding when you brush your teeth. In addition, many women change their eating habits during pregnancy. We recommend that you come in for a check-up at the beginning of your pregnancy and take extra care with your daily oral hygiene routine.

In general, we only perform emergency treatments on pregnant persons experiencing severe pain, tooth infections, etc.) Interventions should be avoided as much as possible during the first and third trimesters. The second trimester is a better time for dental procedures. If an x-ray is necessary, you will wear a lead apron to isolate the x-rays and protect your baby. At the right dose, dental anaesthetics have no impact on the baby (much less than the stress from a painful treatment!). If you have an infection, you may require antibiotics. However, antibiotics will only be prescribed with the approval of your obstetrician.

As soon as possible! All children have their baby teeth by the time they are 2.5 years old. Their first visit(s) to the clinic should simply be to become familiar with the place, with no treatments involved. A positive experience will make future appointments much easier. During these initial consultations, we’ll talk about the right way to brush your teeth and the importance of eating a balanced diet that’s low in sugar.

Each person is different. Some children are ready to begin a treatment at the age of 6, particularly if their upper and lower arches aren’t developing properly.

If a child has a narrow jaw, interceptive orthodontics can help prevent future treatments, such as tooth extractions. The diagnostic process includes performing a complete assessment of the child’s breathing, swallowing, posture and habits (such as thumb sucking, pacifier) and determining whether their baby teeth are preventing normal growth. Interceptive procedures are used to prevent or simplify future orthodontic treatments.

A dental post is used to secure a crown to the root of a remaining tooth. The post is cemented into a root canal that has been properly treated in advance. If the tooth root is removed completely, all that’s left is the bone. In these cases, an implant is installed and acts like an artificial root. These days, we no longer offer treatments that involve dental posts.

Yes. Crowns are made of ceramic and can resist normal wear and tear. However, they’re installed on a natural tooth stump and roots, which are still susceptible to decay. If your gums recede over the years or the crown doesn’t fit snugly, it can be hard to keep certain areas clean. As a result, a cavity can develop under your crown. Most of the time, these cavities only start to hurt when they’re quite advanced. That’s because teeth with crowns have often been devitalized. Sometimes patients don’t experience any pain at all, but their crown comes loose. When a cavity occurs under a crown, the affected tooth often needs to be removed.

• After a filling or crown is installed in a living tooth: If pain is constant and increases in intensity or if you feel like your tooth is “too tall,” you may be suffering from acute pulpitis. An emergency consultation is needed. Only a dentist can treat the situation. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may provide some relief for two to three hours.
• After a root canal: If pain is constant and increases in intensity for more than 48 hours, you may have an abscess or a reaction to the products used during the treatment. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may provide some relief. If the pain doesn’t subside, contact your dentist right away.
• After a tooth extraction: If pain increases three days following the extraction, you may have an infection (alveolitis). Irrigate the socket with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine, and take an anti-inflammatory. If you’re already taking antibiotics, contact your dentist or physician immediately. If the situation doesn’t improve within 12 hours, book an emergency consultation right away.
• After a periodontal procedure (surgery or curettage): If pain increases two or three days following the procedure, you may have a superinfection. Using an antiseptic rinse and taking anti-inflammatories can help relieve the pain. Even though it’s painful, it’s very important that you follow the cleaning instructions provided by your dentist. Use a toothbrush with very soft bristles. If the situation doesn’t improve within 12 hours, contact your dentist.
• After an orthodontic treatment (activation of a fixed or removable appliance)
  • If you have a fixed appliance: It’s normal to feel discomfort for 36 hours after your appliance is activated. Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It should help relieve the pain.
  • If you have a removable appliance: Check to see if it was overly activated. If so, turn it back. If not, contact your dentist. You can stop using the appliance in the interim period.
• After a dental procedure:
  •  If you feel pain in the lining of your mouth (oral mucosa), you probably have a mouth ulcer or wound. The discomfort can be relieved with topical anaesthetics or mucosal dressings.
  •  If you feel pain at the sides of your lips, it’s probably due to stretching. Apply thick lip balm to soothe the discomfort.

Your body absorbs radiation when x-rays are taken—but you also absorb radiation by simply being present on Earth. To put things into perspective, one dental x-ray provides as much radiation as 6 hours of living on our planet. Smoking a cigarette provides more radiation than a dental x ray. We can therefore conclude that dental x-rays aren’t dangerous. However, having x rays taken repeatedly could be. That’s why our team limits the use of radiographic imaging as much as possible.