Composite fillings use a non-metallic, tooth-coloured material to repair decayed, cracked or worn teeth. In addition to silver amalgam fillings, there are numerous types of fillings available. The staff at Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry would be happy to discuss your options.

Since composite fillings are more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgams, their popularity has steadily increased throughout the years. Like many dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may require a replacement in the future. With proper care, they should provide years of beautiful smiles.

Why choose composite fillings?
Composite fillings can be used for:

Chipped Teeth
Closing Spaces between Teeth
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Decayed Teeth
Worn Teeth

How are composite fillings placed?
Composite fillings can typically be placed in just one appointment. For dental caries, we will numb your tooth to remove the affected area, clean out the decayed portion of the tooth, clean the surfaces and place the filling.

Some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks should be expected for a short period after receiving your filling.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

How does dental bonding work Work?

The process is painless and typically only requires one visit to our office. First, we will make a mould of the proposed bonded sites. After you agree with the appearance of the mould, we will then move toward placing the bonding resin. This is done in layers, with each layer followed by a special UV light which acts to harden the resin.

Bonding is most suitable for small cosmetic changes and your dentist will help decide if it is the right procedure for you.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

For teeth with enamel issues, but still have healthy root systems, a dental crown may be the perfect solution. Giggles Dental World Family Dentistry helps to restore and cover damaged teeth by using dental crowns.

Dental crowns can be used to:
Strengthen a Damaged or Decayed Tooth
Repair a Broken Tooth
Improve Cosmetic Appearance

There are several types of crown options available, including porcelain, gold as well as porcelain-metal fusions. The great thing about porcelain is that the colour can be perfectly matched to the surrounding teeth, whereas gold will simply be a gold colour.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

Many patients choose not to see their dentist due to fears and anxieties. That is why we are proud to offer DentalVibe®. DentalVibe® is a breakthrough technology that makes going to the dentist a completely anxiety-free experience. Many patients, whether they are children or adults, feel that DentalVibe® nearly eliminates the pain they feel when receiving anesthetic injections.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

Has it been awhile since your last dental exam and cleaning? We are here to provide you with a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning to help you get back on track of your oral health goals!

Dental Exams

During your checkup, your hygienist and dentist will provide you with the following:

Diagnostic X-Ray Examination — Diagnostic X-rays are an essential part of detecting tooth decay, bone loss, tumours and cysts. The X-ray also provides us with detailed information on tooth and root positions that will factor into your care plan.

Oral Cancer Screening — We will examine your tongue, gums, tissues, throat, neck, lips and face for signs of oral cancer.

Gum Disease — We will examine your gums and the bone around the teeth to check for signs of periodontal disease.

Tooth Decay — Using specialized dental instruments, our staff will examine all of your tooth surfaces to look for signs of tooth decay.

Restoration Examinations — If you have fillings, crowns or other restoration work, we will check to see if these are holding up as they should.

Dental Cleaning
Because an ounce of preventative dentistry is worth a pound of fillings, we offer professional dental cleanings, otherwise known as dental prophylaxis. These are carried out by registered dental hygienists, who will perform the following during your next cleaning appointment:

Tartar (Calculus) Removal — When plaque has been left on the tooth surface for an extended period of time, it becomes a hardened substance commonly known as tartar, or “calculus”. Tartar can form below or above the gum line and can only be safely removed using professional dental instruments.

Plaque Removal — Plaque is that sticky, nearly invisible film that forms on the surface of your teeth. While it may look benign, plaque is composed of living bacteria colonies that thrive on food debris and saliva. It is actually the waste and toxins from the bacteria that cause dental cavities and inflammed gums. If you see inflammation, it’s important to remember that you are witnessing the start of periodontal disease and you should seek professional assistance.

Teeth Polishing — It’s not just about giving you a shiny, beautiful smile; tooth polishing helps keep the surface of the tooth smooth, making it easier to remove plaque when you brush. Our polishing process also helps remove the stains and small amounts of plaque that are left behind from tooth brushing and scaling.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

Are you missing one, a few or all of your natural teeth? Dental implants are a great alternative to partial and complete dentures and may be the solution for you. Using a titanium root device that mimics the feel and function of your tooth’s natural root, dental implants provide excellent stability and support when chewing, talking and going about your everyday life.

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial root normally composed of titanium. This titanium root device is surgically inserted into the upper or lower jawbone, either by a dentist or periodontist. When an artificial tooth is attached to the implant, the appearance can be quite natural and beautiful, often enhancing or restoring a patient’s smile and confidence.

Dental implants are known for their longevity, but on occasion, they may need to be retightened or replaced as a result of normal wear and tear.

Why choose dental implants?
Dental implants are worth your consideration in situations such as:

Replacing One or More Missing Teeth
Jaw Pain or Bite Problems Resulting from Shifting Teeth
Smile Restorations
Securing a Bridge or Denture

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

Dental bridges are non-removal dental appliances that are excellent for replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges can also help prevent teeth from drifting out of place, as well as restoring your beautiful, natural smile. During your appointment, your dentist will discuss the various types of bridges available, including traditional bridges.

Crown-Supported Bridges
Traditional, crown-anchored bridges are by far the most popular kind of dental bridges in use today. This type uses two crowns to anchor a metal-fused, porcelain tooth. The two crowns are placed on the two anchoring teeth (“abutment teeth”), filling the gap (or gaps) from one or more missing teeth.

Your dental bridge will be made of highly durable materials and is expected to last for many years. Yet, it may require replacement or re-cementing to keep it functional under normal wear conditions.

Why choose a fixed bridge?
Some of the most common reasons for choosing a fixed dental bridge include:

– Filling Space from a Missing Tooth (or Teeth)
– Maintaining Facial Shape
– Preventing Teeth from Drifting
– Restoring Chewing and Speaking Abilities
– Restoring Your Smile
– Upgrading from a Partial Denture

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

For over 50 years, fluoride has been the most effective agent in the prevention of tooth decay. While fluoride is most effective when applied topically, it can also be ingested through drops or gels as prescribed by your dentist or family physician.

How does fluoride work?
Topical fluoride bonds with the natural calcium and carbon found in your tooth enamel, forming a shield against dental cavities. Topical fluoride is available in most toothpastes, mouth rinses and gels.

It’s generally recommended that children receive a professional fluoride application at least twice a year during their regular checkups. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend home and/or professional fluoride treatments in order to improve your oral health under certain circumstances.

It is important to monitor the amount of fluoride a child ingests to prevent dental fluorosis. Children that are unable to properly gargle, rinse and spit should use non-fluoride training toothpaste until they’ve mastered the practice. And, always be sure to receive a checkup from your dentist at least twice a year and follow good oral health practices at home.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

During an examination, it can be difficult for dentists to accurately describe certain problem areas with teeth and gums. But, with the use of intraoral cameras, dentists can show patients exactly what is going on. When patients can clearly see a problem, they are better prepared to accept the recommended treatments.

Documenting Your Progress
In addition to educating the patient, intraoral cameras are also used to take visual records for use in patient files. These images can also be used in consultations with specialists such maxillofacial surgeons.

Maintaining a Germ-Free Environment
The intraoral cameras used in our facilities use disposable probes or probe covers that ensure germs are not spread between patients.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

we use the Picasso™ Lite soft tissue dental laser. This laser has been celebrated as one of the most effective and easiest to use lasers in the industry. The Picasso™ Lite was specifically designed to replace electrosurgery and scalpels in the treatment of soft tissue. With this modern technology, we can more efficiently cut and coagulate tissue while also reducing bleeding, trauma and tissue necrosis.

The Picasso™ Lite can be used for any number of soft tissue surgeries, including:

– Troughing
– Gingivectomies
– Frenectomies
– Herpetic Lesion Treatments
– Aphthous Ulcers

This system can also be used to expose implants, teeth and orthodontic brackets.

Learn More about Picasso™ Lite
To learn more about the Picasso™ Lite, please visit the Picasso™ website or call us to schedule an appointment.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

We offer mouthguards for athletes and those that grind their teeth at night.

When should I wear a mouthguard?
A mouthguard should be worn whenever you are engaged in an activity where there is a risk of head contact with players or equipment. While many athletes believe mouthguards are for high-impact sports such as hockey and football, you may be surprised to learn that a majority of sports-related mouth injuries happen in baseball and basketball. So, it’s smart to wear a mouthguard if you engage in any of the following sports:

– Football
– Baseball
– Basketball
– Soccer
– Hockey
– Skateboarding
– Gymnastics

Choosing a Mouthguard
While it can be said that any mouthguard is better than no mouthguard, choosing a mouthguard that is comfortable and doesn’t obstruct breathing is important.

Caring for Your Mouthguard
Your mouthguard should be washed, dried and stored in a plastic container after each use. Be sure to wash your mouthguard in cold or lukewarm water as hot water can distort its shape. It should also be stored at room temperature since excessively hot or cold conditions can damage the materials.

Before inserting your mouthguard, you can rinse it with mouthwash to freshen it up and kill off any bacteria that were not removed during the previous wash. Generally, mouthguards should be replaced every two to three years.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

People of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Teeth that are crooked, crowded, or that stick out affect the way your teeth look and work. Orthodontic treatment not only improves the look of your smile but your health as well. Straight teeth are easier to clean and less likely to get tooth decay or injured. If you are not happy with the way your teeth look or work, orthodontic treatment may help.

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth so they look and work better. Braces or other appliances are used to put gentle pressure on your teeth. Over a number of months or years this pressure can move your teeth into the right position.

Why you may need orthodontics

The position of your teeth and jaws has an effect on your bite. Your bite is how your top and bottom teeth come together. When your top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly, this is called a malocclusion or a bad bite. Problems like missing, crooked, crowded or protruding teeth can contribute to a bad bite. Thumb or finger sucking may also affect your bite.

A bad bite can make it hard to chew some foods and may cause some teeth to wear down. It can also cause muscle tension and pain. Teeth that stick out are more easily chipped or broken. Crowded and crooked teeth are harder to clean and may be more likely to get cavities and gum disease. Fixing a bad bite improves your smile and your health. Different types of bad bites include an overbite, a crossbite, an overjet and an open bite.

Getting dental X-rays is one of the best ways to diagnose and prevent many dental abnormalities and diseases. Both dentists and hygienists use information gleaned from X-rays to structure a patient’s needs and structure an appropriate treatment plan. Without an X-ray, certain conditions may go undetected.

What do X-rays reveal?
Dental X-rays help to reveal conditions such as:

– Abscesses or Cysts
– Bone Loss
– Cancerous and Non-Cancerous Tumours
– Decay between Teeth
– Developmental Abnormalities
– Poor Root and Tooth Positions
– Problems of the Inner Tooth and Below the Gum Line
…and much more

X-rays are an excellent way to prevent dental issues that could take away from your time, money, comfort and oral health.

How safe are dental X-rays?
Today’s X-rays are much safer than those in use even just 15 years ago. That being said, we still take every precaution to limit your exposure to radiation by using leaded aprons and high-speed film that cuts down on the amount of exposure you may receive.

All depending on your oral health, your dentist and hygienist may recommend X-rays from time to time in order to monitor your health and create a treatment plan.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

Scaling and root planing are procedures that are very effective in removing calculus and plaque from teeth and crowns, while also helping prevent periodontal disease. These procedures are either used as a preventative measure for those suffering from periodontitis, or as a standalone treatment.

Scaling
Scaling is conducted using specialized dental instruments, such as ultrasonic scaling tools. Your dentist’s scaling tools will remove calculus and plaque from the crown and root surfaces. In many instances, your dentist will also place an antimicrobial agent below the surface of the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.

Root Planing
Root planing helps remove surface dentin and cementum that embed unwanted microorganisms, as well as tartar and toxins. The root of your tooth will be smoothed in order to promote healing and prevent future bacteria accumulation.

The objective of these treatments is to remove agents and bacteria that can inflame gum (gingival) tissue and the surrounding bone. These can be used for those with mild gum inflammation, such as gingivitis, as well as those with moderate-to-severe periodontal disease.

Why choose scaling & root planing?
Scaling and root planing have many benefits, including:

– Disease Prevention
– Tooth Protection
– Aesthetic Enhancements
– Improved Breath

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

When the nerve or pulp of the tooth has become infected or decayed, root canal therapy may be the only option in saving the tooth. During this procedure, the nerves, pulp, bacteria and decayed portions are removed from the tooth. Then, the resulting void is cleaned and filled with special dental fillings.

Not only do root canal treatments help restore the tooth, but they are a big help in reducing future pain and medical costs. Often times, tooth extractions are most costly and will lead to problems down the road for the adjacent teeth.

Do I need root canal therapy?
Some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal therapy include:

– Abscess or “Pimple” on the Gums
– Hot and Cold Sensitivity
– Toothaches and Related Pain
– Abscess Growth in Tooth
– Infected Tooth Pulp
– Tooth Trauma or Injury
– Infection or Abscess at the Tip of the Root
– Swelling and Tenderness on Gums

These are the most common signs that you may need a root canal treatment. Yet, some patients experience nothing at all and the issue is only discovered through an X-ray.

While the success rate of this procedure is very high and root canal treatments typically last a lifetime, a retreatment will be necessary if a patient’s tooth becomes re-infected.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

Sedation is the administers of a drug before or during the dental procedure. Only one type — general anesthesia — renders the patient completely unconscious. The other forms will relax you, but won’t knock you out completely.

The most common types of sedation dentistry include the following:

Nitrous oxide: A gas that relaxes you during the procedure. It wears off quickly, so your dentist might let you drive yourself home after the appointment.

Oral sedatives: Oral sedatives, such as diazepam, also help relax patients during dental procedures. You typically take them an hour or so before your appointment. You’re fully awake but less anxious, and you might feel a little sleepy until it wears off.

Intravenous sedatives: Intravenous, or IV, sedatives can put you in varying stages of consciousness. This is also known as general anesthesia and, as mentioned above, will put you into a deep sleep until it wears off. Other IV drugs, however, can put you into a “twilight sleep.” You’re less aware of your surroundings, you might feel sleepy, and you might not remember much of the procedure once it’s over.

Using the latest techniques, whitening and bleaching services for our patients a Giggles Dental World Family Dentistry. If you’re tired of seeing coffee-, tea- or nicotine-stained teeth in the mirror, now’s your chance to take your smile back!

Have you ever tried over-the-counter teeth whitening products and discovered that not all teeth whiteners are alike? Most store-bought whitening and bleaching products are peroxide-based, which can work for some stains, but not all of them. We can help!

Which whitening treatment should I choose?
There are a number of products and techniques available to patients. At Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry, we will help you select one of the following methods:

Vital Bleaching — This type of bleaching is carried out on “living” teeth that have been stained by food, tobacco or simply darkened with age.
Non-Vital Bleaching — For teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure and are technically no longer “alive,” non-vital bleaching can help whiten the teeth from the inside out.

If you are considering teeth whitening, it’s always best to consult with your dentist to see if a certain product will work for you. This is especially important for patients with fillings, root canal treatments, crowns or very dark stains on the anterior teeth.

Has it been a while since your last checkup? Call Giggle Dental World Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment!

No one wants to lose a tooth, but sometimes tooth extractions are a necessary part of maintaining ideal oral health. A tooth may be extracted for a variety of reasons, such as decay in the inner tooth, infection in the tooth or bone matter or if there is a crowding issue.

Partially-Erupted Teeth
If a tooth has only erupted partially, many dentists recommend having it extracted. A partially-erupted tooth is an invitation for bacteria to infect the tissue and surrounding bone material — two conditions that can have serious consequences.

Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are another issue; these teeth will try to break through the gum tissue even though there is not enough space to accommodate additional teeth. The added pressure of an additional tooth can cause damage to the roots of nearby teeth, jeopardizing their health. Extracting impacted teeth often prevents infection, damage to nearby teeth and should save you a lot of pain in the years to come.

How Teeth are Removed
There is a lot that goes into having a tooth removed. Before the actual extraction process, your dentist will look over your dental history and X-rays. These X-rays are a great help in determining the length, position and shape of the tooth and surrounding bone matter. If the extraction appears too complicated, your dentist may refer you to an oral or maxillofacial surgeon.

Prior to the extraction, the area around the tooth will be treated with a local anesthetic. This should numb the area and help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. In simple extractions, the tooth is then loosened with a tool known as an “elevator.” Next, the tooth is extracted with dental forceps. After the extraction, your dentist may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone. The area is then closed and stitched to prevent infection.

What to Expect after an Extraction
Some pain and discomfort should be expected following an extraction. In certain instances, your dentist may recommend or prescribe pain medication. Some patients find relief by applying an ice pack to the face for 15 minutes at a time. Some other recommendations are to not drink through a straw, limit strenuous activity and avoid hot liquids such as coffee. The day following your extraction, your dentist may recommend gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Take care in not swallowing the water and keep it at a comfortable temperature.

Typically, your discomfort should be noticeably reduced within two weeks. If you experience severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, be sure to contact your dentist.