FAQ

It is recommended to take your child to the dentist around the age of 2 or about 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth. This first visit will allow us to evaluate your child’s dental development and to discuss the preventive measures to take with your child. Tips will also be given to you in order to facilitate your child’s dental hygiene education. Furthermore, this will acclimate your child to the environment as well as the staff of the dental clinic, making future experiences easier and more positive!

Fear of going to the dentist is not innate in children. It is generally the parents that instill these fears in their children when they are afraid of dental care. Try to take a positive approach, to tell your child that they are lucky to be seeing the dentist soon, that they will have a nice surprise when they leave or that they will be able to play in the dentist’s game room. The collaboration of the parents before, during and after the visit is essential to make it a positive experience

Yes. We are well aware that for some people, going to the dentist is a somewhat scary experience. For the most nervous people, anxiety can reach extreme levels, which can sometimes prevent them from taking care of their dentition and cause serious problems.

Our staff is receptive to your demands and will encourage relaxation during treatments. There are complete or partial anesthesia techniques that can help you take care of your oral health despite your fear.

For more information on solutions for fearful people, contact us today.

Should I really go to the dentist every six months? It all depends on your dental needs, the frequency of your visits can vary. The main goal is to prevent problems and detect them before they become serious. For most people, an exam every 6 months is enough. We can guide your treatment and prevention needs according to your personal dental hygiene and the state of your oral health.

Here are some good questions to ask yourself in order to help you understand your situation better:

• Do I floss every day?

• Do I brush my teeth two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste and do I follow the instructions my dentist has given me on how to brush them correctly?

• Do I smoke?

• Have I had cavities or any gum diseases?

All of these factors have an impact on your oral health. The answers to these questions will help you better understand your situation. By knowing your habits and your history, an assessment will allow us to better determine your future dental needs.

No, not necessarily. The frequency at which you will need x-rays depends on the frequency of your visits and on the state of your oral health. Healthy adults who see their dentist on a regular basis and who have not had any cavities or any other problems for a few years probably do not need x-rays every time.

However, in the case where your dental situation is less stable and we have to monitor your progress, you might need x-rays more often. Do not hesitate to ask us for the reasons why we do an x-ray, it will be our pleasure to explain them to you!

The cavity, like many dental diseases, progresses with time. When it is not deep, it does not reach the tooth’s nerve fibers, so you do not feel any pain. The more the cavity progresses, the more the nerve fibers will be affected, which will cause pain.

Furthermore, the deeper the cavity, the higher the risk for infection, which necessitates longer and generally more expensive treatments.

Grey amalgam is a mixture of metals. It is very resistant, but it necessitates mechanical retention in the tooth, and the cavity that will need to be cut will be bigger and more visible. The amalgam also tends to expand with time, which favours the formation of cracks in the structure of the tooth.

Composite (white) is a resin, so it is plastic. It is a material that chemically sticks to whatever cavity size, so the sizes will be much more conservative. However, it wears out quickly and it is softer than the tooth, so it is less suitable for big restorations.

Ceramic (white) is ideal for a more voluminous restoration. It is resistant long-term due to its hardness similar to the tooth’s enamel. It also contributes to the strengthening of the remaining dental walls and it allows for recovery of about 98% of chewing strength compared to a healthy tooth.

Merchants and dental clinics now offer numerous whitening products. These products are not all the same and do not provide the same results.

Most “whitening” toothpastes only contain abrasive ingredients and do not whiten teeth. They only remove stains at the surface of the tooth. Some contain more chemical ingredients (whitening agents) that make teeth clearer. They do not whiten teeth as well as more powerful products, but have fewer side effects.

Whitening kits sold in stores contain more powerful “whitening agents” that come in contact with the teeth for a longer period. The results are then more visible. However, these products do not offer the same protection as the one you would get at the dentist, as we monitor side effects. Furthermore, their one-size trays that contain a whitening agent often let the chemical product run in the mouth.

By visiting a dentist and getting a professional whitening, you are guaranteed a maximal effect because we can use more powerful whitening agents and control the results better. We are also trained to detect and treat the eventual side effects.

Whether the treatment is done in a clinic or at home, we will provide you with specific instructions to follow if needed. Furthermore, if the use of a tray is necessary, we will give you a custom-made one, which will improve the efficiency of the treatment and decrease the risk of side effects.

Of course! Knowing if we have to wait for the insurance payment before making you pay or if you have to pay and get a refund depends on your insurer. Here is how we proceed:

• If your insurer electronically sends us the portion of the care they will pay for and if they allow the benefits disposal to the dentist, you will have to cover the cost of the portion that is not accounted for by your insurer.

• If your insurer electronically sends us the portion of the care they will pay for and if they do not allow the benefits disposal to the dentist, you will have to cover the entire cost and wait for your insurer’s refund.

It is important to understand that you are insured, not the clinic. We are not aware, nor are we responsible for knowing what is included or not in your dental coverage.