GENERAL & FAMILY DENTISTRY IN PORT COQUITLAM

 

We at Port Coquitlam Dental Centre believe there is no better option for optimal dental health than minimally invasive dentistry; it is best to preserve and protect what nature gave us. Beginning with an extensive comprehensive exam, we use a health-based model to assess your relative risk to various oral health issues including cavities, periodontal disease, function and bite problems, as well as aesthetics. We then align your concerns, wants, and needs with the diagnostic information that we have collected to establish the best treatment approach for you.

 

Dr. Naddaf and Dr. Zahedi not only employ the most proven of dental methods, but also use up-to-date tools and techniques to provide comfortable, functional solutions for all of your restorative needs.

 

For our little patients, we take precautions and every effort from the start to acquaint them with our office and preventive measures for oral health. We utilize digital radiographs, computer-assisted cavity detection, sealants, and personalized home care strategies to attain the best preventive results possible.

 

We offer an extensive array of dentistry options, including:

 

Dental exam

During your first visit at Port Coquitlam Dental Centre a comprehensive dental exam will be performed by either Dr. Sam Naddaf or Dr. Sepehr Zahedi.  Your regular check-up appointments will include the following:

  • Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening: Velscope – Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease with a complete periodontal charting
  • Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments
  • Examination of existing restorations: all current fillings, crowns/ onlays  will be evaluated for sound structure

Preventive and family dentistry

At Port Coquitlam Dental Centre we ensure that all our patients are provided with the best preventative oral care and family dentistry services. Through regular check-ups and teeth cleanings, we ensure the preservation of healthy teeth and gums and the prevention of tooth loss, infection and oral disease for the entire family.

Root Canal Treatment

The purpose of a root canal treatment is to clean and fill the entire root canal of a tooth. An infection of the root canal can be caused by a number of different things; injury, disease and decay being the most common reasons for the procedure. Commonly used for those seeking to have a tooth problem fixed without the prospect of removal, a root canal treatment is done in-office.

Implant dentistry

Dental implants function as the roots for artificial teeth, to replace ones that are missing or have been removed. During surgery the implants are attached to the upper or lower jawbone. Because these implants are able to stimulate the bone cells in your jaw, they can maintain your original bone structure and restore your smile.

This process typically happens over several appointments in a span of many months. First, x-rays and impressions are taken. Our dentists need to know the dimensions of your jawbone and tissues in order to create a custom, comfortable fit for your dental implants.

To allow for complete integration with your existing bone structure, there is a four to six month recovery period with a transitional restoration in place; new impressions are generally taken four months after the procedure.

The final step is to attach the implant abutment and the implant crown, to complete your new, natural smile. You never have to worry about the hassle of taking your teeth out. Rest assured, your dental implant will stay put – and nobody will be able to spot the difference.

Veneers

Veneers are custom-made, custom-fitted, very thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to your natural teeth. Veneers are an excellent way to correct minor tooth anomalies such as chipped, stained, malpositioned, or discolored teeth. They are also effective when it is necessary to alter the length or size of the teeth with minimized risk to your natural tooth structure.

The procedure can usually be accomplished in two appointments. At the first appointment, the teeth will be prepared. This is a matter of taking away a small amount of tooth structure, shaping the teeth, and taking an impression of the prepared teeth. The impression is then sent to a specialized laboratory where the veneers are handcrafted by technicians whose art and skill are in creating restorations that look and feel like natural teeth.

The Dentists  will also take digital photographs of your teeth to accurately communicate the color to the laboratory. In addition, the doctors will fabricate acrylic provisional veneers, which will be temporarily cemented in place for approximately two weeks while the laboratory fabricates the final restorations. Not only are these a temporary aesthetic solution, they are also fabricated to help communicate the new size, shape, and form of the teeth. At the second appointment, your new veneers will be bonded into place and your new smile will be completed.

Crowns

A crown acts as a protective shield for damaged teeth. Our dentists recreate a porcelain replica of the tooth to hold your natural jaw alignment. The addition of a crown not only protects your teeth, but also enhances your natural smile. Each crown is custom blended to match the size, shape and colour of your other teeth.

Crown appointments are spread over two brief sessions: First the remaining tooth matter is reduced to a healthy, strong base, eliminating the damage and decay. Impressions of the new structure are taken for the permanent crown. In the meantime, you are fitted with a temporary crown. Two weeks later, the temporary crown is replaced with the permanent crown.

There are several situations in which it may be appropriate to get a porcelain crown. The most common include protecting an undamaged root from surface damage, repairing damage from deteriorated fillings, fractures, and cavities, or preserving a tooth has undergone root canal treatment.

While a crown is an easy, long-lasting way to repair tooth damage, eventually it will have to be replaced. Over time, the porcelain material thins and leaks cause below the surface cavities. It is a good idea to be proactive to maintain a consistent, healthy smile. To extend the life of your crown be sure to exercise excellent home care and regular check-ups.

Bridges

A bridge is an artificial structure to replace missing teeth. It is a more permanent solution than a partial denture and prevents any harm that missing teeth may cause. Our bridges are completely customized for a comfortable fit.

Similar to a porcelain crown, the bridge is completed over two appointments. The first session includes preparation and impressions. In the final appointment, the tooth on each side of the gap is crowned to anchor the bridge into place.

Our dentists use porcelain because it blends in with your other teeth and it stays strong, so you can eat, talk and laugh with confidence and peace of mind.

Onlays

If you find that your filling can no longer handle the damage done by cavities, it is time to switch to a porcelain onlay. It is the best way to conservatively maintain the structure of the walls of a tooth. Rather than forgo the entire tooth structure, as done for a crown, an onlay will only replace the damaged portions.

Porcelain and plastic filling replacement options

We are leaving behind the traditional silver mercury amalgam fillings. Plastic and porcelain are far superior materials. Plastic fillings are useful in situations when patients need a “quick fix” on small areas. However, over time plastic breaks down and will need to be replaced with porcelain.  We strive to give you a durable, natural smile that uses the support of your existing tooth structure.

Invisalign

A popular alternative to braces, the Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear plastic aligners — that nobody can tell your wearing — created precisely to gently and gradually move your teeth into place. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. The Invisalign system can help you achieve stunning results through your very own, customized treatment plan.

Sealants

A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits. Reasons for sealants:

• Children and teenagers – As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16. • Adults – Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions. • Baby teeth – Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and child is cavity prone.

What do sealants involve?Sealants are easily applied by your dentist, dental hygienist or certified dental assistant. The process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth. The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry. A special solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried. Sealant material is carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves or depressions. Depending on the type of sealant used, the material will harden with a special curing light. Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants.

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