Dental Tools & Equipment

Dentists in Canada have access to a wide range of tools and equipment to aid them in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral and dental conditions. Dental technology is constantly being developed to create more effective solutions for dental patients.

Types of Technology for Dentists

Advances in dental technology have given dentists and recognized dental specialists new tools to image the teeth and mouth, detect and treat dental problems, and create restorative dental appliances.

 

The Benefits of Dental Technology

Improved Oral Health Care

Improving oral health for Canadians is an important goal all dentists share. New technology can help improve the techniques for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in dentistry.

 

Reduced Costs

Although acquiring the latest dental technology can require dental offices to spend a great deal of money upfront, there are also reduced patient costs associated with new technology. For example, patients may not have to replace restorations as often when they are designed and manufactured with new technology.

 

Reduced Chair Time

Dental technology can increase efficiency, leading to patients spending less time overall in a dental chair. Patients benefit from spending less time at the dental clinic and more time enjoying their usual activities, and dentists are able to see more patients.

 

Reduced Patient Anxiety

Anxiety surrounding dental processes and procedures can make the dental experience very uncomfortable. This may prevent people from visiting a dentist on a regular basis or receiving the treatments they need. New tools tend to be less invasive, reducing patient anxiety and making dental services more accessible.

 

Find a Local Dentist

The 123Dentist network of dental professionals includes dental offices across Canada that are using new dental technology in their practices. You can use our simple search tool to find a dentist near you.

 

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Canadian Dental Specializations

Oral and maxillofacial pathology is a dental specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of diseases, injuries, and abnormalities affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. These specialists are highly trained in diagnostic and treatment techniques.

 

What is Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology?

Oral and maxillofacial pathology is also often referred to as “head and neck” pathology. There are many disorders, diseases, and injuries that can affect the tissue in and around the oral cavity.

Maxillofacial refers to the structures surrounding the oral cavity. Maxillofacial pathology includes diagnoses related to the facial muscles, parts of the jaw such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), soft tissues such as the perioral skin, and the salivary glands. Much of their focus is on the soft tissues rather than the teeth.

An oral and maxillofacial pathologist will typically perform an examination first to look for signs of oral diseases, including:

• Oral lesions
• Abnormalities or swelling in the head and neck
• Lumps or masses
• Ulcers
• Patches of abnormal skin

During an exam, pathologists may also ask patients questions about their medical history, other medical conditions, current medications, oral health records, lifestyle, and potential risk factors.

Oral and maxillofacial pathologists must successfully complete specialized dental education programs. They may also refer patients to oral medical practitioners to diagnose other health issues that affect the oral and maxillofacial regions, such as Crohn’s disease.

 

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Dental Medicine and Oral Pathology

Oral pathology depends on diagnostic tools and techniques, including radiographs and imaging technology, dental examinations, and biopsies. Specialists may work with other dental specialties, including oral radiologists, to arrive at diagnoses and treatment options for patients.

There are significant links between certain medical conditions and symptoms in the oral region. They may also work in a research capacity to understand more about the nature and causes of oral and maxillofacial diseases.

When one or more conditions could be responsible for symptoms, oral and maxillofacial pathologists may also need to provide differential diagnoses, determining which causes or conditions are leading to which symptoms.

 

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Learn More About Dental Specialists in Canada

If you need dental care in Canada from a dental specialist, you can use the 123Dentist network of dental professionals. Our dentists and clinics across Canada include oral and maxillofacial pathologists, oral radiologists, and other specialists.

 

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Permanent and Removable Dental Appliances

Although most dental work happens in a dental office, there are also dental treatments that you can bring home. Dental appliances such as mouth guards, night guards, retainers, and snoring devices can be custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, protecting and maintaining your oral health and overall wellbeing even while you’re sleeping, working, or playing sports.

 

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Removable Dental Appliances

Many dental devices are removable, meaning they can be used at specific times of the day.

• Full or partial dentures are often used when there has been significant tooth loss.
• Dental night guards
• Retainers
• Sleep apnea devices
• Snoring devices
• Mouth Guards

 

Types of Dental Devices

Custom-fitted dental appliances from a dental clinic provide a high level of protection and function. Depending on the specific treatment goals you and your dentist come up with, you may need temporary or permanent dental appliances for your teeth.

Dental appliances serve various purposes in dentistry, and are often used to support a complete treatment plan. They may be used to protect the teeth and jaw from damage, to maintain the position of the teeth, or to treat sleep disorders or joint disorders that affect the jaw. They can also be used to restore the function and look of the teeth.

 

What to Consider When Purchasing Dental Appliances

Choosing the right dental appliance for your needs can be difficult. It’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of your options before making a decision. Be sure to have a conversation with your dentist about your goals, lifestyle, and budget. Ask questions about the lifespan of the device, the comfort and fit you can expect, and strategies you can use to get accustomed to it. You may also want to consider the duration of your treatment, your dental insurance plan coverage, and any risks associated with the use of a device.

 

Get Custom-Fitted Dental Devices

When you need long-term prevention and treatment options to maintain your oral health, dental appliances can help give you the support you need at home. The 123Dentist network of dental care providers includes many dental clinics that offer a variety of types and brands of dental appliances. Find your local dentist and ask about your options.

 

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Dental Sedation and your Health

Reducing anxiety for patients in the dental chair is a top priority for dentists. Sedation can be used in many types of dental procedures to make the dental experience more comfortable.

 

When is Dental Sedation Used?

In sedation dentistry, medications are used to relax patients. Many patients have a fear of going to the dentist or undergoing certain procedures, while others may have general anxiety disorder. Many people avoid going to the dentist (even when they’re in significant pain) because of this fear. Sedation helps people access the dental treatments they need to maintain their oral health.

Dentists may also use sedation for patients with specific conditions that can make dental work more uncomfortable, such as gag reflexes, sensitive teeth, a small mouth, or the inability to sit still throughout a procedure.

 

Sedation may be utilized in complex dental procedures, including:
• Root canals
• Tooth extractions
• Dental implant placement
• Periodontal surgery
• Other types of oral surgery

However, not all procedures require sedation. The level of sedation needed is usually determined by your dentist based on several factors, including the type and duration of the procedure, the invasiveness of the procedure, your current physical and oral health, and whether or not you tend to experience anxiety during dental work. Your dentist will discuss your options and all the associated costs and risks with you before your procedure.

 

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Types of Sedation

Dentists rely on a variety of techniques and sedatives during procedures. Although sedation dentistry is sometimes called “sleep dentistry,” sedation medications used in dentistry are rarely used to render patients fully unconscious (general anesthesia). There are three main types of sedation used in dentistry, each of which can achieve different effects.

 

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry

More commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a form of conscious sedation that dentists use to prevent anxiety in dental patients. It enters and leaves the bloodstream very quickly, which is why many patients are able to drive home after receiving nitrous oxide.

 

Learn More About About Nitrous Oxide Sedation

 

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a type of conscious sedation that is often used to relax the patient during a procedure. The patient will be awake, but the sedative may make them feel sleepy. Typically, oral sedation is administered through pills that the patient will take at specific times before the procedure, as directed by a dentist.

 

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IV Sedation Dentistry

IV sedation is a type of general anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist in a medical clinic setting. Throughout the sedation, the anesthesiologist is there to monitor vital signs and maintain a consistent level of sedation. Although patients are typically still conscious under IV sedation, complex surgeries or procedures may require a patient to be unconscious (general anesthesia).

 

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Dental Sedation FAQs

Does sedation eliminate pain?

Sedation can reduce the sensation or experience of pain. In most cases, dentists will use a combination of sedation and anesthetic in a dental procedure. The anesthetic is directed at removing or reducing pain, while the sedation is meant mostly to relax the body and mind. Many sedation dentistry patients do not remember the treatment experience after they leave the dental clinic.

 

Who administers sedation?

Dentists may be able to administer certain types of sedation, such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation pills, in a general dentist clinic. A dental anesthesiologist will usually need to administer moderate to deep sedation and general anesthesia.

 

Do I need to do anything to prepare for sedation?

Depending on the type of sedation, your dentist may ask you to prepare in various ways. This may include changes to your usual eating and drinking routine or avoiding certain medications. Be sure to follow specific instructions from your dentist carefully or your sedation may not be as effective.

 

Are there risks involved in sedation?

There are some risks associated with sedation dentistry. Always discuss the risks with your dentist before receiving sedation. Be sure to mention specific risk factors that may impact your reaction to sedation, such as sleep apnea or other medical conditions, or any allergies.

 

Can children be sedated?

Sedation can be used for children, especially for children who are anxious about dental work or who find sitting still in the dental chair challenging.

 

Can I drive after being sedated?

Most forms of sedation require that you arrange a ride home after your dental appointment due to lasting effects such as drowsiness and issues with physical coordination. Nitrous oxide is usually an exception because it wears off quickly, and many people are able to drive home after receiving it. Regardless of which type of sedation you’re given, be sure to check with your dental office about travel arrangements before you arrive for your procedure.

 

Find a Dental Clinic Near You

If you need dental services or you would like to know more about sedation dentistry and oral procedures, search the 123Dentist network to find a dental care provider near you.

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Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dental procedures contribute to your overall oral health by resolving problems in your teeth as they arise. Many restorative procedures aim to treat, protect, strengthen and beautify damaged or decaying teeth.

 

Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Many of the most common restorative dentistry procedures are performed by general dentists. 123Dentist has an extensive network of dentists in Canada who offer restorative treatments. Find your local dentist and develop a personalized treatment plan today.

 

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All-on-4^® Dental Implants

This restorative technique is an option for full, permanent teeth replacement. In an All-on-4^® dental implant procedure, four to six dental implants are installed to hold a full arch prosthesis. This is a more permanent solution than full or partial dentures.

 

Learn More About All-on-4 Dental Implants

 

Dental Bonding

When tooth decay is not severe enough for a root canal, dental bonding may be used to repair and seal the tooth. Bonding is inexpensive and less invasive than other restorative procedures but may be less durable over time.

 

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Dental Bridges

With dental bridges, damaged teeth or missing teeth can be replaced by a false tooth, usually held in place by a crown on the nearest tooth or teeth. Dental bridges can fully restore the functionality and look of the natural teeth.

 

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Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are used in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. After preparing the natural tooth in question, a crown is placed over it to protect the remaining tooth material and restore the look, feel, and function.

 

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Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent option for replacing teeth, especially when tooth decay becomes extensive and requires teeth to be extracted. An artificial tooth is implanted with a titanium post that integrates with the bone of the jaw.

 

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Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to fill cavities before tooth decay has an opportunity to spread. Although metal amalgam fillings may be used, tooth-coloured fillings made from composite resin can provide support and strength to the remaining tooth structure and an aesthetic effect.

 

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Dental Inlays & Onlays 

Often used as a long-lasting alternative to fillings, crowns, or other dental restorative procedures, dental inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory and bonded onto the teeth to protect a damaged tooth from further decay.

 

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VENLAY^® Restoration

 

VENLAY^® Bite Correction is used to create a full restoration for the teeth, jaw, and face using several systems developed by Dr. Sam Muslin. VENLAY^®s are applied directly over the natural teeth without grinding them down.

Learn More About VENLAY^® Bite Correction

 

 

 

Find a Dental Professional Near You

If you think dental implants, bridges, or other restorative procedures might be right for you, take the first step by finding your nearest dental clinic. The 123Dentist network includes dental clinics across Canada that offer dental restorative treatments, as well as cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening. Find a dentist near you and book an appointment to begin exploring options to restore your smile.

 

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General Dental Services

General dentistry includes a wide range of services to keep your mouth clean and healthy on a regular basis. Regularly scheduled visits to a general dentist near you help contribute to your overall oral and physical health.

 

Taking Care of Your Oral Health

Managing your dental health is an essential part of maintaining your overall health. General dentists diagnose and treat some of the most common dental problems people experience.

If you’re looking for a general dentist near you, you can search from dental practices across Canada that are part of the 123Dentist network.

 

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Common Dental Procedures

General dentistry includes a range of dental care components designed to maintain oral health and keep your smile shining brightly.

 

Comprehensive Oral Exams

Oral exams allow your dentist to assess your oral and overall health, diagnose issues, and develop a treatment plan that is personalized to your needs. Your first dental exam may include various diagnostic techniques and are often accompanied by a medical questionnaire to establish your overall medical and dental history.

 

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Dental Hygiene and Teeth Cleanings

Practicing good oral hygiene at home is essential for preventing oral disease. However, dental care typically also includes regular scheduled cleanings from a dentist and/or professional dental hygienist to support your oral health between appointments. During a dental hygiene appointment, your teeth will be cleaned and flossed, and you may also receive additional treatments such as fluoride treatments.

 

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Gum Grafting

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection that can lead to the loss of gum tissue and, eventually, teeth. Gum grafting procedures may be required to restore the height of the gums and preserve existing natural teeth. If you have thin gums, pain while chewing, or other signs of advanced gum disease, gum grafting can help resolve these issues.

 

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Oral Cancer Screening

Initial screening for oral cancer is typically completed in a regularly scheduled dental exam. Your dentist will look for irregularities in the tissues of your mouth and may also check the surrounding areas of the face, including the neck, cheeks, and jaw. Early diagnosis of oral cancers can lead to more effective treatment outcomes.

 

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Root Canals

Decaying or cracked teeth are often treated with a root canal procedure. The infected tissue is cleaned out from the inside of the tooth and the remaining spaces is filled and sealed. The natural tooth is saved so that the alignment of the teeth can be preserved.

 

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Dental Sealants

Dentists use sealants to protect teeth from damage or decay caused by bacteria. They are applied to the surface of the teeth. Tooth decay can cause a variety of other issues, which is why dental sealants are an important preventative oral health measure.

 

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Tooth Extractions

Teeth may need to be removed for a variety of reasons. Damaged teeth can be removed to prevent further issues in the mouth, or you may need to have teeth removed in preparation for other treatments. Wisdom teeth extractions are also necessary for some people.

 

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Teeth Whitening

Teeth may become discoloured due to a range of factors, including staining from coffee, tea, wine, and berries, or from smoking or taking certain medications. The 123Dentist network of dentists has a range of teeth whitening products and services available, including in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments.

 

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Dental X-Rays

Dental x-rays of different types are often performed in a regularly scheduled appointment.  X-rays help dentists look at areas of the teeth, gums, and jaw that are not immediately visible. In many cases, they also allow your dentist to monitor small issues or abnormalities, which can then be managed through a treatment plan and monitored using follow-up x-rays.

 

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Root Canals, Dental Implants & More

Your general dentist may also recommend you to other dental professionals for certain conditions. This could include someone who is trained in other dental specialties, such as a dentist who fit oral appliances such as aligners, mouthguards, and sleep apnea devices.

 

How Dentists in Canada are Educated

Most general dentists have studied in an accredited Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program at a dental school, which is a designation that is recognized worldwide across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. Dentists often receive continuing education to stay up to date with the technology, procedures, and tools being developed to improve dental care in Canada and across the globe. Dentists in Canada must also be registered and licensed through the province they work in.

 

Find a Dentist

 

The 123Dentist care network has general dentistry clinics near you. Use our simple search to find a local dentist. Or, if you need more information about general dentistry, please contact us directly.

 

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Orthodontic Treatment in Canada

Orthodontics is one of several recognized specialties within dentistry. Orthodontists are dentists who are trained in aligning the teeth and jaws, including the correction of asymmetrical bite patterns. Many dentists are trained to provide some orthodontic treatment but will often refer to an orthodontic specialist when the malocclusion is quite severe.

 

More About Orthodontics

Orthodontists and dentists provide treatment plans for patients who require teeth straightening procedures due to malocclusion (teeth misalignment).

The teeth can become misaligned for several reasons, including accidents or injuries that impact the teeth, jaw, or face, abnormally sized teeth and jaws, or adult teeth that grow in crooked.

Other potential causes of malocclusions include:

• Habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrusting
• The extended use of pacifiers or bottles
• Losing milk teeth (baby teeth) early, which can cause adult teeth to grow in at a slant
• Cleft lip and other oral conditions
• Conditions such as TMD (temporomandibular)
• Gum diseases that lead to loose teeth
• Genetics
• Poor nutrition (especially in children as the teeth develop)
• Poor dental care or dental hygiene
• Tumours in the mouth or jaw

 

These may lead to crooked teeth, as well as issues such as overbites (when the upper front teeth rest in front of the lower front teeth) and underbites (when the lower front teeth rest in front of the upper front teeth). Less commonly, they can also lead to open bites, cross bites, and over spaced or crowded teeth. Although many of these issues first appear in children, they may also present later in teens and adults.

In turn, malocclusions can impact a person’s quality of life, causing them pain or discomfort when chewing or biting, speech problems, and low self-esteem. Orthodontics aims to structurally and cosmetically correct the teeth and jaw to restore full function and aesthetics to the mouth, jawline, and face.

 

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Orthodontic Treatment Options in Canada

There are several types of orthodontic treatments available in Canada. Potential treatment options for malocclusions and “bad bites” such as overbites and underbites include:

• The removal of teeth (particularly when the teeth are overcrowded)
• Jaw surgery
• Dental appliances

 

Two main types of dental appliances are used by orthodontists to correct malocclusions: Clear aligner therapy such as Invisalign and traditional orthodontics (braces). These may be used for cosmetic or structural reasons, or both.

Invisalign

Invisalign is the most advanced clear aligner system in the dental market and remains one of the foremost choices for patients who do not wish to wear braces. 3D imaging of the teeth is used to create a series of clear plastic trays that slowly reposition the teeth.

 

Learn More About Invisalign®

 

Traditional Orthodontics

Traditional metal wired braces are the most common form of traditional orthodontics. Metal brackets adhered to the teeth are connected together with wires that need periodic tightening to slowly straighten the teeth. There are also other types of braces available, including titanium braces and lingual braces.

 

Learn More About Traditional Orthodontics

 

Find an Orthodontic Provider Near You

There are plenty of options when it comes to orthodontic treatments. The 123Dentist network of dentists and dental specialists includes a number of orthodontic clinics in Canada. Use our simple search to find an orthodontic provider near you.

 

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Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

There is a wide range of cosmetic dentistry procedures available to improve your smile and give you a newfound sense of confidence. Achieving a beautiful smile is possible!

 

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About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry includes dental procedures that are aimed at enhancing the look of your teeth. In many cases, these procedures also have health benefits. For example, a dental crown can cover a misshapen tooth while also protecting the tooth from potential damage.

 

Cosmetic dentistry is not considered a separate specialty in dentistry, and most dental clinics in Canada offer a range of procedures that focus on improvements to the visual appeal of teeth. Check with a local dentist to find out which cosmetic procedures they can perform.

 

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Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over a natural tooth to restore its look and feel and keep your smile consistent. If you have chipped or cracked teeth, discoloured teeth, or teeth with large dental fillings, tooth-coloured dental crowns are a potential solution.

 

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Hollywood Smile Makeover

A Hollywood smile is within reach! Smile makeovers involve a custom treatment plan to correct issues such as misalignment, misshapen or missing teeth, discoloured or stained teeth, or a “gummy smile.” Shiny, straight, white teeth can be achieved, even in cases of severe cosmetic concerns.

 

Learn More About About the Hollywood Smile Makeover

 

Dental Lumineers

Dental Lumineers are a specific type of dental veneers. Ultra-thin and often referred to as “no-prep” veneers, Lumineers cover the tooth surface and provide a permanent solution to tooth discolouration, chips and cracks, and other common cosmetic issues.

 

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Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells made from porcelain or resin that permanently cover the front of a tooth. They’re often used for front teeth that have been damaged or discoloured. Porcelain veneers can help improve your smile by restoring the polish and colour of your teeth.

 

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Other Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic dentists are often able to use multiple solutions to improve the overall look of your smile. Inlays and onlays, dental implants, and teeth whitening are just a few ways you can achieve a smile that is confident and comfortable.

Many cosmetic procedures are elective, which means that they are not necessary from a health perspective. However, they can also be incredibly important for those who feel embarrassed or concerned about the look of their smile.

Many health-related dental procedures also offer cosmetic options. For example, crowns may be necessary to protect a tooth, but they can also be designed using materials that blend almost perfectly with your natural teeth. If you need crowns, bridges, dental implants, or other dental work completed, be sure to ask your dentist about how you can maintain a white and healthy-looking smile.

 

Our Top Tips for a Healthy and Beautiful Smile

Like any part of the body, the condition of your teeth can be controlled by factors such as genetics, disease, traumas, and lifestyle. Although it’s not always possible to have or maintain a Hollywood smile without help from a dentist, there are plenty of ways you can maintain and improve your smile at home and in the dentist’s office.

 

Here are a few tips from the 123Dentist network of Canadian dentists:

 

• Maintain good oral health by practicing regular at-home oral hygiene as outlined by your dentist. Don’t forget to make flossing part of your regular routine and brush for two minutes to maintain healthy gums.
• Choose a toothpaste that meets your patient specific needs, whether it is sensitivity, whitening, a highly fluoridated toothpaste and use a toothbrush recommended by your dentist.
• Avoid teeth-staining food and drink like red wine, coffee, and berries if you are concerned about the colour of your teeth.
• Drink water after meals to rinse out the mouth, and especially after having sugary, sticky, chewy, or acidic food.
• Use oral appliances such as mouth guards and retainers as instructed by your dentist.
• Stay up to date on maintenance by booking regular appointments and cleanings with your dentist and dental hygienist.
• If you smoke or use tobacco products, quit now! It’s never too late to quit smoking.
• If you’re concerned about how your teeth look, have a conversation with your dentist about the potential cosmetic procedures that could restore your smile.