Dentistry Blog
June 15th, 2011
Mini implants are an excellent option for most patients looking to replace one or more missing teeth. Ideal candidates should be in good general and oral health. If you have periodontal disease, it will have to be treated before your mini implants are placed.
Because mini implants are much smaller than conventional dental implants, they require much less bone structure for placement. As a result, they are an ideal solution for many patients who do not have sufficient jawbone to accommodate a full sized dental implant. Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, mini implants have a very short recovery time. Therefore, it is an excellent option for patients who would rather not deal with the long healing period associated with conventional implants.
There are certain issues which may rule you out as a candidate for mini implants. These include:
- A history of radiation treatments in the jaw
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Immune deficiency diseases
Calgary dentist Dr. Steven Cload has successfully placed mini implants in many patients who have worn dentures for years and simply desire a better fit for their dentures. Using mini implants to support dentures preserves more of your healthy bone structure and makes your dentures a more stable restoration.
Please contact our dental office today to schedule your initial mini implant consultation. Southcentre Dental Clinic serves patients in Calgary, Alberta.
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Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
June 15th, 2011
Invisalignis an amazing technology for straightening teeth.
Every 2 weeks you place a new clear plastic tray on your teeth that is designed to make very small movements of the teeth. When you place the next Invisalign tray on your teeth 2 weeks later it will be slightly different to the previous Invisalign tray and create further movement. This movement is very controlled.
Of course the big benefit over traditional braces is there are no metal brackets and wires. Much more aesthetic. Here in Calgary at Southcentre Dental Clinic we find Invisalign excellent at correcting crowding of the upper and lower front teeth in adults.
Maybe you have always wanted to have straight teeth but felt braces were just too much . Contact us for a free initial consultation and we can take a look and see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
June 11th, 2011
Snoring. It rarely troubles the snorer,but the rest of the household. Now that’s a different matter.
Before we treat our patients in Calgary with dental snoring devices we send them home with a easy to use snoring/sleep apnea testing device called an ARES. Would you believe many of our patients record sustained snoring levels equivalent to someone singing loudly( opera level) in their bedroom. No wonder some partners sleep in separate rooms or on separate floors.
On a serious note though snoring can be associated in many cases with sleep apnea which is deadly. Apnea is when the snorer stops snoring and begin to gasp for air. This is associated with and can cause diabetes, coronary disease, impotence, weight gain , insomnia and sleepiness in the daytime.
If you or someone you know is snoring or gasping for air contact us for a consultation and a simple take home sleep test. After the testing information is analysed we can help you with possible treatment or referral as needed.
Posted in Sleep Apnea, Uncategorized | Comments Off
June 9th, 2011
If you suffer from chronic, debilitating headaches and have been unable to successfully treat them, you might want to visit your dentist. Many people with frequent migraines also have a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). This condition develops when your jaw is misaligned. By treating the causes of your TMJ, Dr. Cload can often relieve you of the painful headaches you regularly experience.
The first step in your headache treatment is to alleviate any pain associated with your misaligned jaw. Dr. Cload will use a TENS unit to apply ultra-low frequency electrical stimulation to your jaw muscles. This will relax them and make it easier to locate your jaw’s ideal resting position.
Once your pain has been alleviated, Dr. Cload will work towards finding a more long term solution that moves your jaw into its ideal resting position. This can be accomplished using a variety of TMJ treatment methods, including:
- Orthotic devices
- Full mouth reconstruction
- Dental restorations
- Orthodontics
Dr. Cload will recommend the ideal treatment option for you based on your unique oral health needs and the severity of your jaw misalignment.
If you suffer from chronic headaches, please contact Dr. Cload today to schedule your initial TMJ consultation. Southcentre Dental Clinic serves patients in the Calgary, Alberta area.
Posted in Nueromuscular Dentistry, TMJ/TMD | No Comments »
June 6th, 2011
Many people living in Calgary suffer from migraines. Due to our geographic position , Calgary Chinooks can create severe migraines. Many however suffer from headaches frequently that they believe to be migraines but may be treatable without medication and hiding in a dark room.
Not all frequent and intense headaches are migraines. Constant chronic headaches may actually be caused by your bite. Yes the way your teeth come together can cause intense headaches as part of TMJ
Even if you have had braces and have “straight teeth” that does not mean your bite is in harmony with your head and neck muscles. This discrepancy will give you tension headaches due to fatigue in the muscles. You may have other symptoms that you did not associate with your headaches but are connected such as neck ache, jaw joint sounds, worn teeth,sensitive teeth ,gum recession to name a few .
If you feel your migraine headaches may actually be a result of your bite and not living in Calgary contact us for an initial free consultation.
Posted in Nueromuscular Dentistry, Uncategorized | No Comments »
May 9th, 2011
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be eager to fill that gap with a dental implant. A dental implant is a great way to create a lasting solution to complete your smile – they maintain a 95% success rate if cared for properly.
If you work with Calgary implant dentist Dr. Steven Cload, you can expect a dedicated and caring staff to help you through the dental implant process. The first meeting you will have with Dr. Cload will help determine which type of dental implant is the right choice for you and whether your gums and jaw could support the implant.
The next time you come in, you will undergo a quick surgical procedure to implant the anchor into your jawbone. This procedure usually is carried out in 15 minutes or less and involves conscious sedation. You will be awake for the procedure, but you most likely won’t remember it afterwards.
Once the dental implant is inserted into your jaw, it will take several months for your jaw to heal. During this time, your jawbone will fuse with the implant, making it highly stable. After your jaw has completely healed, Dr. Cload will connect a titanium post, called an abutment, to the implant and attach a dental crown to the abutment. Your new prosthetic tooth will look and function just like your natural teeth, enabling you to eat whatever you like with a clear conscience.
Please contact our experienced Calgary implant dentist today to schedule your initial consultation at Southcentre Dental Clinic.
Posted in Dental Implants | No Comments »
January 14th, 2011
Mini Implants are a fairly new introduction to the Implant field. Basically the name says it all. They are narrower than traditional implants and so can be used in area where available bone quantity is a issue. They can also be loaded immediately in certain situations.
What does loading immediate loading mean? Traditional implants in most situations cannot be placed into the bone and then be used in the bite straight away. Bone needs to osseointegrate onto the implant. This process of the bone joining to the implant takes 3 months plus.
For patients with loose dentures waiting three plus months is an eternity.Most denture wearers (both partials and full),can in many situations have the mini implants placed and then attached to the denture the same day . This will create a very firm fit immediately.
If you think you are a candidate for immediate mini implants to fix your denture problems call our office and arrange a free consultaion . We would be happy to discuss your options
Posted in Dental Implants, General Dentistry | No Comments »
January 7th, 2011
I know,yet again the fluoride in the water debate has come up in Calgary . Fluoride has lead to a sharp decline in the decay of teeth. Just compare yourself if you are over 30 to youngsters today. They have far few fillings than us in the older generations. When I was a kid growing up in England almost every visit to the Dentist would result in a filling or extraction. Today the level of decay is much lower.
I believe that does have a lot to do with fluoride in the water. However now with so many sources of fluoride especially in toothpaste, not to mention the social implications of receiving a “medication” in something as basic as water, I think it is time to stop adding fluoride to water. I believe the money would be better spent on education and helping families directly who may not understand the benefits of good oral hygiene or cannot afford toothpaste. Education will always be better than just adding fluoride to the water and hoping for the best.
Posted in General Dentistry | No Comments »
December 22nd, 2010
What do we mean when we talk about “smile anatomy”? Simply put, your smile anatomy is all the individual characteristics that work together to make your smile uniquely yours.
As a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Steven Cload is specially trained to notice the details about your appearance and personality that affect your smile. Your smile is more than just teeth and gums. It is affected by your:
- Facial features
- Lip shape
- Tooth shape
- Tooth color
- Tooth size
- Gum line
- Personality
A little change to any of these can alter the impact of your smile. You may think, for example, that cosmetic dentists offer tooth whitening treatments for patients who have otherwise perfect smiles. But the whiteness of your teeth has an effect on how others view you, and a brighter white is often seen as an indication of health, youth, and wealth, even if your teeth are not perfectly straight.
Each detail about your smile not only has an impact, but can be addressed by a skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr. Cload. Evening up your gum line, changing the shape or size of one tooth, or even designing a complete smile makeover can give you the confidence in your appearance that you need to experience life to its fullest potential.
If you would like to learn more about how making a small change to your smile can make a big impact in your life, please contact Calgary cosmetic dentist Dr. Cload today, welcoming patients from all areas of Alberta.
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
December 12th, 2010
A recent news article by Reuters in the Calgary Herald discussed how US regulators are seeking a second opinion on whether mercury containing fillings pose a risk to dental patients especially children and pregnant women.
They want experts to assess how much mercury dental patients are exposed to and how much exposure is acceptable. This is an excellent idea.
Personally I believe we have much better alternatives to mercury fillings today such as white fillings and porcelain. Gold is not to pretty in the mouth but is certainly not toxic. I have not placed a mercury fillings in my office since 1999.
Even if vapours are found not to be an issue the enviromental impact of the amalgam waste is too great. The Canadian Dental Association do recommend Mercury Seperators in the suction system of dental offices to reduce the enviromental impact on our waterways.
Amalgam ( mercury ) fillings have been a wonderful asset to the dental health of the population but we now have alternatives for replacing non- functional old fillings and any new fillings.
Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry | No Comments »
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