Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common oral health problems and how can I prevent them?
Common oral health problems include gum disease, inflammation of the gums, cavities and oral cancer. These problems can be prevented with proper oral care. This includes regular dental check-ups (we recommend seeing your dentist twice a year), brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least one a day, maintaining a good diet, refraining from smoking or chewing tobacco, and checking your mouth regularly for signs of disease.
Why should I floss daily?
Flossing is necessary because toothbrushes cannot remove the food particles, plaque and bacteria from in between the teeth. The areas between the teeth are extremely susceptible to bacteria growth and decay. Flossing helps to clean these spaces and prevent plaque from building up, which helps to prevent gum disease.
What are some options for improving the appearance of my teeth?
ASK Dental Clinic offers many restorative services to treat cavities, chips or cracks on teeth, fractures, discolouration and other problems. For example:
- Metallic fillings (inlays/onlays) and crowns can be replaced by CEREC 3D Restoration – using a ceramic material that matches the colour of your teeth.
- Porcelain veneers can be used to fix discoloured teeth, malpositioned teeth, gaps between teeth, and more.
- Missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, a crown, bridge or dentures.
- Teeth can be straightened through conventional braces.
- You can purchase teeth whitening kits from ASK Dental Clinic to brighten your smile.
How does billing and payment work?
Dental services are not covered by Alberta Health Care, but most insurance plans cover some or most dental services. If you have questions about your specific insurance plan and what is (or is not) covered, please ask our staff and we will assist you.
Payment is due as services are rendered (see non-assignment). If you have dental insurance, we will electronically submit your claim to your insurance company, and your money should be refunded to you within 3-4 business days.
For more details see Understanding Dental Insurance.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria. Gingivitis begins with plaque, which is a clear sticky substance that forms on your teeth every day. Plaque contains bacteria, and if left in place it will harden into tartar, which must be removed by a dental professional.
The easiest way to prevent gingivitis is to control the amount of plaque in your mouth by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
What should I do if I suspect I have gingivitis?
If you have noticed that your gums are puffy, red or bleeding when you brush, or have changed colour, you may have gingivitis. We recommend that you book an appointment with ASK Dental Clinic immediately for a diagnosis.
Why is it so important to treat gingivitis?
It is important for your overall health that you seek dental care if you have gingivitis because the bacteria in your oral cavity will also circulate throughout your bloodstream, impacting your liver, pancreas, insulin resistance, and glucose tolerance for diabetics.
Inflammation of the gums can also lead to periodontal disease, which causes the tissues around the root of your teeth to loosen, making your teeth loose and wobbly. Gum inflammation has also been linked with heart disease, diabetes, low birth-weight in babies and pneumonia.
Do you have more questions? Let us answer them. Give us a call today!