Frequently asked questions


Why visit the dentist and the hygienist?

Fifty years ago, it was common to see people in their sixties wearing dentures. Prevention was almost nonexistent.

Fortunately, times have changed. Today, simple preventive measures such as regular brushing and flossing, combined with regular visits to your hygienist to remove tartar and plaque will help you keep your teeth your whole life.

Prevention also includes regular dental check-ups during which your dentist will screen for oral cancer, detect cavities and periodontal diseases. Also, he will analyze the x-rays taken in order to properly see all the places hidden to the naked eye: inside the teeth and underneath the restorations and gums.

In dental health, prevention enhances the quality of life.

What is done during the initial examination?

During your first visit to our office, we take the time to get acquainted. The initial examination is longer and more complete than routine examinations. However, if your first visit is for an emergency or a consultation, we will focus on this specific item.

At your first appointment, we will review:

  • Your medical history
    • Are there any medical conditions that affect your oral health?
  • Your dental health
    • What is the current condition of your mouth? Do you have any cavities or broken restorations?
  • Your periodontal health (gum)
    • How healthy are your gums? We’ll measure the depth of your gums in millimeters to determine their health condition. This factor is an indicator of predisposition to gum disease and can indicate whether you will keep your teeth for a long time.
  • Verification of oral hygiene
    • What are your dental habits at home? Do you floss? Do you brush your teeth twice a day? Do you use interdental brushes?
  • Prosthodontics evaluation
    • Are there any missing teeth? If so, what are the different options available to replace them?
  • Radiological examination
    • Some surfaces are not visible to the naked eye, for example: between the teeth, underneath restorations, infection within the tooth and abnormal lesions such as cysts.

Why remove wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are often below the gum line and can be associated with recurrent infections, pain, swelling and cause cavities to adjacent teeth if badly positioned. They may also cause the destruction of the jawbone and the formation of cysts.

We recommend removing wisdom teeth between 17 to 20 years old. At that age, the teeth are not fully formed yet, the bone is less dense and is farther from the nerve of the jaw. Young patients often have fewer complications and recover more quickly than patients 35 years and older.