Frequently Asked Questions

Since no two people are alike, there is no standard answer for this question. We take the time to get to know each of our patients, including their past dental history, present condition, future needs and goals at checkups. We then customize a treatment plan for that individual's particular needs and goals, and the patient sees our hygienist for a comprehensive cleaning.

Studies show that anywhere from 70–90% of adults have some form of gum disease, requiring more frequent visits to ensure dental health. With new information linking gum disease to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, it is more important than ever to keep your gums healthy and happy. Gum disease is very difficult to find on your own since often it is not painful. While daily brushing and daily flossing go a long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth, it's wise to check for plaque that has hardened into tartar — this condition requires professional cleaning to avoid gingivitis.

We usually like to see children in our Cornwall office by 18 months, so we can anticipate the development of their overall bite and dental development prior to the emergence of the permanent teeth. At this young age, it's quite simple to recognize and take steps to prevent potential future problems. The first time we meet them is often during one of the parent's or sibling's appointments.

We are very proud of our children's dentistry program. Our team will be happy to take your little one on a tour of the office and give them a prize to make their first visit a memorable one. We'll introduce ourselves and make them feel comfortable with our team. Then, on their first real visit, we treat them gently and with special care, ensuring the experience is positive and non-threatening. Of course, if your toddler accidentally chips or knocks out a tooth prior to this age, you should let us know right away. Learn more about children's dentistry.

If the tooth is not soiled, try to reposition it in the tooth socket and come in as soon as possible for treatment — the tooth should be re-implanted no later than 30 minutes after it is lost. The sooner the better. If the tooth is soiled, rinse it off with milk (or salt water if no milk is available), reposition in the socket, and come in for treatment. Do not scrape the tooth surface, and definitely do not rinse in alcohol to clean it.

If your child's tooth is knocked out during office hours, but there is no imminent medical emergency, please contact us immediately at (613) 932-2058. Our office staff will help you determine the safest and most appropriate plan of action.

If it's after office hours, go to the Emergency Department at the local hospital. Try to reposition the tooth yourself. If you are unable to do so, store the tooth in milk. Do not let it dry out. Do not, under any circumstances, clean it with alcohol.

There are a number of procedures available to help whiten your smile — from convenient at-home whitening to advanced cosmetic solutions. Dr. Deneka and Dr. Lee can help evaluate your potential for whitening your teeth, based on their current colour and the causes of any discolouration. Once you have decided on the most appropriate method, we can start you along the road to a great smile. Start with our teeth whitening page.

When you decide to correct or enhance your smile, Dr. Deneka and Dr. Lee will complete a thorough and comprehensive oral exam, discuss your smile goals, and create a treatment plan. Whether you're considering teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, or a full smile makeover, we will discuss your options.

Your goals are an important aspect of smile analysis. Our job is to help you achieve those goals. We often use digital photographs and cosmetic wax-ups to help you see the future. When you are in the office, ask to see some of our smile makeovers in our smile gallery. We believe in thorough planning and do not want to rush your treatment — we feel that we get better results this way.

The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease. Of graver importance are the links between gum disease and various serious conditions including heart disease, stroke, respiratory ailments, osteoporosis, diabetes, low birth weight, and premature babies.

It's important to realize healthy gums do not bleed with brushing and flossing. Bleeding is typically a sign of gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Gum disease is a progressive condition that can be prevented if diagnosed and treated early; however, more advanced stages can often cause irreversible damage. Be sure to have your teeth and gums checked regularly to prevent problems from gum disease.

Remember, bleeding is generally not a normal event. If you noticed bleeding from your fingernails after you washed your hands, you would be concerned. The same should hold true for your teeth. Learn more about gum disease treatment.

You may not realize it, but even when your mouth is clean, it is full of bacteria. These naturally occurring microorganisms like to eat even the smallest bits of leftover food particles; after doing this, they deposit a sticky residue on the teeth called plaque or biofilm. Plaque accumulates during the day, especially in places where your toothbrush can't reach. Left to harden into tartar (calculus), plaque build-up irritates your gums and can trigger inflammation and gum disease.

In fact, you can eliminate much of this plaque by carefully brushing and properly flossing every day. Your toothbrush reaches the tops and sides of the teeth, while the floss cleans between the teeth, polishing them, and controlling bad breath. So, in just an extra minute or two, you've taken a giant step in the war against those bacteria.

Think of it this way: brushing is like washing the top of your car, while flossing is like cleaning the wheel wells and undercarriage. Only the latter helps to avoid rust.

A new smile can revitalize your overall appearance and improve your self-esteem. Several procedures can give you a brighter, more attractive smile without orthodontics — including veneers, esthetic crowns, whitening, bonding, and a smile makeover.

After conducting a thorough examination and consultation, we can create a customized treatment plan to help you get that new smile. We will spend the time planning to ensure you get the best we have to offer. We don't want to imply that everyone can be treated without orthodontics; if your particular situation is best treated that way, we will let you know — including options such as Invisalign. You can visit our smile gallery to see some of our happy smiles.