Dental questions & answers.
Search for a topic or browse below—we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from patients.
Dental procedures & treatments
This planning tool lets you preview your future smile before treatment begins. It’s a mix of tech and artistry—and it’s helping patients feel more confident every step of the way.
Learn more: What is Digital Smile Design
Yes—implants aren’t all the same. Some support a single crown, others hold bridges or full dentures. What works best depends on your health, bone density, and what you’re looking to restore.
Learn more: Are there different types of dental implants?
There’s no universal answer. Invisalign® works well for mild to moderate shifts and is easy to live with. Braces are sometimes better for complex changes. A consult can help you decide what fits.
Learn more: Which is better for my smile, Invisalign or braces?
Digital tools like 3D scans and virtual previews make it easier to plan your smile—and see what’s possible before anything begins. It’s not just futuristic—it’s practical.
Learn more: How can digital technology improve my smile?
Lumineers are thin covers placed on the front of your teeth to change their shape, colour, or spacing. They’re less invasive than traditional veneers—and the results can be dramatic.
Learn more: What are Lumineers, and how do they improve my smile?
Restorative dentistry fixes problems—like cavities, missing teeth, or broken fillings. Cosmetic dentistry improves the look of your smile, with treatments like whitening or veneers. Sometimes, they overlap.
Learn more: What’s the difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry?
A root canal has a scary reputation, but it’s usually no worse than getting a filling. The goal is to remove the infection, clean the area, and seal the tooth—so you can keep it without the pain.
Learn more: What is a root canal and does it hurt?
A custom mouthguard is made just for you—fitting snugly and staying in place during activity. Over-the-counter versions are cheaper, but they can feel bulky or loose. Comfort and protection often come down to fit.
Learn more: Custom vs. off the shelf mouthguards
A dental implant is like a new root for your missing tooth—anchored in your jaw and topped with a crown that looks and feels real. It’s a longer process, but the results can be life-changing if the fit is right.
Learn more: How do dental implants work and what should I know before getting one?
Most people should visit the dentist every six months. But if you’re prone to gum issues or cavities, you might need more frequent visits.
Learn more: How Often Should I See My Dentist?
Tooth pain can have a few causes—maybe a cavity, maybe clenching, maybe something else. If it doesn’t go away quickly, don’t wait it out. A dentist can help figure out what’s behind it and get you some relief.
Learn more: Top 3 Reasons Teeth Hurt
First, they get rid of the decay. Then they fill the gap with a sturdy material—usually something like composite resin. It’s all about stopping the damage and keeping your tooth strong.
Learn more: Dental Fillings
When a tooth gets infected deep inside, a root canal clears it out. Your dentist removes the tissue, carefully cleans the space, and seals it up. It sounds intense, but it’s often the best way to save the tooth and ease the pain.
Learn more: What’s Involved in Root Canal Therapy
Dental appliances include things like mouth guards, retainers, and dentures. They’re made just for you—and they help with everything from grinding to sleep issues to missing teeth.
Learn more: Dental Appliances
A dental bridge fills the space left by a missing tooth. It uses the teeth on either side to hold a false one in place—kind of like bookends supporting a shelf.
Learn more: Dental Bridges
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens your enamel and helps fight off cavities. You’ll find it in toothpaste, and often in drinking water too. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference over time.
Learn more: All About Fluoride
Dentistry today uses tools like 3D imaging, digital scanners, and same-day crown machines to help make treatment faster, clearer, and more comfortable.
Learn more: Top 10 New Technologies in Dentistry
A tiny crack in your tooth might not be easy to spot—but it can cause pain when you chew or drink something cold. Some don’t need treatment, but others might need a crown or repair.
Learn more: Hairline Tooth Fractures
Scaling is a deep clean for your gums. Your hygienist uses special tools to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that can build up under the gumline. It’s often part of a regular cleaning for people with early signs of gum disease.
Learn more: What Is Scaling?
It’s usually the freezing—that local anesthetic can leave your tongue and lips feeling tingly or numb for a few hours. If it lasts into the next day, it’s a good idea to check in with your clinic.
Learn more: Numb Tongue After Dental Procedures