At West Bowmanville Family Dental, we prefer to take a holistic view of our patients’ dental health. This approach has grown in popularity over the past few years, especially as we begin to understand more about the link between oral health and overall health, particularly with gum disease.
Holistic dentistry, sometimes also called biocompatible dentistry, allows us to focus on treating the entire person. There are various ways to do this.
Preventive Dentistry
We are passionate about preventive dentistry in Newcastle. With the right oral care, many common dental problems can be prevented.
This is why we encourage patients to come and see us regularly for dental checkups and hygiene appointments. This approach allows us to detect any small issues quickly, before they cause discomfort and pain and when they are easier and less intrusive to treat.
Digital Imaging
Dental X-rays are needed periodically to assess areas hidden from view or to diagnose a dental problem, such as a cavity. We use digital X-ray equipment that emits a small amount of radiation and is far safer than older-style film images.
Our dentists can also view these images on the treatment screens immediately and explain the results to you while you sit in the dental chair.
Biocompatible Materials
If you require dental treatment, especially restorative dentistry in Clarington, we use biomimetically designed materials that work harmoniously with your body, mimicking natural tooth structures.
These materials include the following, as described below.
Ceramic Dental Implants
Most dental implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible material that provides excellent, long-lasting results. However, we realize some people may prefer a metal-free alternative, which is why we are one of the few dental practices offering ceramic implants made from zirconia.
Ceramic dental implants are ideal for anyone concerned about metal allergies or sensitivities. We recommend a MELISA test to identify and diagnose these allergies.
A ceramic implant is also good for someone concerned about aesthetics, especially when they may have thinner gum tissue than average and where titanium metal implants could shine through.
Ceramic Dental Crowns
Previously, ceramic crowns had a metal base covered with porcelain. Nowadays, we can create beautiful, precision-fitted ceramic crowns using the latest digital technology.
These metal-free crowns are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. They are made by taking a digital dental impression of the prepared tooth, so there is no need for an uncomfortable tray impression.
CAD/CAM software allows us to custom-design your new dental crown and fabricate it using our on-site milling machine. After it is made, we hand-finish it, and it can be ready to fit on the same day. You don’t need to return for a second visit.
Replacing Amalgam Fillings
Many people have older-style amalgam fillings that may be reaching the end of their natural life. We take extensive precautions when removing these dental fillings, using high filtration to capture mercury vapours and a protective rubber dam to isolate the tooth.
The filling can be replaced with a ceramic inlay or onlay, or with a filling made from composite resin, a tooth-coloured material that is durable and beautiful.
High Magnification
Teeth are tiny, and getting a clear view inside someone’s mouth is sometimes tricky. This is why we routinely use dental loupes to obtain a better view during every treatment. Some procedures require excellent vision, such as root canal therapy. During this treatment, we use a dental operating microscope, enhancing our vision by up to 20 times.
When you visit our dental office, you can be sure of receiving treatment using the latest, safest techniques and the highest-quality materials.
