Preventative Dentistry

At Boundary Dental Clinic we promote preventative dentistry for the entire family. We only get to see you a few times a year so we try and emphasize the importance of maintaining your oral health. In addition to routine oral health check-ups and cleanings we can provide other preventative treatments to extend the longevity of your teeth.

Dental Exam

At Boundary Dental Clinic we believe preventative care is the key to maintain your oral health. In addition to brushing and flossing, the best form of preventive dentistry is to attend your 6 month exams and cleanings.  It is through this consistency that we can identify any unusual changes that can occur in your teeth and soft tissues of the mouth.  A comprehensive dental exam is critical to your ongoing dental health and can only be performed by your dentist. At your initial dental appointment we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early and plan to spend 60-90 minutes in our office. Your first appointment will include a comprehensive oral exam, cleaning, as well as x-rays to help assess your oral health.

A dental exam can catch problems before you see or feel them. Identifying problems early makes them generally easier and less expensive to treat.

 Your dentist will be looking for:

• Tooth decay (cavities) and damage.
• Periodontal (gum) disease.
• Signs of oral cancer.
• Condition of previous dental work.
• General health of your face, mouth and jaw.

Dental Cleaning

The primary function of a dental cleaning appointment is to remove harmful bacteria that cause cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Regular dental cleanings are the cornerstone for a lifetime of dental health.

Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

• Removal of tartar and plaque that forms on the teeth causing tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• Polishing to remove superficial stains

Is it time for your dental check-up? If so please contact Boundary Dental Clinic and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.

Sealants

One type of preventative treatment to cavities is the placement of dental sealants. Sealants are a thin coating that is applied to the grooves (pits and fissures) on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Tooth decay occurs on these surfaces because brushing cannot always get into all of the nooks and crannies. Sealants act as a protective barrier for teeth by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves.The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. However, adults can benefit from sealants as well. 

Fluoride Treatments

Another form of prevention for tooth decay is the use of topical fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in soil, water and various foods. Fluoride works by strengthening the tooth enamel, making teeth stronger and more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria. Everyone ingests the mineral to some extent on a daily basis. In addition, approximately 40% of Canadians receive fluoride in their community water supply. However, the lower mainland municipalities do not fluoridate their water.

Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay.  Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of topical home and/or professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons:

• Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
• Exposed and sensitive root surfaces.
• Poor oral hygiene habits.
• Poor saliva flow due to medical treatments, conditions or medications.
• A history of dental decay.

Please contact Boundary Dental Clinic if you have any questions.

Nightguards

Many people will clench or grind their teeth while they sleep. It is also very common for these people to be unaware of their clenching or grinding habits. Over time, a variety of signs may arise that your dentist will see before symptoms progress. Sometimes a nightguard is required to avoid further damage to one’s teeth and alleviate other symptoms in the muscles, joints and teeth.  

Sportsguards

If you are involved in any type of contact sport, a sportsguard is necessary to protect your teeth.  Having a customized sportsguard fabricated at your dentist’s office will ensure a higher level of comfort around your teeth and gums.  For those with braces on their teeth, a customized sportsguard will help avoid severe soft tissue damage from trauma to the mouth.

Please contact Boundary Dental Clinic if you have any questions.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is on the rise and early detection is a key factor in successfully treating it. The largest risk factors for oral cancer are smoking, alcohol and HPV exposure. When these factors are combined, the patient’s risk is amplified.  However, oral cancers are still found without any of these common risk factors.  Therefore, regular check-ups with your dentist will ensure all aspects of your oral health are constantly monitored.  At Burnaby Family Dental we evaluate the patient’s entire mouth (teeth, gums, soft tissue, bones, muscles, joints) at every dental exam to accurately monitor the subtle changes in one’s mouth.

Please contact Boundary Dental Clinic if you have any questions.