General Dentistry
Our main objective at Copper Ridge Family Dental Clinic is to help our patients preserve the longevity of their teeth and ensure good oral health. Studies have shown that there is a direct connection between oral health and overall health. We offer various preventative dentistry services to meet your specific needs and monitor for conditions that may occur. Early detection is an important step in order to maintain your natural teeth and to prevent dental emergencies. At Copper Ridge Family Dental Clinic, we offer a wide range of services to monitor and improve your oral health.
Initial and recall examinations are to assess your head, neck, and oral cavity for any abnormalities, such as for oral cancer, cavities, periodontal disease, pain, or loss of function. The objective of these comprehensive exams are to work with you to determine a treatment plan that guides you towards optimal oral health.
Emergency examinations are used to manage trauma, infection, swelling, bleeding, and/or moderate to severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications. If you have a dental emergency we will do our best to see you at your earliest convenience.
Specific examinations are intended to address a single issue that is not an emergency; for example, a chipped tooth, lost filling, dental sensitivity, jaw joint discomfort, or a broken denture. If possible, we will address your issue at the same appointment, but one of more additional appointments may be necessary.
Consultations are meant to discuss possible treatment options without the expectation that treatment be completed at that visit; for example, you may want to inquire about crowns, veneers, bleaching, implants, and/or dentures. If a treatment plan is determined, then initial records may be taken, such as impressions and/or photos.
Our dentists have the skill and training needed to detect early signs of disease and will do so at your regular dental check-ups. Comprehensive care and early detection are essential for being treated successfully. If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, contact us right away at (709) 532-8333.
If you have complex needs or wants, you may be referred to one or more specialists, such as an orthodontist, pediatric dentist, endodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and/or periodontist, for a consultation and limited treatment.
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Accidents and infections can happen to your mouth at any time and could be potentially serious. At Copper Ridge Family Dental Clinic, we aim to provide same-day emergency dental services to ensure you get the dental care you need, when you need it most. If you experience trauma, infection, swelling, bleeding, and/or moderate to severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications, contact us right away at (709) 532-8333.
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We offer tooth-coloured composite fillings for restoring teeth that are decayed and/or fractured. In cases of deep decay, you may experience some sensitivity after a filling while the tooth heals; however, if you have increasing pain when biting on a recently filled tooth then the filling may need to be adjusted or the tooth may need root canal treatment. If the decay and/or fracture is near the pulp tissue inside of the tooth, then the tooth would likely need root canal treatment before it can be properly restored. We recommend crowns for larger fillings and teeth that have been root canal treated to support the weakened tooth structure.
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Root canal treatment, also referred to as endodontic therapy, is a treatment used when the pulp tissue of a tooth has become inflamed or infected by decay, cracks, or trauma. During this treatment the infected or injured pulp tissue is removed from inside the crown and roots of the tooth, and this space is filled up and sealed off with a rubber-like substance called gutta percha.
Root canal treatment can be used to help save and restore a tooth instead of extraction. In some cases, a root canal cannot be done in our clinic and we would refer you to an endodontist to have your root canal completed there.
Teeth that have been root canal treated become brittle and therefore typically should be protected with a crown. If the tooth has a large filling it may require additional support with a post and a core before it can be crowned.
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A crown, sometimes called a “cap”, is an artificial tooth shaped covering designed to fit naturally and restore the strength of teeth. A crown protects a tooth from further damage and may be needed if you have a root canal, a large filling, or a broken tooth.
In some cases, the decay or fracture is near the level of the bone surrounding the tooth. In order to effectively place a crown on the tooth, the level of gums and bone may need to be moved down below the damaged part of the tooth with a surgery called crown lengthening. This allows the damaged part of the tooth to be properly protected by a crown.
Crowns for adult teeth are typically made of tooth-coloured ceramics, ceramics with metal, or all gold. Crowns for baby molars are made of stainless steel.
A tooth that has a crown is cared for the same as your natural teeth. While the crown itself cannot decay, it can be broken from grinding or trauma. The tooth underneath the crown can still experience decay, so brushing and flossing your crown will help ensure its long-term success. If you have a grinding habit, your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your crown(s).
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Extractions are recommended for teeth that are severely decayed, fractured, infected, and/or loose. Extractions are needed if the tooth cannot be saved or if root canal treatment is not an appropriate option. Sometimes teeth do not have enough space to erupt and become impacted in the jawbone. Impaction is common with third molars (wisdom teeth), and may cause complications if not removed. Occasionally teeth are strategically extracted to allow for proper movement of the remaining teeth through orthodontics.
In some cases, sharp, pointy or otherwise unfavourable bone or overgrown soft tissue may need to be removed before fitting a denture. Simple bone shaping can be done at our clinic; however, extractions and other oral surgeries with higher risk of complications may require referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in complex surgical procedures and can offer conscious sedation.
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A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using the surrounding teeth as a foundation. It can be thought of as multiple crowns fused together that extend across the area that has no teeth and creates a bridge between the remaining teeth that involves one or more false teeth. It is important that the teeth that support the bridge are strong and not too far apart. There are different types of bridges and our dentist will determine if this is an appropriate tooth replacement option for your situation.
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Dental implants are an option for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is used to take the place of the missing roots of a tooth and to support an artificial replacement crown, bridge, or denture. The implant is typically made of titanium metal and inserted into the jawbone with a simple surgery. Once the implant has healed, the artificial replacement tooth, bridge, or denture is then attached into the implant. In select cases, temporary crowns, bridges, or dentures may be placed on the implants right away.
The implant requires strong, healthy bone and gums for long-term success. In some cases, bone and/or gum grafting procedures may be necessary to provide adequate support of the implant. To see if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants, please contact us for a consultation. Additional consultations and treatment may involve an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and/or periodontist for placement of implants, bone, and/or gum grafts, and a prosthodontist if complex implant restorations are needed.
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Do you have a sore jaw? Do you clench or grind your teeth? A night guard, also referred to as a bite plane, may help. Our dentist will determine if you’re the right candidate for a night guard. If so, we can create an appropriate removable dental appliance that covers the biting surface of your teeth and is specifically designed for your mouth. Having a custom-made night guard will fit properly and comfortably, allowing you to sleep knowing that your teeth and jaw have protection from damage. Wearing a night guard is particularly important if you have crowns or implants, which may be at greater risk of failing if you have a tendency to grind your teeth at night.
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We can create a custom-fit mouthguard to help protect you from injuries to the teeth, cheeks, tongue, and jaw. A sports guard can also help protect your head and brain from a concussion if the impact is on the lower jaw. Due to the precise fit, these sport guards will provide excellent safety and comfort.
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