FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We want your visit to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete our simple intake process. This helps us understand your needs, check your oral health, and tailor our care to you.

Here's what to expect during your first visit:

• Personalized Care: An hour dedicated to your unique dental needs.

• Spa-like Amenities: Relax and unwind in our comfortable environment.

• Thorough Review: We'll discuss your dental and medical history to ensure comprehensive care.

• Digital X-rays: Digital X-Ray images for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

• Complete Cleaning & Exam: A thorough cleaning and comprehensive oral exam to assess your oral health.

To make your visit even smoother, please bring:

• Identification: Your driver's license or another form of ID.

• Dental Insurance: Your insurance card, if applicable.

• Medication List: A list of any medications you're currently taking.

• New Patient Forms: Complete them in advance or upon arrival.

• Questions & Concerns: Don't hesitate to ask! We're here to address any concerns you may have.

Your dental health is strongly connected to your overall health in several ways. Medical research has observed a connection between poor oral health and other health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and bacterial respiratory infections. Your dental health can affect your general health as oral bacteria can enter the blood stream. There are health conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis which may mean a patient is more at risk for dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Additionally, certain medications can have negative effects on oral health, leading to issues like dry mouth and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups are important not only for maintaining a healthy smile but also for early detection of any potential health issues. At Crown Isle Dental, we prioritize preventive care and education, along with providing comprehensive dental services to ensure our patients' overall health and well-being.

At Crown Isle Dental, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients by exceeding the standards set by the British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA). Our office is equipped with a built-in air purification system, ensuring that the air in our facility is clean and safe. Additionally, we adhere to strict medical-grade sterilization protocols to guarantee that all equipment and instruments used in treatments are thoroughly sterilized. Our patient rooms are also meticulously cleaned to maintain a sparkling clean environment. It is important to note that putting off routine cleanings or necessary treatment can compound health issues, and as licensed medical professionals, we are committed to keeping our patients safe.

At Crown Isle Dental, we generally recommend scheduling an appointment to have your teeth checked by the dentist and professionally cleaned by the hygienist every 6 months. This regular dental visit not only helps us to detect changes to the condition of your teeth and gums, but also plays a crucial role in keeping them healthy.

Additionally, for those who have signs and symptoms of gum disease, more frequent dental cleanings are recommended every 3 months to effectively manage and prevent further progression of the disease. Our team is committed to providing personalized care and addressing individual oral health needs, so feel free to discuss your specific situation with our dental professionals during your visit.

It is important for your dentist to know your medical history as some conditions can have an effect on the outcome of your treatment and some treatments need to be discussed and adapted to best manage health risks.

You will be asked to fill out a medical history form prior to your first appointment and any changes to your health should be communicated to us at subsequent visits. Inform us if you are diabetic, have allergies, heart murmurs, have had any joint replacements, heart surgeries, have any other medical conditions or are taking any medications, such as blood thinners including baby aspirin, or if you have taken bisphosphonate medication for osteoporosis even if it was in the past.

Your confidentiality is strictly protected in our office.

Yes, It is normal to experience some level of sensitivity during and after a dental cleaning, especially if you have not had one in a while. To ensure your comfort during the cleaning, we offer the option of a local anesthetic. Additionally, we provide desensitizing treatments after cleanings and can recommend toothpastes specifically designed for sensitive teeth. While dental cleaning can leave your teeth more sensitive in the short term, it is important to remember that gums are healthier after the trapped toxins in the tartar are removed. Your dental health is worth it!

If you have sensitive teeth, please let us know before your appointment so we can take the necessary steps to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

To ensure your child's oral health from the start, it's essential to begin early. Even before their first tooth emerges, gently wipe their gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria and milk residue.

Once their first tooth appears, typically around six months of age, initiate a brushing routine with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Aim to brush their teeth twice a day, particularly before bedtime.

Schedule your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. These regular dental checkups play a crucial role in monitoring your child's oral health and addressing any concerns early on.

Encourage healthy habits by avoiding the sharing of utensils, toothbrushes, or cleaning pacifiers with your mouth to prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria. Opt for water over sugary drinks like juice or soda to reduce the risk of cavities.

Additionally, offer a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to promote healthy teeth and gums while limiting sugary snacks and beverages. Be a positive role model by practicing good oral hygiene habits yourself, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.

Establishing these habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child, and if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to consult your dentist for guidance and advice.

When we do a new patient exam or a check-up exam we do a head and neck exam and a visual exam of all the mucosal surfaces of the mouth including the top part of the back of the throat and a palpation of the underside of your chin and neck. In addition, we can also use an instrument called a VELscope to screen for any abnormalities in oral mucosa which could be early indicators of oral cancer.

VELscope uses a safe blue light and a green viewing filter, and helps us to discover more information on those abnormalities. It is a simple non evasive screening which has no rinses or dyes and is relatively inexpensive. The examination usually takes less than 5 minutes without any discomfort.

We screen every new patient at their comprehensive exam with the VELscope and recommend re-screening every 12 months.

Crown Isle Dental uses the latest in digital x-ray technology to see how healthy a tooth is on the inside. Dental x-rays reveal the dental issues that aren’t visible to the eye, such as decay between the teeth, under the gum line or around old fillings, as well as gum disease and infections in, below, or around the roots.

In young patients two to four bitewing or check-up x-rays are often recommended once a year to show where new teeth will be coming in, spot any problems, and foresee any dental issues that could occur.In adults full mouth specific x-rays are often recommended at your initial exam to evaluate all areas in detail, including the deeper root areas. After that, for adults, two to four bitewing x-rays are generally recommended every two years. These are general guidelines. X-rays are always prescribed on an individual basis after assessing the risk/benefit factors.

If you have current x-rays within two years for bitewings and five years for full specific x-rays please let us contact your previous dentist so that we can use these instead of taking more x-rays.

We offer nitrous oxide and Ativan in addition to gentle but thorough local anesthetic.

• Nitrous oxide is a very safe and gentle distraction for patients that can make longer appointment times seem shorter, ease tense jaw muscles, and reduce the occurrence of gagging for those patients with a stronger gag reflex. Nitrous is short acting; after 3-5 minutes of oxygen following nitrous use and a 10-15 minute delay to assess your alertness, if you feel comfortable you may resume normal activity.

• Ativan is sometimes prescribed an hour before a dental appointment to help patients stay calm and relax. Patients who are prescribed an oral sedative need to have an adult drive them to and from their appointment and should not return to work or activities requiring their attention and coordination until the effects have worn off. Please ask us in advance of your appointment if you want to consider this oral sedation option for yourself.

Yes! Most people consider white teeth to be important for a beautiful smile. Dental whitening uses a gel formulation which can be a very effective way of lightening the natural color of your teeth. It is a simple, comfortable procedure and noticeable results can usually be obtained in one to three 15 minute office sessions. The number of sessions will be determined by your individual results and preference.

Teeth darken naturally over time, especially with exposure to beverages, foods, and activities that discolor teeth such as coffee, tea, red wine, fruits such as blueberries, and smoking. It is best to avoid these staining types of food for 24 hours after a whitening session so that your whitening results will last longer. Results vary for different individuals and will fade somewhat over time. Touch ups can be done every 3-12 months.

That is an individual choice.

The Canadian Dental Association still supports the placement of new mercury amalgams for adults. Many of our patients choose not to remove their amalgam fillings unless it is necessary due to decay. Some of our patients choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons. There are many opinions on the subject and our dentists encourage patients to be as informed as possible so that they can make knowledgeable choices for themselves.

Amalgam fillings contain Mercury. The highest peak exposure to mercury in dental work is on the day the filling goes in and on the day the filling is removed. Our dental office uses careful procedures to minimize a patient’s exposure to mercury during amalgam removal:

• Use of a rubber dam as much as possible during the removal of fillings.

• Thoroughly rinsing above and below the dam following removal.

• Directing the removed amalgam particles to a mercury trap.

• Having a high quality air exchanger in our office and for very concerned patients there is the option of using an alternate air source to breathe through their nose during the mercury removal process.

• Some of our patients choose to work with a naturopathic doctor and take dietary supplements such as chlorella for a few days after amalgam filling removal. This will help to remove the mercury from their body during and following this peak mercury exposure.

In choosing our filling material we look for the one that will last the longest and offer the safest and healthiest result. Mercury-free fillings are an important consideration for patients and healthcare providers. Our dental office has been placing only mercury free fillings since 1996. Our dental filling materials are also BPA (Bisphenol A) free.