Is Mouthwash A Must?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health, General Dentist

V1Y 8B7 after hours dental

If you’ve ever visited a grocery store dental aisle, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but will they help meet your oral care needs?

Many individuals wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two critical habits that have the greatest impact on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash necessary?

I’m Dr. Stephen Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. When my dental patients ask about mouthwash, I tell them that as long as they follow the directions on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit dental health, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as touted. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can’t hurt your teeth, but allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the same effect.

People who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the issue. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can worsen bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are often more effective for freshening breath. These products are often called fluoride rinses.

If you have severe bad breath, however, you should have your teeth checked out for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to ascertain the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your doctor soon.

Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, elect a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol.

We like to tackle important issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry services, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more!

My practice, Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, provides quality dental care to our valued patients. If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 250-860-8900. A member of my caring staff can answer any questions you have about our services.

Call today!

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Why Aren’t Dental Implant Prices Listed Anywhere?

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Categories: Dental Implants

dental implants Kelowna

You can’t buy dental implants at Costco. You can’t compare price tags on Amazon. The rates aren’t listed on your dentist’s site.

There is a reason for this.

A tooth implant procedure isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The price of a dental implant depends on many factors.

First, let’s specify what we are talking about.

A dental implant is a tooth replacement that is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to the adjacent teeth like a dental bridge. The post replaces the tooth root and is inserted where the tooth root used to be. When the post fuses with the bone, the dentist attaches an abutment and then a crown for the visible portion of the tooth.

It’s important to understand that a dental implant involves several elements:

  1. The post (screw)
  2. The abutment
  3. The crown

So, how much does a dental implant cost?

Give me a rough estimate….

In British Columbia, you can expect to pay from $1,000 to $3,000 for one implant (the post that is screwed in).

Then there is the abutment (connector piece) and crown. These elements could cost from $900 to $3,000.

This would bring the total price tag from $1900 to north of $5,000.

Remember, this is for ONE post, abutment, and crown.

What if I need a whole bunch of implants?

Some men and women spend between $20,000 and $50,000 for a total mouth reconstruction.

Wow!

Implants seem really expensive…

An implant procedure is an oral surgery. It requires consultation and additional visits. It requires X-rays and impressions. You might need bone grafting to augment the bone where the implant will be placed.

There are indirect outlays as well…

Your dentist will purchase the components from a dental supplier. The dental crown is custom-made in a lab. Dental laboratories have pricey equipment. They employ professionals who are specially trained.

Consider your dentist’s schooling. Just one year of dental school costs between $30,000 and $70,000… (Don’t forget, your dentist earned an undergraduate degree before attending dental school.)

Your dentist employs a team of professionals. A dental office must buy and maintain expensive equipment and supplies.

According to the American Dental Association, it costs at least $500,000 to open a dental practice. The yearly overhead can run over $200,000.

Does my dental insurance cover dental implant procedures?

Some British Columbia dental insurance carriers cover dental implants. Some only cover the crown portion. Others don’t cover any portion of the procedure. It’s unfortunate that more dental insurers don’t cover implants. They are significantly less expensive over the long run. They preserve bone. They don’t require removing tooth structure like dental bridges. They don’t have as many complications as dental bridges.

Talk to your provider. If your insurance company doesn’t cover them, or if you don’t have dental insurance, communicate with us about financing.

Tooth implants are costly. No doubt about it.

But if you talk to our patients, each one will tell you that they are worth every penny.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Periodontal Disease Is Linked To Systemic Diseases

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Categories: General Dentist, General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral health

gum disease treatment Kelowna

What do your gums do?

The soft tissue in your mouth, like skin, has an essential job. It protects the roots of your teeth. It also provides a barrier for the connective tissues and ligaments that hold your teeth in their sockets. Plus the alveolar bone in which your teeth are anchored.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease starts with inflammation. Gums become swollen and tender. In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. As the disease advances, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. This is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.

What causes gingivitis?

Bacteria are always present in the oral cavity. When it is left on the teeth and gums, it turns into plaque. Plaque is a thick coating of bacteria on your gums and teeth. Plaque accumulates if it is not removed by rinsing, brushing, and flossing. If plaque builds up in the pockets, the gums can start loosening. When plaque hardens, it is called tartar or calculus. You can’t brush away tartar with your toothbrush. You need to have a professional dental cleaning.

What are signs of gum disease?

  • Inflamed gums
  • Bad breath
  • Detached gums
  • A change in the color of gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Teeth that appear longer
  • Growing spaces between teeth
  • Changes in your bite

How does gingivitis threaten your health?

Gum disease boosts your risk of:

  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Heart attacks
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Asthma
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Low infant birth weight

Can periodontitis be prevented?

Yes. Proper dental hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and a nutritious diet can keep gums healthy.

For information on treatment for periodontitis, schedule a gum disease exam and consultation by calling 250-860-8900.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

What Do You Do If You Get Something Stuck Between Your Teeth?

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Categories: Dental Crowns, Dental health, General Dentist

what to do if something is stuck between your teeth Kelowna

Individuals get food stuck in and between their teeth all the time. Most of the time it is not a problem to get the food unstuck with floss or a toothbrush and move on with your day. However, once in a while there is a pesky piece of food that seems almost impossible to get out of your teeth. So, what do you do if this is the case?

Sometimes, depending on the food that is stuck between your teeth and where the food is stuck, it can be dangerous and possibly damaging to your teeth to remove it on your own. Remember that you do not need to do everything yourself, and it is okay and oftentimes safer to seek professional help.

In fact, Dr. Malfair at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair is available to help you when something is stuck between your teeth and is too challenging or dangerous to get out on your own. A dentist can carefully and safely remove the piece of food that is stuck and causing irritation or discomfort.

When to seek professional dental care to get food unstuck from between your teeth: 

It is important to seek care from a dentist if the food stuck between your teeth causes you pain. Also, if you get food stuck deep between your teeth, in your gums, or in a hard-to-reach location like the back teeth it is a good idea to see a dentist for help.

Trying to take action and fix the dilemma on your own in any of these situations can lead to consequences. For example, if a piece of food gets stuck in the gums and you accidentally push it farther in, making it harder to get out, you may cause your gums to get infected.

This happened to 41-year-old firefighter Adam Martin in January of 2020. Martin got a popcorn kernel stuck between his teeth that he continuously poked at and tried to get unstuck for months. The constant prodding with random sharp objects led to a potentially fatal blood infection that required open heart surgery to treat. After the surgery, Martin said, “If I had gone to the dentist in the first place, then none of this would have happened.”

The possible effects of trying to remove food from between your teeth on your own:

  1. Puncturing and/or infecting the gums
  2. Breaking or cracking the teeth
  3. Creating pain
  4. Causing existing pain to worsen

In conclusion, if you get food stuck between your teeth that does not easily come out by using floss or brushing your teeth you should take caution and seek professional dental help. It is much better to have a dentist safely remove the food than to try to do it yourself and end up in more pain or with an infection.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Let’s Take Care Of Those Tooth Stains

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Categories: Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Treatment, General Dentist, Teeth Whitening

Kelowna Teeth BleachingThe effectiveness of teeth bleaching depends partly on the types of stains.

Extrinsic tooth stains are the best to remove. These surface stains have not yet penetrated through the enamel into the dentin. Extrinsic stains are caused by dark-colored foods and drinks like blueberries, carrots, coffee, red wine, and cola. And nicotine is no better for your smile than it is for your lungs.

Unfortunately, even if you prevent these common teeth stainers, your teeth will become discolored over time. Like gray hair, wrinkles, and memory lapses, a dull smile is an inevitable part of aging for some men and women.

Intrinsic tooth stains appear from the inside out. Tooth injury or tetracycline are the usual culprits. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove entirely, but it is possible to lighten them with professional tooth whitening available at your cosmetic dental office.

If your teeth are stained, whether from coffee, tetracycline, or excessive fluoride, call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair at 250-860-8900. We have treated many patients with extreme tooth discoloration.

It is never too late or too early to whiten your smile.

Men and women can take years off their appearance by restoring the youthful white smile they once enjoyed. Teens and young adults with surface stains can restrict them from becoming intrinsic stains with tooth bleaching.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Isn’t a Dental Bridge as Good as an Implant for a Knocked-out Tooth?

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Categories: Dental Implants, General Dentist, Restorative dentistry

Attention Kelowna Replace Your Dental Bridge Before You Lose TeethAt Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, we treat dental emergencies such as a knocked-out tooth. Patients who have suffered an injury that either knocks out a tooth or severely damages the tooth have a couple of options for tooth replacement.

In today’s message, we will discuss a tooth replacement option common in Kelowna: dental bridges.

Dental bridges aren’t ideal

Dental bridges have provided a passable tooth replacement for many people, but they are not problem-free.

Dental bridges are difficult to clean

Many British Columbia people with dental bridges find it problematic to keep the small areas around the bridge clean. It’s hard to get toothbrush bristles or dental floss under the bridge. If you have limited mobility, it’s hardly possible.

Without proper cleaning, detrimental bacteria have no trouble moving in and taking over. When the decay reaches the roots of the surrounding teeth, ouch! It’s not only painful, the person is at risk of losing those teeth.

A dental implant is superior to a dental bridge

That is one reason why a dental implant is superior to a dental bridge. Most Kelowna people with missing teeth are great candidates for dental implants.

A dental implant looks just like the beautiful tooth restoration on a high-quality dental bridge, but the vital part is what you don’t see.

A tooth implant is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to teeth like the dental bridges traditionally used in Kelowna.

A tooth implant is a more conservative replacement

In a way, an implant is a more conservative tooth replacement because it leaves the adjacent teeth intact. The bone and gum tissue mesh permanently with the titanium post that serves as the replacement tooth root.

Dental implants do not have the same risk of tooth decay as the teeth that anchor dental bridges. Of course, individuals with dental implants need to brush and floss, but cleaning a dental implant is usually no more difficult than cleaning a normal tooth.

Permanent dental implants have a better track record in British Columbia than dental bridges. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime for smile-smart dental patients.

At Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, dental implants can replace one or more teeth providing durability, beauty, and natural function.

If you have a missing tooth, don’t settle for a dental bridge. Your smile deserves the best tooth replacement option.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

ArticleID 3088

A Dentist’s Indispensable Tool: The X-ray

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentist, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

Mission cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Providing quality dental care is much easier for dentists when they have extensive, comprehensive information about their patients’ oral health.

Pictures are more useful than written notes. To go a step further: pictures that show what’s going on below the visible surface of your teeth are worth even more than a thousand words. So, along with a thorough visual examination, most dentists want complete and up-to-date X-rays.

The frequency of X-rays is largely determined by your age as well as the state of your oral health. Because children are growing and they experience more changes to their teeth, they usually need X-rays more often.

X-rays also help dentists find cavities, assess gum health, and identify any major changes to your teeth and mouth.

Safety is an important issue Dr. Malfair considers when ordering X-rays, because low levels of radiation are used to obtain the images. Many important precautions are taken to limit exposure, such as putting leaded aprons and collars on our patients.

It is crucial that women inform their dentist if they are pregnant because special considerations should be taken.

Along with basic dental health issues, we are happy to discuss the many cosmetic dentistry procedures available, such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and full smile makeovers. We want you to have the healthy, brilliant smile that you deserve!

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Why a Root Canal Is Not Something To Fear

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Categories: Dental fillings, General Dentist, Restorative dentistry, Root canal

root canal sedation Kelowna

Today’s Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair post addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the infamous root canal.

If you are told that you need a root canal, don’t panic. Your dentist recommends this procedure when it is better for your tooth than the alternatives.

A successful root canal (or endodontic treatment in dental-speak) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction followed by a dental bridge, dental implant, or gap in your smile.

If, after a thorough evaluation, we determine that a tooth needs a root canal, Dr. Malfair will explain the procedure and costs that are involved.

Root canals are carried out to save an infected tooth. If not treated, abscesses and complete tooth loss may occur.

During the procedure, Malfair will remove the nerve and pulp, and then clean and disinfect the interior of your tooth (the canal). The next step is filling and sealing the cleaned area with a special rubbery material, and then protecting the restored tooth with a crown or filling.

Root canals have the reputation of being painful, but this is not the case anymore. There are several effective pain management methods available today at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair. We will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the infected tissue is removed, we will focus on helping the area heal.

If you are unfamiliar with our services at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair, be sure to visit our website to get more specifics.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

Did You Know That You Can Change the Shape of Your Gums?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative dentistry

gum contouring V1Y 8B7

Most dental patients know that cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic dentistry procedures correct a multitude of smile flaws. There are treatments to reshape teeth, straighten teeth, correct damaged teeth, whiten teeth, and replace missing teeth. But what about your gums? Are you aware of how much your gums affect the look of your smile?

You Can Contour Your Gums

The shape and size of your gumline can make your teeth appear too large or too small or otherwise out of proportion. Gum contouring can fix gums that appear too low or too high in relation to the teeth and shape them for the perfect smile.

People who are unhappy with their gums might want to examine gum contouring. Many dentists and periodontists offer gum contouring surgery.

Gingival Sculpting

This procedure is also called gingival sculpting, gingival contouring or gum graft surgery, but don’t let the term surgery frighten you. Cosmetic gum contouring is performed using a precision laser. The procedure usually involves little pain and requires no recovery time.

Gum Contouring Can Treat Gum Recession

Gum reshaping is not always done for purely cosmetic reasons, it is also used to treat gum recession, a common condition that can lead to decay and tooth loss.

In gum graft surgery, soft tissue is often taken either from the roof of the mouth, the area surrounding the site of the grafting, or a tissue bank. Soft tissue grafts used to cover exposed tooth roots protect teeth from receding gums and can relieve sensitivity. Of course, gum grafts often increase the attractiveness of the smile in the process.

If you are seeking more specifics about gum contouring or other dental procedures, call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair today at 250-860-8900 to schedule a consultation.

We provide quality dentistry to patients in Kelowna and the greater Kelowna area.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7

The Advantages of Implant-Retained Dentures

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

implant dentures Kelowna

Are you trading your traditional dentures for implant-stabilized dentures?

Implant-retained or implant-stabilized dentures both provide numerous merits over traditional dentures.

Secure in the mouth—no slipping

Provides up to 100% natural chewing function

Upper denture doesn’t cover as much of the palate

This helps users taste food more easily. (Hooray!)

More comfortable

When dentures are fixed in place, they don’t slip around, allowing the wearer to feel more confident in social or professional situations.

Little or no gum irritation

Mouth sores lower the quality of life and can make eating painful.

Doesn’t impair speaking power

Denture wearers recognize how frustrating it is to not be able to speak properly. With implant-stabilized dentures, you can regain the ease of talking and laughing.

Stronger

Implant-retained dentures are sturdy and long-lasting.

Prevents bone loss

When bone recedes, you can get that “sunken face” look. Nothing ages an individual more than hollowed-out cheeks.

Allows the wearer to eat any type of food

Has it been a while since you’ve taken a bite of a juicy steak or crisp, red apple? It’s time to enjoy your favorite foods again!

No adhesive required

You won’t miss gluing your dentures into your mouth.

What Are The Differences Between Fixed and Removable?

Fixed implant-retained dentures (sometimes called screw-in) necessitate more implants than the removable type. However, they can restore 100% chewing ability.

Removable implant dentures (sometimes called snap-in) may necessitate just 4 implants to stabilize the upper arch and just 2 for the lower denture. Removable implant-stabilized dentures can restore up to 90% of chewing ability.

Should I get removable or fixed implant-anchored dentures?

The following factors will impact your determination.

Bone Health

Implants require the patient to have a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jawbone influences whether it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Price

Fixed implant dentures cost more but some men and women believe the benefits outweigh the extra expense.

Convenience

Fixed implant-stabilized dentures don’t have to be taken out for cleaning. Patients who have found it inconvenient to clean standard dentures would face the same issue with removable implant-retained dentures.

Preferred Foods

Fixed dentures are sturdier than removable dentures. Patients who choose foods that are harder to chew should consider this.

Sleep Conditions

People with TMJ or sleep apnea may find it harder to manage these conditions if they have to remove their dentures at night.

Now denture wearers have a better option.

Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:

250-860-8900

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7