General Dentist

Keeping Patients Calm Since 2004

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Categories: Children's dentistry, General Dentist, Sedation Dentistry

sleep dentistry Kelowna

Keeping Patients Calm

If you tense up just thinking about going to the dentist, you may benefit from sedation dentistry offered by Love Your Smile in Kelowna.

Millions of Americans stress out when they have to see the dentist. It is referred to as dental anxiety. There is a more severe form, too, called dental phobia. In both, some people would rather skip the dentist altogether than sit down for a checkup. The problem with that, of course, is it puts their dental health at risk.

There are lots of reasons why people develop anxiety or phobia over dental care. It often stems from a bad experience they had with a dentist as a kid. Fear of pain may be involved, as well as a fear of anesthesics and possible side effects.

Whatever the cause, sedation dentistry has helped millions of people get through their appointments.

We offer three types:

Nitrous Oxide – You also know this as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for more than a century and is highly effective.

Oral conscious sedation – You take a sedative an hour or so before the appointment. You won’t sleep, but will be in a deeply relaxed state. When the appointment is over, someone will have to drive you home.

IV Sedation – As the name suggests, this is a sedative that is administered intravenously. You won’t sleep with this one, either, but will be in a deeply relaxed state. You’ll need an escort for a ride here and back.

Remember, it is critical that you do not compromise your dental health by skipping the dentist. Sedation dentistry from Love Your Smile in Kelowna has helped patients throughout Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6. Our services include general and children’s dentistry. Schedule an appointment 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

 

ArticleID 7041

What Is More Valuable Than A Diamond?

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Categories: Dental Implants, General Dentist, Restorative dentistry

Kelowna cosmetic dentistry

We begin this post from Love Your Smile in Kelowna with a quote from classic literature: “Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”

When Miguel de Cervantes wrote that four hundred years ago, there was no widely accepted way to replace lost teeth. We are fortunate to live at a time where there is: dental implants.

A dental implant is a titanium post anchored to the jaw bone. One implant can support one artificial tooth, while several can support a bridge or a full dental arch.

Because the titanium post actually fuses with the bone, it becomes a rock-solid base for the replacement teeth it supports.

With a dental implant, you can talk, chew, and brush like normal. Eat that steak! Laugh out loud! Sing at the top of your lungs!

Dental implants from Love Your Smile in Kelowna improve your smile, and can even improve your life! Patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 come to us for this and other restorative dentistry procedures. Contact us 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

ArticleID 2639

Tooth Implant Placement: Before, During, After

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, General Dentist, Restorative dentistry

tooth implants Kelowna

Dental implants are rapidly becoming the tooth replacement option of choice. Millions of Americans have chosen implants, like those available at Love Your Smile in Kelowna. Once the decision is made, patients usually want to know what’s involved every step of the way.

Before the Procedure

It begins with a consultation and preliminary exam. We’ll take X-rays of your teeth and jaw to make sure you have enough healthy bone structure. If you don’t, we may recommend bone grafting.

We’ll also inspect your gums for any signs of gum disease. Healthy gums are essential for a successful implant.

During Implant Surgery

After administering anesthesia, a guide hole is drilled into your jaw and a titanium post – which is the actual implant – is screwed in. The process takes about an hour.

Aftercare

Some patients experience minor pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to control it. An icepack can help, too. Most people can resume their usual activities the same day.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we have placed dental implants in people from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6, who also come to us for our complete general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us 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

ArticleID 8174

Get Those Teeth In Shape!

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health, General Dentist

Kelownaaffordable cosmetic dentistry

Regular exercise is essential to good health. When you’re physically fit, you look better, and more importantly, you feel better! And as we remind our patients here at Love Your Smile in Kelowna, that goes for keeping your teeth in good shape, too!

If your eyes are the window to your soul, then your mouth may well be the window to your overall health. Research has shown there is a clear link between your dental health and your general health. It is safe to say that good dental health is necessary to your physical well-being throughout your life.

Here’s just one example: bacteria that starts in the mouth can cause infection in other parts of the body, especially if your immune system has been weakened by illness.

When you take good care of your teeth, you’re doing more for your well-being than you may ever have realized. So brush and floss every day, without fail, and see us for regular cleanings and checkups.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we hope you never underestimate the importance of good dental health! People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 come to our office for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us 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

 

Gummy Smile?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health, General Dentist

Gummy Smile?

Many people with a gummy smile undergo crown lengthening surgery to bring proper balance and symmetry to their smile. It’s a cosmetic dentistry procedure offered at Love Your Smile in Kelowna.

Gum tissue and, in some cases, bone is removed to expose more of the visible part of a tooth. It is a safe procedure that does not affect healthy tooth structure.

A ‘gummy smile’ is a term used to describe a smile with teeth that appears too short because an unusual amount of bone and soft tissue hide part of the crown. But crown lengthening is not used solely for cosmetic reasons. When a tooth is injured and breaks at the gum line, or if a filling or crown comes off a tooth that contains decay, crown lengthening makes additional tooth structure accessible for further restorative work. It is also used to treat some types of periodontal disease.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, cosmetic dentistry can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 also come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Request an appointment 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

 

ArticleID 727

Cosmetic Dental Artistry

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health, General Dentist

Kelowna Cosmetic Dental Artistry

Cosmetic dentistry at Love Your Smile in Kelowna is part science and part art. Our objective is creating positive changes to the teeth and smiles of our patients.

In order to achieve an attractive, yet natural looking result, we do more than recommend specific procedures. We consider the shape, alignment, colour and condition of the teeth. In order to create a balanced look, the facial shape and tooth shade is taken into account. The patient’s age, health condition and lifestyle all influence the plan.

In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan.

Smile enhancement through cosmetic dentistry can have dramatic results in your overall appearance. Even one procedure, such as teeth whitening, can make a big difference in how you see yourself.

Your teeth take a lot of wear and tear over the years, but cosmetic dentistry from Love Your Smile in Kelowna can restore your smile’s youthful appearance. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 also come to our office for complete general dentistry. Request an appointment with us 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

 

ArticleID 731

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

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Categories: General Dentist, Dental health, Gum Disease, Preventative dentistry

Periodontal Disease in British Columbia

Gum disease is more common than you might think. At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we see patients with gum disease almost every day. It’s a serious matter, but can usually be avoided with regular brushing at home, and preventative dentistry.

Some people aren’t even aware they have it until we see it during a checkup. It’s a treatable condition, although the earlier the diagnosis the better.

Gum disease is an inflammation or infection of the gums. It is usually the result of poor brushing and flossing habits. When you don’t brush and floss on a regular basis, there is a build-up of plaque, which hardens into a substance called tartar. That’s why we recommend our patients brush and floss twice a day. It’s the best way to prevent plaque from building up.

No amount of brushing and flossing will remove tartar from your teeth. It takes a professional cleaning to remove it, which is why we want to see our patients on a regular basis – twice a year, in most cases.

Risk Factors

In addition to poor oral hygiene, risk factors for gum disease include:

  • Smoking, which is the most significant
  • Diabetes
  • Genetics
  • Certain illnesses, like AIDS, and their medication
  • Medication that reduces the flow of saliva

The symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Painful chewing
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums

The type of treatment for gum disease depends on the extent of the condition. Part of the treatment might include behavioral changes, like giving up smoking. And it is essential that the patient adopts good daily dental care.

Anyone can get gum disease, but preventative dentistry at Love Your Smile in Kelowna can help keep your gums healthy. Patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 also come to us for clear braces and all their dental health needs. Schedule an appointment 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

 

ArticleID 140

Bad Breath Is No Fun

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Categories: General Dentist

Bad Breath Is No Fun For Kelowna Residents

This post from Love Your Smile in Kelowna takes on an unpleasant topic: bad breath.

Imagine you are starting a new job and are going to meet with your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath.

Perhaps your breath is not as pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry, and a possible embarrassment for many people. Regular dental checkups at Premier Dental & Oral Health Group can help alleviate your concern over bad breath.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many behaviors and health conditions can cause or exacerbate halitosis. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent effect on your breath.

Brushing and flossing daily is a critical step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the number of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath.

Other factors to think about include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, your dental health is always our top priority. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 come to us for general and restorative dentistry, and know they can trust us with their smiles. Schedule an appointment 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

 

ArticleID 346

Whitening For 3 Types Of Tooth Stains

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Categories: General Dentist

Kelowna Teeth Bleaching

If your smile could use some brightening, what are you waiting for? Professional teeth whitening at Love Your Smile in Kelowna is the easiest way to improve its appearance.

It is important to realize that not every smile responds the same to teeth whitening. The degree of whiteness attained and the treatment time necessary depends on the type of stains being treated.

  • Extrinsic stains are on the surface of teeth, and the easiest to remove. They are caused by the usual suspects: coffee, tea, wine, cola, smoking and the natural aging process.
  • Intrinsic stains form from the inside out but are visible through the enamel. They can be lightened, but it may take a bit longer.
  • Combination: Some people have both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. As we age, our teeth change – regardless of how well we take care of them. Enamel thins and the dentin underneath fades and yellows.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we have long experience with teeth whitening. Patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 also come to our office for restorative dentistry, and much more. Call for an appointment 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

 

ArticleID 4835

Missing Pieces In The Mouth?

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Categories: General Dentist

cost of dental crowns Kelowna

A missing puzzle piece may not ruin a jigsaw puzzle, but a missing tooth can be very unsightly and ruin your smile. At Love Your Smile in Kelowna we have dental implants that can restore a smile.

A missing tooth can cause more than an unpleasant appearance. When a tooth and its root are gone, the teeth on each side of the gap begin to rotate. This can result in trouble eating and even speaking.

To make matters worse, the missing tooth root can also lead to bone recession. The jawbone is stimulated and kept healthy by biting and chewing action. When the root isn’t there anymore, the bone actually begins to recede. This leads to a shrunken appearance in the face.

Dental implants can solve this. An implant is a post that is inserted in the jaw. These posts are usually made of medical-grade titanium, which is ideally suited to fusing with human bone. Once it does it forms a solid foundation for the artificial tooth it will support.

Dental implants have been hailed as one of the most important advances in dentistry, and they’re available at Love Your Smile in Kelowna. Patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 come to us for implants and other restorative dentistry. Please call our office to schedule an appointment 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

 

ArticleID 6275