Restorative dentistry

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

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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

Mini Implants May Be Right For You

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

How Mini Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile in V1Y 8B7 I’m Stephen Malfair of Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair in Kelowna. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called “immediate implants”.

Though they are not as well known as traditional dental implants, mini implants are also being used successfully in the Kelowna area to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Denture wearers benefit considerably from these slip-free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.

In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also mini implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These patients are often excellent candidates for the mini version.

The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can sometimes be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if necessary, is frequently very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.

Don’t let the word “mini” fool you; your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants. Call Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair at 250-860-8900 to schedule a consultation.

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

Missing Teeth? Don’t Miss Out On A Beautiful Smile

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Categories: Cosmetic Treatment, Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

Kelowna cosmetic dentistry

If you have missing spaces in your smile due to cavities, injury or any other reason, there is hope. If your existing teeth are stained, decayed, or chipped, there is hope. If your teeth have always been misshapen, or crooked, there is hope. Cosmetic dentistry can fix all of those problems.

Dr. Malfair at Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair has the competence handle the toughest cosmetic dental dilemmas. Since 2004, Dr. Malfair has restored and improved smiles with advanced cosmetic dentistry.

Regardless of the problem, it is usually preferable to save your natural teeth. If this is not feasible, and you have already lost teeth, we offer many ways for you to maintain (or regain) your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile with confidence.

Dental Veneers
If you still have your teeth, but are not comfortable with them, these might be the best solution. Stunning porcelain veneers offer a relatively affordable approach to cosmetic adjustments – uneven color, size, or shape. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They enhance unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.

Dental Implant
A dental implant is a tooth replacement that incorporates an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). With local anesthesia, the artificial root is actually inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone tissue. There are three parts to a dental implant: the artificial root, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture.

A dental implant is often the most appropriate restoration as it offers beauty, strength, natural function, and protection from bone recession that often occurs at the site of a missing tooth.

Dentures
Most Kelowna residents have heard of dentures: a plate holding artificial teeth that can be removed for cleaning. These are tailor-made and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be pulled and a denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

There is no need to miss out on a pleasing smile. Schedule your initial consultation with us. We are perfectly situated for our neighbors throughout the 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

2023 Is The Year To Replace Missing Teeth

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative dentistry

If you or someone you care about lost a tooth this year, but haven’t yet dealt with the issue, Love Your Smile in Kelowna suggests a consultation with our dental implant team immediately.

Why the rush? Though your missing tooth might not be an aesthetic issue now – maybe it’s far enough back that the gap is not visible, or perhaps you don’t mind a sort of rugged look – it could very well become one in the future.

When we lose a tooth, the root and jaw bone eventually atrophy. This causes neighboring teeth to begin to shift into the empty spaces, causing misalignment and pain. Worse, it causes your facial features to take on a “sunken” look; especially round the cheeks.

Dental implants are the best way to avoid this, as they protect and stimulate the remaining teeth, keeping them in place and bolstering their strength. The good news is that dental implants and their associated restorations mimic natural enamel perfectly, so nobody will be able to tell that you’ve achieved your New Year’s resolution early this coming year!

If you’ve been dreaming of a more complete smile for years, 2023 is the time to do it and Love Your Smile in Kelowna can help! We offer implants and complete restorative dentistry. We serve satisfied patients from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6. 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

Saving Teeth at Love Your Smile

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Categories: Restorative dentistry, Root canal

When the nerve inside a tooth is infected by bacteria, we try to save it with root canal therapy. This procedure scares a lot of people. But at Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we want you to know that root canals are not nearly as bad as their reputation. In fact, they don’t cause pain, they relieve it.

During root canal therapy, the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Once the roots are taken out and widened, what remains is filled with a special rubber material.

The goal of this procedure is to save the tooth. Root canals have a high success rate: once it’s over, the tooth can last a lifetime, if it is properly cared for. That means regular flossing and brushing, and ordinary checkups and cleanings.

And yet, root canals have a terrible reputation. The truth is that patients come to us in pain because of an infected tooth. The root canal removes the pain. For the majority of patients, a root canal is about like getting a cavity filled.

At Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we have a lot of experience performing root canals. People from Mission, V1Y 8B7, and V1W 3C6 also come to us for complete 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

ArticleID 901

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

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