5 Common Dental Procedures: What to Expect at Mission Hill Dental, Your St. Albert Dentist

Welcome to the Mission Hill Dental blog. This blog is dedicated to providing our patients in St. Albert with top-quality dental care. We know that visiting the dentist can be a daunting or uncomfortable experience for many people, especially if you are unsure about what to expect during common dental procedures. That is why we created this blog to give an overview of what happens during some of the most common dental procedures at Mission Hill Dental.

Our experienced and friendly team, led by Dr. Dimitrov, is committed to making your visit to our office as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our clinic offers a wide range of dental services, including teeth cleanings, fillings, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, and dental implants. This blog is to help you understand what happens in each treatment so that you can feel more confident and informed about your dental health.

Whether you’re a new patient or a long-time patient of Mission Hill Dental, we hope this information will make you more comfortable with your next dental visit.

Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning is a routine dental procedure that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. This procedure is essential for maintaining excellent oral health and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Here’s what you can expect during a teeth cleaning appointment at Mission Hill Dental

• Examination – Before starting the cleaning process, Dr. Dimitrov will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums. This examination will include checking for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or early cancerous signs.
• Scaling – The first step in the cleaning process is scaling, which involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums.
• Polishing – After your teeth are cleaned, a polisher will remove the remaining stains and smooth the surfaces of your teeth. The polisher uses a special paste containing particles to gently remove surface stains.
• Flossing – Flossing occurs to remove remaining debris and ensures the in-between space of your teeth is clean.
• Fluoride Treatment – Fluoride treatment helps to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. – Fluoride is optional.

Regular teeth cleaning appointments at Mission Hill take between 30 to 60 minutes. Regular teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. If you have any questions, contact us to let us know.

Fillings

A dental filling is a common procedure that is used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay. Dr. Dimitrov will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with a durable material that will restore the tooth’s function and prevent further decay.

• Examination – Dr. Dimitrov will thoroughly examine your tooth to determine the extent of the decay and the appropriate treatment.
• Anesthetic – To ensure your comfort during your Filling, Dr. Dimitrov will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic.
• Decay Removal – Dr. Dimitrov will remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a drill. Once the decay has been removed, he will prepare the cavity for the filling.
• Filling Placement – Dr. Dimitrov will place the filling material into the prepared cavity, ensuring that it is appropriately shaped and positioned for optimal function and appearance. The filling material can include composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam.
• Polishing – After the filling has been placed, Dr. Dimitrov will polish the tooth to remove any rough spots and ensure it fits comfortably with the rest of your teeth.

The filling procedure typically takes less than an hour for one tooth. You will be able to resume normal activities afterwards. At Mission Hill Dental, we use the latest techniques and materials to ensure that your filling is durable and long-lasting, so you can enjoy a healthy, functional smile for years to come.

Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment or Root Canal Therapy is a dental procedure similar to fillings. Root canal therapy treats a tooth that has become infected or inflamed. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp or root of the tooth. After that, the tooth will be filled with material to restore the tooths function and prevent further infection. Below is what you can expect during a root canal therapy appointment at Mission Hill Dental:

• Examination – Before starting the root canal therapy procedure, Dr. Dimitrov thoroughly examines the tooth to determine the extent of the infection or inflammation and the appropriate treatment.
• Anesthesia – To ensure you will be comfortable during your procedure, Dr. Dimitrov will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic.
• Pulp Removal – Dr. Dimitrov will then create an opening in the top of the tooth and remove the damaged or infected pulp inside the tooth. Once the pulp has been removed, he will shape the canal to prepare the filling material.
• Filing Placement – Dr. Dimitrov will place a material into the prepared canal, filling the space and restoring the tooth’s function. In some cases, he may also place a temporary filling to protect the tooth until a permanent restoration, such as a crown, can be placed.
• Crown Placement – Dr. Dimitrov may recommend placing a crown on the tooth after the root canal therapy procedure to provide additional protection and support. A crown covers the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage and improving its appearance.

A Root Canal Treatment typically takes one to two hours, depending on the extent of the infection or inflammation. You may experience discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days following the procedure. However, this can be managed by taking an over-the-counter medication such as Advil or Tylenol.

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure used to remove a tooth that cannot be saved or causes problems such as overcrowding, infection, or impaction. Although, at Mission Hill Dental, we understand that tooth extraction can be daunting, here is what you can expect during a tooth extraction appointment with Dr. Dimitrov at Mission Hill Dental, a dentist in St. Albert.

• Examination – Before starting the tooth extraction procedure, Dr. Dimitrov will thoroughly examine your tooth and the surrounding tissues to determine the best course of treatment.
• Anesthesia – To ensure you will be comfortable during your procedure, Dr. Dimitrov will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic.
• Tooth Extraction – Dr. Dimitrov will gently and carefully remove the tooth from its socket in the bone using specialized instruments.
• Post-Extraction Care – After the tooth has been extracted, the Mission Hill Dental staff will provide you with detailed instructions for post-extraction care, including how to manage any discomfort or swelling, how to properly care for the area, etc.
• Restoration Options – Depending on the location of the extracted tooth and your individual needs, Dr. Dimitrov may recommend a dental restoration option such as a dental implant, dental bridge, or partial denture to replace the missing tooth and restore your smile’s function and appearance.

Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure, and with Dr. Dimitrov’s expertise and gentle care, you can feel confident that you’re in good hands. If you are experiencing tooth pain in the St Albert area, contact Mission Hill today to learn about possible treatment options, including extractions.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are an effective way to replace one or more missing teeth. An implant consists of a small screw that is an anchor for a custom-made dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. At Mission Hill Dental, Dr. Dimitrov treats dental implants with expertise and care, providing you with a healthy and functional smile.

What to expect from a dental implant appointment at Mission Hill Dental

• Consultation and Examination – Before starting the dental implant procedure, Dr. Dimitrov will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. In this meeting, he’ll be able to discuss goals and expectations for treatments and answer any questions that you might have.
• Implant Placement – If Dental Implants are right for you, Dr. Dimitrov will schedule a surgical appointment to place the implant post into your jawbone. This procedure is done under local anesthesia and may take several hours, depending on the number of implants being placed.
• Healing and Integration – After placing the posts, your jawbone will need time to heal the screw or implant to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. This typically takes several months, during which time you may wear a temporary crown (the top part of the dental implant)
• Restoration Placement – Once the implant/screw has been fully integrated with your jawbone, Dr. Dimitrov will attach a custom-made dental restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The restoration will be designed to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and colour, giving you a seamless and natural-looking smile.

Dental Implants are a long-lasting and durable solution for missing teeth, with a high success rate. Implants also help to preserve the jawbone and surrounding teeth, preventing further oral health issues. If you are looking for an option for a missing tooth, contact Mission Hill Dental in St. Albert.

At Mission Hill Dental, we’re committed to providing high-quality dental care to our patients in St. Albert and the surrounding areas. From routine cleanings and fillings to more complex procedures such as extractions, implants, or root canal therapy, we offer a wide range of services to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Were you looking for an experienced dentist? Then look no further than Dr. Dimitrov and his team at Mission Hill Dental. We prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction and strive to make each visit to your office a positive and stress-free experience.

We look forward to helping you achieve your smile and oral health goals.