Health Basics Archives - Bastian Dentistry

May 05 Comments Off

How To Care For Your Dental Crowns

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

Dental crowns are usually done after a root canal treatment. When a dentist recommends a dental crown, it is because the tooth has undergone many restorations and is at risk of a fracture because of its weakened state.

A dental crown is often used on anterior teeth to improve their aesthetics.

At Dr. Ralph Bastian’s dental practice, we use porcelain fused to metal crowns as they provide more durability and are less prone to fractures. After this type of dental crown has been installed, it is important to care for it in the right way. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Avoid Chewing Immediately After The Procedure

If a dentist uses anaesthetic during the dental crown procedure, avoid chewing until the numbness in your mouth has completely worn off and the cement is completely set. You should also avoid chewing on hard food types such as ice or hard candy.

If your gums are sensitive or sore following the procedure, don’t be too concerned as this is normal for the first week or so. And also remember that Dr. Bastian will schedule a follow up appointment on the next day to re-check the bite after the anaesthetics effects are totally gone.

Post-Procedure Medication

A dental crown procedure will not usually require any medication. If needed, only take antibiotics or other medication as directed by your dentist.

Daily Dental Care

Brush and floss normally each day.

When To Contact Your Dentist

If you have sensitivity that increases or continues beyond the first week, or if your bite feels uneven, contact your dentist.

Foods To Avoid

Most foods can be consumed after one week the dental crowns are placed. Food that could break or chip natural teeth (crunch candies, hard frozen foods) can also damage your crown, so should be avoided.

Interested in finding out more about dental crowns? Then contact Dr. Ralph Bastian’s dental practice today.

Apr 01 Comments Off

Signs That Your Dentures Need Adjusting or Replacing

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

If you have a denture that is giving you problems, the first question to ask is why doesn’t it fit well? Generally speaking, the denture itself doesn’t change over time. Dentures are made of very hard plastic that doesn’t warp. What has probably changed is your mouth.

The denture is fitted on the gums that cover your jaw bone. And, over time, our jaw bone shrinks, causing the denture to become loose. If this is the case and your denture is still in good condition, the dentist at your denture clinic can do what is known as a ‘relign’, where more plastic is added inside the denture. This will allow the denture to grip your shrunken jaw bone a bit tighter and this will give you a better fit. This often works very well for patients. However, if the denture is rundown or there is a lot of shrinkage of your jaw bone, then a new denture may be required.

Other Signs That Your Denture Needs Adjusting or Replacing

Visible wear and tear on the denture
Dentures that are hard to keep clean
Chips or cracks in the teeth
Broken teeth
Difficulty chewing
Discomfort
Pressure sores
Changes in the fit
Oral sores
Gum irritation
Change in speech patterns
Stains on the denture
Persistent bad odour
Neck pain
Earaches
Headaches
Facial nerve pain
Difficulty eating
Wobbly or loose dentures
Discoloration of dentures

Most dentures, even when they are made from high-quality and long-lasting dental materials, have an average lifespan of five to ten years. If you want your dentures adjusted or replaced, contact Dr. Ralph Bastian’s denture clinic in Peterborough today. We focus on partial dentures and denture repair.

Dec 03 Comments Off

Getting Dental Veneers? Here Is What Happens:

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

Many people who have a chipped tooth, gaps between their teeth, irregularly shaped teeth or a discoloured tooth opt for veneers. Dentists can bond super thin pieces of porcelain to your teeth to improve your smile. If you have been self-conscious about certain aspects of your smile, then you should book a consultation with Dr. Ralph Bastian in Peterborough, so that he can evaluate your teeth, gums and jaw and recommend an appropriate solution.

Dental veneers, also called porcelain veneers, are made from porcelain or resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers are the more popular option because they are better at resisting stains and better at mimicking the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.

After your consultation, you will be able to book an appointment to get the veneer process started. During your first appointment, Dr. Ralph will take impressions of your teeth so that the veneers can be manufactured by skilled dental technologists who will carefully colour match the colour of the veneers to your teeth. Before the veneer can be bonded to your teeth, a thin layer of enamel will be removed so that the teeth with the veneers do not look larger or bulkier than your normal teeth.

When your veneers are ready and have been checked by Dr. Ralph Bastian, your teeth will be prepared for the bonding process and the veneers will be attached to the front of your teeth. After the procedure, he will check that your teeth and veneers are in alignment.

Dr. Ralph Bastian’s practice is devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile, using conservative, state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry procedures that will result in beautiful, long-lasting smiles.

Nov 23 Comments Off

Proudly Supporting our Community – Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha Auction

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

One of the many activities we do in the community is to support worthy fundraising efforts for local groups

Please check this year Rotary Auction, proceeds from this year’s auction going toward the purchase of Isaac the newest member of the Peterborough Lakefield Police K9 unit.

All items been donated by local businesses, Rotarian’s and friends in support of this project.

We invite you to learn more about the Auction here

Nov 07 Comments Off

Professional Teeth Whitening Vs. DIY Solutions

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

Everyone wants the perfect smile and for good reason! A bright smile is a sign of health and makes you more attractive. Moreover, investing in improving your smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem, as well as expand your job prospects.

The first thing that people do when they start to research tooth whitening options is browse the internet. There are many Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solutions available at pharmacists and from online stores. While these products may promise you the sun, the moon and the stars at a fraction of the cost compared to professional teeth whitening, the unfortunate truth is that the results are often disappointing.

There are a number of very short-term bleaching solutions on the market, but only the systems that require impressions of the upper and lower teeth to fabricate bleaching trays, provide the most effective and durable bleaching results. The appeal of a ‘quick fix’ leads many people to hand over their money, but if teeth that are brighter in the long run are what you are after, then a tray bleaching system from an experienced dentist is the way to go.

When you book a consultation with a dentist that offers tooth whitening services, moulds of your teeth will be taken to produce custom trays. You will be getting a custom teeth-whitening tray that has been designed for your teeth. The tray only cover the teeth, not the gums and the fit is so precise that talking or having a drink of water is not an issue. The tray bleaching system can be worn for short periods during the day or during the night, so you do not have to worry about having to wear the trays to work or to social functions.

The store-bought teeth whitening strips provide only coverage for bleaching a portion of the six anterior teeth. A custom tray system can fully bleach the entire tooth of the upper and lower arch, giving you maximum coverage for a sustainable bright smile.

Dr. Ralph Bastian routinely provides teeth whitening solutions in Peterborough. Book an appointment at his dental office for a consultation today.

Sep 10 Comments Off

How To Teach Children Good Dental Health Habits

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

Dr. Ralph Bastian is a family dentist who has worked with many children of all ages. Here are his tips on how to teach children good dental habits:

Lead by example

As most parents know, you won’t be able to teach your kids good habits if you don’t show that you are following the good habits yourself. Just as you have to eat your vegetables, stick to traffic rules and never litter, if you want your kids to brush their teeth in the morning and evening, then you need to show them that the adults in the house are doing this as well. A good idea is to brush your teeth together as a family so that it forms part of your morning and evening routine. This will also enable you to supervise the children’s teeth brushing technique and monitor the amount of time they spend brushing their teeth.

Help small kids with toothpaste

The memory may be too hazy, but if you think really hard then you may recall your parents putting toothpaste on your toothbrush for you. If you have small children, particularly those under two years old, then it is critical that parents place the toothpaste on children’s’ toothbrushes for them. The amount of toothpaste shouldn’t be larger than the size of a small pea.

If your child is still very small and they are not able to spit out the toothpaste, rather buy a non-fluoridated paste. If this isn’t an option, opt for no toothpaste instead. In this case, the child will brush their teeth with a toothbrush and water.

Visit a dentist

It is important for parents to take their children to a dentist at a young age if there is a suspected problem. Even if your child is only 1 years old, dental issues shouldn’t be left unchecked as it can lead to discomfort and bigger problems later on. A quick check-up that turns out to be a ride in a dentist’s chair can even be considered a success for parents of a busy youngster. Parents could also consider turning the visit to the dentist where younger children watch their older siblings having a dental check up and cleaning. This technique is called modelling and it is very helpful in a dental office and within family units.

Bastian Dentistry helps people who love to smile. Whether you need advice about your child’s oral health or would like to book a dental appointment with a family dentist in Peterborough, we can help you. Dr. Ralph focuses on family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Contact him today.

Aug 20 Comments Off

Fixed Bridges: Who Needs Them And What Are The Benefits?

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

You do not have to live with an unsightly gap in your mouth when you lose a tooth (or two or more). Depending on your overall oral health, if you have lost a tooth, whether due to localized decay or to injury, there are many tooth replacement options to consider that will ensure you can face the world with a confident smile again. One of those options is a fixed bridge.

Dental Bridges – A Perfect Solution to Tooth Loss

Dental bridges, also called ‘fixed bridges’, are artificial teeth that are bonded together and fixed to caps on the two teeth on either side of the gap – whether the gap is as a result of a single missing tooth or because of two or three missing teeth.

Fixed bridges are the perfect aesthetic and practical solution to tooth loss. And, if it is performed by an experienced dental surgeon such as Dr. Ralph Bastian, people won’t even notice that you have a bridge at all. However, fixed bridges are not suitable for everyone.

Ideal Candidates for Fixed Bridges

You need to have healthy anchor teeth (also called abutment teeth) or implants to be a good candidate for a fixed bridge. Fixed bridges are not suitable for people who have:

Widespread tooth loss caused by bad oral health,
Impending tooth loss caused by bad oral health,
Severe gum recession, and/or
Extensive bone-loss due to periodontal disease.

Fixed bridges are particularly suitable for people with:

One or two missing teeth in an otherwise healthy mouth,
Missing front teeth in particular, and/or
Sudden traumatic tooth loss caused by injury.

Although dental implants are an option for such candidates, fixed bridges are advantageous in several ways.

Some Advantages of Fixed Bridges:

One of the foremost benefits is the dental bridge cost: up to half that of implants.
Fixed bridges take far less time to manufacture than implants. While implants can take anywhere from 9 months to a year to manufacture, a fixed bridge can be manufactured in less than 3 weeks.
Fixed bridges can help stabilize the abutment teeth (particularly advantageous in the case of a traumatic injury that may have loosened or damaged them).
If only one tooth is missing, a fixed bridge can ‘close the gap’, while strengthening the abutment teeth.
A fixed bridge can be fitted by a dentist, without invasive oral surgery, and under local anesthetic.
Aesthetically, fixed bridges can look better than implants and often better than the original teeth.

Do you need to book a dental procedure or do you want to find out more about fixed bridges? Visit a leading dentist in Peterborough to get the quality dental treatment plan you need. Contact Dr. Ralph Bastian for more information today.

Jul 02 0

Common reasons for denture discomfort and their solutions

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

Dr. Ralph Bastian is an experienced dentist operating in Peterborough. He has been offering clients reliable denture-related services for over 30 years now. Over the years, he has develop solutions to treat denture discomfort. Here’s a quick overview of the common sources of denture pain and their solutions:

One of the reasons why people experience discomfort from their dentures is due to the tissue under the denture shrinking. This tissue can shrink as a result of ageing or even changes in weight, which can loosen the denture. The solution to this is realigning the denture or replacing it completely.

Another common reason for denture discomfort is dry mouth (xerstomia). This condition leads to many oral problems. It is typically caused by the medications that most patients require. The side effect from many of these drugs is a reduced saliva flow. This in turn causes denture discomfort, irritation and redness. Dentists can recommend medications, rinses or creams to alleviate this condition.

Patients often present with cracking in the corner of the mouth and fire red tissues under their dentures. This typically indicates and oral yeast infection. A prescription and/or rinse are required to treat this. Left unchecked, the infection can cause an oral burning sensation and leave unsightly lesions at the corner of the mouth.

Another situation that can lead to denture discomfort is poorly made dentures. Over time, dentures deteriorate and become thinner. This leads to breakages in the acrylic and possible dislodging of the denture teeth. Regular visits to the dentist will ensure that your dentist picks up on small problems before they escalate to large, unsightly and uncomfortable situations.

Don’t put up with Denture Discomfort!

Not all denture discomfort is reason for serious concern. It is common to experience some pain after receiving new dentures. It is typical to have two or three adjustments after a new prosthesis is delivered. It is important that the bite is balanced in every direction of the chewing cycle. If left untreated, a serious bite imbalance will lead to premature bone loss and denture discomfort.

If you are unsure whether you should be worried about your denture discomfort, then book an appointment with an experienced dentist in Peterborough to have your denture repaired or treated. Contact Dr. Ralph Bastian for more information today.

Jun 04 Comments Off

Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

Crowns and bridges are one of the best ways to give you back your pearly white smile and to give you a new sense of confidence. The difference between dentures, crowns and fixed bridges is that dentures can be removed from the mouth, while crowns and fixed bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that are custom-made and cemented into place by a dentist.

Crowns are ideal for the following scenarios:

When you want to cover a poorly shaped tooth, a discoloured tooth, or a tooth that has received root canal treatment;
When you have a weak tooth that is at risk of breaking or fracturing and your dentist has advised that a crown could be a possible solution;
When you want to restore a tooth that has already been broken or fractured;
When your dentist needs to attach a bridge two crowns are required that are attached to one or more pontic teeth.

Contrary to popular belief, a crown will typically not last a lifetime. Over time you may have recurrent decay or the porcelain on the biting surface may fracture. In those cases a replacement crown will be required. To increase the longevity of your crown or bridge, proper home care is required. Bridges require the use of a floss-threader to clean under it. Failing to do so commonly causes recurrent decay. Regular check-ups with your dentist can intercept and treat small problems before the crown or bridge fails.

Another misconception is the reason for choosing porcelain crowns over full gold crowns. Porcelain crowns are aesthetically very desirable and hence are used for anterior teeth. Full gold crowns are desirable for the posterior teeth because they are very biocompatible and wear at a similar rate to a natural tooth’s structure, which means they will have fewer problems in the long term.

Dr. Ralph Bastian is a dentist in Peterborough with over 30 years of experience in the placement and general maintenance of crowns and fixed bridges. He is passionate about designing and creating intricate multi-unit prosthesis which can restore function and appearance.

May 04 Comments Off

Tips To Make Your Oral Surgery Recovery Easier

Posted by WSI_DrRalph

We use our mouths in all walks of life. Eating, talking and even to certain extent breathing. With our oral health being so important to our physical well-being, it is imperative that we have regular check-ups. We should also ensure that corrective action is taken when things start to go wrong. In some cases, we may require the services of an oral surgeon. Whether you are in need of a routine wisdom tooth extraction, or whether you require some more complex dental surgery, all your needs can be met under one roof at Bastian Dentistry.

Healing From Your Oral Surgery

Even with routine surgeries, healing can be an ordeal. The constant movement and continuous use of your mouth make it difficult for your body to repair itself. With that in mind, here are 5 tips to ensure you have a speedy recovery after undergoing oral surgery:

After the surgery, you will receive a care handout. It will contain cleaning and healing instructions. Please follow it closely as these instructions can speed up your recovery tenfold and it will prevent infection setting in.
Do not do strenuous activities after the surgery. A hike in blood pressure or bump or scrape could re-open any incisions that have been made.
For at least 24 hours after surgery, take care to eat solely soft meals. Smoothies and baby food taste great and are fantastic nutritional substitutes.
It may seem productive to aggressively rinse your mouth with mouthwash or salt water, but this could actually be detrimental rather than beneficial. You should refrain from doing it for at least the first 24 hours after the surgery.
Gentle tooth brushing of your mouth is possible, but you have to be extremely careful to not run the bristles over the tooth extraction site.

Bastian Dentistry

Bastian Dentistry is a comprehensive dentistry practice. Our services include general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. We provide a wide range of Oral Surgery procedures, from routine wisdom tooth extraction to more complex dental surgery. Bastian Dentistry has a friendly and welcoming environment to make you feel at home. Find out more about our services today and get that perfect smile.

All Posts in Category: Health Basics

Avoid Chewing Immediately After The Procedure

Post-Procedure Medication

Daily Dental Care

When To Contact Your Dentist

Foods To Avoid

Healing From Your Oral Surgery