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The Difference Between Dental Implants and Bridges | Ottawa Dentist

Tooth loss can be a result of dental trauma, advanced gum disease, or deterioration of the underlying bone over time. If you have experienced dental trauma, it’s important to see your dentist sooner than later to assess surrounding teeth and gums. Either way, a cosmetic dentist may present two replacement options to consider; a fixed dental bridge or an implant. It’s important to understand what these options entail in order to make the best decision for you.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can actually be thought of as a bridge. An artificial tooth (or teeth) is fixed to crowns on either end attached to healthy teeth, acting as the support posts. The caveat to this solution is that if the tooth root is not replaced, the bone may not get the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. Missing tooth roots could cause resorption, which causes the bone to lose density and shrink over time. Ultimately, this can cause one’s face to have a prematurely aged appearance.

Implants

Dental implants require a more extensive procedure, but restore the entire tooth structure rather than simply fill in the gap. Simply put implants work by inserting a base into the jawbone into which a post with a crown on top can be placed. Implants provide stability and stimulation to the underlying bone which helps prevent resorption while looking and feeling like a natural tooth.

Your dentist will review these procedures, benefits, and risks with you as you navigate your particular circumstances. While these are typically recommended, your dentist may encourage you towards one or the other option as they see fit. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions or concerns you may have prior to embarking on any given treatment option.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Why It’s Critical To Care For Baby Teeth, and How To Do It | Ottowa Dentist

“Baby teeth” are the precursor for adult teeth, they are the placeholder and it’s important they be
maintained for gum health and reduction of harmful bacteria. Our children may never
acknowledge the benefits caring for their teeth at that age has on their adult teeth later. Yet,
their health will always be better off from early interventions in proper oral hygiene.


Tooth health matters from the day they appear, so parents who take their children’s oral hygiene
seriously and encourage good habits aid the child’s adult teeth later- even if they don’t know it
yet. Oral hygiene for our children begins the day their first tooth breaks through the gum. With a
damp, soft cloth, lightly wipe your baby’s gums after feeding. Once more prominent, you may
begin using a soft toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste twice a day until preschool age. At
that age, the amount of toothpaste that can be safely used increases to the size of a pea.


When your child is at that age and able to brush on his or her own, it’s important to keep an eye
on them. Many children find the process of brushing teeth to be boring or unimportant, but this is
an important age to develop good habits. Singing toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste help
encourage kids to find the process more enjoyable and help guide them towards brushing
their teeth for two minutes. Another great way to encourage your child is to brush with them and
show them how to get to their molars, the back of their teeth, and along the front.


Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-
8000 or visit  www.lesplanadedental.com . Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all
surrounding areas.

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How Smiling Can Enhance Your Life | Ottawa Dentist

There is no official evidence supporting the adage “it takes more muscles to frown than to smile” but there is evidence to support the positive effects of smiling. Friends may encourage one another to smile during difficult times because they know even a fake smile produces real endorphins. Whether you are already in love with your smile or are considering ways to enhance it, here are some real-world benefits of smiling.

More Positive Relationships. People who smile more often are seen as being more approachable, likable, creative, and productive. Smiling can also have a “ripple effect” as one person’s expression of joy can cause an onlooker to also feel joy and smile too. The next time you are out with friends, or a loved one could use a pick-me-up, remind them of their positive attributes and share a smile with them!

Health Connections. When we smile, our brains release neuropeptides and neurotransmitters that alleviate the stressors of our day. The most common hormones associated with these results are dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Dopamine and serotonin are “happy hormones”, acting as antidepressants. Endorphins offer mild pain relief; together, they have been shown to reduce stress and our heart rate. A smile a day can go a long way to making us feel better and look out for the world with a positive attitude.

It is important to note that there are individuals who experience smile anxiety, which occurs when an individual becomes reluctant to smile in public because he or she dislikes, or is embarrassed by, the aesthetic appeal of their smile. There are many factors that may cause someone to feel this way including trauma, decay or the angle adult teeth may have grown.

It’s important to retain gentle kindness if you know a loved one struggles with the appearance of their smile, though there are several means of restoration your dentist may recommend.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com. Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Start the Year Off with an Oral Cancer Screenings | Ottawa Dentist

While our health is on top of mind with resolutions, why not check if you have oral cancer? Below is a list of possible symptoms associated:

  • Swellings, lumps or rough spots in your mouth, neck or jaw. If they do not disappear after 3 weeks, you could be developing mouth cancer.
  • Ulcers or red or white patches. If they have a velvety texture, this is a telltale sign, especially if the patches do not heal in 3 weeks.
  • Difficulty in chewing and swallowing, moving the jaw or tongue. If this occurs, it is important to take prompt action and get it checked by a doctor.
  • Sores in the mouth, neck and face. If they have begun to bleed persistently, and do not heal within 2 weeks, they need to be checked as they are also symptoms of oral cancer. Another symptom of oral cancer is constant bleeding in your mouth that cannot be explained.
  • Loss of feeling or pain in areas. If you find that you notice this on your mouth, neck, face and ear, oral cancer could be developing.
  • Chronic sore throat. In the early stages, the sore throat can also be accompanied by a lump in your throat.

If you find you have any of these symptoms, our office has the VELscope® system to help us identify, evaluate, monitor and mark any abnormal or suspicious oral cell lesions.

So how does it work? A low intensity fluorescence light from the handheld light source will then bounce off the abnormal cells, giving them a “glowing” effect all the way down to the basement membrane where the nuclei have been rendered more prominent, making abnormal cells easier to see than with a traditional exam.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Tips for a Successful Recovery Process | Ottawa Dentist

When it’s time for dental surgery, there are lots of things your dental professional will do to ensure that your procedure not only goes off without a hitch but is as pain-free as possible. We’ve come a long way from those very painful surgeries with state-of-the-art technology and improved patient care.

But what happens after you leave the dental chair? You are essentially on your own to make yourself comfortable. Here are some tips for a successful recovery process:

  • Relax. Surgery is stressful. Take the time you need to heal properly to avoid complications.
  • Follow instructions. Whether it be to avoid brushing the sensitive area or using a saltwater rinse, listen to the advice given to prevent infection.
  • Add ice. You may have swelling or bruising after your procedure. If this is the case, apply an ice pack for 30 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours. If it continues, contact your dental professional.
  • Use gauze. Bleeding is likely after surgery. Biting on gauze will help.
  • You’re on clot patrol. Blood clots are healing your wounds. Avoid spitting, straws, alcoholic or carbonated beverages and smoking for at least 3 days afterwards.
  • Watch your diet. We know that soft foods are best when our mouth is tender, but cool foods are also quite soothing.
  • Pain meds. Pain management is important. Maintain this with over-the-counter meds like acetaminophen for the next couple days as the pain subsides.
  • Be aware. Take note of anything like infection, fever or swelling. If it lasts more than a couple of days, you may need to give a call to your dentist for advice.
  • Follow up. If a follow up appointment is necessary, don’t dodge it. As we said before, follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure a speedy recovery.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Do You Have Tooth Decay? | Ottawa Dentist

Let’s face it – it is easy to maintain a healthy smile if we follow a few basic rules regarding dental hygiene. If you treat your teeth well, they’ll repay you by shining bright and strong. Unfortunately, many don’t follow the rules and your smile is affected. Tooth decay is something that happens when you eat sugary foods and neglect the daily dental duties. And if neglected long enough, bacteria eventually cause cavities to develop.

A cavity can appear on your teeth with no signs or symptoms, so it’s essential to see your dentist regularly to check on your oral health and catch tooth decay in the earliest stages. Pay attention to these warning signs your teeth may be decaying:

  • Toothache or pain when biting
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods
  • Brown, black, yellow, or white spots on the tooth
  • Bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Gum swelling

If you find that you do have rotting teeth, there are various ways to remedy the situation. A filling can fix a simple cavity. If it reaches the pulp, you will likely need a root canal. Things progress from there, from crowns to implants or even dentures if the situation calls for it.

When a situation is bad enough that an infection develops, schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. It can develop into sepsis, which can damage tissues, fail organs or even kill you. The earlier you treat tooth decay, the better chances you can save your tooth.

Your smile is more important than making you look friendly. It also helps your entire body function. So, practice good dental hygiene, see your dentist regularly for checkups, maintain a healthy diet.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Halloween Tips to Avoid a Spooky Dental Checkup | Ottawa Dentist

We are days away from your smile’s scariest night of the year. Sure, it’s loads of fun to go door to door trick-or-treating in a fantastical costume – it’s the consumption of the night’s riches that causes the issue. Now, we aren’t here to tell you to refrain from celebrating this spooky night, just be more aware of what each type of candy does to your smile.

One of the candies most favored are the sour variety. Unfortunately, the acidity that makes them taste sour really damages tooth enamel, so keep this type of sweet to a minimum. If you are someone that has dental appliances, like braces or dentures, it is important to avoid sticky candy like caramels to chewing gum because the stickiness can cause damage and ensure a dental appointment in the future. When it comes to hard candy, the issue is the longevity it stays in your mouth. Cavity-causing bacteria love sugar as much as we do – the longer it stays in our mouth, the bigger their feast is. If there is a type of candy that is best, it’s chocolate. Not only is dark chocolate good for you, but chocolate melts easily and doesn’t stick to your teeth as much as hard or chewy candies.

After you celebrate the season with some scrumptious sweets, take the time to look after your smile. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, be sure to rinse the excess of sugar left on your teeth off with a bit of water. If you do have one, give your teeth a quick brushing. Having good oral hygiene habits will keep your smile healthy and bright, making future dental appointments a breeze.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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The Effects of Autumn on Sensitive Teeth | Ottawa Dentist

Here we are – preparing ourselves for another autumn season. We swap out popsicles and lemonade for pumpkin bread and hot cocoa. For most of us, this is a welcomed treat as the weather begins to cool down. For others, this is a painful time of year for our mouths because of one reason – sensitive teeth. If you notice a painful zing in your mouth when you eat or drink anything cold or hot, you likely have sensitive teeth.

There are many reasons one could have teeth sensitivity, but it’s generally wear and tear that causes your gums to pull back, making your teeth sensitive. Tooth decay, gingivitis, and plaque buildup are various dental issues that make consuming hot or cold foods difficult. It isn’t what about the choice that you need to worry about – enjoy your favorite autumnal treats. It is the change of temperature in your choices that makes your teeth react.

Damaged teeth or worn teeth due to teeth grinding are also ways teeth can become sensitive. The sooner you fix these issues, the less likely there will be more damage caused because of the neglect. Use a mouth guard while you sleep to keep your teeth from wearing down. If you use teeth whitening products often, the chemicals can begin to wear down the tooth enamel. Acidic foods, like citrus fruit, can also contribute to wear and tear on tooth enamel. The key is to keep everything in moderation.

Wear and tear on your teeth are something not to be taken lightly. If you feel you have sensitive teeth, consult a dental professional for helpful tips so you can enjoy the warm and tasty treats this season has to offer.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Making Beautiful Faces with Braces | Ottawa Dentist

In order to achieve our best smile, some of us need orthodontic help to straighten things out. Because not only is a straight smile attractive but is necessary to maintain oral health. The good news is – correcting flaws with braces is not only common, but you now have a choice as to which treatment option you prefer.

Traditional braces were typically silver metal back in the day, but they can now come in a ceramic that makes them a whole lot less noticeable. There are also colors you can choose from to create a custom look. On the downside, you still have to get them tightened every month or so and broken pieces are pretty painful.

Since 1998, Invisalign are transparent tooth aligners that have taken the orthodontic world by storm. Straightening your teeth without wires and glued brackets, it’s clear, it’s removable and the treatment time is generally a third of what wearing traditional braces would be. The downside to this is that they are more expensive, and it takes a lot more discipline to maintain the strict regimen of wearing the aligners most of the day and the additional steps it takes to clean the system’s trays.

So, which do you choose? Well, it honestly depends on your personal situation. Because despite what you may hope, not all cases are the same. Patients with bridgework, certain bite issues or rotational needs are just out of luck. Alternatively, traditional braces are not ideal for those that lead a rough and tumble life or have a job that doesn’t allow regular braces. In that instance, you may want to consider the Invisalign system or lingual braces (braces attached to the insides of your teeth) to straighten things out.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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When Bleaching Your Teeth Goes Too Far | Ottawa Dentist

A bright set of pearly whites is a goal for most of us. With the diet most of us keep, it is easy for our teeth to begin to tinge as time goes on. Dark foods and beverages all contribute to the dingy look our smiles have. Thankfully, there are many ways to regain those pearlies with just a bit of effort. From natural to in-office treatments, brightening your smile not only has options, but loads of them.

While in-office treatments have become commonplace in society today, the most widely used oral products today are whitening strips and tray-based over the counter whitening kits. And yes – tooth whitening can be a safe and effective technique, but some individuals are going above the recommendations of their dentists. Therein lies the problem…

Individuals who overdo whitening techniques have noticeably snow-white teeth that oftentimes look unnatural. Some individuals get to the point where their teeth begin to inhibit transparent figures. Overuse of whitening products will cause major tooth sensitivity and leave patients more prone to needing root canal treatments. You may be surprised to know that if you over-whiten your teeth, you are essentially wearing down your enamel and that enamel is naturally tinged in yellow, so you are making your teeth yellow by overdoing the whitening. Talk about a backfire!

But don’t worry – there is hope. If you are looking for a safer, more effective form of teeth whitening, consult your dentist. They will give you an overview of certain procedures and even offer some over the counter techniques that may be used, however only if used correctly.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.