Lonsdale Dental Centre

Serving North Vancouver's residents for more than 25 years
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Many of our patients have many questions about wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth removal so for your convenience Lonsdale Dental Centre has put together a blog post that covers the facts about wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt in your mouth and usually this occurs between the late teens and early twenties. This youthful time of life has been referred to as the “Age of Wisdom” hence the name of this particular molar.

Anthropologists speculate that our early ancestors rough diet caused an enormous amount of wear of their teeth. Their teeth then drifted to compensate for the wear, making space for wisdom teeth to come in during adolescence.

In modern times our diet is significantly softer, along with the orthodontic tooth straightening popularity have developed a fuller dental arch, leaving no room for wisdom teeth to come in. This creates problems when the wisdom teeth erupt in the mouth.

Impacted wisdom teeth are very painful and lead to infection, in addition they may damage adjacent teeth and roots. Despite the serious concern with regard to impacted wisdom teeth the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation as well as the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons confirm that wisdom teeth that are impacted are just as prone to disease as wisdom teeth that erupted in the mouth in an upright, normal position.

The question is often asked, “If my wisdom teeth don’t hurt, why must I get them removed?”. The fact is not all problems caused by wisdom teeth are painful or visible. Whether you are aware of it or not, your wisdom teeth can cause serious damage.

The roots of your wisdom teeth become longer as they grow, making the wisdom teeth very complicated to remove. We can’t foresee what problems will occur as you age with your wisdom teeth in tact, however we do know it can be extremely painful, as well as more complicated to treat as you get older.

Our sedation dentistry makes procedures like wisdom teeth removal a comfortable and relaxing experience for all our patients who require it, especially those who suffer from dental anxiety.

Contact our Lonsdale Dental Centre to book your wisdom teeth removal appointment today.

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Wondering the best “ways to prevent cavities”? Learn more about why vending machines are causing more and more cavities in children and adults.

ways to prevent cavities
“Instead of this cavity-causing, sugar-filled, junk food, consider the following alternatives that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but limit cavities from occurring…”

Vending machines are quick, easy and cheap. Put in some of your extra pocket cash and instantly enjoy a chocolate bar, chip bag, or even a can of pop. That’s not the only thing you’re getting for cheap, vending machines are not only giving out sugar-filled treats; they are also giving out cavities!

When you choose to satisfy your hunger with a chocolate bar or bag of candy, the bacteria in your mouth starts digesting sugar, quickly turning it into acid. This harmful chemical stays on your teeth and begins to eat away at the natural enamel (the material that protects your smile from tooth decay). When enamel gets eaten, you get a cavity!

So what are some helpful ways to prevent cavities from occurring? Always remember to brush your teeth after eating any sugar-filled treat. If you don’t have a chance to brush, don’t even think about treating yourself!

Instead of this cavity-causing, sugar-filled, junk food, consider the following alternatives that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but limit cavities from occurring:

  • Bread
  • Sliced meat
  • Milk
  • Raw veggies and fruit
  • Nuts and seeds

Subscribe to our blog for more helpful ways to prevent cavities, or contact the friendly team at Lonsdale Dental Centre to learn more about what causes cavities.

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It is a commonly known fact that smoking leads to health problems such as lung cancer, but did you know that smoking and oral health problems often go hand in hand?

In fact, smoking is the leading cause for almost 75% of gum disease in adults. This percentage includes adults who smoke from pipes and cigars, as well as those enjoying smokeless tobacco.

smoking and oral health
“As soon as you begin using tobacco products, you are more likely to experience these common problems that are tied with smoking and oral health problems”

As soon as you begin using tobacco products, you are more likely to experience these common problems that are tied with smoking and oral health problems:

  • Bad breath
  • Stained teeth and tongue
  • Gum disease
  • Gum recession
  • Tooth loss
  • Bone loss in the jaw
  • Delayed healing process after dental treatment
  • Mouth sores
  • Decreased sense of taste and smell

At Lonsdale Dental Centre we are always dedicated to helping you maintain optimal oral health, that is why we strongly recommend patients to quit using any tobacco products.

For the sake of your teeth, gums and oral health, use these steps recommended by the Surgeon General to help make quitting smoking easier.

  • Be prepared
  • Ask for help from friends/family members/co-workers
  • Invest your free time in an interesting activity
  • Be prepared for a relapse
  • Get medication, if necessary, and use it correctly

The team at Lonsdale Dental understand how difficult and time-consuming quitting smoking can be. However, we are dedicated to helping you protect your most valuable asset—your beautiful smile.

Contact our North Vancouver dental clinic if you are in need of any support or advice on your journey to understanding smoking and oral health issues.

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Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth in your sleep? Perhaps a parent or partner may even try to wake you up while you’re grinding. Unfortunately, most people who grind their teeth in their sleep, don’t even know they’re doing it. Teeth grinding is one of the most common sleep disorders referred to in the medical profession as Bruxism. The symptoms for which are broad and far reaching, including: jaw stiffness and soreness, anxiety, stress, depression, headaches as well as insomnia. Your health partners at Lonsdale Dental Centre want to empower you to combat Bruxism, so you wake up feeling rested, pain free and ready for the day!

Quality of sleep factors greatly into how you perform in your waking hours, whether at work or at home. If you are resting well, you are feeling well and needless to say the reverse is true as well. There are several ways dental professionals diagnose and treat bruxism. As with any other health problem, early detection is the key to treating this particular sleep disorder. There are various ways to test the frequency and duration of your grinding throughout the night. Most importantly, there are treatment methods available such as dental guards and splints which are typically worn on a long-term basis during each and every night’s sleep.

Over the counter mouth guards sold at drug stores, while inexpensive, are considered by dental professionals to be ineffective in preventing tooth erosion and further decay. A good nights rest is imperative to maintaining a healthy quality of life for you and your family. If you or your children experience bruxism, consult your Lonsdale Dental Centre expert for treatment options as your oral health depends upon it.

Contact our North Vancouver dental clinic to find out how we can help you get the rest you need.

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Studies reveal that a better smile can be a contributing factor to success in your career. Interacting with colleagues and clients on a day-to-day basis, your appearance greatly influences the way people around you perceive and interact with you. Say for instance, you need a report earlier than you anticipated from your co-worker. You would be surprised how far a brilliant smile can go in getting that report ahead of time!

On a whole, people tend to make subconscious judgements about each person they interact with and encounter. When going in for an interview, meeting with a prospective client, or making business contacts you want to leave a positive impression that lasts. Nothing is more memorable than a fantastic smile. Walk into the boardroom with confidence, smile like you mean it, and you will have the respect and favor of your employers or employees.

Ask your Lonsdale Dental expert for more information about what a smile makeover can do for you or contact us to book a consultation today.

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Sometimes due to fear, laziness or anxiety, patients tend to “forget” about booking a regular dental cleaning or checkup at their local, friendly dental clinic. In order to encourage you to schedule your next checkup and cleaning at Lonsdale Dental now, here’s a few good reasons why regular dental visits are so important:

vancouver dentist checkup cleaning
“Patients who visit the dentist regularly are much less likely to need major procedures such as root canals, gum grafts and tooth extraction.”

1. Avoid Painful Procedures: Patients who visit the dentist regularly are much less likely to need major procedures such as root canals, gum grafts and tooth extraction. This means that patients are saving money, avoiding painful dental procedures and staying healthy!

2. Beautiful Smiles: A good looking smile starts with healthy teeth, and regular checkups and cleanings at Lonsdale Dental Centre will keep you looking your best. A professional cleaning can also help remove stains on your teeth, giving them a healthy shine that will impress everyone you meet.

3. Detect oral cancer early: One of the deadliest cancers, but easiest to diagnose, is oral cancer. At our North Vancouver dental clinic, we have invested in the VELscope exam system, which works to detect cancer at the earliest stages.

4. Good example for your kids: If you have children who look up to you, make sure you practice good oral hygiene habits. Make dental checkups a priority in life, allowing for a future full of healthy smiles.

5. Reduce gum disease: Many adults will eventually get some type of periodontal disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. Luckily, gum disease can easily be treated or reversed, but only if your oral health is checked closely by the team at Lonsdale Dental Centre.

For more information on maintaining good oral health, or to book a dental cleaning and checkup, contact us today!

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Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure in North Vancouver, but most patients are not even aware of why wisdom teeth removal is necessary. Now,  here is an informative guide on wisdom teeth to answer any questions you may have.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, typically show up in people between the ages of 16 to 25 years old. In the past, wisdom teeth were useful for our diet of harder foods and meats. Nowadays, with softer diets and orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth are left with little room to erupt.

Some people are unaffected by wisdom teeth, while others experience painful situations that require immediate removal. It’s a good idea to ask a dentist at Lonsdale Dental Centre for more information on your wisdom teeth development.

Why are wisdom teeth extracted?

wisdom teeth removal vancouver

Wisdom teeth removal is necessary because:

  • They are trapped below the gum line, due to lack of space
  • An infection has developed from plaque and bacteria
  • The teeth are erupting at an abnormal position
  • The wisdom tooth has lacked proper oral hygiene care

How are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth removal is typically pain-free due to oral or IV sedation. The procedure will begin by:

  • Numbing the wisdom teeth and tissues in the mouth with a local anesthetic
  • Tissue and bone covering the tooth is removed
  • The tooth is loosened from any connecting tissue in the socket
  • The wisdom tooth is removed with dental forceps

After the procedure, dental stitches are typically utilized to aid in the healing process. There is likely to be swelling or bruising, but a cold compress and medication should aid in a faster recovery.

For more information on wisdom teeth removal in Vancouver, or to book an appointment, contact Lonsdale Dental today.

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If you think you may have gum disease make sure you check out the top symptoms below. Do not worry, there is treatment for gum disease and your oral health can be restored. It is a good idea to maintain your oral hygiene practices as usual and then set up a consultation with one of our experienced and highly knowledgeable dentists within our practice. We care about your teeth and gums just as much as you do and strive to achieve optimal dental health with every patient that comes to see us.  At Lonsdale Dental Centre, we want you to feel safe, cared for and treated as one of the family.

Gum disease is a tissue infection surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease attacks an area within the mouth called the sulcus. The sulcus is located between the gums and the teeth and when the tissue is damaged, a pocket is formed in the sulcus. There are two stages that occur when this form of disease develops. They are known as periodontitis and gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed as it is a milder form of gum disease, but if left untreated it can turn into severe periodontitis.

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can go undetected for quite some time.  Gum disease can be prevented with regular dental checkups and routine cleanings.

Ask yourself the following questions.

1. When you brush your teeth, do your gums bleed? Do your gums bleed for no apparent reason?
2. Do you find that some of your permanent teeth are loose? Do you see gaps forming?
3. Have you noticed that your gums are protruding outwards from your teeth?
4. Do people complain that you have bad breath? Do you constantly have a bad taste in your mouth?
5. If you wear dentures, have you noticed a change in the way they are fitting within your mouth?
6. Is your bite different? Do you feel it isn’t the same bite as you previously had?
7. Have you lost teeth recently without cause?
8. Do your gums appear red, feel tender or look swollen?

If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, contact us today to book a consultation visit.

What should I do?

Call us and schedule an appointment for an exam. Many dentists and dental practices including Lonsdale Dental can help stop the progression of the disease with periodontal maintenance. Do your best to maintain good oral health at home and brush, floss and eat healthy foods to maintain optimal immunity. We can help save your teeth from further damage if you get in touch with us today!

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It is amazing how much the practice of dentistry has grown over the years, from basic routine cleanings and extractions to state-of-the-art technology and cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dental procedures are now more affordable and not only for rich-famed celebrities.

Cosmetic dentistry is for anyone who wants to improve their smile. With advanced technology and top-of-the-line equipment, we at Lonsdale Dental can help you turn that frown upside down. Our dedicated and caring team has years of experience in the field of dentistry and cosmetic methods.

Lonsdale Dental wants you to look and feel your best at all times. If you want to boost your self-esteem and create a more natural smile for yourself, then we are here to help with our top-notch cosmetic dentistry services. A beautiful smile is a winning smile and is worn on those that feel confident about themselves.

Do you have a gummy smile? Stained teeth? Or do you have large spaces between your teeth? We can fix it! From tooth whitening and correcting a bite to restoring decayed or chipped teeth, we provide the best cosmetic dentistry services for a brighter, healthier and eye-catching smile.

An attractive smile can do wonders for your self-esteem and can give you the boost you need to feel more confident in your daily activities. Imagine showing off a whiter, brighter and healthier smile to your friend, friendly or possible new love interest. Studies say that a beautiful smile is one of the number one features that people look for in another person. A person that smiles is approachable and friendly, not to mention more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry is the number one cure for a fabulous smile!

Come into our office for a cosmetic dentistry consultation, tell us your needs and we’ll take care of the rest. At Lonsdale Dental Centre, we will work with you to achieve your dental goals. We care about your smile and guarantee that you will walk out of our office a whole new and improved you!

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We are pleased to announce that Lonsdale Dental Centre has been chosen for membership in 123Dentist.com’s Dentist Network!

Finding the right dentist used to be hit or miss.  123Dentist.com changes that.  The 123Dentist.com website is a fast and convenient service that helps consumers find an expert dentist in their neighborhood who stands for superior results and who is committed to putting patients first. The 123Dentist.com website search engine is an innovative and easy tool connecting BC residents to a directory of world-class dentists – whether one is looking for a general dentist, a cosmetic dentist, or even for a dentist who provides a particular solution such as Sedation Dentistry, Laser Dentistry, or Invisalign invisible braces – 123Dentist.com provides a list of local dental experts who can be trusted to deliver results.

The 123 Dentist Network also chooses practices that are modern and comfortable in order to create a soothing and relaxing patient experience.

To “make the grade,” a member of 123Dentist.com’s Dentist Network must be more than skilled and certified. He or she must also be 100% committed to excellence, patient care, and professionalism. That way when patients use 123Dentist.com to find the ideal local dentist – they know they’re getting the very best.

Lonsdale Dental Centre were elected and pre-screened, meeting a set of high standards that cover everything from skill to attitude. We were also chosen to be a part of the 123 Dentist Network because we offer the latest solutions in the dental industry and we invest the time it takes to make sure our patients are comfortable, confident, informed and empowered.

Being a part of 123Dentist.com’s Dental Network is an excellent way for Lonsdale Dental to reach out to our North Vancouver, BC community and make our presence known to patients who are new to the neighborhood, seeking the latest in dentistry, or wanting a better dental experience.

Contact us to book an appointment and learn first hand what sets us apart from the rest!

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