How do I join the practice as a new patient?

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To begin the registration process, print & complete our Child or Adult Medical Forms (located under the Make An Appointment drop down menu). After completing these forms contact our office by phone 1-613-928-2326 or email appts_ldc@xplornet.com to schedule an appointment.

 

 

What information should I bring if I have insurance coverage?

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Most people are now given a plastic card similar to a credit card with their policy number, certificate/ID number, insurance company’s name, and any booklets about your specific coverage. Please read the EDI Info form and complete the EDI Submission Form prior to your appointment. 

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Do you need my previous dental records?

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To better understand your dental history & obtain copies of previous x-rays, we can have you sign a release of your dental records and send it to your previous office. The copy of these records is helpful but not necessary for your first appointment.

 

 

What are some questions I should know about my insurance policy?

 

At the Lyndhurst Dental Centre we strive to help our patients receive their insurance benefits. With over 50,000 insurance policies in Ontario we are unable to know all of the details of every specific plan. By providing us with a copy of the booklet you received with your benefits, we can help you interpret what is covered.

 

 

To better understand your insurance benefits you should know the answers to the following questions:
 

-What is my yearly maximum? 

-Is it a calendar or benefit year?

-What percentage of coverage do I have? i.e  80%, 60% 

-How many units of scaling and root planning do I have?

-What is my recall frequency?

-Is it as current fee guide?

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What can I expect at my first appointment?

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At your first appointment we will review your health history with you and discuss your dental history. We will then take some x-rays and photos of the teeth. The dental hygienist will complete a comprehensive periodontal evaluation of your current gum and bone status. 

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What is a cavity?

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Cavities occur when plaque combines with the sugars and starches of your foods. This produces acids that attack teeth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

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How common is gum disease? 

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Seven out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some time in their lives. It is the most common dental problem, and it can progress quite painlessly until you have a real problem. That's why it is so important to prevent gum disease before it becomes serious take steps to manage it when it is present. 

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How does gum disease get started?

 

Gum disease begins when plaque adheres at and below the visible edge of your gums. If plaque is not removed every day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar promotes a bacterial infection at the point of gum tissue attachment. In these early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis.

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Your gums may be a bit red, but you may not have any symptoms. As gingivitis gets more serious, tiny pockets of infection form. Your gums may be puffy and may bleed a little when you brush, but it may not be painful. Over time, the infection destroys the gum tissue and underlying bone and there is commonly pus draining. Eventually, you may be at risk of losing one or more teeth.

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How can I prevent gum disease? 

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Prevention is the most important factor in the fight against gum disease. It is essential to keep your teeth and gums clean. Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day and floss at least once every 24 hours.

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Using proper brushing and flossing techniques is equally important. Be sure to see your Dentist and Hygienist regularly for professional cleaning and dental exams, so that they can detect any early signs of gum disease, and provide appropriate treatment.

 

 

What if I am already in the early stages of gum disease?

 

If you have gum disease, getting rid of plaque and tartar gives your gums a chance to get better. That's why in the early stages of gum disease, the best treatment is: Cleaning by your dental hygienist to remove built-up tartar, brushing twice a day to remove plaque and flossing once a day to remove plaque. 

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How often should I attend for preventive care and check-ups? 

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Typically adults should attend twice annually for preventative therapies such as removal of tartar and plaque and preventive treatments such as fluoride. 

 

Dental check-ups are also very important even for those who have no teeth. Checking for oral cancer and denture fit are among many of the things your dentist is assessing besides the health of the teeth. 

This interval can be increased or decreased on an individual basis once an initial examination and preventative appointments have been completed. 

 

 

When should my children have their first appointments? 

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The Canadian Dental Association recommends first check-ups within the first year or 6 months of the first erupting tooth. 

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These first visits are vital in fostering a lifelong relationship that supports dental health as a part of overall health. 

 

A Myofunctional assessment at a young age can determine if your child needs to have oral habits addressed early. 

 

 

Why do I need x-rays?

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X-rays allow us to see things we cannot see looking in your mouth. These may be taken for a variety of reason that include to check: a toothache, for cavities between the teeth or on the root surfaces of the teeth, the extent of a cavity, to see if a tooth has had a root canal, for unerupted teeth, to check for infection at the base of the roots, to check the bone levels, among other reasons.  Many of the previous mentioned concerns can be present in the mouth unaware to the patient. 

 

Our digital x-ray system ensures that your exposure is very limited and allows us to easily compare past and present x-rays as well as easily share them between dentists.

 

 

What is fluoride? 

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Fluoride is a mineral found in soil, water (both fresh and salt) and various foods.

 

 

How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?

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Fluoride works by stopping or even reversing the tooth decay process. It keeps the enamel of the tooth strong and solid by preventing loss of important minerals. Fluorides main effect occurs after the tooth has erupted above the gum, when small amounts of fluoride are maintained in the mouth in saliva. 

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Where do I get the fluoride that prevents tooth decay? 

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For many Canadians, fluoride is in public drinking water, which provides protection to the entire community. Fluoride toothpastes and rinses are available for purchase, and your dentist can provide professional fluoride products such as gels and varnish. 

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What is a fluoride varnish?

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Fluoride varnishes are highly concentrated forms of topical fluoride applied by dental professionals. They are tooth-colored preventive agents painted with a small brush on tooth surface after the teeth are cleaned and dried. The varnish quickly hardens and releases fluoride gradually over time.

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What are the benefits for me?

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These varnishes are cost-effective, painless and easy to apply. They can be used on patients of all ages. Both children and adults find the use of fluoride varnish easier than trays with fluoride foam or gel, because it is painted on directly and sticks immediately.  This reduces gagging, eliminates chances of swallowing avoiding upset stomachs. 

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Why do young children need to be assisted or supervised with tooth brushing? 

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Young children tend to swallow toothpaste when they are brushing, which may increase their exposure to fluoride to higher than optimal levels and contribute to dental fluorosis. For this reason, children need to be assisted or supervised with tooth brushing. An adult needs to ensure that an appropriate amount of toothpaste is used, that the child spits out the toothpaste rather than swallows it, and that the teeth are cleaned effectively. 

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What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events? 

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A custom-fitted mouthguard developed by a dental professional will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head, such as concussion.

 

 

Do I have to be a patient to have whitening?

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You do not have to commit to changing offices for us to offer whitening services. We do require a current health history to be completed, current x-rays and a visual examination before these services can rendered. We do offer gift certificates for these services.