FAQs
Questions about the clinic?
General information for patients about our clinic.
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Absolutely! We are always delighted to welcome new patients and appreciate the referral of friends and family to our practice. It would be our honor to have you join us.
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To book an appointment, please call us directly at 514-932-9444. Our friendly appointment coordinators are eager to assist you in selecting a day and time that seamlessly aligns with your schedule.
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Completing the medical form is crucial as it enables us to assess your health background before our initial consultation. For your convenience, you have the option to fill out this form either upon your arrival at our clinic or from the comfort of your home before your visit. The form is provided in PDF format, allowing you to easily fill it out on your computer and email it to us, or if you prefer, print it out and complete it by hand to bring with you to your first appointment.
Please note: To view and fill out the medical form, ensure your computer is equipped with PDF reader software. If needed, you can download a free version of a PDF reader here: Free Adobe PDF Reader.
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After your treatment is finalized, we will take care of preparing and mailing your insurance form on your behalf. However, please note that the insurance company will reimburse you directly, rather than paying us. This means that you will receive the insurance payment directly from them.
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We welcome a variety of payment options for your convenience. You can pay using Visa, MasterCard, debit card, cash, or cheque.
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Yes, financing options are available for our services. To explore these options and learn more, please contact one of our coordinators at 514-932-9444.
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The necessity for x-rays will be determined during your consultation with periodontal and dental implant specialists, based on their importance for accurately diagnosing your condition and devising the most effective treatment plan. Our clinic is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, including digital radiography, which offers significant advantages:
Reduced Radiation Exposure: Digital x-rays emit 70% less radiation compared to traditional x-ray methods.
Enhanced Clarity and Resolution: This allows for more precise diagnostics.
Direct Measurements: We can take accurate measurements straight from the x-ray images.
Efficient Sharing: X-ray images can be emailed to your dentist within seconds, facilitating quick and effective communication.
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Our priority is to ensure your comfort throughout and after the procedure. To help minimize any potential discomfort, we will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions. Should you experience any discomfort, it can typically be managed effectively with over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Tylenol.
Demystifying periodontics and implantology
Understanding the Basics: A Closer Look at Periodontics and Implantology
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A periodontist is a dental practitioner with advanced training in diagnosing and treating periodontal (gum) disease and in the field of dental implantology. The journey to becoming a periodontist involves an extensive educational path. Initially, an aspiring periodontist must complete four to five years of dental school to earn a dentistry degree. Following this, they are required to engage in a rigorous postgraduate residency in multidisciplinary dentistry, allowing them to refine their expertise across all dental disciplines.
The specialization process continues with three years of focused education in periodontics. This period is dedicated to managing and treating patients with complex gum diseases and those in need of dental implants. Alongside their periodontal training, candidates are also expected to pursue a Master of Dental Science, further solidifying their expertise in the field.
To officially practice as a periodontist in Canada, the practitioner must successfully pass a series of national exams, which validate their specialized skills and knowledge, granting them the professional license to practice as a periodontist.
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Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, represents a chronic affliction impacting the gums and bone structure around teeth. This condition arises due to the accumulation of certain bacteria and plaque beneath the gumline, which in turn leads to the degradation of the bone supporting the teeth. As a result, affected teeth may become unstable and require removal. Nearly half of the population in North America is affected by periodontal disease, with smoking dramatically increasing the risk. The disease tends to be particularly aggressive and fast-moving among smokers.
For further details, refer to the Periodontal disease treatment page.
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Gum graft surgery stands as a pivotal intervention for addressing gum recession. This procedure allows periodontists to amend areas of gum recession by supplementing the affected site with additional gum tissue. This not only covers the exposed tooth root but also acts as a preventive measure against further recession.
Gum grafts are particularly advisable for cases exhibiting significant gingival recession or a lack of sufficient attached gum tissue.
For additional information, please visit the Gum Graft page.
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The absence of a tooth can trigger a cascade of dental health issues, notably the loss of jawbone density and the alteration in the position of nearby teeth. This underscores the importance of addressing missing teeth promptly to avert such outcomes.
Effects of Tooth Loss Include:
Reduction in jawbone volume
Shifting and leaning of surrounding and opposite teeth
Compromised chewing efficiency
Deterioration of smile aesthetics
For further insights, explore the Dental Implant page. -
Dental implant installation is carried out with minimal discomfort, utilizing local anesthesia to numb the area, akin to the process for a dental filling. The implantation process is swift and causes minimal trauma. Performed in a sterile environment adhering to stringent, established protocols, the procedure may involve slight elevation of the gum to insert the implant, although in some instances, the implant can be placed without needing to lift the gum.
If lifting the gum is required, the site is closed with dissolvable sutures. For those who may feel anxious about the procedure, options for oral sedation (taking medication an hour prior to the procedure) or intravenous conscious sedation are available.
Post-operative recovery is quick, with pain management typically involving over-the-counter pain relief for a day or two, allowing patients to continue with their everyday activities with minimal interruption.
For additional details, refer to the Dental Implant page.
Preoperative & postoperative care
Preparing Well for Optimal Recovery
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To ensure a smooth and efficient initial consultation at our clinic, here are several preparatory steps to follow.
Aim to arrive a bit early for your appointment to allow time for completing a medical history questionnaire.
It's important to bring along any current medications and supplements you're using, as well as any referral form provided by your dentist.
To streamline your visit, please verify that we have received the latest dental X-rays from your dentist; this helps us avoid unnecessary repeat X-rays.
Lastly, write down any questions or concerns you might have—our team of dedicated specialists in periodontal and dental implants will provide answers and guidance during your consultation.
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Below, you'll find essential advice to ready yourself for the upcoming treatment at our clinic.
If you think of any questions following your initial consultation, don't hesitate to reach out to us ahead of your scheduled visit.
Stick to your regular medication regimen unless the periodontist advises otherwise.
It's important to update us on any alterations to your health or any medication changes.
Ensure you eat a substantial breakfast on the day of your surgery.
We ask that you arrive a bit early for your procedure and check in with our front desk upon arrival.
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Oral sedation requires you to take a prescribed medication before your surgery. This prescription will be issued by the periodontal and dental implant specialist ahead of your scheduled visit.
Please ensure the following guidelines are followed:
Having someone accompany you to and from the clinic is essential.
Bring the contact details of your escort, especially if they will not be in the waiting room during your appointment.
Continue your usual dietary habits unless the periodontal and dental implant specialists suggests otherwise.
It is vital to alert the periodontist to any health status changes on the day of your surgery.
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Rinsing:
Beginning tomorrow you should rinse twice a day with warm salt water.Brushing:
Beginning tomorrow you may brush as usual, but do not brush on the side of the surgery for the next week. Be sure to keep the area of the surgery clean by rinsing.Discomfort:
You may experience mild to moderate discomfort after the anaesthesia wears off. The medication given to you for pain should be used as prescribed and should control your discomfort.Bleeding:
Do not be concerned if traces of blood noted in the saliva. Occasionally some postoperative seepage is noted up to 24 hours after the operation. Do not rinse your mouth during the first 24 hours, as disruption of the blood clot may occur.
If bleeding is excessive or persistent apply firm pressure over the bleeding area for 30 minutes with a wet tea bag. Also sit quietly in an upright position.Swelling:
Some slight swelling is normal and may take 3 to 4 days to reach a maximum. Applying ice packs to the outside of the face, over the surgical area, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off may help to alleviate the swelling.Activity:
You may follow your regular activities but avoid excessive exertion. Athletics and long exposure to the sun should be avoided for the first three days after the surgery.Nutrition:
Maintaining a nutritional diet after surgery is essential. Try to favour soft foods and chew on the opposite side of the mouth.Smoking:
Smoke is an irritant to your healing tissues and may retard your healing.Dressing:
If a dressing has been placed, it may dislodge completely at some point during the first week of healing. This is of no concern; the dressing is for your comfort only.