Les dentistes d'outremont

Services

Ensuring your satisfaction is our top priority.

Comprehensive Oral Examination and Cleaning

During your initial appointment at our prestigious dental clinic in Outremont, we dedicate time to a thorough examination and dental cleaning. While this first visit may be relatively lengthy, it is crucial for establishing proper initial care and ensuring high-quality ongoing oral health.

The comprehensive dental examination begins with a panoramic X-ray to assess the condition of all your teeth and the surrounding bone structures. We also use a series of small retro-alveolar X-rays to examine in detail the crowns and roots of your teeth. Subsequently, we create a dental chart, called an "odontogram," to record all previous treatments performed in your mouth.

During this comprehensive examination, we assess not only the state of your teeth but also the soft tissues, temporomandibular joints, gums, periodontium, and any existing prostheses. We also take detailed photos of all necessary elements to inform you transparently about your oral health, presenting the various treatment options, allowing you to make an informed choice.

After this initial examination, it is recommended to schedule follow-up appointments at regular intervals, usually every 6, 9, or 12 months, depending on your oral health. These follow-up examinations are shorter and include dental cleaning, a few X-rays, and an examination to monitor the progress of your oral health. We are committed to providing careful follow-up for your oral well-being, allowing you to maintain optimal oral health.

Operative Dentistry

Operative dentistry, also known as restorative dentistry, plays a crucial role in treating teeth affected by initial cavities, relapses, or defective dental fillings. It is important to understand that, generally, a cavity that has not yet reached the nerve of the tooth remains asymptomatic, meaning it evolves without causing pain.

The diagnosis of a cavity is conducted using radiographs, the dentist's visual expertise, and tactile examinations using dental instruments. It may happen that, despite these diagnostic methods, a cavity remains challenging to detect, especially due to the angle of the X-ray or the superposition of dental materials on an emerging cavity. This is why the frequency of dental appointments is of great importance, allowing the diagnosis of cavities that might have gone unnoticed.

The treatment of cavities involves the preparation and cleaning of a cavity, followed by immediate restoration using a quality material called composite, applied on the same day, with a bonding system. For larger cavities, custom-made porcelain restorations, crafted in a laboratory, are recommended.

Restorative dentistry is essential to preserve both the health and aesthetics of your smile. Schedule an appointment now to receive quality dental care in Outremont, Montreal, ensuring the sustainability of your oral well-being.

Examination, Cleaning, and Oral Hygiene Instruction

Preserving primary teeth until the emergence of permanent teeth is crucial. Primary teeth complete their eruption around the age of 2 and remain in place until 11 or 12 years old. They act as guides for the placement of permanent teeth, which emerge between 6 and 13 years.

If a child loses a primary tooth prematurely due to decay or trauma, several issues may arise:

Other teeth may shift.
The space intended for the permanent tooth diminishes.
The permanent tooth may erupt misaligned.
Overlapping of permanent teeth can occur.

It is also essential to note that untreated cavities can lead to various complications, including:

The development of a painful abscess.
- Infection that can impact the formation of the permanent tooth and cause abnormalities.

It is important to emphasize that some cavities can be asymptomatic, both in children and adults, meaning the decay progresses without causing noticeable pain.

Cavities can develop in children:

With inadequate oral hygiene.
Who fall asleep with a bottle or cup containing sugary liquids such as milk, juice, or other sweetened beverages.
With a diet rich in sugar.
Whose family history reveals a predisposition to cavities.

Regular dental check-ups with your child are imperative. It's worth noting that we provide dental care for children from the age of 1, although we are not specialized pediatric dentists. If we determine that your child requires the expertise of a pediatric dentist for various reasons, such as a lack of cooperation, young age, or severe cavities, we will refer you to a qualified specialist. Your child deserves quality dental care and proper oral hygiene education from an early age.

Preventive Dental Sealant

Dental surfaces, especially on molars and premolars, feature natural grooves called "pits and fissures." Despite good oral hygiene, food debris can accumulate in these grooves, promoting the growth of bacteria and dental plaque, thereby increasing the risk of cavities.

Preventive dental sealants, composed of a thin layer of liquid resin, are applied to molars and premolars to fill these pits and fissures. By creating a protective barrier, sealants prevent food residues from accumulating, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial buildup.

Dental sealants also simplify oral hygiene because, even with thorough brushing, it can be challenging to reach residues at the bottom of the grooves. It's important to note that while teeth with sealants are better protected, they are not completely free from the risk of dental cavities.

Treatment of Cavities with Pediatric Restorations or Crowns

When dealing with tooth decay in a primary (baby) tooth, various restoration options are available. For minor cavities, composite (white resin) or amalgam (mercury-based restoration) can be used, although we do not use the latter material in our clinic. In cases of more advanced cavities, where the tooth is extensively damaged, pediatric crowns prove to be the optimal solution.

Pediatric crowns, single-unit prosthetic devices, are ideal for replacing significantly deteriorated dental structures. They preserve the primary tooth, preventing premature extraction. This preservation is crucial because the early loss of baby teeth can lead to dental misalignments. These crowns, most commonly made of metal (stainless steel) or zirconia (white), maintain the integrity of baby teeth while ensuring appropriate aesthetics.

Seniors often experience various oral issues, including dry mouth (xerostomia), tooth loss, cavities, periodontitis, as well as precancerous and cancerous lesions. These problems often stem from factors such as reduced saliva production, often due to significant medication, hygiene limitations due to reduced dexterity, a decline in immune defenses, and memory disorders.

It is crucial for seniors to maintain regular oral care. We are committed to supporting and treating our elderly patients, taking into account their medical condition. Considering your medication and medical status is essential to ensure a smooth visit and promote optimal dental care follow-up.

Removable Complete and Partial Dentures

Complete dentures, commonly known as dentures, provide a comprehensive solution by replacing all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. Crafted from acrylic resin, a durable material that mimics natural teeth and gums, these dentures need to be removed for sleep and require regular cleaning. Removable partial dentures, on the other hand, replace one or several missing teeth, enhancing aesthetics, chewing, and pronunciation. Composed of the same materials as complete dentures, they can integrate a metal structure and hooks ensuring their support by relying on the existing teeth. We can also make aesthetic devices without a metal structure, called Valplast for example. This will be a compromise treatment awaiting the placement of a future implant; these devices, which are also removable, are more flexible, light and aesthetic.

Fixed Partial Dentures (Crowns and Bridges)

Following a root canal or in cases of significant tooth damage, applying a crown is often necessary to strengthen the tooth. When one or more teeth are missing, the therapeutic choice of a bridge allows for the replacement of these teeth by using adjacent teeth as support. Our crowns and bridges are custom-made in the laboratory, ensuring exceptional aesthetic results.

Bruxism Treatment (Occlusal Splint)

Do you grind your teeth? You may not be aware, as it often occurs unconsciously. Signs such as teeth with worn surfaces or jaw joint pain, especially upon waking, are indicative of this issue. Following an assessment by the dentist, an occlusal splint may be recommended. Custom-made in the laboratory, the occlusal splint protects your teeth, preventing wear and jaw joint pain.

Occlusion Adjustment

Poor coordination between upper and lower teeth can lead to undesirable consequences such as headaches, neck pain, tooth pain, bruxism (teeth grinding), and even temporomandibular joint problems. Occlusion adjustment is a procedure aimed at balancing the contacts between upper and lower teeth by selectively grinding certain teeth.

Inlays and Onlays

In cases of significant tooth damage due to extensive cavities, inlays emerge as a sophisticated technique aimed at preserving the natural tooth to the maximum extent. Custom-shaped from ceramic in the laboratory, this inlay, while reinforcing the tooth, stands out for its enduring aesthetic appearance. Unlike chairside composites, the color of ceramic inlays remains unchanged, offering an aesthetic and durable solution, as ceramic, being more robust than composite, perfectly adapts to the tooth.

Mouthguard

The mouthguard plays a crucial role in protecting teeth and lips during team sports activities. Its function extends beyond dental preservation, also helping to reduce the force of potential impacts, thereby lowering the risks of concussions, mandibular fractures, and neck injuries.

Simple Tooth Extraction

A dental extraction is deemed "simple" when it requires neither the removal of bone around the tooth (osteotomy) nor grinding of the tooth (odontotomy). The complexity of the extraction is assessed by the dentist, taking into account various factors such as the tooth's position (impacted or visible), available oral space, the presence of infections, gum health, and the existence of cavities, fractures, or restorations. Thus, even an apparently simple extraction can reveal unexpected complications, such as a partial root fracture, transforming it into a more complex procedure.

Surgical Tooth Extraction (with Flap, Odontectomy, and/or Osteotomy)

Surgical extractions, including odontectomy and osteotomy, are recommended for teeth presenting challenges of access, curved roots, significant damage due to decay, ankylosis, or other complications. In these situations, the dentist proceeds to expose the gum and bone around the tooth, sometimes fragmenting the tooth to facilitate its extraction. The complexity of this intervention requires sutures to ensure the preservation of gingival integrity during the healing phase.

Emergency Care (Dental Pulpitis, Dental Abscess, etc.)

Irreversible pulpitis, causing some of the most intense dental pain, often results from damage to the dental pulp due to caries or a fracture. Emergency treatment involves opening the affected tooth, followed by closure with a temporary antiseptic dressing. In some cases, a prescription may be necessary for optimal relief.

Dental necrosis occurs when the pulp of the tooth is destroyed by deep decay or when the nerve reacts poorly following trauma to the tooth (deep restoration, shock, etc.). Emergency treatment consists of opening the tooth concerned and/or if necessary make a temporary antibiotic prescription.

Dental abscesses, which can appear spontaneously or as a result of untreated pulp necrosis, manifest as painful swelling of the gums. In some situations, an incision of the gums under local anesthesia may be necessary urgently, accompanied by opening the tooth to ensure proper drainage of the infection. An antibiotic prescription is generally recommended.

Root Canal Treatment and Retreatment

Dental devitalization, or root canal treatment, sometimes proves to be the only viable alternative to preserve a tooth otherwise destined for extraction. This procedure involves meticulous antimicrobial cleaning of each dental canal. Although root canal treatment generally boasts a high success rate, like any dental procedure, it is impossible to guarantee 100% success.

In cases where root canal retreatment is necessary, the second intervention on a tooth that has already experienced failure shows a lower success rate compared to initial treatment. To extend the life of the treated tooth, it is often recommended, after root canal treatment, to proceed with a prosthetic restoration in the form of a crown. This aims to reduce the risk of fracture and thus prevent further extraction.

Reduction of Periodontal Pockets (Conventional or Flap Technique)

Have you noticed bleeding during brushing or flossing? Do you suffer from persistent bad breath? You may be affected by periodontitis, a gum disease with potentially serious consequences. Periodontitis, often asymptomatic, is challenging for patients to detect but remains a leading cause of tooth loss.

Affecting one in three adults, this gum disease is associated with bacteria that can have systemic effects, leading to risks such as heart attacks and strokes. Les Dentistes d'Outremont offers specialized care to stabilize periodontitis or, if necessary, will refer you to a periodontist for more advanced situations. Take care of your gums for optimal dental health.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is used when the visible "crown" part of the tooth is too short to be fully restored (e.g., due to deep decay). This procedure aims to reduce part of the bone and gum surrounding one or more teeth, allowing the visible part or "crown" of the tooth to lengthen.

Beyond the aesthetic benefits of a brighter smile, crown lengthening also facilitates the placement of dental prosthetics. It provides a comprehensive solution to harmoniously restore your teeth. If you are bothered by a gummy smile, this intervention can also be the key to exposing more of your teeth. Trust our expertise in Outremont - Montreal to rejuvenate your smile.

Laser Periodontics

The use of laser technology is one of our cutting-edge approaches to effectively treat periodontal diseases. The initial assessment of your gum and bone health includes a periodontal chart, precisely measuring the depth of pockets around each tooth.

The process continues with a thorough removal of plaque and tartar, halting the progression of periodontal disease and associated bone loss. The dental laser then eliminates infected tissues, simultaneously stimulating bone cell activity and improving blood circulation. This technology provides increased comfort during the procedure and promotes optimal periodontal healing.

After this non-surgical treatment, maintaining rigorous oral hygiene is essential to maximize the benefits of the procedure. Trust our expertise in Outremont - Montreal for superior periodontal care.

Frenotomy and Frenectomy

Following orthodontic treatment, the elastic nature of the connective tissue in the gums may cause teeth to return to their initial position. To prevent this phenomenon, a frenotomy can be performed. This surgical intervention aims to sever the gum fibers, which may cause mild postoperative discomfort.

Another procedure recommended at the end of orthodontic treatment is frenectomy. The frenum, a ligament connecting the gums to the cheeks, can sometimes be prominent. Its location between two teeth can cause spacing between them. Although these spaces can be closed with orthodontic appliances, there is a risk of relapse if frenectomy, involving the removal of the frenum, is not performed.

Guided Bone Tissue Regeneration and Tissue Regeneration

Guided Bone Tissue Regeneration (GBR) aims to restore damaged periodontal structures by preserving the cells of the periodontal ligament and osteogenic cells, which have slow division compared to rapidly proliferating epithelium. This technique involves the use of a barrier membrane.

Orthodontics (Interception in Children)

The Dentistes d'Outremont provide orthodontic services not only for adults but also for children. Orthodontics aims to correct dental malocclusions, including misalignment of teeth, incorrect teeth positioning relative to each other, and jaw positioning issues. These orthodontic treatments contribute to improving the aesthetics of the smile while addressing functional problems.

During your children's routine exams, it is essential for the dentist to assess occlusion, especially from the age of 7. At this stage, dental or skeletal malocclusions can be detected, and early treatment may be necessary to prevent deterioration.

In such cases, a comprehensive orthodontic examination is recommended, including a panoramic X-ray, cephalometric X-ray, intra and extra-oral photographs, mouth scanning, and precise measurements.

After this examination, a second appointment will be scheduled to explain the treatment plan in detail. Once you understand the entire therapeutic process and give your consent, we can begin the treatment with the goal of providing your child with a perfectly aligned and functional smile.

Orthodontics (Conventional Braces)

Dr. Julia Halfon, a qualified general dentist, offers high-quality orthodontic care to correct dental alignment and jaw occlusion issues. Orthodontics aims to improve both the aesthetics of the smile and functional problems related to improper teeth or jaw positioning. Braces, the traditional method for correcting dental malocclusions, offer the advantage of being fixed compared to treatments with aligners. The total duration of the treatment generally depends on the complexity of the case.

Braces consist of metal brackets attached to each tooth, connected by a metal wire called an orthodontic arch. This wire is gradually adjusted during regular visits to promote the desired changes. Good oral hygiene and dietary precautions are essential during the wearing of braces, and Dr. Halfon's team will provide detailed advice to ensure the optimal success of your orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontics with Aligners (Spark, Invisalign)

Adults and older patients may sometimes hesitate to undergo orthodontic treatment due to concerns about wearing "braces" and associated discomfort. Les Dentistes d'Outremont are pleased to inform you that these concerns are no longer necessary. It is now possible to undergo orthodontic treatment discreetly, without disrupting your daily habits, thanks to orthodontic aligners, such as various recognized systems (Invisalign, Spark, etc.).

Treatment with aligners involves using a series of transparent trays, usually changed weekly, promoting the gradual movement of teeth. Each tray should be worn for about 23 hours a day, only to be removed for meals, tooth brushing, and flossing. The duration of the treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case.

Initially, Dr. Halfon will conduct an orthodontic consultation to assess the suitability of aligner treatment, providing an approximate estimate based on the complexity of the case. If you choose to proceed with the treatment, a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation will be performed, including photos, X-rays (panoramic and cephalometric), measurements, and an impression made using digital scanning. After Dr. Halfon's analysis, another appointment will be necessary to present a simulation of dental movement from the beginning to the end of treatment. At that time, the precise cost and estimated duration will be provided, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Teeth Whitening at Home

Teeth whitening is an ideal option for healthy, cavity-free teeth and impeccable oral hygiene. When we determine that your oral health is in perfect condition, we proceed with taking impressions to create your custom whitening trays.

The treatment typically spans two weeks and involves applying a whitening agent to the trays. You will need to wear these trays for about thirty minutes to an hour per day. It is essential, during this whitening period, and ideally a few days after treatment, to avoid consuming foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee or red wine.

If you experience tooth sensitivity during the treatment, you have the option to space out the whitening sessions, for example, by doing the treatment every other day instead of daily. Whitening trays can be kept, but touch-ups over the years will be necessary to maintain the results. It is important to note that the success of whitening depends greatly on the quality of your tooth enamel, your initial tooth shade, and your lifestyle. You can achieve a brighter smile effortlessly with our high-quality at-home whitening option.

Porcelain or Composite Veneers

A dental veneer is a thin layer of material that covers the visible surface of the tooth to enhance its aesthetics. It can be made of porcelain, composite (resin), or other materials. Dental veneers are versatile and can be used to correct discolored, chipped, or cracked teeth, fill gaps between teeth, or slightly align teeth.

Porcelain veneers offer exceptional aesthetic results. Unlike composite veneers, they retain their initial color over time, ensuring a radiant and long-lasting smile. Choose porcelain or composite dental veneers to enhance your smile in Outremont, Montreal.

Diastema Closure

A diastema, a space between normally closed teeth, can cause aesthetic discomfort and complexes in some patients. Several solutions exist to close this gap. Composite resin, an economical but often short-term solution, can be used to fill the space between teeth. Although less expensive and less invasive, this option can easily damage and show rapid color changes.

An alternative involves the use of dental veneers, thin porcelain plates custom-made. While this option is more invasive, requiring slight tooth trimming to create space for the veneer, it offers a generally longer lifespan, improved aesthetics, and color stability.

Aesthetic Periodontal Surgery

Aesthetic periodontal plastic surgery, also known as gingivectomy, is a cosmetic procedure performed on the gums to enhance the smile and, in some cases, improve overall periodontal health. This intervention can address various gum issues, whether aesthetic or health related. It is often used to treat roots exposed by the gum or to strengthen the gums. Types of periodontal surgeries include gum grafting, modification of the bone ridge, and coronal elongation.