General Dentistry - Kennedy Heights Dental

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider. Whether you’ve been looking for a dental clinic near you or you need a dental cleaning near you, a general dentist works to diagnose, treat, and manage overall dental health care needs.

The dentists at Kennedy Heights Dental are dedicated to providing a range of important dental services to families. We take great pride in being “family dentists.” We look after the oral health of kids through to adults to perform a wide range of dental procedures to prevent, identify, and treat dental problems

Who Is A General Dentist?

A general dentist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating oral health problems. These can include cavities, gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, and oral cancer. General dentists can provide restorative dental care as well as preventative care.

In addition to providing routine examinations and cleanings, general dentists also treat oral conditions like sleep apnea by fitting patients with an oral appliance that helps maintain an open airway during sleep. A general dentist can also provide relief from temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ disorder, which is a condition that causes pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles due to poor bite alignment. Treatment for this condition can take the form of a custom mouth guard or other orthodontic devices. Other services commonly provided by general dentists include sealants to prevent cavities in children and teenagers, root canal therapy to treat infected tooth pulp, and tooth extractions. In order to become a general dentist, a person must obtain a degree in dentistry from a qualified dental school and complete several years of training under the supervision of a licensed dentist. This education includes the study of the diagnosis and treatment of common dental conditions and preventative measures such as flossing, brushing, and fluoride treatments. Once these requirements are fulfilled, the dentist must also pass a series of practical and written exams in order to become licensed to practice as a general dentist in the state where their office is located.

Smile With General Dentistry At Kennedy Heights Dental

Kennedy Heights Dental offers general dentistry services in the Greater Vancouver area. We serve individuals and families, helping to promote and maintain the oral health and appearance of you and your loved ones.

Whether you’re looking for a general checkup of your teeth, exploring options for cosmetic dentistry, or need an emergency dentist in Delta, get in touch with Kennedy Heights Dental, where our team will be more than happy to assist.

General Dentistry Services

Scheduling a visit to your dentist every six months is the best way to stay proactive about your oral health. A general dentist in Richmond BC can help with deep cleaning of your teeth and an oral health evaluation.

If any issues are found, we can come up with a treatment plan to address them before they become a bigger concern. You won’t have to look for another dentist near you for wisdom teeth removal or any other dental care. At Kennedy Heights Dental, we can do it all.

General Dentistry Services Include:

Teeth cleaning and polishing
X-rays
Cavity fillings
Root canal therapy
Dental implants
Teeth extractions
Oral cancer screenings
Fluoride treatments
Teeth whitening
Preventive education

What Dental Issues Can General Dentistry Treat?

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (commonly known as gum disease) is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. It is almost completely preventable with regular dental visits and good oral hygiene. Regular general dentistry appointments include a deep clean of the teeth and gums to remove the buildup of plaque, which is the leading cause of gum disease.

Gum Recession

In simple terms, gum recession is when gums shift from their original position and move downwards in the lower jaw or upwards in the upper jaw, thereby exposing the tooth root. In technical terms, gum recession is attachment loss, resulting in the onset of gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Tooth sensitivity can also become an associated chronic problem.

The following are some common factors that cause gum recession:

Plaque and/or calculus that deposits between gums and teeth can lead to detachment of gums and, thereby, recession
The habit of clenching or grinding teeth in your sleep can cause undue pressure on teeth and is detrimental to gums as it can lead to their detachment from the tooth
Aggressive brushing can cause gums to recede
In some individuals, gum recession is hereditary

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation: A Convenient Alternative To Traditional Gum Surgery

At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we offer the latest, minimally invasive, and highly effective gum repositioning technique called ‘pinhole gum rejuvenation.’

Pinhole gum rejuvenation is a surgical technique that involves the making of pinhole-sized punctures using specific dental instruments after the administration of local anesthesia. The gums are then stretched and lifted upwards from their original position, and the pinholes are then filled with collagen for rapid repair of gums.

Traditional surgery for gum repositioning requires grafts that are harvested from another place in the oral cavity, most commonly the palate. This graft is sutured to the receded gums and extended up to their original position. This creates a lesion at both sites, requiring sutures.

With the pinhole technique, there is no need for sutures, and thus, appointments are shorter, and recovery is more rapid. The pinhole method also enables dentists to treat multiple teeth in a single sitting. The traditional technique, on the other hand, can result in color mismatch and extensive discomfort when multiple teeth are treated in one visit.

Tooth Decay/Cavities

Tooth decay is a gradual process that often goes unnoticed until serious damage has occurred. Dentists look for early signs of tooth decay at regular checkup appointments and quickly address any oral problems to protect your teeth.

Some decay issues may be minor and may only require a small filling, while others may be more extensive. If there is significant tooth decay, root canals, crowns, or dental implants may become necessary.

Kennedy Heights Dental offers a full range of services and options, including dental implants, to Richmond and residents in Greater Vancouver.

Teeth Sensitivity

Do you avoid hot drinks or ice-cold beverages because they cause pain or discomfort?

Tooth sensitivity is a sign of an underlying problem, such as a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a worn-out filling. To prevent tooth sensitivity from becoming a bigger problem, visit your dentist as soon as you can.

Dull Smile

Is your smile not as bright as it used to be?

As you age, tooth enamel wears down, leaving teeth exposed to damage. In particular, certain lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking coffee, black tea, red wine, or sodas can stain and cause damage to teeth, leading to tooth discoloration.

The good news is that we can help restore your teeth to their previous, natural glory with our tooth whitening services.

Another popular option for improving the look of your smile is porcelain veneers. Kennedy Heights Dental is proud to offer exceptional dental veneers to Langley and Greater Vancouver residents.

Root Canal Treatment

If you are experiencing sharp pains in your teeth, don’t hesitate to call us at Kennedy Heights Dental at 778-438-2084 Don’t let misplaced fear of pain dissuade you from getting a root canal. It can save your tooth and help reduce the risk of extraction down the road.

Root Canals: What You Need To Know

A root canal treatment is not always as complicated a procedure as you may have been led to believe. Although it may require several dental appointments, the dentists at Kennedy Heights Dental Centre make sure that the procedure is performed smoothly and seamlessly.

When Do You Need A Root Canal?

When carbohydrate-containing food particles get lodged into tooth spaces, they undergo bacterial decomposition. In other words, oral bacteria release acids to digest the food particles for their use. These acids dissolve the calcium of the tooth surface; this can cause cavities, which, if they become deep enough, can eventually reach the tooth nerve and blood supply that are housed in the deepest parts of a tooth.

If the nerves of a tooth are exposed, it causes excruciating pain and discomfort. This is when you will typically need a root canal. In some cases, an intentional root canal may be performed. For example, when the tooth crown has worn off and if your dentist feels that placing a crown on that tooth will expose the nerves, they may perform an intentional root canal and then cap the tooth.

What Is The Procedure For A Root Canal?

It typically takes one to two dental appointments for a root canal treatment.

Your dentist at Kennedy Heights Dental Centre will first prepare an access cavity to gain access to the root canals. The root canals are then cleaned of bacterial contamination and prepared to receive an inert and radiopaque restorative material. The material is placed into the root canals, and the canals are then sealed, after which the access cavity is filled with composite material, and the tooth is reduced in size to accommodate a dental crown over it.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

It may take anywhere between one to three appointments for a root canal treatment since the severity of the bacterial infection decides the duration of the treatment. Unless the tooth is severely infected, a one-time appointment will usually suffice.

Is It Painful?

A root canal can be performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or conscious sedation, depending on what you prefer. You will not feel pain during the procedure itself but may require pain relief medication afterward, as advised by your dentist.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

On the hunt for a wisdom teeth dentist near you?

It’s advisable to avoid waiting too long to remove your wisdom teeth, as avoiding it may lead to tooth impaction and pain. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to many problems, such as infection and decay of surrounding teeth and gums. If you choose to have wisdom teeth removal at our Surrey office, you will be in excellent hands.

Serving the Greater Vancouver area, we provide wisdom teeth removal for Richmond and residents of surrounding areas.

What Is A Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. There are a total of four wisdom teeth: two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw.

When And Why Do You Need To Get Your Wisdom Tooth Extracted?

Wisdom teeth rarely erupt at the correct position and on time. In the majority of individuals, they get impacted, i.e., change the direction of eruption, becoming trapped in the jaw bone. It becomes mandatory to remove them before they pose a problem.

Because wisdom teeth may erupt at an abnormal angle, they can push against other teeth, causing damage to them. Wisdom teeth are also prone to dental cavities or periodontal disease since they are hard to reach because of their location, being furthest back in your mouth. These factors warrant their swift and timely removal.

At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we have a team of dental surgeons who specialize in impacted wisdom tooth extractions. We make the surgical process as smooth as possible and assist you in having a quick recovery.

Is It Very Painful?

Since the surgery is performed under anesthesia, the procedure is painless, but when the anesthesia wears off, some pain and discomfort are normal. Your dentist at Kennedy Heights will prescribe medication that will help relieve the discomfort.

How Much Time Does It Take To Recover From The Surgery?

The first three days after surgery are crucial, and every instruction of the dentist should be followed word-for-word during this time. While it takes a week to fully recover from the surgery, it may take longer, depending on how complicated the surgery is.

Pediatric Dentistry

Good oral habits should start early. The dentists at Kennedy Heights Dental Centre will ensure that your children’s pearly whites stay healthy, shiny, and cavity-free throughout their childhood.

Why Do Kids Need To See A Dentist?

It is a common misconception that milk teeth, or baby teeth, don’t need as much care as adult teeth. In reality, cavities in milk teeth can decrease the size of the dental arch, leading to crowding of permanent teeth or crooked teeth (because they are larger and need more space to erupt), and may also cause discoloration.

The dentists at Kennedy Heights Dental Centre will ensure timely intervention and prevent these problems from occurring.

At What Age Should Your Child See A Dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child’s first dental visit should be within six months of their first tooth coming in or by the age of one (whichever is earlier). This will ensure that positive oral habits are developed instead of harmful ones, such as thumb sucking or pacifier misuse.

What We Do In Pediatric Dentistry

Comprehensive oral examination for infants and toddlers: cleanings, x-rays, cavity fillings, and fluoride treatment to prevent cavities or tooth decay
Teaching proper toothbrushing techniques
Preventing crowding of teeth using metal-free braces and managing dental arch space using space maintainers
Guiding development of upper and lower jaws using headgear to prevent malocclusion or misalignment of jaws
Monitoring and eliminating harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing through the use of custom-made dental appliances

Dental fear can be set into the minds of children at a very young age. Regular dental visits help eliminate such fears and go a long way in maintaining good oral hygiene in both children and adults.

Preventative Dentistry

At Kennedy Heights Dental, we believe prevention is the best way to protect your oral health. A visit to your dentist at Kennedy Heights Dental Centre to get a thorough checkup is your best first step for a preventative oral treatment plan.

Prevention Is Better

Growing research has shown that oral health is directly connected to overall health. For example, gum disease in pregnant women can lead to low birth weight, as well as premature delivery. Poor oral health can also lead to heart disease and exacerbates the diabetic condition, leading to the fluctuation in blood sugar levels. It is imperative to take your oral health seriously.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry covers all aspects of oral disease prevention and encompasses any and all forms of dental care, such as teeth cleaning, education about brushing techniques, cavity fillings, and preventing erosion of enamel.

What Does Preventive Dentistry Include?

The following are some highly recommended practices in preventive dentistry to maintain optimal oral health:

Brushing should follow the practice of ‘two,’ i.e., brushing for two minutes two times daily. This will regularly remove plaque from your teeth and prevent cavities.
Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months, and don’t forget to clean your tongue.
Flossing is as important as brushing since it cleans the tight spaces between your teeth as well as the gum line, removing plaque to prevent periodontal diseases. Flossing is especially important if you have braces.
Regular dental checkups involve assessments of your oral health and chalking out a treatment plan for the prevention of oral diseases. Regular checkups include teeth cleaning through scaling and having any cavities filled to prevent damage to the nerve and blood supply of the tooth.
Balanced dietary intake that involves avoiding high amounts of sugar in the diet is important. Also, opt for high-fibre food items to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Dental Emergency

If you need treatment for a dental emergency in Richmond, Delta, or surrounding areas in Vancouver, contact Kennedy Heights dental today. Our team of highly-trained dental professionals is ready to assist. Look no further for an emergency dental clinic near you.

Is It An Emergency?

A dental emergency is a situation that poses an immediate risk to dental and other tissues or even your overall health and requires urgent treatment. The most common dental emergency that we at Kennedy Heights Dental Centre encounter is pain, often accompanied by intraoral or extraoral swelling.

Types Of Dental Emergencies

Come see us at Kennedy Heights Dental Centre if you are experiencing one or more of the following issues:

Excruciating pain in one or more teeth
Swelling (painless or painful) inside or outside your mouth
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Painful and/or bleeding gums
Avulsed tooth, i.e. a tooth that has come out of its socket due to trauma to the jaw bone
Cracked tooth due to trauma
Dislodged tooth filling
Trauma to the facial bones
Loose or lost orthodontic wires, brackets or elastics

What Should You Do In The Case Of A Dental Emergency?

Although a dental emergency is not something you should handle yourself, you can use over-the-counter analgesics, such as aspirin, for temporary pain relief as you make plans to visit a dentist. Home remedies, such as the application of clove oil at the site of the toothache, can also help relieve pain.
For an avulsed tooth, you should keep the dislodged tooth in milk or potable water without trying to scrub it clean. Although it is advisable to keep the avulsed tooth in your mouth (under the tongue), for children, there are chances of choking, and therefore it should be stored in water or milk. The chance of survival of the dislodged tooth depends on the time it takes to reach the dental clinic, so it is best if it arrives within the hour.
For swelling inside or outside of your oral cavity, it is advisable to apply a cold compress on the area. Never apply a hot pack since it will increase the chances of the spread of infection to other areas.
For a displaced restoration, crown, or bridge, make sure that you don’t swallow it to avoid choking on it. You should place sugar-free chewing gum into the cavity to avoid contamination by oral bacteria. See your dentist immediately to get the tooth re-restored and also to get the dislodged crown or bridge cemented into place.
For any kind of dental emergency, our dentists in Delta and surrounding areas are ready to handle any kind of urgent oral problem. From wisdom teeth removal in Richmond to chipped tooth repair in Delta, Kennedy Heights Dental can treat your problem quickly and efficiently.

Get A Healthy Smile Today

People looking to achieve a brighter, healthier smile are welcome at our general dentistry practice. From wisdom teeth removal to invisalign in Richmond BC, we have a range of services, affordable payment plans, and knowledgeable dental practitioners providing dental care in Vancouver.

If you require services such as Invisalign in South Surrey or emergency dental care, contact our office today to get professional advice on your oral health.