Your beautiful smile is our top priority

At some point, just about everyone gets a cavity. A cavity is a small hole in the tooth caused by decay. In order to prevent further decay or damage, the tooth needs to be repaired. After completely numbing the area of the tooth, the decay is cleaned from the tooth and the hole is then filled with a tooth-colored resin that is almost undetectable. There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. These restorations are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The remaining tooth structures stay intact and stronger.

At Hilltop Dentistry, some of our favorite patients are the littlest ones. We love the opportunity to introduce kids to a positive dental experience. From their first visit, we help children to feel comfortable and secure, letting them know just what to expect each step of the way. First visits often are simply to introduce them to our staff, get an initial look at the child’s teeth, and if they are comfortable, a cleaning. Our warm, friendly environment is the perfect place to start your child on the path to excellent dental health, and we hope to become the dental practice for your entire family. We do offer different type of Sedation like Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) or GA if needed.

Sealants are highly effective in the prevention of decay. Sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic “coating” is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively “seals” the deep grooves, acting as a barrier and protecting enamel from plaque and acids.

Sealants are easy to apply and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed. Children can benefit from sealants in the fight against tooth decay.

For some, visiting a dental office can bring some anxiety. There are different methods and medications that your dentist can use to sedate you to help make your visit a more pleasant one.

The more common method of sedation is the use of a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). You simply breathe the gas mixture through your nose while the dental work is being done. Immediately after the dental treatment has been completed, the gas mixture is now just oxygen and the effects of the nitrous oxide are worn off so quickly that you are able to leave soon after the gas is turned off.

There are dentists that are trained to sedate you by administering intravenous medications. In this twilight-like sleep, you are responsive to verbal direction while you “daydream”. Dental Anesthesia is not only for anxious patients but many patients enjoy the comfort of completing long or complex procedures in a relaxed environment.

When sedation is administered intravenously (through a vein in one’s arm) there is always a Registered nurse and Dental Assistant present. They monitor the patient with a pulse oximeter, and blood pressure is taken routinely. The patient also receives extra oxygen on a continuing basis if needed. After the procedure patients can leave the office usually after about 30 – 60 minutes following the completion of the procedure. They will need to be accompanied home by a responsible adult and will more than likely sleep for the remainder of the day.

Teeth that are sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, sour even to brushing and flossing may have a condition referred to as Dentin Hypersensitivity. Dentin is a layer of tooth structure under the hard enamel surface. Dentin has nerve endings that can be responsive to temperature, acidic foods, touch and more.

The pain associated with sensitive teeth is often described as a sharp pain in a tooth or several teeth that often leaves as quickly as it came. Yet the experience is disturbing enough that it may cause you rethink food and drink selection or even how you brush your teeth. Although some dietary changes are not always a bad idea, changing your brushing habits can lead to other problems.

Dentin Hypersensitivity or Sensitive Teeth are extremely common and for the most part treatable. There are several reasons why the dentin may be exposed to or react to these stimuli. They include brushing too hard, especially on the sides and near the gums, gums that have receded below the natural gum line exposing the dentin, bruxism or tooth grinding and other causes of wear on the enamel, acidic foods that temporarily soften enamel, stomach acid (from illnesses and especially eating disorders) and certain dental procedures (such as teeth whitening) can create temporary dentin hypersensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by having any underlying dental problems treated.

Dentures are a tooth replacement option for patients that have lost several or all of their teeth. A partial denture replaces missing teeth when there are still some natural teeth remaining, whereas a complete denture replaces all teeth — usually after a full extraction (removing all teeth) was necessary.

A partial denture or a complete denture provides support for the cheeks and lips. Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.

• A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
• An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
• An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
• A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination of both. Typically, dentures are a removable dental appliance, but in some cases they can be combined with implants for a more secure fit.

Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.

We also offer same day denture repair in certain cases on certain days. If you need a reline or you need to add a tooth to your denture, or you have a broken denture, please contact us and we will evaluate if we can repair your denture in one day!

The extremely compact camera allows clinicians to quickly and easily create digital impression data that can be used to design and produce effective dental restorations like Crowns and Bridges.

It can also be used for Invisalign® Treatment to straighten the patients’ teeth.

Lots of patients love this new technology as it is more convenient than traditional gooey impression material and dentists love this technology because of accuracy and speed of it.

Our office is equipped with CEREC® Intra Oral Scanner for fabrication of our Crowns and Bridges and for all our Invisalign® treatment cases.

Occasionally, a tooth will have damage or decay that cannot be repaired, but it is not hopeless yet. A crown may be an option for restoring your tooth. A crown is a completely natural-looking cap that fits over the base of your tooth, once the damaged portion has been removed. Getting a crown traditionally required at least two appointments but with the new technology of Cerec® Intraoral Scanner and Milling Unit, it can be done in a single appointment. Better yet, it’s done all digital impression, so there is no more gooey impression material in your mouth.

Tooth loss can affect your speech, your ability to chew properly, the overall health of your mouth, and the appearance of your smile and jaw. A bridge replaces lost teeth with artificial ones which permanently attach to existing natural teeth. Getting a bridge traditionally required at least two appointments but with the new technology of Cerec® Intraoral Scanner and Milling Unit, it can be done in a single appointment. Better yet, it’s done all digital impression, so there is no more gooey impression material in your mouth.

Dental implants provide a permanent, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth through a surgical procedures. Implants allow patients to regain the ability to chew and retain the health and structure of their jawbone, which might otherwise deteriorate if the tooth is not replaced. During the first phase of this process, a small titanium post is placed into the jawbone. After the post has bonded to the bone, your dentist will attach a custom tooth created from an impression of your bite, onto the post. Once teeth are in place, they are there to stay.

Implants can also be used under the dentures. Typically, dentures are a removable dental appliance, but in some cases they can be combined with implants for a more secure fit.

Wisdom teeth are your third molars. They are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

When wisdom teeth begin to erupt the flap of gum tissue that grows over the tooth is raised, creating a space for food to become trapped which can cause infection. Another common complication is misalignment of the wisdom teeth. Misaligned wisdom teeth can be angled towards or away from the second molars. This often causes the tooth to become “impacted” only erupting partially and not erupt to the surface at all. This improper alignment can cause crowding and potentially damage adjacent tooth.

Early detection through dental radiographs allows us to predict future problems and prevent them, often through removing the misaligned or ‘impacted’ wisdom teeth. Our team will keep a close eye on the development of your wisdom teeth during your regularly scheduled visits.

The removal of wisdom teeth has become quite common, especially to avoid complications from overcrowding or damage to adjacent teeth. Before your tooth is extracted, the tooth and surrounding gums will be numbed with a local anesthetic. This anesthetic can be complimented with our sedation options if they are needed. This can take the form of nitrous oxide or laughing gas, an intravenous sedative or even GA.

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. We use local anesthesia or IV sedation to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

We do have an Endodontist ( root canal specialist ) in house for more complicated cases.

Bonding is a composite resin filling placed on your teeth. Composites are the materials used for restoring decayed teeth, making cosmetic improvements and even changing the colour and reshaping of teeth. Bonding can be used lighten any stains you may have, close up minor gaps and correct awkward looking crooked teeth.

Bonding has become a common procedure and can usually be completed in one short visit. Bonding will cover any natural flaws by first applying a thin coating on the front surface of your teeth to which the bonding material is applied. Bonding can be sculpted, coloured and shaped to provide the look and feel that you desire which is always pleasing result.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.

Placing custom veneers requires a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. We place veneers routinely, and design each case individually to match and enhance the characteristics of each patient’s smile.

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Your smile is one of your most important first impressions. Bright white teeth look healthier and can take years off one’s appearance. If you think your teeth aren’t quite as bright as you’d like them to be, we can help put a sparkle back in your smile through a quick, simple and easy whitening system. With Zoom® Professional Whitening, you and your dental professional customize a whitening plan that is specific to your needs and smile. Zoom® whitening is safe, effective and provides immediate results.

With Zoom® whitening the light activated gel is formulated to penetrate the teeth to remove deep stains and discolouration, your smile can be up to eight shades whiter in just a one hour visit to the dentist. You will also receive a home care kit including custom made trays, so you can continue your whitening or touch up at home in a few months.

Metal braces were once the only treatment option to straighten teeth. Invisalign® is a new form of orthodontic treatment and instead of wires attached to your teeth; your teeth can be straightened with series of clear and comfortable plastic aligners.

Hilltop Dentistry in Owen Sound is proud to provide this treatment option since 2011 to our great community. Our office is equipped with Intra oral scanner instead of the traditional impression materials, so you will have a better patient experience, better fitting aligners and faster results.

We provide FREE consultation for all the Invisalign® cases and as long as it is permitted by your insurance provider, we bill your insurance directly, so you can only pay the difference at your appointments.

While there is general consensus in the dental community that digital x-rays are a better option for clients than conventional radiography x-rays, many dental offices have been slow to adopt the new technology. Hilltop Dentistry has been fully outfitted with the latest in digital x-ray technology so we can pass on these benefits to our clients.

The benefits of digital x-rays over conventional radiography include:

• Increased Patient Safety: Digital x-rays expose patients to 70% – 80% less radiation than conventional x-rays. This is hugely beneficial to the long-term health of patients, especially pregnant women, or patients who are already suffering from illness.
• Less Invasive: With digital x-rays dentists are able to more easily recognize oral issues, meaning less need for invasive investigation at the diagnosis stage.
• Immediate Results: With digital x-rays there are no processing times, meaning that the results are immediately available for viewing. Traditional radiography requires film to be processed, meaning that patients have to return for a follow-up appointment.
• Higher Quality Images: The superior imaging capabilities of digital x-rays makes diagnosis quicker and easier for dentists, translating to earlier detection rates for patients.
• Environmentally friendly: Digital x-rays are created and stored digitally, meaning less waste.

Hilltop Dentistry has invested in one of the most advanced x-ray machines available. 3D dental imaging, which is also called Cone Beam Computed Tomography or CBCT, allows us to see a larger, more detailed picture of the mouth and surrounding tissues. This advanced technology allows for reduced radiation exposure to the patient but an increase in image clarity and definition. 3D scans are much more comfortable to take than traditional x-rays and typically do not induce a gag reflex. With the high resolution images provided by 3D scans, we are now able to diagnose or screen for procedures such as:

• Accurate placement of dental implants
• Extraction planning
• Evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals, and nasal cavity
• Planning of root canals

We do accept referral from other dental offices in our area to help other dentists to provide the best treatment options and outcome to their valued patients. Please click here to make a referral to our office.

Many patients suffer from parafunction such as clenching or grinding. For those suffering from headaches, jaw tightness and facial muscle tightness a night time appliance may be treatment recommended.  We offer custom fit, hard-soft appliance made to the patient’s teeth.  You will not regret investing in this life changing appliance!

Sports guards help protect a person’s teeth while enjoying the activities they love. Sports guards are most commonly associated with high-impact sports like football, boxing, and hockey. They help to prevent or minimize trauma to the mouth and teeth when this area receives an impact by spreading the force and dissipating it over a larger surface area. However, no matter what the sport it is a good idea to protect your mouth when possible. From biking to rollerblading, soccer to baseball, it only takes one mishap to cause serious damage to your teeth and mouth. By wearing a sports guard the chances of damaging your teeth will be considerably lower. We will be happy to make you a custom fit sports guards that help to protect your teeth from these types of damage.

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST®), invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S., is a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for treating gum recession. It is a gum recession breakthrough treatment also known as Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation™ and Lunchtime Gum Lift™.

This procedure is performed by making a small hole with a needle in the gum tissue. Using specially designed instruments, the gum tissue is loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth. Since there is no incision or suturing, patients can expect minimal post-operative symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding). Most patients also are pleasantly surprised by the instant cosmetic improvement.

Dr Mehran Shahabi is certified Pinhole® Surgical Technique clinician at Hilltop Dentistry.