Name: Dr. Tracey Mulhall
Address: Suite #200 - 605 5th Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 3H5
Telephone: (403) 262-4914

Visiting the dentist is nowhere near the same experience it was in the past. Nowadays, it seems out of place to “fear” going to the dentist, and for good reason. Advancements in this field have made every part of the experience more pleasant, from working with the staff on a plan that works for you to the teeth cleaning itself.

Still, one area that many people are unfamiliar with is the cost of dental check-ups in Calgary. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is that every downtown dental clinic can set their prices according to the needs of their practice. But, that doesn’t mean it is a rogue operation with no benchmark by which to guide their pricing.

What is the Dental Fee Guide?

The dental fee guide was first introduced just before the turn of the century and was updated for the first time in 2018. This guide breaks down the various operations a dentist is likely to perform and offers pricing suggestions that match the complexity and length of time it takes to complete them. The whole guide is available here.

The Cost of Dental Check-ups

There are various costs associated with dental check-ups at a downtown dental clinic, which change based on the number of adult teeth and other variables. Still, what most people will be looking for is a “permanent dentition”, which is a “complete examination of an adult generally with only adult teeth.” The suggested price for this task is $101.48.

These are usually coupled with periodontal exams and x-rays to give your dentist a complete overview of your oral health. All told, the price suggestions range from $64.24-$101.48 for the common examinations.

Get a Dental Check-up Today

Again, it is important to remember that these prices are suggestions from the Alberta Dental Associate and College, so you will likely find differences between dentists. For best results, come to a downtown dental clinic you can trust!

Dr. Tracey Mulhall is a dentist in downtown Calgary that can offer dental fillings, crowns, implants, and teeth cleaning. We are always available to help with your dental concerns. Our downtown dental clinic has convenient hours and knowledgeable staff. We want to make your experience at the dentist fast, fun, and friendly. Call us today to book an appointment!

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

A root canal is the name of a procedure wherein the centre of your tooth is hollowed out and replaced with a solid substitute. This procedure helps prevent the spread of disease from long-term damage to the tooth. This means that the outer layers of your tooth must erode enough to allow harmful bacteria to enter the nerve cavity of the tooth.

Thankfully, root canals are a relatively common procedure for dentists and downtown dental clinics alike. But, there may still be risks or issues that appear during the procedure, depending on the individual circumstances.

Root Canal Complications

Tooth Breaks

Sometimes the tooth will break during the initial stages of the root canal. This may result from the deterioration of the nerve tissue inside the tooth and can make it more difficult to ensure a complete seal on the interior of the tooth. Usually, additional filling material is the solution to this particular problem.

Living Nerve Tissue

Another issue that can occasionally occur during a root canal procedure at a downtown dental clinic is the discovery of still-living nerve tissue. This is a rare issue as determining an infected tooth’s health is fairly straightforward when using x-ray images. Still, though, there may be issues when the tooth is actually opened up, which did not appear on the original x-rays. In this case, it may be advisable to continue forward with the root canal, but it will depend on the deterioration and infection rate.

Greater Deterioration

On the other side of discovering living nerve tissue is finding greater deterioration in the mouth, gums or teeth surrounding the root canal area. In the right conditions and with enough time, infections can spread to other teeth or even the jawbone. Again, many of these issues will be caught by your dental professional through regular check-ups, x-rays and visual inspections, so it is unlikely this will be a surprise during the actual root canal operation.

Treat Your Teeth Right at a Downtown Dental Clinic

If you have any questions about root canal procedures, regular oral check-ups, or best dental hygiene practices, contact our team today! We have the equipment, experience and skill you need to ensure your best quality of oral health!

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]

Our teeth are an essential part of our lives, and taking care of them is a regular part of a healthy routine. However, when we do not practice good oral health, problems can quickly develop, and issues can worsen. Therefore, it is crucial to understand each stage of tooth decay so we can effectively prevent further degradation through cleaning and routine visits to your favourite downtown dental clinic.

6 Stages of Tooth Decay

Plaque Formation

The first stage of tooth decay is plaque formation. Dental plaque is a clear acidic film that coats your teeth. Usually, its growth is accelerated by sugars and starches left on the surface of teeth. If left untreated, it can harden around the tooth’s edges, forming a tartar (calculus) deposit.

Demineralization

After the formation of tartar, the next stage is demineralization. Visually, demineralization looks like white or brown spots on the surface of your teeth. At this stage, plaque and tartar weaken the enamel but focus on removing the exterior’s protective minerals. To prevent further decay, using a remineralization toothpaste to fortify the teeth’s enamel is key, as are routine visits with your downtown dental clinic.

Enamel Decay

When plaque breaks through the mineral layer, it begins to eat away the enamel of teeth. Once the enamel completely decays, the dentin layer underneath is exposed. Typically, this is the stage where your dentist will intervene. Fillings, crowns, and inlays may become a part of your treatment, but this will depend on the decay’s location and severity.

Dentin Decay

Dentin is a softer layer in your tooth, directly beneath the enamel. Bacteria is effective at working through this layer, so dentists must treat decay before this stage. However, if you do not practice good oral hygiene, an infection can still follow afterwards.

Infection

The infection stage occurs after the loss of dentin in a particular tooth. Now, bacteria move into the dental pulp at the centre of the tooth. This stage of tooth decay hurts immensely as the pulp is nerve-rich. Additionally, the growth of bacteria in the tooth can crowd the inside, pressing the nerve ending painfully into the side of the tooth. Generally, cleaning the area, removing the bacteria, and treating with a root canal is the most effective treatment method at this stage.

Abscess Formation

The final stage of tooth decay is the formation of an abscess. This stage is characterized by the loss of bone material in the jaw and a pocket of pus replacing it. Root canals may still be possible at this stage, but the tooth will die if left untreated, and jaw problems can develop.

How to Prevent Late-Stage Tooth Decay

We can all have a bad day when it comes to maintaining our oral health. Life gets in the way, and there never seems to be enough hours in the day. However, the most effective way to combat bad tooth decay is regular brushing and flossing. Ideally, use an electric toothbrush to remove stuck-on plaque or tartar. And remember, always visit your dentist once or twice a year for checkups.

Dr. Tracey Mulhall is a dentist in downtown Calgary that can offer dental fillings, crowns, implants, and teeth cleaning. We are well established and always available to help with your dental concerns. Our downtown dental clinic has convenient hours and knowledgeable staff. We want to make your experience at the dentist fast, fun, and friendly. Call us today to book an appointment!

Phone: (403) 262-4914 | Email: [email protected]