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

Our downtown dental clinic gets asked about yellow teeth often. Many people are concerned about the appearance of their teeth and want to know what they can do to reduce the appearance of yellowing. Today, we look at everything you need to know about yellowing teeth, so let’s get started.

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

The yellowness of teeth is actually the exposure of the dentin layer. This is the second layer of teeth, comprised of calcified tissue, which sits beneath the outermost enamel layer. The enamel layer can erode from a number of causes, including ageing and consuming acidic food and drink.

How to Prevent Teeth Yellowing

Brushing & Flossing

The best way to prevent and reduce the appearance of yellowing teeth is regular brushing and flossing. By brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing in the evenings, you ensure that bacteria and plaque buildup do not occur. Remember not to brush your teeth immediately after eating, as this can spread the digestive acids from your mouth and natural acids from your food into the gums and teeth. Additionally, choose whitening toothpaste, which contains gentle abrasives to remove plaque and staining.

Natural Whitening Methods

A combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide has been shown to reduce the appearance of yellowing on teeth and is safe for use at home. Simply mix two parts of hydrogen peroxide to one part of baking soda until a paste is formed. Then, brush your teeth with the paste and thoroughly rinse your mouth. You can do this daily to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Visiting Your Dentist

Regular visits to your downtown dental clinic can help prevent teeth yellowing as well. Teeth cleanings help prevent cavities and other oral health concerns, while seeing a dentist helps ensure that any problems are addressed promptly and correctly.

Visit Our Downtown Dental Clinic for More Information

Using the advice above, you can improve the look of your teeth and reduce the appearance of yellowing. However, if your problems are rooted in an infection, cavity or other oral health concern, you should visit our downtown dental clinic. We can provide additional information and support to ensure your oral health is at its best.

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]

One of the main functions of teeth cleaning in Calgary is to ensure that cavities are avoided. These tooth problems are a result of bacteria eroding and eating away tooth material, and they can cause inflammation and infections if left untreated. But, if you can’t feel any pain, is it really worth it to go through with a filling?

The answer is an emphatic YES! Keep in mind that teeth cleaning in Calgary is a preventative measure. If we didn’t brush our teeth or visit the dentist regularly, we would experience worsening oral health over time. These issues may still develop in spite of preventative care, but they are much less likely in these circumstances. Fillings are at their best when they are part of this preventative care treatment, which we discuss in more detail in the following sections.

What Is a Filling?

We know that bacteria, left to their own devices, will slowly eat away at our teeth. When this occurs in a concentrated location, the outer layers of the tooth (enamel) are consumed, and the more brittle interior is exposed. This is the beginning of a cavity, and if left untreated, it will grow in size and depth. As there are no nerve endings in the outer layers of our teeth, we can’t feel these areas develop, but we can see them during Calgary teeth cleaning.

It’s only once the brittle interior layers are also removed that the nerve ending—present in the centre of every tooth—is exposed. Once this happens, foreign matter, like food and drink, can access the nerve, which triggers a pain signal. This signal travels through the nerve back to the brain and alerts us to the problem. Usually, this is when we go to the dentist complaining of a sore tooth, but the problem will only worsen if this is not done.

Why Calgary Teeth Cleaning Is Preventative

Now that we know the progression of a cavity, it is easy to appreciate why pain isn’t the best reason to decide whether or not to get a filling. After all, by the time you feel the problem, a larger portion of the tooth will need to be removed and replaced by filling material. Instead, it is best to rely on the knowledge and expertise of your dentist to inform you when the beginnings of cavities are visible so that you can preserve as much of the tooth as possible.

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

When it comes to the cost of dental night guards, various factors are involved. Your insurance coverage, the dentist in Calgary you visit, and any financial compensation you receive from the government can all influence the price you pay. Below, we look at each of these factors in more detail so you have a better understanding of what to expect should you need one of these helpful dental devices. Let’s get started.

The Factors That Affect Dental Night Guard Prices

The Dentist You Visit

One of the factors that will affect the cost of your dental night guard is the dentist you visit. Dental offices often have different overhead costs, equipment providers and other financial obligations that cause them to set their standard pricing. Understanding what is behind the cost can be beneficial, so be sure to ask your dentist for more information about how they set their pricing.

The Financial Compensation You Receive

Several government programs offer reduced rates on medical bills, including dental procedures and equipment. These programs are chiefly aimed at low-income households and families, but there are also programs for children and seniors. You can learn more about these programs on the Government of Alberta website.

The Coverage Offered By Your Insurance Company

For dental night guards, insurance coverage can vary. It is important to understand the amount of compensation available to you from the outset so that you can avoid any unpleasant or unexpected surprises. Consult with your dentist before ordering your night guard to see if your insurance provider will cover some of the total cost.

Find Out the Cost of Your Dental Night Guard Today

The factors described above, as well as products available directly to consumers, make offering an exact price for dental night guards difficult. Your best option is to consult with your dentist and explore your options. Contact us today to get started.

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

When it comes to missing teeth, many options are available for replacement. Typical options include crowns or fillings, which can help prevent further decay of tooth material or ensure the long-term health of root canals. However, innovative and new treatment is also available, which is Calgary dental implants.

The purpose of dental implants is to replace a missing tooth in its entirety. They mimic the shape and appearance of a normal tooth and help prevent jaw-related atrophy. In terms of aesthetics, there is simply no better option either. However, dental implants in Calgary are not inexpensive, and the reasons for that are discussed in more detail down below.

The Reasons Behind the Cost of Dental Implants in Calgary

One-time Cost

One reason for the high cost of dental implants in Calgary is the infrequency of the procedure. They are permanent solutions intended to function without replacement and minimal maintenance. This makes them not only a more uncommon option but also one that often requires special care and attention.

Atypical Treatment

As alluded to above, the rarity of dental implants does influence the cost to some extent. For dentists and dental professionals who offer these services, there is a need to have the right equipment, training, personnel and experience to perform the operation without issue. Keeping the knowledge and skills of these professionals up-to-date is essential.

Operation Complexity

Another factor concerning the cost of dental implants is the complexity of the operation. Consultations, referrals, initial surgery, monitoring, impressions, final restorations, aftercare and more are involved in the process, which all require the time, effort and attention of dedicated professionals, not to mention the responsibilities placed on the patient themselves.

See If Dental Implants Are Right for You Today

Although the cost of dental implants may seem high, the factors above should give a fairly straightforward explanation for why and how they are priced. As they are a permanent solution, they may be the perfect choice for your dental needs. Contact us today to learn if this treatment is right for you.

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

When it comes to the cost of services provided by a downtown dental clinic, one document is more important than the rest. This is, of course, the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which we’ve discussed in previous articles. Today, we look at how the guide affects the cost of dental crowns.

The Types of Crowns

The guide defines two types of crowns. The first type is a prefabricated, metal, primary crown, and is defined as the “crown or cap for baby teeth frequently referred to as a stainless steel crown or cap.”

The second type of crown is an uncomplicated crown made from porcelain, ceramic, polymer glass or metal. The cost of this procedure includes the cost of laboratory charges, which vary on a case-by-case basis.

Considerations for Downtown Dental Clinics

It is important to keep in mind that the costs described in the Alberta Dental Fee Guide are only guidelines. This means that individual downtown dental clinics may charge more or less based on your specific needs. For the second type of crown, in particular, any complications to the procedure may increase the price.

Therefore, it is advisable for you to visit a downtown dental clinic if you feel that a crown is necessary for your teeth. An examination and the support of a dentist can go a long way in determining the right path forward. For instance, a root canal may be necessary before the crown to reduce the risk of infection later on. Call today for more information.

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

The cost of a root canal in Alberta is governed by the Alberta Dental Association and College Guides for Dental Fees. In 2021, there are three guides available: the Abbreviated Dental Guide, the Alberta Dental General Dentist Fee Guide and the Alberta Dental Specialist Fee Guide. Information about root canal costs can be found in all three guides, including some of the factors that affect the cost. Join our downtown dental clinic in looking at some of these factors.

Root Canal Cost Factors

Number of Root Canals

Perhaps the most obvious reason to adjust the cost is the number of root canal procedures being performed. If you visit our downtown dental clinic and we find more than one area requiring a root canal, procedures may be required to address each of them. Typically, we will schedule these for separate appointments to reduce your discomfort; unless the treatment areas are close together.

Difficulty of Access

The Dental guide defines difficult access as “limited jaw opening, unfavourable tooth inclination, through complex restorations. E.g. post/ core buildups.” In determining whether or not the root canal is difficult to access, the dentist you visit at our downtown dental clinic will provide additional information. Difficult access can affect the cost.

Additional Considerations

Other factors may increase the cost of a root canal procedure, including calcified canals, exceptional anatomy or the retreatment of a previously completed therapy. Again, these factors should be discussed between you and the dentist you visit at our downtown dental clinic before the procedure occurs.

The Cost of Root Canals

At the end of the day, you can expect the cost of a root canal to vary. The factors mentioned above can influence the overall cost and how much your insurance can cover. In this case, there is no real definitive cost for root canals. Therefore, the best way to get an accurate assessment and price for your root canal is to book a visit with our downtown dental clinic.

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

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!

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

We should really give our jaws more credit. For an actuating joint in our body they are remarkably resilient to the problems typically associated with such areas. For example, you are much less likely to see the wear and tear associated with knees or hips in the jaw, and it is much less prone to arthritis symptoms.

Still, as our downtown dental clinic is well aware, jaws are not perfect. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can cause long-standing pain or discomfort during eating. Overbites and underbites may need the assistance of orthodontics to repair, and, of course, the main subject of our article, Bruxism, chiefly affects the jaw.

However, new treatments are emerging for these problems, including Botox. You can learn more about this below.

The Relationship Between Bruxism, Botox and Your Downtown Dental Clinic

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the medical name for unconscious teeth grinding or clenching while awake or asleep. It can lead to premature deterioration of your teeth, as well as headaches, earaches, facial pain or tenderness and more.

What is Botox?

Botulinum toxin is a naturally-occurring substance that can temporarily paralyze muscle tissue. Until recently, it was mainly used as a cosmetic procedure to reduce the signs of ageing and muscle elasticity in the face. However, it is now emerging as a medical treatment for a variety of health concerns.

How Botox Helps

Injected into the masseter muscle, Botox can temporarily paralyze the area and afford relief to suffering patients. This is proving much more effective than some conventional bruxism treatments. These treatments, which include anti-inflammatory medicine, often cannot effectively address the problem’s source, making Botox a promising alternative.

Get Relief with Our Dental Clinic

Our dental clinic in downtown Calgary can perform Botox treatments for Bruxism and personal aesthetics. To learn more about your options and how we can help, contact us today.

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

Sensitive teeth are a common problem in North America. A relevant and interesting statistic on the subject states, “…In 1996, American students missed 1,611,000 school days because of acute dental problems.” For such an impressive number, there must be a multitude of reasons for sensitive teeth.

And, indeed, there are. Below, our downtown dental clinic looks at the top four reasons why you may suddenly experience tooth sensitivity and what you can do to prevent it.

4 Reasons for Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

Extreme Temperature Exposure

The most common reason people experience sudden or intense pain in their mouth is from extreme temperature exposure. Both hot and cold temperatures can elicit an adverse reaction, but better oral health can help reduce the pain over time.

Enamel Erosion

Dentin hypersensitivity, or enamel erosion, is responsible for at least 12% of the discomfort some people experience when they eat. Preventative maintenance and open communication with your dentist is key in preventing the pain from worsening.

Tooth Decay

Cavities are usually the time when we address tooth decay, but even in its early stages, there may still be sudden discomfort or pain during the day. Whether or not you experience pain caused by tooth decay will depend on the extent of the decay and your overall oral health.

Gum Recession/ Infection

Known more commonly as gingivitis, gum infections are a leading cause of oral pain and discomfort. Along with gingivitis, gum recession may also be one of the chief causes of acute or continuous pain. Typically, gum recession becomes a more likely result as we age and our gums are worn down.

How to Prevent These Tooth Aches with the Help of a Downtown Dental Clinic

The easiest way to prevent these issues is to ensure you are maintaining optimal oral health. You can share the responsibility for this task with your favourite downtown dental clinic. They will be able to perform regular cleanings, fillings and other dental procedures while you maintain a consistent and reliable schedule of at-home cleaning. Learn more by contacting us today!

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]