Q: If I have an infected tooth, why can't I just take antibiotics?

A: When tooth decay is not treated and is allowed to grow deeper and closer to the centre of the tooth, the nerve inside the tooth will eventually die.  Bacteria enter the cavity and infect the nerve tissue which will eventually result in pus formation below the tooth.  This build up of pus will work its way through the jaw bone and create a swelling or abscess in the soft tissues, usually accompanied with pain.

With most other medical situations, the use of antiobiotics will help the body heal from a bacterial infection.  However, in the case of a dental infection such as the one described above, antiobiotics will only make you feel better for a short period of time and will not fix the problem completely.  The reason behind this is that the root source of the infection is the tooth itself (or more specifically the infected nerve at the centre of the tooth).  Antibiotics cannot penetrate into the infected tooth and kill off all the bacteria, and therefore the source of the bacteria can never be eliminated completely just by antibiotic use alone.  The only ways to completely rid the body of the dental infection is through root canal treatment or extraction of the infected tooth.

Q: I've heard that the mercury in silver fillings is not safe.  Should I replace them all?

A: Research over the last few decades have shown that amalgam fillings are safe in the mouth.  When mercury is in a solid form such as in amalgam fillings, it is harmless to the body and it does not leach from the fillings over time.  For this reason, if your amalgam filling is sound and functioning well, we don't recommend removing them.  We would only recommend replacing these fillings (or any fillings for that matter) if it is chipped, fractured, opening from the tooth, or has recurrent decay forming around it.

Q: I'm a new mother - when should I bring my child for his first dental visit?

A: Barring any dental emergencies or trauma, we generally recommend children be seen for their first dental exam (and cleaning if possible) when they are about 3 years old.  Before that time, we also encourage our young parents to bring their children in when they themselves are getting their teeth cleaned.  This allows the children to get used to the clinic environment and sounds so that they get an idea of what to expect at their initial appointment. (And they usually don't mind walking away with a free toy at the end!)