Laurie's Dental Makeover!

Laurie underwent a few small dental treatments to achieve her new smile. This included teeth bleaching, surgical crown lengthening of upper anteriors and two crowns on her centrals.

 

Before                                                           After

 



 

Here what she had to say about her experience at

Dentistry on Dundas!

 

What made you decide to undergo these procedures?

 

I was embarrassed to smile. This was primarily due to the crown on my right front tooth; it was beginning to show some of its metal near the gum line. When I smiled too big, it would show.

 

Why did you choose Dentistry on Dundas/ Dr. Lanys?

 

I have been coming to Dentistry on Dundas and seeing Dr. Lanys for over 10 years. She is always very professional, understanding and I felt confident in her work.

 

What were your procedures like?

 

The first step was to whitening my teeth. Due to genetics, my family's teeth yellow with age. I felt like they were aging me and if I didn't get the whitening done before the front teeth were crowned it would no longer be an option in the future as they would continue to darken. Next we removed the old crown and Dr. Levy skillfully contoured my gum above my right crown to match the contours of the left front tooth. It had not developed in the same way as the other tooth, possible as a result of having a crown for so many years (I was 8 when I first chipped my front right tooth). I was stressed about the procedure going in, but Dr. Levy was so friendly and so reassuring throughout the procedure; I couldn't believe how easy it was. The aftermath was surprising too. I expected to be sore for a long time, but I really had minimal pain for only about a week. The last step was to crown my two front teeth to match. To get the colour perfect, Dr. Lanys sent me to her nearby lab (5 Axis) to have the colour matched to my newly whitened natural teeth. After that I returned to the office to have them permanently placed. Dr. Lanys takes great care to get good results. I really respect and appreciate that.

 

How do you feel about your results?

 

I am very happy with my results. I no longer hesitate to smile!

 

Treatment provided by Dr. Michelle Lanys Dentist

 

 

and Dr. Dana Levy Periodontist

 

at Dentistry on Dundas

Oral health and heart health, the mouth-body connection

The connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease encourages cardiologists and periodontists to work together to ensure your health.

Gum disease and cardiovascular disease are two major public health issues that impact a large number of Americans and Canadians every day. Cardiovascular or heart disease contributes to 2,400 deaths per day, while gum or periodontal disease affects nearly 75 percent of Americans. Despite impacting separate areas of the body, research has indicated that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease may be connected. In fact, according to Dr. Dana Levy, Periodontist, having one of these diseases may actually increase your risk of developing the other.

“Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are considered inflammatory diseases, and inflammation is the common mechanism that connects them,” says Dr. Dana Levy. “Inflammation is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection. Although it is initially good for you because it helps in the healing process, exposure to chronic and prolonged inflammation can lead to severe health complications. Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both examples of ensuing complications from inflammation.”

Periodontal disease is caused by a chronic inflammatory response to bacteria under the gums and around the teeth. The bacteria irritate the gums and generate this inflammatory response which over time can break down and destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without periodontal disease.

Because of this connection, it is imperative that periodontists, dentists with advanced training in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease, and cardiologists, doctors who specialize in treating diseases of the heart, work together to provide the best care to patients. A recent consensus paper developed in concert by periodontists and cardiologists summarizes the evidence that links periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, and provides clinical recommendations for both specialties to use in managing their patients living with, or at risk for, either disease.

Because of these clinical recommendations, your next visit to your periodontist or cardiologist may change slightly. You might be surprised when your periodontist now asks even more questions about your medical history, especially about your family history of heart disease and any behaviors that may affect your heart health such as smoking. Your cardiologist may start to ask you about your dental history and might even look in your mouth to evaluate your teeth and gums! Asking these new questions is an important step that health professionals can take to work together to ensure their patients’ health. “Periodontists and cardiologists are starting to work together to better manage their patients’ risk factors for future disease progression,” says Dr. Dana Levy. “It is important that periodontists and cardiologists collaborate to control the inflammatory burden in the body as a result of gum disease or heart disease, thereby helping to reduce further disease progression, and ultimately improve patients’ overall health.”

For more information on the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, the consensus paper, or tips on how to prevent or treat gum disease, visit www.perio.org., http://www.dentistryondundas.com/Home.htm, email: perio@dentistryondundas.com or Heart and Stroke Foundation