Dentistry on Dundas Supports Local Events!

This past Saturday evening truly was "Spectacular, Spectacular", as our guests and sponsors, including RBC, Veridian, OPG, Flaherty Dow Elliot and McCarthy, dined and danced the nite away at the 8th Annual Hearts of Durham Fundraising Gala. Deer Creek radiated the sophistication of the late 1800's in Paris - Moulin Rouge - with stunning decor donated by Annie Lane & Around the Table. Guests shared laughs in the photo booth, compliments of Inside the Booth, while Deer Creek served up a delicious French inspired 3 course dinner as the wine donated by Lifford, The Vine and Colio flowed.

The professional staging and audio visual set up by CCR Solutions was the perfect setting for the festivities and live performances by Ryan Deadman, BMH Reality Entertainment and the duo of Kennedy Wilson and Michael Taggart, and we really could have danced all night to the tunes of DJ Matthew Beauchamp from Mobile Productions. Beautiful corset and top hat motif cookies by Frostings by Judy, cupcakes created by Cupcakes Creatives and another ever-so-popular candy buffet compliments of My Sweet Table, as well as coffee from Starbucks, were the perfect conclusion to another memorable year as we celebrated our 8th anniversary event.

Auction & raffle items included everything from Pink concert tickets to a stunning MAC cosmetic box, a full spa package from Hummingbird MediSpa, a day on the links including dinner at Royal Ashburn, amazing home decor packages, custom graphics in the room of your choice, dining packages and an opportunity to spend the the weekend taking in the sites and sounds of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Mind you this only scratches at the surface of all of the wonderful items donated to the event.

Our wonderful and enthusiastic volunteers added a certain "je ne sais quoi" and helped to keep the daytime set-up and the evening flowing smoothly.

Our Wishmakers including Jeff Coles of Schindler Canada, Durham Regional Police Association, Rocky Varcoe, Ian McCutcheon, Dr.'s Sean Perry & Andrew Brubacher and Ted Manikas touched and inspired us with their stories of what it meant to take on the task of raising funds to grant a wish for a child and just how they did it.

Thanks for your support Dentistry on Dundas! Hearts of Durham was able to present the Ontario Chapter of The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada with a cheque for over $112,000! That brings our 8 year total for local charities to almost $600,000! 
 
Thank you for joining us, supporting us and celebrating with us. We are so very fortunate to have friends, partners and sponsors like you and can't wait to set the wheels in motion for next year - when we partner with the the Durham Children's Aid Foundation.

Sincerely,

Hearts of Durham

www.heartsofdurham.com

 

Whitening/Bonding Dental Makeover! Letter from our patient

Since going through many dental procedures in my youth and needing to continue with good oral care, I couldn't be happier to have found Dr. Mark Librach. I have total trust in him. He shows the time and patience to help me fix my teeth; in a kind gentle way that works for me. I have been going to Dentistry on Dundas since 1999 and have never looked back. It took Dr. Mark Librach months to get my teeth in good shape; he slowly started to rebuild my teeth and my happiness. My teeth are at the point where they are naturally pain free and now shaped well.

Before

 

I have never been happy with the colour of my teeth; they were mostly yellow to dark yellow. Although I have always tried to take care of my teeth, I could not make them any whiter on my own. I have dreamed of natural white teeth, to me teeth are the first thing I everyone notices. For years I have look at people with a great smile and wished my teeth were that nice. Then I finally decided to see what professional dental bleaching would do to give me my dream smile.

I decided used Night White; it takes a little bit longer since you leave the bleaching trays in for at least seven to eight hours, while you are sleeping. The trays feel very comfortable, since they are custom fitted to my mouth. You only need a few drops of solution in each tray each night and in about four to five days you will start to see the difference. The tips start to whiten and slowly move up to the gum line.

I have whitened about 4 shades and I am so happy with my new white teeth. It really is the focal point of a great smile! After achieving the results of my teeth whitening, it was time to address the gap in my front teeth. Dr. Librach closed this space perfectly with bonding and matched the whiter colour of my teeth.

After

I've had great experiences with Dr. Librach and the Dentistry on Dundas staff. When you walk in the front door you are greeted by an amazing front desk staff, they makes you feel special. Everyone there has a friendly outgoing personality and provide a professional experience. Dentistry on Dundas plays a huge roll in my daily life, since they have taught me how to care for my teeth and have guided me through many dental treatments to achieve my final goal. Dr. Librach is a great Dentist; his skills in dentistry are first rate in my opinion. I can say I made the right decision in 1999 and found my dental office for life.

Not everyone enjoys going to the Dentist, but you do need to maintain good oral health for a lifetime and Dentistry on Dundas sure make it the best it can be!

Sincerely Stephanie
  

Dental Implant Marketing: Truth vs Fallacy

We are all inundated every day with advertising and product placements for virtually everything that surrounds us. This includes as well marketing in the dental field which is directed to the public.
One of the treatment option we suggest, as Periodontists, are dental implants for replacing missing teeth. Today they are the best treatment option for single or multiple missing teeth.

From the moment that my patient is contemplating the possibility of replacing his/her missing tooth or teeth with implants, it is a very complex and well thought out process which includes: a thorough oral examination, digital X-rays, providing a comprehensive oral and periodontal exam, discussion of function (chewing and speech), discussion of aesthetics, and of course discussion of alternate treatment options. Within this framework I have to listen to the patient's desires and what are the long term goals and objectives when it comes to oral rehabilitation. Implant treatment carries as well a significant commitment on behalf of the patient, as long term maintenance is imperative for success.

Having said all of this, patients can be very confused by the myriad of treatment plans they receive when they are " shopping" for a general dentist, periodontist or surgeon that will deliver the implants and the prosthetic treatment that they are ultimately looking for. As part of our patient's education, I always stress the importance of comparing apples to apples, making sure that they are given the absolute best treatment care as well as making sure that all the preliminary steps have been taken in order to achieve maximum success and beautiful results.

I would like to direct you to this excellent blog post (see below) which shows how implant treatment plans can vary and how deceiving it can be if we don't really know what is being offered. Cost variation is extreme and can be misleading and it reinforces the fact that not every treatment plan is equal and / or as comprehensive as the next one.

As long as our patients understand how dedicated we are and the time commitment which we invest is crucial in obtaining optimal results, then I feel that we have given the best service to our patients.

Please take a moment to read an excellent blog from an Oral Surgeon in the US click here for link.

Dr. Dana Levy

Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

A Valentine's Day Gift!

Today is a special day, very special for some more than others. For my teenage daughter, it will be one to remember forever: finally her braces are coming off!

After 2 long years of brushing vigorously with an electric toothbrush, going through floss and picks like there's no tomorrow, having her teeth cleaned professionally every 4 months, she feels vindicated, ecstatic and thrilled to say the least! As a proud mom, who happens to be a Periodontist, she's been a trooper of a patient.

 

For her, it means getting back to gum chewing (sugar free of course), having hard candy from time to time, and not having to think twice about what goes in her mouth just in case she can't get it out. And yes, her photos will be now be with a huge grin on her face.

For all of you, who have teenagers with braces or are simply adults who finally had the chance to have your own teeth straightened and achieve that beautiful smile you've always wanted, your Dentist or Orthodontist should always be encouraging of having healthy gums. A solid foundation for a all that tooth movement and perfect bite. This can only be achieved by the combination of proper home care, frequent visits for professional cleanings (as its impossible to do it exclusively at home with all that hardware in your mouth) and of course, following instructions to the "t" from your dentist/orthodontist.

It's a milestone, for her and for all of us who know it takes a lot of effort and commitment to achieve beautiful results.
So, for all of you out there, I wish a plaque-free, braces free, chocolaty, sweet Valentines Day!!! To read more Click Here 

Dr. Dana Levy

Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

 

Twenty years in practice!

As I enter my 20th year of practice as a Periodontist, its incredible to see how technological advances have improved the way we practice and also the great outcomes we achieve. Having said this, the way we communicate with our patients individually and the dental community as a whole has opened up a world of possibilities to educate ourselves and also our patients with important issues that really matter and affect us as individuals. Through Social Media, be it Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, the world is literally at our fingers, thus, we are further exposed to the possibility of "reaching out" and become a strong voice for our profession. This will mark my first entry as a "blogger" , as a Periodontist who wants the rest of you, out there, to learn a bit more about interesting health issues which affect us all and are an important part of maintaining our overall health.

To read more about Dr. Dana Levy Click Here

Your Child's First Dental Visit

When should you bring your child to the dentist for the first time ?        

It is recommend that you take your child to their first dentist appointment within about six months of their first tooth’s arrival, or by the time they turns one. The purpose of the under age one dental visit is to learn about your child's oral health and how to best care for your child's unique needs before any problems occur. Many dental problems can be prevented if proper oral care is started as early as possible.  The first visit is a great chance for you to get all your questions answered.  Your dentist should provide you with enough information both verbally and written that will ensure your child has a healthy start to oral care. 

How do you prepare your child for first dental visit?   

Preparation for the first dental visit should be age specific.  A child under the age of two needs little if any preparation.  The first visit will likely be only a visual inspection and has more to do with the new parent than the child. It’s a chance for the dentist to gauge a parent’s knowledge of oral care for an infant. With an older child, my approach has a less is more flavour to it.  Over preparation can lead a child to think that something is going on.  I wouldn’t prepare them too far in advance either. If anxiety does set in, having a longer period between the “talk” and the actual appointment may make matters much worse.  Parents are usually a source of misinformation rather than information when it comes to what will happen during a dental visit. Simply tell the child that the dentist is going to count their teeth.  That should get the ball rolling and the dentist and/or the hygienist can take it from there.

How often should you brush and floss your teeth?  

Generally speaking, a thorough brushing of the teeth should take place twice a day.  The most important time to brush is just before bedtime.  The last thing you want is the bacteria and plaque you have left behind working overtime creating cavities whilst you sleep.  The second most important time is after breakfast in the morning.  No sense brushing before you eat.  Flossing at least once a day is also a must. The floss cleans an area between your teeth that the bristles of a brush have no access to.  It is important to note that brushing not only keeps your teeth clean but also stimulates the gums.  Preventing plaque around the gum line will ensure that your gums and underlying bone, the foundation of your teeth, remain healthy. You should brush your teeth well for no less than three minutes and your brush should be replaced at least once every three months.  Always use a soft bristled brush and for children able to rinse well it is suggested that a fluoride containing toothpaste be used.  If the child is young and has a tendency to swallow rather than spit, a non-fluoride containing toothpaste should be used.  This is especially true in areas that already have fluoride in the water supply.  I’m a big fan of electric toothbrushes.  Buy a good quality one.  It should be rechargeable and have a small head to get in all the nooks and crannies.  There is no way manual brushing can compete with the modern electric toothbrush.

How important is a healthy diet to your teeth and gums?    

In addition to basic oral hygiene, a healthy diet protects teeth from decay and keeps the gums healthy. A well-balanced diet provides the minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients essential for healthy teeth and gums. Fluoride, occurring naturally in foods and water, or added to the water supply, can also be a powerful tool in fighting decay. It is a proven cavity fighter.

Fluoride is supplied through fluoridated water (not all municipalities fluoridate their water supply, however), beverages made with fluoridated water, tea, and some fish, as well as many brands of toothpaste and some mouthwash. Fluoride supplements are available for children who don’t have access to fluoridated drinking water. Your local government offices can inform you of their fluoridation policy and levels in the water.  Excess consumption of fluoride can cause mottling of the teeth so the use of fluoridated toothpaste in infants and small children (i.e. those that tend to swallow rather than spit out the toothpaste) is discouraged in areas where water fluoridation already exists.

Even eating right during pregnancy can give your child a head start to good oral health. Calcium in the diet along with the vitamin D that is required to absorb it helps to form strong teeth and bones.  Supplements are usually not required if a healthy diet is followed.

In children, it is important to limit their sugar intake.  Sticky sugary snacks adhere to teeth creating an ideal cavity-causing environment that acid creating bacteria are just waiting for.  In particular dried fruit snacks should be avoided and replaced with the fresh variety.

How often should you see your dentist?                   

Most children should see a dentist every six months. Those with a higher risk of decay or with poor oral hygiene should be seen more frequently.  The same holds true for adults. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check-ups more than twice a year. Smokers, diabetics, and smokers should be seen more often.  In addition, pregnant women should make it a point to see their dentist as the body tends to hyper react to even mild plaque build up.   A history of gum and periodontal disease will undoubted require an increase in maintenance trips to the dentist.  Finally, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are also factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check up.  Visiting your dentist is about more than checking for cavities.

What are the benefits to regular visits?      

Regular dental check-ups are an important consideration to maintaining optimal GENERAL HEALTH as well as oral health.  There is more and more evidence linking overall health to oral health.  As the links between oral health and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, preterm birth and respiratory disease are investigated, we do know that oral health is an integral part of a person’s well being.  In addition to examining your gums and teeth, you dentist regularly screens your mouth for oral cancer. Early detection and diagnosis is the key a cure and the prevention of catastrophic results from oral cancer.            

Mark Librach DDS
Dentistry on Dundas

Stuff Dental Patients Say!