EXTRACTION VS RESTORATION

When it comes to dealing with a damaged tooth, you have three main options: an extraction, a filling or a crown. There are many considerations available to remedy your situation such as cost, maintenance and location of tooth.

The most cost-effective option is an extraction. However, when a tooth is extracted, it affects all the teeth around it. Unlike losing a primary tooth, there is no new tooth erupting to fill the gap. This can cause the teeth surrounding the extraction to drift and tip into this newly opened space resulting in jaw pain and provide opportunities to damage those newly misaligned teeth. If the damaged tooth is providing support for surrounding teeth, an extraction may end up costing $5500 to $7500* in orthodontic work to repair your bite.

If the damage is minimal, a filling is your best option. A simple filling, a long-lasting metal or composite resin restoration, can rescue your tooth and its surrounding neighbors for under $300*, depending upon the materials and number of surfaces.

If the damage is too extensive to be repaired by a filling, you may be a candidate for a crown, a root canal or a combination of both. A crown is a strong porcelain and metal “tooth” that is mounted onto your existing root system. A crown can be made from basic materials or precious metals and range from $500 to $3000*. A root canal will relieve the damaged pulp while leaving the existing root system intact. It may seem expensive but crown/root canal combination is long-lasting, good-looking and smile-saving option.

Take all of the factors into consideration before deciding on a course of action to save your smile. If cost is your biggest obstacle, contact us about a payment plan to help give you the care that you need at the price that you can afford.

*Prices will vary from location to location. 

NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country.

This year's 2014 NCDHM campaign features the slogan "Join the Super Smile Team!". 
Meet K-9! He’s a frisky pup who cares as much about good oral health as his buddies Flossy and 
Buck McGrinn, and Den and Gen Smiley.
 One day the whole gang decided to play super heroes. They put on capes, made costumes, 
struck super hero poses and became The Super Smile Team! Even K-9 got in on the act!
 Of course, every super hero needs a mission. The Super Smile Team’s quest? To fight for good oral health by following this simple rule, “2min2x.”   That’s code for “brush your teeth two minutes, two times a day.”
 Flossy, Buck, Den, and Gen know the importance of good dental habits to keep their super smiles bright. They brush their teeth when they get up in the morning and again before they go to bed at night. They also floss their teeth once each day. Because Den wears braces, he is especially careful about keeping his teeth healthy so he has a sparkly smile when the braces come off. Being super heroes takes a lot of energy so the McGrinns and Smileys do eat snacks between meals but very few sugary ones. They usually stick to fruit and other healthy foods, and they choose water when they are thirsty instead of soda pop.
 Want to be a part of The Super Smile Team? Join in the fun by playing the games and doing the activities to learn how to take good care of your teeth. 
 And remember the code“2min2x”!
 For a super smile and healthy mouth, brush your teeth two minutes, two times a day.

We at McLeod Dental Care are passionate about your oral health give us a call at 
905-357-4995.

information & "The Super Smile Team" story from www.ada.org