Dental FAQ

Dentist Pitt Meadows / Dental FAQ

Will my fillings be white?

Your fillings will be white, yes. At Meadowvale, our treatment philosophy is to keep up with the latest advancements in dentistry. Therefore, we exclusively perform tooth-coloured restorations.

The major benefits of tooth-coloured restorations are:

  • Beautiful in appearance
  • Done in one single visit
  • No filling leaks
  • Less chance of teeth cracking

How can I brighten/whiten my smile?

To brighten or whiten your smile, we suggest you come to us as we can most certainly give our patients a beautiful white smile. 

We offer in-office Zoom bleaching treatments as well as veneers. 

To know which treatment is right for you, please schedule a consultation with our wonderful team and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Other ways to whiten your smile include 

  1. Practice oil pulling – swish coconut oil around in your mouth to remove bacteria
  2. Brush your teeth with baking soda – baking soda has natural whitening properties
  3. Limit staining foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, soda and dark berries and sugar
  4. Don’t underestimate the power of flossing and brushing your teeth!

Why do I need to go to the dentist every 6 months?

You need to go to the dentist every 6 months because getting your teeth cleaned and polished not only gives you a great smile but also prevents future decay and gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis. 

Getting your teeth cleaned every six months gives your dental team a chance to examine your oral health and to detect any cavities you may have started developing early.

Dental cleanings or “scalings” are also important because it removes plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. Plaque is known as a biofilm that contains bacteria to harden which forms tartar. This is a risk factor that causes gum disease.

Overall, regular checkups and exams are crucial to keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy preventing unwanted troubles.

My teeth are crooked and I don't want braces, can my teeth be straightened?

The answer is yes!  You can still straighten your teeth without braces.

At Meadowvale, we offer Invisalign treatment which is very effective and less visible than traditional braces.  Invisalign is a great option for adults who always wanted straight teeth but didn’t want to wear braces in adulthood.

It’s important to note that straight teeth are a bonus, Invisalign or braces are often used to correct discrepancies in the bite rather than just for straightening teeth.
Having teeth that are straight reduces the chances of tooth wear over time.

Which is better, an implant or a bridge?

Whether an implant or a bridge is better than the other depends on the condition of the teeth adjacent (near or surrounding) to the missing tooth.

When the adjacent teeth are healthy, an implant is preferred.

Pros of dental implants:

  • they place less of a burden on adjacent teeth
  • promote healing of bone structures and gums under teeth
  • reduce long term risks posed to the jaw
  • should be expected to last for a lifetime

Cons of dental implants:

  • costly treatment
  • takes longer and often require multiple procedures
  • oral surgery is often required
  • your mouth may take months to heal 


If the adjacent teeth had extensive treatment in the past, a bridge might be the preferred treatment option instead.

Pros of dental bridges:

  • cost-effective methods for replacing missing teeth
  • don’t require bone grafting if bone loss is present
  • quicker process

Cons of dental bridges:

  • greater strain on surrounding structures, especially the two teeth attached to the device
  • rarely expected to last a lifetime
  • don’t address concerns about underlying structural problems

When should my child start going to the dentist?

6 months of the first tooth erupting or by about 12 months at the latest is a good time for your child to see a dentist. 

Introducing your child to the dentist at a young age can help them feel safe and comfortable as they grow up. It’s also an opportunity to detect any cavities early.

At this time, the dentist can inform you about:

  • baby bottle tooth decay
  • mouth cleaning
  • teething
  • pacifier habits
  • infant feeding practices
  • finger-sucking habits

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Wisdom teeth usually grow between 18 and 22 years of age.

That being said, not all wisdom teeth have to be removed but the majority of patients will develop some form of discomfort relating to wisdom teeth which need to be addressed.

How you will know if you need your wisdom teeth removed are from these signs:

  1. Sensitivity and pain in the back of your mouth
  2. Inflammation around the gums
  3. Bad breath
  4. Cysts developing in the mouth
  5. Stiffness or pain in the jaw
  6. Sinus problems