Smile makeovers at Dr. Elston Wong Dentistry

In the early stages of disease, diagnosis is difficult but treatment is easy. In the late stages of disease, diagnosis is easy but treatment is difficult.

Preventive dentistry is largely thought of as routine hygiene for gums, but just as important as the hygiene (“cleaning”) is the periodic examinations that can pick up early signs of other problems such as cavities, cracks, wear, breathing problems, and pathology such as tumours.

Here’s the truth about modern dentistry: it still can’t beat nature! We never want to alter a tooth unless there’s an actual problem with it because we know we can never beat your OEM parts. That’s why we’re so fanatical about having people prevent disease. We look at teeth, gums, jaw joints, airway, and aesthetics to devise a customized prevention plan for problems that you may have a higher risk of developing. By intercepting root causes early, you can keep your natural teeth intact (and save money!) For example, a cracked or weakened tooth can have its longevity extended by placing a crown rather than waiting for a more catastrophic fracture event.

Furthermore, the link between oral and systemic (whole-body) health is very clear. The healthier we can keep your gums, the lower the overall inflammation in your body. Systemic chronic inflammation has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and even cancer. During your hygiene appointments, we look at your whole mouth to ensure things are healthy.

While arguably the least glamorous of all the treatments available to dentistry, this is the most important. If your goal is to have your teeth outlast you, then the best way would be to focus on prevention. Your budget will thank you as well!