Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. All Lifestyle Dentistry Dentists have completed many years of medical schooling in order to practice dentistry. After schooling, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means that they work with children from infancy up through teenage years. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for:

• Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology, and surgery)
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
• Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
• Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
• Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)

Here at Lifestyle Dentistry, we know how busy life can be. We understand that fitting a dental appointment into your busy schedule can be difficult. Proper oral hygiene is important to maintain, but it does require dedication. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing after every meal will keep many oral hygiene problems away, but not all. Scheduling a professional cleaning at Lifestyle Dentistry twice a year is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.

It is very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Lifestyle Dentistry. Dr. Lo recommends coming in twice a year. Not all dental problems have obvious symptoms at first, and catching them early will save considerable time, money, and hassle. Not only can we identify problems before they become painful and expensive, but we can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic. We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This is why we offer many treatments to help improve patient esthetics.

Twice-yearly cleanings are recommended for proper oral hygiene. At Lifestyle Dentistry, an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional x-rays to catch cavities, and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.

Your dentist will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We will also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile.

Please call our office at (905) 822-8880 to schedule an appointment or if you have any additional questions.

Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend starting dental checkups as early as six months of age. On average, this is when a child’s teeth begin to show. Your Lifestyle Dentistry dentist will be able to examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations.

Lifestyle Dentistry recommends getting a new toothbrush at least every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation of the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush often. If a patient has gum disease, we recommend that you change your brush more often than every three months. Furthermore, after brushing it is very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water, then store it upright somewhere it can dry between uses. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.

Plaque and bacteria naturally build up in a patient’s mouth, and when this buildup is not countered sufficiently with brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it can cause gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Risk factors for gum disease include smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause bone and tooth loss as well as permanent damage. Lifestyle Dentistry recommends brushing and flossing every day and scheduling dental appointments every six months as the best ways to fight gum disease.

Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are:

• Abscessed teeth
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth and or loss of teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Receding gum line

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at 905-822-8880 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.

Here at Lifestyle Dentistry, we accept most insurance, but please check with us to confirm that we accept your insurance. Please call our office at 905-822-8880 for more information about insurance. Prior to calling, have your insurance information ready.

For your convenience, we accept Visa, Master Card, Cash or Debit Card. If none of these payment methods suit your needs, we also provide payment plans through our office. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods, please give us a call at 905-822-8880 and we will do our best to find the right solution for you.