Question 1

What is the difference between a general dentist and the specialists at DOCS Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

As a multidisciplinary specialty practice, our team includes Oral Surgeons, Periodontists, and Endodontists. These specialists have completed years of additional residency training beyond dental school to manage complex cases involving surgery, gum disease, and root canals that general dentists typically refer out.

Question 2

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent molars. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in complicated extractions and use advanced imaging to ensure a safe, comfortable procedure with minimal recovery time.

Question 3

What are the benefits of dental implants over dentures?

Accepted Answer

Dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium and act as a permanent root replacement. Unlike dentures, they prevent bone atrophy, do not slip, and allow you to eat and speak with the same function as natural teeth.

Question 4

What is LANAP® Laser Periodontal Therapy?

Accepted Answer

LANAP® is a minimally invasive laser treatment for gum disease. It targets and removes bacteria without the need for traditional scalpels or sutures, resulting in less pain, reduced bleeding, and faster healing times for our periodontal patients.

Question 5

When is a root canal (Endodontics) necessary?

Accepted Answer

A root canal is necessary when the internal pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. This procedure removes the infection, saves the natural tooth, and prevents the need for an extraction.

Question 6

What is a CBCT scan and why is it used?

Accepted Answer

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides high-definition 3D images of your jaw and facial structures. We use it for precise planning of dental implants, detecting hidden infections, and diagnosing TMJ disorders with significantly less radiation than a medical CT scan.

Question 7

Can I get a dental implant and a tooth on the same day?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through our Teeth-In-A-Day and All-on-4 protocols, our in-house lab uses CAD/CAM technology to mill temporary restorations, often allowing patients to leave with functional teeth the same day their implants are placed.

Question 8

What is the Pinhole Surgical Technique for gum recession?

Accepted Answer

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a scalpel-free, suture-free method of correcting gum recession. Our periodontists use a small entry point to adjust the gum tissue, providing immediate cosmetic and functional results with very little downtime.

Question 9

Do you perform oral biopsies at your Ottawa clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we perform both incisional and excisional biopsies to confirm diagnoses for any lesions or abnormalities in the mouth. Samples are sent to a pathology lab, and results are typically available within two weeks.

Question 10

What should I expect during a periodontal maintenance visit?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning for patients who have been treated for gum disease. These visits occur every 3-4 months to monitor pocket depths, remove tartar below the gum line, and prevent the recurrence of infection.

Dr. Jacob Fitzgerald

Biographie