We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website!

Hi, we are your dentists at Lakeridge Dental in Brampton! Dr. David Koven and Dr. Charles Blumenfeld.

With the impending legalization of marijuana in Ontario, it is important to stay informed. Marijuana can have an effect on both your general health and oral health. Medical marijuana is legal in Canada. Patients often use it for chronic pain among other ailments. It is another tool in the toolbox. However, with its legalization recreationally, your teens must be educated on the health effects before making an informed decision. The dental world is currently researching into the effects of this drug on dental health and how it can be used. Legalization is helpful for researchers to look at the pain-killing and anti-inflammatory effects for oral and facial pain conditions. What we know about marijuana Cannabinoids act like Endorphins The active compound in marijuana which can be ingested directly, in food, dried, smoked or vaporized. Cannabinoids act on special receptors in cells and this can affect the release of neurotransmitters inside…

What are dental implants? A dental implant is essentially an artificial root of a tooth which is attached inside the jaw and replaces the root of a real tooth. A prosthetic tooth is attached to this implant. The implant anchors the prosthetic tooth in place. If you have one or multiple missing teeth, dental implants are one of several options to replace them. Other options include dental bridges, dentures, implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures. Implants are comfortable and function like the rest of your teeth but there are clear differences. Who can get dental implants and who can place them? Dentists can place dental implants but if you have a more complicated set of teeth or medical history, your dentist may refer you to a specialist. There is a huge connection between being generally healthy and dentally healthy. If you are medically healthy, have well-controlled medical conditions, have healthy gums…

It is New Year’s Eve. You are celebrating with family or friends. All dental offices are closed and out of nowhere, the worst throbbing pain you have ever felt starts inside your mouth. A situation likened to Finagle’s law: “Anything that can go wrong, will—at the worst possible time”. Sound familiar? You may need a root canal. Has your dentist ever told you that you need a root canal? You are not alone. Root canals are used to save teeth. Millions of teeth are saved each year with root canals and will continue to be a very popular method of saving damaged teeth. This article will explain what root canals are and how they can save you from pain. What is a root canal? Root canals are one type of endodontic treatment. Let’s break it down: “Endo”—Greek for “inside” “Odont”—“Tooth” The tooth is made up of three distinct layers: the…

Dental implants have been engineered to last a long time—more than 25 years if you have excellent oral hygiene and attend your dental appointments regularly. You must take care of your dental implants like you would take care of your natural teeth. The lifespan of your dental implants will depend on: How well you care for your implants daily at home and your attendance record at the dentist a few times a year Your lifestyle and medical conditions The skill of your dentist to evaluate if the implant has been accepted into the jawbone Medicine and dentistry have a complex relationship. If you have diabetes which is not well-controlled, are a heavy smoker or have other medical conditions that are poorly controlled, you may not be a candidate for dental implants. It is very important that you get your lifestyle and medical conditions in good shape before considering dental implants.…

With the beginning of long afternoons in the sun, it may be difficult to resist savouring the sweet taste of ice cold slushies, freezies and ice cream. Limiting the amount of sugary sweets we consume will prevent cavities. Overindulgence in sweets and carbohydrates combined with a lack of dental hygiene will lead to decay. Sugar acts as a food reservoir for naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria consume the sugar and change it into acid. This combination of acid and bacteria sits on your teeth as plaque leading to holes in your teeth. According to the Canadian Dental Association, the average number of decayed, missing or filled teeth per child is 2.5 teeth. Dental sick days have lead to 2.26 million school-days (for children) and 4.15 million working-days (for adults) missed annually. With this in mind, you can use the following foods to prevent cavities: 1.Cheese Dairy products…

Picture this. You are an excellent dental patient. You brush regularly, you try to floss, you attend your hygiene appointments on schedule, yet still, your dentist and hygienist present you with the dreaded news, “You have gingivitis, your gums are bleeding”. Why is that? Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums surrounding your teeth. It can lead to bleeding gums, sensitivity and plaque accumulation. This is a reversible condition. If this inflammation and breakdown continues, then your oral condition could progress to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a deeper breakdown of connective tissue and bone underneath the gums. It can progress to those “black triangles” you see in the mirror and loose teeth. Once you get to this stage, it is irreversible. Research has shown that even minor crowding is more likely to collect plaque and develop gingivitis. If your teeth are slightly misaligned outside the arch, they are more…