General and family dentistry

At Dentisterie Hochelaga, we recommend having a dental check-up at least once a year. During this visit, the dental hygienist will perform an oral screening, followed by scaling and polishing, while the dentist will conduct a full examination of your mouth and teeth.

The dental exam includes a complete evaluation of your:

• teeth
• gums
• tongue
• palate
• inner cheeks
• prosthetics, if applicable
• temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Desensitizing treatment

Desensitizing agents help block sensation transmission from the tooth surface to the nerves.

Fluoride

Fluoride accumulates in the body, especially in the teeth and bones. According to the scientific community, fluoride helps remineralize the surface of teeth that have been demineralized by bacterial acids.

Pit and fissure sealants for cavity prevention

Dental sealants are a simple and effective preventive method to protect teeth from cavities, especially in children and teenagers. Applied to the chewing surfaces of molars—where food debris and bacteria often accumulate—sealants form a protective barrier that prevents plaque buildup in deep grooves. While every experience may vary, this service is painless and quick to apply, this treatment helps maintain long-term oral health.

Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases globally. It is caused by dental plaque—a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth. When exposed to sugar, these bacteria produce acids that gradually attack the enamel, leading to demineralization and, in advanced cases, tooth loss.

Fortunately, good preventive care can avoid most cavities, and dentists have the tools to effectively treat early-stage decay.

Despite advances in dental science and techniques, sometimes a tooth cannot be restored and must be extracted.

At Dentisterie Hochelaga, we understand that this procedure can be anxiety-inducing. That’s why we’re committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible—from your arrival to your post-operative care.

Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are located at the back of the mouth. They typically emerge in early adulthood, but there often isn’t enough space in the mouth for them to come in properly. As a result, these teeth may remain partially or fully impacted or misaligned, making them harder to clean and more prone to complications.

Custom mouthguards aren’t just for professional athletes. They’re strongly recommended for anyone practicing contact or high-impact sports, such as hockey, martial arts, cycling, boxing, rollerblading, skiing, or soccer.

Types of Mouthguards

Commercial

The most affordable but least protective, as it doesn’t conform to the teeth. Must be held in place by biting down constantly.

Boil-and-bite

Softened in hot water, then molded to the teeth by biting. However, this process reduces thickness, resulting in less protection.

Custom-made

Made at the dental clinic from impressions of your teeth. More expensive but offers optimal protection and fit.

Occlusal splints allow your dentist to diagnose and even treat jaw disorders (TMJ). These appliances are a reversible and conservative way to manage occlusion problems.

A root canal may be necessary in cases such as:

• Deep cavities reaching the dental pulp (nerve)
• Broken tooth exposing the pulp
• Irreversible pulpitis (nerve inflammation)
• Pulp necrosis (nerve death)
• Dental abscess (infection)
• Teeth requiring crowns that need added support

Periodontal disease

Periodontitis is caused by the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar between teeth, leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis). Over time, this causes the destruction of the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, it can result in tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss.

Symptoms

Periodontitis often progresses silently, without pain, but may include:

• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth

Diabetes and periodontitis

People with diabetes are at higher risk, especially if their diabetes is poorly managed.

Other Risk Factors:

• Heredity
• Smoking
• Poor oral hygiene

Diagnosis

Periodontitis is relatively easy for a dentist to diagnose. Early detection simplifies treatment and can help delay or avoid tooth loss.

Treatment

Both surgical (e.g., bone grafts) and non-surgical treatments are available. Since every case is unique, it’s best to discuss the options with your dentist.

Prevention

Prevention remains the best treatment. In 90% of cases, periodontitis can be avoided with:

• Proper brushing twice daily (including under the gums)
• Daily flossing
• At least two professional cleanings per year
• Good blood sugar control

Crowns

A crown covers the visible part of a tooth. It is commonly used for broken teeth, heavily restored teeth, or teeth that have undergone root canal therapy. Crowns help distribute chewing forces evenly and protect weakened teeth from further damage.

Bridges

A bridge is anchored to adjacent teeth and replaces one or more missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth helps maintain dental health and improves appearance. Consult with one of our professionals to learn more about crowns and bridges.

Crowns, bridges, and implant-supported prosthetics

When a tooth is fully extracted, an implant and crown can replace it. The implant acts like an artificial root to support the new prosthetic tooth.

It is also possible to place bridges on implants, replacing multiple teeth without needing one implant per tooth.

For patients with no teeth in an arch, implants significantly improve the stability and retention of a complete denture.

Performed under local anesthesia, a frenectomy is a minor procedure that involves cutting one of the mouth’s frena—either the labial (lip to jaw) or lingual (tongue to jaw) attachment.

Why it’s done

A frenectomy may be recommended if the frenum interferes with speech or causes issues such as gum recession or tooth misalignment.

Recovery is typically quick, and discomfort is minimal.

Note: This procedure is not offered for babies or young children.

Gum grafting restores receding gums by covering exposed roots with new gum tissue. This helps prevent further recession and is often indicated when there is a lack of attached gum or visible root exposure.