Services
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. An implant is surgically placed into the jawbone and acts as the root of the tooth. Following integration of the titanium implant into the bone, the implant is restored with a crown. The result is a prosthesis that appears esthetic and functions just like a natural tooth! Dental implants can also be connected in a bridge or can provide an anchor for dentures.
When does a tooth need to be replaced?
When a tooth is lost, it is best to replace it as soon as possible. Leaving a space may cause teeth to shift and become misaligned. Another consequence of not replacing a missing tooth is jaw bone resorption. Over time because the bone is not in use, the bone may "shrink" or "narrow". Bone grafting procedures may then need to be completed in this area before an implant can be placed.
Planning for an implant
At Luna Dental we digitally pre-plan all of our implants. A 3-D CBCT scan is taken of the site. A surgical guide is typically fabricated based on this 3-D scan, which allows us to place the implant with greater accuracy and precision. At Luna Dental we are proud to use Straumann Implants, a well known and recognized brand.
Tooth Extraction
If a tooth is non-restorable due to dental decay, periodontal disease, or fracture, we may recommend an extraction. Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted if they are misaligned or cause swelling and gum irritation. To remove a tooth, we luxate the tooth gently and lift it from the bone. We will also discuss tooth replacement options with you, so you may restore aesthetics and function.
Invisalign
Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces. Having crowded or misaligned teeth can make it difficult to clean. This can, in turn, lead to an increase in decay or periodontal (gum) disease. Aligning the teeth not only improves self confidence, but also improves overall oral health.
If you are interested in Invisalign, please let us know and we can arrange for a complimentary consultation for you!
After you chose to proceed with treatment, we will bond small tooth colored composite attachments on the teeth. You will wear your aligners 22 hours a day and change aligners every week until the treatment is complete. You will then wear a retainer every night.
Whitening
Teeth whitening is ideal for patients with healthy teeth and gums. Stain can be caused by tea, coffee, wine, and tobacco products. Please let us know if you are interested in teeth whitening and we can assess whether you would be an ideal candidate. After taking an impression, we fabricate custom trays for you. Placing a small amount of whitening gel in the trays for 30 minutes a day will lead to a brighter rejuvenated smile. If the teeth become sensitive you can apply sensodyne toothpaste in the trays instead of the whitening gel.
Fillings
Composite fillings can be used to repair mildly broken or decayed teeth. The material we use is tooth colored and blends in with your natural tooth structure.
Dental Hygiene (Cleaning)
A professional cleaning removes bacteria and calculus (hardened plaque) that builds up underneath the gums that you can not reach with your toothbrush. The frequency of your dental hygiene will depend on several factors. Patients who are more susceptible to the accumulation of plaque and calculus, have crowded teeth, or patients with gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease), will require more frequent visits. We evaluate each patient on an individual basis and customize a dental hygiene schedule that will best meet your specific needs. The majority of the patients who visit Luna Dental Northwest for their dental hygiene appointments come every 6 months, but many people may benefit from coming in every 3-4 months. Your hygienist will also polish your teeth and provide a fluoride treatment as needed.
Evidence is emerging that shows a link between periodontal disease (gum disease) and heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. By taking care of your oral health, you are also taking care of your overall health and wellness. Our goal at Luna Dental Northwest is to provide you with the tools and information you need to take care of your teeth on a daily basis.
Root Canals
Root canals are often portrayed as scary or uncomfortable. At Luna Dental Northwest, we ensure your experience is anxiety-free and comfortable. A root canal is needed when the tooth is infected. Some potential signs of infection include a pimple on your gums, tooth discoloration, or pain to hot and/or cold that doesn't go away readily. During the root canal treatment, we clean and shape the inside of your tooth and fill it with a material called gutta percha. Your root canal treatment will be completed in one or two visits of 60-90 minutes. After the root canal treatment, it is usually recommended to place a crown on the tooth to prevent the tooth from breaking.
Crowns and Bridges
We may recommend a dental crown for a tooth that has a large filling, is fractured or cracked. The crown surrounds a tooth and prevents further breakdown and leakage. A crown is usually recommended after a root canal treatment to prevent tooth fracture.
A bridge is a tooth replacement option. Two teeth are prepared similar to how a tooth would be prepared for a crown. The bridge usually consists of two crowns and a false tooth which spans the space.
There are different materials we use for dental crowns and bridges, including porcelain fused to metal, gold, "emax", and zirconia. Dr. Parekh will discuss which option best fits your needs with you.
Night Guards
Night guards protect the teeth against any harmful grinding (bruxism) at night. Night guards may help protect against painful or sore muscles or joints, sleep disruptions, headaches, and/or lock jaw. An impression is taken of your teeth and then a custom fit night guard is fabricated based on this impression. Dr. Parekh will discuss options and materials for your new night guard with you.
Custom Sports Guards
Athletes who wear a sports guard are 60% less likely to experience teeth injuries compared to players don't wear a mouth guard, according to the American Dental Association.
Sports guards can help prevent injury in hockey, lacrosse, rugby players. MMA and boxers can also benefit along with many other sports. Your custom fit sports guard is made just for you and is based off an impression we take of the teeth. It is meant to be comfortable and fit ideally. A guard that you would buy at a sporting good store or a drug store is not recommended, as they are typically not as comfortable or protective.
Dental Examination
Every time you have a dental examination, we complete a thorough head and neck examination, oral cancer screening, soft tissue examination, TMJ evaluation, periodontal (gum) assessment, and complete dental inspection. We check for defective fillings, cavities, cracks, wear on teeth, and areas of recession (areas where the gum has moved down away from the tooth exposing the root). We are able to take close up photos of suspicious areas with our intraoral camera and show them to you on the big screen!
Children's Dentistry
Children should see a dentist at the age of one or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth, according to the Canadian Dental Association.
We want to ensure our young patients have a positive first dental experience!
We make visits fun and interactive for children of all ages.
At your child’s dental visit we ensure their development and growth is age appropriate. We also establish a preventative plan with you, so your child can remain cavity free!
Dental Emergencies
At Luna Dental, we offer same day appointments for emergencies for our regular patients as well as new patients. Should you experience a dental emergency after hours, as existing patient of the office, you will have access to our private number, so we can provide care to you.
A dental emergency is:
-Oral Facial Trauma
-Significant Infection
-Prolonged Bleeding
-Pain which cannot be managed with over the counter medications
-management of known/high risk malignancy
If you experience any of the above symptoms please call us immediately at
Our clinic’s opening hours are:
Mon: 9:00am - 2:00pm (Reception Only)
Tues - Wed: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Thurs - Fri: 7:00pm - 3:00pm
Sat: by appointment only
Stop by today and see what we can offer you.