Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find expert answers to frequently asked questions about general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.
How can we help you?
General & Preventive Dentistry
Most people should visit the dentist every six months for a dental checkup and professional cleaning. Regular visits help catch cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues early, often before they cause pain or require more extensive treatment.
During a routine dental exam, we review your dental and medical history, examine your teeth and gums, take X-rays if needed, and perform an oral cancer screening. We'll also discuss any concerns you have and explain our findings in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Preventive dental care includes regular checkups, professional cleanings, and early detection of problems like cavities and gum disease. By treating issues early, you can avoid more complex and costly procedures while keeping your teeth and gums healthy for the long term.
Children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early dental visits help monitor oral development, prevent future problems, and build positive dental habits from a young age.
Yes. We welcome children, teens, adults, and seniors. Our team is committed to providing comfortable, personalized dental care for every member of your family.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary foods and drinks, and avoid tobacco products. Good at-home oral hygiene, combined with regular dental checkups, is the best way to maintain a healthy smile.
Dental Cleaning & Gum Health
Brushing and flossing are essential, but they can't remove hardened plaque, known as tartar, that builds up over time. Professional dental cleanings remove tartar from areas that are difficult to reach at home, helping prevent cavities, gum disease, and persistent bad breath.
Most routine dental cleanings take between 30 and 60 minutes. The exact length depends on your oral health and the amount of plaque or tartar that needs to be removed.
A regular dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, removes bacteria and buildup below the gums and is often recommended for patients showing signs of gum disease.
Dental cleanings are usually comfortable and cause little to no discomfort. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let us know before your appointment. We can adjust the treatment to help you feel more comfortable throughout the cleaning.
Yes. Your oral health is closely connected to your overall health. Studies have shown that gum disease may be linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns. Maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental checkups can help support your overall well-being.
Cosmetic Dentistry & Teeth Whitening
We offer cosmetic dentistry treatments that can enhance the appearance of your smile, including professional teeth whitening. Whether you're looking to brighten stained teeth or improve your overall smile, our team can recommend the best treatment options based on your goals.
Yes. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile when performed or supervised by a dental professional. It is designed to deliver better results than most store-bought products while helping reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity.
Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from several months to a few years. The longevity of your results depends on factors such as your oral hygiene routine, diet, and habits like smoking or drinking coffee, tea, and red wine.
Yes. As a welcome gift, new patients who complete a comprehensive dental exam and professional cleaning receive a complimentary teeth whitening system at Mount Royal Dental Centre.
No. Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel and will not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, or bonded teeth. If you have dental restorations, our team can discuss cosmetic options to help create a more even-looking smile.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a long-lasting solution for replacing a missing tooth. It consists of a small titanium post that is placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Once it heals, a custom crown is attached, creating a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Most healthy adults with healthy gums and enough jawbone to support an implant are good candidates. During your consultation, we will assess your oral health, review your medical history, and take imaging to determine whether dental implants are right for you.
The dental implant process usually takes several months from start to finish. After the implant is placed, it needs time to bond with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once healing is complete, the final crown or restoration is attached.
Dental implant placement is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Most patients experience only mild discomfort afterward, similar to what you might feel after a tooth extraction, and it can usually be managed with medication and proper aftercare.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last for decades. In many cases, they can provide a lifetime solution for missing teeth.
Dental implants offer several advantages over bridges and dentures. They do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, help preserve jawbone health, and provide a secure, natural-looking result. While implants often require a longer treatment process and a higher initial investment, they are considered one of the most durable and effective tooth replacement options available.
Dental Crowns & Bridges
A dental crown may be recommended if a tooth is severely damaged, weakened by decay, cracked, fractured, or has undergone root canal treatment. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its strength, function, and appearance while helping prevent further damage.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, most dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years or longer. The lifespan of a crown depends on factors such as the material used, your oral care habits, and everyday wear and tear.
A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by attaching an artificial tooth to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. A dental implant, on the other hand, replaces the tooth root by placing a titanium post in the jawbone. Bridges do not require surgery, while implants offer the added benefit of helping preserve jawbone health.
Yes. Modern dental crowns and bridges are custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth. The result is a restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile and looks natural when you speak or eat.
Dental crowns and bridges can be cared for just like your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss every day, and attend regular dental checkups and cleanings. To help protect your restoration, avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, hard candy, or pens.
Emergency Dentistry
A dental emergency includes severe tooth pain, a broken or knocked-out tooth, facial swelling, a dental abscess, uncontrolled bleeding, or a lost filling or crown that is causing significant discomfort. If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, contact our office and we can help determine the best next step.
Yes. We do our best to provide same-day emergency dental appointments whenever possible. Our goal is to relieve your pain quickly, diagnose the problem, and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
If a tooth has been knocked out, pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. Gently rinse it if it's dirty and try to place it back into the socket if possible. If you can't reinsert it, keep the tooth in milk or saliva and contact our office immediately. Fast treatment gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
Call our office right away at (587) 417-2939 (call or text) or (403) 453-2800. While waiting for your appointment, you may find temporary relief with an over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compress applied to the outside of your cheek.
Yes. Swelling in the face, gums, or jaw can be a sign of a serious dental infection that requires prompt treatment. If you experience swelling along with fever, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing, seek immediate dental or medical attention, as the infection may be spreading.
Insurance, Billing & the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Yes. We accept all dental insurance plans and work with a wide range of providers. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and make the most of your coverage.
Yes, we proudly accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). If you're eligible but haven't applied yet, you can apply through the Government of Canada. Our team is also available to answer questions about using your CDCP benefits at our office.
Absolutely. If you have questions about your dental insurance, contact our office before your appointment. We'll review the information available to us and help you better understand your coverage, estimated benefits, and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Yes. We welcome patients with and without dental insurance. If you don't have coverage, our team can discuss your treatment options and help you find a payment solution that works for your needs.
We accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience. Because payment options can change, we recommend contacting our office directly for the most up-to-date information.
New Patients & What to Expect
Your first appointment is designed to help us get to know you and your oral health needs. It typically includes a review of your dental and medical history, a discussion of any concerns, a comprehensive dental exam, and a professional cleaning to help establish a healthy foundation for future care.
Completing your patient forms before your visit helps us prepare for your appointment and review your health information in advance. If you're unable to fill them out online, you can complete them at our office before your scheduled appointment.
Yes. New patients who complete a comprehensive dental exam and professional cleaning receive a complimentary teeth whitening system as a welcome gift from our team.
Booking your first appointment is easy. You can schedule online through our website or call us at (587) 417-2939 (call or text) or (403) 453-2800. Our team will be happy to help you find a convenient appointment time.
Mount Royal Dental Centre is conveniently located at 903 15th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0S2, making it easy for patients in the Beltline and surrounding Calgary communities to access quality dental care.
Our experienced dental team is committed to providing personalized, patient-focused care in a comfortable and modern environment. We use current dental technology, take the time to answer your questions, and focus on helping you achieve long-term oral health. We are also proud to be highly rated by hundreds of patients throughout the Calgary area.