Landmark Dental Care
Dental guidance for every stage of care.
Explore clear, practical answers to common dental questions from our team in Truro.
Patient guides
Helpful answers, thoughtfully explained.
These articles are for general education and are not a diagnosis. If you have a concern about your oral health, contact our team for individualized guidance.
Early Signs of Gum Disease: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
Bleeding, puffy or red gums are often the first signs of gum disease. Learn how gingivitis differs from periodontitis and when to book an evaluation.
Read guide
Dental Crowns: Cosmetic and Functional Uses
A dental crown covers a weak, broken or discoloured tooth. Learn when crowns are used, types of dental crowns, the crown procedure and how long they last.
Read guide
Night Guard vs. Mouthguard: Which One Do You Need?
A night guard protects teeth from grinding during sleep; a sports mouthguard absorbs impact. Compare types, fit, care and when to see a dentist first.
Read guide
Toothache: Common Causes, Home Relief and When to Get Help
Tooth pain usually means decay, a crack, infection or gum trouble. Learn what your symptoms suggest, safe toothache relief and when to call a dentist.
Read guide
How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
How often should you go to the dentist? Many people go every six months, but your ideal interval depends on your gums, cavity risk and health. Learn why.
Read guide
Wisdom Tooth Pain: Causes, Relief and When to See a Dentist
Wisdom tooth pain often comes from a partly erupted or impacted tooth. Learn the causes, safe relief, signs of infection and when to call a dentist.
Read guide
Chipped or Cracked Tooth: Causes, Repair Options and When to Call
A chipped tooth can often be repaired with bonding, a filling or a crown. Learn the types of chips and cracks, symptoms and when to call a dentist.
Read guide
Composite Bonding: What It Is, Uses and Aftercare
Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin to repair chips, gaps and uneven edges. Learn how it is done, how long bonding lasts and how to care for it.
Read guide
How to Find a Dentist Who Accepts the CDCP
Looking for a CDCP dentist near me? Learn how to find a provider, what to ask before booking, what to bring and how CDCP billing and co-payments work.
Read guideWhat Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Cover?
CDCP coverage explained: who is eligible, co-payment levels, covered dental services and preauthorization rules for the Canadian Dental Care Plan in 2026.
Read guide
What Is an Intraoral Camera?
An intraoral camera is a small wand that shows close-up pictures of your teeth and gums on a screen. Learn what it shows, its limits and what to expect.
Read guideWhat Is Cosmetic Dentistry? Treatments, Limits and Smile Makeovers
What is cosmetic dentistry? Learn which treatments it includes, how a smile makeover is planned, what it cannot do and why oral health comes first.
Read guide
What Does a General Dentist Do?
What does a general dentist do? Checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, gum care, extractions and urgent visits, plus when a referral makes sense.
Read guideHow to Choose a Dentist in Truro
How to choose a dentist in Truro, NS: check licensing, services, communication, hours, urgent-care access and costs, with questions to ask any new office.
Read guideDental Scaling: What to Expect During Ultrasonic Scaling
Dental scaling with an ultrasonic scaler brings water, a hum and vibration, then hand finishing and polishing. See each step, sensitivity and aftercare.
Read guideWhat Is a Cavitron Dental Cleaning?
A Cavitron dental cleaning uses an ultrasonic scaler's vibrating tip and water spray to remove plaque and tartar. Learn how it works and what to expect.
Read guide
CBCT vs. Dental X-rays: Key Differences
CBCT vs dental X-rays: CBCT makes a 3D image for selected planning, while bitewings and periapicals are 2D. Compare detail, uses and radiation.
Read guide
How CBCT Supports Dental Implant Planning
How CBCT supports dental implant planning: what a 3D scan measures, which nerves and sinuses it maps, when bone grafting is considered and its limits.
Read guide
What to Expect During a Dental CBCT Scan
What to expect during a dental CBCT scan: how to prepare, how positioning works, what you will feel, how long it takes and what happens with results.
Read guide
Why Do Dentists Take X-rays?
Why do dentists take X-rays? They show decay between teeth, root and bone problems an exam can miss. Learn how timing, safety and risk are decided.
Read guide
How Do Digital Dental X-rays Work?
Digital dental X-rays use a small sensor instead of film to capture an image on a computer. Learn how they work, the main types and what to expect.
Read guideWhat to Do if a Filling or Crown Falls Out
Tooth filling fell out or lost a crown? Save the piece, keep the tooth clean, avoid chewing on it and call your dentist. See what can wait and what cannot.
Read guideChipped, Cracked or Broken Tooth: Next Steps
Broken tooth? Rinse, save the pieces, protect sharp edges and call a dentist. Learn which breaks are urgent and when an injury needs 911 instead.
Read guideDental Abscess: Signs and When to Seek Care
A dental abscess is a tooth infection that causes pain, swelling or a gum bump. Learn the signs, treatment and when swelling means calling 911.
Read guideDental Sealants for Children and Adults: How They Work and Who They Help
Dental sealants are thin coatings that protect the grooves of back teeth from decay. Learn who may benefit, how they are placed and how long they last.
Read guide
What Does Fluoride Do for Your Teeth? Who May Benefit from Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps reverse early decay. Learn what a fluoride treatment at the dentist involves and who may benefit most from it.
Read guide
Teeth Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning: What's the Difference?
Deep cleaning teeth (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease below the gumline. See how it differs from a routine teeth cleaning and what to expect.
Read guide
Invisalign vs. Braces: How Clear Aligners and Traditional Braces Compare
Invisalign vs braces: compare how clear aligners and traditional braces move teeth, daily wear, visibility, hygiene, retainers and who may suit each.
Read guideProfessional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Kits: Results, Safety and How Long It Lasts
Professional teeth whitening vs at-home kits: compare supervision, sensitivity, what will not whiten and how long teeth whitening lasts before touch-ups.
Read guideCosmetic Dentistry Cost: What Affects It and How to Get an Estimate
What drives cosmetic dentistry cost: treatment type, number of teeth, materials and lab work, plus insurance vs elective coverage and getting an estimate.
Read guideUltrasonic Scaling vs. Hand Scaling
Ultrasonic scaling vs hand scaling: both remove tartar well when done properly. See how they differ in feel and speed, and why many cleanings use both.
Read guide
Intraoral Camera vs. Dental X-rays
Intraoral camera vs dental X-rays: a camera shows tooth and gum surfaces with light, while X-rays show what is hidden inside. Learn when each is used.
Read guideWhat Is a CBCT Scan in Dentistry?
A dental CBCT scan is a 3D cone-beam X-ray of teeth, bone and nerves. Learn what it shows, when it is used, its limits and how exposure is kept low.
Read guideAre Digital Dental X-rays Safe?
Dental X-ray radiation is low: a bitewing is about one day of natural background exposure. Learn how dentists keep imaging safe, including in pregnancy.
Read guideWhat to Do With a Knocked-Out Tooth
Knocked out tooth? Hold it by the crown, keep it moist in milk or saliva and see a dentist within 30 minutes if you can. Baby teeth are not put back.
Read guideWhat Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency means severe pain, trauma, bleeding or infection that needs same-day care. Learn when to call a dentist and when to call 911.
Read guide
What to Expect at a Cosmetic Dental Consultation
What happens at a cosmetic dental consultation: how goals, oral health, options, timeline and estimates are reviewed, plus what to bring and ask.
Read guideDental Bonding vs. Veneers: How to Choose
Dental bonding vs veneers: compare enamel preparation, reversibility, staining, lifespan and upkeep to see which option may suit your smile concern.
Read guideWhat Is Preventive Dentistry?
What is preventive dentistry? Checkups, cleanings, fluoride, sealants and daily home care that lower your risk of cavities and gum disease, explained.
Read guideWhat to Expect at a Dental Checkup
What to expect at a dental checkup: a health review, exam, teeth cleaning, X-rays only when needed, and a clear plan, plus questions to ask.
Read guide