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Ask the Expert

Clear, honest answers to the questions our patients ask us most, from the Seven Sails team. A new question every two weeks.

Dr. Séguin and a smiling patient beside the Solea laser at Seven Sails Latest answer Ask the Expert1 min read I've heard about laser dentistry, what's the deal? The deal is, the future has arrived. I've used lasers throughout my career—some for soft tissue, some for root canals, some for tightening tissue to help with snoring or facial rejuvenation. There's always been the… Read the answer

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A smiling patient checking his teeth in a hand mirror Ask the Expert1 min read My dentist thinks I need a crown. Can’t the tooth just be patched? That’s a fair question. Sometimes a tooth can be repaired with a filling, but if your dentist recommends a crown, a simple patch may not be… Read the answer Sugar-coated candies scattered on a white surface Ask the Expert1 min read Why am I getting so many cavities? Cavities require five ingredients: a tooth, bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates (sugars), insufficient protection and time. Read the answer A woman holding her jaw, looking uncomfortable Ask the Expert1 min read Why do I wake up with jaw pain or headaches? A common cause is clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep. This can be linked to stress or airway concerns. When the body has to… Read the answer Two plaster dental models made from traditional impressions Ask the Expert1 min read I'd like to get a new night guard, but does that mean I'll need to have that goopy impression material in my mouth again? It made me gag last time. Good news: you likely don't have to endure "goop down your throat" again for a new night guard—if your dentist uses a digital intraoral… Read the answer A caregiver helping an older woman in a bright living room Ask the Expert1 min read How can I maintain good oral health for someone who can’t care for their own teeth? Caring for someone else’s oral health can feel new, but a consistent routine makes a big difference. Whether it’s a child, an older adult,… Read the answer Two women chatting over drinks at a wooden table Ask the Expert1 min read My sister hasn’t been to the dentist in years and feels embarrassed about neglecting her teeth. What should I say to encourage her to go? Thanks for the question—I hear this more often than you’d think. Dental visits can feel very personal, and embarrassment is common when… Read the answer A woman laughing outdoors with a bright, natural smile Ask the Expert1 min read I want whiter teeth—what can I do? It’s summer, it’s wedding season, and you want to look your best. Start by booking a professional cleaning and polish with your hygienist;… Read the answer A young girl laughing with a wide, gap-toothed smile Ask the Expert1 min read My kid has some cavities. Should I really be filling baby teeth if they’re going to fall out anyway? Great question—I hear it often. X-rays help us estimate how long those baby (deciduous) teeth will remain. These teeth are important… Read the answer A dental mirror in soft focus in a clinic Ask the Expert1 min read Should I replace my silver fillings? White resin fillings have been around for a long time and keep getting better. Silver fillings, called amalgam, are also very good… Read the answer A dentist holding a cross-section model of a tooth, showing decay reaching the nerve Ask the Expert1 min read I don’t want that root canal, do I have to have one? The tooth doesn’t even hurt. I understand your reluctance. Root canal treatments get a bad reputation. Many people only hear about them when they’re already in pain from… Read the answer A bright, modern dental treatment room Ask the Expert1 min read I heard there’s a new way of getting my teeth cleaned? Yes! It’s called an air polisher—a newer technology that’s making dental cleanings more comfortable than ever. Read the answer A woman holding a cool cloth to her cheek Ask the Expert1 min read My top back teeth are hurting—could something be wrong? It might not be your teeth at all. This time of year, I often think about sinus pressure, especially if I can’t find an obvious dental… Read the answer A woman flossing her teeth Ask the Expert1 min read Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss? In most cases, it comes down to one thing: inflammation. When plaque full of harmful bacteria sits along the gumline, your body sends in its… Read the answer A couple sleeping peacefully in a bright bedroom Ask the Expert1 min read My husband sounds like a lawnmower when he sleeps. HELP! Snoring keeping you up at night? You’re not alone. Studies suggest roughly 67% of people snore, often due to extra weight, age, lifestyle,… Read the answer A smiling patient relaxed in the dental chair Ask the Expert1 min read No needles, no drills – for real? Yes. The future is here, and it still blows my mind. I’ve been using a Solea CO₂ dental laser for several months, and the results have been… Read the answer A hand holding a toothbrush with a fresh line of toothpaste Ask the Expert1 min read Is plaque really that big of a deal? Here’s a little test. Take your fingernail and gently scrape your tooth. Did you get a little plaque? A lot? As someone who looks at teeth… Read the answer A model showing a dental implant, crown and jawbone beside natural teeth Ask the Expert1 min read What’s an implant and what’s the process? An implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth and support a crown on top. It looks a bit like a small bolt… Read the answer A smile with a chipped front tooth Ask the Expert1 min read Can't you just patch it or stick it back on? It depends. Picture this: you break a chunk of tooth or a crown comes off right at the gum line just before your vacation. Yes, it can be… Read the answer A dentist reviewing a set of dental x-rays on a lit viewing board Ask the Expert1 min read Do I really need those x-rays? Dental x-rays are a common concern because of radiation and cost, and the real answer is: it depends. X-rays use a very focused, low dose of… Read the answer

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