It’s very important to us at Janz Family Dental that everyone has access to quality and affordable oral health care.

In order to offer services to as many people as possible, we accept many different insurance plans and bill providers directly so you don’t have to pay for your visit out of pocket. In addition to standard dental insurance plans, we also accept the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program often provided to people from First Nations and Inuit communities.

What is the NIHB Program?

The NIHB is a national program for registered First Nations and recognized Inuit people that offers medically necessary services and items that aren’t covered by provincial or territorial health benefits or private insurance.

The services and items covered by NIHB include dental and vision care, prescription medications, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counselling and medical transportation to access health care services not available in the area.

What’s included in the NIHB dental benefits?

NIHB dental benefits includes the following services:

• Cleaning and deep cleaning
• Regular exams and X-rays
• Fillings and crowns
• Root canals
• Removable full and partial dentures
• Tooth extractions
• Sedation and general anaesthesia
• Braces and other orthodontic appliances (limited to children under the age of 18 with severe jaw and teeth irregularities)

Any procedure that’s considered cosmetic is excluded from the plan, as are fixed dentures and any implant or implant related product.

Who’s eligible for the NIHB?

The NIHB is available to all residents of Canada who also falls into one of these categories:

• First Nations people who are registered under the Indian Act
• Inuk people who are recognized by an Inuit land claim organization
• A child under the age of 18 months whose parent is a registered First Nations or recognized Inuk person.

If you have children over the age of 18 months, you should apply for their Indian status or recognition from your Inuit land claim organization.

The West Edmonton dentist of choice

If you’re covered by the NIHB, and you’re looking for a children’s dentist, or one for yourself, come to Janz Family Dental. Our clinic offers teeth cleaning, exams and fillings to people of all ages. We also provide emergency dental service for those in need of urgent dental care in and around West Edmonton. Call us today for an appointment.

Dental implants replace missing teeth and are used as an alternative to bridges or dentures.

One of their main benefits over ordinary bridges and dentures is their secure fit: they won’t slip or shift in your mouth when you’re talking or eating.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth made of titanium metal that’s used to replace a natural tooth. It connects to the jawbone and provides an anchor for an artificial replacement tooth. To get implants, you need to have both adequate bone density and healthy gums. The first step for people considering implants is a consultation with their dentist to ensure that they’re good candidates for the procedure.

What does dental implant surgery involve?

During the initial surgery, the dentist drills a hole into the jawbone and inserts a titanium screw, which acts as the root of the artificial tooth. After the gum heals over the implant, a second procedure is needed to attach the artificial tooth.

What to expect following dental implant surgery

Here are the answers to common questions patients have about post-op care after the initial surgery:

1. How long does swelling and/or bleeding last?

Swelling is common following your treatment and usually reaches its peak two to three days on. It can be reduced using ice packs. You may also experience minor bleeding for several hours immediately following the surgery, which can be attended to with damp gauze.

2. Will I be in pain?

Typically pain isn’t a large problem. Some soreness in your mouth, however, is normal after any oral surgery. This shouldn’t last for more than a few days and can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or Motrin.

3. What can I eat and drink after the surgery?

While the mouth is still numb, patients should avoid hot liquids and foods, but can have applesauce, pudding or jello. Once the numbness is gone, patients can have solid foods again, but should take care to chew away from the surgical site for as long as it remains sensitive.

4. Can I drink alcohol or smoke after the surgery?

You can’t drink alcohol in the first 72 hours after the surgery. You’re advised to avoid smoking for at least five days.

5. When can I return to work?

You should rest and relax for the first 24- to 48-hour period after surgery. After this interval, you should be fine to return to work. However, consult your dentist to be sure.

6. How long do implants last?

Dental implants are designed to last a long time: upwards of 25 years when they’re well taken care of. If cleaned thoroughly and regularly, they’ll stay in good condition. Get your dentist to show you the proper cleaning procedure for dental implants. Janz Family Dental is here to answer any questions Edmonton residents have about dental implants.

If dental implant surgery is right for you, you can trust our experienced dental team to provide the best treatment. Make Janz Family Dental Clinic your go-to dentist in Edmonton. Contact us today!

There are an ever-increasing number of tooth whitening products available over the counter, including strips, trays, rinses, gels and toothpastes.

These products are typically cheaper than teeth whitening services performed by dentists; however, this is their only real advantage. Here are several reasons professional teeth whitening at a dental clinic is the better option.

Brighter Smile

One of the main reasons why the over-the-counter products are so cheap is that the whitening agents have a much lower concentration of the active ingredient, peroxide, compared with professional grade whiteners. To be precise, they typically have about three per cent peroxide, whereas the whiteners used in dental clinics have as much as 35 per cent. As a result, drugstore whiteners are able to make teeth only one to two shades brighter, while professional grade whiteners, only available to dentists, can whiten teeth by up to ten shades in a single visit.

Safer Treatment

A big problem with over-the-counter trays and strips is that they usually only come in one size. Since every mouth is different, it’s highly probable that the trays won’t be an exact fit and the strips won’t fully cover your teeth. If the trays or strips don’t fit properly, the whitening agent may be unevenly distributed and come into contact with your gums, which can irritate them and lead to pain and sensitivity in your teeth. These issues are usually temporary, but on rare occasions result in irreversible tooth damage. This is one of the reasons why the Canadian Dental Association recommends that you use whitening products only after consulting with your dentist.

During professional treatment, measures are taken to protect the patient’s gums from contact with the whitening agent, such as covering their gums and using custom trays. This ensures a safer—and also more even and thorough—treatment.

Our Favourite Teeth Whitening Solution

The team at Janz Family Dental offers Spa Dent Naturals whitening and aftercare. This solution uses blue and red LED light and offers visibly whiter teeth in just 20 minutes. Not only do our customers love it but so do our team of dentists and hygienists. It is a convenient professional whitening solution that causes no sensitivity and you can use it in the comfort of your own home.

Lasting Results

Over-the-counter treatments not only take longer to work but also usually produce short-lived results. The reason for this is the diluted nature of the whitening solution. With professional treatment, you’ll not only see a difference after only a 24-hour period but dentists will also give you the tools to retain these results by creating a custom whitening plan that provides you with the necessary instructions and materials.

Expert Advice

To find out what whitening option is best suited to your personal needs, your best bet is to speak with your local dentist. At Janz Family Dental Clinic in Edmonton, we help you get the best results from your whitening treatment. We provide custom-fit teeth whitening trays and whitening gel for at home use. And we always ensure that your enamel and gums remain safe and healthy. For a reliable dentist in Edmonton, contact Janz Family Dental today!

In Canada, goals have been set to reduce the overall rate of cancer in Canadians. Furthermore, we as a nation are striving to ensure that cancer is caught early on, so that it can be treated more effectively.

One of the best things you can do to care for yourself is schedule regular visits to your Edmonton dentist and doctor. Frequent checkups allow for chronic diseases like cancer to be diagnosed while still in the early stages and are a great way check in on your general health and make sure that you’re living a happy and healthy life. For example, at your routine appointments with our dental clinic in Edmonton, your dentist will be able to assess your oral health and will notice if there are any signs that oral cancer is developing.

The BETTER program

The Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care (a.k.a. BETTER) program endeavours to improve the prevention and screening of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The BETTER approach aims to meet this goal by providing you with comprehensive and integrated care that has been tailored to satisfy your needs.

The Prevention Practitioner

BETTER has been given the opportunity to expand thanks to funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and will be opening the BETTER Training Institute, which will consist of two branches; one Eastern and one Western. At these institutes, primary care providers will be trained to become “Prevention Practitioners.” Specializing in the prevention of chronic disease, a Prevention Practitioner provides personalized treatments on a patient-by-patient basis. By analyzing your medical history and chronic disease risk, your Prevention Practitioner will be able to recommend a series of lifestyle changes, called the Prevention Prescription, which will meet your needs and allow you to live out the healthiest life possible.

Visit your family dentist in Edmonton

Our team at Janz Family Dental supports the initiative to reduce cancer in Canadians—particularly oral cancer. We offer everything from services and procedures, such as fillings and teeth cleanings, to cosmetic dentistry, which includes crowns, bridges and teeth whitening. We also have an emergency dentist available in Edmonton, if you find yourself requiring urgent care. Maintaining your oral health is important regardless of your age, which is why we’re proud to provide care to kids, adults and seniors alike. Contact us to book an appointment today!

Summer vacation might be a time for rest and relaxation, but sometimes it feels anything but restful. As a parent, you may find yourself shuttling your children from one event to the next all summer long. Your children’s routines have completely changed; instead of school and homework, their schedules are filled with pool parties, sports games and sleepovers. In the excitement of summer, it’s easy for them to forget to brush and floss twice a day, which can ultimately cause cavities to develop. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help your children maintain their dental hygiene during the busy summer months.

Healthy eating

Your child has a soccer game this afternoon? Pack them a snack of carrot sticks or apple slices. Raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables are quite effective in cleaning plaque off of teeth. Furthermore, they act as natural breath fresheners, meaning you won’t have to subject yourself to the delightful scent of your child’s bad breath.

Stay hydrated

At parties and sporting events, your children may consume sugar-filled drinks, which can enhance tooth decay. This is why you should promote drinking water at home. Not only will the water wash away particles trapped in their teeth, but a dry mouth is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Staying hydrated is a great way to fight decay.

Overnight trips

At home, it’s easier for you to get your children to brush and floss twice a day. However, summer is full of sleepovers and camping trips, meaning you won’t always be there to remind them. One way you can help your child remember to maintain their oral hygiene routine is by preparing an overnight kit, including a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. Make sure that they have the kit with them whenever they spend the night away from home. A gentle reminder to actually use it is also a good idea.

Why do my children get so many cavities?

Have you noticed that your child frequently develops cavities? This can be due to several lifestyle factors. For example, eating lots of sugary food and neglecting to brush and floss. However, some people are simply prone to cavities and develop them quite easily. If you’re concerned about this, don’t hesitate to contact your kids dentist in West Edmonton.

Visit our dental clinic in Edmonton

Another way in which you can help your children maintain their healthy smiles is by bringing them for a teeth cleaning at Janz Family Dental in Edmonton. At our clinic we prioritize the oral health of your entire family. Contact us to make an appointment today!

As we age, we may worry about some aspects of our health more than others.

For example, osteoporosis, hearing loss, and memory loss are all commonly associated with aging. But more and more, dental health is becoming a concern among those who are more advanced in years. So how can you take care of your teeth as you age? Here are some tips on maintaining your oral health.

Prevention

If you already have a good dental hygiene routine, make sure you keep it up. But if you’ve been letting flossing and other dental good habits slide, now’s the time to step it up. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and limiting your intake of sweets are important ways of maintaining your dental health. In addition, you should visit your dentist for a teeth cleaning and checkup every six months.

Gum disease

Gum disease is especially prevalent in older people, so make sure you visit your Edmonton dentist if you or a family member experiences any of the following symptoms:

• Gums that bleed while while flossing or brushing, or when eating hard foods
• Gums that are red or swollen
• A receding gum line
• Loose teeth
• Signs of infection such as pus between the teeth
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• A change in the fit of your denture

If you’re worried about these symptoms of gum disease in yourself or someone you care about, talk to us at Janz Family Dental today.

Caring for your loved ones

If you’re caring for an aging parent or family member, it can be a lot to handle. If they’re living in residential care, make sure you inquire as to what services are available. Is there an in-house dentist, or will they schedule regular visits with one that’s located nearby? Will they drive your loved one to and from appointments? Can a professional caregiver offer assistance in helping with everyday routines? Make sure your family member is receiving twice-yearly dentist visits, and keep an eye on their dental habits. Their dentist may have tips to help you assist them in their routine, such as teaching you how to clean dentures, or about signs and symptoms to look out for in case there’s a problem.

Dental health is an important concern for those who are aging. If you or a loved one needs a teeth cleaning in Edmonton, schedule an appointment with Janz Family Dental today.

We all probably agree that Canadians have it pretty good when it comes to accessing healthcare. What many don’t know is that our luck extends well beyond the realms of family doctors and emergency rooms and into the dental industry as well.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, Canada is a world leader providing dental care to its citizens. At Janz Family Dental, we take pride in what we do for our patient’s oral health at our dental clinic in Edmonton. Let our experts give you a short rundown on the state of oral health in Canada.

The progression of dentistry in Canada

Rodney Janz has witnessed firsthand the progression of oral healthcare in Canada for nearly 25 years. Today, the care of the clinic he founded in 1993—and its patients—has been left in the capable hands of his son, Jon Janz, who couldn’t be happier about the direction the Canadian dental industry has taken over the last two and a half decades. Since 1970, the percentage of Canadians that have had the ability to consult a dentist increased from 49.5% to 74.5%. This increase in care has led to a number of other statistics (courtesy of the Canadian Health Measures Survey) residents of Canada can be proud of: • Canadian children with at least one decayed tooth has dropped from 74% to 23.6% • The average number of missed or filled teeth has decreased from 6 to 2.5 • The percentage of adults with no natural teeth has decreased significantly from 23.6% to 6.4%

Access to oral healthcare

As of 2010, nearly 80% of Canadian residents had access to a dentist, and 85.7% had visited a dentist within the previous 2 years. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t improvements that need to be made. There are other groups of people who need help accessing an Edmonton dentist.

Looking to the future

Access to dental insurance is still out of reach for many people around Canada. 53% of adults approaching retirement age have no dental insurance, which poses a lot of problems for their oral health. But it’s not only senior citizens who have difficulty accessing dental care. Improvements need to be made when it comes to dealing with the oral health of children ages 0-18. Dental problems often manifest themselves early on in life—and prevention is always better than correction. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in the Edmonton area, make an appointment with Janz Family Dental. Visit us here for more information regarding our services.

Every parent wants the best for his or her child. That’s why you should teach healthy habits to your child as soon as possible. When it comes to your child’s teeth, there’s a lot you can do to help. Some parents think baby teeth don’t matter much. They’re just “training wheels” or a practice run for adult teeth. We at Janz Family Dental, however, would recommend against thinking of your kid’s first teeth in this way. As a children’s dentist in West Edmonton, we like to do everything we can to help protect your children’s oral health, including giving you information about the importance of baby teeth.

How do baby teeth help my child grow?

Your child’s baby teeth aren’t just for practice. They’re an important part of his or her most formative years. Even before your child’s first visit to the dentist, his or her teeth and gums need to be protected. A few things healthy baby teeth help your child with include:

• Creating a spot for the adult teeth. Your child’s body is constantly changing, and that includes his or her face and jaw. If there are unhealthy or missing teeth in your child’s mouth, your child’s other teeth will begin to shift as a result, making the path for the adult teeth more difficult.
• Preventing gum disease. Even if your baby’s teeth will fall out, his or her gums won’t. Good oral health includes taking care of both the teeth and gums regularly.
• Learning how to speak and to chew. Teeth are an essential part of learning a lot of basic human activities, such as speaking, smiling, and eating.
• Beginning healthy habits. It’s never too early to support your child’s healthy habits. Learning how to be responsible for one’s hygiene early in life is a great foundation for lifelong oral health.

What can I do to help protect my child’s baby teeth?

There’s a lot parents can do to help their child’s baby teeth, including:

• Brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing should begin as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. Even before that, you should wipe your child’s gums with a damp cloth regularly to clean the mouth.
• Be a good role model. Your children learn a lot of their most valuable lessons by watching what you do. If you have good oral health habits and a positive attitude, your children are more likely to as well.
• Visiting the dentist regularly. Taking the time to regularly visit a kid’s dentist in Edmonton is essential to oral health. A kids dentist can help identify problem areas before they become serious and teach your child about proper oral health routines.

Contact Janz Family Dental in Edmonton today. Find out how a dentist at Janz Family Dental can help your child take the best first step possible when it comes to oral health.

The team at Janz Family Dental is happy to announce that we will be making the change from film to digital X-ray imaging technology at our dental clinic in Edmonton.

In the past, the impression technique was uncomfortable where the patient had to sit with a large rubber-like material in the mouth for 2-5 minutes. Digital moulds provide a smooth technique that produces a high-quality product. The process is safer, healthier, and more pleasant for the patient and dental staff. Let our experts take a moment to walk you through some of the many benefits that come with making the switch to digital radiography.

What is digital radiography?

Digital radiography equipment allows dentists to perform imaging functions without the use of any analog materials. This means that there’s no need for chemical film processing: digital X-rays can be viewed and evaluated by your dentist as soon as they’re taken. This streamlines the process and allows for multiple storage options for your scans. We’ll finally be able to do away with entire rooms filled with hard copies of patient scans.

The digital technique is more comfortable since it scans the teeth, which only requires a few minutes of the patient’s time. It also allows for the possibility to show the patient a 3D-impression of their teeth on a screen, right after the impression has been made. These digital records can be taken yearly to show patients changes that are happening in the mouth such as progression of gum recession, movement of teeth, etc.

How will it benefit the clinic?

Our new digital imaging equipment will allow our team to take all different types of dental X-rays with minimal changes to the daily workflow of our clinic. The main difference is that digital saves time. Common types of dental X-rays include:

• Intraoral X-rays: an image of the inside of the patient’s mouth. This gives dentists a clear picture of one portion of the teeth.
• Panoramic X-rays: provide the dentist with completeimage of a patient’s mouth. It’s great for mapping out implants and detecting future wisdom teeth.
• Cephalometric projections: a side view of the patient’s entire skull. Helps dentists examine the placement of teeth relative to the jaw and is often used when planning orthodontic treatments.

Digital radiography has numerous benefits over film radiography:

• Patients are exposed to significantly less radiation (up to 80% less!)
• Images can be viewed instantly on any computer screen, without any need for film processing
• Digital radiographs can easily be transferred to any other health care professional for referrals, second opinions, etc.
• A number of image enhancing options, such as brightness and contrast adjustment, are available to make X-rays clearer and easier to interpret.

If you’re looking for a children’s dentist in West Edmonton, give us a call at Janz Family Dental. Our friendly staff will ensure that all your dental work is taken care of quickly and comfortably. Call us today to schedule your next check-up.