Friday, December 30, 2016

Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers Can Create Dental Problems



Children who suck their thumb, fingers, binky, or pacifier can develop problems with the roof of their mouth and how their teeth come together. Most children stop between ages 2 and 4. Thumb sucking should stop before the child's permanent teeth start coming in.  In most cases the damage created will correct itself if the habit can be corrected early.  In some more extreme cases orthodontics may be required.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Mini Residency In Implant Placement

Continuing education is of the utmost importance to Dr. Pettigrew.  Over the last few months Dr. Pettigrew has been completing a mini residency placing implants under the instruction of Dr. Hebel at the HandsOnTraining center in Toronto.  In 2017 Dr. Pettigrew will be able to offer this treatment in office.  It has been an excellent learning experience.  Implants are the gold standard for single tooth replacement in the oral cavity.  The dental implant can also be used in many other applications to
replace missing teeth if the conditions are suitable.


Dr Pettigrew and colleague Dr.Ioannidis at HandOnTraining in Toronto


Monday, July 18, 2016

Don't Ignore Impacted Wisdom Teeth!



"....but Dr. Pettigrew the wisdom teeth don't hurt, I think I'm going to leave them for now"......

       I have heard this many time and this can be the result........The wisdom tooth sits on the back root of the healthy second molar and will actually dissolve the root of the good tooth over time.  This results in the need to have both teeth removed.  If your dentist recommends  wisdom tooth extraction don't ignore it or this could be the result.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Why We Remove Impacted Wisdom Teeth

The damage inflicted to a healthy tooth by an impacted wisdom tooth can be signifigant.  In this case a lower impacted wisdom tooth left in place has caused severe decay on the otherwise healthy tooth next to it.  In this instance both teeth will need to be removed.  This can be easily avoided by early detection and removal of the wisdom tooth.

Monday, January 25, 2016

The Dental Implant


The advantages of the dental implant:

       -Replace missing tooth

-Prevent bone loss

                                           -Restore confidence in function and esthetics