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Getting implant-supported dentures is a meaningful investment in your health, your comfort, and your confidence. At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we want every patient to get the most out of that investment, and that means the work doesn't stop at the final appointment. How well you care for your implants day-to-day has a direct bearing on how long they last and how healthy your mouth stays over time. The good news is that maintaining dentures supported by implants doesn't have t

There's a conversation that doesn't happen often enough when patients first lose a tooth or transition to dentures: what happens to the jawbone underneath. Most people are focused on restoring their smile and getting back to eating comfortably, understandably so. But the changes taking place beneath the surface matter just as much as what you can see in the mirror. At Dr. Crapo & Associates, we believe patients deserve a complete picture. Understanding how tooth loss affect

Your smile goes through a lot over the course of a lifetime. From the moment your first baby tooth appears to the years when you're thinking more carefully about bone density and dry mouth, your oral health needs are constantly evolving. The good news? With the right care at every stage, most dental problems are preventable, and that's exactly what the team at Dr. Crapo & Associates is here to help with. Whether you're a parent navigating your child's dental milestones, an

If you have a dental implant that suddenly feels tender, bleeds when you brush or looks inflamed, it can be stressful. Many people worry that this means their implant is failing or that surgery is the only option. LAPIP® laser treatment offers a minimally invasive alternative that can help treat peri‑implantitis and support saving dental implants that still have a chance. This article explains what peri‑implantitis is, how LAPIP® works, how it compares with traditional gum

When it comes to maintaining lifelong oral health, general guidelines are helpful, but your ideal care routine should always reflect your individual needs. The same is true for dental cleaning. While most adults do well with professional cleaning every six months, some people benefit from more frequent visits based on their oral health, lifestyle habits, and risk factors. For patients who are more prone to gum disease or plaque buildup, cleaning every three to four months c

When a tooth starts to hurt, it can be difficult to know whether your symptoms are minor or a sign of something more serious. Root canal therapy may be recommended when the inner part of the tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. Recognizing early root canal symptoms helps prevent complications, protect your natural teeth and avoid more involved dental procedures. Quick Answer: How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal? You may need a root canal if you have pe

If you have been told you need gum disease treatment, you may be wondering whether laser gum therapy hurts and how it compares to traditional surgery. Many patients in Victoria, BC ask this when learning about LANAP® at Dr. Crapo and Associates. The LANAP® protocol is designed to be gentle, precise and minimally invasive, which often results in a more comfortable experience. This guide explains what to expect before, during and after LANAP®. It also outlines how the laser a

If you’re anxious about dental work, IV sedation feels like drifting into a deeply relaxed state where worries melt away and discomfort fades. Most patients remember little or nothing of their dental procedure, making it a popular choice for those with dental phobia or complex treatments. Who Benefits from IV Sedation? IV sedation is designed for: first-time dental patients who are nervous or unsure about treatment individuals with dental anxiety, fear, or traumatic past expe

Is same-day tooth extraction and dental implant placement possible? In many cases, yes, immediate implant placement, or “same-day dental implants,” is possible for patients with good oral health, strong bone quality, and no infection. At Dr. Crapo & Associates in Victoria, BC, we use advanced technology and a patient-first approach to help you achieve fast, lasting results. Here’s what you need to know about same-day implants and whether you might qualify. What Are Same-Day D

Healthy teeth and gums act as a strong barrier, keeping harmful bacteria out of your bloodstream and away from vital organs. When oral health suffers, your immune system works overtime to control inflammation and fight off infection. How Does Oral Health Affect Your Immune System? Your mouth is the entry point to your body, and its health has a direct effect on your immune system. Oral infections, gum disease, and inflammation can weaken your body’s defences, making it harder

IV sedation is commonly used for dental implant surgery, especially for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing more complex procedures. At Dr. Crapo & Associates in Victoria, BC, IV sedation ensures a comfortable, stress-free experience while you receive expert care from a trusted oral surgery team. What is IV Sedation Dentistry? IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, involves administering medication directly into your bloodstream to help you relax during dental pro

All-on-4® dental implants, known to many of our patients as “Teeth in a Day,” last much longer than traditional dentures, offering greater stability, comfort, and oral health benefits for adults seeking a long-term solution in Victoria, BC. What’s the Difference Between “Teeth in a Day” and Dentures? If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, you may be weighing your options: classic removable dentures or the more advanced All-on-4® dental implants, often referred to as “T

Question: Two years ago I became very aware that I was having recession around my teeth – especially the lower front teeth. It’s not that I hadn’t seen it before, but no one made it a priority. I became aware because I started to see looseness in my lower front teeth. It startled me so I immediately made an appointment with my dentist. He said I’d lost over half of the bone around my roots. I asked him how that could have happened and he said I could have inherited weak gums

Question: Many years ago as I decided my vocation, I fell in love with cooking. Almost forty years later, I still love to cook. I make very good and tasty dishes. Each dish is sampled in its preparation to ensure taste and quality control. I’ve retired from commercial work but still cook at home for my wife and friends. I say this because when you’re cooking and tasting six days a week for long hours then fall into bed late after clean up only to sleep and start the day again

Question: As a kid up till I was out of university I saw the dentist and hygienist faithfully. Mom insisted we all go regularly. Even in university, Mom made sure, when we got home from school, we saw the dentist. I had great teeth. Once I was off the plan and on my own it wasn’t a priority. I was just too busy for my teeth. One day as I was home visiting, Mom asked, “how long has it been since you’ve seen the dentist?” It had been five years. I had started smoking on the job

Question: Dr. Crapo: I was born about the time fluoride toothpaste hit Canada – late fifties, early sixties. When the T.V. ads hit the air, we couldn’t believe you’d go to the dentist and only have one cavity. Finally, it was the in thing by the time I was ten to make the switch to a fluoride toothpaste. By that time, I’d had teeth pulled because of decay and abscessing. Fortunately, they were only baby teeth, so when my permanents came in, I resolved to take better care. We

Question: This is embarrassing and disastrous. I’ve never been good with my teeth. Even as a kid I was terrified. As an adult I always put the dental health of my kids and husband to the top of the list and me only when I couldn’t stand the pain. So, I had fillings only when I had a tooth that needed a root canal or pulling. After the kids were long on their own, I still didn’t go to get my teeth checked or cleaned. For some reason I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. But n

Question: I have prided myself on reaching my fifties with all my teeth except one wisdom tooth. I’ll explain in a minute. Up through my forties, I didn’t give my teeth much thought. I saw the hygienist kind of regularly but not religiously. My family has good teeth and every time I went, though I wasn’t diligent, I got a “good check-up, no cavities.” I thought, “Great,” then I’d let a year and a half go by, then two years, before going back. A number of years after doing thi

Question: I lost my wife several years ago and things are not the same. I don’t make decisions well without her. I tend to leave personal needs and attention to detail until the last hour and then only when circumstance, or pain of one kind or another, forces me into action. I haven’t cared for my teeth as I should and now I get pain all too frequently. I’ve got broken teeth, loose teeth, missing teeth, and abscesses or the like that keeps my gums swollen most of the time. I

Question: I’ve smoked cigarettes since I was a teenager. It’s hard to quit because I enjoy smoking and perhaps it helps me cope with life too. The thought of quitting scares me and makes me want to find a place to hide. However, I have a problem with my teeth. I saw a dentist and she said I needed an upper denture because my remaining upper teeth – my upper six front teeth, are quite loose – well the eyeteeth are ok but my four front teeth are loose. I had a partial made but