We Put the Care in Dental Care
Ask The Dentist Blog
Free dental advice doesn’t come along every day, but Dr. Crapo has been providing just that for several years in his column for the Times Colonist, a Victoria newspaper. Many patients have expressed gratitude for his insightful writing. Now, thanks to the web, his “Ask the Dentist” column is available to a wider audience.
October 13, 2019
What happens when you have a limited amount of back molars and can't chew? Read on to find out what options are available.
October 6, 2019
Straight From the Horse's Mouth
What to do if you have missing back teeth and your remaining teeth are failing? Consider dental implants! Various options are available to ensure great function and appearance
September 29, 2019
What to do when it seems there are mutiple issues with mutiple teeth
September 22, 2019
What's going to be more beneficial in the long run, bridge or implants?
September 15, 2019
Dental Implants or Root Canals - Which is Better?
Which procedure lasts longer and is more durable - A root canal or a dental implant?
September 8, 2019
Is Oral and/or I.V. Sedation used for Dental Implant procedures?
September 1, 2019
Does Gum Disease Prohibit Dental Implants?
Find out if its possible to still have dental implants when one suffers from gum disease.
August 25, 2019
Full Mouth Reconstruction One Tooth at a Time?
Is it possible to do one or two teeth at a time to make dental work more affordable?
August 11, 2019
When does it become necessary to have bone grafting done for dental implants?
July 21, 2019
Prescription Drugs and Dental Implants
Can prescription drugs interfere with dental success?
June 16, 2019
Is there a solution for when root canals and crowns fall out?
June 9, 2019
Teens and Teeth Whitening: Are Their Teeth Ready for Treatment?
June 2, 2019
Pregnancy & Periodontal Disease
Pregnancy & Periodontal Disease: Dr Crapo explains if there is any correlation
May 26, 2019
How the TM Joint can effect your bite: Dr. Crapo explains the cause and treatment.
May 19, 2019
Dr. Crapo offers helpful solutions to a patient with broken teeth that are still attached to veneers.
May 12, 2019
Dr Crapo provides several good options for permanent teeth after trauma to the mouth
April 28, 2019
Dark Lines and Shadows…In My Smile
What to do when crowns appear dark at the gum line: Dr Crapo explains and provides treatment plans
April 21, 2019
"Yesterday, All My Troubles Seemed So Far Away"
Problem Teeth - Is there a Quick Fix: Dr Crapo Explains
March 31, 2019
Dr Crapo discusses the benefit of properly balancing and aligning your teeth
March 24, 2019
Dr Crapo discusses the benefit of properly balancing and aligning your teeth
March 17, 2019
Dr Crapo looks into family Dental issues and various options?
March 3, 2019
Dr Capo looks into getting an refit, is it required?
February 24, 2019
Having Your Cake and Eating It Too – If!
Dr Capo looks into the healing issues with implants while smoking.
February 17, 2019
Dr Capo talks about denture and implant timelines.
February 10, 2019
But I Don’t Want a Bone Graft!
Dr Capo looks at bone grafts, which are more common than you think.
January 27, 2019
Dr Capo discusses the various teeth replacement options.
January 13, 2019
Dr. Crapo discusses dental implants with a nocturnal grinder.
January 06, 2019
One Step Back...Three Steps Forward
Dr. Crapo discusses what to do if you have tooth decay.
December 30, 2018
I Don't Like You... Can You Help Me?!
Dr. Crapo discusses how to keep your beautiful smile.
December 23, 2018
Dr. Crapo discusses what to do if you have a tooth canal.
December 16, 2018
"Healthy? Anything Can Be Done."
Dr. Crapo discusses what to do if your bridge comes loose.
December 9, 2018
Dr. Crapo discusses if you should get implants.
December 2, 2018
What's a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Dr. Crapo explains what to do if one of your teeth is gone suddenly.
December 2, 2018
What's a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Dr. Crapo explains what to do if one of your teeth is gone suddenly.
November 25, 2018
Dr. Crapo explains what to do if your bridgework breaks down.
November 18, 2018
Dr. Crapo explains what to do if you have a gum infection.
November 11, 2018
Dr. Crapo explains what to do if bacterial invasions cause a tooth gap.
November 4, 2018
Dr. Crapo explains what you dental options smokers have.
October 28, 2018
What's a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Dr. Crapo explains what you should do if you need a full mouth rehabilitation.
October 21, 2018
You Should Always Keep Your Own Teeth - Right?
Dr. Crapo offers options to a patient that is wondering if they should retain their own teeth.
October 7, 2018
Why Did My Body Reject My Implants?
Dr. Crapo explains why a body can reject tooth implants.
September 30, 2018
Dr. Crapo offers advice to a patient who is worried about getting a tooth implant.
September 23, 2018
Dr. Crapo offers three helpful solutions for a patient dealing with a loose tooth and an uncomfortable partial denture.
September 16, 2018
Listen to Me!
Dr. Crapo helps a patient understand their options when it comes to tooth loss replacement.
September 9, 2018
I Want It My Way!
Dr. Crapo explains to a patient how “teeth-in-a-day” implants can be an option for someone looking for quick results, given that their bone is in ideal condition.
September 2, 2018
Overwhelmed!
Dr. Crapo lists three main problems as the reasons why a patient is struggling with their decaying oral health.
August 26, 2018
Dr. Crapo suggests a solution for a patient with porcelain teeth to try a newer material that is tough as nails and strong enough to withstand any grinding.
August 19, 2018
Value Judgements / Still Undecided
Dr. Crapo gives advice to a patient whether to stick to root canal therapy and root resection in order to keep their teeth intact or to try implants.
August 12th, 2018
Dr. Crapo offers a timely solution for a patient wanting to keep their teeth.
August 5th, 2018
Implants Will Solve My Problems, Yes?
Dr. Crapo offers advice to a patient about their options to try denture teeth or an implant Dr. Crapo gives advice on the importance of a thorough bad bite and tooth decay analysis before getting implants to a patient.
July 29, 2018
One Roller Coaster After Another
Dr. Crapo offers advice to a patient about their options to try denture teeth or an implant supported bridge for their decaying teeth.
July 22, 2018
Dr. Crapo gives advice on overcoming gum disease to an older patient with a young spirit.
July 15, 2018
The Gold Standard of Treatment
Dr. Crapo helps a patient with complications from gold fillings done in Mexico.
July 8, 2018
Dr. Crapo helps a patient understand options for overcoming problems gagging while dealing with a new set of dentures.
July 1, 2018
Dr. Crapo offers advice to a patient wanting to know the options for saving or replacing a badly decayed tooth.
June 24, 2018
When Natural Teeth Meet a Denture
Dr. Crapo offers advice to patients who have a combination of natural teeth and a denture.
June 17, 2018
Dr. Crapo provides advice to a patient asking about tooth loss, its causes, and whether implants are right for them.
June 10, 2018
Dr. Crapo offers advice and options to a patient trying to fix 45 years’ worth of poor hygiene habits.
June 3, 2018
What My Car and I Have in Common
Dr. Crapo assists a patient with his loose bridge concerns and subsequent bite and joint issues.
May 27, 2018
Dr. Crapo offers a newly retired patient advice on how to get his smile back into shape and camera-ready.
May 20, 2018
Dr. Crapo offers a patient advice on the differences between snap-in dentures and screw-in implants and which option may work best for his situation.
May 13, 2018
Where Do I Go from Here?
Dr. Crapo advises a patient about bone grafting for a dental implant or bridge.
May 6, 2018
Dr. Crapo answers a question about a mother and daughter who each had similar gum issues, but they required different treatments.
April 29, 2018
Dr. Crapo helps a patient that has a long time fear of visiting the dentist.
April 22, 2018
The Golden Gate Bridge?
Dr. Crapo helps a patient who is close to losing an eyetooth which is the key anchor to their permanent bridge. He explains the process from temporary bridge to grafts and implants.
April 15, 2018
Decay - Under My New Crowns?
Dr. Crapo helps a patient decide what to do after decay has broke down many crowns. Solutions include implants, bridges and snap system dentures.
April 8, 2018
Are Implants The Way To Go?
Dr. Crapo suggests a dental bridge and dental implants to a client with broken white fillings that have caused their partial denture to no longer fit.
April 1, 2018
But It Doesn't Hurt
Dr. Crapo walks a patient through potential solutions to having a fractured root on a tooth next to partial dentures - from a bridge, to crowns and implants.
March 25, 2018
That's No Bull!
Dr. Crapo explains TMD to a man with jaw muscles built like a Black Angus bull that is down at least one day every week due to pain.
March 18, 2018
Not Nah nah----na Nah Nah
Dr. Crapo gives advice to someone who is having trouble with the transition period with a lower denture.
March 11, 2018
Why Did My Implants Fall Out of My Mouth?
Dr. Crapo answers a question on implants and what can cause them to fall out.
March 4, 2018
"Thinner & Thinner"
Dr. Crapo suggests that a patient crown their front teeth, after noticing that grinding with an overbite has worn down more than 50% of the patients lower front teeth.
February 25, 2018
United We Stand – Divided We Fall
Dr. Crapo uses his experience to explain the difference between crown splinting and implants in patients with bone loss
February 18, 2018
Twenty-Five Years Later...!
Dr. Crapo explains the ideal solution for a patient that has eroding teeth coupled with gum disease.
February 11, 2018
One Good Sneeze...!
Dr. Crapo explains what to do in the case of loose teeth, from dental implants to dental bridges.
February 4, 2018
Not A Good Subject For Dentures
Dr. Crapo answers a visitor's question about helping his wife, who has periodontal issues and is not an ideal candidate for dentures.
January 28, 2018
The Blessings and Curse of Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Crapo discusses how the long term effects of painkillers can be both a blessing and a curse.
January 21, 2018
Monsters of Tooth Destruction
Dr. Crapo discusses what can be done for patients that seem to always find a way to damage, break, or chip their teeth.
January 14, 2018
Dr. Crapo answers a patient’s question about implants and when a partial can be enough instead of a complete rebuild of an implant.
January 7, 2018
Dr. Crapo answers a patient’s concerns about reinforcing age- and denture-affected sinus and jaw bones using the latest grafting techniques.
December 31, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses a priority list for a patient who is suffering from a mouth disease and whether they are a candidate for implants or dentures.
December 24, 2017
When Root Canals Are Not Enough
Dr. Crapo discusses whether a bridge or implant is better for a patient after a root canal didn’t yield all the answers.
December 17, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses the possible connections between marijuana use and tooth decay, as well as other problems.
December 3, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses the best treatment options for patients suffering from rampant tooth decay and dementia.
November 26, 2017
All He Wants For Christmas is His Two Front Teeth
Dr. Crapo discusses solutions for tooth grinders who have ground their teeth almost all the way to the gums in his latest blog.
November 19, 2017
Grind Once, Grind Twice, Gone!
Dr. Crapo discusses the issues that are caused by extreme grinding of the teeth and what can be done for treatment in his latest blog.
November 12, 2017
Dr. Crapo helps a cook decide if implants or bridgework is the best option for their dental health needs.
November 5, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses issues with replacing a partial denture without ridges with an implant retained denture or implant supported teeth.
October 29, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses issues with decay after radiation treatments and if implants can be a successful way to replace lost teeth.
October 22, 2017
Do You Want That Super-Sized? – No Thanks!
Dr. Crapo discusses a patient’s concerns about implants, dentures and different classes of bites.
October 15, 2017
Bridge vs. Implants
Dr. Crapo discusses the advantages offered by a bridge or implants and which option is best for a patient who has had a tooth missing for 50 years.
October 8, 2017
Going, Going, Gone
Dr. Crapo discusses dental implants and an upper denture for a patient with genetic bone and gum loss.
October 1, 2017
All The Colours of The Rainbow
Dr. Crapo discusses how a dentist can reconstruct a misaligned bite while replacing missing teeth.
September 24, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses the temporary and permanent options for a broken crown.
September 17, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses options for anchoring bridgework with implants.
September 10, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses improving patient comfort during the local anaesthetic procedure.
September 3, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses the benefits of a permanent bridge.
August 27, 2017
“Taco Teeth?”
Dr. Crapo discusses “taco” veneers.
Read More
August 20, 2017
Trauma & Dental Repentance
Dr. Crapo discusses how to save remaining teeth after trauma.
Read More
August 13, 2017
Now That I Can See Myself
Dr. Crapo discusses how dentures can be a great benefit for you.
Read More
August 6, 2017
What the Heck is Cracked-Tooth-Syndrome?
Dr. Crapo discusses how to deal with a cracked tooth.
Read More
July 30, 2017
Watch Out for Those Soft Bread Rolls!
Dr. Crapo discusses how implants can help if you have a broken tooth.
Read More
July 23, 2017
What’s the Squirrel in My Mouth Doing?
Dr. Crapo discusses how better cleaning techniques can prevent tooth decay.
July 16, 2017
Not What I Wanted to Hear
Dr. Crapo discusses how your dentist will know if a bone graft is appropriate before giving you a dental implant.
Read More
July 9, 2017
Dr. Crapo discusses how your health often dictates which dental procedures may be right for you.
July 2, 2017
The Trouble with a Snaggletooth…
Dr. Crapo discusses the importance of having a dentist examine your bite in order to develop a treatment plan.
June 25, 2017
When Trauma Comes Back To Bite You!
Dr. Crapo discusses the options available for new dentures.
June 18, 2017
Five Lone Peaks
Dr. Crapo discusses the options available for new dentures.
Read More
June 11, 2017
I Want to Keep 'Em, Thank You Very Much!
Dr. Crapo discusses how crowning your teeth can make better-fitting dentures.
Read More
May 28, 2017
Wanna Smell Like a Rose
Dr. Crapo discusses how periodontal disease can cause bad odours.
Read More
May 21, 2017
Bad Teeth, Bad Gums, Bad Gas
Dr. Crapo discusses how bad teeth can lead to an embarrassing condition.
Read More
May 14, 2017
Under Control…Just
Dr. Crapo discusses the choices for dental reconstruction for a patient with a history of health problems.
Read More
May 7, 2017
Grafting, Green Goo and Other Miracles
Dr. Crapo discusses how grafting works and how it can make a difference when missing many teeth.
Read More
April 30, 2017
Yes, But Will I Have Front Teeth?Yes, But Will I Have Front Teeth?
Dr. Crapo discusses the options for replacing an old dental bridge and suggests how to avoid spending time without teeth.
April 23, 2017
It’s Like a Mortgage
Dr. Crapo discusses the importance of addressing dental issues before they become big problems and explains that an investment in dental work is an investment in your health.
Read More
April 16, 2017
A Hole In One!
A lovely day on the links takes a turn for the worse after a quick bite into a sandwich. Learn more about knocking out crowned teeth in this blog post!
Read More
April 11, 2017
Yes, My Dog Ate It!
Dr. Crapo answers a question about underbites, headaches and what to do when man’s best friend destroys man’s best retainer.
Read More
April 2, 2017
Too Much … Of Everything
Dr. Crapo discusses the available options for replacing missing teeth using bridges and implants.
March 26, 2017
Time to Say Goodbye
Dr. Crapo discusses the available options for replacing missing teeth using bridges and implants.
March 19, 2017
Fallen Crown – Hole In My Face
Dr. Crapo explains what alternatives there are for implants when insurance doesn’t cover them.
Read More
March 12, 2017
I Just Can’t Chew
Dr. Crapo explains the best course of action if you’re worried about financing.
Read More
March 5, 2017
Have you ever thought that you had weird teeth? Dr. Crapo discusses treatment options.
February 19, 2017
Dr. Crapo explains what to do if your dental implants break or fall out at an unexpected time.
February 12, 2017
“Easy as 1, 2, 3”
Dr. Crapo explains how to cost-effectively fix problems in both your molars and your front teeth.
Read More
February 5, 2017
Starting Over
Dr. Crapo answers a question on how to start over and regain a confident smile when teeth have deteriorated from prescriptions and other dental hygiene issues.
Read More
January 29, 2017
Dr. Crapo explains what to do when you wear your teeth down from keeping them tightly together, something that often comes with stressful jobs.
January 19, 2017
Look Ma No Teeth – I Mean No Dentures!
Dr. Crapo answers a question about how to salvage a bad first experience with dentures. Read this post to learn more.
Read More
January 15, 2017
A Recipe for Disaster
Dr. Crapo explains to a patient how dentures may be the best way to compensate for teeth that are badly decayed or damaged.
Read More
January 8, 2017
Out of Harmony – Out of Function
Dr. Crapo explains why you might be having trouble biting through sandwiches, meat, veggies and other tough foods and how the issue can be fixed.
Read More
December 18, 2016
I Need a Quarterback?
Dr. Crapo advises a patient about what to do about loose, diseased teeth and who to see when multiple intricate procedures need to be done at the same time.
Read More
December 11, 2016
What Comes First
Dr. Crapo gives advice to a patient who is facing multiple dental procedures on which procedure they should do first.
Read More
December 4, 2016
Black Holes – On Earth!
Dr. Crapo advises a 72-year-old man on what treatment options are available for repairing a broken dental bridge.
Read More
November 27, 2016
Grin and Bear It
Dr. Crapo provides advice to a man in his eighties regarding treatment options for the gap in his lower front jaw and his remaining, overcrowded lower teeth.
Read the article
November 20, 2016
I Just Want to Eat!
Dr. Crapo advises a retiree who smokes cigarettes about what dental treatments he should receive to allow him to eat with ease once again.
Read the article
November 13, 2016
20th Century vs 21st Century
Dr. Crapo advises a man wondering if he should update his outdated partials to new ones, bridging with crowns, or implants.
Read the article
November 6, 2016
Up Close & Unnatural
Dr. Crapo advises a businesswoman about the ever-widening gaps between her front teeth and what could be causing the problem.
October 30, 2016
A Fistful Of Dollars
Dr. Crapo advises a 45-year-old man about making the most economical decision between a bridge and dental implants to replace missing upper teeth.
Read the article
October 23, 2016
A God Send
Dr. Crapo advises a 90-year-old patient about the most convenient ways to replace a lower partial denture with dental implants.
Read the article
October 16, 2016
So Many Choices!
Dr. Crapo advises an individual about addressing the issue of a severely chipped front tooth, a broken root and the viable solutions.
October 9, 2016
Dr. Crapo advises a woman about frustration over her husband’s reluctance to choose implants due to the cost and nature of the operation.
October 2, 2016
Dr. Crapo advises a man with serious concerns about his bite, the dental work being done to correct his bite and a complication with his dental plan and financing.
September 25, 2016
Dr. Crapo advises a concerned adult child about what type of denture provides the most secure fit and is the most affordable for their mother.
September 18, 2016
Dr. Crapo advises a woman, with dexterity issues caused by Parkinson’s disease and therefore struggles with flossing, on whether or not she should get implants for her front teeth.
September 11, 2016
Dr. Crapo advises a woman has trouble pinpointing the cause of elusive pain and who has symptoms of an earache at times and a toothache at other times.
September 4, 2016
A reader who has been shopping around for dentures with implants asks Dr. Crapo why there are such large ranges of prices and wait times.
August 28, 2016
Dr. Crapo advises a concerned adult child about what type of denture provides the most secure fit and is the most affordable for their mother.
August 21, 2016
Dr. Crapo advises a senior reader on which denture or implant procedure would work best for their oral health and comfort level needs.
August 14, 2016
I Think I Can Save You Some Money
Dr. Crapo advises a reader whose oral surgeon recommended getting two implants instead of three to save money.
August 7, 2016
A reader is still having trouble with his partial denture a full year after it was placed and is seeking advice from Dr. Crapo.
July 31, 2016
A reader who has been experiencing fatigue and aches asks Dr. Crapo if dental problems could be to blame.
July 24, 2016
A reader ask Dr. Crapo for advice about how deal with tooth decay.
July 17, 2016
“What If We Didn’t Have Implants?”
Dr. Crapo advises a reader who split a tooth and wants to know how best to treat it without getting dental implants.
July 10, 2016
A reader asks Dr. Crapo for advice on how best to treat a broken eyetooth without breaking the bank.
July 3, 2016
Under-Treatment, Over-Treatment – How Do I Tell?
A reader wants to know whether his dentist is over-treating or under-treating his dental problem, which involves breakage of his teeth. Dr. Crapo provides a second opinion.
June 26, 2016
Dr. Crapo provides advice to a reader whose jaw began to swing to the right shortly after undergoing extensive work to the left side of her mouth.
June 19, 2016
A reader who recently suffered an accident that destroyed a partial denture asks Dr. Crapo about alternatives to dentures.
June 12, 2016
Dr. Crapo advises a reader with existing bridges on how to best deal with the loss of a tooth that had undergone a root canal.
June 5, 2016
A reader asks Dr. Crapo questions about late night teeth grinding and what to do to get a normal bite with teeth that are different lengths.
May 29, 2016
A reader asks Dr. Crapo for advice on treatment options to address his edge to edge bite, which has caused his front teeth to severely wear down.
May 8, 2016
Dr. Crapo answers a question from a reader who hasn’t been able to find a denture solution that is lasting and doesn’t cause her to lose facial support.
May 1, 2016
Dr. Crapo provides helpful information for a reader whose genetics have predisposed him to tooth, bone and gum issues.
April 28, 2016
A reader with extensive tooth decay asks Dr. Crapo for advice on whether or not having their teeth removed is the right investment regarding their oral health.
April 17, 2016
Dr. Crapo provides advice to a reader who made the mistake of choosing to have denture work done while on a vacation out of country.
April 10, 2016
A reader asks Dr. Crapo about the best options for handling a broken implant.
April 3, 2016
Pay Now So You Don’t Pay Later
A reader with a bonded bridge asks Dr. Crapo about whether it’s best to invest in an affordable bridge or expensive implants.
March 20, 2016
Dr. Crapo explains to a reader how to deal with broken and missing teeth in several steps.
January 10, 2016
Luck Has Nothing to Do With It
A reader with few teeth left needs some ideas for dealing with an old bridge.
January 3, 2016
Curbs, Gutters, & Gums – A Continuation
Preventing decay and gum disease is this reader’s main concern.
December 27, 2015
A reader asks Dr. Crapo for solutions in dealing with plaque build-up, bleeding gums, and bad breath.
December 20, 2015
A reader with a bridge wonders if it could be replaced with implants.
December 13, 2015
Out With the Old and in With the New (Teeth in 4 Hours!)
After having seen an advertisement and spoken to a dentist about its claims, a reader asks Dr. Crapo if it’s safe to install a bridge over implants in the same day.
November 29, 2015
Dentists have told this reader, who is suffering from a root infection, that a new bridge could eliminate issues. The reader asks Dr. Crapo if implants are an option.
November 22, 2015
Wrestling With Difficult Issues
A reader’s elderly mother has lost most of her teeth. As a result, eating is difficult for her, and she suffers from pain. The reader asks Dr. Crapo if dentures or implants could be a solution.
November 8, 2015
I Just Didn’t Want to Lose That Tooth!
A reader lost a molar to decay and was told that installing a dental implant wasn’t feasible. The reader asks Dr. Crapo for a second opinion.
November 1, 2015
After having had crowns and porcelain veneers installed on his teeth, a reader realizes that they are causing jaw pain and wearing down due to grinding and asks Dr. Crapo what can be done.
October 25, 2015
A reader who experienced a car accident in the past and had to undergo several dental procedures asks Dr. Crapo about the durability of crowns and bridges.
Q&A Video Series
Find out more about various types of dentistry.
Past Articles
Read more on various topics relating to dental and oral health.
