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Watch Videos Featuring Dr. Crapo for Valuable Dental Advice
Victoria Chamber of Commerce Features Dr. Crapo
In this video series, Dr. Crapo and his associate answer questions about IV sedation, Teeth in a Day, dental implants, toothpaste, sleep apnea, dentures, and more.
Q&A Video Series
Can you get your teeth done in one day?
What is IV sedation dentistry?
What are dental implants?
Which part of dentistry do you love the most?
Is fluoride a necessary ingredient in toothpaste?
Has dentistry changed?
Should I still visit the dentist if I have dentures?
By applying and simplifying complex cosmetic dentistry procedures, Dr. Crapo has been rehabilitating Victoria residents’ bites for over 30 years. He has appeared on Check Around, a popular Victoria television show, to talk about implant, cosmetic, and IV-sedation dentistry.
Check Around: Expert Advice
What is implant dentistry?
What is IV sedation dentistry?
What is cosmetic dentistry?
General Questions
Pediatric Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Ceramic & Porcelain Veneers
Single Implants with Crowns
Implants with Bridges
Composite Fillings
Crowns
Complete & Partial Dentures
Root Canal Therapy
Periodontal Disease Treatments
Chao Pinhole® Gum Rejuvenation
Yes! New patients are welcome to schedule an appointment.
Yes, we accept most types of insurance. Worried about dental treatments that aren’t covered? We offer financing options.
Children should visit the dentist as soon as their teeth start coming in. In fact, the Canadian Dental Association recommends that infants visit the dentist within six months of the appearance of their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Even though baby teeth fall out naturally and adult teeth grow in during the teenage years, visiting the dentist is still beneficial for children since tooth decay at any age can have adverse effects on their health.
The Canadian Dental Association advises parents to make biannual dental appointments for children, beginning approximately six months after the first tooth emerges.
The first dental visit of your child is usually brief. The main goal is to make your child comfortable with the dentist. Depending on their age, the visit may involve a comprehensive examination of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums and oral tissues to check for proper growth and development. If necessary, your child may also receive a gentle cleaning.
Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD) is the most common childhood chronic disease in Canada and around the world. However, ECTD is preventable, and its causes are well-known. One of the primary causes of ECTD is sugar. The sugars found in food and drinks can lead to tooth decay if they’re left in the mouth for too long. The longer they stay in contact with teeth, the greater the risk of developing tooth decay. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices and limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks to prevent ECTD.
Yes. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective choice for brightening your smile.
Professional teeth whitening treatments typically involve applying concentrated hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide solution to the surface of stained teeth. The bleach breaks up the stains, making the colour less concentrated and resulting in brighter, whiter teeth.​
The results from over-the-counter kits only last a few months, while the results from a professional treatment can last anywhere from one to three years or more. However, results vary from person to person.
Most patients don't feel any pain during or after professional teeth whitening procedures. However, some people’s teeth are sensitive to peroxide. This can cause temporary tooth sensitivity when drinking or eating hot or cold products but usually goes away with time.
Porcelain is a much stronger material than composite resin. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years, while composite veneers may only last four to eight years. Porcelain veneers also offer better coverage for imperfections like chips, cracks and stains.
Porcelain veneers can be used to shorten, lengthen, realign or widen teeth, as well as hide chips, cracks and stains. If you’re self-conscious about a gap between your teeth, porcelain veneers can give you back your confidence.
First, the dentist will trim the tooth that will receive the veneer. Then, they’ll take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit veneer. Finally, the dentist will bond the veneer to your tooth using a special dental cement.
While porcelain veneers are thin, they’re bonded firmly to your teeth to ensure they last for many years. With proper care, your porcelain veneers can last for a decade or more.
Replacing a missing tooth is essential for maintaining oral health and function. When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth can shift, leading to misalignment, bite problems, difficulty chewing, and speech issues. Additionally, the absence of a tooth root can cause jawbone deterioration, altering facial structure. Replacing the tooth preserves bone density, prevents shifting, maintains proper bite alignment, and restores the aesthetics of your smile.
Good candidates for single implants with crowns are individuals with good overall health, sufficient jawbone density, healthy gums, and a commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Non-smokers or those willing to quit during treatment are preferred, as smoking can impair healing. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine candidacy.
Dental implant procedures are generally safe, but there are potential risks, including infection, injury to surrounding structures, sinus problems, and implant failure. Rare risks include implant rejection, allergic reactions, and excessive bleeding. Proper planning and care can minimize these risks, and most complications can be effectively managed with prompt treatment.
Single-tooth implants offer several advantages over traditional bridges. They preserve adjacent teeth, prevent bone loss, look and function like natural teeth, are easier to clean, and have a longer lifespan. Implants provide a stable, durable solution that closely mimics natural tooth function.
Dental bridges involve anchoring an artificial tooth between adjacent natural teeth, while implants use a titanium screw implanted into the jawbone to support an artificial tooth. Bridges rely on neighbouring teeth for support, while implants act as independent, stable replacements.
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants. Factors such as overall health, jawbone density and gum health play a crucial role. A thorough assessment by a dentist or oral surgeon is necessary to determine individual suitability for implant surgery.
The timeline for dental implants varies but generally takes several months. Initial consultation and planning, implant placement surgery and a healing period for osseointegration are involved, which can take four to six months. The final step, attaching the crown, occurs once the implant fully integrates into the jawbone.
While dental bridges don’t demand extraordinary care, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Regular brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings help prevent decay and ensure the bridge’s longevity. Proper care can extend the lifespan of dental bridges.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Maintenance involves routine oral hygiene practices, regular dental checkups and avoiding habits like smoking, which may compromise the health of the implant and surrounding tissues.
Most patients report minimal pain during the implant procedure. The implant placement process is performed under local anesthesia, so the treated area is numb. After surgery, patients may experience mild soreness or discomfort, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain.
Composite fillings are tooth-coloured fillings that use a specifically designed resin that blends with the colour of your teeth and does not contain mercury.
Almost anyone who has a cavity, broken tooth, or deteriorated filling can have a composite filling treatment. To find out if you are indeed a candidate, contact Dr. Crapo & Associates in Victoria.
Besides being tooth-coloured, composite fillings are different from other fillings in that they bond directly to the tooth. They are applied in thin layers that are hardened with a special light. Composite fillings are then shaped and polished, so they blend in with the rest of your teeth both in terms of appearance and function.
Composite fillings are very durable because they adhere to a tooth’s surface, which gives the filling extra support to withstand pressure. Furthermore, since tooth-coloured composite fillings do not expand and contract very much, there is little cracking.
Tooth-coloured composite fillings commonly last longer than 10 years.
No, crowns on front teeth are designed to look exactly like your natural teeth. They are typically made from materials like porcelain or ceramic, which closely mimic the colour and translucency of natural teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable under everyday circumstances.
With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last up to 15 years or more.
Many insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for dental crowns. We can check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Care for your crown as you would your natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Avoid biting on hard objects or using your teeth as tools to ensure the longevity of your crown.
No, dentures shouldn’t cause pain. Although you may have some initial discomfort or soreness as you get used to them, it should subside over time. Regular checkups with our team can help ensure a comfortable fit.
It's generally recommended to remove your dentures at night to allow your gums to rest and to clean the dentures properly. Sleeping with dentures in can increase the risk of gum irritation and infection.
The lifespan of dentures can vary, but with proper care and maintenance, they typically last five-seven years or longer. Over time, the fit may change, requiring adjustments or replacement.
Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy isn’t a painful treatment. Most patients feel little to nothing during the procedure. Plus, at Dr. Crapo & Associates, we offer local anesthetic and IV sedation, if necessary.
On average, a root canal takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. However, more advanced infections can take two appointments.
No, you do not need to see a specialist for root canal therapy. In fact, you can visit any general dentist who is open to new patients. However, it is best to choose one who has years of experience with this treatment and other difficult endodontic treatments.
In most cases, root canal therapy is a more effective and less invasive option to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. Plus, with advances in dental technology, root canals are more comfortable and less time-consuming than ever.
You should try to avoid eating or drinking anything until the numbness from the anesthetic has completely worn off. This usually takes a few hours. Moreover, for the first few days after your root canal, you should stick to soft foods, such as scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes, to avoid irritation and allow your mouth to recover.
Many people fully recover within a day or two. However, this can depend on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the complexity of the procedure, the tooth’s location, and the patient’s overall general health.
Root canal therapy is generally covered by third-party dental insurances. Most 80/20 co-payment plans, which cover basic procedures such as X-Rays, cleaning, fillings and root canals, can help make the treatment more affordable.
A dentist provides general dental care, while both dentists and periodontists can focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.
It is recommended to see your dentist at least once a year, or more frequently if you have a history of gum disease or other risk factors.
In its early stages, such as gingivitis, periodontal disease can often be reversed with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene. Advanced stages may require more intensive treatments.
Untreated periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and has been linked to other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Treatments for advanced gum disease include scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery (such as flap surgery or bone grafting), and regenerative procedures like guided tissue regeneration or soft tissue grafts.
Gum recession refers to the loss of gum tissue along the gumline. This can occur as a result of periodontal disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), the natural aging process, or abrasive habits when it comes to brushing the teeth.
When gum recession occurs, the root structure of the tooth becomes exposed. This means that tooth decay and other problems can affect the teeth along the gumline and beneath it. Since healthy gums are essential for a healthy mouth, getting gum recession treated is important for lasting dental wellness.
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST is incision and suture free.
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All of the tools and techniques used to perform the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique were created by Dr. John Chao, who trained our doctor.
Traditional gum recession treatments involve the use of donor tissue or soft tissue grafts in order to rebuild the gumline. This soft tissue would be sutured in place and would join with existing gum tissue as it healed.
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While this traditional grafting treatment is effective, comparable results with better patient experience can be achieved through the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
During the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique, a needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s existing gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen the gum tissue. These tools help expand and slide the gumline to cover the exposed root structure.
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There are no grafts, no sutures, and no incisions needed with the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. It simply involves the adjustment of the existing tissue.
The benefits of the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique are many:
Less discomfort for the patient after treatment
Faster recovery for the patient than traditional grafting
No need for uncomfortable sutures
No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools
No need to take donor tissue from the patient’s palate
Excellent, natural-looking, long-lasting results
If you are still wondering if you should choose Pinhole® gum surgery, please watch the videos on this page. They will help you see that this procedure is the quickest and least painful gum rejuvenation treatment available. There is very little pain and recuperation time. More than one spot can be treated at once, and there is almost immediate cosmetic improvement along the gumline. Furthermore, leaving gum recession untreated can result in damage to the tissues and bones of your mouth and possibly even tooth loss.
The length of a Pinhole® gum surgery will depend on how many teeth require gum rejuvenation. Several pinholes can be made in one appointment, which allows a maximum of teeth to be treated in one appointment.
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is scalpel and suture free, so there will be little to no post-operative swelling, bruising, bleeding, or pain. During the procedure, a local anesthetic or other pain-relief measure may be taken to make the procedure as painless as possible.
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