​When you visit the dentist, the first step is often a visual examination of your oral health. However, this initial inspection can't reveal the complete picture. This is where dental X-rays come into play, serving as a crucial tool for both diagnosing and ensuring the safety of your oral health.

Dental X-rays, also known as radiographs, provide an unparalleled view inside your teeth, revealing hidden issues that might go unnoticed during a standard visual examination. These images are instrumental for early detection and treatment of dental problems, ultimately preventing small problems from progressing into more serious conditions.

Safety is a paramount concern when it comes to any form of radiography. Dental X-rays, however, are relatively safe. The level of radiation exposure in dental X-rays is typically minimal, and the benefits of early diagnosis far outweigh the risks associated with this low radiation.

Furthermore, modern advancements in dental technology have led to the development of digital dental X-rays, which further enhance safety. These digital X-rays require significantly less radiation, reducing the patient's exposure by 80 to 90 percent, compared to traditional film-based X-rays.

​The Ontario Dental Association (ODA), the leading association of dental professionals in Ontario since 1867, currently represents 90 percent of dentists who practice in this Canadian province. As a fundamental source of oral health information in Ontario, Canada, the ODA maintains a strong presence online and in print to educate dental professionals and the public.

In 2022, the ODA launched a new digital publication to aid in its education efforts. Titled Smile, this online magazine targets individuals and families who want to learn more about oral health. Published twice per year, Smile offers straightforward, easy-to-understand articles and tips. The first edition of Smile, covering fall 2022 and winter 2023, featured a number of pieces indicative of these efforts. Its articles included “Smart Snacks for Hungry Kids,” “Orthodontics: A Guide to Aligners, Braces, Retainers, and Space Maintainers,” and “Expecting a Baby? What You Need to Know About Your Oral Health Care.”

​While Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes, it holds enormous potential for people who like to fish. Each of the other four Great Lakes ultimately flows into Lake Ontario, causing large numbers of diverse fish species to pass through its waters. Fishing authority Fishing Booker calls Lake Ontario “something of an ecological wonder.”

The wide array of wildlife in Lake Ontario includes many large and desirable game fish and trophy fish. Common species in these waters include Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, bass, steelhead, pike, walleye, lake trout, and brown trout.

The abundance of large fish in Lake Ontario has made it a popular location for fishing tournaments, which take place all year. One of the best-known tournaments is the LOC (Lake Ontario Counties) Derby. Sponsoring three seasonal events, the LOC Derby offers cash prizes as high as $25,000. In 2023, the LOC offered more than $150,000 in awards.

​Your dental health plays an important part in your overall well-being. This is why choosing a dental care provider you can trust is essential. In addition to trust, there are several other important factors to consider when looking for a dental care provider.

Ensure the care provider offers any specialty services that you need if it goes beyond general dental care. For example, if you have gum disease, you’ll want a dentist who also provides periodontal treatments. If you have children with dental concerns, you’ll need pediatric dentist.

Ensure that the dentist’s general availability is compatible with your schedule. Some dentists may even operate on weekends. Also, double check that their office location and parking availability is convenient, especially if you anticipate frequent visits.

​The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) offers dental professionals across Canada unique advantages that make membership valuable. While the CDA offers a wealth of dental resources, what sets it apart from other associations is the expert guidance and tailored support that is available to members. Members are granted access to personalized advice from industry experts, making it easier to navigate regulatory changes, seek clinical insights, and manage dental practice effectively.

The CDA also actively advocates for the dental community and gives its members the opportunity to influence dental policy and legislation, ensuring that individual voices are heard. It is commited to enhancing members' knowledge with exclusive continuing education opportunities, including webinars, workshops, and seminars that feature leading experts in dentistry and provide updates on the latest advancements. Furthermore, the CDA allows its members to engage with ongoing research in dentistry and participate in research projects, clinical trials, and surveys that contribute to the field's evolution.

The CDA offers access to networking events and facilitates connections with colleagues, idea exchanges, and potential collaborations. At these events, the often CDA recognizes outstanding achievements in the dental community with different awards and honors. Therefore, the association can support one's professional reputation.

​Dr. James Frizzell is a Ontario dentist. An alumnus of the University of Ontario, James Frizzell, DDS, has managed his own private dental practice in Niagara Falls, where together with his team of hygienists, he offers services including emergency dental treatment, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry, among others. James Frizzell, DDS, maintains membership in multiple professional organizations, including the Canadian Dental Association.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is a national organization tasked with advancing excellent oral health, as well as acting as the voice for dentistry in Canada. In line with its mandate to enhance professional development, CDA has multiple awards including the CDA Medal of Honour, which is the highest award from the Canadian Dental Association. The award is given to an outstanding dentist who has been at the forefront of providing excellent patient care throughout their career. In addition, the recipient is an individual whose professional achievements have significantly impacted the dental profession and community, as well as the wider society. Award recipients are dentists who’ve also significantly contributed toward shaping CDA’s goals and objectives. Eligible dentists should be a licensed dentist in a CDA corporate member organization. Also, retired dentists and dentists from CDA affiliate members may be considered.

​James Frizzell, DDS, owns and operates a private practice in Niagara Falls, Ontario, with four committed oral hygienists on staff. Dr. James Frizzell treats patients with a wide range of dental conditions, and emphasizes preventive care.

A chipped or broken tooth requires dental attention following the injury as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are some recommended self-care measures that can help prevent further injuries and manage symptoms.

Pain can result from a broken, chipped, or fractured tooth. Motrin and other OTC pain relievers can help manage the pain. It's also helpful to rinse the mouth with salt water. Between the accident and the dental evaluation, avoid eating. If you must eat, only soft foods that require less chewing are safe.

Some broken, fractured, or chipped teeth have sharp edges that can cut the tongue and tissues in the mouth. To avoid further injury, cover the sharp or jagged tooth with sugarless chewing gum or wax paraffin.

A member of the Canadian Dental Association, James Frizzell, DDS, is a dedicated Niagara Falls, Ontario-based dentist with a career that has spanned more than 25 years. Since 1993, Dr. Frizzell has managed a private practice in Niagara Falls, Ontario, providing comprehensive dental care, including cosmetic and general dentistry. To serve his community, James Frizzell, DDS works after office hours to treat emergency trauma cases.

A traumatic dental injury, a chipped tooth, occurs when the tooth chips after a traumatic impact. Mild chipped teeth happen when only the outermost covering of the teeth (enamel) flakes. This doesn't result in symptoms. If the injury affects any front teeth, treatment may be required for aesthetic reasons. A procedure called bonding can help replace the flaked part with a tooth-colored dental resin.

If the chip is deep and exposes the second layer (dentin), abnormal sensitivity to heat and cold will emerge. This symptom is felt when the tooth is exposed to hot, warm, or cold food. Abnormal sensitivity to touch may also be present. Dentists often recommend endodontic treatment first, and then tooth crowning. Tooth crowning covers the chipped tooth with a protective material called a dental crown. Porcelain crowns are more lifelike cosmetically, and prevent fracturing of a brittle root canal treated tooth in the future.

​A dentist in the Niagara Falls, Ontario community, James Frizzell, DDS, has owned and operated hisprivate practice. At his practice, Dr. Frizzell lhas contributed to sponsoring local sports teams. James Frizzell, DDS, has also provided after-hours emergency care to patients with traumatic dental injuries.

Traumatic dental injuries often result from sports injuries and accidents. Major types include a chipped tooth, a partially dislodged tooth, and an avulsed tooth (total knockout of a tooth from its socket), or abscessed teeth.

A chipped tooth is often a minor injury, but checking with a dentist is recommended. The injury may superficially seem like only the chipped tooth is affected, whereas nearby teeth and tissues may suffer unnoticed injuries. Dental exams can help detect any superficially obscured injuries.

Dislodged or avulsed teeth are more serious and can cause a complication called root resorption. Root resorption happens when the immune system no longer recognizes a tooth as a part of the body. The immune system treats the tooth like a foreign invader and fights it, resulting in pain and toothache, swollen gums, tooth discoloration, and tooth shifting. To prevent repulsion, a dentist or endodontist may provide preemptive treatment and frequently monitor the patient's dental health for up to five years.

​Dr. James Frizzell, a dentist in Niagara Falls, Ontario, earned his DDS from the University of Toronto. Before starting his dentistry practice in Niagara Falls, James Frizzell, DDS, served eight years in the Canadian Forces Dental Corps. As a long-time dentist, Dr. James Frizzell accepts ODSP patient insurance plans.

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides its recipients with help covering costs related to health, including dental work. A recipient and their spouse are covered for basic dental services and problems relating to a person’s disability, such as medication that affects oral health. Any dependents over 18 years of age can get dental coverage through Ontario Works discretionary benefits.

To access dental benefits, an ODSP recipient should ask a dentist if they accept patients on social assistance programs, as not all private dentists can accept ODSP patients. The patient should then present their ODSP monthly statement or government ID to verify that they are eligible for treatment. The ODSP enables patients who do not have insurance or cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket have to access high-quality dental services.