Blog - James Frizzell DDS (Niagara) - Weebly

When Is the Waterpik a Good Choice?

2/11/2022

A Niagara Falls, Ontario-based dentist, Dr. James Frizzell holds a DDS from the University of Toronto, where he studied chemistry and dentistry. Since 1993, James Frizzell DDS has operated a private practice in Niagara Falls, providing preventive and general dentistry services and general education on oral hygiene.

While it is not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing, a water flosser (also known as a Waterpik) can effectively complement dental hygiene for some patients. Particularly, they can help patients with orthodontic braces remove food debris that cannot be reached with a toothbrush or conventional floss. They can also be ideal for individuals with arthritis or other mobility issues that make string floss difficult to manipulate.

Additionally, a dentist may recommend water irrigation for individuals with gum disease. Not only can the stream of water reach periodontal pockets created by early gum disease, but a dentist can also prescribe an antibacterial agent such as tetracycline or chlorhexidine. When the user adds this to the reservoir, the Waterpik can effectively combat infection and the progression of gum disease.

Roles and Responsibilities of Dental Hygienists

1/28/2022

With over two decades of experience as a doctor of dental surgery (DDS), James Frizzell is the Niagara Falls, Ontario-based Frizzell Dental owner. Offering various services such as family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and infection prevention and control in Niagara Falls, James Frizzell, DDS, has at least four dental hygienists on his staff who ensure patients receive optimum care.

Dental hygienists, also known as oral health therapists, work closely with the dentist, and their primary focus is on preventative dental care. As highly-trained dental practitioners, dental hygienists focus on techniques that help prevent dental diseases such as active periodontitis, dental caries, and gingivitis. Below are some of the roles and responsibilities of dental hygienists.

Treating patients: Some dental hygienists' treatments include applying sealants to damaged and cracked teeth, removing tartar and plaque build-up from teeth, root planing and scaling, and giving patients fluoride treatments for weak teeth. They also perform regular teeth cleaning and conduct a thorough examination on new and existing patients to provide the dentists with insight on the type of treatment required.

Educating and counseling patients: Dental hygienists are also responsible for educating patients on how to care for their teeth between appointments. They are expected to make patients feel comfortable regardless of the condition of their teeth when they come in for treatment. They also instruct patients on what to do after they receive treatments such as root planing and scaling to treat gingivitis.

X-rays and impressions: Dental hygienists are also responsible for taking full series x-ray images or impressions of individual teeth or a group of teeth for making oral appliances such as dentures and implants.

The Ontario Dental Association Advocates for Oral Health

10/20/2021

Based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Dr. James Frizzell, who has a DDS (doctor of dental surgery), has worked as a dentist in the area for more than 25 years. A member of multiple professional organizations, James Frizzell, DDS, of Niagara, participates in the Ontario Dental Association (ODA). The ODA offers professional development to dentists in the area while educating the public on the importance of dental hygiene.

The ODA is part of the Canadian Dental Association and was founded in 1868. In January of that year, dentists in Ontario proposed a bill to the legislature regarding the self-regulation of dentists. In March of the same year, the bill became law, the first self-regulation law for dentists in the world.

Alongside its professional development opportunities for its 10,000 members, the ODA also publishes on multiple platforms to educate the public and advocate for pro-oral health policy. Your Oral Health, the ODA’s print-only magazine published twice per year, informs patients about what to expect from their dentist during their appointment among other things. In addition, the Ontario Dentist Journal, published 10 times per year, contains medical and non-medical information about local dental practice, and every practicing dentist and dental student in Ontario receives a copy.

United Way’s 211 Helpline Supports Canadians in Crisis

1/4/2021

James Frizzell, DDS, guides Frizzell Dental, a Niagara Falls clinic specializing in cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry. Outside of work, Niagara Falls resident Dr. James Frizzell supports charitable organizations such as Easter Seals and the United Way Centraide Canada.

A network of over 100 local offices, United Way Centraide supports more than 300 community agencies and programs aimed at reducing hunger and poverty at the local level. United Way Centraide is a founding partner of the 211 telephone line and online directory, which connects people to community resources close to them. The 24/7 helpline offers people in crisis access to immediate help, from veterans struggling with PTSD to a newly arrived refugee mother.

In addition to assisting individuals, 211 makes its database accessible to workers such as police, paramedics, and doctors, helping them to direct people to the specific resources they need. Each year, 211 Canada connects an average of two million Canadians to a range of government agencies and community organizations.

United Way Ranked Favorite Charity in America

12/23/2020

A dentist with more than 20 years of experience, James Frizzell, DDS, cares for patients at Frizzell Dental in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Outside of his responsibilities at his Niagara Falls dental clinic, James Frizzell, DDS, gives back through his support of several charitable organizations. Among the organizations to which Dr. Frizzell donates is the United Way.

In November of 2019, a pair of philanthropy publications recognized the United Way as a leading charity. For the second year in a row, the Chronicle of Philanthropy placed the United Way at the top of its list of America’s Favorite Charities. In addition, the NonProfit Times listed the United Way as the top charity in its NPT 2019 Top 100 in terms of public support and fifth in terms of total revenue.

The rankings demonstrate that the United Way continues to be the preferred charitable organization of everyday people. What’s more, because these rankings do not take into account revenue from outside the United States, the global impact of the United Way is even greater than what the rankings indicate. Founded in 1887, United Way relies on the support of generous donors both inside and outside the United States to further its mission and help individuals in need.

Reasons for Receiving a Tooth Extraction

11/24/2020

James Frizzell, DDS, has worked as a dentist in Niagara Falls, Ontario, since 1993. In addition to his dentistry work in Niagara, James Frizzell, DDS, spent eight years with the Canadian Armed Forces. He provides patients with an array of restorative and cosmetic dental services, including tooth extractions.

An individual may need to have a tooth pulled, a procedure known as a tooth extraction, for a number of reasons. Excessive damage, to the point that the tooth cannot be repaired, is the most common reason for needing a tooth extraction. Tooth decay and blunt force trauma are examples of incidents that can irreparably damage one or more teeth. With that said, a dental professional may recommend a tooth extraction as a means of resolving several matters related to oral health.

Mouth crowding, for example, may be addressed via tooth extraction, especially if a dentist is preparing the mouth for othodontia. Tooth decay that reaches the pulp of a tooth is another scenario in which a dentist would recommend the immediate removal of the tooth. In some cases, a tooth may be at elevated risk for infection, such as when a person’s immune system has been hindered by a serious medical procedure. If the risk is high enough, dentists may elect to extract the tooth prior to infection.

Lastly, a person living with periodontal disease may benefit from a tooth extraction. If the progression of the disease loosens teeth, dentists may need to remove those that cannot be properly restored.

Health Conditions That Can Negatively Impact Oral Health

11/4/2020

James Frizzell, DDS, graduated with a DDS from the University of Toronto in 1988 and proceeded to open his Niagara Falls, Ontario, dental office in 1993. Along with treating patients through his Niagara Falls practice, Dr. James Frizzell has established himself as a member of a number of professional organizations, including the Ontario Dental Association.

The Ontario Dental Association provides a range of information regarding medical conditions that can have a negative impact on an individual’s oral health. For example, research indicates that individuals living with diabetes have a higher risk of developing oral infections and gum disease. The development of gum disease, meanwhile, can increase blood sugar levels, exacerbating diabetic complications throughout the body and leading to serious health concerns, including premature kidney degeneration.

Bulimia and anorexia nervosa are eating disorders that directly relate to poor oral health, among a number of other critical health conditions. As the body fails to receive the minerals and vitamins it needs to properly function, teeth and gum integrity begin to suffer. Furthermore, eating disorders that involve binge eating and vomiting subject the mouth to a great deal of acidic activity that can destroy teeth enamel and impact a person's throat and glands.

Additional medical conditions that can affect oral health include temporomandibular disorder (TMD), oral cancer, and iron deficiency. To learn more about the relationship between medical conditions and oral health, please visit the Ontario Dental Association online at YourOralHealth.ca.

Simple Tips for Teething Babies

10/15/2020

James Frizzell, DDS, has owned and operated his Niagara Falls, Ontario dental practice since 1993. Over the course of caring for patients as a dentist in Niagara Falls, James Frizzell, DDS, has treated patients of every age, from seniors to the treatment of an infant’s first teeth.

As young children deal with the emergence of their first teeth, there are several doctor-approved techniques families can implement in order to help children deal with the pain and discomfort. One of the easiest treatments to apply is a wet cloth. Families can freeze the cloth, then allow the baby to chew on it. The cloth serves as both a distraction from the discomfort and a means of reducing inflammation of the gums.

Teething rings and toys provide a similar benefit, though the added pressure more effectively addresses gum soreness. However, gel-based toys should be placed in the refrigerator rather than the freezer, as they're more likely to break when children chew on them if frozen. Teething biscuits are a non-frozen alternative, though parents should pay close attention to a child’s oral hygiene after they finish one of these snacks.

Mouthguards Reduce Injuries among Ice Hockey Players

12/9/2019

With over 20 years of experience, James Frizzell, DDS, operates a private dental practice in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Dr. James Frizzell and his staff provide thoughtful, attentive care related to general and preventive dentistry as well as restorative and cosmetic procedures. As a dentist, James Frizzell, DDS, has encountered several trauma cases related to ice hockey injuries. Research shows that wearing a mouthguard can significantly decrease an ice hockey player’s risk for dental injury.

When hockey players step on the ice, they are immediately at risk for injury. With hockey sticks flailing, players checking, and pucks flying at up to 105 miles per hour, it isn’t surprising that players experience injuries to the head and mouth. Thankfully, most sports organizations recognize the risks associated with hockey and require protective equipment, including mouthguards.

According to a study conducted by the Journal of Sports Medicine, mouthguards significantly reduce the risk of oral and facial injuries to hockey players. In fact, players who do not wear mouthguards are twice as likely to experience a serious injury. Not only do well-designed guards result in fewer lost or broken teeth, they also function as a shock absorber, reducing the impact of blows to the face or jaw.

Some ice hockey players resist the idea of using mouthguards while they play, but dentists can provide valuable information regarding their long-term benefits.

VELscope Oral Screenings Help Identify Cancer

12/3/2019

James Frizzell, DDS, is a longtime Niagara Falls, Ontario family dentist who provides a full range of care within a well-equipped setting. Among the leading-edge offerings at Dr. James Frizzell's practice is VELscope oral screening, which employs tissue fluorescence during inspection of the oral cavity, instead of traditional techniques of reflectance.

Producing a visible and safe blue light, the VELscope VX handpiece is directed into the oral cavity, where it detects natural tissue fluorescence. This is enabled by fluorophore chemical compounds, which when engaged by light in a wavelength such as blue respond through emitting a longer wavelength light such as green.

The importance of detecting abnormal fluorescence patterns centers on being able to observe unhealthy mucosal tissue that might not be detectable with the naked eye. The causes of this degraded tissue can be varied and include cancer-related issues such as premalignant dysplasia. Allowing real-time visualization and analysis, the VELscope screening approach is also useful in enabling surgeons to evaluate the appropriate surgical excision margins.