Do you have dental anxiety? Most people, and especially children, have some level of dental anxiety about visiting their dentist. It’s the dreaded needle! One of the great ironies of dental treatment has been that, until recently, you needed a painful needle in order to prevent pain. What most patients don’t understand is that the […]

Do dentists’ needles and drills make you anxious?  If the pain of a dentist’s needles and even just the sound of the dentist’s drill makes you have dental anxiety, you are not alone. Painful dental treatments in the past and fear of dentists’ needles keep many people away from the dentist, even when they truly need […]

We Are Open for Regular Services!  At Outdoor Dental, your health and safety is always our number one priority. In full compliance with the Alberta Dental Association & College, we are now performing all regular dental treatments with rigorous safety protocols in practice. We are very excited to reconnect with you and continue to leave […]

Do you ever feel a zing in one or more teeth when you eat something sweet, cold, or hot? Sensitivity is a common dental issue – one that causes many people to miss out on some of their favorite foods.  Thankfully, your dentist in SE Calgary, Dr. Jay Patel, has some tips that can keep […]

We’d like to start by checking up on you. How are you adjusting? We understand it’s hard not to be able to hike in the mountains or go camping this time of the year, but you are doing your part in flattening the curve by staying home and keeping with social distancing measures. At this […]

If you’ve learned that you need to correct your teeth’s alignment, there are a few different approaches that you, Dr. Patel or Dr. Benavides can take — traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign or SureSmile. Each option has its pros and cons. Here, you’ll learn some of the differences between metal braces and Invisalign […]

Sleep apnea is a common form of sleep disorder that can impact your health and significantly impair the quality of sleep you receive each night. The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that 22 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep apnea, but that 80 percent of cases go undiagnosed.  If you are interested in […]

Getting your child to visit the dentist can be a hassle. Kids often experience general anxiety around a dental visit, which can significantly increase when they find out that they have to have extensive work done, such as fillings. Nobody particularly enjoys having a drill in their mouth, but how safe are drill-free fillings for […]

You want it. Your neighbor wants it. Everyone wants it! However, is teeth whitening safe? Whiter teeth are a must in today’s world, and with safer, more efficient methods available, more people are taking advantage of this service. Whether you need whiter teeth for those holiday greeting cards or to showcase a more confident smile, […]

Have you heard? Your gum health doesn’t only affect your oral hygiene, but it can also affect your overall health. That’s right. How well you take care of your gums can influence different aspects of your health including your emotional well-being, nutrition intake, and possibly even your lung and heart health. Lack of proper care […]

Does your partner ever complain about you grinding your teeth at night?  Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw and sensitive teeth?  You might very well be clenching your teeth at night. Bruxism, or grinding your teeth, can have serious consequences to your teeth, in addition to your overall well being.  What can […]

Grinding your teeth is actually a pretty common occurrence. Everyone does it from time to time.  It becomes a problem when it’s happening consistently and starts to cause you pain. Luckily, there are ways to stop grinding your teeth at night.  Signs of Teeth Grinding There are certain signs that you can be on the […]

Are you experiencing tooth pain after getting dental work in Mexico?  You may need to find an emergency dentist that can fix whatever’s wrong.  Why People Go to Mexico for Dental Care Why would someone go to Mexico for dental care? Mexico offers lower prices. While that may sound good, the lower prices could mean […]

Occasional dry mouth (xerostomia) is annoying, but chronic dry mouth can be downright painful.  Thankfully, some steps will give you some relief. Today, we’ll show you how to manage dry mouth so you can stay comfortable and keep your teeth and gums healthy.   How to Manage Dry Mouth at Home Dry mouth can have an […]

Having clean, fresh breath does boost your confidence and self-esteem. Unfortunately, what is happening on the inside of your body or stomach can affect your breath. As such, it is important to improve your gut health to minimize any instance of embarrassing dental hygiene issues. Today, as your Calgary SE dentist, I  will share a […]

Maintaining good oral health is vital to your overall health and wellbeing. Not only does it impact your physical appearance, but you can have serious health issues as well. Today, the focus will be on how to maintain good dental practices, even with the use of cannabis products. Oral Health Tips From Our Dentist in […]

We love going above and beyond for our patients! We want everyone who walks through our door to have access to the newest and safest dental technology available, so we have recently made a big switch... We now offer plant-based fluoride varnishes instead of our old resin-based varnish at our Seton Calgary dentist office. Research […]

Every outdoorsman knows that pain should be taken for granted. When you experience pain in the leg, you have it checked out immediately to make sure there’s no serious problem. And you’re aware that the slightest hesitation can make all the difference for your recovery. Do you do the same with the pain in your […]

Do you feel apprehensive when it’s time to go to your Auburn Bay and Seton dentist? Nearly everyone feels a little nervous before a dental health appointment. But some people are downright terrified of even stepping foot in a dental office. Severe dental phobia has even led some to avoid seeing their dentist altogether. Unfortunately, […]

The first time your child does anything, it’s a big deal. In fact, it’s not unusual for a small celebration to follow something as mundane as eating his or her first candy or singing along to a song for the first time. But when it comes to the child’s first trip to the dentist, a […]

2018 was a great year for patient comfort at our Seton dentist office, OUTDOOR.dental We did some great things in 2018! We brought in the iTero 3D imaging machine so our Invisalign patients can actually see what their teeth will look like before committing to Invisalign or clear braces. We also welcomed drill free and […]

Winter has the reputation to keep many of us at home. The options seem limited. Why would anyone want to be outside when it’s below 0℃?  Ski, snowboard, tobogganing? Sure, those activities are fun. But that’s not all what winter is about. Hiking is still a great way to be outside with the family, and […]

Even before The Economist named Calgary one of the most liveable cities in the world, we were already huge fans of living here! Calgary is the perfect mix of urban and outdoor living; you can enjoy a breathtaking hike in the morning, partake in a little retail therapy in the afternoon, and be chowing down […]

Root canal appointment often conjures up feelings of dental anxiety. What is it about root canal treatment/therapy (RCT) that causes this trepidation? It usually comes from the fact that so many of us have heard horror stories from friends and family members about how painful this procedure is. It can also come from not fully […]

The tendency toward all-natural products has been increasing in recent years. There have always been people who chose to go the natural route. But it seems like more people are willing to try natural products these days. This includes things like natural toothpastes. I like the idea of putting as few chemicals in my body […]

I’m always so excited when people tell me they’re doing all they can to live a healthy lifestyle. And I back their efforts, including when they want to use all-natural dental products. But I don’t offer blind support. Of paramount importance is whether these products are safe for my patients to use or not. One […]

Do you love getting a bargain? Who doesn’t? Everyone tries to take advantage of a good deal whenever possible. In fact, quite a few people take their bargain hunting to the next level by traveling to other countries for their healthcare – including dental care. It isn’t uncommon to hear of patients getting dental implants […]

Introduced in the 90s, Invisalign® braces quickly became the dental aligners of choice by both patients and their dentists. However, I do find that a lot of patients still have quite a few questions about this product, despite it being so well-known. Patients aren’t quite sure how the aligners work, or what the pros and […]

Many people have a difficult time with the sound and feel of traditional drills. They react the same way as they do when they hear nails on a chalkboard. It’s definitely hard to relax during a procedure when you’re experiencing that type of a reaction. If you’ve had a similar reaction to the traditional procedure […]

No one likes to hear that they have a cavity. It brings up a lot of feelings. Guilt, for instance, because we feel our home care wasn’t up to par. Or, because we’ve consumed way too many sugary foods lately. And of course, there’s always a little bit of fear. It isn’t uncommon for people […]

Have you ever cracked tooth? If so, you know just how uncomfortable this can be. This condition can causes temperature sensitivity and discomfort with biting pressure. And if it’s not taken care of in a timely manner, the crack can get so bad that the tooth could fracture. Whether you have a fractured or cracked […]

We’re all well-aware of how bad smoking is for our health. It can lead to heart disease, cancer, and emphysema. Smoking can also lead to dental problems. But what about vaping? Are e-cigarettes bad for your teeth, too? Actually, some studies are showing that vaping can be just as bad for your teeth as regular […]

It’s the holiday season – a fun yet stressful time of year for most of us. This is the season for comfort foods, lots of time with family and friends, and unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when cold sores are most prevalent. Isn’t it upsetting when you start to feel that tingling sensation […]

More and more people are recognizing the link between oral health and their general health. This is mainly due to the slew of recent studies pertaining to the correlation between heart disease and gum disease. But we all need to be aware that heart disease isn’t the only condition related to our oral health. Diabetes […]

We all know how important it is to pack a nutritious lunch for your child before they head off to school. But what goes into making the right choice for healthy snacks? Tooth-healthy lunches can help a child avoid future dental problems. Get them used to a balanced diet and save money on dental procedures […]

How does this family dentist in Calgary spend the fall weekends? Catching all the amazing scenery our beautiful region has to offer. Early fall at the east end of the Rockies is perfect for hiking. The crowds in Banff have thinned and the weather is not as sweltering hot.  Not to mention the golden larches […]

Some of you may know, my wife and I are expecting our second daughter. By the end of 2017, I’ll be officially outnumbered in the family! During her pregnancy, Caryn has to maintain her overall health for her sake as well as the baby’s. That goes with all my pregnant patients: in order for your […]

Occasionally, we get a patient coming in to ask about missing tooth options. What will happen if I lose this tooth? Do I really need to replace it? It can be emotionally painful to have to see a tooth go. Some patients initially feel like they’re destined to have a space in their mouth forever. […]

We’re really lucky to be surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty here in Calgary, and I try to spend as much time as possible in it. If you’re anything like me who loves being outside and exploring nature with the family, hiking is my go to activity. I love to share my hiking experiences […]

While age doesn’t have much to do with oral health, the conditions that come with old age do. Dental care for seniors needs to look a bit different than oral care for any other age. Arthritis and drugs used for various illnesses can make it harder to brush and floss, and can lead to changes […]

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. If you’re like me, you are curious about why we have special months like this. Well, I can tell you that Oral Cancer Awareness Month is no joke. More people need to be aware of this disease. The latest reports show that oral cancer is on the rise. And, […]

Are baby teeth just as important as adult teeth? Many patients who come to our Calgary family dental office—and others around the world—tend to think baby teeth aren’t important. They conclude that because baby teeth eventually fall out, they’re not as vital. I understand why people feel this way, but the truth is that primary […]

Calgary children are facing a dental conundrum. Decay rates in Calgary have steadily been on the rise over the past five years. More children are not only getting cavities, they’re getting more of them. A family dentist in Calgary, like myself, may see children who have very serious decay issues, with decay spreading rapidly. What […]

Living in Calgary, we know that our backyard has a lot to offer. At Outdoor Dental, we understand that many of our patients are balancing busy lifestyles while being physically active. Over the past couple months, we had some patients mention that they’re interested in orthodontics not limited to traditional braces. They bring up Invisalign […]

Have you finished all of your shopping for the 2016 holiday season? If not, we have some great ideas for you, particularly if your list includes some outdoor enthusiasts. As you know, your Seton family dentist, Dr. Jay Patel, and the rest of us at OUTDOOR dental love the outdoors. We think Calgary is one […]

Southeast Calgary Dentist Explains Custom Mouthguards vs Store Bought Did your dentist our your family doctor suggest night mouthguards for you or your child to stop grinding your teeth at night and prevent damage to them? You are then faced with a difficult choice: should you buy one of the mouthguards stores and pharmacies sell, […]

A special note from Dr. Jay Patel regarding the opening of Seton dental clinic, Outdoor Dental. Please join me on Saturday, November 19th in celebrating the grand opening of Outdoor Dental. We hope that you, along with your family and friends, will be among the first to tour our office. You'll get a chance to […]

The idea of undergoing some dental treatments shouldn’t overwhelm you reaching the top of a mountain, per se. Visiting your dentist shouldn’t never be as hard since it is your oral health that’s at stake. Your oral health influences your overall health and can impact your lifestyle. The bottom line, don't let dental anxiety hold you […]

Dr. Jay Patel is a southeast Calgary dentist whose main focus is on treating the families of this beautiful area. We want to introduce you to Dr. Patel and give you an idea of his mission. By the time you finish reading this, we hope you will already start feeling like a part of the […]

The natural beauty of our parks is exceptional. We as proud Calgarians love it so much that we try to partake in outdoor activities as often as possible - whether the weather in Calgary and the rest of Southern Alberta. Are you an avid camper or hiker? If so, you are likely aware of the […]

You’ve likely heard about the benefits of calcium, how it strengthens the bones and protects against fractures. But did you know that you need Vitamin D in order to absorb calcium? And yet, very few people are getting the amount they need. Why aren’t people getting enough and how can they get the amount recommended […]

We love being outside so much that we even named our dental clinic in Seton, Calgary Outdoor Dental. Like anything, the great outdoors can have some drawbacks. For instance: there’s no dentist out there! What would you do if you experienced a dental emergency like a toothache and you were far away from your dentist? […]

Remember when you went to the dentist needing a crown? Your tooth would be shaped for the crown. An impression would then be taken while a temporary crown is in your mouth. To many, this process would seem to last forever. Next, you would have to wait for the permanent crown’s arrival. Within those two […]

Many people seem to think that dentists are in the business of keeping teeth healthy. While that is an important part of being a dentist, it's only one piece of the true goal: promoting whole-body health, starting with the mouth. Oral health is an important factor of maintaining physical wellness, just like exercise and a […]