Dr Tatra, and the team have returned to work sporting new hazmat outfits, complete with gloves, and full face shields!
Check us out – New work clothes- Dr Tatra
At our office, we’ve been doing everything we can to swiftly return to normal, while also following strict health and safety protocols, and we’ve been having a little bit of fun while doing it! Check out our pictures of us Fit-testing for 3M half face P100 (99.97%) filtration for viruses and bacteria and 3Mface shields
Prelim isolation of ops … more to be refined tomorrow
Installing Aeramax DX55 air purifiers … P100 equivalent and have 6 units … each good for 400 sq ft and with six we have filtration for 2400 sq ft and we are just under 1700 sq ft and the air will get filtered 5x per hour.
We’ve always kept our offices hygenic and clean, but by the time we’re done, we’ll almost be better than being outside in the fresh air!
Check out the images by clicking on the featured image above, or check out our Gallery!
Don’t forget to check out our new appointment reminder methods/policy!
20 April 2020
Hello Everyone,
The health and safety of all our patients and dental team is our top priority. The COVID-19 safety information changes week by week, so we will do our best to keep you informed of when we will re-open based on recommendations by the Minister of Health and the College of Dental Surgeons of BC.
We have always followed stringent infection control protocols, and now we have implemented additional measures that you will observe on your future visits. We are currently being fitted with P-100 masks to be worn during treatment, and have installed five P-100 air filtration units. These are certified to filter out 99.9% of viruses.
If you have a dental emergency and are in pain or have severe swelling and cannot manage at home with over-the-counter medications, please call Dr. Tatra at 250-588-5337 and leave a message. He will call you back as quickly as he is able.
When we are able to begin treatment you will be notified. We will be starting with those who have experienced an emergency first. Once we have full clearance to return to regular treatment and hygiene we will let you know.
Please note this change in how we remind you of appointments. We no longer have an automatic system for text or email. In the future, we will manually send one email or, for those who do not have an email address listed with us, we will make one phone call. Your appointment will be considered to be confirmed when you book it so we ask that you set up your own reminders on your phone or calendar. It will continue to be your responsibility to contact us at least 2 business days beforehand if you will be unable to attend your appointment.
Thank you for working with us during this emergency shut down. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Curious about the steps we’re taking for your protection? Read our article here and click on the featured image to see pictures or check out our Covid page.
Dr. Sunny Tatra and Team.
We know how thrilled you are to go outdoors this holiday season and experience all the wonderful joys of this special time of the year. However, children and parents should be aware of the possible dangers associated with winter outdoor activities.
Before heading out make sure you’re well-prepared for all of the season’s activities, including protecting your teeth! Aside from tooth sensitivity, accidents during outdoor activities may cause tooth avulsion, chipped tooth, and cracked tooth.
How to protect your smile?
Visit your dentist before your planned winter activities.
What is a mouthguard?
Helmets protect your head but mouthguards are what protect your teeth from trauma. Although mouthguards are mostly associated for contact sports like hockey, it is strongly recommended for any activity that involves falling or physical contact like skiing and snowboarding.
There are several types of mouthguards, but the common mouthguard are the moldable ones found in sports equipment stores. However, the fit and overall fit of these mouthguards can vary for each person, as they are not custom.
Another option are custom-made mouthguards, created with an impression of your teeth for a perfect fit. While it costs more, it is worth considering as it offers more safety and comfort for your teeth and gums.
If you would like to learn more about mouthguards and best practices for keeping your teeth safe during outdoor activities, your dentist would be more than happy to help!
Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram to stay up to date with the latest news and tips. To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages. To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!
Ever wonder what the wand-like tool does at the clinic? It is the DEXIS CariVu, a detection device that helps Dr. Sunny Tatra and the team to identify tooth decay early and effectively. Dr. Sunny Tatra and the team continue to be committed to providing clients with modern technology and equipment in order to create the best dental service experience. While the CariVu is effective for all clients, it is especially beneficial for children.
In addition to helping prepare children for their appointment to see Dr. Sunny Tatra and the team, the CariVu is one of many technologies used by the team to ensure clients, adults and children alike, have a comfortable visit.
The device uses near-infrared light to detect tooth decay by making teeth enamel appear transparent. Unlike fluorescent imaging technologies, the CariVu does not require teeth cleaning, device calibration or complex measurement metrics, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined process and experience for both Dr. Sunny Tatra and his clients.
The Carivu emits zero radiation and can easily detect a variety of decay, including occlusal caries, interproximal caries, cracks, secondary caries and recurrent caries. To help prevent cavities altogether, practice healthy eating habits even during the summer!
The CariVu provides Dr. Sunny Tatra and the team with an alternative method of detecting tooth decay in a child’s mouth by using imaging instead of x-rays. It is often impossible for children to cooperate sufficiently to obtain good X-rays if they will allow the sensor in their mouth at all. These Cari-Vu images are an alternative that we use to be able to diagnose the necessary treatment. The little wand used is much less invasive and obtrusive than the X-ray imaging pad.
Follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest news and tips. To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages. To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team at our office in downtown Victoria, phone 250 590 0166!
In this installment of Technology at Sunny Tatra, we profile panoramic x-rays and their benefits. Dr. Sunny Tatra continues to be committed to providing his clients with modern technology and equipment in order to create the best dental experience possible.
Panoramic X-rays show a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, nasal area, and jaw joints. These X-rays are not used to find cavities; rather they show problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, solid growths (tumors), infections, and fractures.Panoramic radiography, also called panoramic x-ray, is a two-dimensional (2-D) dental x-ray examination that captures the entire mouth in a single image, including the teeth, upper and lower jaws, surrounding structures and tissues.The jaw is a curved structure similar to that of a horseshoe. However, the panoramic x-ray produces a flat image of the curved structure. It is typically set to provide details of the bones and teeth.
X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special detector.
During a panoramic x-ray examination, the x-ray tube rotates in a semicircle around the patient’s head, starting at one side of the jaw and ending at the other side.Rather than relying on film placed inside the mouth, a panoramic x-ray machine projects a beam through the patient onto film or a detector rotating opposite the x-ray tube.Until recently, x-ray images were maintained as hard film copy (much like a photographic negative). Today, most images are digital files that are stored electronically. These stored images are easily accessible and are frequently compared to current x-ray images for diagnosis and disease management.The digital format also allows the dentist to adjust and change the contrast, brightness and darkness of the image for better visualization of certain structures and tissues. Images on film cannot be adjusted or changed.
A panoramic x-ray is a commonly performed examination by dentists and oral surgeons in everyday practice and is an important diagnostic tool. It covers a wider area than a conventional intraoral x-ray and, as a result, provides valuable information about the nasal area, maxillary sinuses, tooth positioning and gum and bone irregularities. This examination is also used to plan treatment for full and partial dentures, braces, extractions and implants.
Remember to follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips. To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages. To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!
Choosing a toothbrush can be an overwhelming task. Is an electric toothbrush better than the manual kind you’ve always used? We’re here to explain the basics and explain the benefits of each.
The purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque, stimulate gums and help maintain good oral hygiene (along with flossing!). But the effectiveness isn’t solely based on the type of toothbrush you use. Both the electric toothbrush and traditional manual brushes are capable of cleaning your teeth properly but it is your technique is what counts. There are a number of other factors that are equally important, including your brushing technique, how often you brush and the length of time you spend brushing; this is where the features of manual and electric toothbrushes come into play.
Manual toothbrushes continue to offer a range of benefits to users. Some of the latest innovations for manual toothbrushes include:
• Ergonomically shaped handles that are more comfortable to hold and cause less muscle fatigue during routine use than regular handles.
• Angled heads and multi-tapered bristles, which help overcome incorrect brush positioning and clean more effectively between teeth and under the gum line.
While manual toothbrushes are portable, inexpensive and easy to use, they require the user to provide all of the brushing action.
Electric toothbrushes, while considerably more expensive and complex to use, only require the user to guide the brush along the surface, while the brush itself uses electric power to vibrate, pulsate and oscillate, getting hard-to-reach places. This is where an electric toothbrush can be helpful for some people because of the built-in features that can help perfect your tooth brushing method. It is important to understand that electric toothbrushes operate in different ways. Children can also benefit from electric brushes, especially if they dislike toothbrushing (learn how dental hygiene can be fun). Kids are always trying to rush through the process and often end up missing some spots – many electric toothbrushes feature an automatic timer that will ensure your child has brushed long enough.
Manual
• Criss-crossed, extralong or multi-level bristles
• Textured bristles
• Cupped bristle design for whitening benefits
• Gum stimulators
• Tongue-cleaner pads
• Cheaper
• More portable
• More options to choose from
Electric
• Pressure sensors to signal when brushing is too hard
• Timers to help keep track of how long you’re brushing each quadrant of your mouth
• Digital reminders for when to replace your brush head
• Oscillating-rotating or sonic technology
• Multiple brush-head compatibility, so you can choose which kind of bristle design you prefer
• Great option for those with carpal tunnel or arthritis
Regardless of whether a manual or electric toothbrush is best for you, it is important to remember that it’s the technique that counts. Many people think that if they brush harder, or use a hard toothbrush, they’ll see better results. This can actually damage the teeth and gums. It’s better to brush longer (at least two minutes, twice a day) using a soft toothbrush. Plaque accumulates everywhere in the mouth, not just on the teeth and gums, so it’s important to buy a brush with a built-in tongue and tissue cleaner, to clean the whole mouth. Both manual toothbrushes and electric brush heads should be replaced every three months or when the bristles are no longer straight and firm.
Remember to follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips. To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages. To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!
As always, Dr. Sunny Tatra and the team are always at the forefront for providing our clients with access to modern dental service and technology. Today, we are very proud and excited to announce the clinic has gone completely paperless. Thanks to the use of iPads and web-based software, the team is now able to complete all patient and administrative tasks electronically, eliminating the use of paper in the clinic. The new dental software allows our clients to fill out digital forms helping the team record and access information with greater ease.
When you come in for your next visit, be sure to try out the iPad if needed and let us know your thoughts! We are thrilled to have made the clinic more environmentally friendly while improving efficiency in the process.
Remember to follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips. To read client reviews or to share your own experience, visit our RateMDs and Yelp pages. To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!
The device uses near-infrared light to detect tooth decay by making the teeth enamel appear transparent. Unlike fluorescent imaging technologies, the CariVu does not require teeth cleaning, device calibration or complex measurement metrics, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined process and experience for both Dr. Sunny Tatra and his clients. Learn about how the CariVu and other technology at the clinic can help make appointments more engaging for kids and adults alike.
The Carivu emits zero radiation and can easily detect a variety of decay, including: occlusal caries, interproximal caries, cracks, secondary caries and recurrent caries. To help prevent cavities altogether, practice healthy eating habits even during the summer!
No decay present – this is what the tooth should look like under the CariVu
Decay (cavity) present on the distal (back) portion of the tooth – the dark area that shows up
Decay (cavity) present on the mesial (front) portion of the tooth – dark area that shows up
Stay tuned for more blog posts featuring the technology and equipment used by Dr. Sunny Tatra! Remember to follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips. Also don’t forget to enter the Sunny Tatra July Contest for a chance to win a Philips Air Flosser Pro! To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!
Look mom, no new decay! One of our young nine year-old clients wanted to demonstrate and prove to his parents how well he is at taking care of his teeth. Dr. Tatra and the team decided to help…
Using the CariVu tool, we agreed on taking an initial photo on October 20th, 2014 to show the current state of his teeth, followed by taking an additional photo during his next appointment.
The first photo taken on October 20, 2014.
With a plan in place and the client beginning his mission to protect his teeth, he left the October appointment noticeably excited and determined to maintain his good level of oral health. His parents had observed that while their son maintained his normal brushing and flossing routine, he seemed to take a greater interest and have more enthusiasm in taking care of his teeth. Not only did he brush and floss by himself, but to the delight of his parents he also helped his parents teach and demonstrate to his little sister proper dental care!
Half a year later, the client and his mom visited Dr. Tatra and the team for his regular teeth cleaning appointment. Sitting patiently while his teeth were cleaned, he was eager to take the second photo that would reveal the results of his hard work.
As the moment finally arrived, Dr. Tatra quickly captured and produced the second image for the excited client. While the client was not surprised, his mom and the team were pleasantly surprised to see there was no new decay! His healthy habits and enthusiasm clearly paid off with his teeth showing no difference after six months!
The second photo taken on May 7, 2015 – with no signs of decay!
Dr. Tatra and the team are always active in helping clients of all ages, particularly children, to develop and maintain a positive and engaged approach towards their oral health. By using technology such as the CariVu, we can engage our clients through interactive approaches to make oral health a fun and interesting experience.
Stay tuned for more blog posts about The Tatra Experience as well as tips and news from the clinic! Remember to follow and like Dr. Sunny Tatra on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to stay up to date with the latest news and tips! To book an appointment with Dr. Sunny Tatra and his team, phone +1 250 590 0166, email, or fill out the online appointment form!