FAQ

Dental care is not always very straight forward and there is a lot of different information out there. Our goal always at Chandler & Nightingale Dental is to try to simplify things for you. Feel free to check our frequently asked questions and please reach out if you ever would like more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cold Sensitivity

Is the treatment for cold sensitivity usually complicated?
Often it is much simpler than patients expect. A professionally applied desensitizer, adjusted home care routine, or addressing a small area of erosion is frequently enough. More involved treatment is only needed when a specific cause requires it.
What is a 'sensitive episode'?
It is a term we use at Chandler & Nightingale for periods when the teeth become temporarily more reactive to cold and then quiet down again. These episodes can be triggered by diet, seasonal changes, or clenching, and the pattern often tells us something useful.
Can gum recession really cause cold sensitivity?
Yes. In fact this is the most common cause of sensitivity. When gums recede, they expose the root surface, which is not protected by enamel. The root is much more reactive to cold, which is why sensitivity is often felt right along the gumline.
Why does sensitivity toothpaste sometimes stop working?
Sensitivity toothpaste manages symptoms by blocking dentin tubules or calming the nerve response, but it does not address underlying causes like decay, erosion, or a hairline crack. If the root cause is progressing, the toothpaste may no longer keep up. Keep in mind different sensitivity toothpastes function differently, so which you use matters as well.
Is cold sensitivity in my teeth something I should worry about?
Mild, brief sensitivity is very common and often manageable. However, sensitivity that lingers for more than 30 seconds after cold contact, or that is localized to a single tooth, is worth having evaluated to understand the underlying cause. We always say that if the sensitivity is impacting your quality of life then it is something to worry about.

Gum Health

How often should I have my gums checked?

At Chandler & Nightingale Dental, gum health is assessed at every hygiene appointment, typically every six months for most patients. This continuity is how subtle changes get identified early, before they become more significant.

Should I stop flossing if my gums bleed?

No — in most cases, gentle, consistent flossing is part of the solution, not the cause. Bleeding often decreases within a week or two of regular flossing as gum health improves. If it persists, a professional evaluation is the right step.

Does bleeding mean I have gum disease?

Bleeding is the earliest sign of gingivitis, which is the mildest and fully reversible form of gum disease. The concern is that untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which causes lasting changes to the supporting structures of the teeth.

Can bleeding gums heal on their own?

Early-stage gingivitis often improves with consistent brushing, flossing, and a professional cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar contributing to inflammation. If bleeding continues after two weeks of careful home care, a clinical assessment is recommended.

Is it normal for my gums to bleed a little when I brush?

Occasional, very minor bleeding can happen, but consistent bleeding is not something to dismiss. It's most often an early sign of gingivitis — gum inflammation caused by plaque along the gumline — and it's worth having evaluated.

Teeth Whitening

What is the cost of Zoom Whitening in Toronto

Zoom Whitening treatments at our Midtown Toronto clinic range from $300–$600 depending on your specific needs. Book a consultation to get a personalized quote to see which method of teeth whitening is best for you.

What are my options to whiten my teeth?

If you are looking to brighten your smile, there are a few options to consider. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains, but they may not significantly change the color of your teeth because they typically lack strong bleaching agents. These toothpastes often are more abrasive and whiten by scrubbing the enamel harder. Over time that additional scrubbing can wear away the enamel more and lead to other dental issues. 

Over-the-counter whitening products like strips or gels can provide noticeable results, as they contain bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide. Crest White Strips are the most popular of these and for some people work very well. They are a little messy to use however and like all whitening methods the results may vary. Due to the over-the-counter nature, they are less concentrated and they might not address deeper or more stubborn stains effectively.

For the most effective and tailored approach, professional whitening options offered by a trained dentist are recommended. Dentists can provide stronger bleaching agents that penetrate deeper into the enamel, delivering more dramatic results. Moreover, a dental consultation is crucial to assess your dental health and ensure that whitening treatments are safe and appropriate for you. This personalized approach helps achieve both effective and lasting results, enhancing your smile with professional care.

At Chandler & Nightingale Dental we offer two different whitening therapies:

  1. Take Home Whitening - With take home whitening we create a custom made tray that fits your teeth and provide you with a Philips DayWhite 6% Hydrogen Peroxide bleaching agent to whiten at home. Because of the custom made trays we are able to give you a higher concentration whitening gel which leads to more dramatic results. These gels are worn for approximately 1 hour per night for a period of 2-3 weeks until you reach your desired result.
  1. In office Whitening  - Our in office whitening is more of a one-stop-shop type of treatment. Due to the fact that the procedure is being completed within the dental office, we are able to use a much higher concentration to achieve more rapid results. At Chandler and Nightingale Dental we use the Philips Zoom in office whitening system which allows you to leave our office much brighter than when you came in. We also provide you with take home whitening trays to help maintain your new bright smile over time.

If you would like a consultation or more information on teeth whitening options please give us a call today at 416-927-0088.

General Care

How do I switch my records over to Chandler & Nightingale Dental

If you are joining our practice we will take care of everything. Our dedicated reception team will have you sign a release form and take care of the rest. Just call or email our office at 416-927-0088 or email us at reception@smilemail.ca and we will take care of everything for you.

Located in midtown Toronto

We are conveniently located at 40 St. Clair Avenue West, Main Floor, Toronto, Ontario M4V 1M2

Image of map of Yonge and St.Clair area of Toronto with a pin labelled "C&ND"

Customer testimonials

Hundreds of 5 star reviews and counting...

As always my experience yesterday with Dr Chandler and her colleagues was excellent. They are beyond doubt the most pleasant and caring professionals and I cannot recommend them enough…

Kristen M.

"Chandler & Nightingale are a rare find. The dentistry is super professional and the humanity is incredible. Our family has been with this clinic for about 15 years now."

Israel F.

"Dr. Nightingale is a warm and caring dentist. He always goes above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and to answer my questions.  He's always on time and greets me with a smile.  He's exceptional at what he does and a perfectionist."

Alma W.

"Dr. Chandler is a fabulous dentist and her office works like clockwork."

Judy J.

"Amazing service, attention to your needs and a quiet, safe and caring Dental practice. Dr. Bonnie Chandler and her team are simply the best at their job...nothing is too much or to difficult in a great environment."

Michael L.

"I have been going to Dr. Bonnie Chandler for many years and she is simply an outstanding dentist--precise, yet gentle, and a lovely person as well."

Aldona S.