Dr. Mellas enjoys a sterling reputation among Google and Yelp reviewers with more 5-star reviews than most Periodontist in Scottsdale, AZ, so you can feel confident youre receiving the best care available.
Dr. Mellas has been a resident of Arizona since 1975. He attended the University of Arizona studying Biochemistry, after which he earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry in 1993.
Dr. Mellas is Board Certified as a Periodontist by the American Board of Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery. Dr. Mellas completed his periodontal residency at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston in 1996 and received a Master of Science Degree and certificate in Periodontics.
Dr. Mellas clinical emphasis includes both non-surgical and surgical periodontics, oral medicine, periodontal plastic surgery, bone augmentation procedures, conscious sedation (sleep dentistry), and implantology.
Dr. Mellas is very active in the Arizona State Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the Southwest Society of Periodontology, and the American Academy of Periodontology.
Gwen is an Arizona native and an only child to her loving parents. She recently married her wonderful husband, Steve. They share a love for their two dogs Bella and Rhino. Gwen enjoys working out, eating healthy and traveling. Gwen has been a part of our team since 2013. She is Dr. Mellas main surgical assistant.
Tanja has been practicing the art and science of dental hygiene for over 23 years in periodontal practices throughout the valley. Shes a graduate of Phoenix College and Northern Arizona University. Tanjas education and wealth of experience has allowed her to develop a proficiency in identifying gum disease, performing non-surgical periodontal therapies and developing custom home-care routines that work. She is excited and motivated to partner with Dr. Mellas in achieving your dental health goals.
My goal is to enable my patients to have optimum oral health by providing therapeutic individual care with the utmost respect and integrity. I get to work every day in an office using the best equipment and technology for patient comfort and care. Research has shown there is more to it than just cleaning teeth. It is important for your over-all health.
Michelle was born and raised in California. She is married with 3 Children. She loves spending time with her family watching movies or traveling. She has been working in The Dental field since 2004, and has been working with Dr. Mellas since 2005. Working in the dental field for Michelle, has given her the opportunity to meet new people. One of the things she loves the most about her job is helping people better understand dentistry and the procedures that are completed in the dental office.
Vanessa was born and raised here in sunny Arizona. When shes not at work shes with her husband and two young children. Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family, movies, theatre, traveling and anything involving food!
As a periodontist, Dr. Mellas specializes in extractions, including wisdom teeth removal, and performs these types of surgeries every day. His extensive training and experience ensures a speedy and comfortable recovery for your dental extractions. Our friendly staff will go over wisdom teeth aftercare instructions to ensure you do not develop post-operative issues.
We are uniquely trained and qualified to offer patients a variety of anesthesia options in all of our offices, including intravenous sedation (an excellent option for the anxious patient to go to sleep for the procedure) and oral sedation
A wisdom tooth, also known as a third molar, is the last tooth to erupt in your mouth. A wisdom tooth growing in its space generally occurs between the ages of 15 and 25. Most individuals are born with 4 wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth often become impacted due to limited space. An impacted wisdom tooth or impacted wisdom teeth occurs when there is a lack of space in your jaw and its growth and eruption are prevented by overlying gum, bone or another tooth. Wisdom teeth symptoms include pain, swelling, infection, and deep periodontal pockets. Wisdom teeth pain can be severe and may be an indication of a dental emergency requiring immediate removal of the teeth.
Theres a slight chance that wisdom teeth will grow into a proper position; however, over 85% of people will have impacted wisdom teeth, meaning there isnt enough room for the wisdom tooth or teeth to grow. Impacted wisdom teeth cause irritation or infection of the gums, or crowding and decay of other teeth, ultimately leading to wisdom teeth pain. Even if they erupt into the proper position, they are usually very difficult to clean. It can be recommended to have them removed in order to improve the overall health of the mouth and to prevent future issues.
Wisdom tooth removal is now more comfortable than ever. Using IV sedation and local anesthetics, our surgeons can make your dental extraction experience more pleasant than ever. After the gums are numbed, your surgeon meticulously opens the gums up so they can be gently pushed aside. The wisdom tooth is then exposed and extracted. Most often the tooth is dislodged in one whole piece. Occasionally the tooth is removed in two pieces to limit risk to the underlying nerve, or because smaller pieces are easier to remove, making for a smoother tooth removal.
The wisdom teeth surgery procedure itself is mostly painless. With IV sedation youll be relaxed, comfortable, and unaware of the passing time. In addition to sedation, local anesthetics numb the mouth to anything that could be painful. Most people experience some soreness during the healing period following surgery. At AZ PHP, Dr. Mellas utilizes recent advances in medicine and state-of-the-art technology to allow patients to undergo their surgery in a manner that promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort.
Soreness and swelling from wisdom teeth removal may last several days. Ice packs and prescription pain medication help limit pain during the healing period. The sockets normally will close and fully heal in three to four weeks. As with any teeth surgery, you are likely to experience pain, swelling, and some bleeding. The recovery period after oral surgery can take several days, and in some cases, there may still be swelling and discomfort for a week or more. Dr. Mellas recommends using ice packs while enjoying soft foods, and keeping your mouth clean by rinsing with simple salt water. Non-woven sponges and moistened black tea bags can aid in the slowing of any bleeding. If you notice any unusual symptoms like discharge, severe pain or a fever, call us here at AZ PHP right away. While complications post dental extraction, such as an infection, are rare, they are possible.
While your mouth recovers from a tooth extraction, it is imperative not to disrupt the blood clot or irritate your healing gums. The length of recovery depends a lot on how bad the wisdom teeth impaction was and how they were erupting. There are plenty of things you can do to make teeth removal recovery time easier.
You will want to eat a soft-food diet for the first day or more and then slowly move to semi-soft foods when you are ready. You should not consume alcohol, coffee, soda or hot beverages in the first few days following your teeth extraction. Do not use straws.
Plan on taking it easy for a few days; you can resume your normal activities after the first few days in most cases, but you do not want to do anything for about a week that could dislodge the blood clot from where the wisdom teeth extraction took place.
For the pain, Dr. Mellas can prescribe pain medicine and pain relievers. To help with the swelling, place an ice pack over the swollen area and sleep more upright, as swelling can be gravity dependent. The cold helps to reduce the inflammation and ease any dental removal pain. The teeth extraction recovery period can take several days and in some cases, there may still be swelling and discomfort for a week or more.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 77 reviews
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a year ago
I was referred to this office by my dentist to discuss options for 2:30 to have removed. Not really sure but this is not an office to go to if you have any kind of phobia for the dentist. He pretty much looked at my mouth told me I couldn't open my mouth far enough for an implant, so my options were to pull out the tooth and just leave it. I asked him okay, how did I get a root canal back there and multiple other things that I've had done and he's telling me he's just going to pull out the tooth and leave it. Like that makes sense. I reiterated the statement to him, and he said yes that's right just pull out the tooth and leave it. Unacceptable I'm sorry. When someone's nervous and struggling because they're uncomfortable being at the dentist having a personality issue is not something that's needed. He seemed irritated that I was stressed. I don't think he liked my attitude. Because I wasn't saying much. Very unhappy. Waste of my time I will go to a dentist that is a little bit more empathetic. Absolutely zero emotion. Very cold.
Garret Breen
a year ago
Top notch! Every staff member was so nice and friendly. Dr. Mellas even called on the weekend to check on me after my procedure.
Ryan Roberson
a year ago
I would highly recommend Dr Mellas. They turned a bad tooth into a good experience. Top notch service from the receptionist, assistant and the DR. The DR actually called me later in the night to check on me. Just shows this is not your average Dentist.
Blondie Lee
2 years ago
Amazing office. Everyone so caring and helpful. Medications were called in prior to firat stage of procedure l, so I had them before I had the bone graph, now time has to pass for the remainder of my procedure. Dr. Mellas is awesome, as is Gwen and the rest of the staff. I even got a call last night from Dr. Mellas checking on me after my procedure. Highly recommended if you need dental work. They sincerely care about their patients.
Mark Silver
2 years ago
Great guy, excellent staff. This is definitely the only place to go for periodontal issues.
Alan fiss
2 years ago
My Dentist recommended Dr. Mellas for a procedure . I understand why he sent me now that the work was done. 5 star rating, Dr. Mellas and his staff are top notch.
Stacy Nutile Hoover
2 years ago
Dr Mellas is the quintessential professional. My implant surgery was by far the easiest dental procedure I have EVER experienced! I'll never get a crown again,,,implants are painless, easy and one and done! His staff is just the icing on the cake....can't say enough positive about them all.
Francisco De Luna
2 years ago
Let me just begin by saying this office met my expectations from point A to point B. I called in and even from the very beginning they got me in and being I have a crazy busy schedule with children they worked with me. The office has a nice comfortable, fancy and family friendly environment. They are super nice and made me feel like family. While trying to get xrays they helped me entertain my toddler in a stroller so he wouldn't cry. I was so amazed and thankful. Now, I strongly am scared of dentist in general and it's one of my phobias so going in was absolutely hands down so easy. Vanessa, who i communicated the entire time coached me into, "it's going to be okay". I don't think I would have done it without that. I am a grown adult and let me just say, that peace of mind was what I needed. I built trust and confidence in my visit. I had 3 wisdom teeth removed and let me say it was a piece of cake. Over the counter medicine was sent to the pharmacy, I went in and left in the matter of 1-hour tops. IV medication was given and some oxygen and let me say that when they said you will not remember anything, I sure didn't remember anything. They quickly called my husband to pick me up and apparently, I wanted my teeth sent home with me, lol! So, they did as I requested. About 6pm, the Dr called to check up on me! WOW, I was so impressed with their level of customer service, I mentioned I was fine, and so impressed. If you are thinking of going to a big dental corporate place forget about getting this kind of service. They were hands down amazing, they figured out my insurance, helped with my nerves and reassured me every step of the way. Thanks Dr. Pete and crew!
Nina Renee
2 years ago
I have a pretty tragic story of how I came to Dr. Mellas's office. I had fallen from losing consciousness onto my laminate flooring. I shattered my three front teeth. One tooth actually went up into my jaw! I went to my general dentist who said this was beyond what he could do and sent me to Dr. Mellas. From start to now finish I can't begin to explain how amazing this office is. All the staff treated me with such care and understanding with my situation. I had three teeth extractions with bone grafting. Then after three months my implant surgery. And now it's been three months after that surgery and I'm ready to have my final restoration of my smile! Dr. Mellas is extremely skilled and professional. His easy demeanor helped me through all my surgeries. And at every check up he was so thrilled at the results and that really put me at ease. His entire staff is so friendly and so kind. I really couldn't do this without Dr. Mellas and his team. Thank you SO much! I would without a doubt recommend this office for extractions, bone grafting and implant needs. There is a reason he has 5 stars!
Henry
2 years ago
I had a great experience at Dr Mellas' office. He is a total professional. He is a straight shooter and explains the situation in a clear and succinct manner that non-medical folks can understand. I will be sure to refer everyone I know who require his services.
Lauri Langley
2 years ago
Great Doctor and Staff! Made me feel very comfortable!!!
Nadesha Bygrave
2 years ago
Came here because i have a broken tooth and will eventually be taken out and replaced with an implant. When you walk into the office you are immediately greeted. The staff is professional. Gwen was the dental assistant working with the doctor. She was very kind very professional. Well put together! I had to bring my son with me and she was very sweet to him. Dr. Mellas was great as well. Kind to my son and I. He explained thoroughly what was going on with my tooth. Gwen also made sure i was comfortable and understood everything that needed to be done. The appointment was short but it was a lovely experience!
Cynthia Mosley
2 years ago
Ok, so normally I'm very anxious when going to the dentist but my experience at Dr. Mellas's office was very pleasant and welcoming. Staff are friendly, professional and informative. The dental assistant was super nice and attentive. They welcome you with coffee, bottled water, and soda. The facility is very clean in appearance and smile. The staff follow up was also pretty quick in regards to coverage for my procedure. I truly enjoyed my visit there.
philip chmiel
2 years ago
Dr. Mellas has a first-class, state-of-the-art environment. He is highly sought after Periodontist. He was recommended by Tatum Denistry. He is very comforting and professional, and has a sterling reputation. Well Earned. High Quality, Top Notch
Harman Wadia
2 years ago
Just starting up on an implant . A stellar Doctor, who is surrounded by able and professional team members ! . Good going , keep the going good !
P S
2 years ago
Dr Mellas is very qualified and extremely efficient and effective. Painless. The staff is excellent- professional and friendly. I'll recommend them to friends.
Candy Chamberlin
2 years ago
Went to have a tooth pulled. He has a great 'bedside manner'. Good Assistant and office staff.
MERYL HABER
2 years ago
competent, efficient and on time
Hoi Ma
2 years ago
We are so thankful for Vanessa, Gwen, and Dr Mellas. We had to go in for an emergency extraction and Vanessa made it happen for us so quickly by calling us back immediately when there's a cancellation. Everyone is so professional, patient and KIND! Gwen and Dr Mellas checked on my mom every step of the way to make sure she is okay during the procedure. We are so grateful for all of your kindness and made the process as easy as possible. THANK YOU!!!
Deydokht Raoufi
3 years ago
My daughter, age 19 just had four fully impacted wisdom teeth removed by Dr.Mallas. Dr. Mallas did an amazing job. He is very considered, caring, very calm, and gentle. His team is very caring, professional, kind and accommodating. Within past two days after surgery we have refered 4 friends to have their wisdom teeth removal at Dr. Mallas's office. Dr. Mallas and his staff also checked on me later on after the surgery. Greatest and most comforting treatment. Thank you Dr. Mallas snd team. You are THE BEST.
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