A standard of excellence in personalized dental care enables us to provide the quality dental services our patients deserve. We provide comprehensive treatment planning and use restorative and cosmetic dentistry to achieve your optimal dental health. Should a dental emergency occur, we make every effort to see and care for you as soon as possible.
As a practice, we are true believers that preventive care and education are the keys to optimal dental health. Thats why we focus on thorough exams checking the overall health of your teeth and gums, performing oral cancer exams, and taking x-rays when necessary. We also know that routine cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride are all helpful in preventing dental disease. Not only are we focused on the beauty of your smile, were also concerned about your health. A review of your medical history can help us stay informed of your overall health, any new medications, and any illnesses that may impact your dental health.
Infection control in our office is also very important to us. To protect our patients and ourselves, we strictly maintain sterilization and cross contamination processes using standards recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Skill and Compassion go hand in hand when providing exceptional patient care. As a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA), I stay up to date on the latest advancements in dentistry in order to provide the most current treatment options for my patients.
To give you the best possible service and results, I am committed to continual education to stay informed of new techniques, the latest products, and the newest equipment that a modern dental office can utilize to provide state-of-the-art dental care.
We understand how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits, and believe we can make a difference by providing a relaxing and positive experience. Our team is dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and service to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
Losing one or more teeth can be devastating and life-changing, but dental implants allow you to restore full dental functions and the appearance of your smile. They offer a more natural tooth replacement option than other tooth replacement options. The dental implant procedure involves the insertion of metal, screw-like posts into the jawbone to replace the root of the lost tooth, and provide support for an artificial tooth.
The process of placing dental implants depends on the condition of the patient. The procedure takes multiple stages spread over several months to ensure the success of the implant procedure and the patient's comfort. The uniqueness of dental implants is in their fusion with the jawbone. This fusion is known as osseointegration and accounts for most of the treatment time. The entire procedure is simple and straightforward.
The dentist will need to know the patient's medical history, every medication they currently use, including supplements, prescription, and over-the-counter meds. Patients who have health conditions may receive antibiotics ahead of the procedure to prevent infection. If any oral condition is present, patients will need to undergo treatment before getting dental implants.
Afterward, the dentist will discuss the treatment plan with the patient, including the timeline, the different stages, and aftercare instructions. If a bone graft is necessary (to augment the volume of the jawbone), the dentist will inform the patient. The treatment plan considers the number of missing teeth and the condition of existing teeth and jawbone. If the patient suffers from dental anxiety, the dentist will take necessary measures to keep the patient as comfortable throughout the procedure.
During the procedure, the dentist will make an incision over the gums to reveal the bone. They will put the implant post at the site of the lost tooth. Although every patient is different, most people discover that the discomfort is less than they anticipated. Over-the-counter painkillers are usually enough to manage pain after the procedure.
After the implant placement, there will be a gap at the site of tooth loss. The dentist may place a temporary implant for cosmetic purposes, if necessary. Osseointegration starts immediately and could take several months because the jawbone must integrate with the dental implant to serve as a sturdy foundation of the new artificial tooth.
After osseointegration is over, the dentist will place the abutment, which is the piece that connects the crown to the implant. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and takes about an hour. It is also possible to place the abutment immediately after implantation. After placing the abutment, the gum will need some time to heal before attaching the crown.
After the gums heal, the dentist will take additional impressions of the teeth and oral cavity, which will be used to fabricate the new artificial tooth. Patients can decide between fixed and removable tooth prostheses. Removable artificial teeth attach to a metal frame held by the abutment and snap firmly into place. It can be removed easily for routine cleaning and repairs.
After the procedure, patients may need to use pain meds and antibiotics to relieve pain and fight infections. If discomfort, swelling, or other symptoms worsen following the procedure, the patient needs to contact the dentist as soon as possible. Until the stitches heal, it is advisable to stick to a diet of soft foods.
Excellent oral hygiene is essential to prolong the lifetime of dental restoration. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, going to the dentist for cleaning and checkup, and avoiding harmful oral habits such as smoking or chewing hard substances.
Dental implants help to prevent the resorption of osseous tissues by providing the stimulation needed to keep the jawbone alive and healthy. By filling the gap left by a lost tooth, implants prevent other teeth from shifting out of place.
The dental implant procedure is safe, but like any other dental procedure, it has its risks. Typically, dental implants have a success rate of up to 95 percent, but the success depends on factors such as the patient, the dentist, the techniques used, and the number of implants involved. When done by an experienced dentist, the risks of the procedure are minimal.
A. With the techniques available and aftercare tips, many patients experience minimal pain throughout the process. In most cases, they can resume their routine the following day. Although bruising and pain may occur, they usually last for only a short time.
A. Yes. Implants are as secure and reliable as the natural teeth. By the end of the treatment, you will be able to eat your favorite meals. Generally, it will be hard to tell the difference between dental implants and natural teeth.
A. The average treatment period is three to six months. Most of the time is taken up by the osseointegration process. The treatment time usually depends on the patient and the complexity of the situation.
Preparing for an upcoming root canal? This procedure is one that often causes anxiety; however, modern-day dentistry has allowed for serious innovations in technology, thus ensuring positive results that are achieved with little to no discomfort involved.In general dentistry, a root canal falls under the category of restorative work. When a tooth is in bad
Many individuals are familiar with gum disease. What may be unknown, however, is the relationship of diabetes to problems with the gums. Diabetes is the result of multiple diseases within the body that accumulate from too much sugar in the bloodstream. Sugar often becomes the culprit that is responsible for an individual's gum disease. Continue
Dental veneers are an attractive option for a smile makeover for many patients, able to correct multiple issues with one procedure. Discover how this treatment covers stains, damage, gaps, and other tooth problems.Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that can be bonded to one or more teeth to correct a variety of cosmetic issues. They
A dental bridge is one of the options available for replacing one or more missing teeth. Bridgework is usually provided as a fixed solution that is not detachable, unlike dentures. Bridges work to fill the gap left by missing teeth and restore full oral functions as well as the smile. Continue reading to discover some