Sundance Dental Care is a Phoenix based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dentist that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers and more.
Dr. Schaffer (patients know her as Dr. Rebecca) is the owner and primary dentist at Sundance Dental Care. She is also an assistant professor at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH), where she teaches dentistry for people with special needs. In addition to being an expert general dentist, she is especially skilled at managing the connection between your mouth and body. She is also expert at treating patients with medically complex conditions, which covers the spectrum of patients with diabetes, heart conditions, blood disorders, developmental and cognitive issues, neuro-muscular diseases, etc. Regardless of your age, if you are under care for a medical condition, Dr. Schaffer is uniquely qualified to care for your dental needs.
Dr. Schaffer also takes a special interest in treating patients with facial pain or TMJ/TMD symptoms. Her professional focus is on promoting well-being, educating patients about the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth to maintain total body health, as well as improving interdisciplinary collaboration to improve health outcomes. Most important, Dr. Schaffer truly cares about her patients; it is evident in her work with special needs patients, her mission work and with each and every patient that comes into Sundance Dental Care.
Dr. Schaffer has been practicing dentistry in the Valley since 2006 and has played an active role in improving patient access to quality care. In addition to her private practice and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Schaffer:
Prior to moving Phoenix, Dr. Schaffer practiced dentistry in New Jersey. She received her DDS from Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine. After completing her residency at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, Dr. Schaffer maintained a mobile practice, caring for people who were home-bound, hospitalized, residing in nursing homes, or otherwise unable to seek traditional dental care.
She returned to academia after ten years in practice, earning a post-doctoral fellowship in treating people with complex medical problems. After obtaining her fellowship, Dr. Schaffer continued to work with special needs populations, working in community health centers in Atlantic City, NJ, and directing the pediatric mobile dentistry unit for Columbia University, where she served as faculty. Dr. Schaffer is a reviewer for the American Dental Associations Evidence Based Dentistry website.
She has recently been elected to serve as the North American Delegate to the Dental Committee, World Federation of Hemophilia. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Special Care Dentistry Association, the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, and the American Dental Education Association.
Mai-Ly (My-Lee) received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and her Masters in Public Health (M.P.H.) from A.T. Still University. In additional to private practice, she also serves as Assistant Professor at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. In addition to her dental school training, she received a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from NYU Lutheran Medical Center, which helped her evolve her skills to include CEREC restorations, implant placement and restoration, and advanced periodontal surgery. She is trained in sedation dentistry, as well as in treating patients who have special needs or complex medical conditions.
She recently completed her Masters in Education from the University of the Pacific and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). She is active in Spear Education and has a passion for lifelong learning. She is an active AzDA and ADA member serving both on the state and national level in various positions. She also serves on the Arizona Dental Foundation Board of Directors, Special Care Dentistry Association national board, Oral Cancer Foundation - Arizona Chair , and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Event Committee.
Dental implants can be an ideal solution to replacing damaged or missing teeth. They can restore not only the functionality of teeth but can provide a great new look as well. Dental implants are a standard cosmetic dental option offered at Sundance Dental Care.
People tend to assume that the gap left behind after losing a permanent adult tooth can remain empty. The reality is that an exposed tooth socket faces the risk of infection, can cause teeth to shift out of alignment, and can cause other issues as well. With a dental implant, we can help patients avoid those oral health issues We have the tools and skills necessary to provide patients with a customized dental implant to meet their specific needs.
Dental implants can even help prevent facial structure from changing, providing the functionality needed to perform the same as before the original tooth was damaged. Supplementing them with a dental crown can also ensure that the dental implant looks perfectly natural along with your other teeth.
Once you are cleared for the procedure, the staff at Sundance Dental Care will take an impression of your mouth to create a new tooth in a dental lab. Each synthetic tooth will match the size and shape of the surrounding teeth, along with having a perfect color match. This way your smile will appear completely natural once we complete the procedure. Many patients are satisfied with the results since no one can tell the difference between which teeth are real and which ones are synthetic.
Teeth restored with implants will not get cavities. A replacement tooth, or crown, does not decay like a natural tooth. However, you still need to brush, floss and care for it and your surrounding natural teeth in the same manner as natural teeth. Regular professional cleanings and dental checkups are also essential.
The next step in the procedure is to implant a metal post under the gum line. This aspect of the procedure is what sets an implant apart from other forms of cosmetic dentistry. The metal post is secured to the jawbone in order to create a durable, synthetic root system that rivals the strength of natural roots; with one exception that the metal cannot face infection. Over the course of a couple of months, the metal post and jawbone will fuse together. This creates a level of durability that cannot be replicated in other types of procedures.
Afterward, we will secure the new synthetic tooth to the metal post at the surface of the gums. The new tooth is attached so securely, that patients can eat their favorite foods, maintain an active lifestyle, play sports, and more, without fear of their tooth becoming loose or falling out. Patients can enjoy the benefits that come from never having to worry about their tooth again.
The team at Sundance Dental Care provide dental implants in a way that is comfortable and functional. We take the time to make sure that every aspect of the procedure is completed correctly the first time.
Once implants have been installed, they are extremely easy to care for. We hear patients throughout Phoenix ask questions that range from 'Do implants come out' to 'How do I brush my teeth'. Fortunately, the answers are not as complex as some people might believe. Since we install dental implants by creating a synthetic root system, they are durable and secure. The dental implants will not fall out or become loose. This means you can go play basketball, run in a 10k marathon, and wrestle with your kids without worrying about your tooth coming out.
In order to care for your implants, we advise patients to brush and floss their teeth throughout the day like normal. Additionally, it is important to schedule dental exams and cleanings with Dr. Schaffer at least twice a year. The staff at Sundance Dental Care will help to clean your teeth and ensure that they stay healthy. While dental implants cannot become infected themselves, the teeth around them can. If, in the future, you suffer from a severe case of gum disease or a dental abscess, the infection can spread into your jawbone. This puts your implants in jeopardy because in order to stay secure, the jawbone must be in good health. If it becomes infected, your dental implants and all of your teeth will be in jeopardy.
A. Generally, this is not a good idea. We find that it is generally much better not to attach implants to teeth. We frequently attach implants to each other, which can improve strength and works well. So in a case like this, although it may be more expensive in the short term to place two implants instead of one, the long-term success is likely to be much better with the two implants.
Q. I lost my upper back teeth on one side and have gone for years without doing anything about it. My sinuses always seem to bother me more on that side than on the side that I have back teeth. Could these problems be related to one another?
A. In a large majority of people who are missing their upper back teeth for a long period of time, is the increasing downward growth of the maxillary sinus. At birth, it is the size of a pea and progressively grows as the skull matures. This growth is at the expense of the surrounding bone. If you are considering replacing those upper back teeth with fixed teeth that stay in all the time, it may be necessary to perform a sinus elevation procedure to allow room for placement of dental implants into this area to support those teeth. This involves placement of bone and/or bone substitutes into an area which was previously occupied by the lower part of the maxillary sinus. Most importantly, this procedure increases the available bone use to place implants and restore the missing back teeth.
A. In most cases, with the new options available today in the field of dental implants, some form of treatment is possible. We encourage people to get help as soon as possible if they are already having some problems with their current situation. These problems include excessive use of denture adhesives, chewing only soft food, unable to taste some foods, constant mouth sores, unhappy with the appearance of one's teeth and bite position (in some cases the nose and chin getting closer together). The sooner we correct the problems with dental implants, the more choices one has available for treatment. If you have any or all of the above symptoms, implants can very well be the answer for you.
A. It is not necessary to have an implant for every tooth that is being replaced. The number of implants necessary to provide support depends on the type of implants used and the type of teeth (removable vs. non- removable) that will be attached to the implants. A thorough oral exam and panoramic x-ray is all that is necessary in most cases, to determine which implant can be used and how many must be used. Sometimes additional X-rays or CT scans are used in more complicated cases.
Q. I consulted a dentist several years ago about using implants to replace my lower denture and he told me that I did not have adequate bone available to place enough in-the-bone implants without danger of fracturing my now fragile jawbone. Are there any alternatives?
A. Because of the advances in the field of implantology, there are now more choices and techniques. It is rare for a person to not be able to receive an implant or a combination of implants. Today we have available many types of implants designed to accommodate multiple problems.
A. Teeth that have root canals can fracture more easily than other teeth because they are weaker and somewhat dehydrated. They can sometimes be as brittle as glass. In the past, the best available treatment was to remove the tooth and file down the adjacent teeth to make a bridge - caps on the adjacent teeth with an attached 'dummy' tooth between. Sometimes this still is the only way. However, in many cases an implant can replace the fractured tooth and we will not need to grind down a tooth to at all.
If the dentist has recommended getting dental implants, you might want to know what goes into the process and the treatment timeline. Dental implants are a long-term solution when a tooth is missing and offer great aesthetic appeal. Dental implants are more complex and time-consuming than dental bridges or dentures. This article contains a quick
Dental implants are stable and durable dental solutions to missing natural teeth. The parts of implants help them stay intact and functional for decades. Knowing how implants work can help explain their longevity. If you want to know more about dental implants as long-lasting dental replacements, here are the details.Implants last for a long time.
Dental implants are the most modern and effective way to replace lost teeth. Unfortunately, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry finds that 'More than 35 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws.' This condition occurs mainly due to age, diseases, or accidents. Living without teeth or with fewer teeth than
One day implants - teeth in a day - have become a popular choice for people who need to replace missing teeth. They offer many great benefits, all of which are worth considering before committing to the procedure. Having new teeth in just one day can significantly improve a persons oral health, while also allowing
The team at Sundance Dental Care believe in the importance of preventative care. We focus on keeping patients in good oral health so that they can live a full, healthy, and enjoyable life that is free from oral pain. This starts by educating our patients on what they can do to stay healthy at home. In our family dentist office we recommend that patients eat a healthy diet that consists of green leafy vegetables, lean protein, nuts, dairy products, and crunchy fruits and veggies. Eating these foods along with drinking water can help to keep teeth healthy and make them stronger. By simultaneously reducing sugar intake, patients can also reduce their risk of cavities.
It is also important to brush and floss throughout the day. Instead of waiting for bedtime to brush teeth, carry a small toothbrush and use it after meals and snacks. This makes it possible to remove sugar and bacteria from the teeth and gums before it has the opportunity to turn into acid that can attack the teeth. This preventative step can greatly reduce a persons' risk of getting a cavity or gum disease. We understand the importance of taking these steps at home and will spend the time necessary to educate and inform patients so that they can stay healthy overall. Education, after all, is essential for living a long and healthy life.
Understanding the importance of these regular dental exams, the staff at Sundance Dental Care work to make each patient extremely comfortable. This includes being welcoming and kind while performing dental treatments in a way that is painless and relaxing. Patients visit our dentist office because they trust us to do just that take care of their teeth and gums, gently. The majority of our patients are local and come from the greater Phoenix area, we also see patients that are looking for gentle dental care.
Seniors, on the other hand, often struggle with gum disease and oral infections. As people age, their teeth can become weaker and infected more easily. Bone loss is incredibly common with seniors and by conducting regular dental exams, the team at Sundance Dental Care can help seniors to have strong teeth and reduce the risk of them falling out. Since over seventy percent of U.S. adults suffer from tooth loss, preventative care is important.
A. Primary, or 'baby,' teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to come in.
A. First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible.
A. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
A. Have your family dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then we may prescribe fluoride supplements.
A. Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard will protect your teeth from injuries and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
A. There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Family dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which you and your family are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. Digital x-rays provide an even greater level of protection by using up to 90 percent less radiation.
Finding the right dentist normally takes effort, but it is trickier when searching for special needs dentistry. Read on to learn some tips for finding a special needs dentist. Not every dental office has the ability or level of understanding to deal with special needs patients, but finding one that does may be critical for
Help children learn proper dental hygiene habits at a young age and receive a dental checkup in one visit.When it comes to seeking professional dental care for your family, having to drive to multiple locations is the last thing you want to do. As a family dentist, we understand this and can provide treatment to
While many parents remind their children and ensure that they brush their teeth on a regular basis, children need professional dental care at a dentist. Along with specialized care toward children, there are also other steps parents can take to ensure their children have healthy teeth. As a family dentist, we suggest taking the following
Regularly scheduled visits to a family dentist are necessary for all patients to maintain healthy gums and teeth throughout an entire lifetime. The frequency of recommended dental visits depends on a few factors, such as dental history, current dental health, and the likelihood of compliance with recommended dental at-home practices. All patients should consult with