May 17th, 2013
Traditional dental implants are generally four to five millimeters in size. In order for these implants to be effective, your jaw must have sufficient width and depth to support them. When your jaw lacks sufficient density, Phoenix dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox may recommend mini dental implants.
While smaller in diameter, mini dental implants are still inserted directly into your jaw, making them a more secure option than adhesives or adjacent teeth, and allowing them to help prevent structural changes to your jaw.
Implant Supported Dentures
In many instances, mini implants are used to secure dentures. As opposed to adhesives which can become unstuck and allow dentures to slip or fall out, implant supported dentures stay securely in place. In addition, the use of implants guards against minerals being absorbed into the jaw, helping prevent changes to your facial structure.
Dr. Wilcox offers two types of implant supported dentures:
- Bar retained – for full dentures supported by mini implants placed at intervals
- Ball retained – for partial dentures supported by single implants
The type of implant supported denture best for you will be determined by Dr. Wilcox during your initial consultation.
If you are looking for a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth in the Phoenix, Arizona area, please contact Desert Smiles to schedule a dental implant consultation today.
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May 10th, 2013
Dental implants act as a secure foundation for restorations such as crowns or dentures. They work by replacing a tooth’s missing root, enabling them to provide the strongest and most reliable form of tooth replacement.
The roots of your teeth are responsible for alerting your body that bone is necessary in specific areas of your jaw. When you lose a tooth, its root is lost as well, which stops these signals and allows your body to reabsorb the minerals in that section of the jaw. Dental implants maintain these signals, enabling them to not only hold your restoration in place, but to prevent a loss of bone structure and preserve the integrity of your jaw.
Dental Implant Benefits
Glendale implant dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox recommends dental implants whenever possible due to their many benefits including:
- Full restoration of chewing and speaking abilities
- Flawless aesthetics
- No risk of slipping or falling out
- Preservation of natural jaw structure
Dental implants are a fantastic solution for many, but not all of our patients. During your initial consultation with Dr. Wilcox it can best be determined if implants are the most effective solution for you.
If you live in or around Glendale, Arizona and would like to learn if dental implants are right for you, please contact Desert Smiles to schedule an initial consultation today.
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April 30th, 2013
Dental implants are increasingly popular in the treatment of missing teeth in part because of their strength and versatility.
Dental implants can be used alone to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth, but they can also be used in conjunction with other options like dentures. During your personal dental implants consultation, Glendale, Arizona, dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox will determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants and recommend a treatment based on your unique needs.
Implant-supported dentures may be used if you are missing adjacent teeth along the jaw and have sufficient bone structure in which to support dental implants. Implant-supported dentures are typically used for missing teeth on the lower jaw.
Implant-supported dentures utilize implant posts that act as replacement tooth roots and are anchored in your jaw bone to support the denture attachment. There are variations on how and where the dentures attach to the dental implants, but in each situation the implants provide greater stability and durability to the denture attachment than traditional dentures alone.
For more information about dental implants, please see the following pages:
If you would like to learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, please contact Desert Smiles to arrange your appointment with Dr. Donald Wilcox. We welcome patients from the Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Peoria, Arizona, areas.
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April 24th, 2013
Dental implants are the most durable, beautiful and natural-feeling option for replacing missing teeth.
However, there are different types of dental implants designed to meet different needs. Phoenix dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox can help you determine if dental implants are the right option for your unique condition, as well as which type of dental implants will best meet your individual needs.
Root form dental implants are the most widely used type of dental implants. Root form dental implants feature a titanium post that acts as a replacement “root;” this root is anchored into your bone and is topped with a custom-made dental crown that allows your dental implant to look, feel and perform like a natural tooth. For more information, please see our Dental Implants Process page.
Plate form dental implants, sometimes referred to as blade implants, are sometimes used for patients who may not be able to support root form dental implants. For example, plate form dental implants may be more effective for patients who have narrow jaw bone structure; plate form implants use flat, slender, rectangular plates as opposed to root-type posts in order to anchor the replacement dental crowns.
Patients who are not candidates for root form or plate form dental implants may benefit from subperiosteal dental implants. Although used rarely, subperiosteal dental implants are sometimes a good alternative for those who lack the bone density necessary for the more popular root form dental implants.
If you would like to learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, please contact Desert Smiles to arrange your appointment with Dr. Donald Wilcox. We welcome patients from the Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Peoria, Arizona, areas.
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April 19th, 2013
Fear of the dentist is one of the main reasons people don’t receive the preventive dental care or restorative dentistry treatments they need to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Phoenix dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox is pleased to offer sedation dentistry as an option for patients who experience anxiety over dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is also effective for patients with strong gag reflexes, as well as patients who require lengthy treatment or multiple procedures in a single session.
In most cases, sedation dentistry entails the use of a prescription oral sedative that is taken prior to your procedure. This sedative will allow you to feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment while leaving you conscious and able to communicate.
In addition to easing anxiety, the sedative helps reduce any discomfort and has an amnesiac effect that will leave you with little memory of the dental procedure itself. In some cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry treatments, a stronger sedative may be necessary.
Dr. Wilcox will discuss your sedation options with you and answer your questions about sedation dentistry prior to any treatment.
If you fear going to the dentist and would like to learn more about how sedation dentistry can help, please contact Desert Smiles to arrange your appointment with Dr. Donald Wilcox. We welcome patients from the Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Peoria, Arizona, areas.
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April 15th, 2013
Despite the advancements of modern dentistry, some long-standing dental myths persist. Following, Glendale dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox provides the facts that dispel a few common dental myths.
Myth: If my teeth don’t hurt or show visible problems, I don’t need to see a dentist.
Fact: Maintaining regular dental exams and professional teeth cleanings once every six months are critical to a good preventive dentistry routine. Not all dental health problems are accompanied by obvious symptoms; your checkups allow Dr. Wilcox to assess your oral health, and detect and treat potential problems at their earliest stages.
Myth: It doesn’t matter what kind of toothbrush I use, as long as I brush my teeth at least twice a day.
Fact: Unless otherwise advised by your dentist, you should brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Regular brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause premature enamel wear that can lead to sensitive teeth and other issues.
Myth: Dental health problems only affect your teeth, gums and mouth.
Fact: Your oral health is directly linked to your overall health. If not treated, many dental health conditions such as gum disease can contribute to a heightened risk for systemic health problems such as heart disease.
If you would like to schedule your regular dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning, please contact Desert Smiles to arrange your appointment with Dr. Donald Wilcox. We welcome patients from the Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Peoria, Arizona, areas.
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April 10th, 2013
Toothaches can be caused by several different factors, including tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, infection, and trauma. However, in certain cases, tooth pain can also be directly caused by sinus problems. Toothaches caused by sinus problems tend to affect the upper-rear teeth, since these teeth are in the closest relationship to your sinus cavities. If your sinuses or inflamed or swollen – for example, during a sinus infection – they can place pressure on these teeth, as well as the surrounding areas of your face.
If you have extremely small nasal passages, or your sinuses have been otherwise deformed by a physical trauma, this can also lead to problems that cause toothaches. Toothaches from sinus issues tend to come and go, but it’s important to treat the underlying problem to prevent issues in the future.
Research also shows that people who frequently get sinus infections face a higher risk of cavities and impacted wisdom teeth. If you have chronic sinus problems that are leading to toothaches, it’s important to treat your sinus problems before they continue to cause progressively painful dental health issues.
If you have further questions about sinus conditions and toothaches, please contact Desert Smiles today to schedule an initial consultation with our Glendale dentistry team.
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April 2nd, 2013
If you have a chronic toothache, you may be worried that something is seriously wrong with your teeth. Most people assume that their toothache is being caused by a cavity. Thankfully, this is not always the case. In order to better understand what can cause a toothache, it’s important to first understand the anatomy of a tooth.
Underneath the outer enamel layer of your teeth is another hard layer called dentin. Dentin is a strong substance, but it is made up of thousands of tiny, microscopic pores. If the dentin of your teeth is exposed because the enamel has worn off in certain places, you may experience over-sensitivity to cold, heat, sweets, and other triggers.
Teeth can also hurt if they have suffered an injury, or if they are infected (in which case a root canal may be necessary). Additionally, if you grind your teeth at night because of stress or TMD/TMJ, you may benefit from a neuromuscular dentistry examination. Many people suffer jaw pain because of a misaligned bite. No matter what may be causing your toothache, our experienced Glendale dentist Dr. Wilcox can help you diagnose the source of your pain and effectively treat it.
If you live in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Glendale, Arizona and need help with a toothache, please contact Desert Smiles today to schedule an initial consultation with our Glendale dentistry team.
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March 31st, 2013
Dentistry is the field of medicine dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to your oral health. Today, we understand that your oral health directly impacts your overall health, and there are many specialized areas within dentistry designed to address specific dental health needs as well as cosmetic issues.
Experienced Phoenix dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox offers a comprehensive range of dental services. Dr. Wilcox and the friendly team at Desert Smiles use the most advanced dental technology and techniques to ensure that your smile remains as beautiful as it is functional and healthy.
Dentistry has been around in some form since ancient times, with evidence of rudimentary teeth drilling seen in stone-age teeth dating from around 7000 BC found in Pakistan and Egyptian skulls dating from around 2900 BC. However, we now know better than the Sumerians circa 5000 BC that cavities are not caused by “tooth worms.”
Greek scholars such as Aristotle and Hippocrates wrote about dental health, and evidence of dental appliances such as dental bridges also date to ancient civilizations. The first known text focused solely on dentistry did not appear until the 1500s, and dentistry in its modern form evolved from the mid-1600s through the 1800s; during this period, many developments still in use today—like the use of dental fillings to treat cavities—were introduced.
Dentistry continues to progress, with technology improving patient comfort, shortening treatment times, making possible earlier diagnosis, and offering innovative new cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry treatments.
If you would like to schedule your regular dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning, please contact Desert Smiles to arrange your appointment with Dr. Donald Wilcox. We welcome patients from the Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Peoria, Arizona, areas.
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March 25th, 2013
According to the American Dental Association, tooth whitening can be safely performed every 6 months. However, as with all things, there are exceptions. At-home teeth whitening kits purchased at the store may weaken tooth enamel or come into contact with your gums causing extreme tooth sensitivity. Store bought kits not only have more potential dangers, they are incapable of offering the stunning results provided by professional tooth whitening at our Glendale office.
Professional Tooth Whitening
Glendale cosmetic dentist, Dr. Donald Wilcox, is pleased to offer both the Zoom! Chairside Tooth Whitening System and customized take-home kits for the brightest results possible. Zoom! is fast, safe, and extremely effective, but many people prefer the convenience of whitening their teeth at home. The kits offered through our office come with customized application trays to equally whiten every tooth. They also come with the support and supervision of Dr. Wilcox, allowing personal considerations to be made regarding your comfort and safety.
Everyone wants a bright white smile. Our Glendale tooth whitening options offer you a professional solution for the beautiful smile you deserve.
If you live in or around Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, or Glendale, Arizona and are looking for a professional tooth whitening solution, please contact Desert Smiles Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Wilcox today.
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