Desert Smiles Blog

Archive for March, 2010

Sedation Dentistry Success Story | Glendale Cosmetic Dentist

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

For many Americans, going to the dentist is a frightful event, even though dentistry has changed so much in the past years. Unfortunately, this is not enough for over 100 million people who avoid the dentist due to fear. Dr. Wilcox has provided sedation dentistry for many years with his hospital training background in general anesthesia.

We routinely provide oral sedation in our office successfully for patients who are apprehensive about dental care as do the other outstanding providers on this site. I want to share a testimonial from a patient. He literally had to be sedated to walk in the office for his first visit/consultation. Hopefully this will give hope to skeptical patients that they can overcome the fear that is preventing them from having the smile and or oral health they desire and need.

“Thank your entire staff for negating my dental phobia. Special thanks for the empathy and caring regarding my fear to Kimberly. You were fantastic. If any new fears ever present themselves, I want you at my side. This does not diminish the efforts of the best Dentist I know however, I was sleeping during most of his abilities. 50 YEARS OF FEAR ARE GONE. Thank you all.” Jerry W.

Dr. Wilcox was recently re-certified by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners for a section 1303 Oral Conscious sedation permit. This involves a comprehensive site visit by two examiners to inspect our facility, equipment, records, drugs, emergency preparedness and sedation procedures. It also included an in depth oral interview with Dr. Wilcox to test his competency in dental sedation techniques and handling possible emergency procedures.

If you, a friend ore loved one is avoiding needed dental care, please know there is an outstanding alternative available. Call our office if we can provide you with any information regarding sedation dentistry.

Have a great day!

Dr. Donald Wilcox

Posted in Cosmetic Dentist Arizona, dental fear, fear of dentist, sedation dentistry | No Comments »

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis & Treatment Course | Arizona Cosmetic Dentist

Monday, March 29th, 2010

As a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine I was recently invited to attend the “Sleep Apnea Diagnosis & Treatment Options” course that was given by Dr. Michael J. Breus Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Sleep Specialist & Pain Management., fellow member of American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Expert for WebMD, & Author of “Beauty Sleep”. This course was mostly to educate primary care physicians in the causes, dangers, and prevalence of sleep apnea. It also went into the manifestations and diagnosis, sleep studies (PSG & Ambulatory studies), and various treatment options including oral appliances. I was honored to have been one of only two dentists that attended the event.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentist Arizona, sleep apnea, sleep problems | No Comments »

Ceramic Veneers: A Brighter Choice | Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Veneers are customized to bond with the higher level of your enamel. Ceramic veneers are extremely thin and resemble a false fingernail. They can be attached for many reasons including whitening issues, damaged or chipped teeth, gaps, misshaped teeth, and overlapping teeth.

A patient that has veneers can expect for them to last many years if they are take care of. Oral care, dental visits, good diet, and good dental hygiene help the veneers last. They are a great option for many of our patients.

To find out more about veneers and our other cosmetic dental options contact my Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist Office at Desert Smiles today.

Source: http://healthday.us

Posted in ceramic veneers, Cosmetic Dentist Arizona, durathin veneers, veneers | No Comments »

GlaxoSmithKline Stops Making 3 Super PoliGrip Products Because of Zinc Risks

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

The risk of zinc poisoning prompted GlaxoSmithKline to announce it would voluntarily stop manufacturing and advertising three zinc-containing Super PoliGrip denture cream products on February 18,2010. The products affected by this announcement are: Super PoliGrip ‘Original’, ‘Ultra Fresh’ and Extra Care’. The products are currently being reformulated and the new versions should be in stores in Mid April 2010.
A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, recent research suggest that long -term excessive use of zinc-containing denture creams like these may lead to the development of neurological symptoms. These may include numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs, difficulties with walking and balance and blood problems such as anemia.
Consumers using these products for several years in greater amounts than directed on the package or more than once a day, or have concerns or symptoms must:

Stop using the product
Talk to your DDS or MD
Use a zinc-free alternative

An even better alternative is to see Phoenix implant dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox about the elimination of loose dentures through surgical guided implant support. For more information about cosmetic and sedation dentistry in Glendale visit www.DesertSmiles.com.

Patients can also call Glaxo toll free at 1-866-640-1017.

Posted in dental implants, dentures, Implant Dentistry | No Comments »

Glendale Sleep Apnea Dentist Dr. Wilcox Attends Update

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Dr. Wilcox recently attended a course given by Dr. Michael Breus on “Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment Options. Dr. Breus is a Sleep Specialist and Pain Mgmt. Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is the sleep expert for WebMD and the author of “Beauty Sleep”. Dr. Breus practices part time at the Arrowhead Health Clinic, www.arrowheadhealth.com. The lecture was for primary care physicians to educate them in the causes, dangers, and prevalence of
sleep apnea, its clinical manifestations and diagnosis, sleep studies both psg(lab studies) and ambulatory studies such as we provide at DesertSmiles for our Glendale sleep apnea and snoring appliances. Dr. Wilcox, a Phoenix sleep apnea dentist, who is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Sleep Dentistry, was one of only two dentists attending. For the finest in cosmetic and sedation dentistry in Glendale and Phoenix visit www.DesertSmiles.com for more information.

Posted in sleep apnea, snoring | No Comments »

Makkar Pure Power Mouthguard Gives Saints The Edge For Super Bowl Victory

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Neuromuscular Dentistry Gives Saints An Extra Edge

“With the Saints getting to their first Super Bowl in the team’s 44-year history, Makkar said he feels the results speak for themselves.
“Early on there was a lot of criticism; people who said it was just a placebo effect and that it didn’t work,” Makkar said. “So it’s nice to see that criticism go away.”
One of the biggest steps in that direction happened on Nov. 1, while Makkar was at the Super Dome as the Saints hosted the Atlanta Falcons. John Gruden, a former NFL coach turned Monday Night Football analyst, bragged about the mouthguard on the telecast and showed clips of Saints players making big plays in that game.
“I’ve played the Saints twice a year,
I’ve coached against these guys. I’ve never
seen these guys jump higher, I’ve never seen these guys play like this,” Gruden said on the telecast.
“That was one of the biggest things for me,” Makkar said. “He told the world about it.”
Later in the season, on Dec. 7, the Colts players, including tight end Dallas Clark, placed orders for theirs.
The Saints dropped their final three games of the regular season, finishing 13-3, but Makkar said he wasn’t concerned.
“It’s hard to go 16-0,” he said. “They had some injuries and they had already made the playoffs so they rested some guys so I wasn’t really surprised.
“But they shot back pretty good in the playoffs. It was all strategy by the coaching staff.”
But no matter what happens on Sunday, Makkar said he’s already overwhelmed with how the season has shaken down for the Saints.
“It’s already a great achievement,” he said. “This was their first NFC Championship and if they won their first Super Bowl it would be the icing on the cake.”"

If you would like to increase your athletic performance and be the best athlete that you can be contact our Sun City Cosmetic Dentist Office today.

Source: http://www.trurodaily.com

Posted in Cosmetic Dentist Arizona, neuromuscular dentistry, Pure Power Mouthguard, Saints Super Bowl Win | No Comments »

Does you Phoenix Dentist office accept my insurance? How can I pay for better teeth?

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Patients need to know what type of payment plans are available so they can make the best choices for themselves. While our office is not a HMO or PPO provider (except Delta Premier) we can help you file with your insurance companies plan.

We want to giver you the best dental care available as soon as possible. We strive to make your investment the most affordable that we can.

The payment for your visit are due at the time of the treatment. Cash is always accepted but we know that cash is not an option for some patients so we offer a few different payment options for you, our valued patient.

We offer the following plans:

Monthly Payment Plans
1) 3, 6 and 12 month interest free accounts, no payment required at time of service, easily established, and can be used repeatedly for future treatment.

2) For need beyond 12 months, payment can be extended up to 5 years at a competitive interest rate, easily established, and no payment required at time of service. To apply, click Here for Chase Health Advance and Here for Springstone

Cash Discount
1) 5% reduction on amounts over $200 if paid in full with cash, check or credit card.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Are Veneers The Right Choice For You? | Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Veneers can help our patients get that perfect smile that they have always wanted.

Have you ever looked at people with veneers and wish that you could change any aspect of your smile? Porcelain veneers aren’t just for Hollywood stars anymore. You can enjoy the benefits of veneers also.

The technology of veneers is very innovative.

They can be placed on all of the patients teeth or just the most visible ones. Veneers can last up to 20 years if they are taken care of but can crack or chip just like the original set of teeth. They are more resistant to plaque and stains but this does not mean you should take any less care of them than your other teeth.

If you are interested in veneers there are different payment options and credit lines to help more and more of our patients to be able to makeover their smile.

To find out more about your options contact our friendly and knowledgeable Phoenix Cosmetic Dental Office today at Desert Smiles.

Source: http://www.seniorfitness.com

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Durathin Veneers (High Quality Alternative to Lumineers by Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Durathin veneers are a non-prep technique which has been popularized by advertising of Lumineers you may have seen on TV or in print advertising. These are US made and not outsourced to China as much dental laboratory work is these days to cut costs. We will never compromise quality at DesertSmiles. Only 20% of patients have a situation that can be treated entirely with a no-prep technique without seriously compromising results. But we are doing more hybrid cases where as many teeth as possible are left unprepared and those requiring preparation are treated as conservatively as possible. For more information about Lumineers and non-prep alternatives by Glendale cosmetic dentist Dr. Don Wilcox, visit our smile gallery at www.DesertSmiles.com. For the finest in Glendale and Peoria sedation and implant dentistry, or Arizona snoring and sleep apnea treatment visit our Glendale cosmetic office DesertSmiles.

Posted in Before and after cosmetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentist Arizona, durathin veneers, veneers | No Comments »

Total Smile Makeover with Implants, Porcelain Crown and Veneers by Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox

Friday, March 5th, 2010

These two pictures do not appear to possibly be the same person. After orthodontics, implants were placed where teeth were missing and porcelain crowns and veneers were placed for a total smile makeover. A laser tissue lift allowed teeth to be a more pleasing length. These are the cases that make being a Phoenix cosmetic dentist like Dr. Wilcox extremely satisfied. For more information about our Glendale implant and dental sedation office visit www.DesertSmiles.com. For the latest in Arizona guided implant surgery by Dr. Wilcox call 602-978-1790.