Desert Smiles Blog
Archive for December, 2010
Causes of Cavities
Thursday, December 30th, 2010
Bacteria are constantly on the move in your mouth. While most bacteria are not harmful and are actually helpful, certain types can attach themselves to your tooth enamel and multiply into a colony if not removed. Proteins from your saliva will mix with these bacteria and create a whitish film on your teeth called plaque. This is what causes cavities.
Sugar and Cavities
Sugar plays the leading role in the formation of cavities. The bacteria that form together and become plaque use sugar as a source of energy. This allows them to multiply faster, resulting in plaque that grows in thickness and volume. Some of the bacteria even turn sugar into a glue-type substance that they use to stick themselves to your tooth’s surface.
To make matters worse, nerve fibers are not present in tooth enamel, so you can not feel when the acid is attacking your tooth enamel. Only after the acid has begun creating a cavity and attacks the dentin under the enamel will you feel tooth sensitivity or dental pain. By the time this occurs, you already have tooth decay.
By brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and maintaining routine checkups, including cleanings, your dentist can help identify the early stages of decay and stop cavities before they form. Do not wait until your mouth is painful.
If you live in the Glendale or Peoria, Arizona area and are searching for a qualified dentistry practice, please contact our Glendale dentistry office today to learn about the services we offer.
Posted in cavities, Education | No Comments »
One-Visit Root Canal
Monday, December 27th, 2010
There are several reasons that you may need root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy. The first and most common is infection, which is often the result of an untreated cavity. When decay erodes your tooth enamel until it reaches the root, this allows bacteria to infect the pulp of the tooth. The second reason is damage to the pulp, often from trauma or a fractured tooth, which cannot be fixed.
At Desert Smiles in Glendale, Arizona, Dr. Donald Wilcox DDS and his team of talented Glendale dentists can perform a one-visit root canal to restore your smile quickly and effectively.
About Endodontic Treatment
Traditionally, endodontic therapy was broken down into two or more appointments. Over the last few decades, new types of equipment and endodontic techniques have made their way into the dental marketplace. In many instances, the use of these new methodologies significantly enhances the efficiency with which Dr. Wilcox can perform treatment. These improvements have created the ability to perform one-visit root canal treatments without the need for long or multiple appointments.
Recent dental research has revealed that that nature of each individual case should dictate the approach. Many root canal cases are ideal for single-visit treatment, such as those where a portion of your tooth’s nerve tissue is still alive (or vital). There are, however, severe cases that still require multiple appointments, such as situations where the entire length of your root canal system harbors bacteria (necrotic teeth, retreatment cases).
If you live in Glendale or Peoria, Arizona, please contact the dentistry specialists at Desert Smiles to learn more about your endodontic treatment options.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Periodontal Health
Thursday, December 23rd, 2010
You cannot be healthy overall without good oral health, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Poor oral health can lead to infection in your mouth and gums (periodontal disease), tooth loss and an increased risk for heart disease. It can also inhibit your ability to chew and eat certain foods, which can lead to poor nutrition. Pregnant women with poor oral hygiene are at risk of having babies with a low birth weight. If you are diabetic, you may have a hard time controlling your diabetes and maintaining your blood sugar levels if you have poor periodontal health.
At Desert Smiles in Glendale, Arizona, Dr. Donald Wilcox DDS and his team of talented Glendale dentists want to make sure your mouth is healthy and your smile is beautiful.
Consequences of Bad Oral Hygiene
Oral problems that persist can result in lost time from work or school and high dental bills to correct problems. The most severe cases can result in death and disability from oral cancer. By maintaining good oral health, you can guard your mouth against countless diseases and conditions that can harm your self-esteem, enjoyment of foods and your overall health.
Here are some tips for good periodontal health:
• Brush twice daily
• Floss once daily
• Drink fluoridated water
• Refrain from using tobacco products (smoke and smokeless tobacco)
• Wear a properly fitted mouth guard during contact sports
• Limiting your intake of sugary foods and beverages
• Maintain routine checkups and oral cancer screenings
If you are looking for a talented, experienced dentist, please contact our Glendale dentist office today about our services and treatment options. Desert Smiles serves patients throughout Glendale and Peoria, Arizona.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
History of Dentistry
Monday, December 20th, 2010
The history of dentistry dates back to ancient times, when Egyptians created small holes where tooth roots were to drain abscesses. False teeth made of bone and ivory date back to 700 B.C., and the Greeks were performing tooth extractions around 400 B.C.
Desert Smiles in Glendale, Arizona, uses state-of-the-art technology to restore your beautiful, present-day teeth. Dr. Donald Wilcox, DDS has the expertise to give you the smile you have always wanted.
Dentistry in America
The history of dentistry in the United States began with Isaac Greenwood, the first native-born American dentist who began practicing dentistry in 1779. Greenwood designed George Washington’s famous dentures, which were carved from a hippopotamus tusk (not from wood, as the legend goes). The first dental college, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, opened in 1840, making the United States a leader in dentistry. This college provided a formal education to those who wanted to become the equivalent of a present-day Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
The American Dental Association was started in 1859 by a group of dentists who got together because of the lack of government regulation.
If you need restorative or cosmetic dentistry using modern technology, please contact the dentists at our Glendale dentistry office today to learn more. Desert Smiles also serves patients throughout the Peoria, Arizona area.
Posted in Education, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Not Your Grandparents Dentures
Saturday, December 18th, 2010
Dentures were once manufactured as a “one size fits all” dental appliance. The dentures that your grandparents may have worn were designed in several different sizes, and they had to pick whichever fit their mouth the best.
After applying messy adhesives to the gum-side of the denture plate, these dentures were fastened to the gum line, leaving users feeling less than secure. Unfortunately, these dentures would often fall out at inconvenient times, cause embarrassing popping sounds and create difficulties with eating and talking.
At Desert Smiles in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Donald Wilcox, DDS and his team of Phoenix dentists can create well-fitting dentures that allow you to live your life the way you would with your natural teeth.
Modern Dentures
Today’s dentures are not your grandparent’s dentures. They utilize the latest in dental technology and are custom designed to fit your unique mouth. This means that your dentures will look, feel and function like your real teeth. Modern dentures offer a pain-free and non-invasive solution for missing teeth, while creating an aesthetically pleasing smile. Partial dentures also offer a quick solution for one or more missing teeth that can be removed easily to clean.
If you are interested in learning more about modern-day dentures, please contact our Phoenix cosmetic dentistry office today to learn more. Desert Smiles also serves patients in the Peoria, Arizona area.
Posted in dentures | No Comments »
Activity after Sedation Dentistry
Thursday, December 16th, 2010
Before you undergo sedation dentistry, you must make sure there is someone to drive you home from the procedure. After your procedure, your driver may escort you home as it takes a while for the effects of the medication to wear off. A friend or family member should also be around for the next several hours in case you need assistance with anything, including walking.
It is very important that you drink plenty of water or juice. When the numbness has worn off, begin with soft and easily-digestible foods. Make sure to carefully review all your post-operative instructions for any directions unique to your situation.
Activities You Should Refrain From
The medicines Dr. Wilcox uses in sedation dentistry are designed to make you comfortable and unaware of your surroundings. Because of this, you will not be able to do the following activities until the day after your sedation dentistry procedure:
• Drive a car
• Operate machinery
• Climb a ladder
• Ride a bicycle
• Make important business decisions
• Make important personal decisions
• Any other activity that requires fully conscious awareness or judgment
The entire day of your sedation dental procedure will be spent in and out of sleep as you allow the sedation medications to wear off. You can resume your normal activities the following day.
If you fear the dentist and are in need of dental work, please contact the Scottsdale sedation dentists at Desert Smiles to learn about your options. We serve patients in the Scottsdale and Peoria, Arizona areas.
Posted in Before and after cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry | No Comments »
Famous People with Bad Teeth
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
Not everyone can be born with perfect teeth, even movie stars and rock stars. Many famous people undergo cosmetic dental treatment to correct imperfections, but some do not.
If you suffer from an imperfect smile, like some of the celebrities listed below, Dr. Donald Wilcox, DDS and his team at Desert Smiles in Phoenix, Arizona can give you the dazzling smile you have always wanted.
Here are some famous people with bad teeth:
• Tom Cruise: This A-list Hollywood superstar has been plagued with bad teeth his whole life. All of his teeth are pushed to the left, and his bottom teeth are a complete mystery.
• Morgan Freeman: This high-profile actor did not start his acting career until later in life, which might explain the state of his teeth. They are badly stained and his gums appear to be receding.
• Jon Heder: The Napoleon Dynamite star’s gummy smile went well with his character in the movie, but could benefit from braces, porcelain veneers or Invisalign.
• Daniel Radcliffe: “Harry Potter’s” teeth look good and straight from a distance, but their shocking yellow color could use a whitening treatment.
• Avril Lavigne: The young pop star’s teeth are very white and straight, but those vampire fangs are only attractive around Halloween.
• Mike Tyson: It would be a shock if the boxing champ had any original teeth left from so many years of fighting. However, his front gap is over-the-top and the gold teeth are atrocious.
If you would like to correct an imperfect smile, please contact the Phoenix dentists at Desert Smiles today. We also serve patients in Peoria, Arizona.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Sedation Dentistry vs. Sleep Dentistry
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
If you fear the dentist or have anxiety about certain procedures, sedation dentistry can create a more positive experience. Sedation dentistry involves sedative drugs to induce a relaxed state of consciousness. Sedation dentistry should not be confused with sleep dentistry, which uses a general anesthesia and leaves patients completely unconscious.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, Dr. Donald Wilcox, DDS and the sedation dentists at Desert Smiles in Scottsdale, Arizona can help you relax so that you have a pain-free and effective procedure.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry utilizes medications to alter your state of consciousness, causing you to become less anxious and more relaxed. This will allow you to feel calm and remember little, if anything, about your procedure. Sedative drugs may include sleeping pills, tranquilizers and or medications to reduce anxiety.
Sleep Dentistry
Sleep dentistry is a higher degree of sedation that utilizes anesthesia, making you unaware of the treatment that is being performed. The anesthesia will be administered intravenously, and your vital signs will be monitored during the duration of your procedure. Sleep dentistry allows Dr. Wilcox to perform complex or multiple procedures in one appointment.
If you live in Scottsdale, Arizona and are interested in sedation or sleep dentistry, please contact the Scottsdale sedation dentists at Desert Smiles to learn about your options. We also serve patients in the Peoria, Arizona area.
Posted in sedation dentistry, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Another Link Between Sleep and Heart Health Reported
Sunday, December 5th, 2010
If you visit the website of Phoenix snoring and sleep apnea dentist Dr. Donald Wilcox (www.DesertSmiles.com) you will find several articles and blogs relating the close association of heart problems and poor sleep due to insomnia, snoring and sleep apnea. In his latest blog (The Insomnia Blog) Sleep Doctor Michael Breus reports on a new study that adds yet another factor to how important sleep quality is to heart health.
Turns out that the new study from Emory University shows that poor sleep may worsen heart health by increasing inflammation. While inflammation is a normal physiological process and part of our immune system, when it runs amok it can wreak havoc on our cells and tissues, Dr. Breus reports. This can explain why inflammation can play a major role in heart health, as it can lead to restricted blood flow and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In the study those who regularly got the least sleep had higher levels of the famous C-reactive protein that is used as a bio marker for inflammation. Those with poor sleep quality had higher blood pressures. In addition, fibrinogen was higher in these subjects with poor sleep as well. If forms a fibrous mesh that slows blood flow, thus increasing blood pressure. The mesh quickens the time it takes for your blood to clot, which can cause a stroke or heart attack.
Snoring can be a major indication that you suffer from sleep apnea and all the heart complications listed above. Visit our Glendale dental sleep medicine center for snoring solutions and sleep apnea treatment alternatives to CPAP.
Posted in lower blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep problems, snoring, strokes | No Comments »
Phoenix Sleep Apnea Alternatives – Don’t Drive Drowsy During the Holidays
Sunday, December 5th, 2010
The statistics are frightening:
*Approximately one in every six fatal crashes in the US involves a drowsy driver.
*Ten percent of drivers surveyed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety admitted to falling asleep while driving their vehicle during the past 12 months.
*Drowsy drivers are involved in 1 in every 8 crashes in which somebody ends up in a hospital.
*Sleepers with mild sleep apnea are twice as likely to crash their cars.
Oral appliance therapy that we provide for Phoenix patients at our Glendale dental sleep medicine are the first line of treatment for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In more severe cases oral appliances can be used with CPAP to provide a life-saving quality of sleep.
If you snore, suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea, have hypertension, morning headaches, or daytime sleepiness, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and have a sleep test. It can be life saving.
If you are the least bit sleepy, do not put yourself or others in danger. A designated, sober and well rested driver is something to consider this holiday season.
For snoring solutions and CPAP alternatives in Glendale and Peoria Arizona visit www.DesertSmiles.com.
Posted in lower blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, Oral appliance therapy for Sleep Apnea, sleep apnea, sleep problems, Snoring and Sleep Apnea, Weight gain and sleep | No Comments »
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