Family Dental Care in Scottsdale

Choosing family dental care in Scottsdale can be a daunting task; however, it is a decision that is important for you to spend time on, as finding an excellent dentist will help to ensure the maintained oral health of you and your family. Many individuals, however, do not know how to begin their search to find family dental care in Scottsdale. To help you start you search, here are a few things you should consider when choosing a new dentist.

Consider Experience

Choosing a dentist is something that one should take even more care in doing than when choosing any other type of physician, as oral health has been found to be linked to the health of one's entire body. For this reason, when researching dentists in Scottsdale, be sure to review the credentials as well as the years of experience of that dentist. A reliable dentist should be willing to provide potential patients with this information. Choosing a reliable dentist will help to ensure you family's continued oral health.

Find a Dentist That Fits Your Family

What many people are not aware of is that not all dentists specialize in family dentistry. Maintaining the oral health of children, and being able to work with children, takes a certain level of expertise that not all dentists have. This makes it vital that when you are researching dentists, you search for a facility that has experience working with families so that you can ensure the health and comfort of your entire family.

Insurance

Finally, when you are looking for a new dentist, it is imperative that you consider your insurance coverage. While a dentist may at first look like a perfect match for you and your family, you may find out that they are not covered by your provider. It is thusly advisable that you consult your insurance company regarding your coverage at the beginning of your dentist search.

If you are currently searching for family dental care in Scottsdale, consider the dental professionals at My Scottsdale Dentist. Doctors Steven Poulos and Sid Stevens have close to 20 years experience providing family dental care to the Scottsdale area. Contact us to find out more about our facility, and to find out if our facility may be what you and your family are looking for.

Post Date: April 24, 2014

Gum Disease Dangers

Gum Disease Dangers

Here at the office of My Scottsdale Dentist we know the benefits of having healthy teeth and do all the right things to keep our patients teeth & gums in great shape, unfortunately there are those who feel, hey, they're only teeth.What these people don't realize is that studies find that periodontal (gum) disease may contribute to the development of heart disease, which is the nation's number one killer. Untreated periodontal disease may lower birthrates of newborns and gum infections pose a serious threat to anyone whose health is already compromised from diabetes.

Gum Disease and Artery Health

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without it and that diseased gums released significantly higher levels of bacterial inflammatory components, such as endotoxins into the bloodstream of patients with severe periodontal disease compared to healthy patients. Circulating bacteria can also impact on coronary artery disease. The walls of the coronary arteries can thicken due to the build up of fatty proteins. Often blood clots form in these narrowed coronary arteries and normal blood flow activity is obstructed. This depletes the heart of the nutrients and oxygen it needs to function properly. Scientist now believe that bacteria found in the oral cavity can attach these fatty plaques once they enter the bloodstream. Clinging to the heart walls, these bacteria may contribute to clot formation.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

When it comes to diabetes, gum disease cannot be ignored. The link between the two has been well documented. We have always known that diabetics are prone to more infections and heal slowly. Now studies find that periodontal disease may make a pre-existing diabetic condition worse. It has been shown that diabetics require less insulin once their gum condition has been treated. Since periodontal disease is a risk factor for the progression of diabetes, physicians should consider the periodontal status of their diabetic patients who have difficulty with glycemic control. Please stop by anytime to meet Dr. Poulos and his team of professionals here in North Scottsdale, AZ. To schedule an appointment or consultation call us at 1-800-651-8640 Today!

Post Date: April 23, 2014

Forget Your Fears With Sedation Dentistry, Scottsdale, AZ

If you've got dental problems, but you're afraid to be seen then Sedation Dentistry, Scottsdale, AZ is the answer you've been looking for. Something that sets a great dental office apart from the good or even okay offices is their commitment to patient comfort. That means treating you as a whole person, not just another tooth to fill. So what should you look for when finding the right dentist to help you get over your fears? An office that goes out of their way to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.

Consultations Are Important

Just like when you go in to tell your regular doctor what's wrong, you want to make sure you have the chance to talk to your dentist as well. That's why consultations are so important. When you go in for your first visit make sure you get time to talk to your dental team and let them know what issues you have, for example you're afraid of needles, or the smell of the room makes you anxious. Being honest about your fears will help them decide what type of sedation is best for you.

Sedation Options

Sedation Dentistry, in Scottsdale, AZ offers you a way to take care of dental pain, or cosmetic issues without having to suffer through the anxiety that the procedures can cause. There are many different types of sedation available including the well-known "laughing gas" professionally known as nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is used to help patients achieve an overall feeling of wellbeing and calm while the work is being done. Patients with more severe anxiety may require higher levels of sedation. Some of the more extensive sedation options include medication, such as Triazolam or even intravenous medications. When you are at your appointment the team will talk to you about all of the options available and help decide what will work best for you.

If you're ready to forget your fears, and get the smile you've always dreamed of, then it's time to reach out to a dedicated professional. We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning Sedation Dentistry. Don't hide your smile for even another day, instead contact us, we're ready to help.

Post Date: April 18, 2014

Family Dental Care in Scottsdale Services Patients of All Ages

Proper dental care is important for more than a beautiful smile. Your oral health can have an impact on your overall health as well. This means family dental care in Scottsdale should be used throughout an individual's life, starting from infancy.

The Youngest Patients

Many parents hold off on taking their child to the dentist for too long. In most cases, it is okay to wait until the first tooth breaks through, but starting dental visits early, typically by one year, allows a young child to become familiar and feel secure in receiving dental care. If you wait too long, your child could develop a fear of the dentist that can be difficult to break.

Children and Adolescents

Regular care throughout the childhood and adolescent years sets the foundation for lifelong oral health. Obtaining family dental care in Scottsdale will ensure your children have a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, many children need orthodontics and restorative procedures to give them a healthy smile.

Adults

When parents take the time to set a foundation in obtaining dental care early, individuals are more likely to continue visiting their family dentist on a regular basis. As you get older, your teeth may begin to experience even more problems. A quality family dentist can perform any number of procedures, including veneers, teeth whitening, implants and more, giving adults a younger-looking smile.

It is up to every family to seek proper family dental care in Scottsdale to give everyone the chance to smile and be proud. To ensure you give your family the best possible care, look for a family dentist who offers all the services you may need, both now and in the future. Your mouth will be glad you did!

If you are looking for experienced, gentle family dental care in Scottsdale, contact us. We offer all the dental services individuals may need to restore and maintain a happy, healthy smile.

Post Date: April 11, 2014

CDA offers tips to avoid dental emergencies

by Dental Tribune America

SACRAMENTO, Calif., USA: With parents and children enjoying the recreational sports and activities that typically come with warm summer weather, the California Dental Association is providing tips to avoid oral injuries and dental emergencies. Popular summer activities, like swimming, baseball and biking can increase the potential for injuries to the teeth and mouth.

Dental emergencies include teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), broken (fractured), or forced out of position (extruded or luxated).

These injuries are often painful but can be easily prevented by wearing a mouthguard, said pediatric dentist and CDA President-Elect Lindsey Robinson, DDS. To avoid other oral injuries, like a cracked tooth, refrain from chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy.

When dental emergencies do occur, CDA recommends keeping the following tips in mind:

If a tooth is knocked out, attempt to find the tooth and immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment. If found, carefully pick up the tooth by its crown and immerse in milk or a special media called Hank's Balanced Salt Solution. Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket this could cause further damage. If milk or solution is not available, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and place in saliva.

Getting to the dentist as soon as possible is key to saving a knocked out tooth. Often if it's within half an hour of the injury, it may be possible to re-implant the tooth, said Robinson.

If a tooth is broken, treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture but the mouth should be rinsed with warm water to clean the area and a cold compress applied to reduce any swelling.

Minor fractures can be smoothed by your dentist, restored with a composite restoration, or simply left alone. Regardless, a fractured tooth should be treated with care for several days. Moderate and severe fractures include damage to the enamel, dentin and/or pulp and should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible to determine proper treatment.

For injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, like tears, puncture wounds and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue, clean the wound right away and visit an emergency room for necessary suturing or repair. Reduce bleeding from a tongue laceration by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wounded area.

(Source: CDA)

Post Date: April 11, 2014

Emergency Dental Care in Scottsdale, AZ Can Save Your Smile

Emergency Dental Care in Scottsdale, AZ Can Save Your Smile

It's happened to many of us - you're eating a meal when you lose a tooth. Or worse, you have an accident where your teeth are broken or knocked out and you don't know what to do. While many people may seek help at the emergency room, this is not the best option. Not only is it expensive but when it comes to your smile, a dental professional is your best bet. Fortunately, you can find emergency dental care in Scottsdale, AZ and get it the very same day.

 

Even if your accident happens during the daytime, many people don't seek out a dentist for emergency dental care in Scottsdale, AZ because they believe that they'll have to wait to see a dentist. Many times this is true because most places don't make accommodations for emergency clients. However, My Scottsdale Dentist and Dr. Steve Poulos make it their specialty to see emergency patients and on the very same day. They are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to see if you if the worst happens and you need emergency dental care in Scottsdale, AZ.

 

We all hope that a dental emergency won't happen to us but just in case it does, keep in mind that we're here for you and can help you have a better chance of saving your teeth when the worst happens. If you want to know more about our emergency dental care services or anything else that we have to offer just contact us so we can help you.

Post Date: April 7, 2014

National Facial Protection Month

April is National Facial Protection Month

 

by Dental Tribune America

ROSEMONT, Ill., USA: Five of the nation's top dental associations want to remind young athletes to play it safe by wearing a mouth guard during recreational and organized sports this spring. Research estimates that about 2 percent of all children or adolescents who participate in sports eventually will suffer a facial injury severe enough to require medical attention.
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) are coordinating with the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) to promote National Facial Protection Month in April.
National Facial Protection Month strives to raise public awareness and remind parents/caregivers, coaches and athletes to play it safe while playing sports. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Policy on Prevention of Sports­ related Orofacial Injuries, sports accidents reportedly account for 10 to 39 of all dental injuries in children and are most often caused by direct hits with a hard object, such as a puck or ball, and player ­to­ player contact.
A properly fitted mouth guard is an essential piece of any athlete's protective equipment, saidDr. Paul Nativi, DMD, FASD, past president of the Academy for Sports Dentistry. Mouth guards protect the teeth from being knocked out, broken and displaced. Mouth guards prevent injuries to the bone and tissues around the teeth. They also help prevent injuries to the mandible (lower jaw) and temporomandibular joint in the jaw. Tooth loss incurs a tremendous financial, emotional, and psychological expense. Protect what you have wear a properly fitted mouth guard.
The dental associations offer the following tips to help prevent facial injury:
  • Wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports. Mouth guards are significantly less expensive than the cost to repair an injury, and dentists and dental specialists can make customized mouth guards that hold teeth in place and allow for normal speech and breathing.
  • Wear a helmet. Helmets absorb the energy of an impact and help prevent damage to the head.
  • Wear protective eyewear. Eyes are extremely vulnerable to damage, especially when playing sports.
  • Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin. Hockey pucks, basketballs and racquetballs can cause severe facial damage at any age.
Make protective gear mandatory for all sports. Athletes who participate in football, hockey and boxing are required to wear mouth guards. If mouth guards have been proven to significantly decrease the risk of oral injuries, why is it not mandatory in every sport for kids to be required to wear them?
(Source: ADA)
Post Date: April 7, 2014