Restorative Dentistry

Sep15

Think You May Have A Cavity?

Dental health Restorative Dentistry

white dental fillings Phoenix

Hello Phoenix friends of Harris Dental! Teeth take a lot of tender, loving care. And even when we do our best to practice daily dental hygiene, bacteria can still sneak in and cause tooth decay – the common cold of oral health. At Harris Dental, we have been filling cavities for years and would be happy to take care of any cavities or other dental problems you are experiencing.

Few individuals go their entire life without getting a cavity. Unfortunately for some children, a cavity is the first health problem they experience in childhood.

Cavities are caused when bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque.

Plaque then clings to your teeth and the acid in the plaque starts to dissolve the enamel. The result is a hole in your tooth which can also be accompanied by pain.

Because of how quick and effective dental fillings are, they are one of the best options to correct a cavity. At Harris Dental, Dr. Harris uses top-of-the-line instruments to examine the size and severity of the cavity and then identify exactly what type of filling is required. We offer white fillings that are as durable as old-school metal fillings and match your teeth precisely.

Once a decision is made on what filling you’ll need, Dr. Harris will carry out the required preparations for the procedure. When a filling is completed the right way, it can last for decades! That’s why we are sure the treatment is done with precision.

A filling isn’t a “set it and forget it” treatment. A tooth that has received a filling still needs to be properly cared for because decay can develop in the surrounding tooth structure if bacteria is allowed to flourish.

Checkups are a key part of caring for your teeth and there’s no better place to receive checkups than at Harris Dental. We have a comfortable, state-of-the-art office and a friendly, professional staff! That’s why so many individuals in Phoenix have trusted us with their teeth since 1979.

Contact Harris Dental:

480-428-0040

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

4444 N 32 St Ste 208
Phoenix, Arizona
85018

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Jun30

Your Dentist Does a Lot More Than Fill Cavities

Cosmetic Dentistry Restorative Dentistry

Bad Breath Treatment Phoenix

Most men and women know that they can go to their dentist for toothaches, cleanings, and bleeding gums (not to mention cosmetic dentistry procedures such as a smile makeover), but there are some lesser-known oral concerns that your dentist can help you with.

Dry mouth treatment

Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva and can be quite uncomfortable. It also predisposes dental patients to a host of dilemmas such as decay and gum disease. A lot of individuals experience dry mouth because of medications or medical conditions. Make sure you bring a list of current medications with you to your appointment.

Bad breath treatment

Bad breath is usually a result of bacteria build-up in the mouth, and regular trips to your dentist can help you keep your mouth clean and the bacteria count within a sweet-smelling range. Do you have good oral hygiene and still have bad breath? Then your dentist can help you discover the source of your halitosis.

Jaw issues

Jaw clicking and jaw discomfort are symptoms you should have checked immediately. They can be signs of serious oral issues.

Treatment for snoring

Did you know that some dentists can help with chronic snoring? Some kinds of sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance.

Oral cancer checks

Dentists also perform oral cancer checks when they examine a patient. Oral cancer is much harder to treat if it is not detected early.

Teeth grinding treatment

Your dentist may also be able to help you with teeth grinding. Nighttime teeth grinding can damage enamel and cause severe headaches.. If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night—make an appointment for an examination.

Your dentist may also create custom sports mouthguards. If you or your child participates in a contact sport, a custom-fitted mouthguard.

Your dentist does a whole lot more than fill cavities. Dental professionals are essential members of your healthcare team.

Contact Harris Dental:

480-428-0040

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

4444 N 32 St Ste 208
Phoenix, Arizona
85018

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Apr28

Are There Drawbacks to Dental Implants?

Dental Implants Restorative Dentistry

tooth implants Phoenix

  • Are tooth implants too expensive?
  • Are dental implants unsafe?
  • Are dental implants experimental?
  • Is the surgery painful?
  • Does it take a long time to recover?

The answer to all of these is No.

Let’s talk about it.

Dental implants are an investment in a better lifestyle

Dental implants aren’t cheap. We understand that. But you get so much more than a titanium post and porcelain crown or denture.

You get the ability to chew steak and raw vegetables. You gain self-confidence. You preserve the shape of your face. You prevent your teeth from shifting after an extraction. You avoid embarrassing dentures slipping around in your mouth.

Permanent dental implants are a safe, mainstream dental procedure

In healthy patients who are good candidates for the treatment, teeth implants have a success rate of around 98%. They have been used for decades.

Are you contemplating getting a permanent tooth implant? At Harris Dental, we only recommend surgery for people who are good candidates. This helps us maintain a nearly 100% success rate.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million Americans have received implants.

If you get a permanent tooth implant this year, it could last the rest of your life.

Dental implant surgery has very little pain and patients usually recover rapidly

Our dental implant patients are generally surprised after they get their implants placed.

“Wow! That was no more painful than a filling.”

“Have you finished already? I didn’t even feel it.”

“That was oral surgery? It only took a few minutes.”

After dental implant surgery, you may experience:

  • Minimal pain at the implant site
  • Minimal bleeding
  • Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks

These effects should subside after a few days. Ibuprofen usually takes care of the pain. Ice packs used on the outside of the face can assuage swelling. Call our office if these symptoms persist.

At Harris Dental, we want to share trustworthy information about teeth implants. There are too many myths floating around. It’s sad that incorrect information can prevent people with missing teeth from improving their lives with implants.

If you have questions about dental implant procedures, get your answers from an expert. Dr. Harris has been providing the highest quality dental service since 1979.

Contact Harris Dental:

480-428-0040

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

4444 N 32 St Ste 208
Phoenix, Arizona
85018

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Apr21

Implants Prevent Denture-Related Health Problems

Dental Implants Restorative Dentistry

tooth implants Phoenix

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of adults over 65 have no remaining teeth. Many men and women with missing teeth or no teeth at all choose dentures. This is understandable. It’s challenging to eat and speak with no teeth in the mouth. And a toothless mouth is not an attractive look for anyone.

13 Problems With Dentures

1. Dentures usually fit properly at first, but the mouth changes as you age. Normal wear and tear take their toll. Eventually, the dentures will need to be relined or replaced. But even quality dentures that fit properly cause issues, both physical and mental.

2. The human body is designed to have teeth that are anchored in the jaw. But dentures move around in the mouth.

3. Ill-fitting dentures can irritate gums and cause inflammation. Inflammation often causes additional health conditions.

4. Dentures can change a person’s bite which impacts the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. This, in turn, can bring about pain in the face, neck, and head.

5. Dentures trap bits of food. This can result in gum disease. Partial dentures can increase the risk of decay in the remaining teeth.

6. Dentures can make food taste different or mask the taste entirely. This can result in inadequate nutrition.

7. Some individuals with dentures start eating smaller meals which can lead to weight loss.

8. Dentures can take pleasure out of eating. This can affect emotional health. (Enjoying a meal is often the best part of the day, don’t you agree?)

9. Inadequate calorie consumption lowers energy levels. This influences the power to work, travel, and participate in hobbies and recreational activities.

If you are retired, you should be able to enjoy your golden years to the fullest. If you are working, you should be able to enjoy your career to the fullest.

10. Dentures hobble chewing capacity. Many denture wearers stop eating nuts, high-fiber foods, and raw vegetables. All of these are part of a healthy diet.

11. Reduced chewing power can cause the denture wearer to swallow bigger chunks of food. This often causes digestive problems. It also increases the risk of choking.

12. Dentures can interfere with speaking. When speaking ability is diminished, some people avoid social situations and are at a greater risk for depression.

13. Missing teeth eventually result in bone loss. When the jaw no longer has tooth roots, it shrinks and recedes.

We can explain these conditions in detail if you come in for a no-pressure consultation.

Dental Implants Prevent (All Of!) These Problems

Since this is the blog for the best tooth implant in Phoenix, you know where this article is going. It may sound far-fetched, but dental implants can enable you to avert each one of these health ailments. The wonders of modern dentistry!

Why Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?

Can you place a value on physical and mental well-being?

Dental implants may be the best investment you make when it comes to health and happiness. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Harris.

Contact Harris Dental:

480-428-0040

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

4444 N 32 St Ste 208
Phoenix, Arizona
85018

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Apr15

3 Smart Smile Solutions

Dental Implants Orthodontics Restorative Dentistry

smile makeovers Phoenix

In today’s message, we will concentrate on three innovative procedures used in smile redesigns.

1. Tooth Implants
Tooth implants are changing the face of dentistry. For most patients, a dental implant is an optimal solution for a missing tooth. A dental implant is a metal (usually titanium) rod implanted into the bone to replace the missing root of a tooth that has been extracted. The crown and supporting structure are securely attached to the post.

When the final crown is affixed, the dental implant is indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Dental implants have many vital advantages over dental bridges. If you are missing teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Harris to learn more.

2. Invisible Braces
Invisible braces allow you to straighten your teeth discreetly because it is nearly impossible to see them while they are being worn. There are a couple of different types of invisible braces including Damon Braces and Invisalign clear aligners.

3. White Fillings
If you had decay in the past, you may have old amalgam fillings. White fillings match your surrounding teeth, significantly improving your smile without crowns.

Harris Dental has been providing quality dental care since 1979. We look forward to meeting you. Call us today at 480-428-0040 .

Contact Harris Dental:

480-428-0040

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

4444 N 32 St Ste 208
Phoenix, Arizona
85018

 

Read More