The Future of Dentures...

In an ABC News chat with American Dental Association President Dr. Timothy Rose back in 2004... Dr. Rose was asked the following question regarding dentures: (his response follows)

Q:
Will dentures be a thing of the past in the future? How can the average person afford the sophisticated treatments of today?

A:
Dr. Timothy Rose:

"Dentures hopefully won't be the treatment of choice in the future. Rather, I would hope that implant dentistry and the replacement of teeth will be the treatment of choice. Patients should understand that a denture does not last a lifetime, that it needs constant maintenance and will have to be replaced periodically. The advantage of implant dentistry, once the implants are in place and are integrated, they can be used for a lifetime.

Each patient should evaluate all of their treatment options based on factors to include cost, but not limited to cost alone. Some of the more costly procedures last longer, and over a moderately extended period of time, are more cost effective than some of the initially less costly procedures that have to be re-done more frequently."

Now, almost ten years later... we see how far implant retained dentures and tooth replacement technology has come. Learn more implant dentistry in Arizona from dental implant specialist Dr. Scott Connell.

Read the entire "Future of Dentistry" article here.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry...?

Tempe Arizona Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments... 

Cosmetic dentistry treatments currently in use include:


Inlays/Onlays: Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays made from porcelain or composite materials are a long-lasting yet cosmetic way to provide a “filling” to teeth with tooth decay or similar structural damage. Whereas dental fillings are molded into place within the mouth during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are created in a dental laboratory before being fitted and adhesively bonded into place by your dentist in Tempe.

Composite Bonding: Chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth may be repaired or have their appearance corrected using a procedure called composite bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel and dentin is applied into the cavity or onto the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured and hardened with a high-intensity light. The result is a restoration that blends invisibly with the remainder of the surrounding tooth structure and the rest of your natural teeth to create a healthy, bright smile.

Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea or red wine) or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.

Dental Veneers: Composite or porcelain veneer laminates that are adhesively bonded to the surface of a tooth to correct and repair chips and cracks will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older.

Smile Makeover: A smile makeover involves a comprehensive assessment of your smile esthetics in order to improve its overall appearance. Typically one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, gingival sculpting and teeth whitening, will be required for several teeth in both the upper and lower arches in order to achieve the look you want.

Full mouth reconstruction: While consulting with you about a smile makeover to primarily improve the esthetic appearance of your smile, your dentist may discover that there is a need to provide necessary treatment to correct functional problems with your bite, muscles, teeth and bone structure. If you need full mouth reconstruction, the materials available today make it possible for your dentist to provide you with durable, functional and clinically sound treatments that also look natural.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for Tempe, AZ residents who are unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people, we encourage you to visit our main website to learn about the various treatments available to beautify your smile.

Wisdom Teeth, Tempe AZ Dentist...

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Your mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth, on an average. It is painful when 32 teeth are trying to squeeze their way into an area designed to hold only 28. These four other teeth are called Third Molars, otherwise known as "wisdom teeth." Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the back of the mouth usually during your late teen years or early twenties. When the teeth align properly, gum tissue is healthy, and you are lucky enough to have the extra room for them, your wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. This is an exception to the rule though. In some cases, a wisdom tooth can become trapped under the gum and/or bone or even grow sideways. It can also become decayed, infected or cause the rest of your teeth to move out of place causing discomfort. Unfortunately, in most cases, extraction is necessary.

With an oral examination and x-rays, Dr. Connell can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be current or future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment of wisdom teeth result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral surgeon.

Wisdom teeth removal is a fairly common procedure at Valley Dental's Tempe dental studio. However, in some cases, the removal of wisdom teeth prior to eruption requires oral surgery. Dr. Connell has the skill required to remove impacted or un-erupted wisdom teeth and provides local anesthesia during the procedure.

If you live in the Tempe or Casa Grande area and have questions about wisdom teeth removal or other dental procedures, please feel free to contact Dr. Connell's office at 480-839-7996 or visit our website at www.valleydentaltempe.com.

Not Happy with Your Smile...? We Can Fix That...

There are many reasons that you may want to enhance your smile. Maybe you chipped a tooth some time ago and never took the time to have it repaired... or maybe you just want to adjust your smile to look your best. Whatever your reason is for wanting a better smile... we are here to help Arizona families look their best. We can design your smile and provide you with the most comfortable dental experience you have ever had.

You can smile brighter soon with our many available cosmetic dental treatments. Check out our website for more information for Tempe Arizona dentist Scott Connell DMD. Dr. Connell is well-known for his specialized skills in modern dental treatments like:

• Dental Implants Tempe Arizona
• Full or Partial Dentures Casa grande - Tempe
• Implant Supported Dentures in Arizona
• Dental Crowns or Caps in East Valley
• Dental Bridges Tempe Dental
• Full Mouth Restoration Arizona
• Same Day Dental Care East Mesa AZ
• Emergency After Hours Dentist in Tempe AZ