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Dental Anesthesia: You Can Relax in the Dentist’s Chair

October 14, 2014

76132811Does the thought of going to the dentist send chills down your spine? Have you, in fact, not seen a dentist in who knows how long because of that fear? Well then, dental anesthesia is made for people like you. With dental anesthesia, also known as sedation dentistry, the dentists at Smile Fitness Dental Centers in Phoenix, AZ and Peoria, AZ, can have you relaxed for most any dental procedure you require.

Dental anesthesia keeps your body calm and your mind at ease while dental work is safely performed. Usually during dental anesthesia, you are not unconscious or asleep. In fact, the dentist will be able to talk to you, checking to make sure you’re okay or asking you questions. Throughout your appointment, the dentist and staff will monitor your condition under anesthesia.

The Types of Dental Anesthesia

At Smile Fitness Dental Centers, there are two options for dental anesthesia. The first is nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas. With this, a small mask is placed over your nose. As you inhale the measured mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, you will quickly feel your body relax. The dentist will control the amount of sedation you receive, and the affects wear off in a matter of minutes once the mask is removed.

Alternatively, or sometimes in conjunction with nitrous oxide, the dentist can prescribe an anti-anxiety medication that you take prior to your appointment. This medication will make you drowsy, but you’re not likely to fall asleep. In this case, you will need someone to drive you to your appointment and back home at the end of your treatment.

All of us at Smile Fitness Dental Centers want your visit to either of our offices to be as comfortable as possible. With dental anesthesia we offer comfort, compassion and as always the best in dental care.

Call Our Office Today

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, then call the Phoenix, AZ, or Peoria, AZ, office of Smile Fitness Dental Centers today and ask about dental anesthesia. We also conveniently serve patients in Paradise Valley, Sun City, Tempe, Glendale and Scottsdale.

Pediatric Dentistry: Thumbsucking Dental Concerns

September 29, 2014

174994145Thumbsucking is a natural reflex in children. Some babies even discover thumbsucking in the womb. Thumbsucking can make them feel secure and soothe them as they to fall asleep. Older children may continue to suck their thumbs or fingers because of exhaustion, boredom or to relieve stress and anxiety. After a child’s permanent teeth erupt, thumbsucking can cause problems with the alignment crowding, crookedness and bite problems. However, the intensity and duration of the thumbsucking determines the potential for damage. To prevent permanent damage, thumbsucking should be addressed by the time that permanent teeth arrive, which is around age six. Make an appointment for your child to see the family dentists at Smile Fitness Dental Center. Smile Fitness Dental Center serves patients of all ages throughout Glendale, AZ, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Sun City, Peoria and Paradise Valley.

Addressing Thumbsucking in Children

The damage of thumbsucking could include abnormal alignment of teeth, known as a malocclusion, as well as damage to the structure of the roof of the mouth. If they passively rest their thumb in the mouth, it doesn’t do as much damage as aggressively sucking the thumb. To get your child to stop sucking their thumb you can try the following:

  • Give child praise for not sucking their thumb
  • Focus on relieving anxiety and providing comfort
  • For an older child, involve them in choosing the method for stopping
  • Try putting a bandage on the thumb or a sock over that hand to break the habit
  • Use positive reinforcement to reward children for not sucking their thumbs as opposed to negative comments when they do engage in the behavior, which may only increase the stress and sucking
  • It can take about 30 to 60 days for children to let go of the urge to suck their thumbs
  • Involve your dentist

Pediatric Dentistry and Thumbsucking Help in Glendale, AZ

It’s important to start bringing your child to the dentist when their baby teeth arrive around age one. The dentists can help you address any dental concerns you may have for your children including thumbsucking, cavities and dental hygiene. Make an appointment to visit Smile Fitness Dental for your child’s pediatric dental needs. Smile Fitness Dental Center serves families throughout Glendale, AZ, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Sun City, Peoria and Paradise Valley.

Get a Bright White Smile Just in Time for Summer!

July 10, 2014

shutterstock_156648317Summer is a time to spend with family and friends, hanging out at the pool, going on vacation, and enjoying togetherness at backyard barbecues and parties. Is your smile ready for summer? With a full menu of cosmetic dentistry services to help your smile look its best, the doctors at Smile Fitness Dental Centers can make sure this summer is your most exciting and beautiful yet!

Teeth Whitening in Glendale and Phoenix

One of our most popular cosmetic dentistry services is professional teeth whitening. Even years of deep stains and yellowing can be lifted in less time than ever before with our selection of teeth whitening treatments, allowing you to show off your smile with complete confidence all summer long. Because we know that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution to cosmetic dental issues, our doctors offer two different kinds of teeth whitening treatments: in-office whitening and take-home whitening.

In-Office Teeth Whitening:

For patients who want to see a brilliant smile in no time at all, we offer Zoom! Teeth Whitening right here in our comfortable, welcoming office. Simply sit back and relax as the light-activated Zoom! Whitening gel removes stains caused by tea, coffee, red wine, tobacco, and even certain medications. You’ll leave our office in about an hour with lustrously white teeth and a happy, confident smile.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening:

In-office teeth whitening isn’t for everyone, so we offer a convenient alternative that is still just as effective at brightening your smile by multiple shades. With take-home teeth whitening, you’ll simply apply the gel that we provide using custom trays that are shaped to fit your dentition exactly. After about two weeks of daily use, you’ll see your ultimate results: a bright white smile that looks as fantastic as you’ll feel!

Schedule Your Visit Today

Whether you have a big event coming up and you want to be sure you look your best or you’re simply looking to give your smile a boost for summer, Smile Fitness is here to help! Contact our offices in Glendale and Phoenix to schedule your teeth whitening appointment today. We can’t wait to show you what a difference our cosmetic dentistry services can make in your smile. We also happily serve patients from throughout neighborhoods in the surrounding areas, including Scottsdale, West Phoenix, Peoria, and beyond.

Implant Supported Dentures: A Preferred Restorative Method for Replacing Missing Teeth

June 20, 2014

Shutterstock Senior Couple Hug SmileDentures have been a trusted solution to missing teeth for many, many years, allowing men and women to eat a healthful diet, speak clearly, and smile with friends and family comfortably. Today, modern dental technology makes it possible to secure dentures with more stability, promoting a more natural feel and appearance than ever before. At Smile Fitness Dental Centers in Glendale, AZ and Phoenix, AZ, our doctors offer a variety of restorative dentistry procedures, including dental implant supported dentures.

Benefits of Implant Retained Dentures

Traditional dentures can slip and move around in your mouth when you are speaking, often resulting in embarrassing social situations and discomfort. Some patients experience a clicking sound as their dentures wobble and slip. Fortunately, dentures can now be secured with dental implants, allowing denture wearers to feel more comfortable and confident in their smile and bite.

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw bone and gum tissue. These implants serve as replacements for the roots of your natural teeth. When the implants have fused with the bone of your jaw and the gum tissue has healed, a set of customized dental prosthetics – such as a full set or one arch of dentures – can be attached. There is no longer any need for natural suction or denture adhesives because your prosthetic is firmly secured to your gums by the implants.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with our doctors and staff to see if you are a potential candidate for dental implants. We look forward to helping you achieve the radiant, healthy, and comfortable smile you’ve always wanted with implant retained dentures and other restorative dentistry procedures. Our two offices in Glendale and Phoenix, AZ happily welcome patients from around the nearby communities, including Scottsdale, Peoria, West Phoenix, and more.

What You Need to Know About Impacted Wisdom Teeth

May 15, 2014

shutterstock_149966333Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are teeth that typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 in patients who develop them at all. For some people, wisdom teeth fail to erupt properly, becoming impacted within the gum and jaw bone. In cases in which impaction causes discomfort, pain, infection, or problems that affect other teeth, extraction may be deemed necessary. Your local Phoenix and Glendale dentists offer comprehensive general dentistry services, including wisdom tooth extraction for patients suffering from impaction.

Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When a wisdom tooth grows at an odd angle relative to the jaw, the back of the mouth, or the second molar, it can become impacted and cause improper alignment of other teeth throughout the mouth. An infection can result, particularly in cases in which the tooth erupts partially through the tissue of the gum. Removing impacted wisdom teeth can help to prevent complications in the future, including gum disease, abscesses, and infections of the bone tissue that comprises the jaw.

For some people, wisdom tooth extraction is not necessary. The teeth either don’t develop or they grow in perfectly normally with no ill effect on other teeth. Your general dentist in Glendale and Phoenix can explain to you the particular details of your unique case following a consultation, an exam, and x-rays.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you suspect that you are suffering from impacted wisdom teeth or if you simply have questions regarding oral surgery in general, contact us at our Peoria and Phoenix and talk to our experienced, highly trained doctors today. We also proudly serve patients in nearby communities in Scottsdale, North Gateway Village, North Mountain Village, Glendale, and beyond. We look forward to becoming your partners in your journey toward lifelong oral health.

Understanding and Treating Sleep Apnea and Snoring in Phoenix and Peoria

April 23, 2014

Shutterstock Sleep Apnea SnoringDo you or your partner have trouble sleeping because one of you struggles with excessive snoring? Loud snoring isn’t only a common nuisance that can disrupt your sleep; it may be an indication of an underlying problem that warrants medical attention. Sleep apnea, for example, is a health condition that can lead to a variety of seemingly unrelated problems, including persistent daytime fatigue. At your local family dentist’s office in Phoenix or Peoria, you can get the information and help you need to effectively manage snoring and sleep apnea.

The Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment

When a person suffers from sleep apnea, their breathing is interrupted numerous times throughout the night while they sleep. This leads to low blood oxygen levels, a problem that has been linked to several health concerns. The list of potential complications associated with untreated or poorly managed sleep apnea includes:

  • High blood pressure
  • Behavioral problems in children and teens
  • Chronic fatigue during the day
  • Increased risk of atrial fibrillation
  • Higher risk of congestive heart failure
  • Heart disease
  • Liver problems
  • Complications following surgery

Fortunately, sleep apnea can typically be treated relatively easily with help from your caring, experienced Peoria and Phoenix dentists. A customized oral appliance, often called a snore guard, can reposition your lower jaw in a way that allows for unobstructed airflow while you sleep. Many studies have shown that this comfortable, non-invasive sleep apnea treatment method is more effective than surgery. Your dentist will assess your individual case and recommend the therapy or treatment that best suits your condition and your lifestyle.

Sleep Apnea Therapy in Phoenix, AZ

If you suspect that you or someone in your family is suffering from sleep apnea, contact your local Phoenix, AZ and Peoria, AZ dentists to find out more about your treatment options. We also happily welcome families from throughout the surrounding areas of North Mountain Village, Scottsdale, North Gateway Village, and beyond.

Keep Your Child’s Smile Shining Brightly with Family Dental Care in Phoenix, AZ

April 7, 2014

Shutterstock Little Girl at DentistYou want all the best for your children, from a quality education to the healthcare they receive from their pediatrician. Your little one’s dental care is just as important, building the foundation for a long and healthy life filled with beautiful, happy smiles. At your local dentist’s office in Phoenix, AZ and Peoria, AZ, your child’s oral health and hygiene are top priorities that deserve only the closest attention and best care.

Children’s Dentistry in Phoenix and Peoria

While you do everything you can to maintain your child’s oral hygiene at home, his or her smile still needs the advanced touch of a dental professional to ensure optimal health. Beginning at the age of about two or three years, your son or daughter should begin visiting the dentist for regular check-ups every six months. During these visits, we’ll inspect every tiny tooth for signs of decay or other damage, as well as the delicate tissues of the gums. We’ll also assess the growth of the jaw to ascertain proper development.

If we do discover any issues, including cavities, our caring experts will discuss with you the methods best suited to correct the problem. To prevent tooth decay before it becomes a serious concern, our dentists may recommend fortifying fluoride treatments and/or sealants. These visits also offer a great opportunity to talk with your child’s dentist about ways you can make home hygiene more engaging and fun. When your child loves taking care of his or her teeth beginning at an early age, you can be sure that their future will see many happy, healthy smiles.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment Today

Whether your little one is due for a check-up or you have questions about his or her oral health, we are here to help. Contact your local dentists in Phoenix, AZ and Peoria, AZ today to reserve your appointment. We look forward to serving you and your family!

Avoid Future Health Problems with Periodontal Disease Treatment Today

January 20, 2014

Shutterstock Health Body PerioIf you’ve noticed that your gums are sensitive, bleed when you brush, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, you may be affected by periodontal disease. Don’t worry, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, current statistics show that approximately 80 percent of our country’s population has some form of gum disease, though the majority are unaware of it. Treating periodontal disease now can actually help protect against a number of other, potentially more serious, health problems in the future.

The Importance of Periodontal Health

Though best known as the number one cause of adult tooth loss in America, gum disease also contributes to a number of other serious health complications. Some of the other medical problems associated with untreated periodontal disease include:

  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
  • Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
  • General hypertension
  • Preterm birth and low birth weight infants in women with periodontal disease
  • Coronary artery disease

Problems like these are the result of an infection that begins in the oral cavity and spreads to the rest of the body via the blood stream. If detected early and treated properly, though, gum disease can be completely eradicated, returning the patient’s oral health to normal and reducing the risk for these types of problems.

Restoring Oral and Overall Health

Finding the right kind of periodontal therapy for your unique case doesn’t have to be a challenge. Contact your local dentists in Phoenix and Glendale for more information about how gum disease treatment can help you maintain your overall health today. Our office also welcomes patients from West Phoenix, Peoria and the surrounding areas.

Get the Flawless Smile of Your Dreams with Porcelain Veneers

January 3, 2014

Shutterstock Veneers coupleYour smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If your teeth are cracked, yellowed or unevenly spaced, chances are that you often find yourself hiding your smile from others. You may feel self-conscious or even embarrassed in social interactions. Fortunately, there is a solution to cosmetic dental problems like these, and it’s simpler than you might think: porcelain veneers.

Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?

Also called dental veneers, porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant layers of tooth-colored porcelain that fit perfectly over the front surfaces of your teeth. You care for them the same way you do your natural teeth, brushing daily and maintaining regular visits to your dentist for checkups. In the majority of cases, the entire process can be completed in just two office visits, making porcelain veneers the quickest and most efficient solution to a variety of dental flaws. Some of the most common problems corrected with porcelain veneers are:

  • Crooked or otherwise misaligned teeth
  • Gaps between teeth in the smile zone
  • Yellowing and discoloration that resists professional whitening
  • Chips and fractures in the enamel
  • Misshapen teeth or teeth that are too small
  • Excessively “gummy” smiles

Using only the latest in cosmetic dentistry technology, porcelain veneers are customized to fit your unique dentition. The result is a beautifully uniform smile that looks natural and restores your self-confidence in practically no time at all.

Transform Your Smile with Veneers

Contact your local dentists in Glendale and Phoenix today to find out how simple it can be to get a brilliant new smile with porcelain veneers. We look forward to rejuvenating your look with exceptional cosmetic dentistry services. We also welcome patients from West Phoenix, Peoria and more.

Teeth Whitening Can Help Your Smile Sparkle

December 16, 2013

shutterstock_108324938It’s a common misconception that healthy smiles will always look bright and clean. In fact, there are several factors that are completely out of a person’s control that can negatively affect the appearance of their smile, including age, genetics, and certain medications. What can you do to improve the appearance of your smile, though? For people in the professional workplace, a beautiful smile can be a truly valuable asset, implying success, confidence, youth, and much more. Thankfully, your local dentists in Phoenix and Glendale have the solution: teeth whitening.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Do you have an important event coming up, like a wedding or a graduation? For fast, dramatic results, in-office teeth whitening is your best option. With the help of the Zoom! gel and a special low-heat light, we can effectively get rid of even deep stains and restore brilliance to your smile. Best of all, it only takes one hour-long appointment!

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Would you prefer to see a more gradual change to your smile? Do you simply feel more comfortable undergoing treatment in the comfort of your own home? Take-home teeth whitening could be a better choice for you. Your local dentists can provide you with some custom-made trays designed specifically to fit your smile, as well as a supply of professional strength teeth whitening gel. All you need to do is wear both together for a predetermined amount of time each day. Most patients see results after only one application, with the most dramatic changes occurring after around two weeks of use.

Contact your local dentists in Phoenix and Glendale today if you have any questions about teeth whitening, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment! We can’t wait to give you something to smile about. We also serve the areas of Peoria, West Phoenix, and beyond.

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