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Archive for April, 2009

Dental Crowns at Harris Dental in Phoenix

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

Dental Crowns at Harris Dental in Phoenix Dental crowns have been used in dentistry for over 2000 years. There is evidence that the Etruscans experimented with crowns on teeth using ivory and bone as early as 700 B.C. By 200 A.D., they began using gold crowns to construct artificial teeth. Ancient Egyptians fashioned tooth replacements out of seashells and then hammered them into their gums (Oral sedation, anyone?).

Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. With the refining of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry advanced significantly.

Today, crowns are strong, comfortable and are made to match your surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns (also called caps) cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are cemented in place. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to restore the original shape of a tooth or solely to improve the appearance of a tooth.

The most common types of crowns are:

  • All-porcelain (ceramic)
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal
  • Gold

The material used is determined by several factors. If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Dentist Dr. Joseph and Brian Harris at 602-955-8600. Harris Dental is located at 4444 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ in Phoenix. We have been serving clients in the Phoenix area since 1979. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.

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Total Tooth Restoration

Saturday, April 18th, 2009

Total Tooth Restoration Your face is always on display for others to see. You can’t hide it behind long sleeves or baggy jeans, and a hat won’t hide it away on a sleep-in Saturday.

Many lucky Phoenix residents who have received smile makeovers at Harris Dental believe their dazzling new smile brightens their whole face. Some professionals have corrected tooth problems prior to beginning a search for new employment.

A beautiful smile is essential to a polished appearance. Cosmetic dentistry is not just for people in the public eye, it is for anyone who desires a youthful looking smile.

Teeth whitening is quicker and more popular than ever. Some of our Phoenix cosmetic dental clients invest in total teeth restoration because they have always been self-conscious about chips, gaps or crooked teeth.

Cosmetic dental treatment may consist of dental bonding, dental implants, dental bridges, orthodontics, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening or a combination.

If you are unfamiliar with the latest materials and procedures, see smile makeover expert Dr. Joseph and Brian Harris for a cosmetic dental consultation. Some transformations are completed in just one visit! And don’t forego a new smile because you are afraid of dental treatment. Nervous Cosmetic dental clients can wake up to a new smile with oral conscious sedation.

It is never too late to get a movie-star smile!

Harris Dental
4444 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
602-955-8600

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Overbites And Underbites in Phoenix

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Overbites And Underbites When the upper part of the jaw and the lower part of the jaw are not the same size, bite problems can occur. When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the reverse is true, it is called an underbite. Another related alignment disorder is called a crossbite. Crossbites occur when lower teeth are in the wrong position. They may be incorrectly positioned sideways, forward or backward.

Malocclusion (literally ‘bad bite’) is the term used for all types of bite problems including overbites, underbites and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders can cause a range of problems and often prohibit proper chewing and/or swallowing. Teeth can shift around in the mouth, causing even more discomfort or difficulty. Gum disease and tooth decay are also harder to prevent because proper oral hygiene can be difficult with a malocclusion. TMJ disorder can develop over time. Distorted facial shape and unattractive teeth are often the most noticeable and troubling issues for those affected.

Fortunately, there are a variety of effective treatments for bite problems. If you suspect your child has a bite misalignment, it is especially important to have them examined as early as possible. By starting early, you can make sure they avoid years of pain and self-consciousness.

Call Harris Dental at 602-955-8600. Dentist Dr. Joseph and Brian Harris, DDS is experienced in diagnosing bite disorders in patients of all ages. We can create a successful treatment plan for you. We also perform porcelain veneers and dental implants for Phoenix and Queen Creek area dental clients.

-Harris Dental

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Wisdom Teeth And Your Phoenix Dentist

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Wisdom teeth are the last of the molars (grinding teeth) to erupt from the gum. They usually appear in the late teens and early twenties. Not all people develop these teeth while others have from one to four.

Though some people never experience any problems with these extra molars, many times Wisdom teeth can create serious dental complications. If the wisdom teeth do not have the room to develop and erupt normally, they are referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth may never emerge from the bone and gum, emerge only partially, or come in sideways. Impacted teeth can damage the adjacent molar, cause infection or trigger gum disease. Sometimes these problems cause no noticeable symptoms for a period of time. To prevent these serious complications, wisdom teeth are often removed.

Wisdom teeth symptoms include pain when opening mouth, gum swelling, bad breath, and pain when chewing. These indicators can be constant or intermittent.

To learn more about wisdom teeth extraction, call 602-955-8600 to schedule an exam at Harris Dental. Our friendly and accommodating dental team can recommend the best course of treatment.

Harris Dental

Providing comprehensive dental care for Phoenix and Queen Creek area families since 1979.

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Phoenix Dental Emergencies

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Phoenix Dental Emergencies Many people will experience at least one tooth emergency in their life. You could break a tooth playing a sport, accidentally dislodge a crown, experience sudden pain caused by an abscess or break a wire on your braces. In the case of a dental emergency, see your Phoenix dentist as soon as possible!

Following are some immediate treatments:
Broken Tooth: Save any tooth fragments. Rinse mouth with warm water. If the area is bleeding, apply a piece of gauze. A cold compress held on the cheek can reduce swelling and lessen pain. Visit your Phoenix dentist as soon as you can.

Lost Filling: Save the filling if you can. It can help your dentist determine why it came out. Do not let food get stuck in the hole left by the filling. Do not chew on the tooth. Brush it gently. Call your Phoenix dentist’s office to schedule an emergency appointment right away.

Displaced Crowns: If there is pain, you may apply a dab of clove oil with a Q-tip to the affected tooth (a common home remedy that may reduce pain). Save the crown. If you can’t see your Phoenix dentist immediately, you can apply dental cement (available at drugstores) or denture adhesive to temporarily re-attach the crown until you can get to your Phoenix dentist. Do not use other types of glue or adhesive.

By visiting your Phoenix dentist as soon as possible, you avoid pain, infection and possible further tooth damage. If you delay treatment, even for a few days, you risk needing more extensive treatment later.

For dental emergencies in and around Paradise Valley, call Dr. Joseph, Brian, Eric or Scott Harris at Harris Dental. Our phone number is 602-955-8600

We Absolutely Love What We Do and You’ll Feel It Every Time You Visit!

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Oral Conscious Sedation

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Oral Conscious Sedation Some people experience severe anxiety when undergoing dental treatment. With oral conscious sedation, it is possible to relax during dental procedures instead of being tense and fearful. Oral sedation dentistry, relaxation dentistry, conscious sedation and anxiety-free dentistry are all terms used to describe this type of treatment. In addition to alleviating anxiety, oral conscious sedation can help patients with a variety of conditions.

You may want to consider oral conscious sedation if you have any of the following issues:

  • Strong gag reflex
  • Fear of needles
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Fear and anxiety associated with dental treatment
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A history of negative dental experiences
  • Trouble controlling body movement due to Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Palsy or related condition
  • Need extensive dental treatment requiring lengthy dental visits

If you have avoided dental treatment due to any of these factors, give us a call at 602-955-8600. We can give you more information about sedation options and help you determine which one is right for you. At Harris Dental we do all we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We look forward to discussing your oral health and dental goals.

Serving Phoenix dental patients since 1979.

We Absolutely Love What We Do and You’ll Feel It Every Time You Visit!

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Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Cosmetic Dentistry Options Have you thought about upgrading your smile? Cosmetic dentistry offers many exciting possibilities.

The quickest and least invasive procedure is light teeth whitening. The results are dramatic and teeth whitening side effects are minimal.

If your teeth are slightly crooked, but require no orthodontic work, porcelain veneers could be the answer. Porcelain teeth veneers are translucent, wafer-thin covers that are permanently attached to the front of teeth, correcting chips and stains. Prepless veneers do not require the removal of tooth structure.

If your teeth are more than slightly crooked, it’s not too late for braces. Patients of all ages are undergoing orthodontic treatment and achieving fantastic results. The newest braces are less noticeable, more comfortable and bring teeth into alignment much faster than old-school metal braces.

Has gum recession caused the metal base of an old crown to be visible? Soft tissue grafts and dental crown replacement can correct this problem.

Are you missing one or more teeth? One of the best tooth replacement options is dental implants. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

Can you envision yourself with a dental makeover?
Call Harris Dental at 602-955-8600 to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options.

Drs. Joseph, Brian, Eric & Scott Harris, DDS
http://www.HarrisDental.com

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Posted in Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns, dental implants, porcelain veneers, restorative dentistry, sedation dentistry, teeth whitening | No Comments »

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