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Archive for the ‘dental implants’ Category

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Dental Implant Vocabulary

Monday, March 1st, 2010

When Phoenix residents choose to get dental implants, they may not always know what their dentists are talking about when they throw out terms like “osseointegration” or “bone graft.” Here are some important definitions to help you better understand your dentist when discussing dental implants.

Bridge: A bridge is a group of several artificial teeth that are connected to one another. If a Phoenix patient wants to replace or restore a group of teeth, the use of a bridge is usually recommended. This way several teeth can be attached to a smaller number of implanted roots.

Bone Graft: Occasionally a patient will not have enough healthy bone in his or her jaw to support dental implants. When this happens, the patient will need to receive a bone graft. It is a type of transplant, where additional bone (synthetic or natural) is surgically connected to the existing bone to create a more stable foundation for the implant.

Osseointegration: The prefix “osseo” means “bone,” so when we talk about osseointegration, we are referring to something—in this case a titanium screw—being integrated or included into a bone. Bone can grow so closely around titanium that they actually merge together. This is what makes your dental implants permanent.

Restoration: Sometimes when we talk about artificial teeth, we call them restorations. And that is essentially what they are: something to restore your teeth to their most beautiful state.

Titanium: Most metals do not fuse well with living bone tissue. Titanium does. In fact, it fuses so well that it effectively becomes a part of the bone that would be extremely difficult to remove. Titanium is an excellent material to use to create strong roots for individual restorations and bridges.

Harris Dental is proud of the quality implant dentistry work we have done for our patients in the Phoenix area, but don’t take our word for it, read what our patients have to say by visiting our testimonials page. Find out more about dental implants by calling Harris Dental in Phoenix today!

Posted in dental implants, restorative dentistry | No Comments »

Titanium Implants

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

In 1952, a Swedish professor named Per-Ingvar Brånemark made a scientific breakthrough that significantly changed the way Phoenix dentists install dental implants. At the time, Brånemark wasn’t thinking about dental implants at all; instead, he was attempting a study about blood flow in the bones of rabbits. He had placed small titanium devices into the femurs of several rabbits for the duration of his experiment. When he had completed his research, however, he discovered that he couldn’t remove the devices. After some close investigation and more experiments, he learned that living bones will grow so closely around titanium that the two substances practically fuse together. Brånemark called this phenomenon osseointegration. He quickly realized what kind of effect his discovery could have on the medical world, particularly in the field of dental implants. Up until this time, they had required extensive surgery and many Phoenix dentists considered them to be hazardous to their patients’ oral health. With the discovery of osseointegration (and the confirmation of this discovery by several independent researchers) dental implants became much safer and more permanent, and are now a standard part of most dental training curriculum.

At Harris Dental in Phoenix, patients still benefit from Dr. Brånemark’s research. When you receive new dental implants, your dentist will first take an x-ray to determine whether there is enough bone in the area to act as a foundation for the artificial root. This root is essentially a titanium screw which serves as an anchor for the restoration tooth, much like the roots of natural teeth do. Once the new root has had some time to heal and integrate with the bone, your dentist will attach a permanent replacement tooth or bridge of teeth to the titanium. Because the titanium root fuses with your existing bone, the replacement tooth will then be a permanent part of your smile.

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants | No Comments »

Nuts and Bolts of Dental Implants

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

When people in Phoenix lose a tooth or several teeth, they have a few options. They can leave the unsightly gap alone, they can fill it with removable dentures, or they can get dental implants. The most permanent and natural-looking option is dental implants. Rather than using an unreliable bonding agent to adhere false teeth to gums, dental implants are very similar to real teeth because they are permanently affixed to your jaw. They’re just made of titanium roots and porcelain caps instead of dentin and enamel! The unique properties of titanium make it an ideal material for making dental implants. When this metal is “grafted” into live bone, the bone grows so closely around it that the two are essentially fused together. Dental implants are used by Phoenix dentists as anchors for a single prosthetic tooth, a bridge with several false teeth, or even a full set of dentures.

Circumstances must be just right for dental implants to work. First, there must be sufficient bone in the jaw where the implant will be placed, and that bone must be fairly strong since it needs to both hold and support the implant. If the area is not strong or large enough, a bone graft could be used to supplement the existing bone. Next, the surrounding teeth, gums, and other tissues should be healthy in order to prevent complications. Finally, your Phoenix dentist will need to know if you ever grind or clench your teeth. Because these habits cause undue stress on your teeth and jaws, they could have a negative impact on your dental implants. If this could be a concern for you, be sure to discuss it with your dentist when you come to Harris Dental in Phoenix for a consultation.

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, restorative dentistry | No Comments »

Love Your Smile

Monday, December 28th, 2009

Many people in Phoenix think cosmetic dentistry is only for two groups of people: those with hideously disfigured teeth and those who are extremely vain. They couldn’t be more wrong! The idea of cosmetic dentistry is not to cater to the conceited or to make “ugly” people more beautiful, but to help every patient love his or her smile. Sometimes that means correcting a minor flaw in a single tooth; other times it means a complete dental makeover. Whatever the situation, there are many procedures the dentists at Harris Dental in Phoenix use to assist their patients in feeling more confident about their smiles.

The most common and least invasive procedure in the field of cosmetic dentistry is tooth whitening. This covers everything from cleaning stains off tooth enamel to lightening teeth by several shades. With several options to choose from, you can brighten your smile in whatever manner is most convenient for you. Some patients choose a take-home tooth whitening product, while others opt for a whitening procedure done at the dentist’s office. Either way, you can get exceptional results.

Veneers are another staple of cosmetic dentistry. Custom made veneers can be used to mask extreme discoloration, close gaps, and cover broken or chipped teeth. While some people choose to have veneers bonded to every tooth to completely change their appearance, most people get one or two veneers at a time to correct a minor misalignment or restore teeth that have been damaged.

Phoenix residents with serious dental concerns may be interested in another area of cosmetic dentistry: dental implants. These are an option for people with severely damaged, disfigured, lost or broken teeth, as well as for anyone who wants to dramatically change the look of their smile.

Regardless of the procedure used, cosmetic dentistry gives many people in Phoenix something to smile about!

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening | No Comments »

Use Flex Account Funds for Phoenix Dentistry

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Use Flex Account Funds for Phoenix Dentistry If you have money in your Phoenix flexible spending account you may want to schedule some cosmetic dentistry before the deadline. Remember, you lose any funds left over after the plan year ends. Why not improve your smile with tax-free dollars?

Even a small change can make a big difference in the appearance of your teeth. You might consider getting a veneer for a chipped tooth or replacing a broken crown. Maybe you want to straighten your teeth with braces or replace amalgam fillings with clear ones that blend with your natural teeth. Tooth whitening is quick and easy and benefits even the most attractive smiles.

Perhaps aesthetic dentistry is not your first priority. Maybe you have a more pressing dental need such as a cavity that is bothering you or swollen gums. Don’t let these problems get worse and possibly more expensive to treat.

Call 602-955-8600 to book a consultation at Harris Dental in Phoenix. We are located at 4444 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona.

Drs. Joseph, Brian, Scott & Eric Harris are some of the most sought-after Arizona dentists and they stay at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry techniques and technology. A radiant smile is possible for anyone in the Phoenix area, regardless of issues such as tetracycline stains, periodontal disease, or missing teeth.

If you are planning to use flex account funds for dentistry, make sure you check your employer’s guidelines for eligible cosmetic or restorative dental procedures.

With a smile makeover at Harris Dental, what will your ‘after’ photo look like?

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

Correcting Severe Dental Problems in Phoenix

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Correcting Severe Dental Problems in Phoenix Each separate restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedure performed in Paradise Valley can address a specific dental problem. For example, a porcelain veneer can perfect the surface of a tooth that is discolored or slightly misshapen. Dental bonding can fill a small chip in an otherwise healthy tooth.

Some Phoenix dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching totally transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures which remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade. That’s right: you don’t have to resign yourself to yellow teeth even if they have been that way your whole life! The natural shade of your teeth, by the way, like your skin and hair color, is determined by genetics.

Some Phoenix smiles have been gleaming for years by regular whitening. You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth just as you maintain your fitness level. (Of course it is a lot easier to make a quick visit to your Phoenix dentist once a year for whitening touch-ups than sweating in a gym several times a week!)

We live in an age where severe dental problems can be permanently corrected. You don’t have to participate in a TV makeover show in Hollywood to access these premium cosmetic dental procedures. They are available right here in Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale. Drs. Joseph, Brian, Eric & Scott Harris has the same advanced training and extensive experience as the dentists who keep the smiles of famous actors and musicians camera-ready.

Schedule a consultation at Harris Dental to discover the perfect combination of procedures to achieve your ultimate smile.  Our phone number is 602-955-8600.

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

Sedation Dentistry in Phoenix

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Sedation Dentistry in Phoenix Picture the following scenario: You are stretched out in a chair at your Phoenix dentist office holding a remote as you try to tune into your favorite Arizona radio station. A woman clips a paper bib around your neck. Someone switches on a bright overhead light and you see latex-gloved hands moving toward your open mouth. You close your eyes.

As you read this, does your heart start to race? Are your palms sweaty?

If so, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Oral sedation benefits nervous dental patients in Phoenix every day. Moderate sedation is used for all types of dental procedures such as root canals, dental implants, and wisdom teeth removal. If you are considering extensive restorative or cosmetic dental work, conscious sedation may allow your dentist to complete multiple procedures in a single visit.

Don’t let fear prevent you from getting the dental treatment you need. Schedule a visit with Harris Dental to learn about conscious sedation dentistry.

Dr. Joseph, Brian, Scott & Eric Harris DDS

Harris Dental
http://www.HarrisDental.com
We Absolutely Love What We Do and You’ll Feel It Every Time You Visit!

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

Aesthetic Dental Transformations in Phoenix

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Aesthetic Dental Transformations in Phoenix Many Phoenix professionals, students and retirees are enjoying the lasting benefits of aesthetic dentistry. A beautiful smile not only looks great, it makes you feel great! When you first look in the mirror in the morning while brushing those gleaming babies, you remember; oh yeah, I fixed my teeth and they look fantastic!

When you smile at old friends or make new ones, you are happy to show off your new movie-star grin. When you are in a professional setting speaking with colleagues or clients, you feel poised and super confident.

We have talked about different cosmetic and restorative dental procedures available in previous blog articles, but let’s review the most common.

Veneers are glass-like, wafer-thin covers that adhere to teeth. Porcelain veneers are strong and have the translucency of natural teeth. They correct chips, stains and misaligned teeth that do not require orthodontia. There are several companies that fabricate veneers. One of the most well-known brand names is Lumineers.

Crowns correct more extensive tooth problems. They are used in a variety of situations such as the final restoration following a root canal or to restore teeth damaged by decay, injury or periodontal disease.

Dental implants are one of the best fixes for a missing tooth. They are becoming a popular and effective alternative to bridges and partial dentures in Phoenix and Queen Creek, especially among middle-aged professionals and people in the public eye.

Bridges are another strong, natural looking replacement for one or more missing teeth. They have been used with success for many years.

Professional tooth whitening in your dentist’s office is the least invasive and quickest way to brighten your smile several shades. One of the most popular systems is called Zoom!.

If you are interested in any of these safe and effective procedures, schedule a consultation at Harris Dental today. Even if you are still a bit hesitant, remember: discussing your options with a cosmetic dentist does not require a commitment of any kind. It is merely a relaxed way to get the most reliable information.

We are waiting for your call. Harris Dental can be reached at 602-955-8600.

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Posted in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening | No Comments »

Creating Memorable Smiles at Harris Dental

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Creating Memorable Smiles at Harris Dental A smile takes but a moment, but the memory of it lasts forever. You can make your smile memorable and beautiful with a smile makeover at Harris Dental in Phoenix or Queen Creek.

Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term that specifies dentistry with an emphasis on aesthetics. Cosmetic dentists perform general dental procedures in addition to providing advanced cosmetic dental treatments. Phoenix cosmetic dentists have specialized training in the latest cosmetic dental procedures and techniques.

Harris Dental cosmetic dentists in Phoenix and Queen Creek are knowledgeable about the processes used to fabricate crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, braces and dental implants. Advances in ceramic and composite materials have boosted the popularity of cosmetic dentistry but these miracle materials are worthless without a skilled cosmetic dentist to incorporate them into a healthy and beautiful smile.

When designing a dental treatment plan for a patient, the client’s goals and expectations are discussed. The most skillful cosmetic dentists consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth. The Arizona cosmetic dental client’s age, health condition and lifestyle also influence the plan.

If you want to learn about the possibilities for your smile, call Harris Dental at 602-955-8600. We have created memorable smiles for many of your friends and neighbors in the Phoenix and Queen Creek area.

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

Affordable Phoenix Cosmetic Dentistry

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Affordable Phoenix Cosmetic Dentistry Will your Arizona dental insurance cover Phoenix cosmetic dental procedures? Many dentistry clients assume their dental insurance won’t cover any cosmetic dental procedures. This is probably true for tooth bleaching or first time dental bonding. However, many Arizona dental insurance plans and dental supplemental plans cover orthodontia and any treatment needed to repair damage from an injury. Medical insurance and worker’s compensation plans may also cover injury treatment.

Some Arizona dental insurance plans cover replacement porcelain veneers in certain circumstances. Check with your carrier for benefit specifics if you need replacement veneers due to deterioration. We can then discuss dental treatment options such as replacement veneers or porcelain crowns. When the work is completed, we may be able to help you submit your dental claim form if your plan requires one.

If you are in need of any kind of dental treatment; from a cleaning to major restorative work, come in to Harris Dental in Phoenix or Queen Creek. You can meet our friendly and accommodating team, undergo a thorough evaluation and discuss financing options. Even if you do not have Arizona dental insurance, let’s talk. Top quality Arizona dental treatment is a wise investment and may be more affordable than you think.

Dentists  Joseph, Brian, Eric & Scott Harris of Harris Dental have been proudly serving Phoenix and Queen Creek area residents since 1980. Harris Dental is a network dental provider for many Arizona dental insurance plans.

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Posted in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, porcelain veneers, restorative dentistry | No Comments »

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