Can You Name 9 Dental Specialties?

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Mesa Pediatric and Cosmetic Dentistry

Can You Name 9 Dental Specialties?

Most people probably know how a pediatric dentist differs from an orthodontist. But you may not know that there are multiple dental specialties. This post from Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ looks at the disciplines within dentistry.

Endodontics: This area focuses on dental pulp and periradicular tissues. If you need a root canal, you may require the services of an endodontist.

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.

Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children and teenagers.

Periodontics: This is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tissues around the teeth – the gums, that is.

Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dental treatments.

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: This specialty concerns diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.

Dental Public Health: This discipline focuses on the prevention and treatment of dental diseases, and promoting dental health through community effort.

At Harris Dental in Phoenix AZ we offer sleep apnea treatment, wisdom teeth removal, and implants. We’ve also provided referrals to patients from Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Mesa to specialists throughout the area. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

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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Is A Loose Tooth A Dental Emergency?

Dental health Emergency Dentistry

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When they are properly cared for, adult teeth can last a lifetime. If you get a loose adult tooth it is a sign that something is going on, and you should call us at Harris Dental in Phoenix right away.

There are a number of reasons why a permanent, adult tooth can become loose, some more serious than others.

  • Pregnancy. Higher-than-usual levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can result in a loose tooth. The ligaments and bone holding a tooth in place can actually loosen. It’s usually temporary, but don’t assume it is.
  • Osteoporosis. Our bones can become less dense as we age: not just the jaw, but throughout the body. If it happens in the jaw then teeth can become loose. It can happen to men and women, but is more common in women.
  • Trauma. An impact from a collision – in an auto accident or playing sports, for example – can result in one or more loose teeth. Teeth grinding can also be enough force to loosen teeth. Any injury to the mouth might cause this, and should be considered a dental emergency.
  • Gum Disease. Often the result of poor dental hygiene and the buildup of plaque and tarter, gum disease can be painful and also lead to loose teeth, and even tooth loss. It can be treated, but the sooner it is diagnosed the better the chances of a successful outcome.

All of these issues should be taken seriously. If you notice any of them, call us at Harris Dental in Phoenix immediately. People from Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Mesa trust our emergency dentistry and appreciate our lecture-free zone. Call for an appointment today!

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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Can You Handle A Dental Emergency?

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At Harris Dental, we hope you never experience a serious dental emergency. It’s important, however, to know what to do in such a situation. Here is a quiz on both dental emergencies and less urgent oral issues.

1. One of the wires on your braces breaks. What do you do?

a. Cut off the loose piece.
b. Put a piece of orthodontic wax on the end if it is irritating your tongue or gums. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to have it fixed.
c. If the wire has cut your gums, rinse with a solution of salt and water.

Both b and c are correct. If you don’t have a piece of orthodontic wax, you can use a cotton ball to cover the sharp end. If you cut off the loose end of the wire, you risk swallowing it.

2. Your five year-old falls off his bike, hits his face on the sidewalk, and knocks out one of his front teeth. What do you do before driving immediately to the nearest Phoenix dental office or Mesa ER?

a. Put the tooth back in the socket.
b. If the tooth is dirty, scrub it with a brush.
c. Put the tooth in milk.

The answer depends on whether it is a permanent tooth or a baby tooth. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it may be successfully re-implanted if done quickly. Make sure you only hold the tooth by the crown; never touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, being cautious not to brush off any tissue attached. It is best to reinsert the tooth into the socket. This may not be possible with younger children.

Because it is essential to keep the tooth from drying out on your way to your Mesa dentist or nearest Phoenix area emergency room, you can put the tooth in a cup of milk. Baby teeth should not be reinserted because it can potentially damage the emerging tooth.

3. You lose a filling and the tooth starts hurting. After
scheduling an appointment with your Phoenix dentist, what do you do in the meantime?

a. Save the filling.
b. Take an OTC pain reliever.
c. Put an aspirin on the tooth.

Both a and b are correct. Though your Phoenix dentist probably can’t use the same filling to repair the problem, it may reveal important information about the cause of the separation. Never put an aspirin on a tooth because the acid in it could irritate your gums.

4. One of your teeth suddenly darkens. What are the possible causes?

a. The nerve inside the tooth is damaged.
b. It is side effect of a medication you are taking.
c. Gum disease.
d. An infection.

The answer is all of the above.

For any dental emergency or other oral condition, call an urgent dental care office or Harris Dental in Phoenix. We have been providing quality dental care for Phoenix, Mesa, and Queen Creek residents since 1979. If you add our address and phone number (480-428-0040) to your phone contacts right now, you won’t have to search for it in the case of an emergency.

Harris Dental
Phoenix Location:

4444 N 32 St, Ste 208
Phoenix, AZ 85018
https://www.harrisdental.com/phoenix/

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Tooth Knocked Out? Call 480-428-0040 ASAP!

Emergency Dentistry Uncategorized

emergency dental Phoenix

It may sound like a catastrophe to many people, but having a tooth knocked out doesn’t always mean you’ll need cosmetic dentistry to correct your smile. If you can keep a cool head and remember a few simple instructions, chances are your tooth can be salvaged.

The vital thing for dental patients to do if they’ve had a tooth knocked out is to find the tooth, handle it carefully, and keep it in the best condition possible so their dentist can reinsert it properly.

Do not handle the tooth by the root, be careful to only touch the crown. It’s okay to gently rinse the tooth in water, but don’t scrub it or remove any tissue fragments from the tooth.

If it is possible, the prime place for the tooth to be held is back in the socket (placed there gently, of course). Holding the tooth between the lip and gum or under the tongue is good too, just be careful not to swallow. If neither of these is an option, place the tooth in a cup of milk.

Next, you’ll want to get to your dentist ASAP. Most teeth that can be reinserted by a dentist within an hour can be saved.

If you are looking for trusted dental care, give Harris Dental a call at 480-428-0040 . Perhaps your teeth and gums are healthy but you wish your smile was more attractive. We can help you there also with a smile redesign. Porcelain veneers, CEREC same-day crowns, dental implants, and orthodontics are all available to solve any cosmetic troubles you wish to have fixed.

Call us at 480-428-0040 immediately if you have a dental emergency!

 

Contact Harris Dental:

480-428-0040

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

4 locations in Mesa, Phoenix, Queen Creek, and Scottsdale
Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona

 

Read More

Can You Handle A Dental Emergency?

Emergency Dentistry

Phoenix after hours dental

At Harris Dental, we hope you never experience a serious dental emergency. It’s important, however, to know what to do in such a situation. Here is a quiz on both dental emergencies and less urgent oral issues.

1. One of the wires on your braces breaks. What do you do?

a. Cut off the loose piece.
b. Put a piece of orthodontic wax on the end if it is irritating your tongue or gums. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to have it fixed.
c. If the wire has cut your gums, rinse with a solution of salt and water.

Both b and c are correct. If you don’t have a piece of orthodontic wax, you can use a cotton ball to cover the sharp end. If you cut off the loose end of the wire, you risk swallowing it.

2. Your five year-old falls off his bike, hits his face on the sidewalk, and knocks out one of his front teeth. What do you do before driving immediately to the nearest Phoenix dental office or Mesa ER?

a. Put the tooth back in the socket.
b. If the tooth is dirty, scrub it with a brush.
c. Put the tooth in milk.

The answer depends on whether it is a permanent tooth or a baby tooth. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it may be successfully re-implanted if done quickly. Make sure you only hold the tooth by the crown; never touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, being cautious not to brush off any tissue attached. It is best to reinsert the tooth into the socket. This may not be possible with younger children.

Because it is essential to keep the tooth from drying out on your way to your Mesa dentist or nearest Phoenix area emergency room, you can put the tooth in a cup of milk. Baby teeth should not be reinserted because it can potentially damage the emerging tooth.

3. You lose a filling and the tooth starts hurting. After
scheduling an appointment with your Phoenix dentist, what do you do in the meantime?

a. Save the filling.
b. Take an OTC pain reliever.
c. Put an aspirin on the tooth.

Both a and b are correct. Though your Phoenix dentist probably can’t use the same filling to repair the problem, it may reveal important information about the cause of the separation. Never put an aspirin on a tooth because the acid in it could irritate your gums.

4. One of your teeth suddenly darkens. What are the possible causes?

a. The nerve inside the tooth is damaged.
b. It is side effect of a medication you are taking.
c. Gum disease.
d. An infection.

The answer is all of the above.

For any dental emergency or other oral condition, call an urgent dental care office or Harris Dental in Phoenix. We have been providing quality dental care for Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler residents since 1979. If you add our address and phone number (480-428-0040) to your phone contacts right now, you won’t have to search for it in the case of an emergency.

Harris Dental
Phoenix Location:

4444 N 32 St, Ste 208
Phoenix, AZ 85018
https://www.harrisdental.com/phoenix/

Read More