North Valley Family Dentistry's Services
Are you a new patient, please learn more about what to expect at your first visit.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Aging and stress can cause teeth to become chipped, worn, weak and discolored. The latest technology allows us to conservatively restore and strengthen these teeth back to their natural strength and beauty. If desired, we can also brighten your teeth for a more youthful, clean and healthy-looking smile.
Achieving the correct and beautiful smile that you see in the media can be easy and it can be difficult. The complexity of a smile involves the shape of your face, the shape and position of your teeth and the color of your teeth. This means that achieving that great smile can include minor tooth movement by an orthodontist, it can include laser reshaping of your gums and finally it will include the intervention of a skilled and experienced clinician to create the right smile for your face.
| Root Canal Therapy or Endodontic therapy is a sequence of treatment for the pulp of a tooth whose end result is the elimination of infection and protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. Although this set of procedures is commonly referred to as a root canal, this term is imprecise; root canals and their associated pulp chamber are the anatomical hollows within a tooth which are naturally inhabited by nerve tissue, blood vessels and a number of other cellular entities, whereas endodontic therapy includes the complete removal of these structures, the subsequent cleaning, shaping and decontamination of these hollows with the use of tiny files and irrigating solutions and the obturation, or filling, of the decontaminated root canals with an inert filling, such as gutta percha and a usually eugenol-based cement. After the surgery the tooth will be "dead", and if the infection is spread at apex - root end surgery is required. |
When something is difficult, we usually say it’s like pulling teeth -- but in reality, tooth extraction is a routine procedure that helps prevent more serious dental problems. The most commonly needed extractions are usually wisdom teeth, but dentists may also remove a tooth if it’s coming in at an angle, threatening the position of other healthy teeth or contributing to overcrowding in the mouth.
In some cases, a broken tooth may also need to be extracted, as well as teeth with significant decay that cannot be treated by a root canal. Patients with advanced gum disease may be considered for an extraction as well. In the end, removing one potentially harmful tooth can often spare you hours of future treatment.
Getting Ready
During your appointment, your dentist will typically use an X-ray to determine if an extraction is necessary. You’ll also be asked to go over your dental history, including any past problems with extractions, current medications and medical conditions. Be sure to be detailed and include any information that may be relevant.
What to Expect When You’re Extracting
To begin, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, jawbone and surrounding gums. Your dentist, or in some cases an oral surgeon, will begin to rock the tooth back and forth and rotate it to widen the socket for easier extraction. Because your pain receptors have been numbed, you’ll sense some dull pressure during this process, but shouldn’t feel any pain. When the tooth is fully detached, your dentist will remove it and cover the exposed gum with a small piece of gauze.
Take Care
After your extraction, your dentist or hygienist will explain how to ensure that you heal properly. In most cases, they will advise you to bite gently on your gauze for 30 minutes to an hour. It’s important that you follow their instructions exactly to avoid any further complications. Generally, these instructions will include:
- Applying ice to the jaw area if you experience swelling
- Continuing to brush, but avoiding the area surrounding the extraction
- Gently rinsing your mouth with water
- Taking an antibiotic or pain reliever, if needed
- Avoiding smoking or using a straw for at least 24 hours
You may also be advised to stay away from certain foods and any strenuous activity for the first few days. When cared for properly, your mouth should heal quickly, but contact your dental office if you feel any prolonged pain.
It may be hard to believe that one little tooth can make such a big difference, but getting a simple tooth extraction can help ensure that your teeth stay healthy, evenly spaced and toothache-free.
Crown lengthening is necessary when you have a broken or decayed tooth that requires a crown or bridge but the remaining piece of tooth is too short for placement and retention of the new prosthesis.
The treatment requires surgery to increase the amount of undamaged tooth structure necessary to support and retain the crown or bridge. The gum tissue can then establish a healthy seal to the root surface because there now is adequate space for the gum to attach to the tooth (this is referred to as adequate'biologic width').
Crown lengthening will provide you with the following health benefits:
- Increase in the length of tooth above the gum line so that a the crown or bridge can be attached and not 'fall off.'
- Enables the gum to form a healthy seal around the tooth which will minimise inflammation and prevent bone destruction.
If you choose not to have the treatment you face the following risks:
- Inability of your general dentist to install a satisfactory new crown or bridge.
- Your periodontal health may be compromised because the width of the gum supporting the tooth is inadequate.
- Your crown or bridge may 'fall-off' without warning.
- The gum tissue around the crown may become red and inflamed because of inadequate 'biologic width.'
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If you have one of the following dental problems a soft tissue graft may be the optimal treatment:
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The treatment involves: Surgical repositioning or replacement of soft tissue to establish a protective width of sturdy gum tissue.
A soft tissue graft will provide you with the following health benefits:
- A pleasant smile and which will improve your appearance and confidence.
- Your teeth will no longer have that long-in-the-tooth look.
- The health of your gum tissue will be restored, along with improved resistance to trauma, infection and additional recession.
- The root surface will be covered by the tissue graft decreasing the risk of root sensitivity and decay.
- Reduce further recession and bone loss
If you decide not to pursue treatment you face the following risks:
- Increased long-in-the-tooth appearance as the gum recession continues.
- Increased tooth sensitivity and pain.
- Less resistance to trauma, tissue damage and infection.
- Increased risk of root surface decay.
IV, Oral Sedation and Anti-Anxiety Therapy
If you are reluctant to go to the dentist, relax. The our caring staff will put your mind at ease. IV Sedation can change your life for the better! IV Sedation is the most advanced form of dental sedation. It is a combination of pain relieving and sedative drugs and can be used for any dental procedure. Dr. Rick Calabrese and the staff at our office provide comprehensive dental treatment in a safe, controlled and relaxed environment. Most commonly, oral sedation (usually in the form of anti-anxiety or "happy pills") is prescribed for relieving anxiety in the hours immediately before a dental appointment. An anti-anxiety or sedative-hypnotic drug is taken the night before the appointment, an hour before going to bed, can help with falling asleep and getting some rest.
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Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. Placing custom veneers requires a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. We place veneers routinely, and design each case individually to match and enhance the characteristics of each patient’s smile. |
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Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth. All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn't necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss. |
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Our office offers the most advanced technology available in dentistry today. Here is an example of just a few benefits you will receive as a patient in our practice.
- Digital Radiography -all of our operatories are equipped with digital xrays which means less radiation to you. Not only do digital xrays deliver up to 96% less radiation than traditional equipment, but the picture quality and capabilities to enlarge on our touch screen monitors, are better to.
- Intraoral Cameras -our office is committed to patient education, and as they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. From a fractured tooth, leaking filling, or an area of decay, with an intraoral camera, our patients have the ability to see what we see.
- Laser Dentistry
- Diagnodent Laser Caries Detection Aid
More and more patients place value on healthy and attractive teeth. In order to maintain them, the earliest possible care is essential. DIAGNOdent aids in the detections of caries. Even very small lesions are detected at the earliest stage, enabling you to protect and preserve the tooth substance. - Soft Tissue - Diode Laser
One of the major advances in technology is the use of a soft tissue laser. Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy is with laser technology our hygienists can go above and beyond the traditional scraping. We now deliver laser energy through a small optical fiber to clean pockets of infection that develop between the teeth and the gums. This therapy provides bacterial decontamination and stimulates healing in the gum tissue and bone that surrounds the teeth.- Is laser treatment safe? Yes. If the dental laser is used in according to accepted practices by a trained practitioner, it is as safe as other dental instruments. Dr. Boettcher and the hygiene team have received specific training and certification required by the Arizona State of Dental Examiners.
- Is any precaution necessary? You will be asked to wear special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser light beam.
- What are the Advantages of Laser Therapy compared to Conventional Therapy in Treating Gum Disease? Laser treatments may be more comfortable than treatment with conventional instruments. The gum tissue may be removed without bleeding and swelling because the powerful light beam seals blood vessels and nerve endings.
- The Diode laser used in our office has been cleared by the FDA.
- Diagnodent Laser Caries Detection Aid
Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
A variety of laser types have evolved with dental use potential. Lasers can now help doctors diagnose and treat conditions. Here are some of the major benefits associated with laser dentistry:
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Specific procedure types include:
- Benign Tumors: Dental lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of benign tumors from the gums, palate, sides of cheeks, and lips.
- Cavity Detector: Low intensity soft tissue dental lasers may be used for the early detection of cavities by providing a reading of the by-products produced by decay.
- Cold Sores: Low intensity dental lasers reduce pain associated with cold sores and minimize healing time.
- Crown Lengthening: Dental lasers can reshape gum tissue and bone to expose healthier tooth structure. Called crown lengthening, such reshaping provides a stronger foundation for a restoration.
- Muscle Attachment (Frenula): A laser frenectomy is an ideal treatment option for children who are tongue tied (restricted or tight frenulum) and babies unable to breast feed adequately due to limited tongue movement. A laser frenectomy may also help to eliminate speech impediments.
- Soft Tissue Folds (Epulis): Dental lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of soft tissue folds often caused by ill-fitting dentures.
- Gummy Smile: Dental lasers can reshape gum tissue to expose healthy tooth structure and improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
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Things like smoking, coffee, tea, wine and even the natural aging process can tarnish your teeth over time. But teeth whitening is the safe, effective way to give you the smile you've always dreamed about. In fact, it can make your teeth up to 14 shades whiter in less than an hour. Talk about great results! Advantages of Teeth Whitening
Procedure is performed by our dental professional. |
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Periodontal Therapy & Cleaning
Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone that hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, and may require extraction. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak; they also spoil your smile.
The Progressive Stages of Gum Disease
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In a Perfectly Healthy Situation, your gums appear pink and firm. There is no bleeding. A bacterial sample shows a healthy balance of normal bacteria. |
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In Early Gum Disease, your gums can appear nearly normal with some slight bleeding. Bacterial samples show an early presence of the "pathogenic" or abnormal bacteria. |
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In Moderate Gum Disease, the first signs of the destructive process are evident. In addition to puffy, bleeding gums, pockets form around the teeth and bacterial counts elevate significantly. |
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In Advanced Gum Disease, in addition to the previous symptoms, teeth may begin to loosen, pus may appear and the most destructive forms of bacteria are prevalent. |
Adults past the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal diseases is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily, and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
What are dentures? Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth typically made out of an acrylic resin which at times incorporate porcelain or metal for additional structural support. There are two main types of dentures. Both Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures are finely crafted, custom-fitted. If you properly maintain your dentures they will appear natural and provide a perfect smile. Additionally, dentures help strengthen muscles controlling your expressions that require the support of your teeth, rid you of pronunciation problems caused by missing teeth and aid with chewing.
Pediatric treatment and cleanings
We love kids! At North Valley Family Dentistry you can be rest assured that your child will have a relaxing, stress-free visit. Your child can pick their favorite movie or listen to their favorite music while having their dental treatment. Our team is devoted to establishing a relationship with you and your child toward optimum dental health that will last you and your family a lifetime. See you Links section for valuable articles
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit you. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you'll be proud of.
The convenience and ease of use of the Invisalign system have made it the choice of over half a million people. In fact, Invisalign has been effective in giving hundreds of thousands of people amazing new smiles. |
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Free Consultations and Complimentary Teeth Whitening with Invisalign treatment.
Comprehensive Oral Cancer Screening
ViziLite Plus as part of a comprehensive oral screening
Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it's caught early. That's why the ViziLite Plus exam has been developed. ViziLite Plus uses technology that has proven successful in identifying soft tissue abnormalities in other areas of the body. A ViziLite Plus exam is particularly important if you are at increased risk for developing oral cancer.
The ViziLite Plus exam can help our dentist or hygienist identify abnormal tissue, that might develop into oral cancer.
An annual ViziLite Plus exam, in combination with a regular visual examination, provides a comprehensive oral screening procedure for patients at increased risk for oral cancer. The ViziLite Plus exam is painless and fast, and could help save your life.
ViziLite Plus is performed immediately following a regular visual examination:
- First, you will be instructed to rinse with a cleansing solution
- Next, the overhead lighting will be dimmed.
- Then, your dental professional will examine your mouth using ViziLite Plus, a specially designed light technology.
About Oral Cancer
Most people are surprised to learn that one American dies every hour from oral cancer; a death rate that has remained virtually unchanged for more than 40 years. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall has decreased, the incidence of oral cancer has increased by 5.5% and the death rate has increased by 1.5%
Oral cancer is far too often discovered in late stage development, the primary reason for the consistently high death rate. Oral cancer treatment often results in disfiguring effects on patients, and can seriously compromise their quality of life. Early detection and diagnosis can make a tremendous difference in life expectancy; oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages, III and IV, leading to a five-year survival rate of 57%.
Does My Insurance Cover Oral Cancer Screening?
Dental Insurance might not cover this advanced oral cancer screening as an addition to the standard visual examination. North Valley Family Dentistry prescribes the ViziLite® Plus exam for all patients at increased risk, high risk and highest risk for oral cancer (adult patients 18 and older and tobacco users at any age). We will perform the ViziLite® Plus exam following the standard oral cancer examination of the oral cavity for a reasonable fee.
The Deadly Statistics
- Every hour of every day, one American dies of oral cancer.
- The mortality rate associated with oral cancer has not improved significantly in the last 40 years.
- The death rate in the United States for oral cancer is higher than that of cervical cancer, Hodgkin's disease, cancer of the brain, liver, testes, kidney, or ovary.
- More than 30,000 Americans will receive an oral cancer diagnosis this year. In five years, only 57% will still be alive.
- 27% of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol and have no other lifestyle risk factors.
Tooth Colored (White) Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are a safer and more attractive alternative to older silver amalgam fillings. By precisely matching tooth-colored composite fillings with the natural color of your teeth, a skilled cosmetic dentist is able to provide you with white fillings that are virtually invisible. The removal of amalgam fillings can provide patients with white fillings that provide a more pleasing, silver-free smile.
What are White Fillings?
White fillings are made of composite resin and serve to fill cavities just like silver amalgam fillings. However, white fillings are matched to the color of your teeth and are virtually invisible. Tooth-colored fillings have become more popular over the years. As the availability of white fillings has increased and the possible dangers associated with amalgam fillings have been publicized, more and more patients are having their cavities filled with beautifully white, tooth-colored fillings.
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Removing and Replacing Old Metal Fillings When a new cavity needs filling, the vast majority of patients now choose tooth-colored composite fillings. Many patients also opt for the removal of their amalgam fillings as well. Silver fillings tend to break down and wear out over time. A silver filling life span is usually about 10-15 years. After this time period, bacteria may leak into the small wear and tear cracks in the silver and cause decay underneath the filling. This decay does not always show up on an x-ray, until the tooth needs a crown. Patients may also want to enhance their cosmetic appearance by ridding their mouths of unsightly silver fillings and replacing them with tooth-colored composite fillings. This simple procedure is an easy way to make a big difference in your smile. |
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Mouth Rinses and Professional Breath Control
Mouth rinses are a great adjunct to optimal oral health. Many provide excellent antimicrobial properties that no only help fight plaque, but also help kill bacteria that cause gum disease. When choosing a rinse, try one that is alcohol free like The Natural Dentist, Breath Rx, or ClosysII. Alcohol containing rinses will actually dry out the mouth and could increase your risk for oral cancer.
Questions? Please ask us, we would be happy to help you find a rinse that benefits you.
All mouth rinses are not created equal. When looking to cover up a bad breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, look closer at the cause and let us help with a solution. There are two types of bad breath: transitory bad breath is caused by foods like garlic and onions that doesn't last very long, or chronic bad breath which does not improve over time. The "odor" of chronic bad breath results when bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue cause the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC's) in the form of hydrogen sulfides. The back of the tongue is the prime breeding spot for anaerobic bacteria that creates odor-causing Volatile Sulfur Compounds. This may be an ongoing problem requiring professional breath management. In addition to your dental hygiene care, an adjunct system our office uses for combating VSC's, is Breath Rx. Regular dental care is paramount to controlling bad breath, as halitosis will never disappear in the presence of periodontitis. Once periodontal contributors are controlled or ruled out, an effective daily oral hygiene program is simply the only way to control most cases of bad breath.
Talk with our doctors and our hygienists about how we can help you. Read Articles
Spa Treatments - Massages & Facials Touch of Europe Spa Studio by Magdalena Szkoda, Licensed Massage Therapist & Aesthetician is located within North Valley Family Dentistry. As a massage therapist, she likes to do deep tissue therapy, concentrating on specific muscles in neck, shoulders and lower back. As an aesthetician, she uses Eminence Organic skin care products from Hungary. The products use highest grade of fruits, vegetables, seeds, herbs and flower buds. Her facials last 90 minutes including exfoliation, extractions, face, neck, shoulder, hand, scalp massage and hydrating treatment. View Touch of Europe Spa Studio list of services. |
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