Desert Ridge Smiles Blog

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

Posted on: April 11th, 2012 by DesertRidgeSmiles No Comments

You may have read the report linking dental x-rays to brain tumors, and may be concerned about your exposure to x-rays in the dental office. We understand your concerns at Desert Ridge Smiles, and want to decipher this study for you.

Dental x-rays are used in the diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions. We use them to evaluate and monitor problems such as decay and periodontal disease. Without x-rays, we are unable to see the full seriousness of the problem. In our office, we have upgraded our x-ray system to take digital x-rays, which have 80% less radiation than the traditional x-ray films used in the past.

The study linking brain tumors to dental x-rays is flawed in a few respects:

1) No scientific study. In this study, patients were asked to recall their history of x-rays, but their answers were not verified by their dental records. In my office, new patients do not always remember correctly when their last dental visit was, or how recent their x-rays were. We verify the actual dates from the previous dentist, and then take x-rays according to the recommended ADA guidelines. Patients are seldom accurate in their estimations of previous x-ray dates!

2) This study discusses exposure with film x-rays which were used predominately in the past. Digital x-rays are used in many offices today, and they reduce radiation exposure by 80%. Desert Ridge Smiles uses digital radiographs for all x-rays.

3) The study found a link with 4 bitewing x-rays, but no link with the 18 film full mouth series. If 4 x-rays show a link to meningiomas, logically, wouldn’t 18 x-rays show a much greater link? Researchers found no link to meningiomas for those who had taken full mouth series of x-rays. Interesting!

Dr. Otis Brawley, scientific director of the American Cancer Society said, “the strongest thing you can say about this study is that there is a suggestion of a link between dental x-rays and meningioma.”

Should you avoid dental x-rays? No, this would not allow your dentist to accurately diagnose and treat your dental problems. If you are concerned due to this recent report on dental x-rays, be sure you speak to your dentist. We at Desert Ridge Smiles are seeking for you to obtain optimum dental health as well as overall health. We most certainly would not want to contribute to any medical problems, and our use of proper guidelines ensures you are taken care of dentally, and medically at the same time!

The Staff at Desert Ridge Smiles 20950 N Tatum Blvd Ste 280 Phoenix, AZ 85050 480-860-4300

Tags: Caring for your teeth, children, Dental treatments, Dentist, Health, history, Oral/systemic link, Periodontal disease, Teeth, Wellness
Posted in Better Health, Children's Dental Health, Dentist, Mental/Spiritual Health, Periodontal Disease, Teeth | No Comments »

What is a Dental Emergency?

Posted on: March 19th, 2012 by DesertRidgeSmiles No Comments

What would prompt you to call a dental office for an emergency visit? There are a number of indications where a call to the dentist would be recommended:

Fracture of a tooth or crown
Crown loose or off completely
Pain and swelling with wisdom teeth
Sore areas involving dentures
Toothache
Cosmetic problem involving a front tooth
Swellings and sores in mouth

In order to determine what type of appointment to schedule you for when you call, be ready to answer a few questions, such as:

1) Location and duration of pain

2) Any medications taken to relieve pain

3) Is the tooth sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure?

4) Is there any drainage?

5) If a crown came off, is there anything inside of the crown?

At our office for patients of record, we try to get you in for an evaluation of your dental emergency within 24 hours, when possible. When this is not possible, we will refer you to appropriate specialists or refer you to urgent care for immediate evaluation of your dental emergency.

Dr. Elizabeth Fleming and The Staff at Desert Ridge Smiles 480-860-4300

Tags: Caring for your teeth, Crown, Dentist, Health, Inflammation, oral cancer, Oral/systemic link, Pain, Periodontal disease, Teeth, Toothache, Wellness
Posted in Better Health, Children's Dental Health, Dentist, Inflammation, Oral Cancer, Teeth | No Comments »

Dentistry & Oral Cancer

Posted on: February 9th, 2012 by DesertRidgeSmiles No Comments

With 35,000+ new cases of oral cancer diagnosed in the US every year, mostly in stage 3 or 4, dentists will be the key to earlier evaluation and treatment of oral lesions. Earlier diagnosis could increase the current survival rate of 50% fatality within the first 5 years of diagnosis. Having a celebrity spokesperson like Michael Douglas, who was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer, will certainly make people more aware of the problem of oral cancer.

Though there are common risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol usage, prolonged exposure to the sun, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables, the current findings are also linking Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted virus, in up to 50% of oral cancers. These behaviors can increase your risk of oral cancer, but even if you are not in a high risk category, you should consider getting an oral cancer exam by your dentist regularly. We would prefer to get a diagnosis at an earlier, more treatable stage, than the more commonly diagnosed stages of 3 or 4. We recommend an oral cancer screening exam once/year, for all patients over age 18.

The oral cancer examination is a simple one. We look for changes or abnormalities in the tissues of the mouth, face and neck. These can be red or white discolorations, sores that do not heal, lumps or bumps, or changes in feeling, such as numbness, pain or tenderness. Frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, floor of mouth, soft palate, tissues of the lips, gums and back of tongue.

There are adjunctive devices that may also be used in addition to the visual exam, such as Vizilite, Identafi, or Velscope. These use tissue reflectance, autofluorescence or a combination of the two. If we do find a suspicious looking lesion, we will reevaluate the area in 10-14 days, a normal time for trauma and innocuous areas to heal. If it is still present at the reevaluation appointment, we will send you for a biopsy of the lesion.

Dentistry has traditionally been concerned with the treatment of disease. It is now evolving into a profession that is also concerned with a patient’s wellness. There are 150,000 dentists in the US who can screen patients to help with the early detection and improved patient outcomes in the area of oral cancer. Get your oral cancer exam at your dental office today!

http://youtu.be/6mCZhLPYeZY

Elizabeth J Fleming and the staff at Desert Ridge Smiles 480-860-4300

Tags: alcohol, Dentist, Habits, Health, HPV, Identafi, Michael Douglas, oral cancer, Oral Cancer exam, Oral/systemic link, smoking, Velscope, Vizilite, Wellness
Posted in Better Health, Dentist, Diet, Oral Cancer, Periodontal Disease, Stress, Teeth | No Comments »

Making It Happen in 2012

Posted on: January 2nd, 2012 by DesertRidgeSmiles No Comments

Do you plan, set goals, make resolutions every year to make the new year better than the last? Good for you! You are creating a vision, which will enable you to work at changing things to achieve a better result.

Did you know that the simple task of writing down your goals makes them more likely to happen? Or that doing the same old things, the same old way, will achieve the same old results? 2012 is the year to shake things up, go along a different path, make some different routines!

One of my goals has been to find balance in my life, with the constant tugging from work, family, and spiritual needs, in addition to finding the time for rest and relaxation. It is a challenging goal, but I found it’s okay to say, “No”, when my plate gets too full, which has been a liberating experience.

2011 was a tough year. I implemented many changes within my practice, learned to stand up and be heard, and not to be derailed, even after hearing negatives a time or two. The ultimate outcome? Lots of goals reached in 2011! It was hard work, but the rewards are outstanding!

Set your goals, believe in yourself, work hard, and make it happen in 2012!

Elizabeth Fleming, DDS and the staff at Desert Ridge Smiles 480-860-4300

Tags: 2012, goals, Habits, Health, new start, new year, Resolutions
Posted in Better Health, Dentist, Local Community, Mental/Spiritual Health, Stress | No Comments »

In My Neighborhood

Posted on: December 16th, 2011 by DesertRidgeSmiles No Comments

If you are in Arizona, you may have heard rumblings about the Centennial happening this February 2012. One of my patients, Lisa Schnebly Heidinger has put together the Official Book of the Arizona Centennial, which is a wonderful perspective of the history of the state.

Lisa is a descendent of pioneers of Arizona, so knows about Arizona history. (Her great-grandmother was who the town Sedona was named after.) When she brought this book into our office at her last visit, I was awed by the beauty of this book, and how it was artfully arranged by year. What a great gift for Arizona lovers! I promptly bought 2 books, one for me, and one for my mom, an Arizona native who remembers the cable cars in central Phoenix, and Indian School Road being the northern end of town.

If you are looking for that last-minute holiday gift, or something to commemorate the upcoming 100th year anniversary of our statehood, be sure to check out Lisa’s book: Arizona 100 Years Grand. You will be glad you did!

Dr. Elizabeth Fleming & the staff at Desert Ridge Smiles 20950 N Tatum Blvd Ste 280 Phoenix, AZ 85050 480-860-4300

Tags: 2012, Arizona centennial, Arizona statehood, book, February 14, history, lisa schnebly heidinger
Posted in Local Community | No Comments »

Need a quick “pick-me-up”? Try whitening your Teeth!

Posted on: November 8th, 2011 by DesertRidgeSmiles 6 Comments

The Holidays are coming! What better way to brighten your smile, than with a quick bleaching of your teeth!

There are a few different techniques that can be done to accomplish whiter, brighter teeth. Are you a do-it-yourself person? Then over-the-counter bleaching strips or take home whitening kits may be the answer for you. The main difference between OTC strips and Professional strips from the dental office is in the concentration of bleach. The stronger the bleaching solution, the quicker the whitening is accomplished. The professional strips offer the highest concentration of bleach, so will give you the biggest bang for your buck. The cost ranges from $40-99.

There are also bleaching toothpastes, rinses and gum that propose to whiten your teeth, but remember the bleach is most effective when in contact with your teeth. In these OTC forms, the bleaching result will be negligible.

In office bleaching trays with professional strength bleaching solution are the most popular in our office. (Cost is around $199-250.) Not only are the trays custom made for you, but we can vary the concentration of the bleaching solution to achieve the desired results. Once your teeth have been whitened, put your trays away until you need a touch up (usually 1 year). You can get a touch-up kit of bleaching solution to use inside your trays, for next to nothing! (or approximately $50)

If you are needing to whiten for an upcoming event such as a reunion or wedding, consider in office power bleaching, which can dramatically change the color of your teeth in one sitting. Because it uses one of the highest concentrations of the bleaching solution for a short time, sometimes coupled with a light, it is possible to have more sensitivity during this bleaching technique than with the others. This is a one time exposure to bleaching, so often we recommend following up with take-home trays to reach the desired final shade. Cost for power bleaching ranges from $399 and up, power bleaching and trays $499 and up.

The bleaching solution is generally either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. How quickly you whiten and what shade you can bleach to, are dictated by the starting shade of your teeth. What are the possible complications, you ask? Sensitivity while bleaching can occur. You may also experience gum irritation from the bleaching solution.

Keep in mind that crowns, veneers, bonding and white composite fillings do not bleach, so be careful if you have any of these conditions within your “Smile Line” where you will be bleaching. Avoid any cosmetic dentistry until 2 weeks after the completion of your bleaching process, to allow the color change to stabilize before final shading of your newly whitened teeth. Yellow root surfaces are very difficult to bleach, as are tetracycline stained teeth. Avoid bleaching if you are pregnant or nursing.

Treat yourself to a whitening procedure, to “brighten” your day!

To answer any other questions about bleaching your teeth, call our office. We can make a great impact on the power of your smile!

Dr. Elizabeth Fleming & the staff at Desert Ridge Smiles: 20950 N. Tatum Blvd. Ste 280, Phoenix, AZ 85050 480-860-4300

Tags: Bleaching, Caring for your teeth, Dental treatments, Dentist, Health, Whitening
Posted in Beauty, Better Health, Dentist, Teeth | 6 Comments »

Is Your Stress Level Harming Your Teeth?

Posted on: August 15th, 2011 by DesertRidgeSmiles No Comments

Do worries about the economy or your work, stress you out? Do you wake with headaches, sore jaw muscles, or sensitive teeth? Have you noticed chips in your enamel or broken teeth, fillings or crowns?

You may be experiencing a behavior that is called bruxism. Bruxism is an oral parafunctional activity, which includes clenching and grinding of the teeth in a horizontal direction, using forces that are damaging to the teeth and muscles. Bruxism is considered the most common sleep disorder.

As a dentist, I look for damage to the teeth that may be caused by bruxism. Often my patients are unaware of this behavior, unless informed by their sleeping partners. Some common signs in bruxers may include:

Headaches
Notched teeth
Chipped teeth or restorations
Pain in teeth, muscles or jaw joints
Mobility of teeth
Broken crowns or fractured teeth
Recession of gums

Causes of bruxism include stress, anxiety, worry, depression, bite problems such as uneven bite, medical conditions and some medications. Bruxism can be further complicated if it includes a disorder such as sleep apnea. In these patients a sleep study is needed for full treatment of the disorders.

Treatments for bruxism vary from conservative methods such as a protective hard acrylic night guard appliance or bite adjustments that help to equilibrate the minor bite discrepancies, to complete orthodontics, repair of broken teeth with crowns, or full mouth rehabilitation to recreate the most stable bite, lost due to the parafunctional habit of bruxism.

If you feel you might be suffering with these symptoms, make an appointment for an evaluation today.

Dr. Elizabeth J Fleming & the staff at Desert Ridge Smiles 20950 N. Tatum Blvd Ste. 280 Phoenix, AZ 85050 480-860-4300

Tags: Caring for your teeth, Habits, Health, Stress, Teeth
Posted in Better Health, Dentist, Stress, Teeth, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Your Comprehensive Dental Exam at the New Family Dentist: What should you expect?

Posted on: July 24th, 2011 by DesertRidgeSmiles No Comments

With the ever increasing links between dental health and over-all health, your oral examinations may be more extensive than they were in the past.

Be sure to bring a list of the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that you take to your first visit. These will be reviewed to see how they may impact your dental treatment and outcome. In our office, we take blood pressure readings to evaluate that your heart health does not adversely affect your dental treatment, also.

Times have changed! Your exam may be more interactive than in the past. Digital x-rays are commonly taken, which use less radiation and are viewable on the computer monitor. An intra-oral camera can be used, which easily shows problems when the teeth are magnified.

Because there are 35,000 new cases of oral cancer reported every year in the United States, it is recommended that an enhanced oral cancer screening be performed yearly on all patients over age 18. Our exam includes a visual examination and a VelScope luminescence exam, as well as palpation of the head and neck, checking for lumps and changes within the oral cavity. http://youtu.be/6mCZhLPYeZY

Periodontal charting will be done to evaluate you for periodontal disease, which is an inflammatory process that targets the bone and gums in your mouth. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE000 Other inflammatory diseases include heart disease and diabetes, only the targeted areas of the inflammation are different than the oral cavity. Why is this important? Controlling inflammation can lead to optimum overall health, not just optimum dental health. Now does this make sense?

Commonly, patients mention that they have never had such a thorough screening as our comprehensive new patient dental examination. It gives us great satisfaction to uncover underlying health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, acid reflux, Sjogren’s disease, and oral cancer while checking for periodontal disease and dental decay. The oral/systemic link is there!

Would you rather get just a dental checkup, or be evaluated for contributing factors in your quest for optimum dental health? Our goal is optimum overall health in addition to optimum dental health. Seek out a dentist who realizes the oral/systemic connection and make your appointment today!

Elizabeth J Fleming, DDS and the staff at Desert Ridge Smiles 20950 N. Tatum Blvd Ste 280 Phoenix, AZ 85050 480-860-4300

Tags: Caring for your teeth, Dental treatments, Dentist, Habits, Health, Heart Disease, Inflammation, Oral/systemic link, Periodontal disease, Teeth
Posted in Better Health, Dentist, Heart Disease, Inflammation, Periodontal Disease, Teeth | No Comments »

Do you believe in Guardian Angels?

Posted on: May 30th, 2011 by DesertRidgeSmiles No Comments

Somewhere back in your early religious training, you may have been taught about Guardian Angels. A guardian angel is an angel assigned to protect and guide a particular person or group. Your angel may be in your conscious mind, helping you to make those tough decisions, or helping to guide you through a dangerous situation. There is an element of hope and wonder in this belief of guardian angels, and in my recent experiences, I have validated that I have a guardian angel looking out for me.

There are chance encounters with people who come into your life, be it employees, lecturers, teachers or friends. There may be a lesson to be learned from these people, which will help to guide you through your life. I believe your guardian angel causes these encounters, but it is your responsibility to gain the knowledge presented to you, to help you on your path in life.

These past few years of economic upheaval have been difficult for many people, including myself. I have seen many of my advisors and friends make decisions that have proven to be irreparable. In some cases, trusting my guardian angel became a better decision than following my advisor, whose information was tainted due to the previous poor decisions they had made, from which they were trying to recover.

Lately, I have had the feeling of being lucky. Contacts of people from the past were instrumental in finding the perfect caregivers for my mom. I won video editing software during my quest to make dental videos for my social media influence. Being a member of the Council on Dental Education for the AZ state meeting has allowed contacts from influential dental speakers all over the world. Are these chance encounters? Maybe, but I think not!

This is an altruistic society. Look out for #1, which is YOU! Listen to advisors, get plenty of advice, but also listen and learn from the people who are in your life currently. They may be there for a reason, planted by your Guardian Angel. Life lessons can happen all the time. Make sure you are open enough to experience this guidance your Guardian Angel may be providing for you! May you feel lucky, too!

Elizabeth J. Fleming, DDS and the staff at Desert Ridge Smiles 20950 N. Tatum Blvd. Ste. 280 Phoenix, AZ 85050 480-860-4300

Tags: 2011, guardian angel, Habits, Health, Resolutions
Posted in Better Health, Mental/Spiritual Health | No Comments »

From Teething to Toddlers: What you should know about early dental care.

Posted on: April 21st, 2011 by DesertRidgeSmiles No Comments

Congratulations on your new baby! Develop good practices for your child’s oral health now, for your baby’s dental future. Your child’s teeth began to develop in utero, and will continue this process long before any teeth will erupt. The use of systemic fluoride can strengthen your baby’s teeth, while they develop, to make them less cavity-prone. A small amount of fluoride exposure is good at this stage, and is probably available in your city water. Do you drink city water? It is an easy way to get the added fluoride protection for your baby’s teeth. In the Phoenix water supply, there is .7mg/L of fluoride in the water, as is recommended by the EPA. http://phoenix.gov/WATER/wsdfaqfluoride.pdf If your child uses bottled water for drinking and in with formula, you may be able to request bottled water with fluoride added.

At age 6 months, you can request a prescription from your pediatrician or dentist for vitamins with fluoride, if your child is not utilizing fluoridated water. A little fluoride exposure is good for cavity protection, but a lot of fluoride can cause problems such as fluorosis. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – AAPD Publications The optimum exposure is .7mg/L up to 1.2mg/L. Supplementation can be given daily from age 6 months to 16 years for this added cavity protection in the formative years. Fluoride and Water

As your child begins teething, around 6 months of age, you should use a moistened washcloth to rub on the gums, which may be swollen and sore. Drooling may increase, and your baby may get comfort by chewing on objects, their fingers, or a chilled teething ring. Try to avoid teething biscuits which may contain sugar, and could decay newly erupted teeth.

If you put your child to bed with a bottle, make sure it is water only! When babies fall asleep with the bottle nipple clasped between their teeth, sugars from any liquids other than water can pool on the teeth and cause a syndrome called nursing bottle decay. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Nursing Bottle Syndrome – Oral Health For All

Once teeth start to erupt, the teething process will occur off and on from age 6 months to 2 years of age, until all 20 baby teeth erupt. During this time, incorporate brushing your child’s teeth 2 times/day with plain water. For kids over age 2, use a pea sized amount of toothpaste twice daily. Most kids cannot do an adequate job of brushing their teeth before age 5, so your supervision is necessary.

If you see discoloration, staining, or what looks like decay on your child’s newly erupted baby teeth, you may need to take your child to a pedodontist, who specializes in children’s dental health. If no immediate problems are seen by you while brushing your child’s teeth regularly, we recommend that children be seen for their first dental visit between the ages of 2-3. We invite you to call our office to see if we are the right dental practice for you and your family!

Elizabeth J Fleming, DDS and staff at Desert Ridge Smiles 480-860-4300

Tags: brushing, Caring for your teeth, children, fluoride, Habits, Health, Teeth, Teething
Posted in Better Health, Children's Dental Health, Teeth, Teething | No Comments »