Saturday 21 April 2012

White Dental Fillings Dentistry Phoenix


No Mercury! No Metals! No Kidding!
For years, the silver-mercury amalgam was the standard filling material used in dental practices, and many practices still use it. While they are a reasonable restoration, amalgams have certain shortcomings. Metal does not bond well to teeth, so decay can and does eventually leak into the tooth. But the biggest reason many of our patients are choosing the white bonded fillings has to do with the way they look. Many people just don’t want an ugly black plug in their teeth. We offer modern restorations that are a natural-looking white, contain no metals, and can actually strengthen your teeth. They also bond very tightly with the healthy part of the tooth so there is much less chance of decay in the future.

Scott A. Simpson, DDS, PLLC
14231 North 7th Street, Suite A1
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Telephone: (602) 464-7211


Thursday 19 April 2012

Laser Dentistry - Gum Disease Treatment

New Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
New Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
Dr. Simpson is licensed to practice the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure™, a minimally invasive method of treating gum disease. LANAP is the only laser-assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. You may have heard about or experienced the remarkable results from laser treatments for vision correction and other medical procedures. Now, that same technology is revolutionizing dentistry! With LANAP, gum disease can be treated successfully without scalpels or sutures, so healing and recovery is generally faster and less painful than traditional gum surgery. If you’ve been told you need gum surgery, but have been putting it off, let us show you how easy your treatment really can be. 



Scott A. Simpson, DDS, PLLC
14231 North 7th Street, Suite A1
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Telephone: (602) 464-7211

Keep Your Breath Fresh Step by Step



1.     We’ve all done a hand check, right? But other than a false sense of security -- or maybe a hand that smells -- what does it prove? Not much. But what we do know is you are what you eat. When you eat, food starts to be digested in your mouth. Bacteria break down food particles and releases sulfur compounds that are involved in bad breath.

2.     Another cause is poor oral health. Bacteria from tooth decay or gum problems will linger in your mouth like a vacationing guest at your house, so ask yourself: Are you really brushing and flossing as you should? Are you using an antibacterial mouthwash? A more severe problem, like gingivitis or periodontal disease, will require professional intervention. So visit your dentist regularly as part of your battle against halitosis.

3.     Speaking of bacteria, your tongue can be a magnet for unpleasant germs and smells, so don’t forget it when you’re brushing. If your tongue feels like it needs to be shaved with a razor, brushing may not be enough. If that’s the case, use a tongue-cleaning device to scrape it clean. You might even get one free when you see your dentist.

4.     It may seem obvious, but eau du tobacco … no. If you want fresh breath, don’t smoke.

5.     How wet is your whistle? Saliva is the body’s natural way of keeping your mouth cleansed, and the salivary gland doesn’t work as well if your well is dry.

6.     Finally, persistent bad breath could be the sign of a major medical problem, like acid reflux, sinus infections, diabetes, or kidney problems. So make sure you get regular medical checkups and follow any special instructions your doctor may give you.


Above article from: WebMD.com

Scott A. Simpson, DDS, PLLC
14231 North 7th Street, Suite A1
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Telephone: (602) 464-7211

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Your Teeth and Dental Bonding


Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve person's smile.

For What Conditions Is Dental Bonding Considered?

Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:

      ·      To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
      ·      To repair chipped or cracked teeth
      ·      To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
      ·      To close spaces between teeth
      ·      To make teeth look longer
      ·      To change the shape of teeth
      ·      As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
      ·      To protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede

What's the Procedure for Having a Tooth Bonded?

·      Preparation. Little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. Your dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth.
·      The bonding process. Next, the surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. These procedures help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is then used to harden the material. After the material is hardened, your dentist will further trim and shape it, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
·      Time-to-completion. Dental bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?

·      Advantages: Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a laboratory, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
·      Disadvantages: Although the material used in dental bonding is somewhat stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Additionally, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.

Because of some of the limitations of dental bonding, some dentists view it as best suited for small cosmetic changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure (for example, front teeth). Consult with your dentist about the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem.

Above article from: WebMD.com

Scott A. Simpson, DDS, PLLC
14231 North 7th Street, Suite A1
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Telephone: (602) 464-7211

Monday 16 April 2012

Dental Implants Dentistry Phoenix

New Breakthrough Cures Loose, Slipping Dentures
Are you wearing dentures that slip, tilt, or wander, and you would prefer to have the strength and stability of implants? You will be happy to know of a relatively recent breakthrough called overdentures. In this procedure, the denture is anchored with implants, eliminating slippage and trapped food. Our experienced dental team can give you a great fit along with a great look. Increase your confidence and have even more reason to smile – ask us about this today!

Dental Implant Restoration for a Perfect Smile
Missing teeth can cause difficulties in chewing and make you self-conscious about your smile. We have an excellent solution – dental implant restorations! After an oral surgeon places a titanium post, Dr. Simpson will custom-create natural-looking restorations. These will match the rest of your teeth, function just like the originals, and be impossible for anyone to detect! Get the smile you deserve – permanently!



Scott A. Simpson, DDS, PLLC
14231 North 7th Street, Suite A1
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Telephone: (602) 464-7211

Sunday 15 April 2012

Dental Health With Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites


There are several reasons why some people's teeth grow in crooked, overlapping, or twisted. Some people's mouths are too small for their teeth, which crowds the teeth and causes them to shift. In other cases, a person's upper and lower jaws aren't the same size or are malformed, resulting in either an overbite, when there is excessive protrusion of the upper jaw, or an under bite, when the lower jaw protrudes forward causing the lower jaw and teeth to extend out beyond the upper teeth.

Most often crooked teeth, overbites, and under bites are inherited traits just as the color of your eyes or size of your hands. Other causes of misaligned bites are early loss of baby or adult teeth; improper fit of dental restorations (for example, fillings or crowns); gingivitis (gum disease); undue pressure on the teeth and gums; misalignment of jaw after severe facial injury; tumors of the mouth or jaw; or common oral health problems in children such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use beyond the age of three, or prolonged use of a bottle.

What Problems Come With Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites?

Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can:

      ·      Interfere with proper chewing.
      ·      Make keeping teeth clean more of a challenge, increasing the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis.
      ·      Strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth.
      ·      Make people feel self-conscious about their appearance and affect their self-esteem.

How Do I Know if My Teeth Are Crooked or My Bite Is Misaligned?

While you can see for yourself if your teeth are crooked, your dentist can determine if your problem warrants treatment. Your dentist will look for the following signs:

       ·      Abnormal alignment of your teeth
       ·      Abnormal appearance of your face
       ·      Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or biting
       ·      Speech difficulties, including a lisp

Your dentist will usually refer you to an orthodontist --a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of crooked teeth and misaligned jaws.

What Tests Can I Expect at the Orthodontist?

The orthodontist will likely take X-rays, photographs of your face, and teeth impressions to determine if and what type of treatment is needed. X-rays provide information on the position of your teeth and roots and if any teeth have yet to come through the gums. Special cephalometrics or panoramic X-rays show the relationship of the teeth to the jaws and the jaws to the head. Your orthodontist may also want to take regular photographs of your face to further examine the relationship between your teeth, jaws, and head. Finally, impressions may be made of your teeth. This is done by having you bite down on a soft material that is later used to create an exact copy of your teeth.

How Are Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites Treated?

Once a diagnosis is made, your orthodontist can decide the best treatment for your teeth or misaligned bite. For some people, a removable retainer (to stabilize the new position of teeth) will be all that's needed to correct the problem. Removal of one or more teeth may be required if overcrowding is the main problem. For most people, braces are necessary to correct the problem. In rare and extreme cases, such as an extreme overbite or under bite, an operation may be necessary.

Above article from: WebMD.com



Scott A. Simpson, DDS, PLLC
14231 North 7th Street, Suite A1
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Telephone: (602) 464-7211