General Dentistry
At Nurture Smiles & Wellness We Treat You Like Family
Digital X-rays – 75% Reduction in Radiation
Introducing digital X-rays, available at our practice. Using this technology, an image is taken of your smile with a digital sensor and downloaded into our computer, where we can immediately access it. We can also view your entire mouth in one shot, including the upper and lower jaws, with the use of panoramic digital X-rays. These methods result in 75% less radiation than traditional X-rays. No more waiting for images to develop and no more chemical waste to pollute our environment.
Intra-Oral Camera – A Closeup View of Your Smile
Dr. Salvatore works hand-in-hand with patients to develop a bond of teamwork. One of the ways she brings this about is through the use of a high-tech tool called the intra-oral camera. This amazing device is a tiny video camera that displays a close-up picture of the inside of your mouth. You are able to see for yourself what work needs to be completed and which teeth are healthy. You then become a participant in each dental decision.
A Full Range of Sedation Dentistry Options
While we are able to deliver painless injections, some patients are naturally anxious at even the thought of a needle. If this sounds like you, sedation dentistry might make your visit a lot more enjoyable.
One hour before your visit you take a pill that we dispense to you. You then reach a level of sedation that allows you to answer questions but relax throughout your entire visit. This Sedation Dentistry is also ideal for those who are busy and want to get all their treatment done in one convenient visit.
We are one of the few general practices in the country qualified to administer not only oral sedation but also IV sedation for all procedures, whether extensive or minor. Dr. Simpson administers IV sedation, and Dr. Simpson, who has achieved Mastership in the ADSA College of Sedation, also provides sedation services for Dr. Salvatore’s patients when desired.
Our sedation dentist also offers nitrous oxide for any procedure, including cleanings, upon request. Also known as “laughing gas,” this sedation is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation. A local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain in most cases. Because it’s out of your system quickly, you can drive yourself home when your treatment is complete.
Modern dentistry is always developing new ways to make visits faster, easier, more comfortable, and better for the environment. The latest advances allow for earlier, less-invasive treatment, which means faster healing times and greater precision for dental procedures. You’ll love the difference this makes.
Sports Mouthguards to Protect Your Smile
Were you aware that 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in the U.S. alone? Many sports can be dangerous without good protection. A one-size-fits-all mouthguard found in stores doesn’t provide a good fit. Wearing these, proper breathing can be a struggle during sports. On the other hand, custom-made sports mouthguards fit well, protect well, and can be worn for most sports, nearly all of which the American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for.
Isolite™ – For an Easier Visit
Our practice offers incredible technology that makes dental care much more comfortable. It’s called Isolite. It’s a suction device with a brilliant light that illuminates the oral cavity and eliminates any shadows. What does this mean to our patients? First, you’ll spend about a third less time in the chair! You won’t get that “drowning or gagging” feeling because saliva doesn’t accumulate. Debris isn’t swallowed because the mouth is continuously being “vacuumed,” and it’s being held open so you don’t get tired. The advanced illumination helps the doctor with improved accuracy.
Modern dentistry requires a dry field for optimum results. The Isolite keeps the teeth and gums dry and may eliminate the need for a bulky rubber dam.
Revolutionize Your Oral Health with Gentle, Effective Laser Debridement
Experience a cutting-edge approach to dental care with our advanced laser debridement service. Designed to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup while minimizing discomfort, laser debridement promotes healthier gums and supports long-term oral health. This state-of-the-art technology allows for precision treatment, reduced recovery times, and a more comfortable experience compared to traditional methods. Whether you’re managing periodontal concerns or simply seeking proactive care, our team is here to help you achieve a brighter, healthier smile.
The Main Reason for Lost Teeth – Gum Disease
Often people assume tooth loss is due to decay. It’s actually not. It’s due to the presence of gum disease. It can even be completely unnoticeable right up until you lose teeth. Symptoms generally include bleeding gums when brushing and loose or shifting teeth. If you’ve been told you require gum disease treatment, you will be happy to know it’s possible to manage gum disease through a variety of methods. With advanced periodontal disease, surgical treatment is necessary. Gum surgery isn’t exactly enjoyable, but it is usually successful in arresting the condition, and it’s likely covered by your dental insurance plan. With mild gum disease, there are highly effective non-surgical procedures that, coupled with better dental hygiene, may virtually halt the spread of the disease. This, too, is generally covered under most dental insurance plans.
Root Canal Therapy
Damaged or infected tooth roots used to require extraction, which can cause a lot of problems and should be avoided whenever possible. The good news is that our dental root canal dentist in Phoenix, AZ is highly experienced in advanced root canal therapy. A root canal is a technique to repair a tooth by removing the pulp chamber and replacing it with a filling material. This is often necessary when decay reaches the tooth nerve (or the tooth has become infected), and a simple filling won’t work. With modern anesthetics and technology, the root canals performed at our practice are manageable and often even painless.
Hygiene Visits to Maintain Health
A critical reason to visit the dentist is to have your teeth cleaned by a professional hygienist. Plaque and tartar develop on teeth over time. Plaque is soft and sticky, but regular brushing can usually remove much of it. However, plaque hardens into tartar, which is beyond the abilities of your typical toothbrush and floss. Tartar builds up below the gumline as well as on the surface of teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, you risk more serious problems with your teeth and gums later. Medical research shows a definite link between untreated gum disease and other serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Having your teeth cleaned regularly is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy!
The Unique Care of Our Oldest Patients
Just as our bodies evolve as we age, our teeth and gums do too. Years of plaque buildup, as well as the consumption of coffee, tea, or tobacco, can stain your teeth. Ask us about procedures that can combat these issues. Reduced flow of saliva may be a side effect of medications. There are simple products that can help alleviate this condition. Your fillings can weaken or crack over time. Regular check-ups will allow us to stay on top of your existing fillings. Gum disease and root decay can be major problems with seniors. Daily cleaning and good nutrition are important for healthy gums. If your gums become red or begin to bleed or your teeth loosen, contact us immediately.
Headache or Migraine Relief with the NTI™ Device
There is now an FDA-approved drug-free treatment for the prevention of migraine and tension headaches. This little miracle is called the NTI device, and it’s available in our practice. It works by relaxing the muscles under the scalp and preventing the majority of headaches. Studies have shown that 82% of migraine sufferers achieved a 77% reduction in migraine occurrences. It’s painless, fast, and inexpensive. If you endure migraines or know someone who does then be sure to ask us about this exciting treatment.
The Cleanest Your Teeth Can Be
We use a Piezo Scaler™ to help remove deposits of plaque and calculus (tartar) from your teeth, especially under the gumline and in deep pockets, in the case of gum disease treatment. This hand tool operates using high-frequency vibrations to enable us to remove deposits on your teeth faster than with regular scaling instruments. Your teeth may have never felt so clean! As a bonus, most patients report less discomfort with the Piezo Scaler.
An Affordable Solution for Multiple Missing Teeth
For some patients who have more than one missing tooth, a dental bridge may be a suitable option. Custom-made with the same high-quality materials, a bridge is anchored on both sides with crowns and fills the space for a return to function and comfort, as well as a full smile.
Beautiful Traditional Dentures
If traditional dentures are your best option, our denture dentist can custom-design natural-looking dentures that fit snugly! They will be comfortable and stay in place far better than economy dentures will. If you are a denture wearer, be sure to ask us about this. It will make your life so much easier.
Dental Implants to Replace Lost Teeth
Dental implants are a great way to replace lost teeth. From the front of the mouth, where they are clearly visible, to the back teeth, where they provide stability for proper chewing, implants can help you recapture both a beautiful and healthy smile. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, which rest on top of the gums, dental implants are placed beneath the gums. The “tooth” placed on an implant looks so real because it comes through the gums just like an actual tooth. Implants can replace any number of lost teeth. Even people with no teeth can benefit from implants because they can replace dentures with teeth that stay secure while talking and don’t need to be removed at night. Because our dental implant dentist handles the full procedure from implant placement to crown construction, there’s no need to be referred to another office.