September 3rd, 2010
BAD BREATH – causes and cures?
Everyone has, at some time, been plagued with “Bad Breath”. There are hundreds of kinds of mints, candies, sprays and rinses on the market that do little more than camouflage the problem. Certain foods can be the culprit, health conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems, bronchitis, chronic gastritis all contribute, but the real problem is bacteria.
We all have bacteria living in our mouths; to keep a fresh breath one must keep the environment in our mouth clean enough so that the bacteria will not multiply. About 80% of the bacteria that cause bad breath live on the surface of the tongue. These destructive bacteria look for cozy places to grow and live, like between teeth and below gum tissue. When plaque (bacteria) builds up on your teeth and is left long enough, decay forms, periodontal disease and infection begin to develop and compounds the problem of bad breath.
Dr. Richard Croft, at Scottsdale Dental Smile Designs suggests some very simple techniques you can implement that will help keep your breath fresh and clean.
First.. Look at your tongue in the mirror, can you see a white coating, especially on the very back? That is plague. Dr. Richard Croft recommends using a tongue scrapper before brushing to lift and trap the plaque coating and effectively clean the surface of the tongue. A tongue scraper is a oral hygiene device designed to clean the decaying bacterial build-up, food debris and dead cells from the surface of the tongue.
Second.. Brushing in the morning and before bed is a must. At Scottsdale Dental –Smile Designs we use electric tooth brushes. We believe they can do a better job of removing plaque if used effectively.
Third.. Flossing daily to keep plaque from building up between teeth.
Fourth.. Professional cleanings as recommended by your dentist and hygienist.
Fifth.. Mouth rinses and toothpaste containing chlorine dioxide and zinc. If you must chew gum or use mints, make sure they are sugarless.
For more information to help combat halitosis, contact Scottsdale Dental – Smile Designs via e-mail us at smiles@rjcroftdds.com or by phone at (480) 946-3333.
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August 24th, 2010
To keep your porcelain veneers looking like new, it is important to have them maintained by a hygienist who has special training or knowledge in caring for them. At Scottsdale Dental – Smile Designs, our hygienist has had that specialized training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and can help you protect your investment for years to come.
Dr. Richard Croft recommends being diligent about home care by brushing morning and night using a non-abrasive, gentle toothpaste so as not to scratch the porcelain veneers. He also recommends a professional cleaning 3 to 4 times per year and making sure your hygienist is using a polish that is non-abrasive and formulated especially for porcelain veneers. At Scottsdale Dental – Smile Designs our hygienist and Doctor uses only non-abrasive products on all of our patients with porcelain restorations.
Just as natural teeth can crack and break, so is it with porcelain veneers. Please do not bite pins, nails or other hard object. Tongue piercing is definitely out! If you are in contact sports it is important to wear a mouth guard.
Should you notice that the gum tissue looks puffy or is bleeding around any of your porcelain veneers, or if there is an area where your floss ‘snags’, it is a sign that a dental examination is needed. Please do not hesitate to call Scottsdale Dental – Smile Designs where the hygienist and Dr. Richard Croft have participated in advanced cosmetic education courses to assist you in keeping your dental porcelain veneers looking their best and protecting your investment. Your Smile Is Your Most Important Accessory!
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August 23rd, 2010
Periodontal disease can begin and progress with no evidence of a problem, which is a similar situation with heart disease, cancer, diabetes or high blood pressure, commonly referred to as the ‘silent killer’. The majority of people who have gum disease are totally unaware of this serious infection until they begin to have advanced symptoms. Some symptoms are –
Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating, although the absence of bleeding does not indicate gum disease is not present. Smokers generally do not bleed.
Gum recession resulting in teeth looking longer.
Shifting teeth.
Sore inflamed gum tissue.
Bad breathe.
At Scottsdale Dental-Smile Designs, Doctor Richard Croft will complete a periodontal evaluation. This examination is especially important if you are experiencing any of the above, or if you have…
heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or thinking of becoming pregnant. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gum disease.
a family member with periodontal disease. Research indicates the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be passed through salvia.
a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not heal within a week.
Dr. Richard Croft’s evaluation consists of a thorough examination of your gum tissue and jawbones, including x-rays to determine bone level and measuring six areas around each tooth to determine pocket depths.
Your Smile is Your Best Asset – Keep it Healthy at Scottsdale Dental-Smile Designs with Dr. Richard Croft.
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June 1st, 2010
Over the years many people have consulted with Dr. Richard Croft expressing high fear or anxiety about going to the dentist because of past bad experiences. Sometimes it is anxiety based on what others have ‘shared’ with them about a particular dental procedure. At Scottsdale Dental – Smile Designs, Dr. Richard Croft and his team members are trained in a safe conscious sedation program that makes going to the dentist a comfortable, calm and even RELAXING experience.
Dr. Richard Croft explains sedation dentistry prior to starting the work. Caring and gentle team members prepare and monitor the patient during the entire procedure(s). Conscious sedation is a dreamlike state rather than being completely asleep. When the procedure(s) is complete, the patient has little memory of the appointment.
If you have avoided taking care of your dental needs because of fear, or if you go from apprehension to terrified, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry. Some patients simply have time constraints and want as much dental work completed in one appointment as possible. At Scottsdale Dental – Smile Designs we are very sensitive to your needs. We provide soft, warm blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and a nurturing staff to make your experience as positive and pleasant as possible. We will make sure you arrive at your appointment relaxed, and see that your ride will be there to pick you up when the appointment is complete. The procedure is safe and affordable.
We have many patients who were very fearful and we have been able to help them. There is no reason to feel ashamed – at Scottsdale Dental – Smile Designs we can help you too with conscious sedation dentistry. Call Dr. Richard Croft today for a complimentary consultation. We are a Premier Delta Dental, and Cigna PPO Provider.
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May 17th, 2010
If it has been some time since your last dental examination and cleaning, we offer state-of-the-art dental care that fits your budget, your needs and your schedule. Without regular dental examinations there are many health complications that could be left undiagnosed. As an example, the statistics of oral cancer is really quite startling.
Every hour of every day, one American dies of oral cancer. The death rate in the United States for oral cancer is higher than that of cervical cancer, liver cancer, kidney or ovarian cancer! The good news is oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when diagnosed early – 80 to 90% of cases are curable. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages and 43% of those diagnosed will die within five years.
Because early detection is the key to successful outcomes, Scottsdale Dental-Smile Designs - Dr. Richard Croft, has incorporated yearly Visilite cancer screening as standard of care. Visilite technology tests help us better detect suspicious growths or abnormalities before they are easily detectable with the naked eye. The inside of the mouth is scanned with a specially calibrated wand-like light, inspecting the inside of the mouth. The procedure is quick, simple and painless, but the peace of mind is immeasurable.
To learn more about cancer screening services and technologies, or other services offered at Scottsdale Dental-Smile Designs call (480) 946-3333,or email our office today. We welcome the opportunity to serve you. We are a Delta Dental Premier Provider, and Cigna PPO Provider.
Yours in good health!
Richard J. Croft, DDS FAGD
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May 13th, 2010
WHAT ABOUT SILVER AMALGAM FILLINGS?
Dentistry today bears no resemblance to what it was even a decade ago, but did you know the material used for silver mercury fillings was developed during the civil war? Why is it with the advances we enjoy in dentistry today this material is still being used?
In my opinion there is really no reason to ever use amalgam mercury for fillings when we have many better choices. However, the material is still used for teaching purposes in dental schools, partly because it is easy to place and cheap to do. Some dental offices still offer amalgam silver fillings, and most insurance companies only pay for amalgam material to minimize the benefits they have to pay.
Some reasons I decided years ago to go “mercury free” in my Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry practice, has to do with the expansive nature of the mercury. The material is very sensitive to temperature and can cause teeth to expand and contract contributing to the number of tooth fractures, consequently necessitating crowns or onlays. Also, in the many years I have practiced dentistry I have found decay present about 85% of the time upon removing older silver mercury amalgams. Amalgam fillings corrode, leak, and lift over time allowing bacteria to lodge under the filling. Not a very pleasant thought, but true!
Isn’t it ironic that the only place a dentist can legally place amalgam mercury fillings is in a patients mouth, yet amalgam scraps removed from patients’ teeth can not be thrown away in the trash, or washed down the drain or disposed of in any way other than stored in a labeled hazardous-waste container requiring a special pickup for disposal. And last, most patient’s want a natural looking tooth color, not dark because of silver amalgam fillings. With the superior filling material we have today, at Scottsdale Dental – Smile Designs, Dr. Richard Croft can make most teeth look and feel brand new! If you are experiencing sensitivity or discomfort in teeth with silver mercury fillings, please contact us as (480) 946-3333 or via e-mail to schedule an examination. Happy Smiling.
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May 12th, 2010
Dental Implants in Scottsdale
Today’s routine use of dental implants has revolutionized the way missing teeth are replaced. The state-of-art dental implant treatment offered by Dr. Richard Croft at Scottsdale Dental – Smile Designs provide a permanent solution for replacing tooth loss. If you have an uncomfortable denture that makes you look older, or are embarrassed to smile because of missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants.
Did you know that when you loose teeth, over time, the bone begins to deteriorate causing facial contour changes and wrinkles? Even when missing teeth are replaced with partial or full dentures, this does not prevent bone loss. In Scottsdale Dental implants can prevent ‘facial collapse’ by preserving bone and keeping facial structures intact for a more youthful appearance. Just think about it – a solution to tooth loss that can last a lifetime, where you could enjoy eating anything you wanted, could speak, sneeze, smile and laugh without fear or embarrassment and have confidence that your teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. There is very little, if any, downtime due to having dental implants placed. Everyone is unique, but most patients are able to continue their regular schedule after one day. The benefits of dental implants are priceless – there is just no better choice.
Dr. Richard J. Croft has treated hundreds of patients with uncomfortable, loose, clicking dentures who now enjoy the benefits of dental implants. Want a more beautiful, natural looking smile? Call our Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry office at 480 946-3333 to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about dental implants.
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