480-214-9060

4815 E Carefree Hwy
Suite #102
Cave Creek, AZ  85331

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Need an answer, have a question?

Beckham Dental wants to make getting your dental care as easy as we can. With that in mind, we have listed some questions that we often hear followed by their answers... If you don't find what you are looking for, please give us a call or contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are MDI's and what are they used for?
  2. How are MDI's different from traditional implant systems?
  3. What is TMJ/TMD Syndrome?
  4. What is Botox?
  5. What is a root canal?
  6. Why would I need root canal treatment?
  7. Does my tooth always have to hurt before root canal treatment is done?
  8. How is the root canal performed?
  9. What is Gum Disease?
  10. What Causes Gum Disease?
  11. Can gum disease affect the rest of my body?
  12. How do you prevent gum disease?
  13. What does periodontal treatment involve?
  14. What are the symptoms of Gum Disease?
  15. What is Invisalign & how does it work?
  16. What are Perio Trays?
  17. Does my dental insurance pay for care at Beckham Dental?
  18. Can I make payments?
  19. Is my dental procedure going to hurt?
  20. Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual brush?
  21. What can I do if I have dry mouth?
  22. What causes bad breath?
  23. What is causing my gum to recede?

 

1: What are MDI's and what are they used for?

Mini Dental Implants (MDI's) are miniature (only 1.8mm wide) titanium alloy fixtures that are placed in the jawbone. Traditionally, MDI's have been used to hold denture plates in position, providing patients with the ability to eat, smile and speak with comfort and confidence. Today, the use of this non-surgical MDI's technology has been expanded and can be used for replacing a single missing tooth or a full mouth restoration. Thousands of implants have been placed with this simple, cost effective procedure.


 

2: How are MDI's different from traditional implant systems?

Traditional implants require a relatively large amount of bone. They are placed by making an incision in the gum, coring out an area in the bone, placing the implant and stitching the gums back into place. It typically takes months of healing time before this type of implant can be used. MDI's are only 1.8 mm thick (about the size of a wooden toothpick) and can therefore be placed in areas where minimal bone exists. There are no incisions or stitches needed so discomfort is minimized. Best of all, the MDI's can be used the same day they are placed. That means that in one short visit your MDI's implants can be placed and your denture or other prosthesis can be firmly secured to them. You may go out and eat a meal after the procedure.


 

3: What is TMJ/TMD Syndrome?

TMJ Syndrome is a painful set of symptoms which may include some or all of the following: headache, migraine, jaw pain, clicking or popping, facial, neck and back pain, pain radiating from the eye, ear ache, dizziness and ringing of the ears.

What causes these painful symptoms?

The typical scenario is a cascading event that starts with a lower jaw that is malaligned. This causes muscles to over contract in the head and neck which in turn can cause pressure and impingement on several nerves.

How is it treated?

The treatment starts by creating an orthotic device that fits over the teeth to place the lower jaw back into alignment. Medications are given to help the muscles relax and heal and regain their natural resting tonicity.

Is Botox used to help treat TMJ Symptoms?

Yes, Botox is extremely effective in breaking the pain cycle by relaxing the muscles.

Are Migraines part of the TMJ Syndrome?

98% of all migraines have at least some component that is either caused or exacerbated by jaw malalignment. Most migraine sufferers find that TMJ treatment will greatly decrease or eliminate the severity and frequency of their migraine pain.


 

4: What is Botox?

Botox is a purified protein. Just as penicillin was derived initially from a strain of bread mold. Botox was initially created from one strain of botulinum toxin.

What does Botox do?

Botox relaxes muscles.

What are the benefits of Botox therapy?

A dramatic if not complete relief of headaches, migraine pain, myofacial and TMJ pain.

How long does the pain relief last?

Initially, the pain relief will last 3-4 months. The good news is that with repeated applications, the therapeutic affects of Botox last longer and longer. Many patients find they will only need to have the Botox reapplied at 12-16 month intervals. In some cases, the pain relief can be permanent.

Is it safe to use?

Botox is an extremely safe product. Because it is a purified protein, your body does not react to it as a foreign substance. The safety of Botox is likened to that of sterile salilne (salt water).

Are there side affects?

There is no record of any side affects reported. There are only two companies that are recognized as producing purified, medical grade Botox. If you have read of any bad events concerning Botox, these stem from people injecting a substandard, non-medical grade product. Be sure you are not getting a "good deal" on Botox. Any one want a good deal on a parachute or a discount ticket on the Titanic?


 

5: What is a root canal?

The canal is a small hollow space that goes into your tooth via the root tip. In a healthy tooth nerves and blood vessels are contained within the canal system. They allow you to tell when things are hot or cold, and to determine how hard you are biting.


 

6: Why would I need root canal treatment?

When a tooth sustains enough trauma the contents in the canal start to die. This trauma can come from a blow to the tooth, decay, or even things like excessively grinding your teeth over time. When the canal contents degenerate, your body reacts to them as it would any foreign substance. It is now time for us to open the tooth and remove the canal contents for you.


 

7: Does my tooth always have to hurt before root canal treatment is done?

No. Symptoms that require root canal treatment certainly can be pain, hot, cold or pressure. There are times however, when the canal contents have died so slowly over a long period of time that painful symptoms do not occur. We discover the degeneration of the canal contents via x-ray then begin treatment accordingly.


 

8: How is the root canal performed?

The tooth is anaesthetized in a manner similar to that used for fillings or other general dental work. The tooth is then isolated via a rubberized matrix. This prevents you from swallowing any bacteria or debris from the canal. Next, tiny nickel titanium files are inserted into the canal system to remove the canal contents. Two different antibacterial solutions are used here to flush out loose debris and disinfect the canal. When the canal system is clean and dry, a biocompatible sealing agent is placed into the tooth and the canal system is sealed shut.


 

9: What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four people at some point in their life. Periodontal diseases include Gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder form affecting only the gum tissue, while periodontitis affects the gums and surrounding ligaments and bone.


 

10: What Causes Gum Disease?

Bacterial plaque "a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth" is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. If plaque isn't removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper, and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.


 

11: Can gum disease affect the rest of my body?

We now know that gum disease and the causative bacteria have a direct deleterious affect on our general health and other body systems. These include:

Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease – Gum disease increases the risk of clogged arteries and heart disease, although the extent of this connection is unclear. Gum disease can also worsen existing heart disease.

Stroke - Gum disease increases the risk of the type of stroke that is caused by blocked arteries.

Diabetes - People with diabetes and periodontal disease are more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.

Premature Births - A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy is more likely to deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight. One study showed that up to 18% of premature, low birth-weight babies might be linked to maternal gum disease.

Respiratory Disease - Gum disease may cause lung infections and worsen existing lung conditions when bacteria from the mouth reach the lungs.


 

12: How do you prevent gum disease?

Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. We can design a personalized program of home oral care to meet your needs.


 

13: What does periodontal treatment involve?

In the early stages of gum disease, most treatment involves a special service called scaling and root planning. This involves removing the plaque, tartar, and infection from around the tooth to the depth of the pocket. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planning. In most cases of early gum disease, scaling and root planning and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums and removing the hardened plaque build-up, and recontouring the damaged bone. The procedure is also designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean.


 

14: What are the symptoms of Gum Disease?

Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms that can indicate the presence of periodontal infection. These include:

- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at other times
- Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
- Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
- Bad breath
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose, separating or protruding teeth
- Spaces between teeth

 

15: What is Invisalign and how does it work?

The Invisalign System is a series of clear orthodontic appliances, called aligners that allow you to straighten your teeth without having to wear traditional braces. Each pair of aligners in the series is worn in two-week increments (removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss) and moves the teeth in gradual steps to the desired final position.


 

16: What are Perio Trays?

Dentists may prescribe Perio Trays® when medications placed into the periodontal pocket could benefit a patient's oral health. read more...


 

17: Does my dental insurance pay for care at Beckham Dental?

What your insurance pays for depends on the type of dental plan you have, and also what insurance company your dental plan is through. Our office staff will be happy to help you discuss your dental insurance coverage.


 

18: Can I make payments?

We do offer payment plans through CareCredit to get the financing you need to pay for your dental treatment. You may be just a short application process away from having your new smile.


 

19: Is my dental procedure going to hurt?

The last thing we want you to feel at Beckham Dental is pain. We go to great lengths with local anesthesia, dental sedation, and comfort options to make sure you are comfortable from start to finish.


 

20: Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual brush?

Overall, they are both comparable, though a study in 2014 found that electric toothbrushes reduce plaque by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent over the course of the three-month study.


 

21: What can I do if I have dry mouth?

Many times, dry mouth is caused by dehydration. If this is the case, all you need to do is increase your water intake. Beckham Dental also has a clinical solution for patients who suffer from chronic dry mouth as well.


 

22: What causes bad breath?

Dry mouth can cause bad breath. Tooth decay, gum disease, medication side effects, and poor oral hygiene can be culprits as well. We can help you figure out the cause of this embarrassing problem and recommend solutions.


 

23: What is causing my gum to recede?

Gum recession is a product of damage to your gum tissue. This may be a symptom of gum disease or caused by tobacco. Beckham Dental can help you overcome gum recession and improve your smile's appearance.