The Scottsdale Dental Practice of Dr. Brian Williams is Centered on Prevention & Health

We have centered our practice on prevention and health as opposed to one that simply emphasizes emergency and repair care. The supporting gum tissue and bone are just as vital as the teeth themselves. Unfortunately only lip service is paid to these important areas and prevention is often misunderstood and inadequately stressed.  The best way to protect and maintain the crucial supporting structures of your mouth for life is to have a qualified hygienist clean your teeth regularly, at which time preventive procedures can be implemented to protect your dental health. While the responsibility for returning for periodic preventive treatment lies with you, we will provide an ongoing program of health maintenance with you.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month.  Educate your children on the importance of good oral hygiene and stay on track with their regular dental check-ups!

If your child has never been to the dentist or is "due" for their regular check-up, contact our office to schedule an appointment today! (480) 889-1800

Do your Gums Bleed when you Brush or Floss?

Bleeding gums are never normal. If your gums bleed when you brush, it could be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. It also could be something simple like brushing or flossing too hard. If your gums bleed regularly or enough to worry you, make an appointment with our office.

What are the Causes of Black Gums?

There are a variety of reasons for black gums and in most cases, the cause is not serious.  For example, amalgam tattoos are dark spots that may form around fillings, dentures, and crowns. This issue often looks like a blue or black tattoo in the mouth, and though it is not desirable to those seeking a perfect smile, it is also harmless. Of course, amalgam tattoos can be removed by a dentist if preferred. 

Calculus, which is a substance that can build up in the mouth when oral hygiene is lacking, can also cause dark areas on the gums.

Black gums may also be a symptom of acute necrotizing periodontal disease, also known as black gum disease. The black coloration is a result of dead tissue, or necrosis.

Black gums may also be a sign of malignant melanoma in the mouth, which is particularly difficult to treat. The good news is that dark gums can typically be avoided through sufficient oral hygiene that includes regular brushing, flossing, dental checkups, and avoidance of smoking and chewing tobacco. 

If you have black gums, it is best to be evaluated by a dentist to rule out the possibility of a serious cause.  Feel free to contact our office for an oral evaluation by Scottsdale dentist, Dr. Brian Williams.

 

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is a dental disorder in which the gum tissue around the molar teeth becomes swollen and infected. This disorder usually occurs as a result of wisdom teeth, the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties.  Symptoms of pericoronitis include; swelling in the gum tissue, a "bad taste" in the mouth, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, or difficulty opening the mouth.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Scottsdale, AZ Dentist, Dr. Brian Williams as soon as possible for an evaluation at (480) 889-1800. 

Our Mission Statement

"Our Mission is to help people keep their permanent teeth  for their whole lifetime.  We achieve our mission by providing an atmosphere for our patients to make positive choices for long-term health.  We provide support through patient education and teach the importance of Function, Stability, and Aesthetics as part of our comprehensive care philosophy.  We also believe that the foundation for better health is the  maintenance of the mutual trust, care, respect, understanding, and fairness that is necessary to any doctor—patient relationship."  - Dr. Brian Williams & Staff

Dr. Brian Williams, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., 9825 E. Bell Road, Suite 140, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Office: (480) 889-1800  Fax: (480) 889-0156  Website: www.brianwilliamsdds.com

Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by what you eat, not cleaning your mouth, dry mouth, smoking or other medical conditions. Persistent bad breath can also be one of the warning signs of gum disease. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential to reducing bad breath and preventing gum disease. Brushing your tongue can help too. If you’re concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, contact Dr. Brian Williams. He can determine the cause and offer a treatment plan.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Snoring - by Scottsdale Dentist, Dr. Brian Williams

Snoring is the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep. While snoring can be harmless, it can also be the sign of a more serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue and soft tissues fall back into the throat during sleep, totally blocking the airway. This has been associated with cardiovascular problems and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Oral appliance therapy involves the selection, design, fitting, and use of a specially designed oral appliance that, when worn during sleep, maintains an open, unobstructed airway in the throat. Oral appliances that treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are devices worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards.

Dr. Williams is trained in oral appliance therapy and can help you determine which one is best suited for your specific dental and medical conditions. Dr. Williams will work with your physician as part of the medical team in your diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.  Oral appliance therapy can take from several weeks to
several months to complete. After your initial phase of treatment is complete, Dr. Williams will continue to
follow you to be sure that treatment remains successful and to evaluate the response of your teeth and jaws.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy:

• More Restful Sleep (for you and your partner)
• Better Oxygenation Levels
• Inexpensive & Non-Evasive (non-surgical)
• Excellent Patient Compliance (alternative to CPAP)
• Better Overall Health

If you would like to be evaluated by Dr. Brian H. Williams for Snoring/Oral Appliance Therapy, please call (480) 889-1800.  

Dr. Brian H. Williams is Collecting Non-Perishable Food Items for Mon's Pantry Community Food Bank

The dental practice of Dr. Brian Williams is collecting canned food/non-perishable items for Mom's Pantry Community Food Bank this holiday season.  We will be accepting donations between November 25th, 2013 and December 19th 2013 at our office located at:

Brian H. Williams, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.

9825 E. Bell Road, Suite 140

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

Below is a list of requested items:

- Canned Fruit 

- Jars of Peanut Butter 

- Boxed Mac & Cheese 

- Canned Green Beans 

- Boxed Mashed Potatoes 

- Canned Chicken Breast 

- Bagged Dry Pinto Beans

- Canned Sweet Corn 

- Canned Sweet Potatoes

- Bagged Spaghetti Pasta 

- Canned Chef Boyardee

- Canned Pumpkin Pie Filling 

- Bagged Top Ramen 

- Bagged or Boxed Dry Rice 

- Boxed Whole Grain Cheerios

- Canned Cranberry Sauce 

We appreciate any items you can donate for this wonderful organization!

Dr. Brian Williams & Team

Locate Hidden Decay with DIAGNOdent

Offered at the office of Dr. Brian H. Williams, DIAGNOdent.  

This safe and pain-free laser light machine detects decay as it appears beneath the surface (from the inside out). DIAGNOdent allows us to locate hidden decay, and with treatment, stop the spread of disease before it destroys the tooth from within. A number scale and an alarm signal the doctor when there are signs of hidden decay.  

For more information on DIAGNOdent, or to schedule a consultation, contact the office of Brian H. Williams, DDS, FAGD, Ltd., at (480) 889-1800.  You may also visit our website at: http://www.brianwilliamsdds.com.
     

November is National TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Awareness Month.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. 

Common symptoms of TMD include:
-Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide.
-Limited ability to open the mouth very wide.
-Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position.
-Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain) or chewing.
-A tired feeling in the face.
-Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly.
-Swelling on the side of the face (May occur on one or both sides of the face).

Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis).

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like an evaluation, please contact our office at (480) 889-1800.  

What are the Dangers of an Abscessed Tooth?

An untreated tooth abscess is very dangerous. If an abscessed tooth is left untreated, the tooth infection can spread and you can lose your tooth or have other health problems. Left untreated, a tooth abscess may compromise the immune system and in some cases may become life-threatening.  A tooth abscess complication includes tooth loss, jaw bone damage, neighboring tooth damage or loss, sinus problems, brain abscess, heart damage, hospitalization, coma, and even death.

Complications of an Abscessed Tooth May Include: 

• Loss of the Tooth
• Spread of infection to soft tissue (facial cellulitis, Ludwig's angina)
• Spread of infection to the jaw bone (osteomyelitis of the mandible or maxilla)
• Sinusitis, it is any infection or inflammation of the sinus cavities behind the nose and eyes (It is very common with an estimated 37 million cases annually in the USA. Symptoms vary according to which sinus cavity is infected.)
• Facial disfigurement as it eats away the facial bones
• Teeth falling out as the tooth abscess destroys the jaw holding the tooth

Spread of infection to other areas of the body resulting in cerebral abscess, endocarditis, pneumonia, or other disorders.  A rare abscessed tooth complications - Ludwig's angina and mediastinitis. While a life-threatening deep neck infection is an uncommon complication of tooth abscess, dentists should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms. The patient should be examined for swelling below the inferior border of the mandible, fever, excessive trismus, floor of mouth or tongue elevations, and deviation of the pharyngeal walls. In addition, the signs of an impending airway disaster, including muffled voice, inability to tolerate secretions and protruding tongue, should be carefully evaluated. Quick referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and early definitive care will minimize the morbidity and mortality of these serious infections.

The Worst Abscessed Tooth Danger - Death

Tooth abscess can cause the death of the tooth and it can literally be the death of you. If a tooth abscess if left untreated it can grow and spread through the soft tissue of the face and cause dramatic outward facial swelling called cellulitis.

If a person waits until the gum is so swollen that they have difficulty breathing or opening their mouth, the situation is very dangerous. It is not the "poison" of infection that makes the tooth abscess deadly, but its growth that can choke off our ability to breathe. That is the type of tooth abscess that can kill if left untreated.

Drinking Tea May Aid in Preventing Gum Disease

It may be a good thing to drink more tea.  A new study indicates that drinking tea may aid in preventing gum disease and prohibit cavities from developing. The information showed that three cups of tea each day battled bacteria, which led to a lower risk for gum disease and tooth decay.Black tea, specifically, possesses ingredients that fight certain bacteria like Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans, which are bacteria that cause gum disease. Three cups has become the recommended amount because the best results in fighting gum disease were shown by people consuming three to four cups of tea each day. The tea succeeds because it limits the amount of plaque acids released when eating.  The study demonstrated that the results were the same when sugar was added to the tea. Also, green tea produced similar results.  Previous studies on green tea determined that it could result in weight loss. This is accomplished by generating a larger expenditure of energy by the body and raising the body’s ability to burn fat.

dentistrytoday.com

Emotional Stress Could Cause Periodontal Disease

Emotional woes may place a strain on more than just your heart. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), emotional anxiety could affect your dental health.

 

"There's definitely a link between stress and dental health," says AGD spokesperson Nick Russo, DDS. "Stress affects the immune system, which fights against the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, making a person more prone to gum infection."

 

While stress has long been linked to heart troubles, researchers studied the effects of stress on dental health at the State University of New York at Buffalo, the University of North Carolina and the University of Michigan. More than 1,400 volunteers, ages 25 to 74, were studied to see how stress and coping abilities affect the risk for periodontal (gum) disease, which causes oral infection, inflamed and bleeding gums and loss of bone.

 

Those at greatest risk for periodontal disease were those who were highly emotional in dealing with financial problems. The oral health of those with financial troubles was compared with those who had other pressures, such as stress over children, spouse, single life or work. People strapped for cash had the most severe periodontal disease. But here's the good news: Those who dealt with their financial strain in an active and positive manner had no more risk of severe periodontal disease than those without money problems.

knowyourteeth.com     

Results from large international clinical trials provide dentists and patients with a new level of confidence in dental implant

Results from two of the largest international clinical studies performed to date with dental implants have just been published and demonstrate excellent clinical performance. Together, the studies have evaluated more than one thousand Straumann Bone Level implants in Europe, the US and Australia. The scope of these studies is particularly remarkable in view of the fact that most dental implant companies do not conduct clinical trials because they want to cut costs and do not have the capabilities.

 The studies are also remarkable in that they both reported very high implant survival rates of more than 98% with practically no bone loss around the implants. The findings are considerably better than values reported in a comprehensive review of previously published studies with other implants[1]. The new studies add to the wealth of strong clinical evidence backing the Straumann dental implant system and thus provide very good reasons for patients and dentists to insist on Straumann implants rather than undocumented alternatives.

 

The benchmark in clinical research

The first study was a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) at 11 clinical centers in Europe, USA and Australia[2]. RCTs are the benchmark in clinical research because they offer the highest level of clinical evidence. However, few are performed with dental implants and very rarely on such a large scale.

 This RCT has evaluated 106 patients each treated with one implant and followed for three years. The investigators compared the outcomes of two different approaches - the first involving two surgical steps, in which the implant is covered with gum tissue ('submerged') during healing, and the second involving just a single step, in which part of the implant is left exposed ('transmucosal') thus saving a second surgical operation. The most impressive highlight reported was the fact that only a single implant was lost, yielding 3-year implant-survival rates of 98.1% and 100% for the transmucosal and submerged groups respectively.

 Because bone loss around implants has been documented as a common undesirable effect of implant treatment[3], this study looked carefully at bone level changes. It showed that bone level was impressively stable over 3 years after implant placement, with mean decreases of less than 0.7 mm and 0.6 mm in the submerged and transmucosal groups respectively. These values are well below the data presented in previous studies with other implants. An analysis of published data showed that only three implant systems achieved mean marginal bone loss below 1 mm over a period of 5 years[1].

 

Excellent results also achieved in everyday practice

While RCTs demonstrate that products or treatments work well, they are usually conducted by specialists in selected and strictly controlled populations. This study was performed by dental practices and University clinics that are highly specialized in dental implantology, which raises the question of whether its excellent results can be reproduced in daily dental practice. To answer this, a large study using the same implant was conducted in Europe and the US, in which the dentists had to follow the product guidelines but were able to use the implant as they would in normal daily practice. The strength of this type of investigation, which is known as 'non-interventional study' (NIS), is that it documents real-life situations, in which indications, patients and conditions all vary widely.

 In this study[4], a total of 908 implants were evaluated in 538 patients at more than a hundred dental practices in six countries, revealing an implant survival rate of 98.5% after one year (the risk of failure is highest in the first year after implant placement5). Besides the very high survival rates, the bone level remained very stable in the majority of cases. The investigators therefore concluded that treatment with Straumann Bone Level Implants yielded very successful outcomes in 'real life' conditions.

 

Results impress further when viewed in the context of other published data

The survival rates reported in both studies are higher than those documented in the literature. The most recent analysis of published data on other implants showed an overall implant survival rate of 95.5% one year after implant placement[5], in contrast to the 98.5% achieved in this NIS in daily dental practice conditions.

 

Medicalnewstoday.com

GLO: The ZERO Sensitivity Whitening System

Dr. Brian Williams is now offering the revolutionary new whitening system, GLO!  This new product offers absolutely ZERO sensitivity.  So, if you have sensitive teeth and have always wanted to whiten, this is the product for you!

Call our office today at (480) 889-1800 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Can a sinus infection cause a toothache?

 

 

Yes, a sinus infection (sinusitis) or inflammation can cause a toothache — especially in the upper rear teeth, which are close to the sinuses. In fact, pain in the upper teeth is a fairly common symptom with sinus conditions.

If you have a persistent toothache, first consult your dentist for an exam. He or she will consider possible dental causes for the toothache, such as periodontal disease, tooth grinding, cavities or dental abscesses.

If your dentist rules out a dental cause for the toothache, consult your doctor. He or she will consider whether a sinus condition or other underlying medical problem is contributing to the toothache.

from Alan Carr, D.M.D., mayoclinic.com