- Dental ExaminationHealthy, properly functioning teeth are a must for any beautiful smile. Every smile design treatment plan begins with a comprehensive exam. Once we have a clear understanding of your current oral health and your smile design goals, we will create your perfect treatment plan to design a smile suited for your facial structure, oral health, overall health, and budget. If you're ready to design your dream smile, call Ahwatukee Dentistry today to schedule your Smile Design consultation! A dream smile, uniquely suited for you, is just around the corner!
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningYour first visit to our office is very important with regard to establishing your oral health baseline. We will begin by carefully reviewing your medical and dental histories and taking special note of all of your dental concerns, as well as any symptoms that you may be experiencing. This will be followed by a thorough clinical examination, including an oral cancer screening, periodontal evaluation, an analysis of your occlusion (bite) plus a thorough examination of your teeth, their supporting structures, and the complete orofacial area. Any needed diagnostic dental films will be taken at this time.
- Teeth CleaningTooth decay, also known as dental caries, is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting both children and adults and is second only to the common cold in frequency. According to the World Health Organization 60-90% of children worldwide, and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities. Although tooth decay is a worldwide epidemic, it is also a condition that is largely preventable with effective oral hygiene practices, a healthy diet as well as routine checkups and professional dental cleanings.
- Fluoride TreatmentAs an added level of protection against dental decay, it is recommended that children receive periodic fluoride treatments as part of a program of preventive dental care. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to prevent cavities by making the hard outer enamel of the teeth more resistant to the acids produced by the harmful sugar processing bacteria in dental plaque. It can also help to remineralize the teeth to reverse incipient decay.
- Dental SealantsAs part of a pediatric dental program of preventive care, the dentist may recommend the application of dental sealants. These thin, plastic-like coatings painted onto the biting surfaces of the newly erupted permanent back teeth provide your child with an added level of protection through the cavity-prone years. Covering the pits, fissures and grooves in the hard to reach back teeth, dental sealants prevent decay-causing bacteria and food particles from accumulating in these vulnerable areas. Sealants may also be useful in areas of incipient dental decay to stop further damage from occurring.
- Space MaintainersSometimes, due to tooth decay or a traumatic injury, a child may lose a primary tooth early, before the permanent one underneath is ready to come into place. When this happens, our dentist will consider the best way to hold the space left by the baby tooth in order to maintain a clear path for the succeeding adult tooth. Sometimes a small dental appliance, known as a space maintainer, is required to make sure the permanent tooth does not become crowded out of the dental arch or impacted by shifting adjacent teeth.
- FillingsAccording to archaeological findings, for as long as dental problems have existed, there have been efforts to provide emergency and restorative care. In fact, attempts to place dental fillings have been found in the skeletal remains of people who lived around the year 8000 BC. However, it wasn't until thousands and thousands of years later, in the 19th century, that a variety of metal fillings, including dental amalgam, appeared on the scene. Although gold achieved status as a popular restorative material, it was soon apparent that amalgam fillings, consisting of a mixture of mercury and an alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper, offered a less expensive, durable, and simpler alternative.
- Resin CompositeComposite fillings, which are frequently referred to as either "tooth-colored fillings" or "white fillings," consist of a combination of biocompatible resins and finely ground, glass-like filler materials that become strong and durable when set. Available in a complete range of natural-looking shades, composite fillings offer a cosmetically pleasing alternative to traditional "silver" fillings. Composite resins are also used in dental bonding procedures to improve a tooth's color or shape, mask defects, or close minor gaps between teeth.
- VeneersAt the office of Ahwatukee Dentistry, PLLC, we recognize that every smile is different and tailor treatment to address individual needs and expectations of care. Whether your smile is best served by the fabrication of dental veneers or another cosmetic dental procedure we provide, you can count on our office for the latest, most effective, pleasing, and healthy solutions for your smile.
- CrownsFollowing the preparation of the involved teeth, it's not unusual to experience some sensitivity and gum soreness. This discomfort typically subsides. However, since the fit of a temporary restoration is often less precise than the final permanent crown or bridge, you may still feel some residual sensitivity until treatment is completed.
- BridgesFixed dental bridges involve the preparation and crowning of teeth on either side of an area missing teeth to support artificial teeth to span the edentulous area.
- Dental BondingIn some cases, if the imperfections are minor ones, a teeth whitening procedure or cosmetic bonding may be all it takes to create a more perfect-looking smile. However, darker dental stains, discolorations, and more significant flaws involving the size, shape, and alignment of the teeth, are sometimes better addressed with porcelain veneers.
- Restorative Dentistry
- Root Canal TreatmentIf you are told that a tooth requires a root canal procedure, there’s no need for alarm. Today, a root canal procedure is as routine and comfortable as receiving a dental filling. As a matter of fact, a root canal procedure is typically the best way to relieve toothache pain, save a damaged tooth, and preserve your natural smile.
- ApicoectomyWith a success rate that exceeds 95%, root canal therapy remains the most effective procedure to save a tooth in which the inner vital tissues have been damaged. However, as with all healthcare procedures, there are a small percentage of cases where the teeth become symptomatic a second time. The good news is that many of these teeth can still be saved with root canal retreatment or a minor surgical procedure known as an apicoectomy.
- Deep CleaningAs beneficial as a good routine of brushing and flossing is, with perio patients a deeper clean is key. Traditional deep cleaning treatments like root planing, scaling and surgery used to be the only way to access the hard to reach pockets around your gums. The Perio Protect method offers a different approach suitable for many of our patients indeed of perio treatment.
- DenturesThere is something that you can do to resolve the effects of missing teeth! Replacing missing teeth with dentures results in benefits beyond an improved smile. How so?
- Dental ImplantsAre you among the many Phoenix area patients dealing with the discomfort of missing teeth? Whether it’s impairing your ability to smile freely or your freedom to eat your favorite foods, Dr. Le can help you improve the quality of your life with dental implants!
- Oral Surgery
- Gum SurgeryPatients committed to regular maintenance at this stage of periodontal disease can help in preventing progression. It is important to note that gingivitis that is left untreated can escalate into periodontal disease. between the teeth and gums, gum surgery, as well as bone and tissue grafts.
- Tooth ExtractionsBeginning as a simple pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay will continue to compromise healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of the tooth. Without proper care, a cavity can lead to significant damage to tooth structure, irreversible damage to the nerve of the tooth, a dental infection, and serious consequences to your oral health and overall well-being. When the tooth has sustained far too much structural damage and cannot be restored, a dental extraction may be required.
- Bone GraftingAfter a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.
- Orthodontics
- Invisalign OrthodonticsInvisalign is a system of clear plastic aligners engineered for your unique needs. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth from their current position to a new, healthier place. As you progress through the aligners, your teeth move gradually until you have a perfect smile.
- BracesFewer office appointments. You don’t need to see your dentist every time you need an adjustment, just move to the next aligner at home, on the schedule that you and Dr. Le have developed. You still need to come in for checks, but they’re a lot less frequent than they are with traditional braces.
- Teeth WhiteningDr. Le is ready to help you brighten your smile! At Ahwatukee Dentistry, we value healthy beautiful smiles. We are happy to offer teeth whitening treatment to help Foothills Reserve families, and our friends here in the Ahwatukee and greater Phoenix area have a grin that reflects good health!
- Cosmetic DentistryWhile working for the VA, Dr. Le provided high-level dental care to medically compromised patients. She performed minor oral surgeries, periodontal surgeries, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry on patients with multiple health problems. Because of her experiences serving veterans, Dr. Le is uniquely qualified to provide safe care to your family during a global pandemic.
- General Dentistry