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ASK THE DENTIST
What do I do if I am afraid to go to
the dentist?
If the thought of sitting in a dental
chair makes you anxious and afraid, you are not alone. There
are thousands of people who avoid dental visits because of
their fears. Dr. Cullinan and his staff understand you and
CAN help! Dr. Cullinan is one of the few dentists in Arizona, who is Board certified to administer
IV SEDATION (“Conscious Sedation”). It can be done right in
the dentists' office. Doctor will set up an I.V.
(intravenous drip) into a vein on your arm or hand. His sole
responsibility is to maintain you in a comfortable, dazed,
painless yet conscious state, while he works on your teeth.
The doctor adjusts the dose until you are almost out cold,
but awake just enough to follow directions from the dentist
to open your mouth, turn your head etc... You are in a
"happy zone" with no pain. He also monitors your vital signs
(breathing, heart rate etc...) the entire time you are
under. When you wake up after the work is done, you are a
little "dazed" and remember nothing. When you are fully
awake, you need someone to help you out to the vehicle, and
drive you home. Conscious sedation is perfect for people who
are scared, nervous and apprehensive. Plus it is safer
than general anesthesia, where you are completely
unconscious.
What
does it cost for a checkup?
The
first appointment for a new patient includes x-rays, oral
cancer exam, periodontal screening for gum disease and
examining the teeth. From the information gathered, a
treatment plan is made and prioritized to take care of the
most urgent needs first.
Why should I have
my teeth cleaned?
Think of it
like this. You can just wax your car without washing it or
doing any maintenance or repairs to the engine. This may
make your car look better, but it would definitely be a very
poor way of caring for your car.
I am
missing several teeth.
A friend told me that she recently had implants to replace
her missing teeth and is very happy. What are implants?
Dental
implants are a wonderful way to replace missing
teeth.
Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their
restorative counterparts (bridges
and
dentures).
Moreover, they require virtually no care, as they never
decay (develop cavities), since they are made out of
titanium! After Dr. Cullinan does a thorough examination
and treatment plan the surgical phase of treatment takes
place. Implant is an artificial root that is placed in the
jaw. When healing is complete, usually after 4-6 months, the
tooth (crown/cap) or bridge (several crowns/caps) are placed
on top of the healed implants (roots) by Dr. Cullinan, right
here, in our office.
What is a “root canal” procedure?
"Root canal" is the natural cavity within the center of
the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within
the root canal. The tooth's nerve lies within the root
canal. A root canal requires one office visit and can is
performed in our office by Dr. Cullinan. During the
procedure, the doctor removes the pulp (including the
nerve), while disinfecting the pulp chamber. The space is
filled with the material to seal the area and prevent
bacteria from growing. However complicated it may sound,
this procedure is normally PAINLESS and is performed in the
office.
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