What is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding is an alternative to porcelain crowns or veneers. For patients that are candidates for composite bonding, the overall cost is less, but the result is stunning! 

Here is a patient testimonial from our most recent composite bonding case. 

"I can't even tell you how relieved I am that I found Dr. Davis. I have had issues with bonding on my front teeth for 8+ years now and it has been frustrating to say the least. I was always fearful that something I would eat would chip or force the bonding to come out because it had happened 5+ times previously. On top of that, the bonding I had was always "off" in color. I could clearly see where my natural tooth was and where the bonding began. I was self-conscious of someone looking too closely at my smile for fear they would also notice. The last time I cracked my bonding, I was fed up - finally thinking I should see a cosmetic dentist. After searching on Google, I called Dr. Davis's office the first thing the next morning and Janet at the front desk rearranged the schedule to get me in (talk about customer service!). Dr. Davis mended the chipped tooth and we scheduled a follow up appointment to do a complete do-over. I cannot even tell you how awesome it was! He spent time on my teeth - wasn't rushing - striving for perfect color match so no one would notice that it wasn't an addition to my natural tooth. He added 7 layers of color to make sure it was a perfect match. My mind is completely blown at how much better my teeth look and am no longer worried/self-conscious about them! I simply love Dr. Davis and his staff - best. decision. ever."

(Patient's smile with previous composite bonding)

(Close up view of previous composite bonding)

(Patient's smile with natural tooth structure)

(Close up view of natural tooth structure)

(Patient's smile after composite bonding by Dr. Davis)

(Close up view of composite bonding by Dr. Davis)

For more information regarding composite bonding or other cosmetic procedures, contact Davis Dental at (801)292-5812 or davisdentalutah.com

We would love to give you that confident smile you've always dreamed of! 

The Truth About Bleaching Lights and Lasers

Many people believe that for in office tooth whitening to be effective, you must use a light or laser. In actuality, this is the main reason patients complain of sensitivity after a bleaching session. 

Dr. Rod Kurthy, D.M.D. was tired of his patients complaining about poor results and the pain associated with it. He decided to perform his own study to find out why this was happening to his patients. 

"In a 2005 clinical study by Rod Kurthy, D.M.D., subjects were treated with:

1. Various bleaching lights and lasers with no whitening gel applied to the teeth
2. Whitening gel applied to the teeth without the use of bleaching lights or lasers
3. The same whitening gels combined with use of these bleaching lights and lasers

What Dr. Kurthy found was zero sensitivity caused by bleaching lights or lasers alone. This finding refutes the cause of sensitivity due simply to the heat and/or dehydration caused by bleaching lights and lasers. He also found that use of only the whitening gel resulted in moderate to no sensitivity. However, the combination of bleaching lights or lasers and whitening gel resulted in several cases of severe sensitivity, as well as notably more cases of moderate sensitivity. "

These same findings were confirmed in 2009 and published in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 

"In a clinical study published in JOE (Journal of Endodontics) in 2008, the actual cause of this increased sensitivity was revealed. It was found that the combination of high concentration hydrogen peroxide with photon energy from bleaching lights and lasers causes pulpal neurons to produce significant levels of Substance P."

Substance P is a neuropeptide. The sole function of Substance P is to cause pain and inflammation. 

Here at Davis Dental, we don't want to cause our patients pain, so we use the KoR Whitening System. It offers amazing results and patients do not complain of sensitivity! KoR Whitening uses the latest in whitening technology and products, but does not use a light or laser because it does not enhance results. We want to offer our patients the best whitening experience possible!

For more information on KoR Whitening visit, www.korwhitening.com. If you're interested in a whiter smile, call our office for more information. We would love to give you the smile you've always dreamed of! 

Davis Dental- (801)292-5812 or www.davisdentalutah.com

Information gathered from www.korwhitening.com

 7 Healthy Foods For Your Teeth

The foods that you consume play a major role in your overall dental health. People who eat foods with a high sugar content are more prone to dental caries/cavities. Here is a list of the top 7 foods that are good for your teeth. 

• Cheese- Not processed cheese, but block cheese or string cheese are great options. The enzymes in cheese can help to balance the pH levels in the mouth and increase saliva production. This helps to lower your risk for tooth decay. Cheese also contains calcium and protein which strengthens tooth enamel. 

• Yogurt- Yogurt also has protein and calcium to strengthen enamel. It has probiotics, or good bacteria that can rid your gums of caries causing bacteria. The best yogurt choice is a plain yogurt because the flavored varieties have added sugar. 

• Carrots- Carrots are crunchy and full of fiber. Eating carrots increases saliva production which helps to "rinse" the teeth and prevent cavities.

• Leafy Greens- They are full of calcium which helps tooth enamel, but also contain folic acid which can possibly improve gum disease in pregnant women. If you don't enjoy leafy greens by themselves or in a salad, you could try sneaking them into other foods you do enjoy. Such as smoothies, or on a pizza. 

• Apples- Apples produce saliva in the mouth which helps clear away food debris, but the texture of an apple is similar to that of brushing your teeth. It definitely doesn't replace brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste, but is a good way to clean your teeth until you can brush them. 

• Celery- Celery is similar to apples and carrots. It is great for increasing saliva production and helping to rid your mouth of that pesky food debris. If you don't love plain celery, try it with some peanut butter to change it up. 

• Almonds- They are high in fiber and protein but very low in sugar. This helps to strengthen tooth enamel and serves as a great and filling snack. Almonds are great on their own or tossed into a salad. 

Here at Davis Dental, we want to help you find easy ways to improve your oral health. We hope these simple and healthy foods will get you headed in the right direction! 

For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at: (801)292-5812 or visit our website at davisdentalutah.com

Information for this post was gathered from colgate.com pictures were obtained from google.

Oral Health Impacts of Smoking and The Use of Other Tobacco Products

Many people do not realize the effects that tobacco use can have on their overall oral health. In dentistry, we see many of these issues arise when we have a patient who uses tobacco products. Here are 7 reasons you may want to quit. 

* Bad Breath

* Stained Teeth and Tongue

* Dulled Sense of Taste and Smell

*Slow Healing After a Tooth Extraction or Other Surgery

* Difficulty in Correcting Cosmetic Issues

* Gum Disease

*Oral Cancer

Quitting all-together is the only way to decrease your risk of oral and other health related problems. Here at Davis Dental, we are committed to giving our patients the best care possible. We want to give you all the tools, instruction, and advice we can to help you achieve optimal oral health. We look forward to seeing you! 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Jordan Davis, call us at (801)292-5812 or visit our website, davisdentalutah.com. 

Information gathered from mouthhealthy.com. Images taken from google.com

Importance of a Mouth Guard

Many kids and teenagers don't realize the importance of using a mouth guard while participating in sports. In their minds, "mouth guards are stupid", right? Mouth guards aren't only important for young children or teens, they are just as important for adults. Here are some reasons mouth guards are essential. 

• It protects your teeth, cheeks, mouth, tongue, and jaw from injury. Although a mouth guard is made of plastic or laminate materials, it can prevent over 200,000 oral injuries every year. 

• Injuries to the mouth or jaw can be expensive and very painful. Possible injuries include; broken or chipped teeth, biting the cheeks or lips, root damage, fractured jaw, and concussions. Many of these can be prevented by the use of a mouth guard. 

• Mouth guards don't have to empty the bank account. There are essentially three options when it comes to mouth guards. 

1.  Stock Mouth Guards. These are a "one size fits all". The biggest issue we find with this type of guard is that it doesn't fit well for everyone, and is not made to be adjusted to fit. Patients have complained that the stock guards are extremely bulky and tend to make hard or heavy breathing during game time difficult. They are very inexpensive, and can be picked up at any sporting goods store. 
2.  Boil and Bite Mouth Guards. These are a step up from the stock guards we talked about. With this type of guard, it requires you to boil the plastic material for a certain amount of time, then bite into it to give it a more customized fit. They are also inexpensive and can be molded in the comfort of your own home. The down side to this type of guard, is it also doesn't fit every person correctly. It tends to be bulky in the mouth, but is more comfortable to wear than a stock mouth guard.        
3.  Custom Fit Mouth Guards. This is a guard that we make in our office for you. We take dental impressions of your teeth, pour up this impression in dental stone, and then mold the plastic material to it. This type of mouth guard is much more comfortable to wear and will also protect your overall mouth better because it is molded specifically for you. 

Here at Davis Dental, we want to help you protect your smile for many years to come! Come in and see us for a custom mouth guard or for any of your other dental needs. We would love to give you the best dental experience you've ever had. We look forward to meeting you! 

Contact us at: (801)292-5812 or visit our website at: www.davisdentalutah.com

Information gathered from colgate.com

Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Many people complain that their gums bleed when they brush or floss. The majority of these people think that bleeding gums is a normal occurrence and ignore it. Did you know that bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease? Here are 5 things you can try at home to stop bleeding gums. 

• Change your oral hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. When oral hygiene is lacking, plaque can build up along the gumline and cause irritation if not removed promptly. Plaque causes tarter (which becomes hard and can't be removed at home). Tarter is a rough surface which allows plaque to form in these areas easier. 

• Change what you are using. You may think that using a medium or hard bristle toothbrush will give you the pearly whites you've always wanted, but they can actually cause more harm than good. You should use a soft or very soft bristle toothbrush. Also, if you make sure you are flossing at least once a day, you should begin to see improvement in your gum health. 

• Consume a healthy diet. Foods that are high in sugar can create more plaque. It is important to eat healthy foods such as, vegetables, low sugar fruits, and protein. You don't need to rid your life of sweet entirely, just make sure you eat them in moderation. 

• Medication. According to Colgate, "Certain medicines also increase the likelihood that your gums will bleed. Some over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin, thin the blood and can therefore increase bleeding. It's also possible for prescription medication to cause gum bleeding. If that is the case, your doctor might prescribe a different dose or a different medication altogether. Always talk to your doctor if you think a medication is causing side effects, even if they seem mild."

• Visit your dentist. If you are having any bleeding, even if it is mild, it is important to see your dentist for proper diagnosis. You could have an underlying issue that needs professional attention. You dentist can advise the best treatment for you personally. 

Keeping up to date on regular checkups and professional cleanings is the best way to maintain a healthy smile. 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Jordan D. Davis visit our website at www.davisdentalutah.com or call us at (801)292-5812

Information for this post was gathered from colgate.com picture taken from shapingthefutureofdentistry.org

What Our Patients Are Saying About Davis Dental

"I am always extremely pleased with my visits to Dr. Davis. He has a wonderful team; I am always warmly greeted by the front desk staff and immediately feel “at home” in a very comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Davis is always very thorough and professional; He and his outstanding staff is patient and take all the time needed to discuss the dental issues and what are the options for treatment. I feel that my care is in very capable hands and the office utilizes the highest technology. Everything a patient is looking for is present in Dr. Davis office. A super dental office where I feel I receive the best of care." - Christiane F. 

"My experience with Dr. Jordan Davis, DDS and staff was authentically compassionate, and professional. The lovely receptionist (Janet) and the hygienist (Tandem) were enjoyable and efficient making me feel completely comfortable as they explained and educated me in the working process. I felt Dr. Jordan Davis was extremely competent and dedicated to providing the latest technology for my dental health and personal needs. I was completely satisfied with the whole experience and felt like I walked away with peace of mind, an uncommon experience in my dental history." - Colleen W. 

"Dr. Davis and his team were so kind to me! I had to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth taken out and due to being pregnant they could not sedate me. I was very nervous and they were very patient and kept me calm. They continually monitored my heart rate and blood pressure, and made sure that I was as comfortable as possible. They were extremely reasonable with my payment options and helped me in all ways possible. I would recommend Dr. Davis to any and all who are looking for a fantastic experience at the dentist." - Maddison D. 

"Dr. Davis and his team really know their "stuff!" Their professionalism and knowing how to do their job is equal to (or maybe even surpassed by) their friendly and caring attitude. They want everything right for you. They may have one or two other patients being seen while I am there, but I have always felt like I was their primary concern. That's how they run the office - and that's good business." - Lamar H. 

"I have had quite a few procedures with Dr. Davis from simple cleaning and x-Rays to pretty complex procedures with sedation. Every time, he and his staff go above and beyond to make sure my questions are answered and I'm comfortable with the process. To say everyone is great in this office is an understatement. They really truly care! There are very few appointments that I would drive 40 miles roundtrip to but for Dr.Davis and his wonderful staff...I do and will continue to do...as long as I have my teeth :)" - Kande S. 

We love our patients and take pride in giving them the best dental treatment possible. We look forward to doing the same for you! 

To learn more about Davis Dental you can visit our website at: www.davisdentalutah.com

For questions or to make an appointment you can reach us at: (801)292-5812

George Washington's Dental History

Have you heard the stories of George Washington's wooden teeth? Did you know that this story is actually a myth? We thought it would be fun to celebrate Independence Day by sharing some interesting facts about George Washington's dental work. 

"Washington had a long history of illness. In 1751 he wrote of having smallpox and the following year complained that he had a bout of "violent plurise." As a young lieutenant colonel in 1755 serving with General Braddock in the French and Indian War, he suffered "pain in the head" and dysentery. In 1761 when he was twenty-nine and back at Mt. Vernon, he got "breakbone fever," now known as dengue fever, characterized by headache, fever, and severe muscles and joint pain. Over the ensuing years there were attacks of malaria, flu, and rheumatic complaints. Adding to the stress as commander of the continental Army were constant unrelieved toothaches. In some instances, one cannot help but wonder if his teeth might have been the source of the chronic infections he suffered"

"According to his accounts, he received the standard medical treatments of the day, which included heavy doses of the infamous calomel (mercurous chloride) that can lead to destruction of the teeth. This, combined with what may have been naturally poor teeth, led to dental problems beginning when Washington was twenty-two. Over the next thirty-five years, he would lose all his teeth."

During this time, tooth powders (since they didn't have toothpaste) were made from pumice, borax, roots and herbs, even burnt bread and tobacco were sometimes used. It was likely that people used a mouth rinse solution that contained herbs or resins of balsam or myrrh, salt, wine, or even vinegar may have been used. 

Tooth extractions became a yearly occurrence for our founding father. "There were frequent episodes of infected and abscessed teeth, inflamed gums, and finally ill-fitting dentures." George Washington didn't have wooden teeth, but he did have several sets of dentures throughout his life. His first set came shortly after he was inaugurated for his first term as president in 1789. It was made of hippopotamus ivory carved to fit the gums, ivory teeth, and also human teeth. In 1791 he received his second set of dentures and then a third set in 1795. Another large set of dentures was made for him in 1796. "His final set was made in 1798, the year before he died. This set was a swagged gold plate with individual backing for each tooth which was fastened by rivets. The lower denture of this set, along with others, are on display in the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore."

Here at Davis Dental we are grateful for modern dentistry and to be able to share that with our outstanding patients. Happy Independence Day! 

To learn more about Davis Dental visit davisdentalutah.com or call us at (801)292-5812

Information gathered from americanrevolution.org 

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

We see patients on a regular basis who are in need of tooth replacement, whether it be a single tooth or several teeth, there are essentially three options. 

Option 1: The first and best option is a dental implant.  It is essentially a screw or a post with rivets made of titanium that is placed in to the jaw bone (we also offer a ceramic implant for patients who are looking for a metal free option). It is then allowed to heal for four-six months so that the bone can fuse to the implant. After healing is complete, a different type of post called an abutment is screwed into the implant so that a replacement tooth can be placed on top. A crown or cap is placed on the post. The process is then complete and the patient may use the implant normally.

Implants are the most similar to a natural tooth. You eat, brush, and floss as you would without an implant. 

Implants also have a much longer life span than other treatment options. 

Option 2: The second option is a bridge. It is made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. A bridge is three or more teeth that are fused together and then attached to the neighboring teeth. The bridge will fill the empty space left from the missing tooth. In order for the bridge to fit onto the existing teeth, they must be prepped or ground down to create enough space for the bridge to fit. It is then cemented into place. 

The biggest risk factor with a bridge is bridge failure. This happens when either one or both of the neighboring teeth get decay on them. If this occurs, the entire bridge needs to be removed to have the decay taken out properly. Then a new bridge would need to be made and cemented into place.

Option 3: The third option is a removable partial denture or a retainer that has teeth attached to it. An impression or mold of the upper and lower teeth is taken. The impression is then sent to a Dental Laboratory for fabrication. Once completed, the patient will return to the dental office for an appointment to ensure a proper fit.

Partial dentures are fairly easy to care for. They come in and out of the mouth and can be brushed daily with a soft toothbrush. At night, it is recommended that partial dentures be removed from the mouth and placed in a cup of water with an effervescent tablet like Polident to clean it thoroughly.

The biggest downside to a partial denture for patients is the fact that it does come in and out of the mouth. Over time, it will also need adjustments to keep it fitting well and eventually will need to be replaced. 

It is important to replace missing teeth for the following reasons:

1. Teeth will shift over time. For example, if you had your second to back tooth on the lower left side, extracted, eventually the tooth behind it will begin to move forward at an angle to fill the space. Also, the upper teeth will begin to move down until they touch the opposing teeth again. This process is called super eruption. When teeth begin to shift or move up or down, sometimes they will do it to the point that they are no longer savable and need to be extracted.

2. If you have a tooth extracted and you wait several years before deciding to replace it, there may not be room for an implant or another option because the teeth around it have shifted too much.

3. The other problem with waiting several years before replacing a tooth is you will begin to lose the bone in that area. Which results in needing a bone graft if you have decided to have an implant placed. When having a bone graft done, this will delay healing time and also prolong the implant process. 

Here at Davis Dental, we want to help you have a long lasting, fully functioning, beautiful smile! Contact us for more information. (801)292-5812

Fluoride Benefits

Many people are on the fence about fluoride and its benefits. Here at Davis Dental we have experienced the true difference fluoride use can make not only for children, but adults as well. Fluoride is vital in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride comes in many forms and can be used in different ways such as, in toothpaste, drinking water (in some areas) and mouth rinses. 

There is some controversy about having fluoride in drinking water, but according to the American Dental Association "more than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride's cavity prevention whether they are at home, work or school. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century." 

• How does fluoride protect teeth?

Fluoride that comes from foods, beverages, and supplements helps protect teeth before they come into the mouth by helping the tooth enamel become stronger therefore resisting decay. 

After teeth erupt (break through the gums) fluoride helps to remineralize enamel (making it stronger) and can even reverse the signs of early decay. 

• Why should I want to drink fluoridated water?

You can better your overall oral health and prevent cavities simply by drinking water. It is a very easy and safe way to provide your teeth with fluoride. 

Overtime, the fluoride from your drinking water will be present in your saliva and will help to bathe your teeth with very small amounts of fluoride to help protect and remineralize teeth. 

• Why should I choose a fluoridated toothpaste?

Toothpaste helps to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and mouth. Adding fluoride to this method helps to strengthen enamel. 

• Should my children be using fluoridated toothpaste?

For children younger than 3 years, parents and caregivers should begin brushing children's teeth as soon as they begin to come into the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. 

For children 3 to 6 years of age, parents and caregivers should dispense no more than a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. 

Teeth should be brushed thoroughly twice a day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Children's brushing should be supervised to ensure that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste. 

If you feel that your child isn't brushing thoroughly, we recommend that you help them brush and show them the proper technique. 

Fluoride is a simple, effective, and safe way to ensure healthy teeth. 

For more information visit our website at: davisdentalutah.com or contact Davis Dental at: (801) 292-5812

All information gathered from ada.org. Photo credit to ada.org.

Who Should You Trust To Makeover Your Smile

Many people looking to makeover their smile don't realize that going to just any dentist may not give them the results they are looking for. If you are one of these people, below is a list of qualities to look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist to design your smile:

Experience - the dentist you choose for your smile makeover should be someone who performs cosmetic dentistry every day and who’s focus is on smile design. Actively seeking accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) - The AACD is the largest organization in the world when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Achieving accreditation through this organization is similar to board-certification in other medical fields. Dentists who are actively seeking accreditation through the academy have the proper knowledge and skills to create smiles that are natural, beautiful, customized to the patient, and long-lasting. Currently, there are only a few dentists in Utah actively seeking accreditation and only a handful of dentists who are members. Going to a dentist with this type of training will ensure that you achieve optimal results.

A dentist who looks beyond just the teeth - many dentists have “tunnel-vision” only focusing on the teeth and the oral cavity. This makes sense, because dental schools traditionally have trained dentists to think this way. However, in order to achieve optimal aesthetic results, the dentist should first focus on the patient’s facial features and facial type. This is where smile design begins - the teeth should be customized to a person’s facial features. Our face and lips are the frame for the teeth, and all these features together make what we define as a “smile”. If the face is not considered first, the new smile may appear to “not fit” or “match” the person or their personality.

A dentist who understands occlusion (aka “the bite”) and proper function of the teeth - If the dentist does not understand the proper form and function of a person’s “bite”, the new smile may be beautiful, but may also have problems down the road. The patient may end up having joint problems (TMJ problems) that cause pain and discomfort or may have teeth that constantly chip or break. When investing a lot of money into your smile, you should have the comfort of knowing that your new, beautiful smile will last a long time.

Smile makeovers should be customized to the patient - This is not a “one size fits all” procedure. When it comes to smile design, the dentist should consider the most appropriate treatment for the patient, with the goal in mind to be as “minimally invasive” as possible to achieve the most optimal result. This means that the dentist needs a firm understanding of all the modes of possible treatment and the various kinds of materials available - one person may need crowns on all of their teeth whereas another may only need bleaching and composite resin bonding.The goal is to achieve the person’s best smile with the least amount of dentistry.

Dr. Jordan D. Davis, DDS is an sustaining member with the American Academy of Cosmetic
Dentistry currently working toward achieving accreditation. He graduated from Creighton School of Dentistry in Omaha, NE with honors. He received one year of additional training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University. He also teaches Oral Surgery at Roseman University School of Dentistry in South Jordan. 
For more information on Smile Makeovers, contact us at: (801)292-5812

Digital Smile Design

Dr. Davis is very passionate about dentistry and strives to stay up to date as dentistry advances. This past week, he spent some time in Canada with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to further his education. Digital Smile Design is a new technological advancement that Dr. Davis found very interesting and something that he feels will be the new way of dentistry and even medicine. 

Digital Smile Design gives us the opportunity to design a patients smile through pictures and video. It takes the guess work out of dentistry! It starts by taking radiographs, photographs, and video of the patient. This information is then sent to Digital Smile Design and they design a smile that is perfect for that specific patient and their unique features. There is no "one size fits all" using this method. 
We will then receive a model of the proposed treatment that we can actually use in the patient's mouth to make sure it is what the patient is looking for. You no longer have to imagine what your smile will look like after treatment because you will already know. 

According to Digital Smile Design, "The whole concept is based upon the analysis of the patient's facial and dental proportions, utilizing a predetermined series of high quality digital photographs and videos, understanding the relationship between teeth, gums, lips, and smile with facial features in motion and with emotion. Digital drawings are easily made on the pictures, following a didactical sequence and a digital ruler is provided to precisely communicate with the dental technician and team when designing the smile. Resulting in a clear, attractive, and understandable treatment presentation for patients." 

We are looking forward to implementing Digital Smile Design into our practice to improve our overall patient experience. 

For more information about Davis Dental, contact us at: (801)292-5812

Information gathered from digitalsmiledesign.com

The Prettau Implant Bridge

The Prettau Implant Bridge is the most advanced implant bridge on the market. Unlike other plastic or acrylic options, the Prettau is made of Zirconia, one of the strongest materials in dentistry today, so it won’t crack, chip or stain. In fact, it is actually a metal found on the periodic table of elements. It, however, does not have the appearance of most metals and can be made to look like natural teeth and gum tissue.

If you are missing teeth, have poor teeth with continual problems experiencing bad odors from ill-fitting dentures, this is the ideal restoration. The Prettau Implant Bridge has so much to offer, and can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life, happiness, and self-esteem. The Prettau is a permanent, all on 4, implant bridge that will last a lifetime! This Prettau is professionally milled to compliment your smile and facial structure. The detail in the craftsmanship of each Prettau is unsurpassed, nothing on the market comes close to the durability and styling of the Prettau Implant Bridge.

This restoration is not only very strong, durable, and won’t chip, but also offers superior aesthetics. It is fixed (not removable) to dental implants placed into the jaw, offering stability and function similar to natural teeth. At Davis Dental, we are continually committed to offering our patients the latest and best dentistry available on the market. Not only do we restore the patient’s smile with the Prettau Implant Bridge here at Davis Dental, but we are able to perform the surgical portion (implant placement, bone grafting, and sedation) as well. The entire procedure is done from start to finish at our office, maintaining consistency from the treatment plan, to the surgery, and to the final prosthesis, ensuring the most consistent and excellent outcome.

Change your life forever! If you’re unhappy with your smile, The Prettau is the solution! Regain the freedom to eat what you want and smile with confidence!

For more information on the Prettau Implant Bridge, contact Davis Dental (801)292-5812

Information from this post was collected from www.prettauimplantutah.com 

5 Ways to Help You Overcome Your Dental Anxiety

Do you get extremely nervous before you make a visit to your dentist? You're not alone! Many patients tell us every day that they hate coming to the dentist. But what if I told you there were simple ways to cope with your fear? Guess what?! There is! Here are 5 simple ways you can make going to the dentist a little less stressful. 

1. Don't be afraid to tell your doctor how you feel. They will be glad to do whatever they can to make your visit more comfortable. 
2. Do you like to know exactly what is going on? Let your dentist know! Ask them to explain each part of the procedure so you are never taken by surprise. Some people prefer to not know anything that is happening because it makes them more nervous. What ever you prefer, make sure you let your doctor know. 
3. Deep breathing can be very beneficial for patients with anxiety. Essential oils applied prior to your appointment can also help you relax. Some patients even enjoy a combination of deep breathing exercises and essential oils because not only does it help you relax, it can actually be therapeutic. 
4. Do you hate the sound of the drill? Trust us, most patients do, and we understand. Bring a pair of headphones and your favorite music to help drown out the high pitched noise. 
5. Establish a stop signal. It can be a simple raise of the hand, or a thumbs down to let your doctor know you need them to stop right away. It doesn't have to be a pain signal, it can just mean that you need a rinse or that you simply need a break to breathe and relax. 

These are just a few ways to help you relax before and during your dental procedure. If these methods do not work for you, there are always sedation methods that may be the best option for you. Visit your dentist to establish the best route of treatment for you. 

To make an appointment with Dr. Davis and his team, contact us at (801) 292-5812

Information gathered from personal experience and psychcentral.com

Ten Things To Consider Before Purchasing Dental Insurance

Are you looking into purchasing a dental benefits/insurance plan? Here is a list of things to consider before you do. 

1. Will you be able to continue seeing your current dentist? 

If you have a dentist that you really like, you may want to look into an insurance plan that he or she participates with. If your dentist is not on that list, don't be afraid to ask why your dentist has chosen not to participate. They may have a very good reason. Don't let insurance companies fool you into thinking you can only see a dentist that is on their list. Several companies will help pay even if it is not with a participating doctor. 

2. Know what is covered in the plan you are researching. 

Many insurance companies do not cover certain procedures, especially when it comes to preventive treatment. Dental sealants and fluoride are not always covered. Both of these procedures could prevent future decay and save you money in the long run. 

3. Is the treatment you need determined by you and your dentist?

If you are having to choose dental treatment based on what your insurance plan will cover, you may not be receiving the treatment that is best for you. You and your dentist should be making the decision together on what treatment is ideal for your overall health. 

4. What type of dental care is covered?

Does the plan you are researching cover braces, bridges, crowns, or periodontal disease? What about major treatment such as; dentures, implants, or TMJ disorder? 

5. What is your coverage maximum?

Most dental plans cover on average a $1,000-$2,000 maximum per year. This small amount can be greatly diminished after one or two procedures depending on what type of treatment is needed. If you know you need more work than this amount allows, it may not be worth the premiums and remaining out of pocket expense to purchase a dental plan.

6. What if you need to see a specialist?

Some plans do not cover specialist visits leaving you with the entire cost out of your own pocket. 

7. Does the plan cover out of area emergencies?

Nothing is worse than having a toothache while you are trying to enjoy yourself on vacation. Does your dental insurance take care of these types of visits?

8. Does the insurance have a waiting period? 

If you are needing treatment immediately, you are likely going to have to wait 3 months for minor work such as fillings, and one year for major work like bridges and crowns. 

9. Does the plan have a pre-existing condition clause?

Some companies will not cover pre-existing conditions such as missing teeth. If you have a missing tooth that needs to be replaced with a bridge or an implant, many times insurance plans will not cover this treatment. 

10. Do you have an existing crown or bridge that needs to be replaced?

The majority of insurance plans will not pay for a bridge or crown that needs to be replaced if it has been under 5 years. Some companies won't help pay if it has been less than 7 years. 

It is important for you as a patient to consider all of these options before opting to purchase a dental insurance plan. 

Information for this post came from www.investopia.com and www.ada.org

BOTOX For Headaches and Jaw Pain

BOTOX For Headaches and Jaw Pain

Do you suffer from migraine headaches? Do you grind or clench your teeth? Well, we have a solution for you! BOTOX is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to prevent TMJ related pain, tension headaches, and migraine headaches. What some patients may not realize is their source of chronic headaches,or migraines, may come from tension in the mouth and jaw area. I commonly see this in patients who grind their teeth or constantly clench their jaw from stress. It is common that patients are not even aware that they are teeth grinders or hold tension in their jaw because it is subconscious behavior. A common symptom that people have is they will wake up in the morning with a sore jaw and a headache. This is usually due to nocturnal grinding which may occur because of excessive stress, syndromes such as obstructive sleep apnea, or even occlusal interference (a bad bite). BOTOX injections can be a great solution for TMJ related pain and headaches. 

Before the Procedure

Clean skin is best before having BOTOX injections. We recommend that women remove their makeup prior to treatment. The doctor will assess your specific needs and  together you decide the best course of treatment.

During the Procedure

The doctor will use a very thin needle to inject BOTOX into the skin or muscles. The amount of BOTOX and number of injections depends on the area being treated and the severity of your case. 

After the Procedure

Women can apply makeup after the procedure is complete and resume normal activities. A headache for a couple of days after treatment is normal and should subside. Be careful not to rub or massage the treated area for approximately four hours and do not lie down for approximately six hours after treatment. This can cause the BOTOX to migrate to other areas. 

Check out Dr. Davis on "Check Your Health" with Shauna Lake. 

For more information on BOTOX treatments or to make an appointment, contact Davis Dental at: 801-292-5812

Information for this post was found at davisdentalutah.com, mayoclinic.org, and video is courtesy of KUTV 2 Utah and YouTube.

Opalescence Go is Now Available!!!

If you are looking for an easy solution to teeth whitening look no further! Our office is now offering Opalescence Go.  Opalescence Go is a professional whitening gel delivered in prefilled, disposable trays.  That means no added cost of custom trays, no gooey impressions, and no lab wait time.

Benefits of using Opalescence Go:

• comfortably molds to any patients smile
• molar to molar coverage
• 15% hydrogen peroxide formula that only needs to be worn for 15 to 20 minutes
• contains potassium nitrate that has been shown to help with sensitivity
• contains fluoride which reduces dental decay
• formulated with 20% water to keep teeth hydrated during whitening process unlike many other whitening products on the market that dehydrate teeth

Wondering how whitening products work?

The whitening process is possible due to the ability of the carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to freely pass through enamel and dentin to permeate to all parts of the tooth. These peroxides break down into oxygen radicals, which migrate between the enamel prisms, breaking down any colored molecules that result in tooth discoloration. The structure of the tooth is not altered; the internal tooth color is simply made lighter. Whitening agents break down into tiny molecules and move in all directions, so even if the whole tooth is not covered with gel, the entire tooth is whitened.



All information from this post was obtained from www.ultradent.com.

For more information on this product or others like this, contact our office at (801)292-5812