Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Learn how a CEREC crown can transform your smile


Spreading joy, improving attitude and relieving stress are just some of the side effects of smiling more often. A damaged tooth can be stressful and inconvenient, however, advancements in CEREC technology will give you even more reasons to show off your amazing smile.

Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEREC, allows for same-day restoration of dental crowns. This means that Artistic Dental patients in need of a crown no longer need to come for multiple appointments as we wait on a lab to manufacture and send back. Now, patients only need to come in for one appointment that usually takes a couple of hours.

How it works:

The advanced technology takes an exact image of your tooth and uses it to create a permanent restoration crown. After being precisely shaped, the permanent crown is immediately placed on your tooth. The quick process is just one of the benefits of the CEREC method.

Benefits of CEREC over traditional methods:
 

Fixed in one visit: Other restoration systems require impressions of patient’s teeth be sent to a lab. CEREC technology is not only fast, but precise. 

No temporary crowns: Some procedures require that patients wear a temporary crown while waiting for the new one to come in. CEREC allows patients to get a new crown right way! 

Precise digital imaging: CEREC uses digital imaging to accurately scan a patient’s tooth without any uncomfortable impressions needed.

Innovative porcelain material: Metal crowns can be distracting from the natural color of your teeth. CEREC crowns are made of ceramic material that’s compatible with tissue in your mouth, plaque-resistant and anti-abrasive. The crowns can be custom-made to the exact shade of the patient’s teeth making them virtually unnoticeable.

Preserves your natural teeth: CEREC is valuable for dentists and patients because it preserves and protects your natural teeth.

The images below represent what your teeth may look before and after you get a CEREC crown:

BEFORE                          AFTER


We know our patients have busy schedules and appreciate a quick, permanent solution to a damaged tooth. The Artistic Dental staff treats you like family and wants you to have the best restorative dental experience possible.

If you have missing, damaged, stained or broken teeth, Dr. John Dougherty and Dr. Prabidhi Adhikari are highly trained in comprehensive and cosmetic dental care, which includes, in-office tooth whitening, porcelain dental veneers, tooth-colored composite fillings, bridges and tooth bonding.

To learn more about our service or to book a complementary consultation call our office at (602) 840 – 5400 or visit artisticd.com.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Dental Care During Cancer



Unfortunately, cancer is a disease that knows no bounds or discrimination and almost everyone knows someone battling and/or going through cancer treatment. Dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments can be harrowing; hair loss, nausea, changes in weight to name but a few. However, severe complications can also affect the mouth. The most common side effects from cancer treatment include dry mouth and sores of the digestive tract. These conditions can interrupt treatment and delay the healing process. Persistent dry mouth increases the risk for dental cavities. At Artistic Dental, Drs. John Dougherty and Prabidhi  Adhikari helping patients protect the mouth, teeth and jawbones from damage, while going through cancer treatment. 

Caring for your mouth during cancer treatment
Before beginning cancer treatment, schedule a dental appointment; most oncologists will require this, particularly if undergoing head or neck radiation. If dental surgery is required it will need to be carried out 7-14 days prior to the start of treatment to give time for healing. Here are a list of our top tips for caring for the mouth during cancer treatment:

  • Brush with an extra soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after eating and at bedtime
  • Gently floss once per day – avoid sores or areas that may bleed from sores
  • Use prescription fluoride and trays as instructed by your dentist
  • Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol rinses and use a saliva substitute if needed
  • Use sugar-free gum, avoid glycerin swabs and toothpicks
  • Eat softer foods and avoid spicy, sour and crunchy foods
  • Limit alcohol consumption and discontinue all types of tobacco use

Artistic Dental Care Kits
During pre-treatment check-ups, or any time during treatment, Artistic Dental can provide the items and information required to help treat the side effects. Dr. John Dougherty is committed to keeping his patients comfortable during the treatment process but also wants to aid in preventing damage to the teeth and gums. Our dental care kits include:

  • Ultra-soft toothbrushes (not available through local retailers)
  • Prescription fluoride tooth gels and mouth trays
  • Saliva substitute samples and prescriptions
  • Dental care advise and information 


It is vital that you take a moment to check and care for your mouth every day, but especially during cancer treatment. Don’t hesitate to contact us when you first notice a mouth problem, when an old problem gets worse, or if you notice a change you’re uncertain about.
Our goal is to be a part of your cancer care team, help you feel better and to protect your mouth, while helping you successfully fight cancer!