Meet Kimmi - Dental Assistant

Kimmi is one of our original dental assistants and has been with Dr. Dougherty since 2000. Kimmi enjoys her job and finds fulfillment in accomplishing the tasks at hand.

Q: What made you decide to pursue a career in the dental industry?

A: My mom actually convinced me to go to dental school. I attended school in Albuquerque, New Mexico where I have a lot of family.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I love hiking, reading and learning interesting new things, and just resting and relaxing after a long work week.

Q: What is one thing on your bucket list you haven’t done?

A: I've always wanted to go to Italy.

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

A: I would want to be able to fly!

Four Ways to Ease Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety causes 20 percent of Americans to return to the dentist only if absolutely necessary, according to the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington. As a result, fearful patients have a higher risk of gum disease, tooth decay, early tooth loss and discolored or damaged teeth. Skipping regular dental check-ups can, in fact, cause serious health problems.

To sooth nerves and reduce anxiety before your next dental visit, consider the following tips:

Talk to your dentist

Communicate honestly and openly with your dentist and share your concerns. Most dentists    offer options to help calm your nerves by creating a comfortable environment. You and your dentist can also agree on a signal that tells your dentist "stop" while they are working on your teeth. You will feel more in control during the procedure and a little less anxious.

Try relaxation techniques

Taking a deep breath, holding it and gradually letting it out can slow down your heartbeat and relax your muscles. Progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups, is another way to relax your mind and body.

Stay distracted

While you are in the dentist's chair, try to focus on something positive. Listen to soothing music or audio books simply by disconnecting with headphones. You can also plan a fun event for after your appointment to give yourself something to look forward to and keep your mind occupied.

Consider medication options

In cases of extreme anxiety, ask your dentist which sedatives are available and appropriate. Many dentists recommend a local anesthetic, nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), oral sedatives or anti-anxiety medicine. If your dentist doesn't offer these medications, ask what other options are available to help relieve stress.

Overcoming your fears of the dentist and getting regular check-ups can help avoid serious dental procedures in the future.  

Meet Britni - Dental Assistant

Britni joined the Artistic Dental team in 2012, after starting her career in orthodontics in New Mexico.

Britni

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Durango, CO and grew up in Farmington, NM. I moved to Arizona, because I wanted an opportunity to live in a larger city and meet new people.   

What do you like most about being a dental assistant?

I like making temporary crowns or bridges because I love working with my hands.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Artistic, outgoing, and fun!

If you could have any talent, what would it be?

I would want to be able to sing.

What is your favorite meal?

It would have to be pizza.

Who do you most admire and why?

My aunt Kimmi, because I think she is very accomplished and she does so much for everyone. She is also a great person to be around and a good motivator!

What you need to know about veneers beforehand

If you are considering getting veneers, Dr. Doughtery's latest article on Expert Beacon will help you determine if veneers are right for you. He also explains the do's and don'ts of getting veneers in order to help you attain your desired smile. 

This article can also be found here: http://expertbeacon.com/what-you-need-know-about-veneers-beforehand/#.U5CzyPldWAh

Ever thought about how your smile might look different with veneers? Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain applied to the front of teeth; they can radically transform imperfect smiles for the better. If your teeth are discolored, worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, gapped, uneven or irregularly shaped, veneers might be a great choice. However, they are also a big commitment – costing thousands of dollars and sometimes lasting two decades or more! So do your homework, and ask your dentist some important questions before making a final decision.

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Do

• consider other possibilities besides veneers
• bring a picture of what you want your teeth to look like
• ask what kind of guarantees your dentist offers
• look for an experienced dentist
• talk with your dentist about which material is right for you

Don't

• go to a dentist who doesn’t understand gums
• get fewer than four veneers
• spend too much on veneers
• be afraid to get a second opinion

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Do

Do consider other possibilities besides veneers

Veneers aren’t the only option for beautifying your smile. If you’ve previously had root canal therapy, crowns will provide fragile teeth with more structural support. Crowns and veneers are made with the same materials, but unlike veneers, crowns encapsulate the entire tooth. If you have attractive teeth that are simply misaligned, braces are probably a better choice.

Do bring a picture of what you want your teeth to look like

Many veneers last 20 years or longer, so be sure your dentist thoroughly understands the look you hope to achieve. Bring in pictures of teeth you admire, so he or she can get a sense of your aesthetic goals.

Do ask what kind of guarantees your dentist offers

Ask what kind of satisfaction guarantees the office provides when it comes to veneers. If you experience problems down the road, what options will you have? At the very least, your dentist should ask you to return for a follow-up appointment shortly after your veneers are attached, to make sure they are fitting properly.

Do look for an experienced dentist

Find out how long your dentist has been applying veneers, and how many new veneers he or she has applied in the last year. Ideally, you’ll entrust your teeth to someone who has both long-term and recent experience.

Do talk with your dentist about which material is right for you

Both porcelain and resin-based composite veneers are permanent. The former tend to be less prone to staining and often look more natural. The latter are thinner, so less of the tooth has to be removed prior to the application process.
 

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Don't

Do not go to a dentist who doesn’t understand gums

Getting veneers involves work on your gums as well as your teeth; the most attractive smiles have symmetrical, even gum lines. Make sure your dentist has a thorough professional understanding of gingival tissue. Otherwise, you could be left with sparkling teeth and an uneven gum line.

Do not get fewer than four veneers

It is recommended that patients get four, eight or 10 veneers at a time. Because of the way the human mouth is structured, it’s difficult to make certain numbers of veneers blend in, in terms of both size and color. (Sets of two or six veneers are particularly tricky.) Four, eight or ten veneers add up to the most attractive, natural-looking smile possible.

Do not spend too much on veneers

Veneers typically cost between $1,000 and $1,800. Make sure to ask your dentist if the cost of veneers includes gum work. If your gingival tissue requires a specialist’s attention, it could cost more.

Do not be afraid to get a second opinion

Veneers are expensive, and will likely be with you every day for years, even decades. If you have any questions or uncertainties that your current dentist is unable to address, consider meeting with another practitioner for a consultation. Never, ever be afraid to get a second opinion.

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Summary

Veneers can help you discover your most attractive smile, but they also represent a big investment of both time and money. Before making that commitment, do some research and talk with your dentist. Then if you do decide to invest in veneers, you can do so knowing with certainty it’s the best option for you.

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More expert advice about Dental Procedures

• Choose a cosmetic dentist with experience to rejuvenate your smile
• Baby teeth: Wait for them to fall out naturally or get them pulled?
• TMJ surgery can relieve joint pain and fully restore jaw function
• Denture treatment to replace missing teeth is cost effective
• Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth

Photo Credits: hannamonika/bigstock.com; Check Man, Cross Man and Jump Man © ioannis kounadeas - Fotolia.com

Meet Carletta - Front Office Administration

If you’re a patient of Artistic Dental, you’ve probably talked to Carletta on the phone or you may have met her in an exam room while she was assisting Dr. Dougherty or Dr. Adhikari. Since 2012, Carletta has been working in our front office and as a dental assistant; but  she actually first worked with Dr. Dougherty as an assistant in 1991, when he was just out of dental school.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised here in Phoenix.

When did you realize you wanted to go into the dental profession?

When I was 7 or 8-years-old, I visited my aunt at work. She was a dental assistant for a doctor and it was from that moment I knew I wanted to be a dental assistant and work in a dental office.

What was the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

We took a family vacation to Lake Michigan to visit relatives. We toured the whole area from Brett Mecca to the peninsula.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love spending time with my grandkids. They are really active and I like going to their softball games when I get the chance.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring with you and why?

I would bring my toothbrush. My dental hygiene is really important to me, after all you can’t go around with a dirty mouth. I always have my toothbrush with me in my purse.

What country or city have you always wanted to visit?

I’ve always wanted to go to London. I’ve already been to Switzerland and thought it was beautiful. I hear great things about London and there’s so much to do there. I would love to go sight-seeing and would definitely love trying new food.

Dr. Dougherty in Camelback Corridor Spring 2014

 

Going Green

By Dr. Dougherty

 

April 22 is Earth Day. Before cleaning up the local park or starting a neighborhood recycling club, take a look at a few things you can do at home:

1. To help conserve water try turning off your faucet when brushing your teeth

 

2. Recycle empty plastic mouthwash bottles, instead of throwing them away

3. Reuse old toothbrushes to scrub grout or clean hard-to-reach places

4. Save energy by unplugging your electric toothbrush charger from the wall when it's done charging

By incorporating just a few new habits, you and your family can help protect our planet.