Dr. Kent Stapley & Dr. Nathan Kitchen are dedicated to instilling confidence in their patients through a range of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments. Situated in Mesa, Arizona, our accomplished dentists take pride in their ability to transform smiles. Explore the comprehensive list of questions and answers below to gain insights into the exceptional procedures. If you’re seeking more information about our comprehensive care, find answers to your inquiries on our FAQ page. Your journey to a confident smile is simplified with our informative resources.
Dental Veneers
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells made of tooth-colored materials, such as porcelain or composite resin. They are bonded to the front surface of your teeth, improving their appearance by correcting issues like discoloration, chipping, or gaps.
Can Veneers Damage Your Teeth?
When placed by an experienced dental professional, veneers pose minimal risk to your natural teeth. They're considered a safe cosmetic procedure designed to enhance your smile, provided that you adhere to your dentist's care and maintenance advice.
Teeth Whitening
What teeth whitening options are available?
At our dental practice, we offer both in-office teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. In-office treatments provide immediate results in just one visit, while take-home kits offer a more gradual whitening process, allowing you to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Teeth whitening treatments are not permanent. The effectiveness and duration of the whitening effects depend on various factors, including your oral hygiene practices and lifestyle habits. However, regular touch-ups or using whitening toothpaste can help maintain a brighter and whiter smile for a more extended period.
Sleep Apnea
Can a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
Yes, our dentists are trained in managing sleep-related disorders, including sleep apnea. They can provide oral appliance therapy that helps maintain an open, unobstructed airway when you sleep.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea?
Oral appliance therapy involves custom-fitted devices to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. These devices reposition your lower jaw or tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, consequentially reducing interruptions in breathing.
Dental Implants
How Durable are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a remarkable durability attribute. With proper care and regular dental visits, they can last several decades or even a lifetime.
Are Dental Implants Suitable for Everyone?
Most adults are good candidates for dental implants, given they have healthy gums and sufficient bone density for the implant. However, an assessment by a dental professional is necessary to ensure appropriateness.
Laser Dentistry
What is laser dentistry, and what procedures can it be used for?
Laser dentistry involves the use of focused light beams to perform dental treatments. It can be used for a variety of procedures, including cavity treatment, gum disease treatment, gum reshaping, teeth whitening, and lesion removal. Laser dentistry offers precise treatment, reducing discomfort and promoting faster healing.
Is Laser Dentistry Safe?
Yes, laser dentistry is considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced dental professional. The laser devices used in dentistry have been approved by the FDA and are designed to be used for specific dental treatments. Additionally, laser treatments offer several benefits, such as minimizing bleeding, reducing the need for anesthesia, and promoting faster healing. Your dentist will take necessary precautions to ensure your safety during laser treatments.
Root Canals
What's the Advantage of Undergoing a Root Canal?
Root canals can save your natural tooth from extraction by removing the infected pulp tissue, relieving pain, and restoring the tooth's function.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Contrary to common belief, modern dental technology and local anesthetics make root canal treatments generally comfortable. Post-treatment discomfort, if any, can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.