Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding dentistry for the elderly.
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What Locations Do Your Dentists Travel To?
Our dentists at AZ Premier Dentistry serve patients all around Maricope Country, Arizona. If you're curious about us serving your area, contact us.
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Comprehensive Exam, Treatment Plan and Prophy
The initial visit includes an oral exam, an oral cancer exam, and a treatment plan (an outline of necessary treatment that can be done in the future outlining fees and alternative treatment if possible). It also includes placement of silver diamine (arrest) if initial decay is present, and a generalized prophy (cleaning of the teeth). Lastly, a lesson in oral care will be given to the caregiver.
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Extractions (Removal of Broken and/or Painful Teeth
Yes, we can remove teeth in your home. We use extra small needles and anesthesia that only numbs the tooth being removed. The extraction site is packed with a special material so there is no bleeding and hopefully no pain.
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Second Opinions
If you are worried that the proposed treatment your present dentist has given the homebound patient may not be what they can handle or absolutely need, we are happy to give you our opinion. Sometimes, no treatment is the best treatment, and we can help you decide. The most important factor we use to decide is to make sure there is no infection and whether pain is present. Patients deserve the best treatment that's necessary for them. Sometimes we have to think outside the box.
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Emergencies That Can't Be Handled At Home
There are few cases where the patient cannot be handled due to behavior issues or extractions that are too complicated or risky to do in the home. With my oral surgeon, we treat these patients in the office under light and safe sedation. It's done quickly and safely and there is no waiting in a crowded waiting room. This is sometimes the only way to be safe and we never take chances should there be a possibility of a complication.