Oral Cancer Screening

Are you at risk for oral cancer? Virtually everyone is. Oral Cancer is one of the most curable diseases when caught early.

Increased Risks:

-Patients age 18-39 without lifestyle risk factors

High Risk:

-Patients age 40 and older without lifestyle risk factors

-Tobacco users (any age, any type)

Highest Risk:

-Patients age 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors (tobacco use/alcohol consumption)
-Patients with history of oral cancer

In an effort to detect oral cancer early, Dr. Drew can perform an annual Vizilite Plus exam, in combination with a conventional visual exam. Vizilite Plus uses technology that has been proven successful in identifying precancerous and cancerous abnormalities.

Vizilite Plus helps Dr. Drew identify oral lesions at their earliest stage of development. When premalignant lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive and more than 90% successful.

Here is how it works:

#1) First, you rinse with a cleansing solution.

#2) Then, your Dr. Drew will examine your mouth using Vizilite, a specially designed light.

#3) If a suspicious lesion is detected, it will be marked by a blue dye, and documented.

Call us today to come in for your oral Cancer screening! 480-839-0502

Tour de Tucson

Dr. Drew, Dr. Smith, & Melissa finished the Tour de Tucson on Saturday, November 21st! The Tour de Tucson is a 109 mile bike race around the town of Tucson. It took all day but they all finished with great times! Here is some pictures of the race day! Congrats guys!

Thanks Dr. Drew

Last week Dr. Drew took us (the whole staff) to see Phantom of The Opera at ASU Gammage! We loved it and were so grateful to Dr. Drew for getting us all tickets!

Thank You Dr. Drew

Baking Soda?

Baking soda has been used to clean and whiten teeth and fight bad breath. Several dental products on the market use it as their main ingredient. but is it really good for your teeth?

Some say baking soda is too abrasive, and that it can erode the enamel on teeth if used for too long. But with so many products on the market containing it, someone must think baking soda is good for your teeth. But does the research support this theory?

Research has shown that baking soda is the least abrasive polishing agent when compared to the other common ones used in commercial toothpastes. It also is extremely soluble in water, making it gentle on enamel dentin and soft tissue. Baking soda has been proven to buffer the acid produced orally to help maintain the mouths neutral environment, after brushing.

How Harrmful is Cola?

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. It's delicious and refreshing. It's also been known to clean motor engines, remove gum from hair, and even preserve naval subs! A soft drink that rivals liquid cleaners should make you think twice about the effects of your daily soda intake!

Coke is undoubtedly acidic. But it is not acidic enough to dissolve a tooth in just a few hours. Other drinks such as cranberry juice, Sunny Delight and Gatorade are even more acidic that Coke. Given weeks during which a tooth is exposed to Coke, the results may differ. The enamel will eventually break down and the tooth will decay, which could ultimately lead to its destruction.

Putting a tooth in Coke overnight will mainly create a stain. Leaving a tooth in Coke for a few months can do some serious damage. So the next time you crave caffeine, remember that Coca-Cola can rust a steel nail in four days. Opt for something a bit more enamel-friendly!

Is a dog's mouth cleaner than a human's mouth?

Is kissing your dog really better than kissing a human? According to the show "MythBusters, " it is. On the show a dog licked a petri dish and a human licked another. When compared the human's dish grew much more bacteria than the dog's. This must mean that the dog's mouth is cleaner, right? Not necessarily!

According to Colin Harvey, a professor of surgery and dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary medicine, the two cannot be compared. The bacteria in a dog's mouth is species specific and often would not be able to survive in a human mouth!

The biggest argument for this myth is that human's bite is more infectious than a dog's bit. But the likelihood of an infection depends on the location of the bite, the kind of bacteria present, and the depth of the bite .Not who gave it!

So for all you animal lovers out there....go ahead and kiss your dog!!! Just ask yourselves: Where has that mouth been?

A Southwest Special

Happy October

Here at Drew Family Dentistry we are getting in the fall mood! Dee, our amazing dental assistants decorated this pumpkin for us to display here in our Tempe, Arizona office.
Although Halloween is spooky, our office is not scary at all! Call us to schedule an appointment today! (480)-839-0502

Continuing Education

Dr. Drew was excited to attend the annual " Faculty Club" seminar this past weekend. He brought back many ideas and latest breakthroughs to our team here at Drew Family Dentistry!

Dr. Drew is a member of the"Spear Faculty Club", an international study club that gives generously of their time and experience with other dentists learning new techniques. Frank Spear is a world-renowned leading dentist who teaches and instructs through seminars and study clubs.

Here are some points that Dr. Drew found extra interesting.

-TMJ-

How to diagnose TMD (Temporal Mandibular Disorders), and some quick and easy solutions to fix it.

-Tooth Wear-

How to restore worn-down teeth back to their original luster, beautifully and predictably.

-Dental Materials-

He became familiar with the latest breakthroughs in dental materials.

Dr. Drew is always learning and growing. We take pride in the fact that we are always up-to-date with the newest techniques and procedures.

Facebook

If you have a "Facebook", you can become a fan of our Tempe, Az Dental office. Click on the button below and sign-in, then search "Drew Family Dentistry Fan Page", and become a fan! We'd love to keep in touch and updated about what's going on here at Drew Family Dentistry!

Drew Family Dentistry

Promote Your Page Too

Pictures

Dr. Drew
Dr. Drew consulting with a patient.

Dr. Drew and Dr. Smith being playful on the job!

Call us at (480)-839-0502

Go Padres!

Here at Drew Family Dentistry, we love getting involved in our community! One way we do that is supporting our local schools. We are located 1 mile away from Marcos De Niza High School in Tempe, Arizona and we take pride in giving back to them. We are sponsors for their football team for this 2009-2010 season. Here is a picture of the banner that is at every home game.

Go Padres!!!

Tour Our Office

Here are some pictures of our Tempe, Arizona dental office. Call us to make an appointment- (480) 839-0502.

Royalty

The Story of the Patient and His Crown

Once upon a time, Dr. Christopher Drew saw one of his amazing patients for a dental exam. He saw that one of the patient's teeth was very weak and brittle. He recommended a crown! The startled patient was thrilled to hear he would become royalty by coming to Dr. Drew's Tempe, AZ office! Then Dr. Drew recommended a GOLD crown, and the patient was even more excited. WOW! First royalty, then a gold crown. What luck?! Just as his excitement peaked, the patient crouched in pain and held his face and said, "OUCH, my tooth really hurts!" Dr. Drew then explained exactly what a crown is and how it would make the pain go away.


He said.....

"A crown is a dental restoration that covers or "caps" a tooth to restore it to its normal shape, size, and function. Its purpose is to strengthen or improve the appearance of a tooth. A crown can:

~restore a tooth when there isn't enough tooth remaining to provide support for a large filling.
~attach a bridge to replace the missing teeth.
~protect a weak tooth from fracturing.
~restore a fractured tooth.
~cover a dental implant."



Dr. Drew also showed the patient this picture to better educate him about what a crown looks like.

Dr. Drew explained that crowns are made by several types of materials. Metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, or combinations of these materials may be used. Porcelain can be matched to be the same color as the teeth surrounding the crown for a beautiful smile!

The patient was now more happy about getting a "tooth" crown than becoming royalty. The crown Dr. Drew would place would protect the patient's tooth and cure the pain he was experiencing.

The End

If you are in any type of pain with your mouth or teeth, please call us at 480-839-0502 at our office located on 6200 S. McClintock Rd. #111 Tempe, AZ 85283. We look forward to hearing from you.

"Don't Be So Sensitive"

Do you enjoy ice cream or hot soup? If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, your answer is probably "NO!"

What causes sensitive teeth?

Cavities and fractured teeth can cause sensitive teeth. If these problems have already been ruled out, by Dr. Drew, then the worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root may be the cause.

A layer of enamel, the strongest substance in the body, protects the crowns of the healthy teeth. A layer called cementum protects the tooth root under the gum line. Underneath the enamel and the cementum is dentin, a part of the tooth that is less dense than enamel or cementum.

The dentin contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses it's protective covering, the tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This causes hypersensitivity and occasional discomfort. Fortunately, the irritation does not cause permanent damage to the pulp.

How to prevent sensitive teeth.

Proper oral hygiene is key to preventing gums from receding and causing sensitive-tooth pain. To schedule your teeth cleaning and exam, please call our Tempe, Arizona office today at 480-839-0502. If you brush your teeth incorrectly or even over-brush, gum problems can result. Come in and ask Dr. Drew and our professional staff any questions you might have about your daily oral hygiene routine.

Treatment

Sensitive teeth can be treated. Dr. Drew may suggest that you try a desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Dr. Drew recommends Sensodyne Toothpaste. Desensitizing toothpaste usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.

If Sensodyne doesn't ease your pain, Dr. Drew may suggest in-office techniques. A fluoride gel, which strengthens tooth enamel may be applied to the sensitive areas of the teeth.

In cases where hypersensitivity is severe, persistent and cannot be treated by others means, Dr. Drew may recommend endodontic therapy (root canal).

Please call our Tempe, Arizona Office located at 6200 S. McClintock Rd. #111 Tempe, Arizona 85283 to schedule your oral health exam today. Or call us at 480-839-0502.

~click on the BLUE words to find out more. this information is from the American Dental Association

Care Credit

At Drew Family Dentistry, we want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible when receiving any kind of treatment. One way we accomplish this, is through Care Credit. Care Credit is a NO INTEREST payment plan that allows our patients to get the treatment needed to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!

Care Credit is a healthcare credit card specifically designed to pay for procedures not covered by insurance.

With Care Credit you can:

~Pay for co-payments, deductibles, and treatment not covered by insurance.

~Start treatment immediately at out Tempe, Arizona dental office and pay over time with LOW minimum monthly payments.

~Have no annual fees

~Reserve existing credit cards for household or unplanned expenses.

~Apply online at http://www.carecredit.com/ or call (800)-365-8295.

Please call our office TODAY if you have any questions about our fees, or about Care Credit.

Cracking The Case

Dr. Chris Drew and staff are cracking the case on cracked teeth!

Case Scenario:

When you bite down you feel shape pain. It quickly disappears and perhaps you ignore it. You avoid certain foods or chew only on one side of your mouth.

Does this sound familiar? You may have a cracked tooth.

Case Details:

Q: What causes a cracked tooth?

A:
-chewing on hard objects or foods such as ice, nuts, or hard candy.
-an accident
-grinding and clenching your teeth
- uneven chewing pressure
-loss of significant portion of tooth structure



Q: How can you tell if a tooth is cracked?

A: You may not even be able to tell which tooth hurts or whether the pain is from an upper or lower tooth. A crack may appear as a hairline fracture, running vertically along the tooth.



Q:Why does a cracked tooth hurt?
A: A cracked tooth may hurt because the pressure of biting causes the crack to open. When you stop biting, the pressure is released and a sharp pain results as the crack quickly closes.

This is a picture of what a cracked tooth might look like. The red arrows point to the crack.

Even though the crack may be microscopic, when it opens, the pulp inside the tooth may become irritated. The pulp is a soft tissue that contains the tooth's nerves and blood vessels. If the crack irritates the pulp, the tooth may become sensitive to temperature extremes. If the pulp becomes damaged or diseased as a result of the crack, endodontic (root canal) treatment may be necessary to save the tooth.

Case Solved:

Treating a cracked tooth:
Depending on the size and location of the crack, treatment may vary from bonding to a crown to hold the crack together. This may include endodontic treatment if the pulp is involved. A severely cracked tooth may need an extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. Dr. Drew will need to determine the best treatment for you.


IMPORTANT CASE FACTS:Frequent and regular dental exams and oral health checkups are very important. They will allow Dr. Drew to diagnose and treat problems in the early stage. If you are having any symptoms of a cracked tooth, please call our office as soon as possible. We are ready to solve the case!

Visit: http://www.ada.org/ for more information.

This information is from the American Dental Association.

Straight Talk About Straight Teeth

At Drew Family Dentistry we make it a priority to make our patients happy. Many of our patients want healthier teeth, easier cleanings, and a more beautiful smile. We offer Invisalign to accomplish this for many of our patients.

Invisalign is essentially, clear, removable braces! It gradually moves your teeth through a series of custom-made, removable, invisible aligners.

FACTS about Invisalign

1. Healthier Gums- Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and floss than teeth that are crowded, crooked, or spaced to far apart. Having straight teeth can help gums "fit" tighter around them, which may lead to better periodontal health.

2. Easier Cleanings- With Maintenance of good oral hygiene, the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and gum disease can be reduced.

3. Improved chewing and speech- In some instances, speech problems may result from poorly positioned teeth jaws. Correction of bight can help improve chewing and speech.

4. A beautiful smile- Straightening your teeth with Invisalign will make you less self-conscious and more confident.

Please call our office to find out how you can get a healthier, more beautiful smile. 480-839-0502. Or e-mail us at drewdental@gmail.com. Also visit www.invisalign.com.

Whiter & Brighter

At Drew Family Dentistry, we love to see our patients smile! If you are self-conscious about your teeth and the condition they're in, you most likely go through life hiding your smile. At our office, we offer many different options to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Here are some frequently asked question about teeth whitening.

Q: What is "tooth whitening"?

A: Whitening is the bleaching process that lightens discoloration of the enamel and dentin.

Q:What causes tooth discoloration?

A: There are several causes. the most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, etc.

Q: Who will benefit from tooth whitening?

A: Almost anyone! Just come in to our office for a complimentary oral exam and we can determine the best way to proceed with the whitening process.

Q: Is whitening safe?

A: Yes! Extensive research and clinical studies have shown that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, Dr. Drew considers whitening the safest, most conservative cosmetic procedure available.

Dr. Drew also offers the ZOOM whitening system. ZOOM is a scientifically advanced gel that whitens your up to 6 shades in three nights. Call us TODAY and ask about ZOOM.

Here are some pictures of Dr. Drew's successes:

Case 1: Before

After

Case 2: Before

After

Welcome to our blog

We are happy to start this "web log" or blog to inform our patients of the everything from the latest technology in dentistry,to our most recent specials, to what's happening with Dr. Christopher Drew and staff. Please visit often to stay up to date with our office!

First, we are thrilled to announce our new referral discount program! Here's how it works; if you tell your friends, family, and co-workers about us, we will be glad to give you $30.00 towards any treatment you have here at our office. We also offer $100.00 off of our whitening system, if you refer a new patient as well.

Lastly, we would like to tell you more about Dr. Christopher Drew. Dr. Drew grew up in Mesa, Arizona. After graduating from Mountain View High School, he enrolled in Arizona State University. While there, he achieved high honors and maintained a GPA worthy of the Dean's list. Dr. Drew went to dental school at the Prestigious University of Pacific School of Dentistry in San Fransisco, California where he graduated with honors.

He and his wife Candice, are proud parents of 2 beautiful children, Maya and Adam. Dr. Drew enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, road biking in the deserts of Arizona, and looking in mouths!

We look forward to keeping you updated frequently on our blog! Thanks for visiting.