The Importance of Flossing Everyday

 At Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, Dr. John Graneto stresses flossing as one of the most important things in daily dental care. With three Phoenix locations: 2533 N 75 Ave, 2046 N 24th St, and 524 E Baseline Rd, one is sure to be convenient for an appointment or a consultation.

Dental Hygiene

Good dental hygiene is essential for overall health. Cleaning between your teeth helps to remove any leftover food and debris that could remain. When debris remains between your teeth, it forms plaque and the plaque can harden into tartar. Having tartar near or under your gums can lead to inflamed gums and the beginnings of periodontal disease. Left untreated, you can get gingivitis which can then get into the bloodstream and cause issues with your heart and other systems in the body.

The ADA recommends that you brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day. Many people prefer to floss before going to bed.

Why Floss

Flossing can get into some hard-to-reach places between your teeth. These are places where your toothbrush just can't reach. Some people find that interdental cleaners are easier to use at home than floss. Both of them accomplish the same thing. Not only does flossing help to fight gum disease, but it also helps to reduce the likelihood that you will get cavities in these hard-to-reach places.

Types of Floss

Floss today is usually made from plastic or nylon fibers. You can buy it in single packages, or it can be attached to a plastic pick. It comes in either waxed or unwaxed versions, and they are both equally effective. Some people find that the waxed version slides between tight teeth easier, but other people have sensitivity issues with the wax. It can also be flavored which, while it makes it more pleasant to use for flossing in Phoenix, AZ, does not affect how well it works. All types work equally well if they are used properly.

If you have any questions about how to floss correctly, ask your dentist to give you some instructions. Flossing incorrectly won't be as effective as correct flossing. Flossing every day is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and your gums.

You can't start your kids too early to have healthy dental flossing habits in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Graneto of Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces will help you and your kids get off to the right start. Call one of their three offices, 2533 N 75 Ave (602) 833-5286, 2046 N 24th St (480) 405-3635, and 524 E Baseline Rd (480) 405-3387.

Everything You Need to Know About Nitrous Oxide Sedation

 At Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in AZ, Dr. John Graneto uses nitrous oxide sedation at the 75th avenue location, the 24th street location and the Baseline road location to safely put patients in a fully relaxed state during a procedure. Contact us today to learn more about the most common form of sedation used in dentistry.

Exploring Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Dentists often use nitrous oxide to manage pain and relax patients during a procedure. This form of sedation is safe and effective, and Dr. John Graneto routinely uses nitrous oxide sedation at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in AZ at the 75th avenue location, the 24th street location and the Baseline road location to help children stay calm during their appointments.

How Do Dentists Administer Nitrous Oxide?

The process of administering nitrous oxide is simple. Using an oxygen mask, dentists ask you to normally breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. As you or your child breathe in the mixture, your lungs start to absorb the anesthetic. Within a few minutes, you'll start to feel the effects. Once your dentist removes the mask, the effects wear off quickly.

Dentists frequently use this form of sedation because it's easy to adjust the level of sedation. Additionally, medical experts, including the American Dental Association, say nitrous oxide is safe for the lungs, heart, liver and brain. Since there are no needles required, dentists prefer this method of sedation to keep children calm during their appointment.

The side effects of nitrous oxide are minimal. Most patients report being a little disoriented after sedation, but the effects typically wear off after a few minutes. Depending on the level of sedation, the effects might last a little longer.

If you have any questions about your child's safety when considering nitrous oxide sedation at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in AZ, Dr. John Graneto and our team are ready to answer your questions. Contact us today at (623) 232-0749 (75th avenue location), (480) 666-5984 (24th street location) or (480) 405-4714 (Baseline road location).

The Benefits of Crowns

When you have damaged teeth, you may need to consider dental crowns in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. John Graneto and the staff at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces and help repair your teeth in a warm and professional environment.

What Are Crowns?

Dental crowns are manufactured dental restorations that cover or cap an entire tooth surface. This restoration is typically made of metal, ceramic, or all-porcelain.

What are the Benefits of Crowns?

Crowns can be used for a variety of reasons including:

-Restoring decayed teeth

-Preventing the splitting and cracking of teeth

-Protecting cracked or weakened teeth

-Enhancing misshapen, discolored, or short teeth

When you come to Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, we match the crowns to blend in naturally with your surrounding teeth. By getting a crown, you will prevent further tooth decay and protect the remaining healthy part of the tooth. A crown increases the lifespan of the remaining natural teeth and improves their appearance.

How Do I Care For My Crowns?

After we place the dental crown, there are some oral care techniques you can implement to maintain optimal health. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss before bedtime. It is also best to avoid eating sticky or hard foods such as caramel, nuts, and pretzels because they may become stuck.

Next, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet that includes large quantities of fresh vegetables and fruit. Strive for six to seven servings of fruits and vegetables per day. A good diet plan will provide you with the minerals and vitamins needed to support your teeth and prevent future cavities.

Caring for crowns is critical to maintaining optimal oral health. Even if you brush and floss daily, it is important to visit your dentist in Phoenix, AZ at least once a year to ensure the crowns remain protected and intact.

We have three locations to get crowns in Phoenix, AZ. Call the 2533 N. 75th Ave office at (623) 223-1001. Call the 2046 N. 24th St. office at (480) 666-15984. Call the 524 E. Baseline Rd. office at (480) 405-4714. Dr. Graneto and his staff look forward to seeing you at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces.

What to Expect During Your First Tooth Extraction

If your child is in need of a tooth extraction in Phoenix, AZ, Dr. John Graneto and the team at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces can provide the care and gentle hands they need.

 

Who Needs a Tooth Extraction?

Though it’s preferred that children’s teeth come out on their own, there are times when an extraction is necessary. These include situations such as if:

-A tooth is seriously decayed or damaged

-Some or a few of the teeth do not come out prior to adult teeth coming in, causing overcrowding

-Orthodontic treatment is needed and baby teeth are interfering with it

-Wisdom teeth are impacted

 

Tooth Extraction Process

Tooth extraction in Phoenix, AZ involves the following steps:

-Extraction begins with an X-ray to determine the condition of the roots and bones.

-The area around the tooth will be numbed so that your child doesn’t feel the extraction.

-If necessary, other forms of anesthesia or sedation are given. Nitrous oxide, referred to as “laughing gas,” can be given to help calm them. If that anxiety is severe, sedation is available. Dr. Graneto will discuss any available options that he feels will help.

-In most cases, the tooth can be removed with the use of only forceps. If a tooth is impacted, an incision may be required to help remove gum tissue.

-Once the tooth is out, gauze will be placed at the extraction site to help the blood clot. If an incision is made and the doctor deems it necessary, such as with wisdom tooth extractions, stitches may be required.

In most cases, your child will be ready to go shortly after the extraction. If nitrous oxide or sedation were used, there will be a little recovery time.

 

Aftercare Tips

-Keep the gauze in as long as instructed, replacing it as it gets too wet.

-Avoid rinsing for at least the first 24 hours.

-Stick with soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing near the extraction site.

-Drink water regularly to help clean the mouth and stay hydrated.

-Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be given for pain.

-Use ice packs to help reduce swelling.

-If pain is intense, there is excessive swelling, or the extraction site looks infected, call Dr. Graneto immediately.

The team at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces will discuss any additional aftercare instructions with you.

 

Dr. Graneto provides tooth extraction services at three convenient Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces locations in Phoenix, AZ. You can make an appointment at the N. 75th Avenue location by texting (623) 232-0749, N. 24th Street by texting (480) 666-5984, or Baseline Road by texting (480) 405-4714.

The Importance of Dental Hygiene

From regular brushing and flossing to dental exams and teeth cleaning, Dr. John Graneto of Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ emphasizes dental hygiene as a powerful tool to maintain a child and adult's overall health and well-being.

 

Why Dental Hygiene is Critical

One of the most important goals of good oral hygiene is to stop plaque from building up on your teeth. Excessive plaque buildup is a leading cause of gum infection and tooth decay. However, good oral hygiene has other benefits for your health. Here are some examples of what good and bad oral hygiene can do to your body.

 

Your Overall Health

Your mouth is actually a door to the inside of your body. If you have a bad door, it can let in unwanted visitors. For example, people who have a greater risk of periodontal disease or have periodontal disease due to poor oral hygiene are at a higher risk of developing diabetes or heart disease, according to research conducted by Harvard. Research also shows bad hygiene puts people at risk for other medical complications such as:

 

-Cancer

-Sepsis

-Bacterial pneumonia

-Infective endocarditis

-Pregnancy complications and low birth weight

 

Tooth Loss Prevention

Bad oral hygiene and tooth loss are a big problem for adults and children. Severe tooth decay from excessive plaque buildup leads to rapid tooth loss and it's often a direct result of poor dental hygiene in Phoenix, AZ. Visit Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces to learn more about the relationship between oral hygiene and tooth loss.

 

Brighter/Whiter Smile

Your smile will shine bright by maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen. If you want to smile with confidence, you'll need to take care of your teeth. Here are some tips for keeping your teeth and gums healthy:

-Avoid sugary snacks

-Avoid tobacco products

-Brush and floss at least twice a day

-Schedule preventative treatment annually at a minimum

-Rinse mouth with water after meals/chew gum with no sugar

 

Learn more about children and adult dental hygiene in Phoenix, AZ by contacting Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces at 623-232-0749 (75th Ave. location), 480-666-5984 (24th Street location) or 480-405-4714 (Baseline Road location). Dr. Graneto and the team are ready to answer your questions.

What is the Panorex?

Come to Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces, where Dr. John Graneto and his staff in Phoenix, AZ, will use Panorex to get the best detail possible about what is happening with your teeth.

Panorex is a special kind of x-ray that uses a panoramic camera to give us an incredibly detailed view of all the teeth. This special x-ray gives our staff the information we need to plan effective treatment for you, whether that is orthodontics or oral surgery.

What is the Panorex?

A panorex is an X-ray that shows the entire upper or lower jaw in one view. This type of x-ray is usually taken when a patient has braces, especially if they have their permanent teeth straightened. These are also used for people who have lost all or most of their permanent teeth.

When you visit our office in Phoenix, AZ, for a Panorex, there is no radiation exposure to speak of. The film used is only activated with light energy, so there is no danger involved in taking these X-rays. So don't worry when your child or teenager gets an exam using this tool.

The panorex x-ray shows the entire jaw, giving us a better idea of what the teeth are doing and the room that is needed for the placement of dental appliances or implants. This type of x-ray is good for determining how much room you have in your dental arch to place braces, implants, or possibly even expand the width. It also shows possible problems such as impacted wisdom teeth or cysts.

We have three locations to get the Panorex in Phoenix, AZ. Call the 2533 N. 75th Ave office at (623) 223-1001. Call the 2046 N. 24th St. office at (480) 666-15984. Call the 524 E. Baseline Rd. office at (480) 405-4714. For more information, contact Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces at any of the above telephone numbers. We look forward to seeing you.

Bonding and Fillings

Chipping or breaking a tooth can be very painful. It leaves the tooth misshapen or with a sharpened edge that could hurt the inside of your mouth. Dental bonding and fillings assist in rebuilding the affected tooth with special materials. Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, is proud to offer both of these procedures to our patients. Your trusted dentist is committed to helping fix your smile when unexpected chips and breaks occur!

Dental bonding restores the natural shape of your tooth by using composite resin matched to your specific tooth color. In cases of accidental damage or minor decay, it is an inexpensive way to restore the look of the tooth to its normal healthy self. Dental bonding can also be used for protecting the roots of your teeth. Receding gums that expose the tooth root allow bacteria in easily, making them more susceptible to infection.

Dental fillings focus more on restorative efforts rather than cosmetic ones since they are stronger and more durable than dental bonding. This method also has a low cost but is the better option over dental bonding in the long run. Whereas dental bonding fixes the outside of the tooth, dental fillings fix the inside of a tooth that has been damaged from decay or breakage. For back teeth, it’s better to use metal fillings so that it can better withstand the force of chewing. 

Have you chipped or broken a tooth? We will assess the damage and come up with a treatment plan. Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces has three separate offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area for your convenience. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit kidzconnextion.com. You can also call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th St. office, 480-666-5984 for the N. 24th St. office, and 480-405-4714 for the E. Baseline Rd. office.