Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dr. Pulley sold Desert Foothills Dental in April of 2022. Our practice will continue to treat existing patients by providing exceptional dentistry in a friendly and caring environment. If you are a patient of Dr. Pulley’s and have questions about the transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We know life happens. Usually if you are a few minutes late, we can make that up by working faster without compromising quality and still complete all scheduled procedures. If you are significantly late, we can still be productive with our remaining appointment time by doing as much as possible. E.g. if you have a 50 minute appointment for a cleaning, exam and x-rays and are 20 minutes late, we can usually complete the exam and x-rays and reschedule you for the cleaning. In cases with anxious patients who need laughing gas or sedation and with more involved procedure, we often need to reschedule the appointment. These situations are usually handled on a case by case basis.

We pride ourselves on being on time and it is extremely rare for us to run late. Since we are working on people and not things, the unexpected happens or there is an emergency. If your appointment is going to be impacted, we will inform you as soon as we are aware so you can plan accordingly. 

For the vast majority of dental procedures, we need to take a look at what you need a quote for before stating a dollar amount. For example, with a crown, several factors determine the price including but not limited to: 

1. Does the tooth need a root canal?
2. Does the tooth need a build-up?
3. What kind of material needs to be used for the crown?
4. Does the patient clench or grind their teeth?
5. Is the tooth supported by healthy teeth and gums?
6. Does the tooth need custom color matching?

That being said, we CAN quote prices for things such as exams and some basic procedures over the phone.  

Balances and credits on patient accounts are nonexistent with patient's who are cash patients or are part of our Dental Savings Plan. For patients who rely on "insurance", there can be a balance or credit for any of the following reasons:

• You are not actually covered. Even if you have a card and provide us with the appropriate information, you may not have been properly enrolled or your benefits may have been changed. Coverage status can change with a a lot of factors outside the control of your healthcare provider. 
• Your insurance company provided us with incorrect information. We rely on your insurance company to provide accurate information to us. If incorrect information is provided, our estimate may be leave your account with a balance or credit. 

While it is a significant inconvenience to a lot of patients when they are left with balances, we ask that you reach out to your HR department with your employer or your insurance company with any grievances as those are the folks who control what benefits you get and how procedures are paid.

Finally, it is our responsibility to inform you about any outstanding balances that your insurance company does not cover. Please try not to get upset with the messenger.

Credits on patient accounts are either refunded to patient via the method of original payment or they can be kept on the account for future treatment if the patient chooses. 

Our dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and dental practice administrators went into healthcare to care for patients; we do not want to be used as scapegoats for the insurance industry. If you are having difficulty with paying a balance on your account, we're happy to discuss financial options with you for any unanticipated outstanding balances. 

Marijuana and CBD products can potentially affect dental health in a few ways:

1. Dry mouth: Both marijuana and CBD products can cause dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath because saliva helps to wash away food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.
2. Gum disease: Smoking marijuana has been linked to an increased risk of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other oral health problems.Staining: Smoking marijuana can also cause tooth discoloration and staining. This is because the smoke can leave a residue on the teeth, which can be difficult to remove with regular brushing.
3. Decreased healing: If you have dental surgery or an extraction, using marijuana or CBD products can potentially slow down the healing process by reducing blood flow and causing inflammation.
4. Increased appetite: Some people may experience an increased appetite or cravings for sugary foods after using marijuana, which can contribute to tooth decay.

​It's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the impact of marijuana and CBD products on dental health. If you use these products, talk to us about any concerns and maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing daily.

Dental health is related to a number of factors, including: Genetics, Medical Conditions, Medications, Stress, Diet, Oral Hygiene, Tobacco Use.

1. Genetics: Some people are predisposed to certain dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, due to their genes.
2. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of dental problems and slow down the healing process after dental procedures.
3. Medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
4. Stress: Stress can impact oral health by leading to clenching and grinding of the teeth, which can cause damage to the teeth and jaw.
5. Diet: The food and drinks you consume can have a significant impact on your dental health. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay, while crunchy fruits and vegetables can help to clean teeth and freshen breath.
6. Oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly are essential for maintaining good dental health. This helps to remove plaque and prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
7. Tobacco use: Smoking or using tobacco products can stain teeth and increase the risk of oral cancer and gum disease.

The effects of marijuana on dental care and dental anesthesia can vary depending on the individual. However, here are some general observations:

1. Dental Anesthesia: Marijuana use can affect the way your body responds to dental anesthesia, making it more difficult to achieve a sufficient level of sedation for dental procedures. This can lead to a longer recovery time or increased discomfort during the procedure.
2. Interaction with Medications: If you are using marijuana and other medications, it's important to inform your dentist, as some medications can interact with each other and impact the effectiveness of dental anesthesia. Anxiety and
3. Nervousness: For some people, marijuana use can increase anxiety and nervousness, making it more difficult to undergo dental procedures. This can lead to increased stress levels and discomfort during the procedure.
4. Impairment of Cognitive and Motor Skills: Marijuana use can impair cognitive and motor skills, making it more difficult to follow instructions during a dental procedure and increasing the risk of injury to the patient or the dental staff.

It's important to inform your dentist if you use marijuana, so they can take it into account when planning your dental care and administer the appropriate amount of anesthesia. This can help ensure a safe and effective dental procedure.

We believe our patients deserve quality time with us, and we never rush a dental appointment. That said, we do understand that your time is valuable and you want to get on with your busy day. 

Certain factors affect the length of a procedure, such as the extent of the issue we’re treating. Dental procedures like fillings and crowns vary in treatment time depending on how much tooth decay you have. Sometimes, new problems become visible once all the decay is removed, revealing larger problems like fractured teeth or root canal exposures.

For this reason, it is not always possible to give a specific time for completion of a scheduled procedure. However, we do our best to be as accurate as possible when scheduling appointments, so you can plan your day accordingly.

If your appointment takes a little longer, it's because we can't rush quality and want to ensure you receive the highest standard of dental care. 

Do You Need to Schedule a Dental Appointment?

At Desert Foothills Dental, we provide high-quality, comfortable dentistry and do everything to complete your treatment as efficiently as possible. Please call our Phoenix, AZ, dental office so we can evaluate your needs and give you a better idea of how long your treatment might take.

Webster defines "cavity" as 

1. an unfilled space within a mass especially a hollowed-out space. 

2. an area of decay in a tooth

So, a cavity on a tooth is any space that is hollowed out and where there has been a loss of healthy tooth structure. A dentist will typically numb you prior the cavity being filled, prepare the tooth and put filling material in to make the tooth whole. This usually works well for small to medium (<50% of the tooth) cavities. 

Dental health is related to a number of factors, including: Genetics, Medical Conditions, Medications, Stress, Diet, Oral Hygiene, Tobacco Use.

1. Genetics: Some people are predisposed to certain dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, due to their genes.
2. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of dental problems and slow down the healing process after dental procedures.
3. Medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
4. Stress: Stress can impact oral health by leading to clenching and grinding of the teeth, which can cause damage to the teeth and jaw.
5. Diet: The food and drinks you consume can have a significant impact on your dental health. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay, while crunchy fruits and vegetables can help to clean teeth and freshen breath.
6. Oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly are essential for maintaining good dental health. This helps to remove plaque and prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
7. Tobacco use: Smoking or using tobacco products can stain teeth and increase the risk of oral cancer and gum disease.

The effects of marijuana on dental care and dental anesthesia can vary depending on the individual. However, here are some general observations:

1. Dental Anesthesia: Marijuana use can affect the way your body responds to dental anesthesia, making it more difficult to achieve a sufficient level of sedation for dental procedures. This can lead to a longer recovery time or increased discomfort during the procedure.
2. Interaction with Medications: If you are using marijuana and other medications, it's important to inform your dentist, as some medications can interact with each other and impact the effectiveness of dental anesthesia. Anxiety and
3. Nervousness: For some people, marijuana use can increase anxiety and nervousness, making it more difficult to undergo dental procedures. This can lead to increased stress levels and discomfort during the procedure.
4. Impairment of Cognitive and Motor Skills: Marijuana use can impair cognitive and motor skills, making it more difficult to follow instructions during a dental procedure and increasing the risk of injury to the patient or the dental staff.

It's important to inform your dentist if you use marijuana, so they can take it into account when planning your dental care and administer the appropriate amount of anesthesia. This can help ensure a safe and effective dental procedure.

At Desert Foothills Dental, we offer several tooth replacement options to match each patient's unique needs. It's not a question of which is best but which is best for you.

Dental implants, dentures, and bridges replace missing teeth, and our dentists work with you to create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Tooth Replacement Options in Phoenix

Our tooth replacement options include the following:

• Dental bridges – A bridge is a dental prosthetic that replaces one or two consecutive missing teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth supported by a dental crown on either side.
• Full and partial dentures – Full dentures replace all missing upper teeth, lower teeth, or both; partial dentures fit around remaining teeth for a complete smile.
• Dental implants – The healthiest tooth replacement is a dental implant, which acts as an artificial tooth root. Our dentist places the implant surgically in the jawbone, and the two fuse to create a new tooth root. When the implant heals, we restore function and appearance with a crown for single tooth replacement or a bridge or denture for multiple teeth.

Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Dental implants are the preferred tooth replacement, but all three options have pros and cons. When you meet our dentist, they'll evaluate your dental needs and recommend the most suitable solution for you.

If you're ready to replace your missing teeth, please call our Phoenix dental office so we can help you get back your healthy, confident smile.

The standard of care, and governing body directives, require that dentists evaluate a tooth before re-cementing a crown. A dentist is expected to evaluate the current health of a tooth or implant, which usually requires an x-ray and a tactile examination. If a dentist misses an obvious issue, it puts the patient at risk of tooth loss and medical compromise. Therefore, dentists cannot dismiss the potential for poor outcomes at the request of the patient and must perform an evaluation first. 

The effects of marijuana on dental care and dental anesthesia can vary depending on the individual. However, here are some general observations:

1. Dental Anesthesia: Marijuana use can affect the way your body responds to dental anesthesia, making it more difficult to achieve a sufficient level of sedation for dental procedures. This can lead to a longer recovery time or increased discomfort during the procedure.
2. Interaction with Medications: If you are using marijuana and other medications, it's important to inform your dentist, as some medications can interact with each other and impact the effectiveness of dental anesthesia. Anxiety and
3. Nervousness: For some people, marijuana use can increase anxiety and nervousness, making it more difficult to undergo dental procedures. This can lead to increased stress levels and discomfort during the procedure.
4. Impairment of Cognitive and Motor Skills: Marijuana use can impair cognitive and motor skills, making it more difficult to follow instructions during a dental procedure and increasing the risk of injury to the patient or the dental staff.

It's important to inform your dentist if you use marijuana, so they can take it into account when planning your dental care and administer the appropriate amount of anesthesia. This can help ensure a safe and effective dental procedure.

Yes. Nitrous oxide is mild sedation that's even safe for children. It has been used safely in dentistry since the mid-1800s to minimize a patient's discomfort and anxiety.

There are many benefits to using nitrous oxide, also called minimal sedation dentistry. Nitrous is a gas we mix with oxygen, and a trained team member administers it through a comfortable nose mask.

We monitor you carefully during your procedure to ensure you are comfortable and receive the ideal amount of relaxation to ensure your comfort. 

The Benefits of Nitrous Oxide

Our patients at Desert Foothills Dental appreciate nitrous oxide because they start to feel the calming effects in moments. Minimal sedation doesn't put you to sleep; it helps you feel drowsy and relaxed, and you won't be bothered by what's happening around you. 

Nitrous is also a good choice for busy patients because its effects wear off quickly. After your procedure, we have you breathe pure oxygen for several minutes as the drowsy effects dissipate. Most patients can drive themselves home after their appointment and continue with their day.

Ask about Nitrous Oxide at Your Next Visit

Our top concerns at Desert Foothills Dental are your comfort and safety, and we also offer oral conscious sedation. If you would like more information about sedation dentistry at our Phoenix dental office, please give us a call!

The effects of marijuana on dental care and dental anesthesia can vary depending on the individual. However, here are some general observations:

1. Dental Anesthesia: Marijuana use can affect the way your body responds to dental anesthesia, making it more difficult to achieve a sufficient level of sedation for dental procedures. This can lead to a longer recovery time or increased discomfort during the procedure.
2. Interaction with Medications: If you are using marijuana and other medications, it's important to inform your dentist, as some medications can interact with each other and impact the effectiveness of dental anesthesia. Anxiety and
3. Nervousness: For some people, marijuana use can increase anxiety and nervousness, making it more difficult to undergo dental procedures. This can lead to increased stress levels and discomfort during the procedure.
4. Impairment of Cognitive and Motor Skills: Marijuana use can impair cognitive and motor skills, making it more difficult to follow instructions during a dental procedure and increasing the risk of injury to the patient or the dental staff.

It's important to inform your dentist if you use marijuana, so they can take it into account when planning your dental care and administer the appropriate amount of anesthesia. This can help ensure a safe and effective dental procedure.

The effects of marijuana on dental care and dental anesthesia can vary depending on the individual. However, here are some general observations:

1. Dental Anesthesia: Marijuana use can affect the way your body responds to dental anesthesia, making it more difficult to achieve a sufficient level of sedation for dental procedures. This can lead to a longer recovery time or increased discomfort during the procedure.
2. Interaction with Medications: If you are using marijuana and other medications, it's important to inform your dentist, as some medications can interact with each other and impact the effectiveness of dental anesthesia. Anxiety and
3. Nervousness: For some people, marijuana use can increase anxiety and nervousness, making it more difficult to undergo dental procedures. This can lead to increased stress levels and discomfort during the procedure.
4. Impairment of Cognitive and Motor Skills: Marijuana use can impair cognitive and motor skills, making it more difficult to follow instructions during a dental procedure and increasing the risk of injury to the patient or the dental staff.

It's important to inform your dentist if you use marijuana, so they can take it into account when planning your dental care and administer the appropriate amount of anesthesia. This can help ensure a safe and effective dental procedure.

If you are interested in high-quality cosmetic dentistry, Desert Foothills Dental is the place for you!

We offer cosmetic dental treatments customized to improve whatever you don't love about your smile, including:

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Slight tooth misalignment
• Stained or yellow teeth
• Wide gaps between teeth
• Uneven spacing
• Teeth that are too long or too short
• Oddly-shaped teeth

Whether you need help with one of these issues or several, we work with you to create your dream smile. We even offer full smile makeovers, where we address a combination of cosmetic flaws and problems like decayed or missing teeth!

Your Personalized Smile Improvement Plan

Each patient is unique, and our cosmetic dentists in Phoenix enjoy meeting them to learn about their concerns and how we can best help. If you are ready to take your smile to the next level, we look forward to working with you!

We'll discuss your dreams and desires for your smile so that we understand your expectations. With cosmetic dentistry, there's often more than one treatment option for correcting an issue. Our dentists take time to explain all your choices, so you have the information needed to make a confident treatment decision.

Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Appointment

The team at Desert Foothills Dental would love to be part of your plan to improve your smile's appearance. Call our Phoenix dental office to get started!

The standard of care, and governing body directives, require that dentists evaluate a tooth before re-cementing a crown. A dentist is expected to evaluate the current health of a tooth or implant, which usually requires an x-ray and a tactile examination. If a dentist misses an obvious issue, it puts the patient at risk of tooth loss and medical compromise. Therefore, dentists cannot dismiss the potential for poor outcomes at the request of the patient and must perform an evaluation first. 

The effects of marijuana on dental care and dental anesthesia can vary depending on the individual. However, here are some general observations:

1. Dental Anesthesia: Marijuana use can affect the way your body responds to dental anesthesia, making it more difficult to achieve a sufficient level of sedation for dental procedures. This can lead to a longer recovery time or increased discomfort during the procedure.
2. Interaction with Medications: If you are using marijuana and other medications, it's important to inform your dentist, as some medications can interact with each other and impact the effectiveness of dental anesthesia. Anxiety and
3. Nervousness: For some people, marijuana use can increase anxiety and nervousness, making it more difficult to undergo dental procedures. This can lead to increased stress levels and discomfort during the procedure.
4. Impairment of Cognitive and Motor Skills: Marijuana use can impair cognitive and motor skills, making it more difficult to follow instructions during a dental procedure and increasing the risk of injury to the patient or the dental staff.

It's important to inform your dentist if you use marijuana, so they can take it into account when planning your dental care and administer the appropriate amount of anesthesia. This can help ensure a safe and effective dental procedure.

The standard of care, and governing body directives, require that dentists evaluate a tooth before re-cementing a crown. A dentist is expected to evaluate the current health of a tooth or implant, which usually requires an x-ray and a tactile examination. If a dentist misses an obvious issue, it puts the patient at risk of tooth loss and medical compromise. Therefore, dentists cannot dismiss the potential for poor outcomes at the request of the patient and must perform an evaluation first. 

X-rays are taken when necessary to perform a dental procedure. For example, with a crown, the standard is that an x-ray be taken immediately prior to the procedure to confirm the tooth is still healthy. This is because e.g. infections can exist without any symptoms. After the procedure, an x-ray is taken to confirm that the crown is properly seated. These standards are established by state regulatory agencies, insurance companies and professional associations. If you have any additional questions and concerns, please feel free to speak to a clinical team member or the doctor.    

The effects of marijuana on dental care and dental anesthesia can vary depending on the individual. However, here are some general observations:

1. Dental Anesthesia: Marijuana use can affect the way your body responds to dental anesthesia, making it more difficult to achieve a sufficient level of sedation for dental procedures. This can lead to a longer recovery time or increased discomfort during the procedure.
2. Interaction with Medications: If you are using marijuana and other medications, it's important to inform your dentist, as some medications can interact with each other and impact the effectiveness of dental anesthesia. Anxiety and
3. Nervousness: For some people, marijuana use can increase anxiety and nervousness, making it more difficult to undergo dental procedures. This can lead to increased stress levels and discomfort during the procedure.
4. Impairment of Cognitive and Motor Skills: Marijuana use can impair cognitive and motor skills, making it more difficult to follow instructions during a dental procedure and increasing the risk of injury to the patient or the dental staff.

It's important to inform your dentist if you use marijuana, so they can take it into account when planning your dental care and administer the appropriate amount of anesthesia. This can help ensure a safe and effective dental procedure.

The effects of marijuana on dental care and dental anesthesia can vary depending on the individual. However, here are some general observations:

1. Dental Anesthesia: Marijuana use can affect the way your body responds to dental anesthesia, making it more difficult to achieve a sufficient level of sedation for dental procedures. This can lead to a longer recovery time or increased discomfort during the procedure.
2. Interaction with Medications: If you are using marijuana and other medications, it's important to inform your dentist, as some medications can interact with each other and impact the effectiveness of dental anesthesia. Anxiety and
3. Nervousness: For some people, marijuana use can increase anxiety and nervousness, making it more difficult to undergo dental procedures. This can lead to increased stress levels and discomfort during the procedure.
4. Impairment of Cognitive and Motor Skills: Marijuana use can impair cognitive and motor skills, making it more difficult to follow instructions during a dental procedure and increasing the risk of injury to the patient or the dental staff.

It's important to inform your dentist if you use marijuana, so they can take it into account when planning your dental care and administer the appropriate amount of anesthesia. This can help ensure a safe and effective dental procedure.

Bleeding, red, and puffy gums are a symptom of gingivitis, an inflammation caused by an excess buildup of plaque and tartar. Gingivitis is the early, mild stage of gum disease.

Plaque is a sticky film that collects on the teeth and contains saliva, food debris, and bacteria. Brushing twice daily and flossing once removes a lot of plaque, which is why consistent at-home oral hygiene is crucial.

Gingivitis Treatment

Plaque not removed with brushing and flossing builds up and turns into a hard, bacteria-filled substance called tartar. Because tartar sticks to the teeth, only a dental hygienist can remove it using specialized instruments. If tartar remains, it causes leads to gingivitis.

Gingivitis is reversible if we catch it early enough. A thorough professional teeth cleaning and improved oral hygiene are typically the only treatment needed.

Periodontitis Treatment

Untreated gingivitis advances to periodontitis, where the infection progresses and starts affecting the teeth’s supporting structures like ligaments and bones. Periodontitis is not reversible, but we can manage it and prevent it from progressing.

Periodontitis treatment is a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing that removes plaque and tartar below the gumline and helps gum tissue reattach to the tooth roots.

Do You Need Gum Disease Treatment?

The best way to avoid bleeding gums and gum disease is to schedule professional teeth cleanings every six months. If you think you have gum disease, please call our Phoenix dental office so that we can schedule an appointment with one of our amazing hygienists.