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We all live full and very busy lives—my schedule is constantly packed! Why, then, do I make the time to volunteer with Smiles for Central America? Let me tell you a little bit about this wonderful organization and why I volunteer.

Smiles for Central America: A Great Organization for Any Dentist

Smiles for Central America is a LDS-based organization.  Their mission: to provide care, support, and love to our neighbors through free medical and dental care for the poor in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras. I have been privileged to visit all of these countries, going on ten different aid missions in the past seven years.

Volunteering: Rewarding Work for a Cosmetic Dentist

During my dentist missions, I can typically treat thirty patients. But I’m not alone. While in Honduras, there were twenty-three dentists, six oral surgeons, and five physicians. We were able to treat 682 patients!

Volunteers, including my wife and children, work as schedulers, x-ray techs, and chair-side assistants. I have had the opportunity to serve as director of radiology on multiple occasions, supervising the acquisition of x-rays. Once x-rays are taken, a diagnosis and treatment plan is made.  

A dentist will likely perform many dental procedures, including root canals, fillings, and extractions. We make sure each patient is decay-free, out of pain, and happy with the work provided by their dentist.

As a cosmetic dentist, it is rewarding to fabricate removable partial dentures for people who have lost front teeth. The transformation in their smile and demeanor after they receive their new teeth is amazing.

Dental Volunteer Work: A Highlight for Years to Come

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I will continue helping local patients and doing my volunteer work as often as I can. It has proven to be a highlight or my life and I hope it will continue to be for many years to come.

Would you like to learn more about how a cosmetic dentist can help you? Are you interested in supporting a volunteer organization? Contact us today for more information about these topics.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Many people we meet feel that teeth cleaning appointments aren’t important. Actually, these preventative procedures are highly necessary – not just for your dental health, but for your overall health. That is why we recommend that our patients visit their affordable dentist and hygienist for regular examinations and cleanings.

6 Reasons Why It Is Important to Invest In Regular Teeth Cleaning Appointments

There are six reasons why we recommend regular teeth cleaning appointments.

1. Prevent Advanced Decay

When we see our patients regularly, we keep an eye out for decay. This means we can catch decay early, before it warrants root canal treatment or extraction.

2. Prevent and/or Treat Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Prevent bad breath, loose teeth, bone loss, and tooth loss with regular dental cleanings.

3. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

There has been evidence for years now that heart disease and gum disease are related. The inflammation and bacteria affecting the gums also affect the heart. Regular cleanings reduce this risk.

4. Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

Recent studies have linked gum disease and diabetes. Regular cleanings can help prevent a rise in blood sugar levels.

5. Catch Soft Tissue Diseases/Issues Early

Our dental staff is trained to look for soft tissue abnormalities, particularly oral cancer. Catching these early will give you the best chance of effective treatment.

6. A Sparkling Smile

When our patients come in for a teeth cleaning, they leave with a healthy, sparkling smile. Cleanings remove surface stains that make your teeth look lackluster and dark.

Your Local Affordable Dentist: Helping You to Achieve Optimal Health

Regular cleanings allow our dental team to help you prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. We can also put you one step closer to reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes. A preventative teeth cleaning is one of the best investments you can make for your health.

Would you like more information? Please give us a call. We will be happy to schedule a consultation to answer all of your questions and concerns.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Have you ever been told by your dentist that you need a dental scaling or root planing appointment? You may be wondering if these appointments are really worth the money. Actually, these procedures are absolutely vital to the health of your teeth, gums, and really to your whole body.

Why Dental Scaling and Root Planing Are So Important to Dental Health

Researchers have found definite links between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory issues, and a number of other health conditions. If you’re like us, you want to do all you can to reduce your risk of such diseases. And this is just one of the reasons why we encourage our patients to invest in dental cleanings and root planing appointments.

Another reason why they are so important is because they are the best way to keep your teeth and mouth clean.

• Dental Scaling: Routine scaling and polishing help to remove plaque and tarter, both of which contribute to decay, gum disease, and embarrassing halitosis. We recommend that our patients come in for a dental scaling at least twice each year.
• Root Planing: Gum disease leads to tooth and bone loss. When a patient has gum disease, they have plaque, tarter and bacteria well below the gum line, on the surfaces of the root. It is impossible to clean this far down without special dental tools. Once a patient has gum disease it cannot be reversed, but we can prevent it from getting worse. After our patients have root planing, they need to come in every 3, 4, or 6 months for follow-up dental scaling to keep their gum disease in check.

Trusting Your Dentist: We Have Your Best Interests at Heart

If there is any way we can help you to live a healthier life, we will do it. This is why we strongly urge our patients to come in for their regular dental scaling and examination appointments.

Are you ready to schedule a dental cleaning and examination? Please call us right away. We will be happy to schedule an appointment and answer all of your questions.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Have you been told that you should have braces?  Whether you’re 12, 72 or any age in between, the idea of orthodontia might cause you to shudder.  After all, no one wants to be seen with a mouth full of metal.  Thankfully, there is a better option if you’re considering braces in Las Vegas: Invisalign.

3 Reasons Why Las Vegas Invisalign Braces Are the Way to Go

The latest advancement in orthodontic technology is Invisalign. Henderson dentists, as well as others throughout the US, highly recommend this form of treatment.  Here are 3 reasons why.

1. They Are Virtually Invisible

Invisalign braces are made up of a thermoplastic material.  They look very similar to bleach trays, but are sturdier.  The invisibility of these braces makes them ideal for people of any age.

2. Invisalign Braces are Comfortable

Traditional braces can, at times, be somewhat uncomfortable.  Between the metal brackets rubbing against your cheeks to the regular adjustments at the dental office, they’re not always the most exciting option when it comes to the topic of comfort.

Invisalign braces, however, are extremely comfortable.  The smooth plastic material is gentle to the soft tissues of the mouth, making the orthodontic experience much easier.

3. Clear Braces Can Be Removed

Another great thing about these clear braces is that they are removable – great if you have an important meeting, pictures to take, or just want to eat in comfort.  These orthodontic appliances can be removed when you need to brush and floss at night – something that can be a bit cumbersome with traditional braces.  This means that you are more likely to stick with your (easier) dental hygiene routine and keep cavities and gum disease at bay during your treatment.

Your Las Vegas Dentist Will Be Able to Tell You What’

Making decisions is not always fun, and sometimes having more information can make a decision even more difficult.  That is why you should talk to your dentist about Invisalign.  Las Vegas dental offices, like ours, have a highly trained staff that can evaluate your individual needs and explain your best option.  Such input will make the decision easier so you can quickly step onto the path toward a beautiful smile.

Are you considering dental braces?  Have you ever wondered whether Invisalign braces would be right for you?  Please contact us today to find out more about this wonderful option.  We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions!

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929