Best Dentist/Dental Center
1. Smiles By Arnold & Associates
Dr. James Arnold and his team, including Dr. Lisa Shideler and Dr. Natalie Wargo, rank the best in cosmetic dentistry in the region, not only because of the technologies they use, but because of their skill. For those who nosh on one-too-many candy bars and end up with a little cavity, Arnold and his team use a Waterlase laser, which requires no drilling at all and no anesthesia, or if a drill is necessary, they use extra-quiet electric drills that eliminate the high-pitched whine made by traditional drills. They also use DIAGNOdent, a small laser tip that detects decay on the surfaces of teeth which helps the staff find problems before they become bigger. Additionally, they utilize intra-oral cameras and digital photography to give a more accurate diagnosis and show patients immediate close-up shots of their “problem areas.”
For those who want to improve their look or get rid of years of stains, chipping, or crooked teeth, Arnold offers a variety of options since he and his staff are educated in the latest techniques and technologies. For teeth whitening options and systems, Arnold and his team offer both in-office and at-home systems depending on the level of performance desired, budget, and need such as Zoom, Zoom2, and take-home bleaching trays. Arnold has transformed patient after patient with life-changing porcelain veneers or laminates, restoring their smiles and their self esteem in the process. Patients have been so impacted by Arnold’s work that they call him not a dentist, but an artist.
“It’s really amazing how many ways we can help to change lives with the work that we do. Obviously, cosmetic dentistry can improve one’s smile so dramatically that it can improve self-confidence, builds self-esteem, and influences the way that one is viewed by others both personally and professionally,” says Arnold.
For those who are afraid of possible pain from procedures, Arnold’s team is equipped to handle these individuals. “Sedation dentistry helps many fearful patients receive the dental care that they so desperately need. Often we are able to correct years of neglect in one anxiety-free sedation appointment, and it often helps eliminate fear that people have had for decades. The use of lasers is also effective in minimizing discomfort and anxiety—especially for children,” he says.
The result is transforming and life changing, in ways we might not normally consider. “We’ve been able to eliminate or decrease the frequency and severity of migraine headaches for dozens of patients with the simple fabrication of an appliance called an NTI. Our dental team is beginning to screen patients for sleep problems because lack of sleep can lead to problems like low energy, depression, inability to focus, or even death while sleeping due to airway obstruction. Screening patients helps identify people with problems who might need to visit a sleep clinic or have an oral appliance fabricated. Helping to diagnose and solve this potentially life-threatening condition has the potential to help change or even save lives,” Arnold says. “Having so many new and unique techniques at our disposal to help such a broad range of people solve problems makes our jobs tremendously satisfying. Taking on new challenges and learning how to better serve our patients makes us better dental professionals and ultimately better people.”