expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Thomas T. Pham, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Thomas Pham is a Dentist practicing in Surprise, AZ. Dr. Pham specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, and aiding in the overall health of his patients.

Dr. Pham has additional training in Implant Placement and Restoration.

Overall patient care and health is the main goal in Dr. Pham's practice.
25 years Experience
Dr. Thomas T. Pham, DDS
  • Surprise, AZ
  • Marquette
  • Accepting new patients

I have severe pain in my deep cavity filling. What could this be?

This pain could be caused by the tooth beginning to abscess or from a fracture in the tooth. It is always best to have these things looked at. An X-ray and symptom review is needed. READ MORE
This pain could be caused by the tooth beginning to abscess or from a fracture in the tooth. It is always best to have these things looked at. An X-ray and symptom review is needed.

I underwent a root canal treatment and it is in pain again. What could be the reason?

This could be a lack of healing. I would recommend you get back in to have an x-ray done to see how the area is healing.

Is bleeding of gums dangerous for a diabetic patient?

Bleeding gums are always a concern. They can be a warning sign of something more serious. As a diabetic, you are at extra risk for infections. I would get in to see a dentist as READ MORE
Bleeding gums are always a concern. They can be a warning sign of something more serious. As a diabetic, you are at extra risk for infections. I would get in to see a dentist as soon as you can.

Can novocaine be used during cleanings?

Yes, we sometimes use an anesthetic to help really sensitive people get their teeth cleaned. There are also oral rinses that help numb all the tissues and these are super easy! READ MORE
Yes, we sometimes use an anesthetic to help really sensitive people get their teeth cleaned. There are also oral rinses that help numb all the tissues and these are super easy!

What is the reason behind tooth sensitivity?

Sensitivity can be caused by different things. Some as simple as the gums lowering to expose a more sensitive area of the tooth. It can also be a sign of a tooth with bigger READ MORE
Sensitivity can be caused by different things. Some as simple as the gums lowering to expose a more sensitive area of the tooth. It can also be a sign of a tooth with bigger issues. The only way to be sure is to have an x-ray to check the health of the tooth and check the tissue around the tooth. Sensodyne toothpaste can sometimes offer help.

Do root canals happen more often as you age?

Sometimes, as we age the fillings we had as children and then had replaced later can end up causing fractures leading to need for Root Canals. Most root canals are needed due READ MORE
Sometimes, as we age the fillings we had as children and then had replaced later can end up causing fractures leading to need for Root Canals. Most root canals are needed due to decay or large fillings that cause these types of fractures.

My tooth in the back is half broken, what should I do?

You should see a dentist right away. You may have broken the tooth into or close to the nerve. This can leave the tooth unprotected and could lead to an abscess. As for pain, over READ MORE
You should see a dentist right away. You may have broken the tooth into or close to the nerve. This can leave the tooth unprotected and could lead to an abscess. As for pain, over the counter Advil or Tylenol.

Is water-flossing as effective as regular flossing?

Water flossing is not as effective but is still better than not flossing at all. using floss helps clean an area (interproximal) between the teeth that helps prevent decay between READ MORE
Water flossing is not as effective but is still better than not flossing at all. using floss helps clean an area (interproximal) between the teeth that helps prevent decay between teeth and also keeps your gums healthy. Most of our patients use both or alternate between the two.

I am a diabetic and my gums have been bleeding. Is there something to be concerned about?

Bleeding gums are a warning sign for you that something is wrong. Unhealthy tissues bleed. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can produce bleeding gums. This can be concerning READ MORE
Bleeding gums are a warning sign for you that something is wrong. Unhealthy tissues bleed. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can produce bleeding gums. This can be concerning for healthy people but being a diabetic means you have to be more vigilant.

I am getting abscesses in my infected tooth. How do I treat them?

The cause of the infection needs to be addressed. Antibiotics can help short term but if the cause of infection must be dealt with. Extraction or Root Canal Therapy are likely READ MORE
The cause of the infection needs to be addressed. Antibiotics can help short term but if the cause of infection must be dealt with. Extraction or Root Canal Therapy are likely treatments. Abscesses can be very dangerous, please don't wait to be seen by a dentist.

I underwent a root canal treatment and it is paining again. What could be the reason?

Sometimes there can be an accessory (extra) canal in a tooth that may have been missed or it is possible that the tooth has not healed correctly. You will need an x-ray or CT READ MORE
Sometimes there can be an accessory (extra) canal in a tooth that may have been missed or it is possible that the tooth has not healed correctly. You will need an x-ray or CT to know the cause. Do not wait! Pain is a warning sign.

What is gingivitis and its risk factors?

Gingivitis is a term for gum inflammation caused generally by bacteria. This can be the early stages of a periodontal (gum) disease. The best thing a patient can do is to brush READ MORE
Gingivitis is a term for gum inflammation caused generally by bacteria. This can be the early stages of a periodontal (gum) disease. The best thing a patient can do is to brush and floss regularly to keep the level of bacteria to a minimum. Seeing a dentist regularly to monitor this condition can catch problems at the earliest stages. 
 

Thomas Pham Dentistry

Is water-flossing as effective as regular flossing?

Manual flossing is still the best! Water flossing is great for the tissue line but standard floss cleans the contact between the teeth as well and at the tissue line.

Wisdom teeth removal

Wisdom teeth can generally be removed in our office. There are differing difficulties involved with wisdom teeth. Some can be impacted by tissue and others by bone. Basically, READ MORE
Wisdom teeth can generally be removed in our office. There are differing difficulties involved with wisdom teeth. Some can be impacted by tissue and others by bone. Basically, some are more difficult than others to remove. There is also the option of sedation. We provide oral sedation in our office but to be put to sleep (general anesthesia) and oral surgeon is generally used. I hope this helps!

Very swollen and red gums after routine dental cleaning

This can happen on occasion when the bacteria levels get high. Continue to brush and floss as well as rinse with warm salt water a few times a day for a week and hopefully, your READ MORE
This can happen on occasion when the bacteria levels get high. Continue to brush and floss as well as rinse with warm salt water a few times a day for a week and hopefully, your gum tissue will respond. If it gets worse or does not respond a follow-up appointment would be a good idea.

Adult tooth is loose. What should I do?

Teeth can loosen up when hit due to the ligament that helps to hold the tooth in place. That being said, it could also be loose due to fracture. You always want to have an injured READ MORE
Teeth can loosen up when hit due to the ligament that helps to hold the tooth in place. That being said, it could also be loose due to fracture. You always want to have an injured tooth looked at and have an x-ray taken to properly diagnose the area. You may want to consider wearing a sports mouth guard in the future to help protect your teeth!