expert type icon EXPERT

Valarie Ann Pinkerton, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Valarie Pinkerton is a Dentist practicing in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Pinkerton 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, among many others.
Valarie Ann Pinkerton, DDS
  • Tucson, AZ
  • Northern Arizona University
  • Accepting new patients

What are the disadvantages of getting a dental bridge?

Years ago before dental implants were available the only way to fill in a missing tooth was by placing a bridge. Bridges are still considered a viable option to replace a missing READ MORE
Years ago before dental implants were available the only way to fill in a missing tooth was by placing a bridge. Bridges are still considered a viable option to replace a missing tooth. If you are not a candidate for an implant then consider a bridge. The negative aspect of a bridge is that you must use the tooth behind and in front of the missing tooth to secure the bridge. You must have excellent home care to care for the above-mentioned teeth. If you develop decay around the teeth supporting the bridge, the bridge may need to be replaced. Depending upon your age, if you can consider an implant, do. If not, a bridge is a great second choice. I hope you have found this information helpful.
All the best,
~Dr. P

Can a dentist do a root canal through a crown?

~Hello,
Absolutely! There is typically not an issue to perform a root canal
treatment through an existing crown.
Best of luck!
~Dr. P

Can you fix a loose veneer?

~Hello, Typically the loose veneer can be removed by a dentist, and then re-bonded into place. Remember, veneers are very fragile, and are made from porcelain which is a type READ MORE
~Hello,
Typically the loose veneer can be removed by a dentist, and then re-bonded
into place. Remember, veneers are very fragile, and are made from
porcelain which is a type of glass. I would have a dentist remove the
veneer instead of you.
Best of luck!
~Dr. P

What can you eat with Invisalign?

~Hello, How exciting to be wearing Invisalign!! You should remove your appliance prior to eating. This will allow you to eat pretty much anything that you would like. Remember READ MORE
~Hello,
How exciting to be wearing Invisalign!!
You should remove your appliance prior to eating. This will allow you to
eat pretty much anything that you would like.
Remember to brush your teeth after eating a meal anytime that is possible
to do so. This keeps the bacterial colonies under control and will help to
prevent decay.
Hope this helped!
Good luck
~Dr. P

Should I keep dentures in water overnight?

~Hello, Sure you can soak them overnight in water. I would recommend soaking them in Efferdent, a denture cleaner as well. Efferdent will help to keep your dentures clean, and READ MORE
~Hello,
Sure you can soak them overnight in water. I would recommend soaking them
in Efferdent, a denture cleaner as well. Efferdent will help to keep your
dentures clean, and make your mouth feel refreshed when placing them back
into your mouth.
Good Luck!
~Dr.P

Is getting Invisalign painful?

~Hello, Anytime you move teeth in your jaw you will experience discomfort. I would ask the dentist that you are seeing what he or she may recommend to help with the discomfort READ MORE
~Hello,
Anytime you move teeth in your jaw you will experience discomfort.
I would ask the dentist that you are seeing what he or she may recommend to
help with the discomfort or soreness.
Best of luck,
~Dr. P

Dental Abscess

Hello, Oh my, that sounds very serious. I don't think you should wait to be seen tomorrow. I would call your dentist back and share with him/her your current condition. If READ MORE
Hello,
Oh my, that sounds very serious. I don't think you should wait to be seen tomorrow. I would call your dentist back and share with him/her your current condition. If nothing else I feel you need to be seen in order for you to be placed on an antibiotic. If you still can't be seen, go to
Urgent Care and see if they will prescribe an antibiotic for you. This is nothing to mess around with.
Best of luck, and feel better soon!
~Dr. P

What sedation is used for a root canal?

Hello, Typically for root canal treatment the dentist will administer a topical anesthetic first, and then a local anesthetic like lidocaine. This is delivered by injection. Once READ MORE
Hello,
Typically for root canal treatment the dentist will administer a topical anesthetic first, and then a local anesthetic like lidocaine. This is delivered by injection. Once the tooth is numb the root canal treatment can be performed and completed in one visit most of the time.
Good luck!
~Dr. P

Do I have to wear rubber bands all day?

Hello, This is a hard question for me to answer as I'm uncertain how your orthodontist advised you. Most of the time one wears their rubber bands 24/7 except for when they are READ MORE
Hello,
This is a hard question for me to answer as I'm uncertain how your orthodontist advised you. Most of the time one wears their rubber bands 24/7 except for when they are eating a meal. Some patients only need to wear them a certain number of hours per day. I would advise you to check with your orthodontist and make sure you are following the proper treatment plan.
Best of luck,
~Dr. P

How long does it take to learn to talk with dentures?

~Hello, That is a very good question!! There is definitely an acclimation period, and each individual is different. Take you time with wearing your dentures, and consult with READ MORE
~Hello,
That is a very good question!! There is definitely an acclimation period,
and each individual is different. Take you time with wearing your dentures,
and consult with your dentist frequently as adjustments may be necessary.
Best of luck!
~Dr. P

Can you get dentures that look like real teeth?

Hello, Absolutely! Depending upon the dentist and the laboratory that he/she uses to fabricate your dentures will determine how your dentures will look and fit. There should be READ MORE
Hello, Absolutely! Depending upon the dentist and the laboratory that he/she uses to fabricate your dentures will determine how your dentures will look and fit. There should be 3 to 4 visits to your dentist for the fabrication of your new dentures.

Can you get braces If you have gingivitis?

Yes, you most likely can wear braces if you have gingivitis. However, you must see a dentist and get the gingivitis resolved before the braces can be placed. Words of wisdom… you READ MORE
Yes, you most likely can wear braces if you have gingivitis. However, you must see a dentist and get the gingivitis resolved before the braces can be placed. Words of wisdom… you must have EXCELLENT home care while wearing braces. If you don’t your teeth may decay, and you will continue to have issues with your gums. Best of luck!!

Can you eat after wisdom teeth surgery?

After surgery, you want to be very careful with what you choose to eat. Apple sauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc are what you should consider eating. It is very important that READ MORE
After surgery, you want to be very careful with what you choose to eat. Apple sauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc are what you should consider eating. It is very important that you don’t dislodge the blood clots or accidentally remove the stitches. If the blood clots are disturbed it is very easy for you to develop a dry socket. You will be given post-op instructions at the conclusion of your appointment. It is very important that you follow them completely!

Best of luck,
~Dr. P

How long does jaw swelling last after dental implants?

The swelling and bruising should go away in a week or so. A lot depends upon the location of the implant, and how difficult it was for the surgeon to place the implant. After READ MORE
The swelling and bruising should go away in a week or so. A lot depends upon the location of the implant, and how difficult it was for the surgeon to place the implant. After surgery, it is very important to follow the instructions that the surgeon gave you. Placing ice on and off the site every 20 minutes will be very helpful with the swelling. You will be glad you had the implant placed once you are healed, and have a new tooth in your mouth! Best of luck!

Can you get an implant without a bone graft?

All of the success of an implant is dependent upon the quality and quantity of your bone. If you have adequate strong and healthy bone then perhaps a bone graft is not indicated. READ MORE
All of the success of an implant is dependent upon the quality and quantity of your bone. If you have adequate strong and healthy bone then perhaps a bone graft is not indicated. If your bone needs support, then a graft is necessary. Implants are expensive and time-consuming. They should last you a very long time. Do not cut yourself short by not investing in a bone graft if you need one! Hope this was helpful!

What helps the pain after tightening braces?

Yes, the soreness after seeing your orthodontist can really be overwhelming at times. I wore braces for many years. Chewing a sugarless piece of gum might be very helpful after READ MORE
Yes, the soreness after seeing your orthodontist can really be overwhelming at times. I wore braces for many years. Chewing a sugarless piece of gum might be very helpful after seeing your orthodontist. This is what I did. Hope this helps!

What kind of toothbrush is good for sensitive gums?

Hello, I personally feel that one of the very best toothbrushes on the market is a CuraProx brush. It is manufactured for patients who have sensitive teeth and gums. It also comes READ MORE
Hello, I personally feel that one of the very best toothbrushes on the market is a CuraProx brush. It is manufactured for patients who have sensitive teeth and gums. It also comes in bright fun colors! I’m not certain if Amazon might carry them. Hope this was helpful.

Can overbite be fixed?

Yes, absolutely overbites can be corrected. I would recommend a consult or two with an orthodontist. Hope this has been helpful

How long will I bleed after gum surgery?

There should be very little bleeding after oral surgery. Be sure to follow all of the directions that are given to you. Follow the directions for using ice, and don’t overdue. READ MORE
There should be very little bleeding after oral surgery. Be sure to follow all of the directions that are given to you. Follow the directions for using ice, and don’t overdue. If you do have some bleeding biting down on a tea bag will stop the bleeding. This is depending upon where the surgery is performed in your mouth. I hope your surgery goes very well without complications!! I hope this was helpful, and best of luck!

Does a dental cyst have to be removed?

Hello,
Yes, dental cysts should be removed and biopsied.
Good luck,
~Dr. P