Valarie A. Pinkerton, DDS
Dentist | General Practice
6373 E Tanque Verde Rd Suite 250 Tucson AZ, 85715About
Valarie A. Pinkerton, DDS, is a dentist who lends her skills and expertise to serve patients at her private practice in Tucson, AZ. With twenty-eight years of experience as a dentist, she specializes in all facets of general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry. and restoration dentistry. With a focus on designing beautiful and healthy smiles for a lifetime, Dr. Pinkerton establishes long-lasting relationships with her clients based on the utmost compassion, understanding, honesty, and respect. Displaying a genuine love for dentistry, she has won the hearts of many adults and children. Her continuing education endeavors include the completion of the Synergy Training Program on restorative therapy for Osseo integrated dental implants. Moreover, Dr. Pinkerton participated in study classes on gold technology through Tucker Gold. Outside her professional commitments, Dr. Pinkerton enjoys spending time with her husband and their son. They especially love following their favorite college athletic team, The Arizona Wildcats.
Valarie A. Pinkerton, DDS's Videos
Education and Training
Northern Arizona University Bachelor Degree 0
Temple University in Philadelphia dental degree 1983
Provider Details
Valarie A. Pinkerton, DDS's Expert Contributions
Spotlight Video | What Is General Dentistry? | Valarie A. Pinkerton, DDS
Valarie A. Pinkerton, DDS, is an Established General & Cosmetic Dentist at Her Private Practice in Tucson, AZ.Dr. Valarie Pinkerton is a third generation dentist who treats patients at her private practice, Valarie A. Pinkerton DDS, in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Pinkerton specializes in general and...
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 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 READ MORE
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 READ MORE
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 of glass. I would have a dentist remove the veneer instead of you. Best of luck! ~Dr. P READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
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 make your mouth feel refreshed when placing them back into your mouth. Good Luck! ~Dr.P READ MORE
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 or soreness. Best of luck, ~Dr. P READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
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 the tooth is numb the root canal treatment can be performed and completed in one visit most of the time. Good luck! ~Dr. P READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
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 your dentist frequently as adjustments may be necessary. Best of luck! ~Dr. P READ MORE
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 3 to 4 visits to your dentist for the fabrication of your new dentures. READ MORE
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 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!! READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
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 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! READ MORE
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. 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! READ MORE
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 seeing your orthodontist. This is what I did. Hope this helps! READ MORE
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 in bright fun colors! I’m not certain if Amazon might carry them. Hope this was helpful. READ MORE
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 READ MORE
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. 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! READ MORE
Does a dental cyst have to be removed?
Hello, Yes, dental cysts should be removed and biopsied. Good luck, ~Dr. P READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Awards
- Golden Eagle Award 2019 Mercer Advisors
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association, the Arizona Dental Association, the American Society of Dentistry for Children, the American Dental Hygiene Association, the Southern Arizona Dental Association, the Tucker Institute, the Mercer Advisors
Professional Society Memberships
- American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, American Society of Dentistry for Children, American Dental Hygiene Association, Southern Arizona Dental Association
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Get to know Dentist Dr. Valarie A. Pinkerton, who serves patients in Tucson, Arizona.
An experienced dentist, Dr. Pinkerton sees patients at her private practice in Tucson, Arizona. Her passion is not only for dentistry but giving her patients a beautiful, healthy mouth for a lifetime. With a good foundation, the utmost compassion, understanding, honesty, and respect, her gentle and caring style has won the hearts of many adults and children.
A Tucson native, Dr. Pinkerton attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff Arizona. She then went on to dental hygiene school at Temple University in Philadelphia and graduated in 1983. She enjoyed eight years as a dental hygienist when she decided to follow in her family’s footsteps and pursue a lifelong passion of becoming a dentist. She became a third generation dentist in 1994 upon completing her dental education at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco.
Over the past twenty years, Dr. Pinkerton has continued her education throughout the ever growing technologies of dentistry. Her knowledge has expanded in areas such as full porcelain crown, veneers, as well completing the Synergy Training Program on restorative therapy for osseointegrated dental implants. She has also participated in numerous Tucker Gold study classes where she has gained exceptional knowledge for gold technology and its amazing benefits for restoration.
Remaining up to date in her field, she is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Arizona Dental Association, the American Society of Dentistry for Children, the American Dental Hygiene Association, the Southern Arizona Dental Association, the Tucker Institute, the Mercer Advisors, and is an Active Alumni of the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry.
Dentistry, also known as Dental and Oral Medicine, is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity. Dentists diagnose and treat dental issues and help patients develop better oral hygiene regimens. They clean teeth, correct bite issues, perform surgeries and extractions, and perform other duties to ensure that the teeth and mouth are healthy.
When she is not in the office, Dr. Pinkerton enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, and their son, Nikolaus. They all love following their favorite college athletic team “The Arizona Wildcats” and going to Mt. Lemmon to go camping. She also enjoys wood working and making her own jewelry.
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