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 kind of anesthesia is used for a root canal?
~Hello, The most widely used anesthesia in dentistry is Lidocaine. It is a great anesthesia and works very well. If you have concerns regarding this anesthesia please talk this over with your provider prior to starting treatment. ~Best of luck, Dr. P READ MORE
Is Invisalign good for sensitive teeth?
~Hello, I don't understand your question. Your teeth will be very sensitive with Invisalign due to the movement of each tooth. If you have sensitivity due to food, cold drinks, brushing your teeth etc, Invisalign should not effect you teeth at all. Hope this was helpful ~Dr. P READ MORE
Can you drink coffee with full dentures?
~Hello, There is absolutely no reason why you cant drink coffee with dentures. Remember, coffee, red wine, mustard and a slew of other food items may stain your dentures. You will need soak your dentures in a cleaning product to help keep the stain to a dull roar. Best of luck, ~ Dr. P READ MORE
Is fluoride toothpaste safe?
Hello, I feel very strongly about the positive effects of Fluoride toothpaste as well as topical placement after a teeth cleaning. I used a prescription fluoride toothpaste daily, and have for years. It help to keep the formation of decay down, especially when most of us drink some sort of filtered water. I highly recommend fluoride toothpaste and treatments. All the best ~Dr. P READ MORE
Can you eat whatever you want with veneers?
Hello. Actually you need to be careful. Remember veneers are a beautiful piece of porcelain or glass. Care must be taken to take care of them. I would not recommend biting into really hard items such as a thick carrot, or a frozen candy bar. Be sure to ask the dentist that will be prepping your teeth for veneers what you should and should not bite into. Good luck, ~Dr. P READ MORE
How long do you have to sleep elevated after jaw surgery?
I wish I could tell you a definitive answer. A lot is dependent upon the type of jaw surgery you have had. My best advice is to check with your surgeon for their recommendation. Best of luck! ~Dr. P READ MORE
Can salt water make tooth pain go away?
Sorry to hear you are dealing with tooth pain. Salt water will not help with tooth pain. You will need to contact a dentist to find out what is causing the pain, and what can be done to relieve it. Best of luck! READ MORE
What can I not eat with braces?
~Hello, You orthodontist will share with you the items you should not eat while wearing braces. There is quite a list, so be sure to ask during your appointment where they will be placing your brackets. Follow their recommendations. If you do, your treatment will be completed sooner than later!! Best of luck READ MORE
What type of braces close gaps?
There are a couple of ways to close in gaps. The first, is traditional braces from an orthodontist. The second way is with Invisalign. Some general dentists as well as orthodontists provide this as a means for closing gaps. If your teeth are straight and you just want to close a gap or two, then Invisalign would be a great option to consider. If you have crowding or other concerns such as a steep over bite, then traditions braces may be the way to go! READ MORE
How do you clean your teeth under veneers?
I’m hoping your dentist reviewed your home care approach regarding yourn veneers. Daily brushing and skillful flossing is the key. It is imperative that you have excellent home care to keep the tooth structure that is bonded to the veneer healthy. Best of luck! READ MORE
Sporadic symptoms?
I think the first thing you need to do is return to the oral surgeon’s office. He may be able to help you! You certainly need to follow up with some sort of a medical/ dental professional to give you the correct guidance. READ MORE
Is getting a dental implant painful?
Any type of surgery on your body typically is painful. Your mouth is no exception. It is very important that you follow your dentists recommendation. If you do this your discomfort will be much less and you will heal quickly. READ MORE
What last longer bridge or implant?
Typically if you have sound solid bone to support an implant, the implant is the way to go! It replaces the missing tooth, and there is nothing to decay in the future. To have an implant placed and ready to restore can take a number of months. In the end it is an extremely reliable solution to a missing tooth. READ MORE
I feel pressure in my extraction socket?
~Hello,The removal of third molars in not an easy task, and requires patience. Patients can experience many different symptoms after the extraction appointment. Be sure to follow all of your instructions and attend your post op appt. If there would be an issue that needs attention it will be identified early. Be kind to yourself and take care. All the best, READ MORE
Can braces cause damage to teeth?
Hello, Absolutely!! It is vitally important that you keep up with your home care. I recommend an electric toothbrush as well as a WaterPik!! You must do everything possible to prevent plaque from sticking around your brackets. If plaque sits around too long and is not removed, you can develop demineralization on your teeth which is permanent damage to the enamel. ACT mouth rinse is also a good product to use. Best of luck! READ MORE
What helps sore gums after teeth cleaning?
Hello, Perhaps it’s been a while since you have had your teeth cleaned, and your gums are irritated due to bacteria and tartar. Using a little Ibuprofen will help with the soreness, and perhaps massaging with a clean finger in a circular motion may help as well. The soreness should be gone in one to two days. More importantly, is brushing your teeth 2 times a day, and flossing. If you’re a heavy tartar builder having your teeth cleaned more frequently such as every 4 months instead of 6 months may be a huge help! I hope this has been helpful! READ MORE
What can I eat with partial dentures?
Hello, This is not an easy question. There are a number of factors that need to be considered. Basically, it’s trial and error. If you find that while you try to eat something you experience pain then don’t eat it, or try smaller pieces/bites. There may be a certain food that you may not be able to eat. Example: corn READ MORE
Are transparent braces expensive?
~Hello, I really don't know how to answer that question. I guess the best thing to do is to talk with the DDS that you are interested in working with and have him/her share with you the difference with price. I believe that if you need to wear braces that consist of brackets, most DDS's are using the transparent ones. Good luck, ~Dr. P READ MORE
How can I reduce swelling after a gum graft?
Hello~ Typically swelling is a way that your body deals with trauma. It is a defense mechanism to allow your body to heal. After surgery you may have swelling present for a number of days. Right after surgery it is important to follow your dentists recommendation with using ice. I recommend to my patients to use frozen peas or corn packages with placing the frozen vegetable pack on the wound site 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off around the wound. Just like anywhere else on or in your body, you have had surgery and it taken time for healing. Be kind to yourself, and follow your dentist’s instructions. Best of luck, ~Dr. P READ MORE
Braces
~Hello, Congratulations on getting braces for your teeth! Absolutely, there should be no reason why you can't go to the party. You should receive instructions on the foods you should stay away from. and how to properly care for your teeth and braces. It really isn't that big of a deal. Best of 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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