Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

Advancements in dental techniques and the increased focus on preventive dentistry means older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever before. A survey by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research showed that the rate of toothlessness in the 55 to 64 age group has dropped 60 percent since 1960. Whatever your age, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene at home and to visit your dentist regularly. A few simple steps can help you maintain good oral health throughout your life. Plaque, the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease, can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults, particularly when they neglect oral hygiene. This can increase the risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease. So it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Regular dental checkups are also an important part of caring for your te

Although there have been huge advances in dental care in recent years, there are records of people dealing with teeth going back over thousands of years. Here are some of the key dates from the early years in the development of dentistry. 5000 BC: A Sumerian text describes “tooth worms” as the cause of dental decay. 2600 BC: Hesy-Re, an Egyptian scribe, often called the first “dentist”, dies. An inscription on his tomb includes the title “the greatest of those who deal with teeth, and of physicians.” 500-300 BC: Hippocrates and Aristotle write about dentistry, including the eruption pattern of teeth, treating decayed teeth and gum disease, extracting teeth with forceps, and using wires to stabilize loose teeth and fractured jaws. 166-201 AD: The Etruscans practice dental prosthetics using gold crowns and fixed bridgework. 500-1000: During the Early Middle Ages in Europe, medicine, surgery, and dentistry, are generally practiced by monks, the most educated people of the per

Dental plaque is a film that builds up on your teeth and, if it is not removed through good oral hygiene, it can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Over time it can ultimately form a hard, rough sediment known as dental tartar or calculus, which attracts further plaque buildup. Calculus has to be removed by a trained professional such as a hygienist or dentist. They may do this by manual tooth scaling or using an ultrasonic device. If the buildup is light or moderate, the dentist or hygienist may use manual scaling instruments of various shapes and sizes. If the buildup of tartar and stains is heavy, an ultrasonic cleaner may be used. This may be followed by hand scaling. Build up of plaque can cause inflammation of the gums leading to breakdown of the connection between the teeth and the supporting structures. Root planing is a procedure to treat gum disease by thoroughly scaling the roots of teeth to establish a smooth, calculus-free surface. This treatment may re

Choosing the right dentist for your needs is an important part of giving yourself the best oral health possible. Sometimes you may find that things are not working out for the best and it’s important to take steps to resolve any problems rather than just put off your dental care. First, talk to your dentist about any concerns. They will probably be able to accomodate your needs if you tell them what you are looking for. In some situations, you may feel that you want to look around at alternative options – maybe there are other dentists who meet your needs better, taking into account factors such as location, office hours, fees and emergency arrangements. If you are comparing fees, ask for estimates on full-mouth x-rays and a preventive dental visit that includes an oral exam and tooth cleaning. If you have any doubts about treatment your dentist has recommended, it may be a good idea to set your mind at rest by getting a second opinion from another dentist. However, even i