Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

Your smile is a major factor in the impression people get when they meet you. And the good news is that you now don’t have to settle for a smile spoiled by stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. Advances in dental treatment mean there is a wide range of choices to help you get the smile that you want. Here are some of the options: – Tooth whitening (bleaching) can help brighten teeth that have become discolored or stained. It can be done in the dental office or with a system the dentist can give you to use at home – Bonding improves the appearance of teeth that have become chipped, broken, cracked or stained. This is done by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface – Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth to improve their appearance by removing or contouring enamel – Veneers are thin custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are chipped, stained or poorly shaped. – Brac...

Choosing the right dentist for your needs is one way to give you the best chance of maximizing your oral health. If you don’t already have a dentist – or want to find one better suited to your needs – here are a few points to consider. – Get recommendations from family, friends, neighbors or co-workers – Ask your physician or a local pharmacist – If you are moving to a different area, ask your current dentist for recommendations in your new location – Contact the local or state dental society You can also use Yellow Pages or the American Dental Association directory at www.ADA.org. Effective dental care depends on a great relationship between the dentist and the patient so you may want to visit more than one before making your decision. To help decide if a dentist is right for you, consider: Is the office easy to get to from your home or job? Are the staff helpful and friendly? Does the office appear to be clean, tidy and well organized? Is the appointment schedule convenient for you? ...

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. If you let it build up on your teeth, it can lead to several problems. The best way to remove plaque from the tooth surfaces is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. You should brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. The brush should fit your mouth comfortably, allowing you to reach all areas easily. When you use toothpaste that contains fluoride, this helps protect your teeth. You can help even more by cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners. This removes plaque from between the teeth in areas the toothbrush can’t reach. By taking a few steps each day to look after your teeth – and visiting your dentist regularly, you’ll be able to enjoy healthy teeth and a great smile all your life.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that covers our teeth and, when we eat something, these bacteria release acids that attack the tooth enamel. When these attacks are repeated over time, the enamel will break down and this will eventually lead to cavities. When plaque is not removed through daily brushing and cleaning it hardens into calculus or tartar. When tartar collects above the gum line, brushing and cleaning between the teeth becomes more difficult. The gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed. This is called gingivitis and it is the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself against this happening: – Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner – Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of snacks between meals – Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams – Ask your dentist about sealants these are protective coatings th...

Gum disease – also known as periodontal disease – is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and it’s a major cause of tooth loss in adults. But it’s usually painless so you may not even know you have it. It’s caused by plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. In this stage, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, you can usually still reverse the disease by daily brushing and flossing. The more advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis. At this stage, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth may then become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist. It’s therefore very important to look out for any signs of gum disease. These signs include: – Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth – Red, swollen or tender gums – Gums that have pulled ...

Your dentist will do everything possible to make your visit as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Depending on the treatment you are receiving, there are several medications available to help. Some drugs control pain, some help you relax and others put you into a deep sleep during dental treatment. The best approach will depend on the type of procedure being undertaken, your overall health – including any history of allergies – and the degree of anxiety you feel. Some of the options your dentist might discuss include: Analgesics: These are the most commonly used drugs for relief of toothache or pain following dental treatment. They includes aspirin, acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen. There is a separate category of narcotic analgesics – such as those containing codeine – which are used for more severe pain. Local anesthesia: Topical anesthetics are applied to mouth tissues with a swab to prevent pain on the surface level. They may also be used to soothe mout...

Removable partial dentures usually involve replacement teeth attached to plastic bases, connected by metal framework. They attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. Precision attachments generally look better than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns may be required on your natural teeth to improve the fit of a removable partial denture. When you first get a partial denture, it may feel awkward or bulky. But you will gradually get used to wearing it. It will also take a bit of practice to get used to inserting and removing the denture. It should fit into place easily and you should never force it. Your dentist may suggest that you wear your partial denture all the time at first. While it will be uncomfortable for a while, it will help you identify if any parts of the denture need adjustment. After making adjustments, your dentist will probably recommend that you take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning....

When someone is undergoing cancer treatment, its important that they involve their dentist in their program of care. They should schedule a dental exam and cleaning before the treatment actually begins and then repeat it periodically during the course of treatment. Its important that they tell the dentist that they are being treated for cancer and that they also discuss any dental procedures, such as extractions or insertion of dental implants, with the oncologist before starting the cancer treatment. Its therefore a good idea to ensure that the dentist and oncologist have each others details to enable them to discuss any issues to help the patient. And the dentist and physician should be informed about any issues such as bleeding of the gums, pain, or unusual feeling in the teeth or gums, or any dental infections. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during cancer treatment is vital to reduce the risk of infection and to help aid the treatment process.

People at any age can have a condition that makes it difficult for them to look after their own dental health. This could affect people who suffer from a wide range of conditons such as stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, mental retardation, Down syndrome, genetic disorders, Alzheimers disease or arthritis. However, people in all of these categories have the same dental needs as everyone else – they need daily brushing and flossing, regular dental visits and a balanced diet. There are some steps caregivers can take to make it easier to look after people in those categories. If the person is uncooperative or uncontrollable, try to explain what you are about to do and schedule the task for a time of day when they are rested. Move in a calm, slow, reassuring manner to avoid startling them. Give praise and encourage them when they help themselves. Support the persons head, and take special care to prevent choking or gagging when the head is tilted back. If the person is unable ...