Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, prevention is often the key. Dental sealants are one of dentistry's best-kept secrets when it comes to warding off tooth decay. These thin protective coatings may not be as well-known as toothpaste or floss, but they play a crucial role in the battle against cavities. In this blog post, we will uncover the secrets of dental sealants and why they are a powerful tool in the fight against tooth decay. What Are Dental Sealants? Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars. These are the back teeth that have grooves and pits that can be difficult to clean properly with a toothbrush and floss. Sealants act as a barrier, protecting the enamel from harmful bacteria and acids that can lead to cavities. The Application Process Applying dental sealants is a painless and straightforward procedure that can be done in a single dental visit. Here's what you can expect: Cleaning: The denti...

In the world of Hollywood and glamour, a radiant smile can be a game-changer. Celebrities often flaunt perfect teeth that seem almost too good to be true. The secret behind many of those dazzling smiles? Veneers! These thin porcelain shells can transform your teeth into a celebrity-worthy grin. In this blog post, we'll uncover the secrets to achieving a smile that's camera-ready with veneers. What Are Veneers? Veneers are custom-made, ultra-thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to enhance the appearance of your smile by addressing various dental imperfections. Veneers can improve the color, shape, size, and alignment of your teeth, giving you a natural yet flawless look. Customization Is Key One of the secrets to a celebrity-worthy smile with veneers lies in their customization. Each set of veneers is crafted to suit the individual patient's needs. Your dentist will work closely with you to determine the desired shape, s...

A beautiful smile is often associated with confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being. However, dental issues like missing teeth can impact not only your oral health but also your self-confidence. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a variety of solutions to restore your smile, and one such solution is dental bridges. In this blog post, we will explore what dental bridges are, how they work, and the benefits they offer for restoring your smile and oral health. Understanding Dental Bridges Dental bridges are a common and effective dental restoration option used to replace missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth (known as pontics) that are anchored in place by dental crowns on the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. These anchoring teeth are referred to as abutments. Types of Dental Bridges There are several types of dental bridges, each designed to suit specific patient needs and circumstances: Traditional Dental Bridges: Traditional br...

In the world of dentistry, dental crowns are often referred to as the "royal treatment" for damaged or discolored teeth. These small, custom-made caps have the power to restore your smile's beauty, functionality, and overall health. Whether you're dealing with a cracked tooth, a large cavity, or simply want to enhance the appearance of your teeth, dental crowns can be the perfect solution. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about dental crowns, from their purpose and types to the procedure and aftercare. What Are Dental Crowns? Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are tooth-shaped covers that are placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. They serve both cosmetic and functional purposes, restoring the tooth's appearance and strength. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, and even a combination of materials. Why Would You Need a Dental Crown? To Restore Damaged Teeth: Dental crowns ar...

Dental emergencies can happen at any time and often catch us off guard. Whether it's a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or an injury to your mouth, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in the outcome. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to take when a dental emergency strikes, helping you stay calm and take the right actions to minimize pain and prevent further damage. Stay Calm: The first and most crucial step when faced with a dental emergency is to stay calm. Panic can make the situation more stressful and may hinder your ability to make rational decisions. Take a deep breath, and remember that dental professionals are trained to handle these situations. Contact Your Dentist: The next step is to call your dentist immediately. Most dental offices have emergency slots or can provide guidance on what to do next. If your regular dentist is unavailable, seek recommendations for an emergency dentist in your area. Toothache: If...

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for everyone in your family, from the youngest to the oldest members. A family dentist plays a significant role in helping you achieve and sustain healthy smiles for your loved ones. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of a family dentist and how they can contribute to keeping your family's teeth healthy. Comprehensive Dental Care: One of the primary advantages of having a family dentist is the comprehensive dental care they provide. These professionals are trained to cater to patients of all ages, from children to seniors. This means you can schedule appointments for your entire family with a single dentist, making dental care more convenient and efficient. Regular Check-ups and Cleanings: Preventive dentistry is the cornerstone of a family dentist's practice. They emphasize regular check-ups and cleanings to detect and address dental issues early. By scheduling routine appointments, you can ensure that your family's teeth...

Dental implants are not just a cosmetic solution for missing teeth. They can also have a significant impact on your overall oral health and well-being. Here are some ways dental implants can improve your oral health and overall well-being. Improved Chewing and Digestion: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly, which can lead to digestive problems. Dental implants provide a stable and secure base for chewing, making it easier to break down food and improve digestion. Preservation of Jawbone: When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area can begin to deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss, helping to preserve the structure of your jaw and facial features. Improved Speech: Missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly, which can impact your confidence and social interactions. Dental implants can restore your ability to speak naturally and confidently. Better Oral Health: Dental implants are easy to care for and ca...

Dental anxiety is a common issue that can prevent people from seeking the dental care they need, including cosmetic dentistry procedures. However, cosmetic dentistry can actually be a helpful tool in addressing dental anxiety and easing fears and phobias. Here's how: Sedation dentistry: One of the most effective ways to address dental anxiety is through sedation dentistry. This involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Sedation can range from mild relaxation to deep sedation, depending on the patient's needs and the procedure being performed. Patient education: Many people with dental anxiety are afraid of the unknown. Cosmetic dentistry can help ease these fears by providing patients with detailed information about the procedures they're undergoing. Knowing what to expect can help alleviate anxiety and create a more comfortable experience. Comfortable environment: Many cosmetic dentistry practices prioritize patient comfort, offering...

Cosmetic dentistry has been around for thousands of years, with evidence of cosmetic dental procedures found in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. In these early times, cosmetic dental procedures were primarily focused on improving the appearance of damaged or missing teeth using materials such as gold, ivory, and even human teeth. In the 1700s, porcelain dental crowns were invented, which became a popular cosmetic dental procedure. However, it was not until the early 20th century that cosmetic dentistry as we know it today began to emerge. In the 1920s, the use of silver amalgam fillings for cavities became popular, and dental bonding and veneers were developed in the 1950s. These procedures allowed for more precise and less invasive cosmetic dental work. The introduction of tooth whitening in the 1980s revolutionized cosmetic dentistry, allowing for a non-invasive and effective way to brighten and enhance the appearance of teeth. Today, cosmetic dentistry has evolved t...

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important that you let your dentist know so that they can give you the best care possible. As more than 15 million Americans have diabetes, your dentist will be familiar with the issues and will give you the specialist care you need. This is important because diabetes can lower your resistance to infection and slow the healing process. It’s important to tell your dentist:  If you have been diagnosed with .diabetes  If the disease is under control  If there has been any other change in your medical history  Names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:  Tooth decay  Periodontal (gum) disease  Salivary gland dysfunction  Fungal infections  Infection and delayed healing  Taste impairment If you have regular dental checkups – and keep your dentist informed about your status – they’ll be able to help you reduce...

Dental implants are a popular and effective option for replacing missing teeth, but they can come with a significant cost. Understanding the cost of dental implants and what factors affect the price can help you make an informed investment in your oral health. The Cost of Dental Implants: The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced, the type of implant, and the location of the dental practice. On average, a single dental implant can cost between $3,000 and $5,000, and a full set of dental implants can cost upwards of $30,000. Factors Affecting the Cost: The following factors can affect the cost of dental implants: Number of teeth being replaced: The more teeth you need to replace, the higher the cost of the implants. Type of implant: Different types of implants can affect the cost. For example, titanium implants are more expensive than zirconia implants. Location of the dental practice: The cost of dental implants can...

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. In this blog, we will discuss when and why tooth extraction may be necessary. When is tooth extraction necessary? Severe decay or damage: If a tooth has been severely damaged or decayed, it may be necessary to remove it to prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. Crowding: If there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth to properly align, a tooth may need to be removed to create more space. Infection or abscess: If a tooth is infected or abscessed, it may need to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body. Gum disease: In cases of advanced gum disease, tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the surrounding teeth and gums. Wisdom teeth: Many people have their wisdom teeth removed because they can cause crowding, infection, and other dental problems. Why is tooth extrac...

Dental implants are a popular solution for people who have lost one or more teeth. If you're considering dental implants, you may be wondering what to expect during the procedure. Here's a step-by-step guide to the dental implant procedure: Step 1: Consultation and Examination The first step in the dental implant procedure is a consultation with your dentist. They will examine your mouth and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. This may involve taking x-rays or other imaging tests. Step 2: Implant Placement Once you have been deemed a good candidate for dental implants, the next step is the implant placement surgery. During this surgery, your dentist will make an incision in your gums and drill a small hole in your jawbone. They will then insert the implant into the hole and close the incision with sutures. Step 3: Osseointegration After the implant has been placed, it will take several months for it to fuse with your jawbone in a process called oss...

Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are used to replace missing or damaged teeth. They are a popular choice for people who have lost some or all of their teeth due to decay, injury, or other factors. Dentures can be a great solution for restoring a person's ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. There are two main types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of a person's natural teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present. Both types of dentures are custom-made to fit each individual's mouth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. The process of getting dentures typically involves several appointments with a dentist or prosthodontist. During the first appointment, the dentist will examine the patient's mouth and take measurements to create a mold of their teeth and gums. This mold is then used to create a wax model of the dentures, which allows the patient to p...

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that is used to improve the appearance of a person's teeth. It involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of a tooth and then hardening the material using a special light. The resin material is molded and shaped to match the surrounding teeth and create a seamless, natural-looking smile. The process of dental bonding typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and can be completed in a single appointment. Before the bonding procedure begins, your dentist will prepare the tooth by lightly roughening the surface and applying a conditioning liquid to help the resin material adhere to the tooth. There are many reasons why someone might choose to have dental bonding done. Some common reasons include: To repair chipped, cracked or broken teeth To improve the appearance of discolored or stained teeth To close gaps or spaces between teeth To reshape misshapen or uneven teeth To make teeth look longer or to ch...

  Eating the right food plays an important role in developing healthy teeth and gums. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to fight infection and this can contribute to gum disease. Although poor nutrition does not cause gum disease directly, the disease may progress faster and could be more severe in people with diets which are low in nutrients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes recommendations on the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by your body – including your teeth and gums – to promote health and prevent disease. We have different needs at various stages life and depending on our physical activity. The DOA website provides more information and your dentist will be able to discuss how your diet affects your teeth. Here are some steps you can take to make sure what you eat doesn’t harm your teeth. – Maintain a healthy diet – Drink plenty water – Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose...

Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem among older adults. It is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics. Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include: – Constant sore throat – Burning sensation – Problems speaking – Difficulty swallowing – Hoarseness or dry nasal passages Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive cavities can form. Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. For example, sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses. Another issue that can affect older adults is a loss of appetite due to a change in your sense of taste. Besides an age-related decrease in the sense of taste and smell, certain diseases, me...

If you have missing teeth, you dont just have to rely on crowns, conventional bridges and dentures. Many people are now choosing dental implants as the best way to restore their smile and solve dental problems. Implants are placed below the gums during a series of appointments. They fuse to the jawbone and provide a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture. As they are fused to the bone, they offer greater stability. And, because they are integrated into your jaw, your replacement teeth will feel more natural. This secure fit often also makes them more comfortable than other solutions. In order to have implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. To find out whether you could be a candidate for dental implants, talk to your dentist about what they could do for you.

While local anesthetics are often used in dental treatment, there is sometimes a need for anti-anxiety agents – such as nitrous oxide – or sedatives to help people relax during dental visits. Dentists may use these agents to induce “minimal or moderate sedation”. In this case, the patient reaches a relaxed state during treatment but can respond to speech or touch. Sedatives can be administered before, during or after dental procedures by mouth, inhalation or injection. More complex treatments may require drugs that can induce “deep sedation”. This reduces consciousness and causes a loss of feeling which helps to reduce both pain and anxiety. Sometimes patients undergo “general anesthesia” where the drugs lead to a temporary loss of consciousness. A dentist may recommend deep sedation or general anesthesia for certain procedures with children or with adults who have severe anxiety or for people who have difficulty controlling their movements. While these techniques to control pain and a...

As people are living longer and enjoying good health for many years, dentists are increasingly offering improved services to recognize the special needs of older adults. This growing segment of the population is wearing fewer dentures and they are keeping their natural teeth longer. They are also concerned to maintain good health and a great smile for many years. However, patients in this group sometimes require special consideration because reduced mobility and dexterity may make daily oral hygiene difficult. And certain medical conditions and impairment may make them more anxious when visiting the dentist. For example, problems with vision or hearing loss may cause worry. Always let the dentist and staff know if you have any concerns so that they can adjust their treatment and their pace to meet your needs. Older patients can sometimes put up with problems such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures because they are not aware of the wide range of treatments and techniques...