Our Offerings
Exams & Cleanings
Ensuring optimal oral health starts with undergoing periodic examinations and cleanings.
During the comprehensive examinations, we will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Your medical history will be reviewed, and any concerns you have about your oral health will be discussed with your dentist. We conduct thorough evaluations, including periodontal assessments, oral cancer screenings, and X-rays to detect any hidden issues like cavities or gum disease. Additionally, intraoral photographs may be taken to document your current dental condition.
Based on these findings, a comprehensive treatment plan will be proposed, taking into account your individual needs and preferences. It's essential to communicate any questions or concerns you have with our team to make well-informed decisions about your oral health.
Regular dental cleanings are typically performed alongside comprehensive examinations or routine evaluations. These cleanings aim to remove debris, plaque, calculus, and stains from your teeth. Using specialized instruments like ultrasonic cleaners and polishers, we ensure thorough cleaning and may provide recommendations on homecare tools or techniques tailored to your specific dental needs.
Periodontal (Gum Disease) Treatment
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth, often leading to tooth loss among adults.
It's frequently painless and develops gradually due to the accumulation of plaque, a sticky bacterial film on the teeth. If not removed, plaque causes inflammation and infection of the gums, leading to the formation of deeper pockets where more plaque accumulates, ultimately resulting in bone and tooth loss.
Many Americans suffer from gum disease without realizing it, with common warning signs including bleeding gums, redness, swelling, and tenderness, as well as bad breath, shifting teeth, and changes in bite or dental appliances. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetic predisposition, crowded teeth, pregnancy, and diabetes.
Diagnosis involves measuring pocket depths around teeth and examining X-rays for signs of bone loss. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Early-stage gingivitis may require professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene, while more advanced cases may necessitate deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing. This treatment involves removing plaque and tartar from deep pockets around the teeth and smoothing the tooth roots to promote gum tissue healing.
Medications may be prescribed to control infection and pain or aid in healing. Smoking cessation is crucial, as smoking significantly increases the risk of gum disease and impedes healing. Follow-up visits assess healing progress, with periodontal maintenance appointments scheduled every 3-4 months to stabilize the condition. While some individuals may require lifelong periodontal maintenance, others may transition back to regular cleanings if their gum health improves and remains stable.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry offers a solution for those seeking to improve the appearance of their smile.
Concerns like discoloration, stains, chips, wear, misalignment, or gaps between teeth can be addressed through various cosmetic procedures, tailored to meet both aesthetic and oral health goals. At Salish Smiles, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a smile that leaves a lasting impression.
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance of gums, teeth, and bite alignment. This includes improving dental aesthetics in terms of position, color, alignment, size, shape, and overall smile appearance.
Some common cosmetic dentistry services we offer include:
-
We provide custom-made whitening trays and prescription-strength whitening solutions to brighten your smile comfortably without the need for in-office light activation, minimizing tooth sensitivity.
-
These thin, strong porcelain shells can alter the shape, shade, size, and position of teeth, addressing concerns like discoloration, chips, breaks, or spacing issues, often utilized in smile makeovers.
-
Referral to a periodontist may be recommended for gum recontouring or grafting to address excessive or insufficient gum tissue around teeth.
-
These cover the entire tooth, front to back, similar to veneers but providing more extensive coverage
-
This involves minor polishing and contouring to smooth small imperfections, redefine worn or flat teeth, and reshape pointed teeth.
-
Using tooth-colored bonding materials, minor issues with tooth shading and shape can be corrected.
Veneers
Dental veneers offer a straightforward way to transform your smile.
These thin coverings are placed over the front part of your teeth, resembling natural teeth and requiring regular brushing and flossing. Veneers are versatile and can address various dental issues, including stained teeth, chipped or worn enamel, misaligned or crooked teeth, uneven spacing, or gaps between teeth.
Veneers come in two primary materials: porcelain or composite resin. Your dentist will help you decide which option suits you best, as each has its advantages.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells crafted in a laboratory to fit your teeth precisely. They offer several benefits:
Durability and longevity
Natural appearance
Minimal enamel removal compared to crowns
Resistance to staining
Highly controlled esthetics due to custom fabrication.
Whitening
Achieving a whiter, brighter smile is a quick and effective way to make a positive impression.
A radiant smile exudes youth, vitality, and warmth, conveying overall healthiness. Teeth whitening remains a popular and cost-effective method to enhance your smile, addressing various discolorations and imperfections.
-
Tooth whitening involves a process called oxidation, which lightens any discolorations present on the tooth's surface.
-
As we age, our adult teeth naturally darken or become discolored due to factors such as genetics, certain medications, and consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, or tobacco. Additionally, internal factors like tooth decay or trauma can contribute to discoloration.
-
Whitening treatments come in various forms, but one common method involves custom-made take-home trays filled with prescription-strength whitening gel. This gel is applied to the teeth for 1-2 hours daily over several days to achieve desired results. Compared to store-bought kits, custom trays offer a higher concentration of whitening solution and typically yield more noticeable results in a shorter time frame.
-
While whitening is generally safe, it's not recommended for pregnant or nursing individuals or those with severe tooth or gum sensitivity. Whitening toothpaste, while commonly used, can be abrasive and potentially harmful to enamel with long-term use. It's essential to address any existing dental issues, like gum disease or tooth decay, before beginning whitening treatment.
-
To manage tooth sensitivity following whitening, consider using a sensitivity toothpaste, chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, or taking a break from whitening for a while.
-
Whitening primarily affects natural tooth enamel and may not significantly alter the shade of existing dental restorations. However, if fillings or crowns become more noticeable after whitening, they can be replaced to match your newly whitened teeth.
-
To maintain results, avoid staining substances and maintain good oral hygiene habits. Whitening effects typically last for several months, and touch-up treatments may be needed every 3-6 months or as desired.
-
Schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine if whitening is suitable for you and to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and effective sedative used to help patients relax during dental procedures.
Administered through a small mask over the nose, it is mixed with oxygen and doesn't induce sleep. You remain conscious and able to respond to the dentist's instructions. Breathing normally through the nose, you'll begin to feel its effects within minutes, typically experiencing a light-headed sensation or tingling in the limbs, leading to a calm and comfortable state.
Once treatment is complete, the effects of nitrous oxide dissipate quickly, allowing you to leave the appointment unaccompanied and drive yourself home. However, it's not recommended for individuals with nasal obstructions, pregnancy, or certain respiratory conditions like COPD. Despite this, it's safe for both children and adults, including those with asthma.
While nitrous oxide aids relaxation, local anesthetic is still necessary to numb the teeth for treatment. If you have any questions or wish to explore this option further, please don't hesitate to ask us.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography, also known as digital x-rays, represents a significant advancement in dental technology.
Unlike traditional x-ray methods using film, digital radiography utilizes an electronic sensor to capture and store images directly onto a computer. This allows for instant viewing and enlargement of images, aiding dentists and hygienists in identifying dental issues more efficiently. Moreover, digital x-rays reduce radiation exposure by 80-90% compared to conventional x-ray techniques, which already involve low levels of radiation.
-
Dental x-rays are crucial diagnostic tools that provide essential information not visible during regular dental exams. They enable dentists and hygienists to detect hidden dental abnormalities accurately, facilitating the creation of precise treatment plans. Without x-rays, potential problem areas may remain unnoticed. X-rays can reveal various issues such as abscesses, cysts, bone loss, tumors (both cancerous and non-cancerous), decay between teeth, developmental abnormalities, and problems beneath the gum line or within teeth.
-
Although everyone is exposed to natural radiation, digital x-rays significantly lower radiation levels compared to traditional methods. Besides being safer for patients, digital x-rays are faster and more comfortable to take, reducing time spent in the dental office. Additionally, digital imaging eliminates the need for developing x-rays, thereby minimizing harmful waste and chemical disposal. Despite the low radiation levels, dentists take precautions to limit patient exposure by only performing necessary x-rays and utilizing lead apron shields for further protection.
-
The frequency of dental x-rays varies depending on each patient's unique dental health needs. Recommendations for x-rays are based on factors such as medical and dental history, examination findings, symptoms, age, and risk of disease. Your dentist will advise on the necessary frequency of x-rays tailored to your individual circumstances.
Sealants
Sealants are a preventive measure against tooth decay.
They consist of a thin, tooth-colored resin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, especially the back teeth like premolars and molars. These sealants bond quickly into the grooves and depressions of the teeth, creating a protective barrier over the enamel.
Despite regular brushing and flossing, it's challenging to reach all the nooks and crannies of the back teeth where food particles and plaque can accumulate. Sealants effectively seal out these harmful elements, guarding against decay.
Children and teenagers, who are more prone to decay in their premolars and molars, are prime candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in these teeth can also benefit from sealants.
The application of sealants is a straightforward and painless process. After cleaning and drying the teeth, an etching solution is applied to roughen the surface, promoting better adhesion of the sealant. The sealant is then painted onto the enamel and hardened using a special curing light.
Sealants can last up to 10 years, but regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor their condition and replace them if necessary.
If you're considering sealants or have questions about their suitability for your teeth, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with our office.
Oral Cancer Screening
Just like with any form of cancer, detecting oral cancer early is crucial.
During your comprehensive exam and regular dental checkups at Salish Smiles Family Dentistry, your dentist will conduct a visual examination to check for signs of oral cancer or any abnormal lesions.
Here are some important facts about oral cancer:
Oral cancer represents approximately 3% of all cancer cases.
In the United States, oral cancer comprises about 8% of all malignant growths.
Oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, which can make it particularly dangerous.
Around 90% of oral cancers are classified as squamous cell carcinoma, a type of malignant tumor.
Nightguards
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a condition where individuals unconsciously clench or grind their teeth.
This can lead to symptoms like a sore jaw, headaches, or tooth pain, often noticed upon waking up. It affects a significant portion of the population, with about 10-15% of adults and 36% of children experiencing it.
One way to alleviate the effects of bruxism is by using a night guard, a dental appliance worn while sleeping. Night guards are available over-the-counter at pharmacies and can be customized to fit your teeth by boiling and shaping them at home. Alternatively, custom-made night guards provided by a dentist offer a higher quality fit and durability, as they are crafted in a specialized laboratory based on an impression of your mouth. However, they are typically more expensive than over-the-counter options.
It's important to note that night guards are not recommended for children under 16, as they may interfere with jaw and teeth development. While most children outgrow bruxism, a significant portion continue to grind their teeth into adulthood.
Additionally, mouth guards, whether over-the-counter or custom-made, are also recommended for individuals engaged in contact sports to protect their teeth from injury.
Flouride Treatment
When fluoride interacts with your teeth, it transforms some of the enamel into a substance called fluorapatite, which is less susceptible to damage from bacterial acid.
This essential mineral naturally occurs in many foods and water sources, originating from fluorite, a mineral found in the earth's crust. Fluoride can also be obtained from various sources such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, supplements, and city water supplies where fluoride is added for dental health benefits.
To ensure optimal effectiveness in reducing decay, the level of fluoride added to city water supplies is carefully regulated based on controlled studies. Additionally, it's important to test well water to confirm its safety and ensure it doesn't contain excessive amounts of any substances that could pose risks to dental health.
Fluoride works to prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel of your teeth, making it more resistant to acid attacks caused by plaque bacteria in your mouth.
Fillings
Dental fillings are typically employed to address cavities, but they're also utilized for repairing cracked, broken, or worn-down teeth.
During a dental filling procedure, you can expect the following steps:
Application of topical and local anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
Removal of decay from the affected teeth.
Restoration of the tooth using either a composite (white, tooth-colored) or amalgam (silver) filling material.
Checking your bite to ensure that your teeth align properly and comfortably.
Our compassionate and experienced dental team is dedicated to ensuring your comfort throughout the entire process. We're here to address any concerns or questions you may have before, during, and after your procedure.
Crowns & Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are effective solutions for filling gaps and restoring your smile if you have missing or damaged teeth.
These dental appliances not only enhance your smile but also improve your ability to bite and chew, benefiting your overall oral health and even your digestive system. There are various types of crowns and bridges, each suitable for specific situations, and our team will assist you in determining the best option for your needs.
Crowns, for instance, are covers or "caps" placed over teeth to restore their shape, size, and function, making them stronger and enhancing their appearance.
You may require a crown if you have:
A cavity too large for a filling
A missing tooth that requires a bridge
A dental implant that needs covering
A cracked, worn-down, or weakened tooth
Undergone root canal treatment, where the crown protects the restored tooth
A discolored or misshapen tooth that affects aesthetics
Crowns are crafted from various materials such as metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin, or combinations of these, often colored to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our goal is to create a crown that looks natural and fits comfortably in your mouth. When deciding on the material, factors considered include the tooth's location, gum tissue position, your preferences, smile aesthetics, tooth color, and functionality.
A bridge is a dental prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth, filling the gap left behind. This restoration not only restores your ability to bite and chew but also helps maintain the natural shape of your face. Similar to crowns, bridges are available in various materials, and our team will assist you in selecting the most suitable type for your specific needs.
Missing teeth can have serious consequences. Teeth are designed to function together, and when one is lost, neighboring teeth may shift or tilt into the empty space. This can disrupt your bite and place additional strain on your teeth and jaw joints, potentially leading to discomfort. Misaligned teeth are also more difficult to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, the loss of a tooth can result in bone shrinkage, altering the support structure for your lips and cheeks over time, which may contribute to an aged appearance.
Pediatric Dentistry
For a positive pediatric dental experience, we encourage parents to start bringing their children for oral examinations and cleanings as early as 12 months old, with visits every 6 months thereafter.
Early and regular visits help instill confidence and comfort in children during dental appointments, fostering a positive relationship with the dentist and staff.
To ensure a positive experience, here are some suggestions:
Start dental visits early, ideally around your child's first birthday, to prevent dental problems and familiarize them with the dental office environment.
Consider bringing your child along to one of your own dental appointments first to introduce them to the setting and meet the dentist and staff.
Schedule appointments when your child is alert and rested, with their last meal about 2 hours prior.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping a child's perception of dental visits, so remain calm and positive, answering any questions they may have.
Prepare your child for the visit by discussing it positively and avoiding negative associations with words like "pain" or "fear."
Use storytelling or books about positive dental experiences to further prepare your child.
Make a list of questions about your child's oral health for the dentist.
During checkups, the dentist will conduct a visual exam, introduce dental equipment, and may brush your child's teeth gently.
Our dental team employs various behavioral management techniques, such as positive reinforcement and show-tell-do, to create a positive environment.
After age 2, your child will receive tooth polishing along with regular cleaning, with visits every 6 months becoming a positive routine.
With effective home oral hygiene and regular dental visits, your child can maintain a healthy smile for life!
Dental Implants
Dental implants serve as a highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth caused by disease or accidents.
They offer numerous advantages, making them a preferred choice for many individuals. You might consider dental implants if:
You feel self-conscious about your smile due to missing teeth.
Your dentures are uncomfortable or unstable.
You're dissatisfied with removable partial dentures.
You wish to maintain the integrity of your remaining natural teeth.
Implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even support a full set of dentures. They are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, mimicking the function of natural tooth roots.
These implants are biocompatible, typically made of titanium and other body-friendly materials. In the United States, dentists place over 5 million implants annually.
Key benefits of dental implants include:
Providing sturdy support for dental prosthetics, preventing slipping or shifting during eating and speaking.
Offering a more natural feel compared to traditional bridges or dentures.
Enhanced comfort, especially for implant-supported dentures.
Helping to preserve the jawbone structure where teeth are missing.
Long-term durability with proper care, potentially lasting a lifetime.