Building Lasting Relationships for Your Dental Health
When it comes to maintaining excellent oral health, prevention is just as important as treatment. Our team wants you to experience the benefits of optimal health so you can thrive in your smile. Explore the general dentistry treatments available at our Seattle office.
Regular Exams and Cleanings
Regular exams play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. During these visits, we’ll examine your teeth and gums and notify you of any areas of concern before they become problematic. We’ll also perform a professional cleaning where we can remove plaque and tartar.
This will help prevent tooth decay and leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean. During your cleanings, you’ll have the option to have a fluoride treatment applied to your teeth. Fluoride is an effective way to strengthen the tooth’s enamel, thereby preventing decay.
Visiting our office every six months gives you the chance to ask our dentists any questions you may have so we can better serve your needs.
Preventive Care
Our primary focus in your dental care is to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. In addition to treating issues before they become problematic, our dentists will recommend any treatments that will protect and improve your smile. We’ll also provide you with information on ways you can improve your at-home oral hygiene routine.
Digital X-Rays
At Aesthetic Dental Associates, we utilize the latest technology so we can provide you with the highest quality of care. With the help of digital X-rays, we perform each procedure with precision and attention to detail. This will save you time in the treatment chair and allow for a faster recovery period.
Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening will be performed during your routine appointments. One of our dentists will examine your gums, tongue, cheeks, neck, and face to search for any signs of abnormalities. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chances of successful treatment.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria from your teeth travel into the gums and lead to an infection. The earliest stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can be reversed with a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing.
If the disease is left untreated, your gums may start to pull away from your teeth and form pockets where bacteria tend to build up. This can eventually cause tooth loss. During these stages, our dentists will recommend coming in for more frequent visits so we can rid your mouth of bacteria and restore your oral health.
Emergency Dental Care
Unfortunately, accidents happen and you find yourself in a position where you require immediate dental care. In the event that an emergency happens, we’ll be here for you. Examples of a dental emergency include:
- Severe toothache
- Knocked out tooth
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Pain that persists
- Infection
If you’re unsure if what you’re experiencing is a dental emergency, contact our office and a helpful team member will determine if you should come in immediately, or if it can wait for a regular appointment.
Mouthguards
Protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in a contact sport, the American Dental Association recommends that you wear a mouthguard.
We offer a customized mouthguard that’s comfortable and will protect your smile so you can focus on the game. We’ll take a mold of your teeth so the mouthguard will fit the shape and contour of your teeth perfectly. Once your new mouthguard arrives from the lab, we’ll show you how to use it so you can start protecting your teeth right away!
Nightguards
If you often wake up with jaw pain, earaches, headaches, or if you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth, you may have a common condition called bruxism. Teeth grinding typically occurs while you sleep, so you may not even realize that you’re doing it. Bruxism tends to aggravate the temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ.
Over time, bruxism can wear down your tooth’s enamel and lead to broken teeth, cracked teeth, or even tooth loss. If you have bruxism, our dentist will recommend the use of a nightguard. A nightguard is an easy solution to prevent the wear and tear that teeth-grinding causes over time.
It works by slightly shifting the lower jaw forward, thereby preventing the teeth from touching. The appliance also provides a cushion to the muscles of the jaw. Our dentist will customize your nightguard by making a mold of your upper and lower arches. Once it arrives from the lab, you can start enjoying the benefits of a pain-free TMJ.
Root Canals
When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the inner chamber of your tooth and cause an infection. During root canal treatment, we’ll remove the infection and fill the tooth with a material that will prevent future infections.
An untreated tooth infection can lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. While some people dread the thought of root canal treatment, living with the pain is typically worse. Root canal treatment can provide relief and restore your oral health.
Sealants
Sometimes brushing your teeth isn’t enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach areas in your child’s mouth. These areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your child’s teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.
Dental sealants are made of plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to attract the harmful bacteria that cause decay. It also provides a protective barrier against harmful bacteria.
A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact, so if your child’s sealants come off, let your dentist know. We’ll either adhere new dental sealants or determine if they’re no longer needed.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the final molars to erupt and are found in the very back of your mouth. They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Occasionally, wisdom teeth become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or their angle of entry. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed to prevent further complications such as severe pain and tooth crowding. Early intervention is key and can ensure faster healing.
Sleep Apnea
If you wake up choking or gasping for air, you may have a dangerous condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when you experience repeated pauses of breathing during sleep. The continuous loss of oxygen can negatively impact your quality of life and lead to dangerous health consequences.
To mitigate the issues associated with sleep apnea, we offer an oral appliance. Oral appliances work by gently shifting your jaw forward and keeping your tongue in a neutral position. This will help prevent your airway from collapsing and allow you to achieve the quality sleep you need.
Snoring Prevention
Snoring occurs when air can’t pass through your nose and mouth freely. This creates an auditory vibration that affects more than just the person with the disorder. Snoring can also strain your relationship with your sleeping partner. With a mandibular advancement device, we can create more space in your airway so you and your partner can enjoy a peaceful night of rest.
DIAGNOdent
Preserving your oral health is the main focus of our treatments. With DIAGNOdent, we can see the smallest cavities before you even begin to feel them. This will help prevent more invasive and costly treatments down the road. If you think you have a cavity, let one of our staff members know, and we’ll get to the bottom of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
Your teeth will be numbed prior to the procedure so you won’t feel a thing. We also offer dental sedation so you’ll feel completely relaxed and worry-free throughout your procedure.
Our dentist will be in close communication throughout the procedure to ensure you’re comfortable and free of pain. If you feel any discomfort, be sure to let us know with a simple hand gesture, and we’ll adjust the dosage as needed.
Why is oral hygiene important?
Good oral hygiene will not only keep your smile looking and feeling its best, but it will also keep it in the best of health. Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious health consequences such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Dementia
A good oral hygiene routine consists of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals. In addition to your oral health routine, you’ll want to visit our Seattle office for professional cleanings and checkups.
During these appointments, we’ll ensure your mouth is in the best of health and let you know about any issues before they become problematic.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Some patients are unaware that they have gum disease until it progresses to an advanced stage, commonly known as periodontitis. There are a few symptoms that may indicate that you have gum disease, including:
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed
- Painful gums or teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
If you think you’re suffering from gum disease, contact our Seattle office by calling (206) 682-3888 and we’ll see you at your earliest convenience.
How can I improve my oral health?
Your oral health is best maintained by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals. In addition to following good oral hygiene, you’ll want to schedule biannual check-ups and professional cleanings.
There are a few ways you can further improve your oral health, including:
- Use oral care products that contain fluoride
- Brush your teeth before bed
- Avoid frequent snacking
- Limit sugary and acidic foods
- Eat tooth-healthy foods
At your appointment, our helpful staff will provide any additional tips to improve your at-home oral care routine.
General Dentistry For the Whole Family
At Aesthetic Dental Associates, we offer a variety of treatments to prevent and restore tooth decay so your smile will look as good as it feels for years to come. Contact our Seattle office at (206) 682-3888 to schedule an appointment. Our treatments will give you one more reason to show off your smile.
