SEDATION DENTISTRY - Anxiety-free Procedures

Once you've experienced sedation dentistry, you'll probably never be afraid to go to the dentist again.

Many people fear going to the dentist. We understand. Our sedation dentistry team provides a relaxed and comfortable - and pain-free -  new smile in only a session or two.

Sedation dentistry is the most common method used in the United States to calm a patients fears. It's easy, and best of all does NOT involve needles.

Oral dental sedation creates a comfortable experience, and most patients do don't even remember the visit; it is as if they slept through the treatment.

Actually, sedation dentistry maintains a level of consciousness in the patient for both safety and communication between the dentist and patient.

Virtually any procedure can be done using Sedation Dentistry - anxiety-free, safe, and comfortable.

Call us if you have any other questions concerning Sedation Dentistry!

SMART MOVES - "Invisible Aligners"

Smart Moves® – A Nearly Invisible Tooth Aligner System
You may or may not know we’ve been providing orthodontic services in the office for some time now and recently have become certified in clear braces and aligners techniques.

Smart Moves® is a way to straighten your teeth without braces. It uses a series of hard plastic, computer-designed mouthguard-like trays, each giving incremental movement towards the desired result.

If you’ve wanted to straighten your teeth, but haven’t wanted braces, you may want to look into Invisalign.

Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to providing you with the personal care you deserve.

CLEANING & PREVENTION - Exams, X-rays, & Home Care

Your first visit to our office will include a thorough dental exam by the dentist to order to make an initial assessment. A preventative plan will be recommended, where you will come in for regular check-ups to include:

•    Cleaning and polishing: The cleaning will consist of removal of tartar, which has hardened on the teeth over time, along with the sticky plaque that has formed over the teeth. Plaque is a formation of bacteria and build up that will eventually cause inflammation. The instruments and technique we use will safely remove this build up. Followed up by polishing that removes stains and enhances the cleaning.

•    Gum evaluation and treatment: Your gums and the bone supporting your teeth will be checked for disease.

•    Oral cancer screening: The lips, tongue, throat, neck and gums are examined for any possible signs of oral cancer.

•    X-rays: A full set of SAFE x-rays are performed and are crucial for giving the dentist information such as state of bone loss (if any), development deviations, abscesses, teeth coming in at the wrong position, tumors and other issues hiding within the teeth and gums. Early detection is important in treating many oral health issues.

•    Investigation of existing work: Checking current crowns, bridges, fillings, etc. are done to check for any damage or need for replacement.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY - Fillings, Crowns, Whitening, Veneers

Cosmetic Dentistry can make your smile light up a room!

•    Whitening:
 
Many people associate professional teeth whitening with movie stars and brides - but in fact, it is the most popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry.
 
Stained or discolored teeth are very common among adults of all ages, and come from a variety of sources, such as:

• Coffee
•  Red wine
•  Soda
•  Tea
•  Tobacco
•  Some medications

Those of us with stained teeth tend to brush more vigorously; this can remove the enamel from your teeth, causing further discoloration and serious dental problems. Others use over-the-counter whitening kits, but they don't have the prescription strength and lasting effects of a professional teeth-whitening procedure.
 
The key to a long lasting, bright, white smile is to have them whitened by a cosmetic dentist before discoloration becomes too severe. Whether you choose an in-office or at-home procedure, you can be sure to receive solid advice, professional care, and a smile that will knock their socks off!
 
For a beautiful new smile call Washington Dental Excellence today.

•    Crowns: There are times when your dentist will recommend crowns. A crown or cap is a metal and/or porcelain covering that is placed over the tooth surface, restoring strength and appearance. Crowns are needed when a filling is not enough to give tooth proper structure, to fix fractures, or lend support for bridges. Crowns improve the appearance and structure of the tooth.

Crowns typically consist of two appointments. Impressions are made and sent to a local laboratory in order to create the custom crowns. For placement, the tooth will be numbed in order to remove any existing decay and to shape the tooth for the new crown. A temporary crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it while the new one is being made. It is important that great care be taken with the temporary to avoid loosening. When the new crown arrives, the patient will return to the office for placement and fitting.

•    Veneers: Porcelain veneers are a beautiful option for creating the smile you’ve always wanted. Veneers consist of very thin sheets of porcelain that are attached to the front of the teeth, improving shape, size and color. With the first step of the process, the existing teeth are buffed and shaped and an impression is taken. The specific color that will be used is also chosen. With the second step, bonding adhesive will be used to attach the veneer to the teeth and a light beam will set the adhesive.

•    White Fillings: Previously, silver or gold fillings were used. Now Composite resins can be used. The fillings are used to fix teeth that have been damaged by decay and/or fractures. The affected portion of the tooth will be removed and replaced with composite filling. They are attractive since they match existing teeth and with proper care last for many years.

Fillings can be done during one appointment. Anesthesia is necessary in order to allow the dentist to remove decay and apply medication to further protect nerve endings. The filling is shaped and smoothed to ensure an authentic look and feel.

Don’t wait any longer. Call today for an appointment and get closer to a healthy, beautiful smile!

PERIODONTAL DISEASE - Diagnosis, Treatment, & Care

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is something that effects a large portion of the population. It is a disease that causes pockets or spaces in the gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter. The build up of plaque causes the gums to become inflamed and form these pockets. Normal brushing cannot reach this build up and over time the pockets continue to get deeper. Symptoms may include bad breath, red and puffy gums, bleeding gums and loose or sensitive teeth.

•    Diagnosis: Gingivitis is the beginning stages of periodontal disease. Bleeding when brushing is a sign of this, as is inflammation and tenderness. We will measure between the tooth and gums to determine the depth of any pockets that may be present.

•    Treatment: Gingivitis and periodontal disease must be treated to prevent further destruction of teeth, gums, and bone, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Depending on the extent of the disease, a deep cleaning and scaling will be recommended and will typically be done with local numbing. When the build up has been removed from below the gum line, the tissue will heal in a short time.

•    Maintenance: Follow-up appointments will be recommended to keep an eye on the healing progress. Medicated rinses, consistent flossing and using an electric toothbrush are some of the home treatments suggested. We will discuss a thorough in-home follow-up care program for you.

RESTORATIONS - Implants, Root Canals, Bridges, Dentures

Restoring your beautiful smile!

Preventative measures will always need to part of a general oral health plan. In circumstances where damage has already been done however, more intensive procedures may be needed to bring teeth back to their healthy appearance and operation. Our staff will keep you informed on the options that will relieve pain, repair damage, improve your bite and get you back to normal function and look.

•    Implants: Dental implants are used to replace teeth that have been lost. Through a surgical procedure, these artificial roots and teeth are placed directly into the bone. Implants replace teeth, restore chewing ability and improve facial tissues in the process. They are natural looking, secure and durable, and for many years.

After an implant is placed into the bone, it must be given several months to heal. Several fittings and adjustments may be needed. Maintenance of your new implants are necessary by you; following directions and forming good habits for proper care will keep your implants looking great!

•    Root Canals: A root canal may be needed to relieve severe pain or sensitivity caused by extensive decay. Many times an infection is present. The affected tissue needs to be removed, and the nerve canal reshaped and filled with a special material and finally sealed and crowned to help prevent future infection.

•    Bridges: Another way to replace lost teeth, this permanent fixture is typically made of porcelain on top of metal that fits over existing teeth. Bridges are the solution to many of the same issues that implants are used for, and another option for patients, depending on their particular needs and circumstances.

•    Dentures: Dentures are a removable option to replace missing teeth. They can be full appliances or partial. Natural, existing teeth may need to be prepared for dentures to fit properly. Immediate dentures are prepared in advance and put in once the teeth are removed. Adjustments for comfort and fit may need to be made once healing has occurred.

After proper fit has been achieved, a patient’s smile is enhanced with easy-to-care for dentures.

ORAL SEDATION DENTISTRY - Anxiety-free Procedures

Once you've experienced oral sedation dentistry, you'll probably never be afraid to go to the dentist again!

What is Oral Sedation Dentistry?

Oral sedation dentistry is a procedure involving the administration of oral sedative drugs, generally to facilitate a dental procedure and reduce patients fear and anxiety related to the experience. Oral sedation dentistry is usually administered as a pill; the doctor may also choose to use Nitrous Oxide gas (laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is best suited for cases of mild to moderate anxiety and is the most frequently used sedation method. Under nitrous oxide you remain conscious and able to breathe on your own, with a sense of total well-being (euphoria). Patients generally recover quickly, often with little memory of the procedure.

Many people fear going to the dentist. We understand. Our oral sedation dentistry team provides a relaxed and comfortable - and pain-free -  new smile in only a session or two.

Sedation dentistry is the most common method used in the United States to calm a patients fears. It's easy!

Oral dental sedation creates a comfortable experience, and most patients do don't even remember the visit; it is as if they slept through the treatment.

Actually, sedation dentistry maintains a level of consciousness in the patient for both safety and communication between the dentist and patient.

Virtually any procedure can be done using Oral Sedation Dentistry - anxiety-free, safe, and comfortable.

Call us if you have any other questions concerning Oral Sedation Dentistry!