Archive

Aging and Dental Health – Part 3

(Part 3 of 3)     It is important to maintain regular appointments with your family dentist.  As we age, we face additional challenges to our dental health.    Oral Cancer exams are important This screening includes examination of the head and neck as well as inside of your mouth. Those who drink alcohol, use tobacco, or…

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Aging and Cosmetic Dentistry – Part 2

(Part 2 of 3)    Cosmetic Dentistry is popular among patients of all ages Cosmetic Dentistry is not just for movie stars.  Your family dentist routinely performs procedures on mature patients that create a more youthful appearance. This can improve confidence and self-esteem. Cosmetic dentistry issues that your family dentist commonly addresses include: Whitening stained teeth…

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Aging and Dental Health – Part 1

Ideally, you and your family dentist should have a long-term relationship! You should see your family dentist at least twice a year for “cleaning and screening,” no matter how old you are. “Long in the tooth” is a tongue-in-cheek expression that refers to getting older. In the past, it was common for gums to recede…

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What Is The Benefit Of An Electric Toothbrush?

Why would your family dentist recommend an electric toothbrush? • An electric toothbrush facilitates more thorough oral hygiene. Why is an electric toothbrush more effective? • There is a tendency for many of us to brush TOO HARD when we brush our teeth manually. This can damage the gums and lead to degradation of tooth…

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All-On-Four Dental Restoration

(Part One of an on-going conversation) What is an “All-on-four” treatment solution? The “All-on-four” dental restoration treatment is a convenient and effective treatment option available for the 30+ million Americans who are missing most of their upper and/or lower teeth. Your family dentist may recommend this solution as an alternative to wearing dentures. How does…

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Root Canals

What is a root canal? Beneath the tooth enamel and dentin, there is soft tissue known as pulp. The pulp of the tooth contains nerves, connective tissue, and the blood vessels — the “roots” of your tooth.  When pulp tissue becomes infected, your family dentist performs a “root canal” to remove the infected or damaged…

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Ultrasonic Scaling as Part of Dental Treatment

What is Ultrasonic scaling?      “Scaling” is the removal of hard deposits on the surface of the tooth.      When bacteria in the mouth builds up into plaque and tartar on the teeth, it may cause the gums to become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. This can create pockets filled with…

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Laser Dentistry

What is a Laser? A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of coherent monochromatic light or electromagnetic energy onto a specific focal point. Lasers are used in precision drilling, cutting, alignment and guidance. When would my family dentist use a laser in a dental treatment? When this intensely focused energy stream is…

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October is Dental Hygiene Month

In honor of dental hygiene month, Jeanine and Jean, our fabulous dental hygienists offer a few tips to enhance your oral hygiene routine: Choose the right tools and use them in the most effective ways: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head.                                                                                        This allows easier access to hard-to-brush places, and reduces damage to…

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Dental Hygiene Month

October is Dental Hygiene Month.  This is a perfect time to call your family dentist to schedule an appointment for routine cleaning and preventative maintenance of your oral health.   Why is this important? Regular dental hygiene can prevent most dental disease. Early detection and intervention when there is a problem means it is easier…

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5615 Valley Ave. E., Tacoma, WA 98424

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(253) 922-6822

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