Cleanings And Exams
Having a dental practice perform a checkup and regular cleaning gives a preventive approach to dental care. These general dentistry treatments help prevent problems with your teeth, gums and jaw bones, or they catch and manage problems before they worsen. During your visit, our doctors will take a picture of the current standing of your dental health and what would be needed to keep your oral hygiene in its best state.
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Emergency Care
Our highly trained doctors and staff are ready to manage all of your concerns. We have methods to alleviate the pain and help you feel calm during your emergency dental visit.
If you are facing a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact us immediately at (206) 433-5595!
Emergency dentistry provides same-day care for painful or potentially serious oral health problems. If you develop a severe cavity and it doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medication, or you chip your tooth, contact the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles right away. The sooner you make it to the office, the sooner the team can ease your pain and prevent the condition from getting worse.
What conditions can benefit from emergency dentistry?
The team at Tukwila Dental Smiles uses emergency dentistry to treat various conditions, including:
- Chipped and cracked teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Damaged dental restorations
- Damaged Invisalign® aligners
- Cuts that won’t stop bleeding
- Oral abscesses
- Severe toothaches
You might also benefit from emergency dentistry if you get a foreign object stuck in your teeth, like a toothpick.
What can I do if I lose a permanent tooth?
A lost permanent tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies. Carefully pick up your tooth by the crown and rinse it off. After the dirt and debris are gone, try to put the tooth back in its socket and gently bite down. If your tooth won’t stay in place, put it in a glass of milk and call the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles. A member of the administrative staff can make recommendations to limit the pain and swelling on your way to the office. The team always makes time for emergency dental care, so most people receive treatment on the same day.
What does emergency dentistry involve?
At Tukwila Dental Smiles, no two emergency dentistry appointments are exactly alike. The team tailors treatment individually, based on your oral health history, symptoms, and needs. Your provider conducts an oral exam, takes oral X-rays, and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if any activities like eating make them worse. After pinpointing the source of your discomfort, your provider develops a custom treatment plan. Depending on your situation, you might need prescription medication to reduce the pain, a dental restoration to repair a broken or damaged tooth, or dental implants to restore your smile to its near-original condition. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to preserve your oral health and reduce the risk of future complications.
If you or a loved one need emergency dentistry, make an appointment at Tukwila Dental Smiles by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling feature today.
Root Canals
Root canals are needed when decay and bacteria spread for too long without treatment. At a certain point, this decay makes it to the pulp inside the tooth. This pulp includes nerves, therefore infection generally causes a lot of pain. Since this is happening on the inside of the tooth, you won’t necessarily see the damage. Instead, you could feel it through pain and notice other signs that include bleeding, swelling and bad breath.
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Teeth Whitening
A common request we receive is how to make a smile whiter and brighter. This is a relatively simple and quick treatment option that can be performed periodically. Certain foods and beverages, such as wine and coffee, stain the teeth and contribute to discoloration. The teeth whitening process provides a solution that lightens the shade of the teeth. Additionally, the process actually rids the teeth of plaque and tartar that tend to lead to dental problems.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening uses FDA-approved bleaching solutions to remove stains from the surface of your teeth. There are various teeth whitening treatments available, but almost all use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as their main ingredients. When applied to your teeth, these chemicals soak into the enamel and oxidize the dark molecules within. The oxidation process lightens your teeth, making your smile appear brighter and more aesthetically pleasing.
Why do teeth change colors?
Teeth change colors for various reasons, but discoloration often occurs due to the natural aging process. Over the years, your tooth enamel wears down, revealing more of the yellow dentin underneath. You might also experience stained or discolored teeth due to:
- Eating foods that stain, like berries and tomato-based sauces
- Drinking beverages like coffee, red wine, and cola
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Oral trauma
- You might also have yellow or brown teeth if you take prescription medication that contains tetracycline.
What does teeth whitening involve?
At Tukwila Dental Smiles, the team provides in-office chairside teeth whitening to adults and teenagers. Your provider covers your gums and tongue with a protective dam. Then, they carefully apply the whitening solution to each of your teeth. Your provider lets the whitening solution sit for 20 minutes, then points a special light at your teeth, triggering a whitening reaction. Your provider follows these steps several more times until you achieve the desired shade of white. Before you leave, your dentist provides at-home care instructions.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is safe and usually well-tolerated. In the first day or two after treatment, you might experience some gum or tongue sensitivity, but that should subside quickly. However, if your symptoms persist or get worse, contact the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles right away.
Are the results of teeth whitening permanent?
The results of teeth whitening aren’t permanent, but they typically last four to six months*. To extend the results of your whitening treatment, the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, drinking dark beverages from a straw, and visiting the practice every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. If you want a brighter, whiter smile, make a teeth whitening appointment at Tukwila Dental Smiles by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today. *Individual results may vary.
Dentures
If you are missing teeth, dentures can provide a positive solution to improving your oral health. We are proud to provide dentures that are designed to fit your mouth for proper function and unique comfort. Following your appointment, we will provide you with information on at-home care for your dentures. We strongly recommend scheduling follow up appointments for periodic denture cleanings.
Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace your natural teeth and surrounding tissues. They rest on top of your gums and reduce the risk of potentially serious oral health problems like gum recession and bone loss. Dentures won’t last forever, but with routine check-ups and at-home care, you can use them for 7-10* years and sometimes even longer.
What are the types of dentures?
At Tukwila Dental Smiles, the team offers several types of dentures:
- Full dentures: Full dentures replace an entire row of your permanent teeth. They feature a metal base shaped like a horseshoe, pink artificial gums, and an arch of false teeth. You apply an adhesive to the bottom to prevent your dentures from moving out of position.
- Partial dentures: Partial dentures look similar to an orthodontic retainer. They have a metal frame, pink artificial gums, and one (or several) false teeth. Partial dentures snap into place around your existing teeth, allowing you to bite and chew confidently.
- Implant-supported dentures: If you don’t want to remove your dentures before going to bed, the team might recommend implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures can be full or partial; the difference is they attach to dental implants, titanium posts that replace your natural tooth roots.
What does getting dentures involve?
The process of getting dentures depends on the type you select:
- Full and partial dentures: Your dentist measures your jaw, takes detailed impressions of your mouth, then sends that information to a dental lab. Technicians at the lab use your impressions to design and manufacture a custom set of dentures that fit perfectly.
- Implant-retained dentures: If you want implant-retained dentures, you must first receive dental implants. To do that, your provider inserts a series of implants into your jaw during an outpatient procedure. Several months later, when your mouth finishes healing, you return to Tukwila Dental Smiles. Your provider takes impressions of your mouth and sends them to a dental lab. The laboratory uses your impressions to create a custom set of implant-supported dentures.
To see if you’re a candidate for dentures, make an appointment at Tukwila Dental Smiles by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today. *Individual results may vary.
Invisalign
Invisalign® is a modern alternative to straighten your teeth without wires or metal. Invisalign® involves a series of custom trays designed specifically for you and the plan your dentist or orthodontist creates to move your teeth. The trays are made from a smooth plastic that covers your teeth and gradually moves them into place.
Invisalign aligners shift your teeth through gentle pressure. The specially-designed aligners are made from proprietary, multilayer SmartTrack® material and are smooth and clear, which reduces both pain and visibility. The team at Tukwila Dental Smiles can use Invisalign to brighten the smiles of both teen and adult patients. To help create your winning smile, your provider develops a treatment plan that includes sets of custom-made aligners. Most patients only need to change their aligners once a week. This allows your teeth to move gently into position with minimal discomfort. The aligners are able to push your teeth horizontally and vertically. They can even rotate your teeth to improve alignment, if necessary.
What dental conditions can Invisalign address?
Invisalign can fix almost any type of misalignment, including:
- Underbite
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped or crowded teeth
The aligners can also fix a crossbite, which is when the upper and lower jaw aren’t aligned.
Does Invisalign stay in your mouth all the time?
Tukwila Dental Smiles recommends you keep your Invisalign in place for 20-22 hours a day to get the best results. However, unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat and brush and floss your teeth. To keep your aligners clean, use the Invisalign cleaning kit, or simply brush with your toothbrush, rinse with water, and put them back in your mouth.
How long does treatment take?
The amount of time you need to wear Invisalign varies from patient to patient, but you get straighter teeth faster than with traditional braces. You only need to come in to have the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles check your aligners and get a new set every six weeks. If you’re ready to get the smile you’ve always wanted, call the office today or book an appointment online to start treatment right away.
Porcelain Crowns
Getting porcelain crowns is the best way to have a very natural looking smile. They are used when simply filling in a tooth is not an option. There are times when they decay is so bad that we just have to use a porcelain crown. We also use them with severely damaged teeth or teeth that have already had multiple fillings. Porcelain crowns are attached right to your teeth so that they can function, even when you bite something really hard! There are several types of porcelain crowns so it is important to discuss which type is best for you with your dentist.
Crowns and bridges repair damaged, decaying, or missing teeth. Though frequently mentioned together, crowns and bridges are two different things:
Crowns: A crown is a cap made of porcelain or another tough material bonded on top of a damaged or decaying tooth. It restores your tooth’s size and appearance, making it easy to bite and chew confidently.
Bridges: A bridge closes a gap in your smile caused by an extracted or knocked-out permanent tooth. To prevent your bridge from moving out of position, your Tukwila Dental Smiles provider bonds crowns or a metal framework to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
What does the process of getting crowns and bridges involve?
At Tukwila Dental Smiles, getting a crown or a bridge takes two visits.
First crowns and bridges visit: Before recommending a crown or a bridge, your provider conducts an oral exam and takes a series of oral X-rays. If they determine you can benefit, they numb your mouth with a local anesthetic and take impressions. Your provider sends the impressions to a dental laboratory that uses them to design and manufacture a custom dental restoration.
Second crowns and bridges visit: When the lab finishes your crown or bridge, you return to Tukwila Dental Smiles. Your provider numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, lines up the crown or bridge with the rest of your teeth, and carefully bonds it in place. Afterward, they provide care instructions.
How much do crowns and bridges cost?
The cost of crowns and bridges varies, depending on the material used and the extent of the damage or decay repaired. Following an initial consultation, the team can provide a custom estimate that aligns with your needs.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Crowns and bridges typically last 10-12* years, but it’s possible to extend their use by practicing good oral hygiene. The team at Tukwila Dental Smiles recommends:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily
- Flossing at least once a day
- Visiting the dentist every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning
- Wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports or doing other physical activities
It’s also a good idea to avoid bad habits like biting your fingernails or opening plastic packaging with your teeth. If you’d like to learn more about crowns and bridges, make an appointment at Tukwila Dental Smiles by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today. *Individual results may vary.
Bridges
When your teeth are missing, it greatly affects your smile. At the same time, the missing tooth has the potential to negatively affect your oral hygiene because of unprotected gum exposure. Dental bridges are one of many options aimed at improving the appearance and function of your teeth by replacing the missing tooth or teeth. During your exam, we will discuss whether or not dental bridges are right for you.
Crowns and bridges repair damaged, decaying, or missing teeth. Though frequently mentioned together, crowns and bridges are two different things:
Crowns: A crown is a cap made of porcelain or another tough material bonded on top of a damaged or decaying tooth. It restores your tooth’s size and appearance, making it easy to bite and chew confidently.
Bridges: A bridge closes a gap in your smile caused by an extracted or knocked-out permanent tooth. To prevent your bridge from moving out of position, your Tukwila Dental Smiles provider bonds crowns or a metal framework to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
What does the process of getting crowns and bridges involve?
At Tukwila Dental Smiles, getting a crown or a bridge takes two visits.
First crowns and bridges visit: Before recommending a crown or a bridge, your provider conducts an oral exam and takes a series of oral X-rays. If they determine you can benefit, they numb your mouth with a local anesthetic and take impressions. Your provider sends the impressions to a dental laboratory that uses them to design and manufacture a custom dental restoration.
Second crowns and bridges visit: When the lab finishes your crown or bridge, you return to Tukwila Dental Smiles. Your provider numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, lines up the crown or bridge with the rest of your teeth, and carefully bonds it in place. Afterward, they provide care instructions.
How much do crowns and bridges cost?
The cost of crowns and bridges varies, depending on the material used and the extent of the damage or decay repaired. Following an initial consultation, the team can provide a custom estimate that aligns with your needs.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Crowns and bridges typically last 10-12* years, but it’s possible to extend their use by practicing good oral hygiene. The team at Tukwila Dental Smiles recommends:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily
- Flossing at least once a day
- Visiting the dentist every six months for an oral exam and teeth cleaning
- Wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports or doing other physical activities
It’s also a good idea to avoid bad habits like biting your fingernails or opening plastic packaging with your teeth. If you’d like to learn more about crowns and bridges, make an appointment at Tukwila Dental Smiles by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today. *Individual results may vary.
Dental Implants
When you have missing teeth, an alternative solution to dentures is dental implants. While dentures are removable, dental implants provide permanent new teeth to restore your mouth’s function and appearance. Dental implants tend to offer a successful and lasting solution to the loss of some or all of your teeth.
Dental implants replace your natural tooth roots. They’re inserted into your jaw during an outpatient procedure and integrate with your jaw over time. Once the implants fuse with your bone, they provide a foundation for a dental restoration, like crowns, bridges, or fixed dentures. You don’t remove dental implants before going to bed like dentures. Instead, you brush and floss them like your natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer many benefits, including:
- Clearer speech
- Easier biting and chewing
- Convenience
- Durability
- Comfort
Getting dental implants can also improve your oral health. By replacing gaps in your smile, you can reduce the risk of more serious issues like gum recession or healthy teeth moving out of position.
Can anyone get dental implants?
To receive dental implants, you need a healthy jaw to support them and healthy gum tissue. If your Tukwila Dental Smiles provider determines you have gum disease or low jaw bone volume, they might recommend a prerequisite treatment like scaling and root planing or a bone graft before moving forward. Let the team know if you have an underlying condition like heart disease or diabetes. These issues won’t stop you from getting implants, but they may increase the risk of post-surgical complications.
What does getting dental implants involve?
At Tukwila Dental Smiles, getting dental implants takes at least three visits.
First dental implant visit: If you qualify for dental implants, your provider numbs your mouth and inserts them into your jaw. Following the placement procedure, your provider writes you a prescription for pain medication and provides care instructions.
Second dental implant visit: A few months later, when the implants finish integrating with your bone, you return to Tukwila Dental Smiles. Your provider takes impressions of your mouth and sends them to a dental laboratory that creates your custom dental restoration.
Third dental implant visit: When the lab completes your crown, bridge, or fixed dentures, your visit Tukwila Dental Smiles for the last time. Finally, your provider attaches the restorations to your implants and assesses your bite. You leave with a beautiful, fully functional smile.
To see if you can benefit from dental implants, make an appointment at Tukwila Dental Smiles by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
Restorative Dentistry
Tukwila Dental Smiles is committed to offering a full range of dentistry services. Whether you’ve had repairs or need a complete replacement, we recommend continual check-ups to assess your gums and bone density to assess the surrounding areas associated with your implant.
Restorative dentistry uses custom oral prosthetics, like crowns, bridges, or dental implants to repair decaying, damaged, or missing teeth. These treatment methods preserve your smile and reduce the need for extractions and other more complex procedures.
What services does restorative dentistry provide?
At Tukwila Dental Smiles, the team offers a full suite of restorative dental services, including:
- Fillings: A restoration that repairs decaying tooth enamel using tooth-colored fillings.
- Crowns: Synthetic caps bonded on top of damaged or severely decaying teeth, restoring them to near-original shape, strength, and size.
- Bridges: Dental appliances that close gaps in your smile caused by missing teeth, bonded to healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
- Dental Implants: Titanium posts that replace permanent teeth, providing a foundation for crowns, bridges, or fixed dentures.
- Dentures: Removable oral prosthetics for individuals lacking sufficient jaw bone for dental implants.
How do I care for a dental restoration?
To keep your dental restoration in optimal condition, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene. The team at Tukwila Dental Smiles recommends:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily
- Flossing at least once a day
- Visiting the practice every six months for an oral exam
- Protecting your teeth from damage by wearing a mouthguard
It’s also a good idea to keep sugary snacks and drinks to a minimum to reduce your risk of cavities. To learn more about the benefits of restorative dentistry, make an appointment at Tukwila Dental Smiles by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool today.
*Individual results may vary.