Yes, having a dental crown does not automatically prevent you from having Invisalign treatment. However, the crown, the tooth underneath it, your bite, and the way that tooth fits into the proposed movement all need to be evaluated before treatment begins. A dental crown becomes part of the overall Invisalign treatment plan rather than something…
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Bleeding Gums When Brushing: When Should You Be Concerned?
Bleeding gums when brushing often indicate inflammation around the gumline. Brushing too hard or using floss incorrectly can also irritate the tissue. However, if your gums bleed repeatedly, it is worth having them checked, even if you do not feel pain. Pay attention to how often the bleeding happens and whether you notice redness, swelling,…
Plaque vs. Tartar: Why Brushing Cannot Remove Everything
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that brushing and cleaning between your teeth help remove. Tartar, also called calculus, is plaque that has hardened through mineral buildup. Once tartar forms, brushing and flossing cannot remove it. That explains why a rough deposit may remain even when you brush regularly. Daily cleaning controls new…
Do You Need Dental X-Rays at Every Checkup?
Categories: CEREC, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental emergency, General Dentistry, SLEEP DENTISTRY, Teeth Whitening
No. You do not automatically need dental X-rays at every checkup. Your dentist determines whether imaging is needed based on your oral health, symptoms, risk of dental disease, previous images, and examination findings. The American Dental Association and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology updated their patient-selection recommendations in 2026, emphasizing that imaging should…
What Happens During a New Patient Dental Exam?
A new patient dental exam usually includes a review of your health history, a discussion of your concerns, and an examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and other oral tissues. Dental X-rays may be recommended when they provide information needed for diagnosis or treatment planning. The visit establishes a starting point for your care. Before…
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Dentist in Mill Creek?
Choosing a dentist in mill creek can bring up practical questions. Can the team help with your concern? Will someone explain the cost? What if you feel nervous or need treatment you do not understand? Start with those questions. You should feel comfortable discussing your needs, understand the care being recommended, and know what to…
What Happens If You Haven’t Been to the Dentist in Years?
Categories: CEREC, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental emergency, Dental Implants, Dentistry, General Dentistry
If you have been putting off a dental appointment, you may be worried about what the dentist will find, how much treatment will cost, or feeling embarrassed about the time away. At Pacific Northwest Smiles, we want you to feel comfortable returning. Your first appointment gives us a chance to listen to your concerns, check…
What Does an Oral Cancer Screening Check During a Dental Exam?
An oral cancer screening during a dental exam checks your mouth, tongue, lips, throat area, jaw, and neck for unusual tissue changes that may need a closer look. Your dentist may look for persistent sores, red or white patches, lumps, thickened tissue, or other changes that are different from surrounding areas. The examination is usually…
CPAP vs. Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea: Which Is Right for You?
Categories: Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you’ve probably heard about CPAP therapy. For many people, it’s the first treatment their physician recommends. But it’s not the only option. Today, many patients successfully treat sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance made by a qualified dentist. In fact, for some people—especially those with…
Can Sleep Apnea Cause High Blood Pressure? | Pacific Northwest Smiles
Categories: Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment
Yes it can. In fact, untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common underlying conditions associated with high blood pressure (hypertension). Many people are surprised to learn that the quality of their sleep can have such a significant impact on their heart and blood vessels. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood…