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…
General Dentistry
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…
IV Sedation Dentistry in Mill Creek, WA: Comfortable Dental Care for Patients With Dental Anxiety
For many people, visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming. Dental anxiety is incredibly common, and for some patients it can lead to postponing important dental treatment for months—or even years. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a solution designed specifically to help patients relax during treatment: IV sedation dentistry. At Pacific Northwest Smiles in Mill Creek, WA,…
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Categories: General Dentistry, Invisalign
A Smile So Straight, Even Your Mirror Will Be Impressed Let’s be honest: traditional metal braces can make you feel like you’re auditioning for a role in a 1980s teen movie. Enter Invisalign…the clear, comfortable, and discreet way to straighten your teeth. At Pacific Northwest Smiles, we’re here to guide you through the journey to…
Tips for Preventing Gum Disease
Categories: General Dentistry
According to the CDC, nearly half of all adults over 30 show signs of gum disease, with severe gum disease affecting about 9% of the adult population. To help raise awareness about gum disease in its various forms and how it can be prevented, February has been designated National Gum Disease Awareness Month. At Pacific Northwest Smiles, we…
Tongue Trouble
Categories: General Dentistry
Your tongue is probably one of those things you give very little thought to – until it looks or feels different than it usually does. If your tongue is sore or it just doesn’t look right, should you be concerned? Is this something you should see your dentist for? Common tongue problems The good news is that…
October is National Dental Hygiene Month!
Categories: General Dentistry
You have probably already made plans to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month! But, just in case you didn’t know there was such a thing, Pacific Northwest Smiles would like to suggest that you celebrate by taking some time this month to look at your dental care routine, to make sure your oral health is at…
Soft Foods to Eat After a Dental Procedure
Categories: General Dentistry
We’ve all been there – wandering into the kitchen, starving, and having no idea what to eat. But after any sort of medical procedure you want to make sure this doesn’t happen, because eating nutritious food will help you heal and help you to feel better. This goes for dental procedures, too! If you have…