Diet and Dental Health

At Fairwood Dental Center, we can’t manage your diet, but we can help you manage your oral health routine. Dental health refers to all aspects of the health and functioning of our mouth, especially the teeth and gums. The health of our teeth and mouth are also linked to our overall health and well-being. Although poor nutrition does not cause tooth decay or periodontal disease directly, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and can be more severe in people with nutrient-poor diets.

When bacteria come into contact with food in the mouth, acid is produced that attacks the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth decay, if flossing and brushing are not completed on a regular basis. Specific dietary elements and related factors that have demonstrated significant potential for causing tooth decay include eating processed starches such as pretzels, pasta, French fries and chips, frequency of sugary drink intakes and the level of salivation or lack thereof when snacking on carbohydrates. Reducing the intake of acidic foods and brushing and flossing your teeth daily will not only improve your diet, but your dental health as well.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At Fairwood Dental, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner.


•  Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit us at Fairwood Dental for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

How to Choose the Correct Toothpaste

Toothpaste’s ingredients help control mouth bacteria and fight dental problems. Toothpaste doesn’t just polish teeth; it also removes the bacteria that cause dental plaque and bad breath. The type of toothpaste you choose to brush your teeth with should reflect your personal dental needs. This is why our staff at Fairwood Family Dental would like to offer some things to consider when selecting the toothpaste that is right for you.

There are many types of toothpastes on the market, but it is especially important to choose one with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Antimicrobial toothpastes contain stannous fluoride, an antibacterial agent that also provides anti-cavity and sensitivity benefits. Tartar-control toothpaste may contain sodium pyrophosphate which helps to keep tartar from forming on teeth and can help prevent tartar and stain above the gum line. If your smile is healthy and you just want to whiten your teeth, whitening toothpastes contain chemical or abrasive ingredients to help remove and/or prevent stains from forming on the teeth.

If you have questions about the toothpaste you are using or you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Bruxism Causes and Treatment

Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. The medical term for occasional teeth grinding is called bruxism and although this condition does not usually cause harm, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. At Fairwood Dental Center, we offer night guards to prevent this from happening and to provide you with relief.

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding. Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. The purpose of a night guard is to protect your teeth and jaws. At Fairwood Dental Center, if you require a night guard we will custom make them just for you.

If you suspect that you are suffering from bruxism, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Dental Care and Pregnancy

If you are an expectant mother, congratulations! We at Fairwood Dental Center understand how exciting and busy this moment is for you. In fact, you have so much to think about during pregnancy that it may be easy to overlook your oral hygiene. Pregnancy can actually make dental problems worse, which is why it’s important to continue your dental visits during pregnancy for checkups and cleanings, along with brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth once a day.

As a precautionary measure, dental treatments during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester should be avoided as much as possible, except in the case of emergency. These are critical times in the baby’s growth and development and it’s simply wise to avoid exposing the mother to procedures that could harm that in any way. However, routine dental care can be received during the second trimester. Don’t skip your dental checkup appointment simply because you are pregnant. Now more than ever, regular periodontal exams are very important, because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for periodontal disease and a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.

Pay attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If you notice any changes, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

When a Root Canal Fails

A root canal can help relieve you from pain and more importantly can prevent the need for a tooth extraction. For the most part, root canals are successful – and your dental treatment may last a lifetime. However, when root canals don’t heal, endodontic retreatment is often necessary to save the tooth. If your tooth requires endodontic retreatment, our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center can help.

Endodontic therapy is a complicated procedure that uses files to extract infected pulp from the root. When the infection remains in the root’s canals, the tooth may not heal, causing it to become reinfected. There are several ways this can happen:

• Newly formed tooth decay can cause a leakage of bacteria into the root canal.


• The dental crown used to protect the tooth cracks, breaks or is placed too late, allowing new infection to enter the root.


• The roots weren’t cleaned thoroughly or were missed completely.


• The roots were incorrectly sealed or filled.


•  The tooth was contaminated by saliva during the procedure.

If you’ve experienced a root canal gone wrong, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards for Children

Imagine what it would be like if your child suddenly lost one or two front teeth due to injury. Mouth guards, also known as mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face, or jaw. Here at Fairwood Dental Center our doctors develop custom-fitted mouth guards to protect your child’s teeth from dental damage.

Mouth guards typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of the tongue, lips, and cheek lining. The best type of mouth guard is one that has been custom made for your child’s mouth by one of our dentists here at Fairwood Dental Center. Custom-fitted mouth guards are created with thin plastic that is hardened to protect the teeth. The thinness of the custom mouth guard allows for easy breathing and also allows for easy communication (especially important for your star athlete who’s shouting out all the signals).   

If you are considering a mouth guard for your child give us a call to discuss options. To learn more about the services we provide here at the office, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725. 

Proper Flossing

Flossing your teeth every day is very important for plaque removal and for preventing cavities in between teeth. Here at Fairwood Dental Center of Renton, WA, we want to give our patients some guidelines to make sure they are flossing effectively.

The first thing to know is that flossing should be done every day. Food and other debris get stuck in our teeth and cause plaque to build up, which can cause decay and infection. Failing to floss could also lead to gum disease. Gum disease is irritating, painful, and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Flossing can be done before or after brushing.

To get a good grip on the floss, take eighteen inches of it and wrap most of it around both of your middle fingers, leaving about two inches to floss with. Adjust the floss to use a new section of it for every space. Take the floss and rub it back and forth between two teeth until you hit your gums. When you reach the gums, make sure not to snap the floss against them, as this could cut or bruise the gums. Make a swooping motion at the gums and continue to scrub all the way up the teeth and out. Make sure the get in between all of your teeth, do not leave any out.

Flossing daily, brushing twice a day, and regular cleanings by your dentist are all part of a good oral hygiene routine. To schedule with Fairwood Dental Center, call (425) 271-7725, or visit our website, www.fairwooddental.com. 

Invest in a Tongue Scraper

At Fairwood Dental Center, we want you to have the freshest breath imaginable. While regular brushing and flossing addresses the teeth and gums, it’s all too easy to forget about the tongue. Tongue scrapers, which are available in most drugstores, (and fairly cheap) vary in shapes and sizes and have been declared as a way to reduce or eliminate bad breath (halitosis). Bad breath can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems.

Dental research has concluded that a tongue scraper is more effective at removing toxins and bacteria from the tongue than a toothbrush. These small plastic devices feature a curved edge so that when you drag them across the top of your tongue, they’ll scrape off the germs and bacteria that cause bad breath. Almost half of our oral bacteria live on and in the deep crevices of our tongue and the scraping action of a tongue scraper collects these toxic tongue coatings.

If you still suffer from bad breath after using a tongue scraper, give us a call so we can identify the cause. To learn more about the services we provide here at the office, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725. 

Dental Emergencies

Here at Fairwood Dental Center we offer this advice, if it’s causing you mouth pain, it’s an emergency.  Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Mouth injuries can cause teeth to become cracked, broken, or knocked out/dislodged, whether it be the result of an accident or biting on a piece of food that’s too hard. Any obvious damage to the tooth should be treated as soon as possible.

When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to visit the dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible. Any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. Ignoring a dental problem can increase the risk of permanent damage as well as the need for more extensive and expensive treatment later on. Common dental emergencies may include but are not limited to: toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, a dislodged tooth, objects caught between the teeth, broken braces and wires, a lost filling or a lost crown.

At Fairwood Dental Center, emergencies are always our top priority. To learn more about the services we provide here at the office, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725. 

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrush

Good old manual toothbrushes used to be considered a luxury, but in recent years, the electric toothbrush has given some serious competition. Here at Fairwood Dental Center we want you to understand the difference of a manual toothbrush compared to an electric toothbrush. Since both types of toothbrushes are designed to be used to promote good oral health, the one you choose to keep your teeth clean will depend on your personal preference.

Dental health experts agree that regular tooth brushing (no matter how high tech or low tech the gadget) and flossing can help prevent tooth decay. It’s possible to brush your teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush. Manual toothbrushes will thoroughly clean your tongue and inside cheeks when you’re doing your two minute routine brush. However, an electric toothbrush can be a great alternative to a manual toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to brush well. True electric toothbrushes are rechargeable units that plug into the wall. Electric brushes also come with various features, such as special modes for sensitive teeth, gum massage, and whitening. Some even come with pressure sensors that let you know if you are brushing too hard.  

Remember, it’s not important which type of toothbrush you use; it’s important to routinely brush your teeth the right way. To learn more about oral hygiene and the services we provide here at the office, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725. 

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth usually grow in between the ages of seventeen and twenty five. Sometimes they will grow in with no problems at all and other times they will need to be removed. The experienced dentists of Fairwood Dental Center of Renton, WA are skilled in wisdom teeth extractions and have performed the procedure for many patients.

The procedure is completed under a local anesthetic and either nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Your dentist will make an incision in the gums to reveal the tooth. If needed, the some bone may be removed, as well. The tooth will be rocked back and forth until it is loose enough to pull out. If breaking it up into sections makes the removal easier, that may be done so.  The gums will then be stitched together.

Wisdom teeth can grow in with no problems at all, however, even if they cause no problems, they are still sometimes recommended to be taken out. The wisdom teeth are sometimes so far back that they are hard to get fully clean. This can promote gum disease and infection. Often, wisdom teeth will need to be taken out anyway, as they are creating problems in the mouth. They can grow in at an angle, not fully emerge, or damage other teeth.

If you suspect your wisdom teeth are growing in, schedule an appointment with us at our Renton, WA dental practice. To schedule, call us at (425) 271-7725 or visit the Fairwood Dental Center website, www.fairwooddental.com. 

Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is an everyday task that many people probably don’t think twice about. But having the proper brushing technique is what makes brushing every day effective. Here at Fairwood Dental Center of Renton, WA we want our patients to get the most out of their oral hygiene routine.

The first step to proper teeth brushing starts with the toothbrush, of course. It is important that the brush is not too big and not too small. There are different sizes for different ages, but the brush head needs to be small enough to be able to reach every tooth. Soft bristles are best for removing plaque.

Brushing should be done twice a day. If you can fit in three times a day, that is ideal. A good way to squeeze in that third time is by bringing a toothbrush to work. Make sure not too over-brush, as this can wear down the enamel on your teeth and irritate gums.

Using a circular or up-and-down motion will be the most effective at brushing the whole surface of the tooth. Be sure to brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of all teeth. Don’t forget your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth, as well!

In addition to these teeth brushing tips, be sure to store your toothbrush upright and where it can air-dry well.

For more tips on how to keep good oral hygiene, visit the Fairwood Dental Center website, www.fairwooddental.com. To schedule an appointment, call (425) 271-7725 or visit our website.

Professional Teeth Whitening

At-home teeth whitening kits have become a very popular cosmetic whitening option for patients hoping to improve the aesthetic appearance of their smile. However, as many have noticed, these over-the-counter systems often leave a lot to be desired. That’s why we offer custom, take-home professional teeth whitening to our patients in the Renton, WA area.

When it comes to getting the whiter, brighter smile you’ve always wanted, there is no substitute for professional teeth whitening from Dr. Aishwarya Ramanan and Dr. Arti Bhan-Kachroo. Unlike ineffective, over the counter whitening strips that are messy and tend to slide off teeth, professional custom tray whitening whitens teeth 4-8 shades in just a couple days. The tray whitening system can reverse the effects of discoloration.

Traditional tray systems include a custom-fitted mouth guard that the patient wears for a period of 40-45 minutes for a few days. Your dentist at Fairwood Dental Center will take a mold of your mouth in order to create a custom-fit mouth guard. Once the mouthguard is created, patients will apply a whitening gel and secure the mouthguard in their mouth for about 45 minutes a day. The amount of days the mouth guard is worn depends on how white the patient wants their teeth to be.

For more information about teeth whitening at Fairwood Dental Center, visit www.fairwooddental.com. You can also call (425) 271-7725 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Aishwarya Ramanan or Dr. Arti Bhan-Kachroo. 

Ridge Augmentation

When you are considering dental implants, your dentist at Fairwood Dental Center is going to test to see if you are a legitimate candidate. We use dental implants for patients who have gum disease or problem teeth, currently wear dentures or have bone loss. One issue that comes up quite often is patients not have enough bone in their jaw to support an implant.  A certain amount of bone is required to support the implant and if you do not have the required amount, we will expose the bony defect and fill the area with bone or bone substitute through a procedure called ridge augmentation.

Deformities in the jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place a dental implant. The bone defect can be caused by injury, trauma or periodontal disease. Ridge augmentation procedures can improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implant placement.  In this procedure, the bony ridge of the jaw is literally expanded by mechanical means. Bone graft material can be placed and matured for a few months before placing the implant. We have many options for bone grafting materials including bone from your own body, a cadaver, cow bone or synthetic material.

Ridge Augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. If you are missing teeth and do not have the bone to support a dental implant, please consider this procedure. You can set up an appointment with Dr. Aishwarya Ramanan or Dr. Arti Bhan-Kachroo by visiting our website, www.fairwooddental.com or by calling (425) 271-7725. 

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is one option, which can repair a cracked or damaged tooth. Crowns can be used when a filling alone will not correct the problem. A crown will look just like your own teeth and also restore function.

Fairwood Dental Center is happy to offer our patients a variety of dental care including crowns. The process of getting a crown starts by repairing the damaged tooth, which involves removing decay. The tooth is then prepared and shaped in order for the crown to fit. An impression is taken and sent to a laboratory for the crown to be made. While you wait for your permanent crown, you will be fitted for a temporary crown.

Dental crowns are usually made of materials including porcelain and ceramic. The color is matched to your other teeth. A crown is usually indistinguishable from your other teeth in appearance. It also functions the same as your natural teeth. Crowns are durable and made to last. With proper care, a crown can last for 15 years or more.

At Fairwood Dental Center, we offer a variety of dental services including cosmetic, preventative and restorative services. Our staff strives to provide you with the best possible dental care in a comfortable environment.

For more information on crowns or any of our other services, please call our office (425) 271-7725 or visit www.fairwooddental.com.

Frenectomy

A frenulum is a small fold or ridge of tissue that either supports or prevents the motion of the tissue to which it is attached. In the mouth, there are two frenulums: the one that connects the upper lip to the gums above your two front teeth and the one that connects the tongue to the base of your mouth. If a frenulum is too short or thick, it can cause speech impediments and gaps between teeth, so corrective action is necessary to resolve the situation. At Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, Dr.  Aishwarya Ramanan and Dr. Arti Bhan-Kachroo perform frenectomies to resolve frenulums that have cause problems in his patients’ mouths.

A frenectomy is a safe and effective surgical procedure that removes the fold of skin if it is disrupting movement, growth or development. Frenectomies can be performed with either a scalpel or a laser, but at Fairwood Dental Center, our team uses a laser, which causes very little bleeding and doesn’t require stiches. The laser is also preferable to the scalpel method because there is less discomfort and healing time after the procedure. If performed on a young child, a conscious anesthesia is used to relax and numb the child, while adults receive just a local anesthesia numb the area while the fold is removed. A typical frenectomy takes less than 15 minutes.

If your frenulum is causing problems for your smile, a frenectomy can solve them. Schedule an appointment at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA by calling (425) 271-7725. For more information about Dr. Aishwarya Ramanan or Dr. Arti Bhan-Kachroo and their services, please visit www.fairwooddental.com.

Manual Toothbrushes vs Electric Toothbrushes

Walking down the toothbrush aisle, there are so many options to choose from. The biggest difference to choose between is by far manual vs electric. We, at Fairwood Dental Center of Renton, WA, want to aid our patients in making the decision between going electric or manual.

With manual toothbrushes going from a few hundred strokes per minute to electric brushes providing tens-of-thousands of strokes per minute, it may seem like the more strokes, the better. However, it is really the brushing technique that matters the most. Manual brushes have shown to do just as good of a job at brushing as electric brushes.  However, the recent addition of the more expensive sonic brushes has been shown to result in less plaque and gingivitis. This is a debated idea, though, as many feel that those who invest more in healthcare products are usually the best at keeping good hygiene.

There is one solid advantage that electric toothbrushes have over manual toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes do all of the work. This means that for patients who suffer from arthritis or otherwise have trouble using their hands, an electric toothbrush may do a better job of cleaning their teeth. Electric toothbrushes also have a timer on them as a reminder to brush for a full two minutes.

In conclusion, for most people, manual toothbrushes can do just as good of a job as electric toothbrushes, but it will depend on the person. To schedule your routine cleaning with the skilled dentists of Fairwood Dental Center of Renton, WA, call (425) 271-7725 or visit our website, www.fairwooddental.com. 

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are one of many services we offer here at Fairwood Dental Center. Our dentists provide these screenings during each dental check-up to look for early signs of oral cancer, which is usually treatable if found early. It only takes a few moments to complete and lets our patients get an early diagnosis for more successful treatment.

Approximately 41,000 people have been diagnosed with oral cancer in the United States in 2013 alone, according to the American Dental Association, so it is important to get screened. If you smoke or drink heavily, it is essential that you have regular oral cancer screenings.

The following steps are completed during oral cancer screenings:

1. An ultraviolet light is used to look inside the mouth and on the gums and tongue.

2. The outside of the face is inspected for sores, including the lips, cheeks and neck.

3. Sores and other spots are examined inside the mouth, including the cheeks, inner lips, gums and roof of the mouth.

Oral screenings are a part of dental hygiene exams and check-ups and take only about 5-10 minutes in total. If your dentist finds any unusual spots, a biopsy is taken of the tissue for further testing.

Dental Implants

Do you have a missing, extracted or damaged tooth?  This common dental problem is more than a cosmetic issue.  Smile gaps can affect your oral health, too.  Fortunately, we offer a number of restorative dental solutions at our practice, including dental implants.

Dental implants provide patients with a sturdy, secure and natural looking prosthetic tooth.  Since they are placed directly into the jawbone, they offer the same stability you would expect from a natural tooth.  At Fairwood Dental Center, each dental implant is custom designed to blend in with your smile.  Many of our patients have found that dental implants restore their smile confidence.

If you are in need of a tooth replacement, visit our office and learn more about the benefits of dental implants.  We are happy to work with patients to determine the best restorative option for your smile needs.

Why Invisalign?

At our office in Renton, WA, we offer Invisalign aligners so that you can straighten your teeth without committing to a mouth full of metal. Using a series of clear plastic aligners your dentist here at Fairwood Dental Center will guide your teeth into a smile you can be proud of.

While regular braces are still best for more serious cases, Invisalign is great for cases of mild to moderate spacing or crowding. For these cases, Invisalign provides teeth correction that bypasses the discomfort, and restrictive diet that those who have traditional braces must face.

With a computer program that generates a series of aligners with small changes in each, Invisalign will allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing. Virtually invisible, the aligners are made of thin, comfortable plastic, and unlike traditional braces, they are removable. Therefore, your teeth will not experience the same discoloration and plaque build-up that can normally occur with metal brackets and wire. In addition, you will be able to eat all the foods you like, such as popcorn, chips, pretzels, nuts, apples, carrots and corn.

If you think Invisalign might be the best option for you to achieve the smile you’ve been dreaming of, call us at (425) 271-7725 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit www.fairwooddental.com.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a very good option in order to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge involves using a crown to replace the missing tooth. The crown is attached to the existing teeth on the adjacent sides of the bridge. The existing teeth act as an anchor and hold the bridge in place.

Our dentists here at Fairwood Dental Center are experienced in all areas of restorative dentistry including dental bridges. Bridges are usually made of metal, alloys or porcelain, which ensures the bridge is both durable and strong. A bridge is also matched to the color of your natural teeth.

The process of getting a bridge involves a few steps. First, the dentist will extract the damaged tooth. The teeth on adjacent sides are prepared, which involves creating abutments in order to attach the crown. A mold is taken, and sent to a lab to create a bridge. While you are waiting for the bridge to be made, you will be fitted for a temporary crown. With proper care, bridges can last for many years.

At Fairwood Dental Center, we believe in providing quality dental services in a comfortable, modern facility. We utilize the most advanced technology in order to provide you with the best care possible.

For more information on dental bridges or in order to schedule an appointment, please call Fairwood Dental Center at (425) 271-7725 or visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information.

Mini Implants

While dental implants are a great solution for replacing missing teeth, in Renton, WA, we use mini dental implants as an effective alternative in situations where regular implants cannot be used, such as in narrow spaces. Roughly half the size in diameter as conventional implants, mini implants are often used to replace smaller teeth in the mouth, as well as serve as a base for dentures.

Because mini implants are so small, often no incision is needed to place them in the gums. They can usually be inserted through the gum and into the bone directly, which eliminates much of the recovery time and allows the restoration to be placed immediately or shortly after. Like regular implants, mini implants are made of titanium. However, they are one solid piece, which give them roughly the same strength as a regular implant.

If you want to know if implants or mini implants are the right solution for your missing teeth, call (425) 271-7725 to schedule an appointment. For more information about our office, please visit www.fairwooddental.com.

Nitrous Oxide

At Fairwood Dental Center, it is our mission to help our patients feel as comfortable as possible during their appointments. Among the sedation methods we provide, nitrous oxide is one of the most commonly used.

 

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is given by placing a mask over their nose, which is how the patient inhales the non-flammable gas. It has very minimal odor and taste, but is not foul. There are no detrimental side effects or risks tied to nitrous oxide, as well as no known allergy responses. It is safe for patients of all ages, and helps the patient relax more during their procedures.

 

Another benefit to nitrous oxide is that it wears off almost immediately, so patients are free to drive after the appointment and return to their normal activities right away. Nitrous oxide is offered to patients for a variety of procedures, like root canals, extractions, deep cleaning or other periodontal procedures, fillings and even routine cleanings. Patients with dental anxiety find that it takes the edge off successfully.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is an effective and safe dental resource.  Through sedation services we help patients feel relaxed and comforted throughout their procedure. Although sedation can be administered through various methods, IV sedation is both fast acting and easy to control. Also called “Twilight Sedation”, IV sedation is introduced intravenously and can be adjusted according to patient needs.

 

Through IV sedation, you’ll experience your procedure as a pleasant rest.  You’ll likely have little to no memory of the process and feel no discomfort. Since IV sedation is so safe and effective, some patients can even undergo multiple procedures during one sedation session.

 

For more information IV sedation and other forms of sedation dentistry, please visit our website or contact us directly here at Fairwood Dental Center.

Bone Grafting

Dental implants are often provided to people who have missing teeth and are hoping to find a more permanent solution. However, implants must have a sufficient amount of jaw bone to be placed securely and this isn’t always naturally the case. The missing teeth can cause the jawbone to atrophy and makes it difficult for the implant procedure to work.

 

Today, we have the ability to grow bone through bone grafting. Bone grafting helps grow enough bone at the implant site for placing the titanium post and completing a successful procedure.

Here at Fairwood Dental Center, we offer minor and major bone grafting. The main difference is exactly how much bone will need to be grafted. Some patients can get minor bone grafting that helps increase how much bone is present. Others require major bone grafting if they have more loss and the jawbone has been reabsorbed.

 

Patients who are in need of implants but don’t have enough bone to install the post have a great option in bone grafting when they come to our clinic. If you are in the Renton, WA area, call us at 425-271-7725 for a consultation. 

Dental Hygiene and Periodontal Health

Dental hygiene and periodontal health is important to us at Fairwood Dental Center, which is why we encourage proper dental hygiene to all of our patients. Good dental hygiene, brushing the teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting us every six months for a check-up and cleaning is a great start. It helps prevent cavities, infections and tooth decay, and lets us find problems early, in addition to giving the patient fresh-smelling breath and a beautiful smile.

 

Periodontal health is also important, which deals with the risk of gum disease. If a patient develops gum disease, it can advance to the more serious periodontal disease without proper treatment. One of the reasons we like to schedule dental visits for our patients twice a year is so we can perform an examination to look for signs of gum disease. Without treatment, it can lead to loss of bone, deep infections, necessary extractions, and loose teeth.

 

Aside from these recommendations, not consuming a high amount of sugar, and avoiding smoking cigarettes also make a positive impact on the dental hygiene and periodontal health of our patients.

Schedule your next dental visit with Dr. Harinder S. Walia, Dr. Aishwarya Ramanan or Dr. Arti Bhan-Kachroo to get started. Call us here at Fairwood Dental Center, 425-271-7725 to schedule an appointment. 

Dental Bonding

Of all the cosmetic and restorative procedures, dental bonding is one of the easiest and most affordable. Called bonding because tooth-colored resin is bonded to your teeth, the procedure is used to repair teeth that are discolored, unevenly shaped or chipped. At our office in Renton, WA, we can even use bonding as an alternative to amalgam fillings if only a small filling is required.

 

Bonding is achieved by applying incredibly strong resin to the tooth in need of restoration. The procedure can usually be accomplished in one visit and allows you to keep most of your tooth’s original enamel, which makes bonding preferable to veneers or crowns in many cases. Once the right color resin has been chosen for your smile, your doctor at Fairwood Dental Center will slightly abrade your teeth to roughen the surface. Then a conditioning liquid is applied to help the resin adhere. The putty-like resin is then applied to your tooth and molded and smoothed until it is in the proper shape. It is hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser. After the bonding material has hardened, your doctor will trim and shape it even more and then polish it until it shines like a tooth. Altogether, the procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour for one tooth.

 

If you’re unhappy with your teeth but unwilling to go as far as veneers, bonding can be used to improve your smile quickly and effectively.