Dental Anxiety

It is one thing for anxiety to affect your daily relationships, but when it starts to impact your overall health then it becomes a problem. Dental anxiety, or dental phobia, is much more serious than just getting sweating palms and sleepless nights before an appointment – it’s a paralyzing fear of dentists or dental treatment. Luckily our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center have the tools, techniques, and gentle touch to help make regular dental visits as comfortable as possible for you.

The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, he or she will better be able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more relaxed. In addition, ask your dentist what’s happening at every stage of the procedure. This way you can mentally prepare for what’s to come.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, give us a call so we ease your fear. 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.

Banish Bad Breath

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. It’s no wonder you may stock up on mints, gum, and other products designed to fight bad breath. But many of these products are only a temporary solution to the problem. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene. However, it’s important to schedule professional cleanings and regular dental checkups at Fairwood Dental Center twice a year to get the situation under control.

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. Bad breath odors vary, depending on the source or the underlying cause. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum disease. If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits. If your bad breath persists after making changes, visit us as soon as possible.

If you are embarrassed by bad breath and would like to discuss your treatment options, please 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.

Invisalign vs Braces

With all of the health and aesthetic benefits of straight teeth, it is a common dental treatment. Here at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, we offer several different types of orthodontics including braces and Invisalign. Keep reading to learn about the differences between the two major options.

The Invisalign trays are to be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours per day. You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss, unlike with braces. While this is a definite convenience factor, it means you will have to be strict with yourself to make sure you wear the Invisalign for the recommended amount of time. Otherwise, treatment will be delayed.

This also means that there are no restrictions on what you can eat with Invisalign, so you do not have to avoid crunchy, hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Since you can brush and floss normally, there are no special supplies you need to purchase like interdental cleaners and floss threaders.

The smooth plastic trays are also more comfortable than metal braces, so the calluses and irritated spots that braces cause are less likely. In addition, the trays are clear. This means you can straighten your teeth discreetly and will not have the metal look to your smile.  

Whether you desire braces or Invisalign for your straightening treatment will depend on your preferences. To learn more, give our Renton, WA office a call at (425) 271-7725 or visit our Fairwood Dental Center website, www.fairwooddental.com. 

Implant-Retained Dentures

Dentures can get a bad reputation for being uncomfortable and loose. However, with implant-retained dentures, those days are gone. At Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, we offer implant-retained dentures so that patients can get the most out of their smiles and actually enjoy wearing them!

In order to place implant-retained dentures, first, mini dental implants are placed along the upper and/or lower jaw lines. Usually, between four and six are used per jaw line. The dentures are then modified so that they clip right into the mini implants.

The dentures are easy to clip in for patients, so they can be clipped in and out just like normal dentures. The implants give the dentures a stable base so that they fit perfectly. No more moving around while smiling, talking, laughing, or eating. You can now have conversations with people with confidence! Implant-retained dentures also help keep the jawbone from degenerating as quickly! So your dentures will fit better for longer.

Mini dental implants are about half the size of full-size implants, so no surgery is required to place them and they heal quickly. Often, the patient’s dentures are able to be clipped in the same day.

Implant-retained dentures allow comfortability and confidence. To set up an appointment with Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call our office at (425) 271-7725 or visit our website, www.fairwooddental.com. 

Braces Removal

It’s official. You have undergone months, or perhaps years, of orthodontic treatment in the form of dental braces and now the glorious moment has come to finally have them removed. Understanding the process that our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center will follow to remove your braces will help you better know what to expect when the time comes.

The removal of braces is a relatively quick and painless procedure and they must be removed in the reverse order from how they were applied. Therefore, the small elastic bands that are placed around each bracket to hold the wiring system in place must be taken off first. To do this, one of our doctors will use a small dental instrument with a hook to carefully remove each band.

After the elastic bands are removed, one of our doctors will use small pliers to gently detach the wire from the groove on top of each bracket and from the anchor bands that may be located on the back molars. He or she will then use special pliers to squeeze and remove each bracket individually. Because the separation of the bracket and tooth occurs at the point where the bracket met the adhesive keeping it in place, residue will remain on the tooth until it is polished and cleaned.

After the removal of your braces, our doctors will discuss the need for you to continue orthodontic treatment in the form of permanent or temporary retainers. 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.

Anxiolysis (IV) Sedation

For patients who suffer from dental fear or anxiety, local anesthesia is not enough to treat the psychological factors of their condition and a sedative is often needed to put them at ease during oral surgery. At Fairwood Dental Center, one of the sedation options we utilize is called anxiolysis (IV) sedation.

Anxiolysis refers to a drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands. The definition for anxiolysis is simply, “a reduction in anxiety.” Although cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, ventilator and cardiovascular functions are unaffected. Anxiolysis is a form of oral sedation using a light sedative, such as valium. It is not as strong as oral conscious sedation, so it is recommended for those with mild to moderate anxiety. After one of our doctors administers anxiolysis sedation, you will remain conscious, but the edge will be taken off and the anxiety will fade away.  You will be able to talk and breathe on your own during the procedure as well.

If you have been delaying dental work due to anxiety, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Do I Need a Night Guard?

Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth and although some people do this unconsciously during the day, most tend to grind their teeth at night.  If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or tooth pain, you may want to ask our staff at Fairwood Dental Center if you are suffering from a condition called sleep bruxism. If you are, one of our doctors may suggest a night guard.

Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, and/or irritate your gums. The noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your spouse’s sleep if loud enough. Here at Fairwood Dental Center all of our night guards are custom-fitted for comfort and allow for proper breathing. The purpose of the night guard itself is to provide a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night, set up an appointment with us today.

If you think you may benefit from a night guard, please give us a call. To learn more about the 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.

Choosing the Correct Toothpaste

While strolling through the dental health aisle at the drugstore, our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center understands that the selection of toothpaste can be overwhelming. Should you go for tartar control, fluoride, sensitive, or whitening toothpaste? How do you decide? When it comes to choosing the toothpaste that is best for you, it’s important to consider your unique oral health needs. The best way to discover what those are is by scheduling an oral exam with one of our doctors here in Renton, WA. In the meantime, here are some options to consider while browsing:

• Anti-cavity: This type of toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride plays an active role in preventing decay, and it actively strengthens tooth enamel.


• Anti-gingivitis: If you spit blood in the sink, this is an early sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste helps reduce oral bacteria and can be very effective at stopping gingivitis in its tracks.


• Desensitizing: If you’ve ever bit into an ice cream cone and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, this type of toothpaste will provide relief by blocking the tooth’s pain signal to the nerve.


• Tartar-control: This toothpaste does exact what it says, however, the best way to remove tartar is by scheduling a professional dental cleaning with one of our doctors.


• Whitening: This toothpaste contains chemicals that are able to help maintain the natural color of your teeth.

If you have questions about dental hygiene, please give us a call. To learn more about the 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.

TMD/TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint is the jaw joint and you have two which work together as a pair, one in front of each ear. These joints are what allow you to chew, speak, and yawn. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a complex and poorly understood set of conditions characterized by pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues and limitation in jaw movements. Fortunately, relief is available. Here at Fairwood Dental Center, our doctors can recommend a treatment that will alleviate your TMJ symptoms. 

Some symptoms of temporomandibular disorders are experiencing pain when opening or closing your mouth, trouble chewing, jaw becoming locked, headaches or ear pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, and teeth grinding. Many of these symptoms can be often associated with other health problems, so only a medical professional can tell you if it is due to TMD.

If you suffer from facial pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the 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.

Fluoride and Tooth Decay

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth’s crust and widely distributed in nature and is often added to water to help reduce tooth decay. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible. Here at Fairwood Dental Center, we can discuss professional fluoride treatments with you to see if you are a prime candidate.

When fluoride reaches your teeth, it is absorbed into the enamel. Fluoride helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorus to keep your teeth hard through a process called remineralization. When fluoride is present during this process, the minerals deposited into the tooth enamel help strengthen your teeth and prevent dissolution during the next demineralization phase. The results are stronger tooth enamel and a smile that is cavity-free.

If you think you may benefit from fluoride treatment, please give us a call if you have any questions. To learn more about the 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 Painful is the Dental Implant Procedure?

If you are receiving dental implants in the near future, our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center don’t want you to be frightened, we want you to be informed on what to expect. Pain is a common concern among individuals who are considering dental implants and we want you to know that while some discomfort is expected, it shouldn’t be your primary concern.

As with any major dental procedure, or surgery in general, some discomfort is to be expected during the recovery process since it is a surgery that typically involves removing teeth, cutting gums, drilling into the jawbone and inserting a titanium post. The procedure itself is not painful since it is performed with either general or local anesthesia to completely numb your mouth. If you’re anxious about the discomfort during the procedure and being aware of drilling noises and forces being applied to your mouth, please ask us about our sedation options.

If you are missing teeth and would like to discuss your restorative options, please give us a call. To learn more about the 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.

The Root Canal Procedure: Explained

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. Before the bacteria can cause an infection or an abscessed tooth, our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center may recommend a root canal. A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. If you’ve been told that a root canal is right for you, we’d like to explain the process to make you feel calmer about the procedure itself.

The root canal procedure itself requires one or more office visits and can be performed right here in the office. The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Once anesthesia is administered, your doctor will make an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling. After the empty space is cleaned and shaped, your dentist will fill the root canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. There may be some soreness after the procedure, but that is perfectly normal.

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the 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.

Traditional Metal Braces

Straight teeth create a nice smile and healthy teeth. Here at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, one of the options we have available for orthodontics is traditional metal braces.

Braces are a teeth straightening system that works by applying metal bracing to the teeth that apply continuous pressure. Over time, the pressure moves the teeth into the desired position. About once per month, you will visit us to have your wires tightened in a new direction.

Today’s braces are made of super-strong metal alloys, so they are smoother and faster than braces of the past. Metal brackets are bonded to the front of teeth and a metal wire is clipped in which applies pressure into a certain direction. The duration for wearing braces varies with each case; however, it is usually somewhere between one and three years. You will need to pay extra-special attention to your teeth while brushing and flossing. There will also be certain foods to avoid while you have braces on.

Straight teeth promote a beautiful smile, healthy teeth, and healthy gums. If you are looking to straighten your teeth, traditional metal braces are a very popular option. To schedule your appointment at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call our office at (425) 271-7725 or visit our website, www.fairwooddental.com. 

Gum Grafting

Gum disease can ruin your oral health and it can perpetuate the condition by changing the gum tissues. Deep pockets are formed that hold in bacteria and make gum disease hard to clear up. For this reason, at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, we perform gum grafting.

Even patients with healthy teeth and gums can have recessed gums that need grafting to fix them; however, gum disease is a common reason why gums recess. It can even create those previously mentioned pockets that trap bacteria. A gum graft is needed to return the gums back to a healthy state and protective state.

The gums should fit around the teeth snugly. They should be loose enough so you can floss, but tight enough so that bacteria and other debris cannot fall down into them. To build the gum tissue back up, gum tissue will be taken from another area in the mouth and moved to the area where it is needed. Often, the tissue will be taken from the palate or another area of the gums where there is excess tissue. The tissue is then stitched down into place for healing. The tissue will also promote further growth from the gums. The end result is a gumline that is healthy, protective of the teeth, and does not allow a resurgence of gum disease.

To learn more about gum disease, recession, and gum grafting, be sure to visit our website. To schedule an appointment with Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, give us a call at (425) 271-7725 or visit our website, www.fairwooddental.com. 

Sinus Augmentation

Dental implants are the only permanent tooth replacement option; however, sometimes due to bone structure, they may not be possible. In order to make dental implants an option again, here at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, we are able to perform a sinus augmentation.

When a tooth is missing for a while, the bone in the area where the tooth used to be can begin to deteriorate. If it deteriorates far enough, it will not be able to successfully hold a dental implant. A sinus augmentation adds bone to the area between the upper jaw and the sinuses, a common place to lose bone or simply not have enough of it to begin with. The sinuses on either side of the nose are commonly too low for placing an implant for a molar or premolar. The bone is taken from another area in the jaw or from a place like the hip bone or shin bone. This added bone will also promote growth so the area will be large enough for a dental implant.

The process begins with cutting the tissue where the implant will be. The bone is exposed and a small opening is created. The membrane separating the sinus cavity from the jaw is pushed up and away. The bone graft material is then packed into the space. Afterwards, the area is stitched closed. The area will need several months to heal, but the end result is a large and strong jawbone that can hold a dental implant for life.

If you are interested in learning more about the sinus augmentation process or dental implants, contact Fairwood Dental Center of Renton, WA. We can be reached at (425) 271-7725 or through our website, www.fairwooddental.com. 

Flossing with Traditional Braces

As our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. Therefore, we thought we would share some tips with you for flossing effectively.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center here in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Brushing with Traditional Braces

If you have braces, you should be working overtime on practicing proper oral hygiene. This is because braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped, and inadequate cleaning while wearing these wires can cause enamel staining and tooth decay around brackets or bands. At Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, our doctors can’t stand behind you and monitor how you often you brush, but they can provide you with the following routine that will help make daily brushing and flossing both simple and effective.

• Prepare to brush – take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.


• Clean your braces – use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush the top of each wire and then from the bottom. Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed.


• Brush your teeth – clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.

Last but not least, don’t forget to floss in between brackets!

If you have questions about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center here in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Dental Benefits of Xylitol

At Fairwood Dental Center, our doctors want you to know that the benefits of xylitol are numerous, but here we will explain a few. Xylitol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate, which looks and tastes just like regular table sugar and is widely found in nature as well as most of the fruits and vegetables that we eat on a daily basis. Xylitol can benefit dental patients who have dry mouth, and can also help protect teeth from demineralization in patients who are low risk or prefer not to use fluoride.

Xylitol is a natural ingredient in sugar-free chewing gums, candies, mints, diabetes-friendly foods and oral care products. It also reduces the acidity of saliva, which helps to fight acid-driven degradation of tooth enamel. Xylitol stimulates salivary flow, allowing calcium and phosphate to be deposited into the enamel to keep the enamel strong. Xylitol starves harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing plaque buildup and tooth decay. This prevents dental cavities and inflammatory gum diseases.

To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center here in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Common Tooth Extractions

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why a patient may need a tooth extracted. A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired. If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center will try their best to fix it with a filling, crown or other dental treatment. You’re probably most familiar with wisdom teeth extractions, but other reasons for the procedure may include:

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


•  Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.

To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center here in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

The Stages of Gum Disease

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to practice a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis, you’re already headed down the road toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center twice a year to avoid them.  

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you experience gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center here in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

When gum disease advances, it can create deep pockets in the gums that continue the cycle of gum disease. When these pockets are too large to heal on their own, a pocket reduction procedure is necessary. At Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, we perform pocket reduction surgery, sometimes called osseous surgery, so our patients can keep gum disease away.

To begin pocket reduction, your dentist will lift the gums up and away so that the deepest bacteria can be reached and removed. After the bacteria are cleared out from the gums and teeth, your dentist will replace the gum tissue so that it is tight against your teeth. This restores the proper fit of your gums around your teeth so that they do not collect bacteria.

The end result is a natural-looking gum line. It should be loose enough for normal at-home care like flossing but snug enough so that bacteria cannot reach deep down by the tooth’s root.

If you suspect you have gum disease, do not wait to seek treatment. Schedule an appointment at our Renton, WA office by calling (425) 271-7725 or by visiting our Fairwood Dental Center website, www.fairwooddental.com. 

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for You

Walking through the toothbrush aisle, there many different options. So how do you know which toothbrush is right for you? At Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, we want to help our patients pick out the toothbrush that will help them get the best oral care.

Manual vs Electric

Manual and electric toothbrushes have been shown to do about the same job cleaning your teeth. However, electric toothbrushes may be better for patients who have difficulty moving their hands. This is because the electric toothbrush does almost all the work; it just needs to be held in the right spots.

The Bristles and the Head

A toothbrush with a large head can be difficult to fit in all the spaces of your mouth. Choose a toothbrush with a smaller head or one you can easily maneuver around your mouth. Also do not pick a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Stiff bristles wear down enamel and irritate gum tissue.

Singing Toothbrushes

For kids or grown-ups who love a little extra pizazz in their oral care routine, a toothbrush that plays music can make brushing fun. They also have nifty timers that let you know you have brushed for a full two minutes.

For more dental resources, visit our website, www.fairwooddental.com. To schedule an appointment with Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call our office at (425) 271-7725 or visit our website. 

What Do Our Teeth Do?

At Fairwood Dental Center, we take pride in educating you about oral health and dental hygiene. Our teeth are used every day whether we are chewing, speaking, or smiling for the camera, but have you ever wondered why all of your teeth are different shapes and sizes? That’s because they all do different things! Read on to learn about the different types of teeth you have and the purpose they serve in your mouth!

• Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.


• Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.


• Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.


• Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.

If you have questions about your teeth, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center here in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Show Off Your Smile!

Your smile is the first thing someone notices about you, so our job at Fairwood Dental Center want to help you show it off. With instant photo sharing taking over the internet, we offer teeth whitening services as an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we want to provide you with some smile tips to help you show off the beautiful smile you already have! 

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.

• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day. 

• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror! 

If you have questions about our whitening services, please give us a call. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center here in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Your smile is the first thing someone notices about you, so our job at Fairwood Dental Center want to help you show it off. With instant photo sharing taking over the internet, we offer teeth whitening services as an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we want to provide you with some smile tips to help you show off the beautiful smile you already have!

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.

• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.

•  Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

 

If you have questions about our whitening services, please give us a call. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center here in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Are You Suffering From Sensitive Teeth?

Is a sip of hot coffee or the taste of biting into a cold apple sometimes a painful experience for you? If so, you may have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients. In fact, at least, 40 million adults suffer at some time from sensitive teeth. Fortunately, our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center offer a variety of treatments to provide you with relief so that you don’t have to be one of them.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp), which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or gums have receded, causing the tiny tube surfaces to be exposed, pain can be caused by eating or drinking foods or hot or cold beverages, or exposing your teeth to cold air. Luckily for our patients, tooth sensitivity can be reduced by using desensitizing toothpaste or having our doctors apply sealants and/or fluoride treatment.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the 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 Are Traditional Braces Applied?

Traditional braces have been around for many years and are the standard among patients looking to straighten their smile. If you’ve recently had a consultation with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center and they have decided that traditional braces are the right option for you, we’d like to let you know what to expect when it comes time for the braces to be applied to the teeth.

First the teeth are polished with a non-flavored paste and a cheek retractor is placed to provide a dry field that makes it easier to visualize the teeth. The teeth are lightly air-dried, and a conditioner is placed onto the front surfaces of the teeth for about 30 seconds. The conditioner is then rinsed and the teeth are again dried using suction and air. After this step, a primer is painted on the teeth. The bonding cement is placed onto the back sides of the braces, which are then placed onto the teeth. The brackets are then placed in a very precise position onto the teeth, and excess bonding cement is removed. The process is completed by removing the cheek retractor and placing the wires.

If you are searching for a straighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your orthodontic options. To learn more about the 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.

Don’t Be Tortured By Tartar

It’s no secret that we need to brush and floss our teeth on a daily basis to keep our gums healthy and our teeth clean. The reason we do this is to prevent dental plaque – a sticky film that is left behind after we eat foods that are high in carbohydrates. Plaque is bad news, because it coats your teeth, gets under your gum line, and is the leading cause of gum disease. If left untreated, these bacteria can turn into tartar, which only our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center will be able to remove.

Tartar is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. It gives plaque more surface area on which to grow and a much stickier surface to adhere, which can lead to more serious conditions, such as cavities and gum disease. Not only can tartar threaten the health of your teeth and gums, it is also a cosmetic problem. The most common sign of tartar buildup is a yellow or brown deposit between the lower front teeth or at the gum line. Once tartar has formed, only your dentist or hygienist can remove it through a process called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove the deposit from your teeth above and below the gum line.

If you have tartar buildup on your teeth and are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about the 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.

What Is a Cavity?

Cavities refer to tooth decay, which occurs when specific types of bacteria produce acid that destroys the tooth’s enamel and its underlying layer, the dentin. Cavities are very serious. If left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and kill the delicate nerves at its center, which may result in an abscess, an area of infection at the root tip. Only our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center can tell for sure whether you have a cavity. This is why it is important to schedule professional cleanings and dental checkups twice a year.

The reason we brush and floss our teeth every day is to remove plaque because bacteria in plaque react with sugar in the foods we eat to produce acids that can attack and weaken tooth enamel – the hard, protective covering on our teeth. Eroding enamel leaves the teeth unprotected, allowing for cavities to develop more easily. If you’ve had a cavity for a while, you might get a toothache, especially after you eat or drink something sweet, hot, or cold. Treatment for your cavity will depend on how bad the cavity is.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the 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.