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.