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Cosmetic Dentistry – Southridge Dental Cosmetic Dentistry – Southridge Dental Cosmetic Dentistry – Southridge Dental

Hypnotized yet?! No need, we’re already the LEADERS in Cosmetic Dentistry

Which Cosmetic Dentistry Options are Right for You?

Here at Southridge Dental, we pride ourselves in being the leaders in the advancements and application of cosmetic dentistry to allow us the expertise in creating the most beautiful white smiles our patients for our patients.

From Subtle changes to major repairs, our dental professionals are capable of performing a variety of cosmetic techniques that will fit your every need.

Which Cosmetic Dentistry Options are Right for You?

Without any past experience or study knowledge, it’s impossible to

know all the different cosmetic options we have available to us. Good thing for you! The experts we have here at Southridge Dental can answer any questions you may have about cosmetic dentistry techniques and how they’re used to improve your smile.

Depending on the current and sometimes even the past conditions of our teeth will dictate what options we will really have to our disposal. This fact mixed in with what our desired dental outcome is, truly determines what procedure(s) dental professionals will use. Smile and structural teeth enhancement can have a dramatic result on our overall appearance; even the smallest step can boost our confidence, self-esteem, and make us actually WANT to smile MORE! Fortunately, due to the constant drive to become better dental professionals, modern advancements in cosmetic dentistry have unlocked unbelievable possibilities.

There is no longer any reason to be self-conscious about your smile! Today, cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever so as a result cosmetic dental procedures can now range from basic noninvasive produces to careful procedures. And due overall teeth whitening becoming a staple of teeth maintenance, anything is possible from color correction to replacing missing teeth, shaping our teeth to improve our overall bite, Invisalign to straighten our smiles and everything in between.

If you’re considering a cosmetic treatment, there are a few questions you can ask your dental health professional before deciding if a particular procedure is right for you:

· What will I look like after the changes? · What should I expect through the course of the treatment(s)? · What type of maintenance will be required?

Types of Cosmetic Services

· Teeth Whitening and Bleaching

Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used in cosmetic dentistry to whiten teeth. Some people have a cosmetic dentist bleach their teeth to make stains disappear, while others just want a whiter shade.

Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea, and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be hereditary or due simply to getting older.

Bleaching can be performed in the office or, under dental supervision, at home. Many patients enjoy bleaching at home because it is more convenient. Treatment begins when your dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two to four weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve. Whitening in the office may call for one or more 45-minute to one-hour visits to your dentist.

· Dental Crowns

Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. Due to their cost, they are used in cases where other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations but are the most time-consuming.

· Dental Implants

Dental implants replace the roots of lost teeth. A dental implant– along with a crown built on the implant–replaces a missing tooth or teeth and helps to maintain the bone support of the adjacent teeth, extending their lifespan. Dental implants are considered a permanent service and can be expected, in most cases, to last many, many years. They are the optimum choice for replacing missing teeth. A tooth replaced with a dental implant should be imperceptible from a natural tooth.

· Dental Bridges

Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges can be made of gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination. Dentists anchor them onto surrounding teeth after preparing them for crowns. Then a false tooth joins to the crowns and the bridge is cemented onto the prepared teeth. Only your dentist can remove a fixed bridge.

The success of your bridge depends upon its foundation. So, remember that oral hygiene to keep remaining teeth healthy is particularly important if you wear a bridge.

· Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Little or no anesthesia is needed. Veneers are used to treat some of the same problems as bonding.

This treatment is an alternative to crowns, which are more expensive. The procedure requires your cosmetic dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Before the custom-made veneer is cemented directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth to compensate for the added thickness of the veneer. Once the cement is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden it. Porcelain veneers require more than one visit because they are fabricated in a laboratory. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding.

· Dentures

While dentures have been considered a tried-and-true method for tooth replacement for years, they come with their own set of issues. The main problem is that dentures rest on teeth and gums for stability, which can encourage bone loss, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.

However, dentures can be relined every few years to compensate for bone loss and any compromised facial integrity. There have been modern advances in dentures, as there have been in many other areas of dental healthcare, and an overdenture retained by implants may be an option. Overdentures are a combination of traditional dentures and the newer science of dental implants to prevent the bone loss that could result from dentures alone.

Need a Dentist in Kennewick? With our high level of commitment to giving you and all our patients the best dental experience of their lives!

And when you’re ready to improve your dental health and don’t have a reliable, skilled, and kind team in your corner, Contact the Southridge Dental office today at 509.581.0081 to learn more and get the support you deserve

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/cosmetic-dentistry-southridge-dental-cosmetic-dentistry-southridge-dental-cosmetic-dentistry-southridge-dental/

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Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire

Schedule Your Dental Exam Before the End of the Year so You Don’t Waste your Dental Benefits

As the year draws closer and closer to its end, many celebrations and much excitement come to mind. Many of us enjoy this time of year for the holidays, some for the smorgasbord of foods, and some for the beautiful winter weather. However, for as much joy and jolly that is spread around during this time, anxiousness and stress can also loom! Whether that anxiousness is due to all the holiday planning, gift purchasing, or having to prepare for multiple family gatherings; one thing is certain, we will all have to put on our adult hats at some point and ensure we’re ready to take care of these responsibilities. And what bigger responsibility is there than coordinating with and taking care of your family members. For some of us having the opportunity to spend quality time with our families is the enjoyable part of the year-end festivities! (… Hey, I did only say some of us! LOL). But nevertheless, how we feel about our family, one thing is for sure, before the year is up is it in our best interest to take care of their health and use any medical benefits we have earned to ensure our families are taken care of.

Who is Your Insurance Provider and WHAT Benefits Are They Providing?

One common misconception is that insurance companies have our best interest. We like to believe our insurance providers will inform us of all the benefits we have and when those benefits might expire, unfortunately, that’s not normally the case. For this reason, it’s important for us to do our own digging and research all the health and dental benefits afforded to us. Luckily, there are various ways we can look into and get help locating all our dental insurance.

Contact your HR Department affiliated with your employer

Log into your insurance company website and locate the benefits section

Call your insurance company using the number located on your Insurance Card

Contact your dental office and politely ask for assistance

Don’t let fear or stress keep you from becoming informed! The worst thing we can do is assume we know all your insurance options and not take the time to be absolutely confident and knowledgeable ourselves.

  Plan for Regular Dental Appointments & Emergencies

It’s no secret when the end of the year is and so we can never truly be surprised when it does come to be ‘that time of the year’.

However, as procrastination seems to be embedded in most of our consciousness, knowing our benefits isn’t always enough to take advantage of them.

If we have 2 free teeth cleanings available to us for the rest of the year but it’s already December, well then, we just missed out on 1 free teeth cleaning!

This is why knowledge is not enough. Maintaining good health takes time and effort so plan ahead of time and be confident we’re doing everything in our power to look out for ourselves and our family members. And with all the other responsibilities in our lives don’t feel embarrassed to set reminders for yourself.

· Create a Health and Dental Insurance calendar · Set insurance appointment reminders on your cell phone(s) · Plan ahead of time

I know what some of you might be thinking… “Make a plan?! I don’t have time for that, YOU MAKE A PLAN!!!”

Haha ohh we can all definitely relate to that statement right there. And we agree, its easier said than done. Thankfully for you, that’s also why we’re here!

    Conduct and Research Certified Professionals

If you’re already a patient of a particular dental office, then please

reach out to them as I’m sure they’d be happy to help you create a benefits plan to ensure you don’t miss out on any of your dental insurance benefits. If not, simply do a bit of research and make sure you find the correct dental office that you believe will help you and your family achieve all the best dental health you could need.

Remember, our insurance companies don’t always watch our family’s backs so we must do everything in our power to do that ourselves. We are only given one set of permanent teeth in our lives, investing in them is investing in yourself and your health.

Choose Southridge Dental for your personal and family dental needs and feel comfortable that you’re in good hands. Our dental mission is to have to leave our office saying, “Thanks for helping me to brighten my smile and day today!”

  from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/use-your-dental-benefits-before-they-expire/

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What is an Abscess Tooth, And How Do I Prevent It?

Don’t let fear take your tooth

If you hit this point, you’ve gone too far! 

From someone who has unfortunately had firsthand experience, reaching the point where a dental abscess develops is a place you do not want to go. If you’re paying enough attention to your teeth while also practicing due diligence regarding your dental care, you’ll probably never reach this place. An abscess occurs when preexisting damage in a tooth goes unattended and eventually an infection can take hold. At the root of a tooth, a pus-filled pocket forms causing redness, severe soreness, and in my case, tooth removal…  

Thankfully this doesn’t have to be you. There are plenty of measures we can take to prevent an abscess and keep our beautiful smiles. Being aware of how an abscessed tooth can occur, however, can only be a benefit for us and our overall dental health.

Causes

External damage: While a crack or chip in a tooth may not seem like the end of the world, bacteria can develop causing further harm and infection.

Poor oral health: Bacteria builds up through unnatural spaces in our teeth and when left untreated, can reach the root of the tooth leading to an abscess.

Brushing or flossing too vigorously: Applying too much pressure and wear to your teeth and gums can actually be harmful to your teeth possibly resulting in an abscessed tooth.

Dental surgery and trauma: Complications from dental surgery are not a foreign idea, therefore it’s always important to ensure your healing process is complete after any dental surgery.

While information about the causes can be helpful, what actual prevention can I take to avoid an abscessed tooth? 

Abscess Tooth Prevention

Always drink plenty of water, avoiding sugary drinks when possible

Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride and enamel protecting toothpaste

Floss your teeth daily

Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months

Try to use a mouth wash containing fluoride

 Eat healthy foods and lessen your sugar intake

Go for routine visits to your dentist for cleaning and checkups

Avoiding tooth decay is the first step to avoiding a tooth abscess. As we mentioned earlier, an abscess is never the initial warning signal our bodies give us to indicate a problem. If we’re in tune with our bodies and know how to listen to our body signals, we’ll be prepared to take needed action.

Possible Abscess Symptoms

Sensitivity to pressure and changes in hot/cold temperature

Constant toothaches, jaw and ear pain

Redness and/or bleeding of the gums

Swelling in the face and cheeks

Swollen lymph nodes under your neck and jaw

Problem breathing and swallowing

If you do find yourself in an unfortunate situation where dental treatment is needed, there are a few options our dentists have for us. In general, there are three different types of dental abscesses.

Gingival Abscess

This type of abscess is generally seen just in the gum tissue and does not generally reach the tooth.

Periodontal Abscess

This abscess originates in the supporting bone tissue and structures of the teeth.

Periapical Abscess

The Periapical abscess first takes hold in the inner pulp of the tooth and expands out from there.

And depending on what your dental hygienist determines during your exam and findings will help determine what type of treatment is best suited to fix and heal your tooth. 

Dental Incision

A small cut is made in the abscessed tooth in order to drain the pus and bacteria then cleaned and sealed up. 

Treatment for Periodontal Abscess

For this abscess, your dentist will clean and drain the bacteria that is found in the periodontal pockets.

Treatment for Periapical Abscess

In most cases, a root canal will need to take place for this abscess; the root and canals of your tooth are cleaned in order to save the actual tooth.

Tooth Extraction (Removal)

If the infection has taken hold and caused too much damage, your dentist may not be able to save your tooth and removal will be needed.

Now we’ve gone over a ton of information regarding what an abscess is, what causes them, and how we best be treated by our dentist. The fact of the matter is, your teeth are nothing to play with and if you do begin to feel or see anything out of the ordinary in your teeth, DO NOT DELAY, go see your dentist right away!

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/what-is-an-abscess-tooth-and-how-do-i-prevent-it/

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How to Get a Whiter Smile at Home!

How to Get and Keep a Bright White Smile at Home and at the Dentist

Safe and Quick Teeth Whitening Options at Home and at the Dentist

Like the Sun, Your Teeth and Smile Should Always Shine! 

Let us be honest with ourselves, even after braces or invisible guards, perfectly straight teeth are no longer a first impression must. Like diamonds, we want our teeth to shine and ultimately get whiter teeth. Whiter and brighter teeth on the other hand are what is desirable now, and easier attainable than you may have initially believed! That said, in today’s day and age of DIY-ing anything and everything, we want to review with you the ‘clear’ teeth whitening Do’s and the ‘please, please’ teeth whitening Don’ts. 

So, what’s more, enjoyable than having a chuckle with ourselves and examine the silly things we’ve done or are doing now to try and whiten our teeth like we’re the modern-day MacGyver. First, however, we must get drop some scientific knowledge to truly understand what it is that makes our teeth appear whiter and conversely what then makes them turn murky and the eventual dreaded YELLOW CORNCOBS! 

Of course, not having a healthy dental hygiene routine we use daily is the first teeth whitening don’t. But other than the obvious, one tooth whitening source is our body’s natural production of enamel; don’t take production the wrong way however as our enamel does not regenerate. Once it deteriorates, it cannot be regenerated. 

You might now be thinking, if our teeth enamel is so important in keeping our teeth guarded and white, how can we protect it?!

This is where the Teeth Whitening DON’Ts come in.

Please, Please Whitening Don’ts 

Let us start with a misconception some may think, “the more often and harder I brush my teeth, the cleaner and whiter they will be!!!” Unfortunately, that is not completely the case. A little-known fact, brushing your teeth more than twice a day can affect your dental hygiene and the brightness of your teeth! Not only that, vigorously brushing our teeth can grind/rub your teeth natural protective enamel which will result in those beauties getting less white. Lastly, it’s important to check with your dentist for teeth grinding and acid reflux from your stomach can also break down your natural teeth enamel!

Finally, the Goosebumps behind is us! 

Do you too enjoy smelling pleasant, feeling healthier as well as having a confident smile? A proactive lifestyle change can make that happen in mere weeks! Smoking tobacco, other inhalants, or consuming soda and coffee drinks play an enormous role is the discoloration of the whiteness in our teeth. Of course, many other genetic, age, and medication factors can sometimes come into play with discoloration but tis life as they say. The NUMBER DON’T with teeth whitening is avoiding your regular dental checkups. DON’T SKIP THOSE!

Don’ts

Avoid brushing teeth/flossing each day and night

Vigorously brush teeth 3+ times per day

Smoke Tobacco and drink soda often

Put off teeth grinding inspection from Dr.

Safe Teeth Whitening

Since you’re regularly attending your suggested dental visits, congratulations, you’ve already mastered to number one teeth whitening do! Several other techniques or quality equipment also play a huge role in improving the whiteness and brightness of our teeth. And not to be a gray cloud but we must always be mindful of our genetics because some bodies are simply built to have whiter teeth and some aren’t, this isn’t something we can control just yet but must accept as we did not choose. 

Surprise! Brushing and properly flossing your teeth first thing in the morning and towards the of the night are essential to be sure to get your teeth whitened and brighten that smile! Like most anything else, there’s always more products to give us boosts to our teeth desires. 

Quick Out of the Box Teeth Whitening Tips

One tip I always like to do is make sure if I ever drink something that contains sugar or some type of sugar replacement, I immediately rinse my mouth out thoroughly with water. This helps to get any sugars or syrups off your teeth to reframe from discoloration. 

Another staple to teeth whitening do’s is to make sure you’re using a quality toothpaste that contains healthy ingredients and has the desires effect you’re wanting. As a teeth whitening seeker myself, I always make sure I’m using a legitimate dentist-recommended toothpaste containing Enamel protection as well as Whitening. 

Consult and Research Certified Professionals

Lastly, there are always those ads promoting devices that will whiten your teeth in 20-minutes or use these whitening strips for 3-months and see amazing results… As we know, anyone can say anything to promote their whitening products, so my FINAL TEETH WHITEN DO is to consult your trusted dentist before using any outside product!!!

Do’s

Brush/Flush morning and night

Use dentist-recommended toothbrush

Rinse mouth after all sugar/coffee beverages

Use quality toothpaste supporting enamel protection and whitening

Consult a trusted dentist!

Remember, we only have one set of adult teeth!

Our mission is to have you say, “Thanks for helping me to brighten my smile today!”

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/how-to-get-a-whiter-smile-at-home/

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How do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?

Don’t let fear take your tooth, there are many ways to know if and when you need a root canal

In terms of teeth, what comes to mind when you hear, “HE WHO SHOULD NOT BE NAMED…”

You’re exactly right, it’s the dreaded ROOT CANAL! For most people, finding out they need to have a root canal procedure can initially bring fear and anxiety. Well, fear not! We’re here to help and eliminate the stigmas linked to the dreaded root canal. 

What is the procedure for a root canal?

To accomplish that goal, we must first understand what exactly a root canal procedure is, as well as what it is that causes the need for a root canal. If you’re someone who has already had a root canal, you might remember the pain and incredible inconvenience of it but don’t recall what the underlying reason(s) were. If you’re one of the fortunate people who have never had the pleasure… We commend you and keep up the good teeth cleaning habits! That being said, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and have the knowledge or wherewithal to detect a possible problem with your teeth.

The reason why you need a root canal

Now brace yourselves, one of the main causes behind the need for a root canal procedure is YOU! Are you shocked? Appalled? How could we suggest such a thing? But you know the rule, don’t shoot the messengers. Here’s the amazing news, we’re much, much more than just dental messengers. We’re dedicated to you, your health, and providing you with the information and tools to not only understand the whys of a root canal but more importantly learn early detection signs; ensuring you’re able to take preventative actions and overcome the fear of silly old’ ‘It who should not be named’. 

First off, we must correct ourselves, “you/we” are not always solely responsible for the cause and/or need for a root canal procedure. Being human and going through the everyday activities of life can also cause issues with your teeth. External sources can play a large part in causing damage to your mouth and teeth. It could be anything from a drinking glass knocking into your tooth or falling straight on your face, and any type of harm to your teeth can have lasting effects.

The reason for a root canal procedure is to repair and save a tooth that has become damaged or infected. Different from the outside of our teeth, the inside of our teeth contain pulp, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Although the tooth pulp is used for sensory, once our grown teeth breach through the gums, the pulp is no longer necessary to the tooth’s survival. In general, constant pain and aches in a tooth is always a telltale sign that something is wrong, and that your tooth may need a root canal.

Signs that you may need a root canal procedure

Constant pain and aches in a tooth, especially when chewing or applying pressure

Swelling or tenderness of the nearby gums

Sensitivity towards hot and cold temperatures

Discoloration or darkening of the tooth

A crack or break present in a tooth

Constant pain is usually our body’s last signal system alerting you that something is wrong. The positive news is, there are several other signs or signals that can arise before the long-term pain sets in. 

On some occasions, a person’s tooth can be infected and in need of a root canal but there won’t be any signs alerting them of this. Because of this, we’d be remiss not to mention the most controllable way to avoid the need for a root canal. And that big secret is… Proper teeth cleaning daily and regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups! Can you believe it?! Ha-ha! We hope you’re catching our little sarcasm there but truthfully, having a dentist you know and trust who also knows your teeth can be as important as detecting the problem early.

Finding a Dentist in Kennewick to Trust for Your Root Canal

Other than early detection, one of the most difficult things to do is find a trustworthy dentist that you know will take care of you. One of the most helpful and good old fashion ways to find a trustworthy dentist is to ask your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors. The ones we care about and who care about us usually will not let us astray and so their word is a good start.

These days, thanks to the internet, you can also research potential dentists online, including their credentials through state licensing websites and/or healthgrades.com. Even with dentists who are referred to you, DO YOUR RESEARCH. 

Check the dentists’ years of experience and specialty training

Read online patient review about the Doctor and the office

Consider the location and office hours; some patients need Saturday or evening appointments to be available

Request a consultation appointment, especially if you experience fear and anxiety about dental care. 

Most importantly, ask all the questions you have about any fears and discuss those fears with the doctor to see how they would be addressed. Visit the dental office and consider their environment. Are you comfortable and confident? This is all about YOU and what dentist is you most comfortable with.

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/how-do-i-know-if-i-need-a-root-canal/

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Do you have sensitive teeth? Here are some tips on caring for them!

There are very few things I can think of that are more frightening than taking a big sip of ice-cold water then feeling an intensely sharp pain in your teeth. As you sit there with your mouth open trying to breathe or clench your jaw to try and bring some relief, remember there are several factors that come into play when it comes to teeth sensitivity. Similar to our eyes or our facial structure, our teeth are all different and have different susceptibilities. Some of us have naturally stronger enamel than others, some of us have larger teeth, and others have more sensitive teeth. Of course, ensuring we all do the tedious chore (health activity) of brushing and flossing our teeth in the morning as well as at night is the easiest way to help and even improve your sensitive teeth symptoms. Let’s examine a few other great techniques we can perform to aid our teeth sensitivity and relieve ourselves of the pesky aches it brings.

1.   Toothbrush Upgrade

One of the simplest yet easiest mistakes we can make is to choose to go cheap on our dental equipment. We would never sleep on a bed of sharp and uncomfortable bristles, so why would we ever brush our teeth with them?! Using a cheap toothbrush with stiff, low-quality bristles is hard on enamel leading to a breakdown of microscopic holes and eventually worsened sensitivity. It’s vital to invest in a higher-grade toothbrush that will not only clean your teeth thoroughly but will also not cause any further harm to your teeth. Advancements in toothbrushes and bristle technology have brought a whole new factor to the game as well. On top of the manual handheld toothbrush, we now have mechanical toothbrushes available to use in all different fashions. From vibrating toothbrush heads to rotating toothbrush heads, and from round bristle formations to diamond-shaped bristle formations, the amount of toothbrush combinations seems almost endless nowadays. This is why we also highly recommend you seek your dentist’s expertise and recommendation in what toothbrush you should use as they will know your teeth better than anyone.

2.   Sensitivity Toothpaste

Like toothbrushes, their companion toothpaste has also advanced and improved greatly in recent years. You name the need, teeth whitening, enamel strengthening, mouthwash infused, and everything in between; the amount of toothpaste variety is almost exhausting.  Thankfully, one of the best options you can choose to help improve your teeth sensitivity is to choose a quality toothpaste made for… you guessed it, tooth sensitivity! Most often, these kinds of toothpaste already include fluoride as well as enamel strengthener; both of which aid your teeth in retaining their white look as well as helping to relieve pain by filling the tiny holes in our teeth caused by general time and use.

Another tip to keep in mind is allowing your teeth the time to get used to the toothpaste you’re introducing to them. Like everything else in our bodies, our teeth are a part of us but also their own living entity. With this being the case, it takes time and exposure for our teeth to adapt to new products and in turn enables their benefits to take hold. Too often we see patients constantly changing their products due to results not being seen or felt quick enough. Giving a product a month of time and constant use is usually always a good general timeframe to allow yourself and your teeth to reap the highest benefit of that product.

3.   Acids

Candies, Sodas, high sugar carbs are just a few examples of harmful products that contain sugar and acids that cause major damage to our teeth. Our tooth enamel is the golden ticket and acids aim to shred it apart. One of the worst things we can do is introduce sugar and acids to our diet and thus our teeth. Worse than that is allowing those sugars and acids to sit on our teeth and allow them to break down our tooth enamel. The enamel on our teeth acts not only as of the white shine of color produced but also as the protector of our teeth sensitivity. Once the tooth enamel begins to break down, the flood gates that are tooth sensitivity are opened and the further the damage can worsen. If sugary treats and drinks are consumed, it’s important to always rinse out our mouths with water as soon as possible in order to remove those threats and give your teeth the best chance to remain strong and sensitivity-free.

4.   Sleep Care

Sleep care is one of the more unknown or underappreciated tactics we can do to improve our dental health. The average person sleeps around one-third of their entire life, and a ton of activity occurs during this time. Events such as body motion, face pressure, acid reflux and teeth grinding are all factors that can also cause damage to our teeth and in turn cause more teeth sensitivity. If you did have acid reflux symptoms while sleeping, your teeth would have specific wear to them that one of your dentists would have hopefully informed you about. And if so, there are medicines available to keep the acid reflux in check. One unsung hero everyone should be using is a mouthguard that is molded to fit our exact teeth. Using a mouthguard at night helps prevent the damage caused by grinding our teeth and natural movement while we sleep at night. Not only will a mouthguard improve the quality of our teeth it can also improve our sleep by relieving our subconscious of the small pain experienced during the night.

5.   Cosmetics

It is understandable that we all want pearly white beautiful teeth. However, at what cost are we going to pay for a realistically small benefit. The use of dental cosmetics isn’t completely harmful or dangerous but life anything else, it’s about having control over the use of those products. Teeth whiteners or bleaches are continuing to develop and become safer but it’s still important to give our teeth a break from the chemicals in those products more often than we use the actual products. Teeth straighteners are also a very popular cosmetic used to try and enhance the appeal of our teeth. Some of these products can be dangerous and cause more harm than their worth. Having a discussion with your professional dentist about the best options for your specific teeth is always the best option before venturing into teeth-altering products.

Of course, we can NEVER FORGET our bi-yearly dental cleanings! Seems obvious but ill say it, most of us are not a dentist and we certainly aren’t our own dentist. This is why working with your dental office and getting scheduled at least a couple of 6-mouth dental cleanings and checkup is a no-brainer. Even if our teeth look great and even feel perfectly fine for months on end, physical pain is the last symptom our body gives to inform us there’s something awry occurring. Our dentists are looking out for our best interest and these bi-yearly check-ins are not there to give you bad news, they’re there to tell you how great your teeth are looking! Communicating with your dentist and following these tips will enhance your well-being and have your teeth feeling sensitivity-free in no time.

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/do-you-have-sensitive-teeth-here-are-some-tips-on-caring-for-them/

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What To Look For When You’re Choosing A Dental Office

How many times can you remember feeling a toothache or pain, then thinking, if I rinse my mouth out or brush my teeth, everything will be fine, and I won’t have to go see a dentist… That is called dental anxiety and is estimated to affect more than one-third of the population, including 12% suffering from extreme dental fear! Meaning… When we move to a new area or maybe our long-term dentist chooses to move; we now must search out a new dental office that will make us feel at the very least as comfortable and cared for as our previous dental office did. And as many of us know, this search can be a literal tooth-pulling process. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered here with a few great tips that can help narrow down the options and reveal the best dental office for you and your family.

1.   Check the Insurance

Comfortability is of course one of the most important factors in choosing a dental office. We believe this should also include financial comfortability and giving patients options to enable them to afford their dental care. Dental procedures like fillings or root canals can be expensive, leading to financial hardships for many families. Most quality dental offices welcome the ability to discuss their insurance coverage which gives that patient the knowledge and security to make the best decision for them whether they have insurance or not. If you do have insurance coverage, they can be a very good resource to inform you of the dental offices in your area that will cover your care. It’s important to always ensure your dentist accepts your family’s insurance plan before scheduling an appointment.

2.   Location and Hours

Hasty decisions are never the best when deciding whom you trust to care for you and your family’s dental care. Keeping your options open to as many suitable dental offices as possible is a good decision if possible. It’s not very helpful to you if your dentist isn’t open or available when you are! We must remember to be creative in our search; however, let’s not fall into the trap of finding the closest dental office to our homes. Perhaps there is a good office near our place of work or where our kids go to school. Remembering to make our lives work for us as much as we work for it can help ease the entire search process.

3.   Look into the Dentist’s Credentials

For the most part, we all want the best possible for ourselves as well as for the members of our families. And when it comes to trusting someone to work on something as delicate as your mouth and teeth, finding the right dental office with very well-qualified dentists is crucial! I know what you are thinking…

“How am I supposed to research all the qualifications of each dentist in my area?!”

Thankfully, being in the internet age, any credible and highly qualified dental office will have their own website that you can go to and not only read about the dental office and read about their values but also find information about each of the doctors in their practice and what the doctors’ qualifications are. Don’t just stop there however, it’s important to know they are continuing to improve their medical education and knowledge as the dental industry constantly evolves and improves.

4.   Check the Reviews

Don’t judge a book by its cover. This age-old saying not only applies to dental offices that may appear to be advanced and new but also offices that may look old and unkempt. Getting to know untold information and experiences comes from the reviews from current and past patients. One important tip is to look for recurring themes in the reviews you read. Let’s also not forget to also get both sides of the review board story; the good and the bad. If one review claims the dentist is incredible and skilled but another review claims they were misdiagnosed, you’re probably in the clear when judging the reviews’ reliability. If, however you start to see wild inconsistencies of ridiculously high praise or the reviews are filled with negative and harsh feedback, it may be a good idea to go elsewhere. When it’s all said and done, we must make the best decision for ourselves and what is in our best interest.

5.   Equipment and Service Options

As some of us more experienced visitors know, dental offices have very similar floorplans, equipment, and services as one another. That being said, in the last two decades or so dental offices, their equipment, and the amenities they can provide us patients has improved immensely. Depending on the oral needs of us or our family members, specific services and procedures may be needed in our dental office. The last thing any of us want to do is juggle several different dentists, locations, and bills! This is why doing the due diligence and getting a variety of services from our dental office is imperative. Dentists often offer family plans, emergency dental care, cosmetic services, restorative services. If you find a dentist’s office that offers all of these options, they’re a great choice for you and your family.

6.   The Waiting Room

Ahhh the dreaded waiting room… The way we think of a waiting room or as I like to think of it, the transition area, needs to evolve and become more realistic. Before we get into the actual waiting part of the transition area, one way or another we will be spending some time filling out paperwork or simply seated before we’re seen by our dentist. Therefore, it’s important we feel comfortable with the entire setting from the furniture to the paint and artwork on the walls. Settling any anxiousness you may have or simply enjoying yourself while you prepare for a little self-care should be an important factor in the dental office experience. Finally, when considering the overall belief that most of us want the very best doctors possible, the best food possible, the best living situation possible; it makes complete sense the best dentists and dental offices will be highly sought after. Thus, making waiting inevitable, which is okay! Thinking of dental visits as just that, a visit, allows the mind to get to a place of comfort and ease; further aiding in the pleasant dental office experience.

Making the decision to trust a dentist with your health often be a daunting task. However, if you make sure to follow the tips above and be sure to check they can cover all your family’s needs, the financial options they can provide you, and the level of comfortability you feel while in their dental office; you will be good hands. If you’re looking for a new dentist, contact Southridge Dental and we will take care of your every need!

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/what-to-look-for-when-youre-choosing-a-dental-office/

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Why it’s Important to Get Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly

How do you feel when you wake up in the morning and see those little shades of off-white/yellow lines starting to build at the base of your gums..?

I imagine you are anymore ecstatic about seeing that than we are! Thankfully for us all, we dentists are here to continuously discover the most advanced and efficient ways to keep your teeth as white as possible and more importantly health and CLEAN!

The Importance of Dental Cleanings

Six-moth dental check-ins and cleanings are preferred of course, however, we understand how life happens. That said, to prevent further teeth, mouth, and even internal complications, us dentists believe annual tooth cleanings are essential. Uncovering and removing hardened plaque, tarter, and that even regular brushing and flossing cannot always remove. Similar to an oil change for your car, although it’s sometimes an inconvenience, boy don’t you feel as ease knowing your car is smooth sailing, well, your dentist is your teeth hygiene mechanic who will check underneath the hood of your mouth and inspect for signs of diseases or issues that could go undetected if you continued forgoing regular dental teeth cleaning.

Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleanings?

Teeth cleaning helps discover and prevent gingivitis and other gum diseases.

Remember, bacteria constantly floats in our air and thus our mouths, perfect healthy teeth and gums are not a forcefield!

Teeth Plaque forms naturally when bacteria mix with other substances, THANKFULLY, plaque is removed by brushing and flossing regularly.

Stop any advancements of gum disease.

Treating current infections and promoting proper healing methods.

Professional cleaning of teeth above and below the gumline.

Aiding in eliminating bad breath caused by plaque bui8ld up and gum disease.

Protecting the roots of your teeth and gums.

If you are diligent and disciplined enough, visits for regular teeth cleanings will be just that; sitting in a chair as your teeth are inspected, flossed, and then brushed. That is it! You take good care of your teeth and they will return the favor. Then once it is time to get your annual tooth cleaning, your teeth hygiene will be so on point, having your dentist professionally clean your clean is painless and noninvasive. Schedule your appointment to have your teeth cleaned at Southridge Dental today by going to https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/schedule-appointment/.

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/why-its-important-to-get-your-teeth-cleaned-regularly/

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To Pull the Tooth or To Save the Tooth? That is the question!

Tips on Understanding the Difference

There is nothing like that rush of pure excitement as a young child the first time you notice that first loose baby tooth! This moment is followed by an unbreakable urge to rush to your parents or friends and explode in rambling words explaining how it feels! Ahh good memories. Once the excitement and adrenaline wear off, the next questions patients frequently ask are…

‘Okay, now that my tooth is loose, when is the proper moment to pull my tooth?’ and ‘Is it even necessary to get my tooth pulled or extracted?”

 Let us first examine reasons that cause loose teeth and then how to best remove those teeth!

Causes for Loosening Teeth: Youth

Why Is It Loose?

When a child comes to you frantically informing you that their tooth is loose, this is most likely because It’s time for their baby tooth to exit and the adult to make an entrance. Normally, the first baby teeth that come in are one of the first teeth to fall out and be replaced with your adult teeth. Of course, there’s always chance occurring when stepping out into the world and so if there were an accident and the child’s tooth became loose unnaturally, make sure to see your dentist immediately!

What Goes In, Normally Must Go Out

For the most part, the tooth comes in first is the first to go. The normal progression of baby teeth beginning to fall out occurs near the ages of 6 and 7. The cause in effect that is causing these teeth to fall out is natural dissolve. Once a baby tooth’s roots have begun to dissolve, they then loosen up in the mouth and eventually fall out, leaving room for the permanent adult teeth to come in.

So.. How to We Properly Remove Then?!

With children and removing their temporary baby teeth, comfort and timing is the name of the game. As silly as this may sound, we of course do not recommend you take plyers to the tooth and yank it out right away… Nor is it recommended we use the age old ‘string tied to a doorknob’ trick…

Thankfully for us all, we have smartened up in our tooth removal techniques. The most efficient and healthy way to remove a baby tooth is either simply let time take its course and allow the tooth to fall out naturally, DO NOTHING! But being we’re human, if we must allow angst take control, gently wiggling your tooth back and forth, as well as side to side with your tongue further loosening that tooth and more quickly allowing it to fall out; normally without causing extra undo harm to your mouth or gums.

Attempting to remove a loose tooth before it’s ready could lead to inflammation, pain and discount, and bleeding in the area so please make sure to be patient and careful with your body!

Causes for Loosening Teeth: Adults

Now, contrary to baby teeth, we are given one set of adult teeth ONE TIME, meaning, when they’re gone, those pearly beauties are gone. There is light at the end of the tunnel however! As long as we take normal care of our teeth and mouth hygiene, there’s a good chance those adult teeth will be with us to stay for the long haul.

Well, if my adult teeth are the last set I get, and they cannot repair themselves… How the heck do I know whether to Save or pull the tooth?!

The simple truth of the matter is the condition of that tooth. In an ideal world, all adults would be well aware of the importance in recommended dental visits and maintaining a healthy mouth hygiene routine using proper products. Let’s jump back to reality now… Life happens, accidents occur, and genealogy always reminds you it’s in the background.

Below are a few unavailable factors that can impact your teeth make you debate, Pull or Save…

Periodontal disease

Any disease (such as gingivitis or periodontitis) affecting the periodontium, which are tissues surrounding, supporting, and protecting your teeth.

Osteoporosis

A decrease in the amount and thickness of bone tissue, causing bones to become weak and break more easily. Older age, hormone changes, certain medicines, and not eating enough foods with calcium and vitamin D can all be potential causes of Osteoporosis.

Trauma

Self-explanatory right? Not as much as you’d think. Yes, physical trauma is obvious, getting hit in the mouth, falling face first, biting into something very hard, and the funny but sad, smacking your yourself in the teeth with a hard object on accident haha. We’ve all been there.

A couple major teeth trauma’s that go unspoken are the effects teeth grinding and clenching as well as potential acid reflex that can break away at our teeth.

Adults! Consider the NEW Natural Way

Like it was as children, we all understand going to our routine dental check ups is not something we’re giddy about looking forward at our calendars. And unfortunately, we can’t all pull of the Austin Powers look. Another long overdue trend that it out also is the macho go to… “Ehh my tooth doesn’t hurt that much, it always comes and goes, it’s fine.” Ohh how often we hear those dreaded words.

If as adult you’re experiencing intense tooth aches, pains, sore or bleeding gums; the first thing to do is call your dentist and make an appointment. Trying to be a hero and figuring “I’ll just pull it out!” can cause numerous other complications, broken tooth fragments turning into infections and simply a must worse time ahead. If that’s not enough convincing, with the advancements of dental technology, we’re able to save more teeth than ever before. Repairing a tooth through a root canal process can not only save the pertinent aspects of your tooth structure but will also allow the remaining teeth to keep their straight position for there is no void from the missing tooth since we saved and improved it through a root canal!

Instead use these simple techniques…

Reframe from sugary drinks and starchy foods

Rise and swoosh mouth with water after consumption

Begin or continue to floss your teeth

Brush your teeth thoroughly morning and night

Rise mouth with doctor recommended mouth wash

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/to-pull-the-tooth-or-to-save-the-tooth-that-is-the-question/

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The Best Ways to Prevent Cavities!

Like the Body, The Gums and Teeth Need Care from the Inside Out

Who here loves pain and procrastination?!

Who here then also LOVES cavities?! (We hope not

)

Not to fret, our mission as Dental Doctors is not simply to clean your teeth and scold you on flossing frequency (

). Our mission is to educate ourselves on each individual patient, that is you, and assist them in also repairing and maintaining your original adult teeth to allow you to be the healthiest you can be. Of course, to succeed in our mission, we also need to educate and motivate you to realize the importance of routine teeth and mouth cleanliness. Cavity prevention will turn into your teeth brushing routine and cavities will be no more.

I ‘Know’ What a Cavity is, But Really, What the Heck is a Cavity?!

Don’t you recall those sudden dreaded moments while you’re going about your business then all the sudden you feel a sharp pain or ache in your teeth or gums?

Other than “Holy-Ouch!”, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is…

“I really hope I don’t get cavities… I haven’t received a dental check-up in a long while.”

“Woah, Woah, Woah Mr. All Knowing Tooth Expert…

“I’ve known people to get cavities and they swear by their superb brushing routine; please enlighten us on exactly what a cavity is and how they.”

Cavities are a result of tooth decay that forms when acids remaining in our mouths wear down, or erode, the outer Enamel layer of the tooth. Here’s the catch even USING proper brushing, flossing and dental cleanings, cavities can still form. Yes… It breaks our hearts too.

Cavity Causing Pests

Tooth decay will happen from simple wear and tear brought to us by life. While children are more prone to getting cavities, no known age is impervious to cavities or other tooth pains. Let us throw you a investment curveball regarding teeth cavities, through adulthood, new decay can develop around the edges of cavities treated was back in our childhood! What kind of return of investment is that?! But hey, would you rather some good ol’ George Washington dentures instead?

Cavity Prevention

As many of us have been preached to since we were small children, proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing, will help keep out teeth clean and prevent cavities. And this idea is still holding strong to this day for the most part. Like anything else though, we humans inspire to progress and improve which results in dental hygiene evolution! The decay in our teeth can impact 3 separate layers of our teeth. Tooth decay can affect all layers of a tooth.

The decay most advance to a point where it penetrates the tooths strongest later, its enamel.

If the decay hits the middle layer of our tooth, the Dentin, decay progression will quickly eat to the innermost pulp tooth later that contains the tooth’s nerve endings and blood supply.

*Meaning, YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET TO THIS STAGE*

Good teeth and gum care includes:

Flossing every morning ensuring to get under the gums to remove/loosen food, acids and plaque stuck between teeth.

Brushing teeth, gums, and tongue thoroughly, outside, inside and in circular motions.

Fluoride/Enamel protective toothpaste twice a day (Doctor recommended)

Cutting back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks.

Rinsing mouth out thoroughly with water directly afterwards to remove lingering sugar.

Dental checkups at least twice a year (6-Months).

Teeth-Sleeping Guards to protect from grinding or clenching while asleep.

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/the-best-ways-to-prevent-cavities/

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Teeth Whitening Truths! Do’s and Don’ts

Brighten up another’s day with your bright smile

Brain teaser! What is one of the first things you think of in the morning, a signifying first impression, and last thing you think of at night…?

Like the Sun, Your Teeth and Smile Should Always Shine!

Let us be honest with ourselves, even after braces or invisible guards, perfectly straight teeth are no longer a first impression must. Like diamonds, we want our teeth to shine and ultimately get whiter teeth. Whiter and brighter teeth on the other hand is what is desirable now, and easier attainable than you may have initially believed! That said, in today’s day and age of DIY-ing anything and everything, we want to review with you the ‘clear’ teeth whitening Do’s and the ‘please, please’ teeth whitening Don’ts.

So, what’s more enjoyable than having a chuckle with ourselves and examine the silly things we’ve done or are doing now to try and whiten our teeth like we’re the modern-day MacGyver. First however, we must get drop some scientific knowledge to truly understand what it is that makes our teeth appear whiter and conversely what then makes them turn murky and the eventual dreaded YELLOW CORNCOBS!

Of course, not having a healthy dental hygiene routine we use daily is the first teeth whitening don’t. But other than the obvious, one teeth whitening source is our bodies natural production of enamel; don’t take production the wrong way however as our enamel does not regenerate. Once it deteriorates, it can not be regenerated.

You might now be thinking, if our teeth enamel is so important in keeping our teeth guarded and white, how can we protect it?!

This is where the Teeth Whitening DON’Ts come in.

Please, Please Whitening Don’ts

Let us start with a misconception some may think, “the more often and harder I brush my teeth, the cleaner and whiter they will be!!!” Unfortunately, that is not completely the case. A little-known fact, brushing your teeth more than twice a day can affect our dental hygiene and the brightness of your teeth! Not only that, vigorously brushing our teeth can grind/rub your teeth natural protective enamel which will result in those beauties getting less white. Lastly, it’s important to check with your dentist for teeth grinding and acid reflex from your stomach can also break down your natural teeth enamel!

Finally, the Goosebumps behind are us!

Do you too enjoy smelling pleasant, feeling healthier as well as having a confident smile? A proactive lifestyle change can make that happen in mere weeks! Smoking tobacco, other inhalants or consuming soda and coffee drinks play an enormous role is discoloration of the whiteness in our teeth. Of course, many other genetic, age, and medication factors can sometimes come into play with discoloration but tis life as they say. The NUMBER DON’T with teeth whitening is avoiding your regular dental checkups. DON’T SKIP THOSE!

Don’ts

Avoid brushing teeth/flossing each day and night

Vigorously brush teeth 3+ times per day

Smoke Tobacco and drink soda often

Put off teeth grinding inspection from Dr.

Safe Whitening Do’s

Since you’re regularly attending your suggested dental visits, congratulations, you’ve already mastered to number one teeth whitening do! Several other techniques or quality equipment also plays a huge role in improving the whiteness and brightness of our teeth. And not to be a gray cloud but we must always be mindful of our genetics because some bodies are simply built to have whiter teeth and some aren’t, this isn’t something we can control just yet but must accept as we did not choose.

Surprise! Brushing and properly flossing your teeth first thing in the morning and towards the of the night are essential to be sure to get your teeth whitened and brighten that smile! Like most anything else, there’s always more products to give us boosts to our teeth desires.

Quick Out of the Box Teeth Whitening Tips

One tip I always like to do is make sure if I ever drink something that contains sugar or some type of sugar replacement, I immediately rinse my mouth out thoroughly with water. This helps to get any sugars or syrups off your teeth to reframe from discoloration.

Another staple to teeth whitening do’s is to make sure you’re using a quality toothpaste that containing healthy ingredients and has the desires effect you’re wanting. As a teeth whitening seeker myself, I always make sure I’m using a legitimate dentist recommended toothpaste containing Enamel protection as well as Whitening.

Consult and Research Certified Professionals

Lastly, there’s always those ads promoting devices that will whitening your teeth in 20-miuntes or use these whitening strips for 3-months and see amazing results… As we know, anyone can say anything to promote their whitening products, so my FINAL TEETH WHITEN DO is consult your trusted dentist before using any outside product!!!

Do’s

Brush/Flush morning and night

Use recommended tooth brush

Rinse mouth after all sugar/coffee beverages

Use quality toothpaste supporting enamel protection and whitening

Consult trusted dentist!

Remember, we only have one set of adult teeth! If you want a whiter, brighter smile call Southridge Dental and they can help you achieve the look you want!

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/teeth-whitening-truths-dos-and-donts/

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How to Handle a Dental Emergency

At Southridge Dental, we’re here to help you with dental emergencies big and small. Our goal is to get you feeling better as soon as possible, and to help with that, we have some quick tips to limit the pain in your mouth and in your wallet!

What Is A Dental Emergency?

Did you crack your tooth on that popcorn kernel? Did your child knock out a tooth while playing outside? Does intense jaw pain affect your daily life?

Yes, yes, or yes? All of these examples can constitute a dental emergency!

The most common types of dental emergencies are chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth. (We also see gum injuries from people using sharp items to free irritants from between their teeth. Using floss instead allows you to avoid any injuries!) 

Try to find the right Dentist before you need them

If you’ve never chipped a tooth or had a toothache that just won’t quit, you might not have considered how your dentist handles emergency care. Southridge Dental takes pride in offering a variety of services such as cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, and emergency care – often with same-day openings!

Questions to ask when selecting a dentist:

Does your dentist handle after-hours emergencies? What types of emergencies can they take care of? You don’t want to waste time visiting a dentist that can’t treat you. (Bonus tip: Southridge Dental offers emergency care!)

Do they accept your insurance? If you’re seeing someone other than your usual provider this could result in a hefty bill. Check to see if you’re covered by calling Southridge Dental at (509) 581-0081.

Does your dentist treat both children and adults? Finding different emergency providers for you and your child may be necessary in some cases. At Southridge Dental, we can treat your entire family!

Are they located nearby? No one wants to drive an hour when every minute is excruciating. A dentist that is centrally located from home, work, and school is always a good choice. Southridge Dental is located off of Highway 395 in Kennewick, across the street from Home Depot, Starbucks, and near Walmart.

Do they offer same-day or next-day appointments? Not every dentist leaves availability in their schedule for emergency patients…but Southridge Dental does! Most often we will be able to see you the same day or sometimes the next day to make sure our patients don’t have to continue suffering while they wait for care.

These are all important considerations. Knowing who you can count on to find relief can offer peace of mind and faster treatment options when an emergency arises. Southridge Dental is here for you through every step of your dental emergency!

A Dental Emergency Occurred. What now?

There’s no need to panic, you’ve got this! If you’ve done your homework, you already know your dentist can handle your emergency (especially if you’ve chosen Southridge Dental — you know you’re completely covered!), so just reach out and schedule an appointment. Once you’ve contacted them for an appointment, some dentists will have immediate openings, but for others you might have to wait.

If your dentist has a long wait before they can see you, call Southridge Dental at (509) 581-0081 to get in sooner.

In the meantime, a cold compress can be applied to help relieve pain and swelling in the short-term for most dental emergencies as you wait to see one of our experts!

The Tri-Cities’ Best Dental Office is here to help if you’ve got questions or concerns (before, during, or after an emergency). If something in your mouth is causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (509) 581-0081.

If your tooth is aching (yes, you know who you are!), sitting there suffering and not taking action won’t help! Don’t wait until 4 PM on a Friday, or head to the ER this weekend (who will just tell you to call us Monday anyways)….please don’t suffer! We know how bad the pain can be, and we are here for you. You’ll be in good hands, because the Southridge Dental Team is like no other! We have a 4.9 star rating on Google and 5 star on Facebook AND Yelp!) Call 509-581-0081 and schedule now! Or better yet, if you don’t want to call, you can always schedule an appointment online!

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/how-to-handle-a-dental-emergency/

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6 Ways Clean Teeth Can Help You Stay Healthier Overall

Brushing your teeth is only to keep your breath fresh and to avoid cavities, right? Surprise! Good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing, has many other benefits. At Southridge Dental, not only do we focus on taking care of our patients’ health, but we want to ensure that we offer education as to why certain oral hygiene habits are the way to go!

Here are five surprising ways brushing and flossing can aid your overall health (and a reminder of why it’s good for your mouth too):

The Heart

Heart attack risk may be lowered by brushing and flossing your teeth. In Taiwan, it was discovered that just a single dental cleaning lowered the risk of heart attacks by 24%. The American Journal of Medicine has also linked heart attack risk factors with poor dental health. Did you know gum disease is one of the major indicators of heart disease? Brush those teeth, and hopefully your heart and body will stay healthier, as well!

The Mind

Dementia risk factors may go up if you don’t take care of your mouth. If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, according to The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, you have a 65% greater risk of developing dementia. If you already have gum disease and develop dementia, you may decline up to six times faster because of your unhealthy mouth! Periodontal bacteria that increase inflammation are the culprit behind this scary statistic. 

The Lungs

If you like to breathe (who doesn’t?), this one’s for you: bacteria that form in the mouth can make their way into the lungs and respiratory tract. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and pneumonia risk are both increased when you don’t brush your teeth. This is especially true for older adults that live in nursing homes or are being treated in an ICU setting.

Future Generations

Did you know that good oral hygiene of an expecting mother is important for her baby? Well, it is! Having healthy teeth can contribute to overall health while women are in labor, so it’s important to make sure and take good care of your mouth. Gum disease (it’s a real problem!) can factor into a pregnancy and even fertility, believe it or not.

Miscellaneous

Adults can signal to their brain that food time is over by brushing their teeth. This may help some maintain a healthier weight! 

The study in Taiwan that showed a decreased risk of a heart attack? The same study showed a 13% lowered risk of stroke as well. The American Journal of Medicine agrees.

Diabetes can even be influenced by gum disease. It can influence how the body controls the blood glucose level, potentially leading to diabetes (or making it that much harder to manage). There are a lot of known benefits for brushing your teeth; flossing and regular cleanings can also help make sure your teeth are strong and disease-free. Visiting a professional dentist helps to spot dental concerns before they progress or before they start to take a toll on the rest of your health.

Finally, The Mouth

Of course brushing and flossing your teeth is good for your mouth. Cavities? Get those out of here. Bad breath? No, thank you! Gum disease? Absolutely not!

Gum disease is a particularly egregious offender when it comes to increasing risk factors for other health problems (like those mentioned earlier). Caused when plaque builds up around your teeth, and preceded by an inflammation of the gums, gum disease is thwarted by regular cleanings and brushings. Make sure you’re keeping up on your oral hygiene to stay healthier overall! Come visit Southridge Dental to get your regular cleanings and keep gum disease at bay. You can call us at (509) 581-0081 or schedule an appointment online today.

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/6-ways-clean-teeth-can-help-you-stay-healthier-overall/

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How to Find a Highly-Rated Dentist with Good Reviews

When looking around town for a new dentist, how do you find a dental office you’ll be happy with? Do you wish you knew what their patient experiences were like? Do they give good service, mediocre service, or bad service? Well, one of the greatest perks with the growth of the internet is REVIEWS! Reviews are a feature of almost every major search and social media platform! 

In the past, reviews were often listed on websites by the businesses themselves, or there were only one or two on platforms like Yelp. Now reviews are much more common and promoted by 3rd party platforms instead of businesses themselves. This means there are more reviews (and less biased ones)! 

When you look for food, a doctor, hotels, or a dentist you can find hundreds of real reviews from previous customers. The more reviews, the more likely the average rating is accurate. Southridge Dental is proud to have our patients post their positive experiences across all of our digital profiles!

Here are a few important tips to finding a high-rated dentist:

1. Check multiple review sources

Some of the largest review platforms right now are Google and Facebook. There are also review sites that combine reviews from multiple sources, like Bizinga. Checking multiple sources gives you a sample of different groups of people. It’s a lot harder to maintain great reviews across many platforms! 

We are very proud of our reviews, and are so glad our customers leave happy! Check out all of Southridge Dental’s reviews below!

Facebook Google Reviews Bazinga

2. Skim through a few reviews

Reading through a few reviews will be an important part of information gathering. Don’t just trust an average rating — sometimes reviews are fake, or even spam! If you see a low or high average rating, take a second to read through the reviews and make sure they seem real. Fake reviews are often NOT well hidden; they tend to be in gibberish or talk about irrelevant subjects.

Good reviews speak about details of their appointment, and might mention names of the particular people that assisted them. Generally the more detail, the more likely it is to be real! You can also see below a user’s name, the number of reviews given on their account. You can even read those reviews and make sure they seem legitimate! 

Here is an example of an honest, real review for Southridge Dental:

5 Stars “I loved this office! It felt more like a spa than a dental office. Pandora, warm neck roll, coffee bar, relaxing decor. The hygienist I saw (Nicole) was amazing and personable! She made me feel like a friend and not just another patient in the books. I was the irresponsible type who hadn’t been to a dentist office in years. I was embarrassed to go since it had been so long. Rather than adding to the guilt, the staff was professional and welcoming which made me want to return. Dr. Simper is awesome! Straight forward and helpful. The front desk reception was great too. I am excited to be a patient here! Will not go anywhere else now.” Kaylee VanderKooy 

3. Check replies from the owner

Replies are a great feature of reviews. It allows an owner to reply or respond to all types of reviews and experiences. Sometimes, bad experiences happen by accident or situationally! Seeing how a business resolves the problem can be very telling. You want a dental office that treats all of its patients with respect and is willing to right any wrongs.

A business that is actively replying to all or most comments shows that they take their client’s experiences seriously. Replies will appear directly below a review on Google and most other platforms.

A reply might look something like this:

Ready to see why we’re one of the highest-rated dentists in Tri-Cities? Why have we been the winner of Tri-Cities’ People Choice Best Dentist & Dental Office for multiple years? Call us at (509) 581-0081 or schedule an appointment online and come see what a FIVE STAR dental experience is like!

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/how-to-find-a-highly-rated-dentist-with-good-reviews/

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What are the Tri-Cities’ People’s Choice Awards?

Wondering how to cast a vote for the Tri-Cities’ People’s Choice Awards and what the awards are? Every year, the Tri-City Herald puts together a survey that allows the people of the Tri-Cities’ to nominate local businesses in over 80 categories as the best in their industry. It’s a chance for locals to sing the praises of their favorite dentist, breakfast spot, or auto mechanic! And if you’re on the hunt for any of these services and stores, it’s the best place to find your new favorites!

So how does it work? All you need to do is visit Tri-Cities’ People Choice Awards for the 2021 nominations. Nominations are available between February 26th and March 21st, 2021. There’s only one entry per IP address, and nominated businesses must be with Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Adams, and Umatilla counties.

There are 5 overall categories:

Arts & Entertainment

Local Favorites

Food & Beverages

Services

Shopping

Within those categories, you’ll have to nominate a total of at least 10 businesses for your vote to count. If you’ve had a great experience at a local business it’s time to give them credit! The winners will receive a badge of honor that you can look for when looking to choose a new business.

For Southridge Dental, you can nominate us within two categories: Best Dentist and Best Dental Office.

We appreciate any of our patients that take the time to nominate us, and have been proud winners of BOTH categories for several years! We hope to stay the People’s Choice and continue to give each and every patient the best of dental care. We’re proud winners of the 2019 and 2020 People’s Choice Awards!

Cast your vote now and vote Southridge Dental Best Dental Office and Dr. Simper for Best Dentist! Visit Tri-Cities’ People Choice Awards for the 2021 nominations here https://tricityherald.wufoo.com/forms/cast-your-votes-for-the-peoples-choice-2021/

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/what-are-the-tri-cities-peoples-choice-awards/

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The Southridge Dental Comfort Philosophy

Helping Clients Feel Comfortable and Get the Help They Need with Professional Experts

Getting dental care is extremely important to your health and wellness. This is why we offer comfort dentistry: a warm, welcoming environment for our patients to receive their routine, preventive, family, and cosmetic dental care in a space where they can feel comfortable, and in the company of professionals. When Dr. Simper started his practice at Southridge Dental, his desire was to create a dental practice that he, as a dentist, would be pleased to go to — one of his main focuses being patient comfort and convenience. Simple things like scheduling patients so they didn’t have to wait to get in for their appointment, or having the best technology to properly serve patients, were (and still are) a top priority. Not only does Dr. Simper have great chairside manner and listen to you closely, but he is also skilled at all aspects of dentistry!

Professional Accreditations

When it comes to your oral health, it’s important that you pick a dentist that is professional and well trained! Dr. Simper is continuously pushing himself to learn more and to be an expert in his field. Our patients find comfort in knowing that Dr. Simper is incredibly well-trained and educated, and in fact, he has achieved Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. 

What is the Academy of General Dentistry? 

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is the professional association for general dentists. It is the only organization exclusively dedicated to representing the interests and serving the needs of general dentists, like Dr. Simper.

Why is a Fellowship important?

A dentist who has received their Fellowship offers his or her patients cutting-edge care. The dentists have to complete 500 hours of continuing education in various disciplines and then pass a rigorous examination. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it to make sure our patients are getting the best possible care available!

How long does Fellowship take? 

It varies based on personal availability to take the special courses and exams. For Dr. Simper, it took 4 years to achieve Fellowship. To earn Fellowship in the AGD, dentists must take more than 500 hours of educational courses in various disciplines. Candidates must also pass a rigorous exam. The award is then presented to general dentists in a formal ceremony. Sean Simper, D.D.S., is one of only 7 percent of general dentists who have achieved this honor! To learn more about this award or the AGD, visit www.agd.org.

Achieving Fellowship in the AGD is one of the few added distinctions a general dentist can achieve. 

Comfort Dentistry

At Southridge Dental, our goal is always to provide a premier dental experience. We’re happy to make the accommodations necessary to help you get the care you need!

When you visit Southridge Dental, the importance we place on comfort dentistry is obvious. We offer spa-like amenities, such as:

Warm neck towels

Paraffin wax

Entertainment via Netflix or Pandora

Weighted blanket

We always offer expert opinions no matter what condition your teeth are in! We want to work towards a long-term solution with you, so that your teeth can be in good condition and add to your overall wellness. We strive to ensure all of our patients have a 5-star experience, just like Laraya did:

“Absolutely recommend. I went to a different dentist that really messed up my teeth. They scared me from ever going back to the dentist. But I can’t even tell you how calm I was at Southridge. They offer so many calming services. Hot towels, neck rolls, warm wax for your hands, it really feels like a spa experience. They also have a snack area! So amazing. I brought my children with me. 6 months old and 4 years old. They were so sweet to them, interacting and engaging with my children as well as me. They made me feel so special. The receptionists were so helpful and absolutely sweet. Will never go anywhere else. “

Google Review By Laraya

We invite you to book an appointment with us and see why Laraya — and so many others here in the Tri-Cities — are choosing Southridge Dental as their new dentist’s office!

You can read more about the services offered in Comfort Dentistry here: https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/comfort-dentistry/. Or by calling our office at (509) 581-008. You can also schedule an appointment online here: https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/schedule-appointment/.

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/the-southridge-dental-comfort-philosophy/

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Teeth Whitening with Tooth Sensitivity

Get ready to remove the mask and show off your beautiful white teeth! Even with sensitive teeth, you can still get an effervescent, knockout smile you can be proud of!

Looking for a brighter, whiter smile? Is it possible with sensitive teeth?

Teeth whitening, or cosmetic dentistry, is a great way to freshen up your smile and feel confident and comfortable in your daily life. You may want to whiten your teeth for a big event, for photos, or for normal day-to-day life. No matter the reason why, teeth whitening is a fairly affordable way to boost your confidence and get you smiling big again! 

Many people qualify for teeth whitening and will be able to successfully go shades lighter and whiter. This includes people who suffer from sensitive teeth! There are, however, a few cases where you may not qualify for teeth whitening. If your sensitive teeth are due to an underlying problem that needs to be treated, you may have to address that before your whitening treatments can begin. Some teeth are also stained or discolored from genetics, pre-birth influences, or other effects that can’t be reversed. 

The best place to start is to have a consultation with your dentist. A professional dentist like Dr. Simper or Dr. Safford will be able to help address your teeth sensitivity and the potential effectiveness of teeth whitening. 

Teeth Whitening Effects on Sensitive Teeth

In the past, teeth whitening could leave teeth feeling extremely sensitive, especially to hot and cold temperatures. In recent years, teeth whitening technology has improved, the today’s whitening solutions are less likely to leave you feeling sensitivity (although it is still common to experience at least trace amounts of sensitivity after whitening). If your teeth are already too sensitive and causing discomfort, teeth whitening may not make sense until other dental issues can be further addressed!

There are also more products than ever to help ease the discomfort after teeth whitening and to reduce sensitivity! Make sure to ask your dentist for the best recommendations. 

With good at-home habits, like flossing, using the right toothpaste regularly, and brushing after sweets or staining liquids (like coffee and dark wine), you may be able to maintain and even whiten your teeth on your own.

If you’re considering an at-home whitener, you always ask your dentist for a recommendation before starting a process that may cause damage to your teeth (or more pain)! They understand that not everyone will have the budget or desire to have in-house whitening. 

Visit a Professional 

The best place to start will be to see a dentist that specializes in teeth whitening like we do at Southridge Dental. They will start by cleaning and examining your teeth. This will give them a starting place to see your stain levels and to give the best recommendations. After a full cleaning, your teeth might be better off than you think! 

And whether you need a DIY or in-office whitening, they can help sort you out. If you have sensitive teeth be sure to speak up about them! During the cleaning, you can indicate which exact teeth are causing problems and make sure they are resolved. As your dentist learns more about the sensitivity of your teeth, they can fix the problem or continue with an adjusted whitening program.

from Southridge Dental https://www.mykennewickdentist.com/teeth-whitening-with-tooth-sensitivity/