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The Domino Effect of Ignoring Cavities: A Guide to Dental Health

January 12, 2024 By HarbourPLaceDental

Title: “The Domino Effect of Ignoring Cavities: A Guide to Dental Health”

Ignoring Tooth Cavities?

Introduction:
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook seemingly minor health concerns, and dental health is no exception. Ignoring a cavity is one common oversight that can lead to a domino effect of problems. Let’s dive into the consequences and why addressing cavities promptly is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile.

The Sneaky Culprit: Tooth Decay

Cavities, those tiny holes in your teeth, result from tooth decay caused by the activity of bacteria in your mouth. When left untreated, this decay can progress, leading to a series of dental issues.

The Progression of Ignoring Cavities:

1. Silent Development

Initially, cavities may develop without causing noticeable symptoms. The decay starts on the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, and can go unnoticed until it advances.

2. Escalating Pain

As the cavity deepens, it reaches the sensitive nerves inside the tooth, causing pain and discomfort. Ignoring this pain may lead to more severe consequences.

3. Infections and Abscesses

Untreated cavities can pave the way for infections and abscesses. The pain intensifies, and the risk of complications increases, potentially impacting surrounding teeth and gum tissues.

4. Advanced Dental Procedures

If the cavity continues to progress, it may require more invasive and extensive dental treatments, such as root canals or extractions. These procedures can be not only uncomfortable but also more costly.

Prevention is Key:

1. Regular Dental Check-ups

Schedule routine dental check-ups to catch cavities in their early stages. Early detection allows for simpler and less invasive treatments.

2. Good Oral Hygiene Practices

Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine with regular brushing, flossing, and the use of fluoride-containing products. This helps prevent the formation of cavities in the first place.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Diet plays a crucial role in dental health. Limit sugary foods and drinks, as they contribute to the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.

A Bright Smile Awaits:

Addressing cavities promptly prevents pain and discomfort and helps you maintain a radiant smile. Remember, oral health is a crucial part of your overall well-being, and investing time in preventive care can save you from the domino effect of dental issues.

Conclusion:
Don’t let a small cavity turn into a big problem. By staying proactive about your dental health and addressing cavities early on, you can ensure a bright and healthy smile for years to come. Schedule that dental check-up, embrace good oral hygiene practices, and let your smile shine!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: cavity dental filling, cosmetic dentistry, define dental cavity, dental caries cavities, dental cavities, dental cavity, dental cavity filling, dental cavity photos, dentist, dentist Mukilteo WA, how to treat dental cavity, Mukilteo Dentist, Mukilteo family dentistry

Mini Dental Implants: A Compact Solution for Denture Stability and Tooth Replacement

September 8, 2023 By HarbourPLaceDental

Mini Dental Implants: A Compact Solution for Denture Stability and Tooth Replacement

Introduction: In modern dentistry, technological advancements continue revolutionizing how we address dental health concerns. One such innovation that has recently gained popularity is mini dental implants. These petite powerhouses offer a compact yet effective solution for stabilizing dentures and addressing tooth loss in situations where traditional implants might not be suitable. In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of mini dental implants, their applications, benefits, and considerations.

Understanding Mini Dental Implants: Mini dental implants, as the name suggests, are smaller-sized dental implants designed to address specific dental challenges. While standard dental implants have been the go-to option for tooth replacement and denture stability, mini implants have carved out their own niche due to their unique characteristics. They typically have a diameter ranging from 1.8 to 3.3 mm, making them notably slimmer than their traditional counterparts.

Applications and Benefits:

  1. Denture Stabilization: One of the primary applications of mini dental implants is to provide enhanced stability for dentures. Individuals who struggle with ill-fitting dentures that slip or move while speaking or eating can benefit from mini implants. These implants anchor the dentures securely, restoring confidence and comfort to those who wear them.
  2. Bone Density Challenges: In cases where a patient’s bone density is not ideal for standard implants, mini dental implants offer a potential solution. Their smaller size allows for placement in areas with limited bone volume, opening up possibilities for tooth replacement where it might not have been feasible before.
  3. Reduced Invasiveness: The placement procedure for mini dental implants is generally less invasive than traditional implants. The smaller size often means a simpler surgical technique, reduced discomfort, and quicker healing times.
  4. Affordability: Mini dental implants are often more budget-friendly than their larger counterparts. This cost differential can make dental implant treatment more accessible to a broader range of patients.

Considerations and Limitations: While mini dental implants offer a range of benefits, it’s important to acknowledge their limitations as well:

  1. Durability: Mini dental implants may not provide the same long-term stability as traditional implants, particularly in high chewing forces or single-tooth replacements. A thorough assessment by a dental professional is crucial to determine the most suitable option.
  2. Patient Suitability: The decision to opt for mini dental implants should be made in consultation with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon. Oral health, bone density, and specific dental needs will influence whether mini implants are the right choice.

Conclusion: Mini dental implants have emerged as a valuable tool in modern dentistry, offering a compact yet effective solution for denture stabilization and tooth replacement. With their reduced invasiveness, versatility, and affordability, mini dental implants have helped bridge the gap for individuals facing unique dental challenges. As technology continues to evolve, these mini marvels remind us that even the smallest innovations can significantly improve dental health and overall well-being. To explore whether mini dental implants are the right choice, consult a dental professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your individual needs.

Filed Under: Blog, Restoration Dentistry Tagged With: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, dentist Mukilteo WA, mini dental implants, Mukilteo Dentist, Mukilteo family dentistry, Mukilteo WA Dentist

Dental Insurance and Discounted Dental Plans Explained

September 25, 2017 By HarbourPLaceDental

Oral health maintenance plays a very significant role in one’s life and is a prerequisite to having a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, preventing a dental problem before it occurs or preventing it from getting worse is a must. Failure to do so can lead to complications with teeth and the oral cavity and cause medical problems. Many people fail to realize how important it is to prioritize their dental health.

In the United States alone, many people do not have dental coverage. Not all employers offer dental insurance as a benefit, or it is limited in coverage. Therefore, people that care about maintaining their oral health try to look for other options that will allow them to secure dental benefits. This is where Dental Insurance and Discounted Dental Plans come in. But what are these two and their differences from one another? Below is a detailed explanation.

insurance

Dental Insurance

Private individual and family dental insurance plans can be expensive and vary in the scope of coverage. However, your employer may provide you and your family with a dental insurance plan that is usually separate from the medical plan. You may or may not pay a small monthly premium, while your employer usually pays the major part of the premium.

The coverages are usually well-defined. Basic cleaning, X-rays, fillings, and checkups are usually fully covered (twice a year) with no or a small co-pay. Some other procedures like extractions, root canals, crowns, and periodontal procedures are paid at 40-80 percent, depending on the procedure and your specific plan. Coverage of cosmetic procedures, implants, orthodontics, and other procedures vary according to plans and are not always covered.

Dental insurance (if you have one through your employer or can afford a private one) is a big help in minimizing expenses to maintain your dental health. However, it comes with some drawbacks. These are limitations and/or disease exclusions, deductible or non-reimbursable issues, the ceiling on spending, and waiting periods for some dental procedures.

Discount Dental Plans

For those who do not have access to dental insurance, many discounted Dental plans are available in the market. These provide benefits at reduced rates (fixed percentage) pre-arranged with a network of willing dentists. These plans reduce your cost of basic dental care.  These are also referred to as “reduced fee dental plans” or “affordable dental plans. It is easy to be a part of a discount dental plan as it does not involve a lot of paperwork. Some of these can be a kind of membership program that provides well-defined coverage on an annual basis with monthly membership fees.

These provide consumer-friendly discounts on dental services such as routine cleanings, oral exams, fillings, extractions, braces, dentures, and root canals. Consumers can save from 10-60% discount on the standard fee.

Although there are differences between these two, they still benefit consumers. Also, they can be joined together in some situations so one can get the most out of them by maximizing savings.

If you live in or around the Mukilteo, WA area, do not hesitate to call  Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield, and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and perfect smile.  Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at-home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after-treatment care.

Image via Cheap Full Coverage Auto Insurance

Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry Tagged With: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Dental Insurance, Discounted Dental Plans

Dental Implants and what to Expect During the Procedure

September 5, 2017 By HarbourPLaceDental

If having a missing tooth makes you feel self-conscious, worry no more because dental implants are an effective procedure to replace a missing tooth. The procedure is desirable as it is specifically designed to blend with the natural color and shape of the surrounding teeth.  The development and use of dental implants is one of the biggest advances in the field of dentistry.

These dental implants are made from titanium and other materials compatible to the body. The posts are surgically placed in the lower or upper jaw to serve as a strong anchor for the replacement tooth.

Dental Implants procedure

For some, the thought of having a dental implant might be scary. But given the benefit of the procedure and how it can help a person live a better life, it is definitely worth it. To ease the worry, it’s important to have enough knowledge about the procedure. Knowing the things to expect during dental implant procedures will be a big help.

What to Expect

  • The damaged tooth will be removed.
  • The socket will then be prepared for surgery. This process may involve bone grafting.
  • When the jawbone has completely healed, the oral surgeon will place the dental implant metal post in the jawbone. In some cases, immediate implant placement is possible.
  • You’ll have to take a rest and let the bone heal around the implant. The healing period may last for a few months.
  • The oral surgeon will place the abutment. This is an extension of the implant metal post. There are some instances that when the implant is at a stable condition, placing of the abutment can be done simultaneously at the time the implant is placed.)
  • With the healing abutment placed and soft tissues healed, the dentist will make molds of your teeth and the implant site.  The final implant abutment and crown is then made at a dental lab and then placed by your dentist.

The whole process may take several months from the beginning to end. The majority of time is spent in healing and waiting for the new bone to grow in the jaw. For single tooth replacement, most people have minimal discomfort and heal quickly.

If you live in or around Mukilteo WA area do not hesitate to call  Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and a perfect smile.  Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website  or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after treatment care.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry Tagged With: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Dental Insurance, Discounted Dental Plans

Do You Require Dental Implants?

August 22, 2017 By HarbourPLaceDental

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.

A dental implant is surgically placed by a periodontist or oral surgeon and allowed to heal and  integrate with the surrounding bone.  After the healing period, the implant can be restored with a crown or cap, much like a crown on a natural tooth.  Dental implants are made of titanium metal  that is compatible with the body and integrates well within the jaw bone. This is a perfect choice for individuals who maintain excellent basic oral health but have lost one or more teeth due to gum disease, decay or traumatic injury.  Multiple implants can support bridges or dentures where a person has lost many teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants do not depend on the support of surrounding teeth and therefore have minimal impact on them, in sharp contrast to partial dentures and bridgework. By following proper dental and oral hygiene these dental implants can last a long time.

Though less expensive, partial and full dentures have limitations. They just don’t act and feel like natural teeth. It can be a challenge to maintain a good fit and alignment to avoid embarrassing slippage. They need to be periodically adjusted and relined.  After seven to ten years, they may need replacement. The biggest problem though is the gradual loss of underlying bone or recession of the jaw. This leads to loose dentures that need frequent adjustment and replacement. With partial dentures, the surrounding teeth are also impacted due to the loss of support of the surrounding natural teeth. Clearly, dental implants are the best choice and closest to natural teeth in look, feel and function.

The greatest impediments to much wider use of dental implants have been their cost, complexity of the procedure and the time it takes to heal. Things are getting much better though. Costs have come down considerably. Surgical procedures and the time to heal have improved significantly. The goal of placing an implant and the porcelain tooth on the same day is getting closer and closer.

Therefore, for patients who have missing teeth or need partial or full dentures, it is important to have an in-depth conversation with their dental care provider to determine whether implants, in the long run, make financial sense and can help to achieve the goals of well-being and a beautiful smile.

If you live in or around Mukilteo WA area do not hesitate to call  Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and a perfect smile.  Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website  or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after treatment care.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry Tagged With: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Dental Insurance, Discounted Dental Plans

Cosmetic Dentistry: The Best Way to Redefine Your Smile

August 11, 2017 By HarbourPLaceDental

Many people want to enhance their appearance and express their personality with near perfect teeth and a perfect smile.  One way to do it is through cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is the field of dentistry that emphasizes enhancing the smile and appearance of a person. With the help of a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist, you can enhance your self image and well-being by freely expressing yourself with your uninhibited smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry

If you sense limitations and reservation in expressing yourself because of not having that perfect smile, cosmetic dentistry is here to assist you. With the advent of new technology, having a beautiful smile is now easily accessible.  With a variety of options and prices, you can find a solution to fit  your needs and budget.  With the help of cosmetic dentistry, you can improve your smile with the procedures that are focused on the brightening of color and correction and alignment of the teeth. This can result in opening more doors for social and professional success.

How does Cosmetic Dentistry redefine your Smile?

  • brightens dull teeth
  • whitens stained teeth
  • close gaps in between teeth
  • masks metal fillings
  • repairs chipped teeth
  • straightens crooked teeth

Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry

  • Dull or stained teeth will be better with whitening, laser whitening, veneers or bonding
  • Chipped, misshapen, or worn teeth will be improved through bonding, veneers, or cosmetic contouring
  • Crowded or crooked teeth will be corrected with bonding, veneers, or orthodontics
  • Close up the gaps between your teeth with bonding, veneers, or orthodontics
  • For missing tooth, the best solution is a dental implant or fixed bridge
  • Old and/or unsightly fillings will look better with tooth-colored fillings
  • Excessive and/or uneven gums can be corrected with gum grafts

To achieve a more natural-looking smile, one or more techniques may be performed. For instance, aside from bleaching, the dentist may follow up with minor orthodontics for better results.

If you live in or around Mukilteo WA area do not hesitate to call  Mukilteo Dentists Dr. Onishi, Dr. Sarsfield and other experts at Harbour Place Dental who go above and beyond when it concerns helping their patients with ideal dental care and a perfect smile.  Call them at (425) 493-8111, or visit and contact them through their website  or by email: harbourpldental@gmail.com and ask them if at home teeth whitening is right for you and advice on reducing and/or coping with Teeth whitening sensitivity and after treatment care.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Dentistry Tagged With: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Implants, Dental Insurance, Discounted Dental Plans

Cosmetic Dentistry for That Gorgeous Winning Smile

April 29, 2015 By HarbourPLaceDental

Big smileMaking cosmetic dentistry work for you is not as simple as it may sound,  especially if it is the first time that you are going to get one. More likely, you don’t know which cosmetic dentistry procedure might suit well for your specific needs. If you don’t know where to find the most ideal and qualified cosmetic dentist, it is important that you have a cosmetic dentistry guide in order that you don’t end up with a less than qualified one and mess up your smile even more.

Getting the right cosmetic dentist will not only give you a beautiful smile but a sure value to your money. You don’t want to spend more money than you should for getting that winning smile.  Following guide should help you find the right dentist for you.

• When searching for the right cosmetic dentist, look for one who listens to your needs. A good dentist listens intently and then offers viable solutions for your specific needs. He/she will  offer detailed explanations of the appropriate procedures and discuss with you risks and benefits of each long before the procedure is actually performed. So it is important that you are prepared to discuss your needs to improve your teeth and your smile. Tell the dentist exactly what it is that you want. Discuss the problem you have been encountering in getting and feeling that  perfect smile you so desire. Expressing all your concerns is the best start to finding that great solution with the help of your dentist.

• After discussing with the dentist, it will be helpful to ask see some before and after photos of other patients.

• Don’t be shy to ask for references. Qualified or accomplished dentist will not hesitate to give you one or two consenting clients who already received benefits of the same treatment you are about to get from him. You can also look for unsolicited reviews on the internet.

• You can ask the cosmetic dentist about technology he/she uses as well as special training he/she has obtained.

• If the dentist is good at his practice, he should know and be prepared with the treatment options that are available for your specific case. He/she should also be ready to give you a detailed explanation of said treatments, as well as their respective price breakdown.

• Although some might think it as a minor thing, it is important that you find a cosmetic dentist who will match with your personality. This is important because you want a dentist whom you can well relate with. It will be easier for you to tell him/her all your and troubles and feelings that accompany a sense of not having a perfect smile and teeth. It will help your cosmetic dentist to find that perfect treatment for you.

At Harbour Place Dental of Mukilteo WA we strive to be patient, understanding and thorough to make and feel our patients at ease that helps greatly in performing the procedures smoothly as well as trouble free recovery. We strive to give that confidence of a beautiful smile back to our patients.

Filed Under: Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry Tagged With: beautiful smile, cosmetic, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, dentist, dentist Mukilteo WA, guide, Mukilteo Dentist, Mukilteo family dentistry, Mukilteo Smiles, pediatric dentist Mukilteo WA, perfect smile, right cosmetic, right cosmetic dentist, smile, teeth, the right cosmetic

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**🇺🇸 Honoring Our Heroes This Memorial Day 🇺🇸** This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made

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This diet may be an ally in fight against gum disease A fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) paired with the standard nonsurgical periodontal therapy may reduce the

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