Family Dentistry Tumwater, WA
At Deschutes River Dentistry, we pride ourselves on treating every member of the family. Family dentistry is focused on preventing potential complications, rather than treating them. If you and your family are in need of professional dental services, we can help!
Dental Exam
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a routine check-up roughly twice a year. A routine appointment with our doctors will typically include a professional cleaning and a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. We may also recommend an oral cancer screening for our older patients.
Teeth Cleaning
Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital if you want your teeth to stay strong, functional, and attractive. Apart from regular brushing and flossing, it is also necessary to keep your dental appointments with us regularly. You should visit us at least twice a year for a professional cleaning to ensure you have excellent dental hygiene and your teeth and surrounding structures are healthy.
Dentistry for Kids
Professional dental care is a crucial part of your child’s oral health. Be sure to schedule your child’s first appointment by the time their first teeth erupt, or before their first birthday. Scheduling regular appointments allows us to monitor the development of their oral health. Developmental problems are easier to treat in the beginning stages. As your child grows older, we can establish a strong foundation for their oral health, one that will ensure a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.
Periodontal Care
Your periodontal (gum) tissues are just as important as your teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Periodontal disease is the result of an infection in the gum tissues, connective ligaments, and eventually the alveolar bone.
The disease is characterized by gums that are swollen, red, and tend to bleed during brushing and flossing. Luckily, periodontal disease is easy to prevent and treat if it is caught early enough. If we notice signs of advanced periodontal disease, we may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. The goal is to return your gums to a pink, healthy state.
Mouth Guard
A mouthguard will protect your teeth and prevent dental emergencies. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), we may recommend a night guard. Many patients with bruxism tend to grind their teeth during sleep. A night guard acts as a barrier that prevents enamel wear.
Sports Guard
Contact sports or sports with moving objects can be a very dangerous environment for your teeth. One extreme tackle or a ball hit into the mouth can do serious, sometimes permanent, damage to the jaw and mouth. If you participate in physical activities that put you at risk for dental trauma or injury, we strongly recommend a custom-made sports mouthguard.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is characterized by the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat. We offer oral appliances to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. An oral appliance can provide you with safer and more restful sleep!
Senior Dentistry
Geriatric dentistry includes both patients over the age of 75, and patients who are younger but suffer from chronic illness, or physical and cognitive impairment. There are some elevated concerns for the development of caries, periodontitis, and other ailments including oral cancer in geriatric patients. Our staff at Deschutes River Dentistry can help our patients better understand these conditions, and advise them on both oral hygiene routines to incorporate at home, or treatment if needed, going forward. Your oral health matters at every age, and there are steps to help you navigate each season of life to have a healthy smile.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), allows us to move our joint forwards, backward, and side-to-side. Any problems that prevent us from using this joint properly are known as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorders. We provide some treatments designed to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with the TMJ.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about our family dentistry services call 360-786-9354, and schedule an appointment now!