At Cowlitz River Dental, we emphasize preventive dentistry for the care and maintenance of your natural smile, but we also know that to meet the needs of all our patients, we have to offer exceptional restorative and cosmetic dentistry services as well as meeting the needs of the whole family including patients with dental anxiety. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team are also here to help your family in case of emergency. Whatever your dental care needs, let the superior dentist near Longview, WA put a smile on your face. Call our Castle Rock, WA office to schedule an appointment today.
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Qualified Dentist Near Longview, WA
July 28, 2015
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CEREC One-Visit Crowns near Longview, WA
April 10, 2015
Not long ago, having a crown to repair a tooth damaged by severe decay or a traumatic injury necessitated at least two visits to the dentist. Well, those days are gone. Now, at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, near Longview, WA, we can prepare your tooth, mill the crown—as well as an inlay or onlay—and set the crown all in one appointment. How, you ask? CEREC One-Visit Dentistry allows Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his staff to restore your tooth and refurbish your smile in short order.
The CEREC system uses CAD/CAM technology. Included in the system is a digital infrared camera that takes a photo of your damaged tooth, 3-D CAD software to design your unique tooth restoration and a milling unit that fabricates the restoration in our Castle Rock office.
The CEREC Process
Once Dr. Kennington determines that a CEREC crown is the appropriate choice, then the procedure is rather straight-forward. First, the tooth needing repair is isolated and the surrounding tissue is anesthetized. Dr. Kennington then prepares the tooth after which the digital camera creates a digital impression (instead of a molded impression) of your tooth. In turn, this impression is entered into CEREC’s computer system in order to develop a 3-D model of your tooth, including its shape, size and color. The design is electronically transmitted to the milling unit, which fabricates your metal-free crown in approximately 20 minutes or less.
After checking the restoration, Dr. Kennington adhesively bonds it into place. In only one visit, you have a fully restored tooth that’s as good as new. To care for your CEREC crown, brush and floss your teeth twice daily as usual. Also, try to avoid chewing hard foods with your new crown.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’d like to learn more about CEREC One-Visit Crowns, then call the office of Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA. We conveniently serve patients from Longview, WA, as well as Castle Rock, Kelso, Lewis County and the surrounding areas.
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Have a Complete Smile again with Dental Implants in Castle Rock, WA
February 24, 2015
If you need to replace a tooth, or more than one tooth, then you know you have more than one option for replacement. There are bridges and dentures, of course, but perhaps the best option is a dental implant. Unlike other tooth replacement choices, dental implants replace the entire tooth from root to crown. In Castle Rock, WA, and the surrounding area, there are many people who have turned to Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental for dental implants that look, feel and function like a natural tooth.
Patients lose teeth for a variety of reasons: severe decay or a failed root canal that necessitates extraction and a hard blow to the face that knocks out a tooth are only a couple of reasons. Regardless of how teeth go missing, it’s important to replace them not only for the sake of appearances, but for your overall oral health, too. One missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, thereby throwing your bite out of alignment. And without a tooth root, the jawbone around the open socket begins to deteriorate, causing facial sagging.
Dental Implants to the Rescue!
In addition to replacing one tooth, dental implants can anchor a bridge to replace several teeth, and they can also hold a denture to make wearing a removable dental prosthetic far more comfortable and stable. When you come to Cowlitz River Dental for a dental implant, Dr. Kennington will first surgically implant a titanium post into the jawbone beneath the open socket. As you heal, the post will fuse with the bone much like a real tooth root. You’ll wear a temporary prosthetic during the healing process and then return to our office to have your permanent crown, bridge or denture secured into place. With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, your dental implant can give you a lifetime of happy smiles.
Call Our Office Today
If you would like to learn more about dental implants, then call the office of Cowlitz River Dental today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kennington. We serve patients in Castle Rock, WA, as well as the surrounding communities of Kelso, Longview and Lewis County.
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Revive Your Smile with Restorative Dentistry in Castle Rock, WA
January 12, 2015
Rare is the person who manages to sail through life without needing any kind of tooth restoration. (If you know people like that, then we’d love to meet them!) At some point, most people need a cavity filled, a chipped tooth repaired or a missing tooth replaced. For this reason there is restorative dentistry. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, are highly trained and experienced in a number of restorative dental procedures to make your smile look as good as new!
Fillings and Implants and Braces
At your bi-annual checkups, our hygienists will closely examine your teeth for any signs of decay, and we’ll take x-rays when necessary to uncover any spots of hidden decay. If found, then we will recommend restoring the tooth with a tooth-colored composite resin filling. With a blend of composite resin materials, Dr. Kennington can perfectly match the filling to your existing tooth color. And these fillings maintain more of the tooth’s natural structure and are stronger and safer than amalgam fillings.
If you have even one missing tooth, then you know what trouble that can be. Activities you had taken for granted—eating, speaking and smiling—are suddenly difficult. Therefore, replacing those teeth becomes critical. Perhaps the best tooth replacement option is a dental implant, which not only replaces the crown of a tooth, but the root, too. As such, you’ll have a new tooth that looks and functions like one of your natural teeth, and has the added bonus of a post that serves as the “root” of the tooth.
Cowlitz River Dental offers two kinds of orthodontic treatment if reviving your smile requires straightening your teeth. Invisalign®, as the name implies, straightens teeth almost invisibly with clear plastic aligners. Six Month Smiles® uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires to move teeth inconspicuously.
Call Our Office Today
Schedule an appointment today for restorative dentistry with Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA. Our office is conveniently located for patients in Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.
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CEREC One-Visit Crowns: Beautiful Form & Function in One Day at Cowlitz River Dental
April 23, 2014
Porcelain crowns offer a number of key advantages in the field of restorative dentistry, simultaneously providing strength and beauty in cases in which a tooth has become damaged due to decay or injury. Previously, the fabrication and placement of dental crowns was a tedious and time-consuming process. Modern dental technology, however, has now made it possible for Dr. Kennington to provide patients with flawless porcelain crowns in less time than ever before. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, we feature revolutionary CEREC one-visit crowns, giving you all the advantages of a beautifully strong and healthy smile.
Benefits of CEREC Technology in Castle Rock, WA
Whereas the traditional dental crown process involved messy impressions that were often uncomfortable to the patient, CEREC one-day technology allows Dr. Kennington to take precise, accurate measurements of your dentition in mere minutes using a digital scanner. These measurements are used to formulate 3-dimensional digital images that are then used to create your custom porcelain crowns. There’s no longer any need to endure a temporary crown for weeks while you wait for your restoration to be completed. Dr. Kennington can complete the entire process in one comfortable visit so you can leave our office with a fortified, more confident smile.
CEREC restorations have become the new standard when it comes to dental crowns, offering the beauty and strength you’d expect with the incredible benefit of time saved as well. You’ll love how natural your new restoration looks and feels, fitting seamlessly into your smile while preserving as much of your existing tooth as possible. As with all of our cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, you’ll be made to feel comfortable and welcome in our family-friendly practice from the moment you walk through our doors. We’re not satisfied until you’re smiling freely and happily once again.
Schedule Your Consultation
Whether you are in need of a new crown or currently have a restoration that needs to be replaced, Dr. Kennington and his caring team are here to help! In our state-of-the-art dental practice in Castle Rock, WA, we possess the skills, expertise, experience, and cutting-edge technology necessary to restore your smile to its optimal state of health and beauty. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding CEREC one-day crowns, as well as any of our other restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures. We also serve patients in nearby areas, including Longview, Kelso, Lewis County, and beyond.
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Dental Implants Post-Op: Must-Have Recovery Tips from Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA
April 9, 2014
Dental implants have quickly become the preferred restorative option for patients who are missing one or more teeth, whether this is due to injury, disease, or necessary extraction. For patients who have made the decision to undergo dental implant surgery, understanding the basics of post-operative care is essential before the implant process even begins. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team are here to help you along every step of the way, offering consistent and compassionate care from the beginning of your treatment until your restored, healthier smile is complete.
Dental Implant Post-Op Essentials
Before your dental implant surgery, Dr. Kennington and his trusted staff will provide you with all of the details regarding your procedure. You’ll be apprised of the healing process as well, preparing you for a successful recovery following the surgery. Some basic fundamentals to keep in mind – particularly regarding pain management, health, and oral hygiene – include the following:
- Ensuring proper healing. In order to recover quickly and efficiently, your body requires adequate rest. Avoid strenuous activity for two to three days following your surgery, especially avoiding anything that necessitates bending over or lifting heavy objects. As always, feel free to contact us and consult Dr. Kennington if you have any questions at all.
- Diet after dental implants. Soft, cool food and plenty of liquids are recommended for the first few days to a week after your procedure. Avoid crunchy, flaky, and hard foods, as these can irritate the healing tissue of the gums.
- Avoiding discomfort. You’ll be given a prescription for medication that helps alleviate pain following surgery, and instructions regarding additional, over-the-counter medicines as well. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also help to reduce any swelling; alternating cold and warm compresses will magnify these effects.
- Preventing infection. Following any surgical procedure of this nature, patients are typically provided with a prescription for antibiotic medication. This precautionary measure helps to drastically reduce the chance that an infection will develop at the surgical site. Be sure to follow Dr. Kennington’s post-op instructions regarding your medicine, as well as any special directions provided by your pharmacist.
Your Trusted Partners in Implant Dentistry in Castle Rock, WA
At Cowlitz River Dental, we believe that each and every person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s why we offer a comprehensive menu of restorative dentistry services, including the placement and restoration of dental implants. Contact our office in Castle Rock, WA today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kennington and see what a difference our commitment to your oral health can make in your daily life. Our family-friendly dental practice happily welcomes patients from throughout the neighboring areas, including Kelso, Longview, Lewis County, and more.
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Restore Function & Aesthetics to Your Smile with Dental Implants Near Longview, WA
March 24, 2014
Missing teeth cause a variety of serious problems, ranging from a diminished ability to eat and speak to self-esteem issues regarding the appearance of your smile. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team help patients who are missing teeth reclaim their smiles and full functionality with a variety of restorative dentistry procedures, including the placement of dental implants.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
For men and women who are searching for a reliable, sustainable solution to one or more missing teeth, but would rather avoid traditional prosthetics like dentures and partials, dental implants offer a number of distinct advantages. Unlike removable devices that must be cleaned separately every day, dental implants look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. Your replacement teeth, customized to match the color, shape, and size of your existing dentition, are anchored within the gums and jaw just like the teeth you currently have. Patients with healthy gum tissue and sufficient bone density in the jaw are typically considered ideal candidates for dental implant placement.
A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Kennington can determine your candidacy for dental implants. As always, we are more than happy to discuss with you the wide array of restorative dentistry treatments and techniques available to you. Our primary objective is to provide you with everything you need to eat, speak, and smile once again in complete comfort and confidence.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Whether you’ve been missing one or more teeth for years or you plan to have an extraction performed and are interested in your tooth replacement options, Dr. Kennington can help. Contact our office in Castle Rock, WA, located conveniently near Longview, WA today to schedule your appointment. Our warm, welcoming dental practice happily accepts patients from families in surrounding communities, including Lewis County, Castle Rock, Kelso, Longview, and beyond. We look forward to helping you achieve the beautiful, complete smile you want and deserve!
Restore and Preserve Your Natural Teeth with Root Canal Therapy Near Longview, WA
March 11, 2014
Root canal therapy has gained a substantial amount of notoriety among the general population, evoking dread and a fear of immense pain. Fortunately, today’s endodontic technology allows us to perform this often necessary procedure with ease and minimal discomfort to the patient. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his experienced team of dental professionals offer root canal therapy to protect your natural teeth from the threat of advanced decay.
Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
When a cavity is left untreated for an extended period of time, the decay can spread throughout the tooth and down into the pulp (the living portion of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels). The result is a painful, often excruciating sensation that can interfere with your daily activities. In addition, your tooth as a whole may be compromised, leading to the need for extraction to prevent further damage.
Fortunately, root canal therapy from Dr. Kennington near Longview, WA can help you keep your natural teeth intact and eliminate any infection present. The bacteria inhabiting the decayed site will be removed completely and the root’s canal, now clean, will be filled and covered with a durable crown to restore function. Throughout the entire process, our team will ensure that you feel as calm and comfortable as possible. In fact, many patients feel so relaxed and comfortable that they actually fall asleep! This single endodontic procedure can help you avoid the trouble and expense of having a tooth not only removed entirely, but replaced as well.
Root Canal Therapy for Improved Oral Health
Not all beautiful smiles are healthy; even if there is no visible sign of damage or decay when you look at your teeth, persistent pain and swelling indicate that there may be a problem deep within. A visual exam and x-rays conducted at our Castle Rock, WA office will help determine whether or not root canal therapy is necessary to preserve the affected tooth. Conveniently located near Longview, WA, Cowlitz River Dental warmly welcomes patients from in and around northwestern Oregon and southwestern Washington, including Kelso, Lewis County, Saint Helens, and more. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health and comfort.