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Qualified Dentist Near Longview, WA

July 28, 2015

Relaxed patient at dentist near Longview, WA.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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Best Dentist Near Longview, WA

July 27, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-177769009You may not want to judge a book by its cover, but maybe you should judge dentists by their smiles. If you’ve ever visited a dental practice, other medical care office, or even a grocery store where all the other patients are frowning and the employees are surly and unapproachable, you probably didn’t go back. A dentist’s first priority should always be making you smile, and at Cowlitz River Dental, we believe that begins before you ever enter the patient care room. From the moment you arrive, our staff will make you feel welcome and comfortable. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is dedicated to making sure every patient is at ease and looks forward to their next visit. Call to schedule your appointment today, and let Cowlitz River Dental of Castle Rock, WA put a smile on your face.

How to Choose a Dentist

Finding a dentist isn’t always fun, but it should be a priority. Whether you’ve recently moved or you just need a new dentist, take your time and make sure you choose the dentist that is right for you. Here are some tips for choosing a practice to meet your oral health care needs:

  1. Know what you need – If you’re a single, relatively healthy person, you likely just need a general dentist, but if you have children or need special dental care, you’ll want to pay more attention to what services are available before you choose a dentist. Most offices list their services on-line, or would be happy to tell you more over the phone.
  2. Know what’s covered – Insurance is rarely straightforward. Review your dental insurance coverage, and try to select an in-network dental care provider. However, almost all dental practices will process and file insurance claims for you regardless of what insurance coverage you have.
  3. Check the credentials – This matters. If your dentist doesn’t keep up their licenses or continuing education, they may not be reliable.
  4. Read the reviews – Look for on-line reviews from real patients. We recommend reading the highest and lowest ratings to see what the most and least satisfied customers thought.
  5. Ask other trusted medical professionals – Your previous dentist or other trusted medical professionals may be able to offer some recommendations for dentists in your area. Additionally, the American Dental Association provides lists of their members on-line, and this may be a good starting point for your search.
  6. Schedule a consultation – You don’t have to commit to a dentist before you see the office and meet the staff. Schedule a consultation to check the facilities for cleanliness, meet the staff and see the other patients, and ask the doctor plenty of questions.

Preventive, Restorative, Cosmetic, Implant and Sedation Dentistry

At Cowlitz River Dental, we’re here to help our patients with a full spectrum of dental services. Dr. Kennington has completed advanced training in numerous areas including dental implants, CEREC same-day ceramic restorations, and laser dentistry. Our state-of-the-art office allows patients to receive the most up-to-date care in a peaceful environment. We’re here for our patients in case of an emergency offering same day treatment whenever possible. Best of all, we welcome the whole family to experience our superior dental health care.

General and Emergency Dentist Near Longview, WA

Whatever your dental health care needs, Dr. Kennington and the Cowlitz River Dental team are here to help. From your 6 month checkups and cleanings to dental emergencies, oral surgery and more. Call to schedule an appointment today, or find out more about our superior dental care services. Our Castle Rock, WA office accepts patients from nearby Longview, Ryderwood, Vader, Toledo, Toutle, and beyond.

When is it time to see the dentist?

June 17, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-158668598Every six months since we were children, we have all had to visit the dentist. It’s not like it’s something everyone wants to do; it’s done because it has to be. Sure, a busy work schedule, hectic family life or demanding social schedule can get in the way of receiving the proper care you need. Blaming your absence on those situations can only work for so long. You should all make time for the dentist or hold some serious regrets later in life. Your Longview, WA cosmetic and sedation dentist, Dr. Blaine Kennington, offers fantastic cosmetic dentistry and general family dentistry services that will help you and your family achieve optimal oral health.

10 Signs to See a Dentist

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing a few times a week won’t keep every form of bacteria from growing inside your mouth, and it certainly doesn’t mean you are exempt from visiting us. If teeth aren’t properly cleaned at least once a year, you run the risk of serious health issues like gum disease (periodontitis), coronary artery disease and dementia, to name a few. If you are experiencing any of the signs below, it’s time to give us a call.

  • Tooth pain: When a toothache hits, you will do anything to get it treated. If pain resides after a day or two, don’t wait; your body may fight off the infection, but the root cause still remains.
  • Inflamed gums: Swollen gums are caused by hardened plaque that has accumulated under your gum line. It can often be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis.
  • White spots on teeth: It’s the first sign of dental decay. It’s an infection where the enamel begins to dissolve in response to acid produced by bacteria.
  • Sensitivity to hold and cold: Tooth decay is a good possibility here. As the condition advances it makes its way into the center of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
  • Changes of color in the mouth: If your cheeks, the top and underneath of your tongue has discoloration, lumps or inconsistencies, it’s time to pick up the phone and call us.
  • Canker Sores
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Metallic taste in the mouth: It’s a very distinct taste that can lead to bad breath, and a popular sign of gingivitis.

 

General Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Every dentist wants his or her patients and their families to experience excellent oral health, and we’re no different. There is nothing that brings a smile to our faces more than helping a patient achieve their dreams and walk around showing off a beautiful smile. We provide the utmost care and professionalism when it comes to restoring your smile, whether it’s using cosmetic dentistry or general family dentistry services.

Our cosmetic dentistry services include:

  • Teeth whitening
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Invisalign
  • Six Month Smiles
  • Dental Implants
  • CEREC One-Visit Crowns
  • Cosmetic bonding
  • Complete smile makeovers

General family services include:

  • Checkups and dental hygiene
  • Children’s dentistry
  • Periodontal therapy
  • TMJ therapy
  • Emergency dental care
  • Restorative dentistry

 

Schedule an Appointment

Cowlitz River Dental helps southern Washington communities realize their dental dreams at our Castle Rock, WA office. Patients from all over the area, including Ryderwood, Vader, Toledo, Toutle, and beyond, have come to us for help. Schedule and appointment and make your smile pop!

Give Your Children the Gift of Healthy Teeth with Children’s Dentistry at Cowlitz River Dental

November 10, 2014

469174173Well, Halloween has just passed and Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. You know what that means… Your children will likely be eating more sweet treats. Apple pie, sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top, candy, cookies and the list goes on and on. So, now is the time to bring your children to Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental, the children’s dentistry specialist in Castle Rock, WA.

Although your children’s first visit to the dentist is not necessary until they are one or two years old, their dental health can begin much earlier. And it begins with you. The bacteria that cause tooth decay are frequently transferred to a child’s mouth via saliva from a parent or another caregiver. If you share a spoon with your baby or clean the baby’s pacifier in your own mouth, then your saliva is introduced to your child’s mouth. So in this case, spare the share!

Your Child and the Dentist

When you do bring your children to Cowlitz River Dental, we’ll count their baby teeth, check for any signs of tooth decay, gently clean their teeth and offer some tips for your at-home dental hygiene routine. Of course, your children’s baby teeth will fall out. Until then, however, they play a critical role in your child’s general health and more specifically, they are the guides and placeholders for adult teeth.

When their adult teeth do come in, we usually recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatments. Dental sealants are a white plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of molars to protect those hard to clean crevices from plaque that harbors cavity-causing bacteria. Fluoride treatments have been proven to strengthen enamel, the tooth’s first natural line of defense against cavities.

Call Our Office Today

Before the holidays arrive, schedule an appointment for your children to see Dr. Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA. We also serve patients in Kelso, Longview and Lewis County.

Keep Little Smiles Healthy and Strong with Children’s Dentistry at Cowlitz River Dental

May 5, 2014

Shutterstock Children Girl ToothbrushSummer is just around the corner and kids from all over the country are excited for school to end, freeing them to stay up later, spend their days at the pool, and enjoy everyday adventures with friends and family. Though school may be letting out for a while and schedules will undoubtedly soon switch to summer mode, it’s important that your children keep to their regular oral hygiene regimen just the same, preventing decay and other problems with routine checkups at Cowlitz River Dental. Conveniently located in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team offer comprehensive children’s dentistry services all year round, ensuring the full health, comfort, and beauty of your child’s smile.

The Importance of Children’s Dental Checkups

While it is true that your little one’s primary teeth, or baby teeth, will fall out eventually, taking exceptional care of them now is still crucial to overall oral health and wellness. These first teeth set the stage for the healthy development of the pearly whites your child will use for the rest of their lives, so keeping them strong is key to lifelong dental health.

When you visit Cowlitz River Dental, we’ll always take the time to ensure that your son or daughter feels completely comfortable and safe in the dental chair. We know that first impressions count for a lot, particularly when it comes to the dentist. Our honest, open, and patient-centric approach to children’s dentistry means that your child will begin life loving dental checkups. We’ll perform a thorough examination and cleaning, providing useful tips for at-home oral care and answers to any questions you may have. Should they be deemed helpful, dental sealants and fluoride treatments may be offered.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Has it been more than six months since your child last visited us for a dental checkup? If so, contact our office in Castle Rock, WA today to schedule your appointment. We can’t wait to show you what a difference our commitment to your child’s oral health and happiness can make! Our family-friendly dental practice also happily serves patients from Lewis County, Kelso, Longview, and beyond.