Dental implant technology has experienced many advancements over the last several years, making the prosthetics mimic natural teeth almost perfectly. Once the prosthetic teeth are surgically inserted, you have a permanent solution to tooth loss that allows you to gain the same function and appearance benefits as natural teeth. However, even though implants closely mimic natural teeth, they do require a little extra care to ensure they function and look great for many years to come. As a dental implant dentist near Longview WA, we have everything you need to know about caring for your implants.
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Implant Care with Your Dental Implant Dentist near Longview WA
December 12, 2016
Cosmetic Dentist in Castle Rock Beautifies Smiles
November 7, 2016
Small changes or a complete smile makeover–whatever enhancement your smile needs, you can receive it at Cowlitz River Dental. Experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington, delivers state-of-the-art aesthetic services in his comfortable, patient-friendly office in Castle Rock. Treatment plans are individualized according to patient health and personal preference.
Qualified Dentist Near Longview, WA
July 28, 2015
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
You 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Check the credentials – This matters. If your dentist doesn’t keep up their licenses or continuing education, they may not be reliable.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Every 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!
Longview, WA Cosmetic Dentist L. Blaine Kennington DDS creates stunning smiles.
May 25, 2015
Cosmetic dentistry improves smiles and self-confidence. Longview, WA, area cosmetic dentist L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental delivers expert dental care focused on health and aesthetics.
What bothers you about your smile? It’s great that your teeth and gums are healthy, but discolorations, old fillings and the gap between your front teeth mar an otherwise attractive mouth.
Enter outstanding smiles created by the skilled and experienced hands of cosmetic dentist L. Blaine Kennington DDS at Cowlitz River Dental in the Longview, WA, area. Dr. Kennington and his professional team blend just the right mix of technical credentialing and skill with compassionate listening. They want you to have a healthy smile that also boosts your self-confidence.
Modern cosmetic dentistry offers many ways to improve your smile.
Take all your dental worries to Cowlitz River Dental. Along with a complete oral examination, including periodontal probing, x-rays and oral cancer screening, your hygienist will remove tartar and plaque, polishing your smile and leaving it feeling refreshed. Any health concerns such as cavities or gingivitis will be addressed before proceeding to a cosmetic smile makeover.
Dr. Kennington will discuss your concerns about and goals for your smile. In other words, how would you like to improve it? He can then offer treatment options that will fit your personality, wallet and schedule.
Among the cosmetic services offered are:
- in-office teeth whitening for a quick and safe color improvement of up to 8 shades
- porcelain veneers to cover stubborn stains, chips, and gaps and strengthen tooth structure
- solid porcelain CEREC One-Visit Crowns to makeover teeth with big fillings, fractures or decay
- strong and lifelike dental implants fill gaps caused by missing teeth
- cosmetic bonding to fix small gaps and chips, smoothing and improving teeth for a natural and attractive look that lasts
For milder orthodontic problems, teens and adults enjoy the benefits of clear Invisalign® aligners that straighten teeth without traditional wires and brackets. For a rapid fix in a patient’s “smile zone” at the front of the mouth, SixMonthSmile braces gently move teeth into cosmetically better positions.
This Longview, WA, cosmetic dentist focuses on you.
At Cowlitz River Dental, Dr. Kennington and his friendly team will address your dental care with your health, goals, convenience and comfort in mind. For patients who approach the dental office with some nervousness and anxiety, rest assured that the pace is relaxed and the atmosphere is caring.
Dr. Kennington is the go-to sedationdentist in Longview, WA. He can make you feel more comfortable with nitrous oxide for any procedure and also can administer many different levels of oral and IV conscious sedation. Relax or even nap during any of your treatments! For a full list of dentalservices, visit the Cowlitz River Dental homepage. We conveniently serve patients from Longview, WA, as well as Castle Rock, Kelso, Lewis County and the surrounding areas.
Have Straighter Teeth with Six Month Smiles® from Cowlitz River Dental
March 10, 2015
Traditional orthodontic treatment takes time—usually two years or more. There is a way, however, to reduce that time significantly. With Six Month Smiles, you can have a straight and beautiful smile in, well, six months. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental has used Six Month Smiles to create happy smiles for many patients in and around Castle Rock, WA, and he can do the same for you!
Whereas traditional braces are meant to realign all of your teeth, Six Month Smiles focuses only on those teeth that are in your smile zone. Moreover, although Six Month Smiles uses common orthodontic mechanics, the emphasis is on the cosmetic appearance of your teeth and not the position of your bite.
Six Month Smiles and You
Speaking of the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, Six Month Smiles offers the added advantage of using clear brackets and tooth-colored wires, so the braces are less noticeable while you’re wearing them. Likewise, many of our patients tell us that Six Months Smiles are quite comfortable. This is probably because these braces use low force to move teeth more gently.
As the name implies, most adults complete their orthodontic treatment in about six months with Six Month Smiles. Because teeth have “memory,” you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new straight position once you’ve completed treatment. You can have a removable retainer or one that is bonded into place.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’re an adult who has been considering different methods of orthodontic treatment, Dr. Kennington and his team at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, would be happy to speak to you about Six Month Smiles. Considering the reduced treatment time—and by the way reduced treatment cost—you could have a straighter smile before the year is finished! We also serve patients from Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.
Cosmetic Dentistry is Making Smiles More Beautiful in Castle Rock, WA
December 20, 2014
Not many people are born with movie star smiles… not even movie stars. But you don’t have to be a Hollywood celeb to have a smile like one. Today, cosmetic dentistry offers many options to improve and enhance your smile. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his staff at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, can take your smile from bland to beautiful with cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic Dentistry at Cowlitz River Dental
To help you have the smile you’ve always wanted, the following cosmetic dentistry services are some of the most popular ones we offer.
Teeth Whitening Whether you choose our in-office whitening system or our professional grade at-home system, you will be amazed at the results. For a whiter smile in about an hour, we recommend our in-office treatment. If you prefer to whiten at home on your own schedule, then our at-home treatment is for you.
Cosmetic Bonding If you have a tooth that is slightly chipped or cracked, cosmetic bonding is a fast and simple solution. Dr. Kennington applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth and then molds the material to restore your damaged tooth’s shape.
Porcelain Veneers For teeth that are more severely damaged with chips, cracks or discoloration, there are porcelain veneers. These dental wonders are made of ultra-thin sheets of dental porcelain that are custom designed for your smile. Once cemented to your existing teeth, they will last for years with a little tender care.
Invisalign® If you would like to straighten your teeth, but don’t want to contend with the appearance of metal braces, there is Invisalign clear plastic aligners. Your custom aligners will be fabricated in the Invisalign lab according to Dr. Kennington’s treatment plan. You’ll wear the aligners according to plan and in about a year you’ll have the smile you’ve always wanted.
Call Our Office Today
If you’d like to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can give you a star-quality smile, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA. We also conveniently serve patients from Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.