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Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed? Vital Information from Dr. Kennington

June 5, 2014

shutterstock_196648349Many people wonder if wisdom tooth removal is something that they need in order to maintain optimal oral health and comfort. Because each patient is unique, the answer to this question depends largely upon a number of factors. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his caring staff are always happy to offer insight and information regarding the status of your oral health, as well as advice that can help you make an informed decision regarding certain procedures – this includes help answering the question, “Do I need wisdom tooth removal?”

Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal

There are a number of reasons that wisdom tooth extraction is recommended. In many cases, the presence of wisdom teeth may contribute to the overcrowding of other teeth throughout the mouth. In addition to the cosmetic drawbacks of crowding, this problem can increase your risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease due to the fact that crowded teeth are more difficult to clean properly. Another reason that wisdom teeth are removed involves the health of your gums. If a wisdom tooth erupts partially through the gum, the resulting opening in the gingival tissue can serve as a potential site of infection.

The most common reason for wisdom tooth extraction is impaction. When a tooth is impacted, it becomes trapped within the jaw and may cause damage to bone tissue, nerves, and adjacent teeth. Timely removal helps to prevent this damage before it becomes serious and painful for the patient.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Do you suspect that you may be suffering from an impacted wisdom tooth? Contact our office today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Kennington. We are always happy to welcome new and existing patients for oral health evaluations, oral surgery consultations, cosmetic treatment planning, and more. Our conveniently located dental practice in Castle Rock, WA also happily serves patients in Lewis County, Kelso, Longview, and beyond. Our team can’t wait to help you discover real relief from wisdom tooth pain, allowing you to smile comfortably and happily once again.

Invisalign Clear Braces for a Seamlessly Beautiful Smile from Dr. L. Blaine Kennington

May 20, 2014

Shutterstock InvisalignWhen you look in the mirror and consider your smile, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Are you pleased with your appearance of your teeth, or do you wonder how you might look with a straighter, more balanced smile? At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team offer an all-encompassing variety of cosmetic dentistry services to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, including the revolutionary orthodontic treatment known as Invisalign.

How Can Invisalign Help Me?

Not everyone is born with the natural components of a straight, healthy smile. Teeth may grow too closely together, too far apart, and may even overlap in ways that are detrimental to your oral health. Fortunately, today’s advanced orthodontic technology makes it possible to correct these and other common alignment problems, often without the need for metal braces. For adults and teens who are looking to maintain a polished image while they undergo treatment, Invisalign offers a clear advantage.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign utilizes clear acrylic material that is exceptionally comfortable and virtually invisible. There’s no longer any of the hassle or discomfort associated with metal brackets and wires, both of which can irritate the inner cheeks and lips. Brushing and flossing are made far easier as well, as your Invisalign clear aligners can be quickly removed and replaced after eating and daily oral hygiene activities. In as little as 12 to 18 months, you could be enjoying a beautifully transformed smile that you’re proud to show off to the world.

Straighter Teeth, Healthier Smile

Because properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, people with straighter smiles tend to suffer from less tooth decay and periodontal disease. If you’d like to experience the full benefits of straighter teeth for yourself, we invite you to contact our office in Castle Rock, WA today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kennington. We look forward to sitting down with you to discuss your cosmetic dentistry goals, as well as to answer any questions you may have. Our conveniently located office also serves families from throughout the surrounding areas, including Longview, Kelso, Lewis County, and beyond.

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.

CEREC One-Visit Crowns: Beautiful Form & Function in One Day at Cowlitz River Dental

April 23, 2014

Shutterstock Senior Couple Hug SmilePorcelain 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.

Dental Implants Post-Op: Must-Have Recovery Tips from Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA

April 9, 2014

shutterstock_156782423Dental 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.

Restore Function & Aesthetics to Your Smile with Dental Implants Near Longview, WA

March 24, 2014

Shutterstock Dental ImplantMissing 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

Shutterstock Happy Dental Patient (2)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.

Treat Periodontal Disease Today for a Healthier You in the Future

February 21, 2014

Shutterstock Perio HealthWhile it’s common knowledge that gum disease can lead to a variety of serious oral health problems – including pain, inflammation, bleeding and even tooth loss – most people aren’t aware of this common condition’s underlying implications. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington treats gum disease with numerous treatment modalities of periodontal therapy  that fight infection and restore oral health.

The Importance of Periodontal Therapy

When a person has gum disease, bacteria that have accumulated beneath gingival tissue can leach into the blood stream and affect other tissues throughout the body. As medical science continues to explore this systemic, mouth-body connection, more serious conditions are found to have links to untreated or poorly managed periodontal disease. Some of the health problems frequently associated with gum disease may include:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
  • Blood and/or pancreatic cancer
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Preterm, low birth weight babies in women with untreated gum disease
  • Higher occurrence of dementia in patients of advanced age
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • High blood pressure

Thankfully, periodontal therapy at Cowlitz River Dental can help reduce your risk of developing these and other potentially life-threatening conditions. Early detection and timely treatment are the keys to dental health and continued physical well-being.

Reclaim Your Oral Health

If you or someone in your family has noticed any of the common signs of gum disease, contact us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to showing you how our periodontal therapy can help you achieve improved oral health and overall health as well. From our office located conveniently in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. Kennington also serves patients from throughout Kelso, Longview, Lewis County, and beyond.

Finally Relax at the Dentist’s Office with IV Sedation at Cowlitz River Dental

February 5, 2014

Shutterstock Sleep SedationIf you’ve ever felt apprehensive about visiting the dentist, even for a simple procedure, you’re certainly not alone. Many adults harbor a fear of going to the dentist because they’re overdue for important work, while others suffer from anxiety that’s rooted in an unpleasant experience as a child. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team utilize IV sedation to calm and soothe anxious, fearful patients for an optimal dental experience.

How Can IV Sedation Help Me?

When you feel nervous or uncomfortable at the dentist’s office, the muscles throughout your body become tense. Your mind may jump to unfounded conclusions of fear based on past dental work or on horror stories from your friends. Unnecessary tension can make your procedure even more difficult, but IV sedation takes all of this apprehension away. Within minutes of administration, the medicine will lull you into a natural state of peace and comfort. You won’t feel a thing during your treatment, and many patients find that they don’t remember anything about their procedure after the sedative wears off.

Dr. Kennington and his team will monitor you periodically throughout the entire procedure, so you can rest assured that you are in careful, capable hands while you are sedated. Our comprehensive array of dental services – including everything from periodontal therapy, dental implants and oral surgery to endontics, cosmetic dentistry and more – allows us to provide you with all of the treatment you need under one convenient roof.

Safe, Proven and Effective

If you’ve been putting off vital dental work because you associate the dentist’s office with fear or anxiety, Dr. Kennington and the team at Cowlitz River Dental want to help. We’ll show you how remarkably comfortable and easy your procedure can seem under the soothing effects of IV sedation. Contact our office in Castle Rock, WA today and find out what a dramatic difference sedation dentistry can make for you. We also warmly welcome patients from surrounding communities in Kelso, Longview, Lewis County, and more.

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