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Dental Implants in Castle Rock: Better Than You Think

January 25, 2017

Dr. L. Blaine Kennington offers modern dental implants in Castle Rock. The treatment takes time, but is highly successful and surprisingly comfortable.You have lost a tooth in a car accident. Your dentist in Castle Rock, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington, recommends replacement with today’s superior prosthetic–the dental implant. You know that as an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Dr. Kennington has impeccable credentials and skills. Still, you have questions about the treatment and aftercare. Don’t worry, we understand. If you are a candidate to receive a dental implant in Castle Rock, you will receive thorough and patient answers to all your concerns from the friendly staff at Cowlitz River Dental.

 

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Relieve the Pain of Your Toothache – Call Your Dentist near Longview

November 12, 2015

man with a toothache needs to call the dentist longview trustsToothaches don’t happen the day of your dental appointment, but the day you develop a toothache, you should call Cowlitz River Dental for a same-day emergency appointment. Our Castle Rock dental team emphasizes preventive dentistry to preserve oral health and natural dental structure. One of the best ways to ensure our team is able to repair your smile is to contact Cowlitz River Dental as soon as a toothache occurs. The sooner we diagnose and treat the cause of your toothache, the less likely it is we will have to remove and replace the affected tooth. Read on to learn the signs and symptoms of potentially damaging toothache causes, and when to reach out to our team for emergency care.
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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.

Having Problems with Dental Anxiety? Dr. Kennington & Sedation Dentistry Can Help

August 10, 2014

147352006Does the thought of undergoing even a simple dental procedure cause you to feel nervous? Do you find yourself avoiding routine checkups because of a bad dental experience in the past? Dental anxiety is a common problem for millions of adults across America, but fear of dental treatment doesn’t have to control your life any longer. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team genuinely care about your comfort and well-being while you’re in our office, so we do everything we can to make sure that every visit is a pleasantly memorable one. One way we accomplish this is through sedation dentistry.

How Can Sedation Dentistry Help Me?

When you’re nervous or anxious in the dental chair, your muscles are tense and your subconscious can trick you into expecting the worst. You’re uncomfortable and wary, considerably more prone to sudden, jerky movements that can interfere with your treatment. Fortunately, we have a solution that can dramatically improve your state of mind and level of physical comfort while we provide you with the care you need: sedation dentistry. With both oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, Dr. Kennington can help you find genuine calm and relaxation throughout the duration of your procedure. Depending upon the nature of your treatment, your individual health history, and your level of anxiety, Dr. Kennington will prescribe the sedation dentistry option that best fulfills your unique needs.

Sedation dentistry isn’t just for patients who experience fear or anxiety in the dental chair. This safe, effective method is also especially helpful in situations in which a patient experiences difficulty lying still for an extended period of time. Patients with excessively sensitive gag reflexes also find relief with sedation dentistry, as do individuals who have a hard time staying numb with local anesthetics.

Schedule Your Visit Today

At Cowlitz River Dental, we believe that getting the dental care you need should never be a challenge or an unpleasant experience. Contact our office in Castle Rock, WA today to learn how our advanced technology, comfortable atmosphere, and sedation dentistry options can change the way you view dental visits forever. Our state-of-the-art dental practice proudly serves patients from throughout Castle Rock and the surrounding areas, including Longview, Lewis County, Kelso, and beyond.

Finally Get the Pain Relief You Deserve with TMJ Therapy

July 10, 2014

Shutterstock Mouth PainAre you one of the millions of American men and women who suffer from chronic headaches and pain in the jaw, neck, and back? Do you frequently experience earaches or tension in the muscles of your face and wonder what could be causing your discomfort? It is possible that you may be affected by a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington provides patients just like you with the consistent TMJ pain relief they need to live happier, healthier, and more comfortable lives.

Lasting Relief from Headaches & Jaw Pain

The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your lower jaw, or mandible, to your skull. It allows for free movement of the jaw in all directions, giving you the ability to chew, speak, yawn, and more. If this joint is irritated, inflamed, or otherwise damaged, the delicate nerves, muscles, and ligaments surrounding it can cause you to experience extreme pain. Other common symptoms of TMJ disorder include the following:

  • A clicking or popping sound/sensation when you open or close your jaw
  • Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
  • Facial pain and swelling
  • Tension in the jaw, neck, and even the shoulders and back
  • Limited ability to open or close your mouth
  • Frequent, unexplained headaches

Fortunately, there is a solution to TMJ disorder that is non-invasive and proven effective: a custom-made nightguard from Cowlitz River Dental. This comfortable oral appliance is worn only at night and can greatly reduce the amount of pressure and tension on your temporomandibular joint. Dr. Kennington will also discuss other possible remedies for your pain, including stress management at work and at home.

TMJ Therapy That Suits Your Lifestyle

At Cowlitz River Dental, our primary goal is to ensure your continued oral health and overall well-being. We believe that each and every one of our patients deserves the opportunity to enjoy a healthy and pain-free life. That is why we offer a comprehensive array of general and preventive dentistry solutions to patients throughout the Castle Rock, WA area, as well as surrounding communities in Lewis County, Kelso, Longview, and more. Contact our office today to schedule your visit with Dr. Kennington and discover the freedom that comes with effective TMJ treatment. 

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.

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.