We are keeping our teeth longer...

The number of cavities in the average mouth is down and people are keeping their teeth longer. People, on average, have healthier mouths than even 10 years ago. Specifically:

---The decline in tooth decay was greatest among kids but holds across every age group.
---Only 40% of young people age 6 to 19 had ever in their lives had cavities. That’s down from 50% a decade ago.
---Over the last ten years the proportion of people age 60 who’d lost all their teeth had decreased from 33% to 25%.
---Use of dental sealants, which block tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of kids’ vulnerable molars, was up 64%. 30% of kids had had at least one sealed tooth.
---Adults with post-high-school degrees had an average of three more teeth than those without a high school diploma.
---Smokers remain three times more likely than non-smokers to lose all their teeth. This figure has not changed from a decade ago.
---Socio-economic status plays a definite role in one’s general and dental health....33% of low-income adults have untreated decay. This compared with 16% of middle- and higher-income adults. 19% of kids living in poverty have untreated decay compared with 8% of wealthier kids.

1-877-Dr Teeth - (360) 740-6212

Town Center Dental

3 Locations - Chehalis, Wa -- Rochester, Wa -- Rainier, Or

phamdent@msn.com

www.facebook.com/877drteeth

www.1877drteeth.com

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Customer Support

Town Center Dental strives to provide the best service available

We work hard to make sure your Dental experience is great from your first call to your follow up calls and care. Please feel free to contact us with your questions or concerns. We look forward to your call!

1-877-Dr Teeth - (360) 740-6212

Town Center Dental

3 Locations - Chehalis, Wa -- Rochester, Wa -- Rainier, Or

phamdent@msn.com

www.facebook.com/877drteeth

www.facebook.com/877drteeth

www.1877drteeth.com

Dental Hygiene:

Brushing Techniques:

Think you know everything about proper brushing and flossing techniques? Understand the basics and what you can do to promote oral health. Your smile depends on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing. But are you using the right techniques? Follow these steps to protect your oral health.

Oral health begins with clean teeth. Consider these brushing basics from the American Dental Association:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, don't rush. Take enough time to do a thorough job.
• Use the proper equipment. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.
• Practice good technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums.
• Keep your equipment clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position, if possible, and allow it to air dry until using it again. Don't routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, which can encourage the growth of bacteria.
• Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months — or sooner if the bristles become.

Flossing for oral health:

 

You can't reach the tight spaces between your teeth or under your gumline with a toothbrush. That's why daily flossing is important. When you floss:

• Don't skimp. Break off about 18 inches (46 centimeters) of dental floss. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand — leaving about 1 inch (3 centimeters) to floss your first tooth.
• Take it one tooth at a time. Use your thumbs and forefingers to gently pull the floss from the gumline to the top of the tooth to scrape off plaque. Rub the floss against all sides of the tooth. Unwind to fresh floss as you progress to the next tooth.
• Keep it up. If you have trouble getting floss through your teeth, try the waxed variety. If it's hard to manipulate the floss, use a floss holder or an interdental cleaner — such as a dental pick or stick designed to clean between the teeth. 

Customer Support

Town Center Dental strives to provide the best service available

We work hard to make sure your Dental experience is great from your first call to your follow up calls and care. Please feel free to contact us with your questions or concerns. We look forward to your call!

1-877-Dr Teeth

Town Center Dental

3 Locations - Chehalis, Wa -- Rochester, Wa -- Rainier, Or
phamdent@msn.com

www.facebook.com/877drteeth

www.1877drteeth.com

Dental Phobia

What is Dental Phobia?

A “phobia” is traditionally defined as “an irrational severe fear that leads to avoidance of the feared situation, object or activity” (even though the Greek word “phobia” simply means fear…). Exposure to the feared stimulus provokes an immediate anxiety response, which may take the form of a panic attack. The phobia causes a lot of distress, and impacts on other aspects your life, not just your oral health. Dental phobics will spend an awful lot of time thinking about their teeth or dentists or dental situations, or else spend a lot of time trying NOT to think of teeth or dentists or dental situations. Which is pretty hard in today’s society, which is saturated with ugly reminders such as toothpaste commercials.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) describes dental phobia as a “marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable”. It also assumes that the person recognizes that the fear is excessive or unreasonable. Conclusion? The DSM-IV criteria were obviously not decided upon by a representative group of dental phobics (read on to see why). Having said that, there is a new revised version coming out soon, so maybe the definition will have changed. You might be interested to learn that DSM-IV’s predecessor, DSM-III, defined homosexuality as a mental disorder. I’d hazard a guess that many if not most dental phobics would object to being labeled as having a mental disorder.

This is not to say that dental phobia cannot co-occur with mental health conditions – of course it can. Dental phobia appears to be more common in people who suffer from another mental health problem, notably Generalized Anxiety Disorder, panic disorder/agoraphobia, depression, and emetophobia. Research suggests that about 20% of dental phobics have a concurrent mental health problem. Then again, 25% of all British adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any one year.

The main problem with defining “dental phobia” is that there isn’t just ONE type of dental phobia, but many types – some rational, and some which seem more “irrational”. Bracha and others (2006, HI Dental Journal) have suggested that the term dental phobia is typically a misnomer, for much the same reasons I’m outlining here (you can find the abstract of their article at the bottom of this page). Whether the fear is “unreasonable”, “excessive”, or “irrational” is debatable… certainly not if you end up in the hands of the wrong dentist! Which, incidentally, is one of the reasons why people end up as dental phobics in the first place.

The difference between anxiety, fear and phobia

A distinction has been made between dental anxiety, dental fear, and dental phobia.

• DENTAL ANXIETY is a reaction to an UNKNOWN danger. Anxiety is extremely common, and most people experience some degree of dental anxiety especially if they’re about to have something done which they’ve never experienced before. Basically, it’s a fear of the unknown.
• DENTAL FEAR is a reaction to a known danger (“I know what the dentist is going to do, been there, done that – I’m scared!!”), which involves a fight-or-flight response when confronted with the threatening stimulus.
• DENTAL PHOBIA is basically the same as fear, only much stronger (“I know what happens when I go to the dentist – there’s no way I’m going back if I can help it. I’m so terrified I feel sick”). The fight-or-flight response occurs when just thinking about or being reminded of the threatening situation. Someone with a dental phobia will avoid dental care at all costs until either a physical problem or the psychological burden of the phobia becomes overwhelming.

Town Center Dental can help you get the professional oral care you need, while being sensitive to your fears of going to the dentist.

Customer Support

Town Center Dental strives to provide the best service available

We work hard to make sure your Dental experience is great from your first call to your follow up calls and care. Please feel free to contact us with your questions or concerns. We look forward to your call!

1-877-Dr Teeth

Town Center Dental

3 Locations - Chehalis, Wa -- Rochester, Wa -- Rainier, Or
phamdent@msn.com

www.facebook.com/877drteeth

www.1877drteeth.com

Our Services

IV Sedation:
                 

What Is It?

Conscious sedation is an altered state of consciousness, where you become disassociated with your surroundings. Memory, anxiety levels, and perceptions of pain are greatly reduced. You become very relaxed and comfortable. For example, most people having conscious sedation "think" they have been asleep because they cannot remember anything that went on from the time of sedation to when they left the office.

How is it Different From "Being Asleep"?

"Being asleep" for dental treatment is called general anesthesia. It differs from conscious sedation in many ways. First, of all you are unconscious and your reflexes are diminshed considerably, to the point where you must have machines to breathe for you through a tube placed down your windpipe. Secondly, the drugs used are very potent and may have undersirable side effects during and after the procedure. Complications tend to increase the longer you are asleep, and you may wind up very nauseous afterwards. This adds up to more risk and considerably more personnel to monitor you during and after the procedure. For this reason, it is usually done in a hospital setting where proper support is available.

Who is it For?

Any reasonably healthy person can have conscious sedation with ANY dental procedure, whether it is to have your teeth cleaned or surgery.

How Will I Feel?

Essentially you are awake, but you will remember very little and feel no discomfort. What you do recall will not be unpleasant. For example, most people do not recall or feel any part of the procedure, including numbing the teeth. When your appointment is over, the effects of the sedatives may last for several hours and you may be groggy most of the day of your appointment. However, the sedatives will not make you sick to your stomach.

How Is It Done?

Most of the time the sedatives are administered intravenously. This way your dentist can be sure you receive the right amount of sedation. Often, oral pre-medication is given to help you relax before your appointment. Because you may feel groggy, it's important to have someone available to take you home from the office on the day of your appointment.

Is It Safe?

Yes, but it is very important that you let us know about any and all medications you are taking. The doctors administering conscious sedation are specifically licensed to do so by the State of Washington. They have extensive education in dental anesthesia techniques and are active members of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology.

Lumineers:

                       

Are you a candidate for veneers? Yes. LUMINEERS® BY CERINATE® are the biggest breakthrough ever in achieving the smile that you’ve always wished for. These contact lens-thin “smile shapers” are so thin, yet so strong, that there is no need for the removal of any sensitive tooth structure, no shots, no drilling, and therefore, NO PAIN. No matter what your problem is, LUMINEERS are the perfect solution to your smile issues!

LUMINEERS can make everyone's smile more beautiful WITHOUT removing painful tooth structure.
LUMINEERS Porcelain Veneers Makes Painful Veneers Unnecessary

LUMINEERS BY CERINATE are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. Your LUMINEERS dentist can apply these contact lens-thin “smile shapers” to teeth without any grinding or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.

LUMINEERS are contact lens-thin and are placed over existing teeth without having to remove painful tooth structure (unlike traditional veneers.) LUMINEERS is the painless, permanent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth.
LUMINEERS can only be made from patented Cerinate porcelain unavailable anywhere other than the Cerinate Smile Design Studio. In just 2-3 visits to your LUMINEERS dentist, you can have a custom-made smile that is clinically proven to last over 20 years - and it is completely reversible since your natural tooth structure is still intact! Get your perfect smile today with Lumineers from Town Center Dental!

Family Care:

Good family dental care and good health is an important part of a healthy and happy life. American Dental Association consumer advisor, Mr. Kimberly Harms, D.D.S., says that, attitudes and habits established at an early age are helpful to maintaining good family dental care throughout life.

Awareness of education plays a significant role in daily dental care; the dental hygienist gives instructions on proper brushing and flossing. Some easy methods of daily routines are very helpful to maintain good family dental care. To keep all your teeth bright and have a lifelong smile, establish a brushing and flossing routine, as well as a balanced diet and regular dental visits.

American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association advises that any family member should consult with the dentist about gum disease if you have any of the following problems:

- Bleeding at the time of brushing from gums
- Red or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Pus between your teeth
- Gums or spaces between your teeth

Family Dental Care:

Good Family Dental Care and good health is an important part of a healthy and happy life. American Dental Association consumer advisor, Mr. Kimberly Harms, D.D.S., says that, attitudes and habits established at an early age are helpful to maintaining good family dental care throughout life.

Reliable sources to get proper fluoride and balanced diet:

Fluoride is the best cavity fighter. It is able to keep the whole family's teeth strong. Outside Sources of fluorides are fluoride toothpaste, fluoride rinse and fluoride gel. fluoride drinking water, fluoride tablets and drops work from the inside of the body. A balanced diet with emphasis on calcium, phosphorous, and proper levels of fluoride is necessary.

Maintaining a healthy smile may be more important than you think. According to "Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association", tooth loss and periodontal disease may increase the risk of ischemic stroke. Periodontal disease is the result of bacteria in tooth plaque, which causes gum erosion and inflammation. So, with a good family dental care program your whole family can live and smile together for a long time. Town Center Dental is your family dental center.

Cosmetic Dentistry:

                   

We invite you to view our Dental Education Videos to understand a variety of dental procedures. . If you have any questions, feel free to contact us with our Online Email Form. We look forward to serving the dental needs of your family.

We offer full service family and cosmetic dentistry services, and are state of the art dental practices offering general and cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, endodontics or root canals, periodontics, oral surgery, implants and a variety of other dental services at each of our locations.

Bridges:

                   

Missing teeth are not only unattractive, but can lead to serious problems. If you are missing one or more teeth, your teeth can begin to drift out of position. In effect, this can lead to a change in your bite, loss of additional teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, as well as migraine headaches. If you are experiencing any of these problems, you should consider dental bridgework.

Essentially, a bridge is a group of interconnecting crowns. A bridge is used to stabilize your bite if you are missing one or more teeth. A bridge prevents further damage to your teeth and gums while giving you a new and improved smile.

If you are considering a crown or a bridge, please contact Town Center Dental today to schedule your initial consultation.

A Dental Bridge, also known as a pontic, is a restorative fixture used to put back the missing tooth. Dental Bridges are a custom-made false tooth or teeth. They are permanently placed between two healthy teeth, filling in the area left by a missing tooth or teeth. Dental Bridges can't be removed by the patient.
Dental Bridges are lined to the natural teeth surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. You may get the dentist's advice before choose the materials for Dental Bridges, which will help you to get the natural color of the teeth.

Type of Materials for Bridges:

All Metal Bridge: These type of bridges uses gold. But usually, go down due to poor esthetics.

Porcelain (Fused Gold) Bridge: These type of bridges are a popular way for restoring the missing teeth, but color is the main problem.

All Porcelain Bridges: These type of bridges are used to give an almost natural look. It is the best way.

There are three types of bridges. Your Town Center Dental dentist will suggest one for you according to your mouth condition:

1. Traditional Fixed Dental Bridges
2. Resin bonded bridge or Maryland Bridges
3. Cantilever Bridges

How the Dental Bridge works:

At the first visit, your dentist removes the amount of tooth from the teeth on either side of the space to be filled by the new tooth or teeth. An impression of the area will be made. This impression then serves as a model from which the bridge will be created. You will then be fitted with a temporary Dental Bridge.
At the second visit, the temporary Dental Bridge will be detached. The new bridge will be fitted and adjusted for ideal fit and comfort. This new Dental Bridge will then be bonded to the teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bridge:

- Returns your smile.
- Restore your ability to properly chew and speak.
- Maintain the shape of your face.
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
Your new Dental Bridge will give you many years of improvement in your appearance and bite.

If you take care of your mouth and teeth with good oral hygiene, your Dental Bridge can last a very long time. This includes daily preventive care like proper brushing, flossing, eating right and regular dental check-ups at Town Center Dental.

Dental Fillings:

                      

Do you have problem with tooth decay? What can you do for your damaged teeth? Dental fillings are a way to restore the tooth damaged by tooth decay. Dental fillings help to stop further decay by closing off spaces where bacteria can enter. No one type of dental filling will be best for everyone.

Types of Dental Fillings:

Gold Dental Fillings: Gold fillings are very comfortable with gum tissue and may long last between 10-15 years.

Silver Dental Fillings (Amalgams): It is common material used to dental fillings. It is less expensive than composite.

Composite (plastic) Resins Fillings: Composites may not be the ideal material for large fillings as they may chip over time, but can be used where a natural look is desired.

Porcelain and Ceramic Dental Fillings: these fillings can be matched to the color of the tooth and resist staining. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the tooth.

If your Town Center Dental dentist decides to use dental fillings to fill a cavity or restore your teeth's shape, then he or she will first remove the decay and clean the affected area. After that the cleaned-out cavity will be filled with any of the variety of dental filling materials described above.
Usually most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composites up to the price of the silver dental filling.

Dental Bleaching:

                 

Cosmetic Dental & Dental Bleaching or Teeth Whitening-- A New Era Of A Beautiful Smile:

Everyone would like a perfect smile and now it is reachable by everyone. Cosmetic dentistry is the way by which we can obtain and maintain a very good smile.
There are a large range of cosmetic dental enhancements available that can help you achieve the smile you want. These enhancements can boost your look, pleasure, and self-confidence. Cosmetic Dentistry is a combination of Art and science.

The problem:

• Dull colored or stained teeth

The solution:

Plastic whitening trays will be made from models of your teeth. You will then place a special whitening gel in each tray and wear the trays in your mouth for several hours per day. (Many patients wear their trays after dinner and before bed.) A significant change in tooth color is usually seen in just four to six weeks.

Advantages:
Modern tooth whitening systems are highly effective and have dramatic results. Many celebrities consistently whiten their teeth to improve their appearance.

Disadvantages:
Occasionally, patients may experience some gum or tooth sensitivity when using their trays. These symptoms subside when whitening is discontinued for several days.

Alternatives:Occasionally, teeth may be stained in a way that limits the effectiveness of tooth whitening. In those instances, porcelain laminates or crowns are an excellent alternative. 

• frayed. 

Customer Support

Town Center Dental strives to provide the best service available

We work hard to make sure your Dental experience is great from your first call to your follow up calls and care. Please feel free to contact us with your questions or concerns. We look forward to your call!

1-877-Dr Teeth

Town Center Dental

3 Locations - Chehalis, Wa -- Rochester, Wa -- Rainier, Or
phamdent@msn.com

www.facebook.com/877drteeth

www.1877drteeth.com

Our Purpose is to Serve

It is to serve our patients with compassion, excellence and value. We understand that all our patients are individuals, each of whom has his or her own personal needs and concerns. We are here to help our patients enjoy a lifetime of complete dental health.

It is to encourage each other to grow personally and professionally. We are a unified team of concerned professionals who enjoy working together to support our patients, each other, and our mission.

It is to serve our practice by making it strong. We are committed to continuing and never-ending improvement.

It is to serve our community, not only through the best dental care possible, but also by being an example of a caring, positive, and enjoyable place to visit and work.

Our Core Values:

• Commitment to listening to our patients
• Commitment to high quality dental care and complete oral health for a lifetime.
• Commitment to continuing education for the entire team.
• Commitment to our patients' comfort.
• Commitment to creating an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
• Commitment to having fun! 

Customer Support

Town Center Dental strives to provide the best service available

We work hard to make sure your Dental experience is great from your first call to your follow up calls and care. Please feel free to contact us with your questions or concerns. We look forward to your call!

1-877-Dr Teeth

Town Center Dental

3 Locations - Chehalis, Wa -- Rochester, Wa -- Rainier, Or
phamdent@msn.com

www.facebook.com/877drteeth

www.1877drteeth.com