Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle Dental Associates: General Dentistry in Seattle, WA

You already work in Downtown Seattle; why visit a dentist located way out in the suburbs?

Here at the office of Seattle Dental Associates, we make it easy for you to schedule an appointment with a Delta Dental dentist in Seattle, arrange a consultation, or come in for emergency service. Below are answers to some of the common questions we hear in our general dentistry practice.

I fall in the COVID-19 at-risk category. How do you make sure I am safe
and healthy?

If you’re 65 or older, or suffer from pre-existing conditions, it’s crucial to limit your exposure – please give us a call so that we can work with you to address treatment in the safest and most efficient manner possible.

How important is maintaining my oral health?

The health of your teeth and mouth are integral to your overall physiology and well-being. From a clinical perspective, early treatment is always best. Putting off discomfort with a tooth, or any concern about your oral health is more time-consuming and costlier in the long run

What safety measures are in place in the dental practice?

In addition to the strict guidelines we have always followed in operatories, we are paying close attention to office areas where social distancing is essential, like reception areas, and administrative counters which are closely monitored and disinfected throughout the day.

From the regular hygiene appointments you missed during the shutdowns, to more complex procedures that have you a bit concerned, we have your back — because we are all part of the same effort to keep our communities healthy.

Examples of safety equipment enhancements:
• Minimized aerosols
• Face shields
• Top-of-the-line masks (N-95)

How do I minimize my time at the dentist but maximize my oral health

To minimize your time at the dentist you want to work with your dental team to understand how you can group parts of your treatment together so that you can spend less time in the dental chair yet maximize the benefits of treatment. Doing this will minimize the trips to and from the office as well as the amount of time you spend in the chair. Ask us how.

Can you make this affordable for me?

Your dental team is prepared to provide you with options for consolidating treatment into as few visits as possible, in addition to financial arrangements that you’re comfortable with. Just ask us how we can help!

Do you offer Invisalign?

Yes, we do! To bring you a straighter smile without the hassle of traditional braces, we offer Invisalign, a transparent, removable, and comfortable dental aligner. With Invisalign, you have the luxury of invisible trays so no one can tell you’re wearing braces. Molded perfectly to fit your teeth, Invisalign is the most precise and personalized dental aligner on the market. Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation and we’ll determine whether Invisalign is right for you.

What is CEREC?

CEREC is a device that allows your dentist to design and mill dental restorations chairside so you don’t have to return for a follow-up appointment or wear a temporary crown for weeks while waiting for a lab to fabricate your crown. With the use of this advanced technology, your crowns are incredibly accurate and fast. If you need a dental crown and don’t want to wait weeks for it, schedule an appointment today.

Do you do teeth whitening?

Of course! With our state-of-the-art teeth-whitening technology, your whitening process with our dentists will be painless and fast. After an hour process with Philips Zoom, you’ll leave our office with a smile that is multiple shades brighter. Praised by dentists, Philips Zoom is quickly becoming the standard for the easiest, fastest teeth whitening method. We also offer professional take home whitening options. If your teeth are discolored and you want a brighter, younger smile, schedule an appointment today.

Do you provide emergency dentistry?

If your dental problem qualifies as dental emergency, we’ll get you in either the same day or the next, depending on the urgency of your issue. Whether you cracked a tooth or have a gap where a tooth used to be, we can take care of you with prompt, caring service. Conveniently located next to public transportation and open at 7 a.m., we are here to provide relief when you need it the most. Don’t spend another day in pain; schedule your emergency services today by calling our office.

What dental insurances do you accept?

We are preferred providers for Delta Dental, Regence Blue Shield, and Washington Dental Service. If you have any questions about your dental insurance and whether or not we accept it, please call us and we’ll be happy to discuss your situation with you.

How often should I visit the dentist?

Our dentists recommend that everyone looking for great oral health should schedule a dental appointment every six months. Frequent visits allow you and your dentist to stay on top of your dental hygiene and take preventative measures to avoid expensive dental operations in the future. At the office of Seattle Dental Associates, we do thorough dental exams that will keep your teeth healthy and clean and your smile bright. We will work with you on how to maintain better oral hygiene and address any issues or concerns you have. If it’s been over six months since your last dental appointment, schedule one now.

What Should I Do If I Chip a Tooth?

If you chip or fracture a tooth, you should schedule an appointment with Seattle Dental Associates as soon as possible. Our general dentistry practice will take swift action to treat your situation before it worsens. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with salt water to minimize your risk of infection and apply a cold compress to your cheek or lips near the broken tooth to reduce swelling. Feel free to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease your discomfort until we can see you.

After assessing your chipped tooth, we will determine the best treatment option from the following:

• Filling or Bonding – Our dental team may be able to repair your chipped tooth with a dental filling. For visible teeth, we can bond a tooth-colored composite resin to the impacted area, repairing your chip and matching the appearance of surrounding teeth.
• Dental Veneers – Depending on the severity of your injury, we may choose to apply a veneer to completely cover the tooth and make it appear as if it was never chipped. This porcelain or resin composite material will be specially created to match your teeth.
• Dental Cap or Crown – A full-coverage cap or crown may be necessary to prevent the tooth from breaking further. This option will protect your tooth, preserve its function, and restore its appearance.

What Can I Do About Uneven or Discolored Teeth?

Our general dentistry team at Seattle Dental Associates will create a comprehensive treatment plan with you to achieve the most aesthetic smile for you. This plan can include Invisalign, state-of-the-art teeth whitening, bonding or ceramic restorations.

What Is a Cavity, and How Can I Prevent Getting One?

A cavity is the result of tooth decay that leaves a defect in the hard enamel of your teeth, which ultimately develops into small openings or holes. When this occurs, you may experience toothaches, tooth sensitivity, visible holes in your teeth, or pits in your affected teeth. To avoid these unwanted consequences, it is critical to take measures that will strengthen your teeth and arrest the rate of decay.

Among the most effective ways of preventing cavities are:

• Brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste after eating and drinking
• Flossing daily
• Regularly visiting Theron Baker, DDS in Seattle
• Eating healthy and avoiding sugary foods, which produce acids that weaken your enamel

Why Is It Important to Use Dental Floss?

Flossing can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease that may develop when plaque accumulates on your teeth and along your gum line. Routine flossing has been proven to disrupt and remove plaque, which harbors bacteria that can irritate gum tissue, lead to gingivitis, and cause cavities to form between your teeth. If you floss at least once a day, your oral and overall health will benefit greatly.

What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that help keep your teeth in place. Failure to brush your teeth or floss regularly can allow bacteria to build up on your teeth and lead to gum disease, which is characterized by red or swollen gums; tender or bleeding gums; bad breath; loose teeth; sensitive teeth; and receding gums. A general dentistry visit can help diagnose the condition, but a periodontist may be necessary for the treatment of gum disease.

How Can I Take Care of My Teeth Between Dental Checkups?

You can significantly control your dental health between visits to Seattle Dental Associates in downtown Seattle. Practicing proper oral hygiene will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Between your biannual checkups, you should:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Eat a healthy diet, with a limited amount of sugary foods and drinks
• Refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco
• Drink alcohol only in moderation

At What Age Should I Start Taking My Child to See the Dentist?

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggest that your child’s first general dentistry visit should occur after the appearance of his or her first tooth. Ideally, your child will start an oral healthcare regimen that includes regular visits to Seattle Dental Associates sometime around his or her first birthday. Not only is dental decay a common chronic disease among children that can be remedied by routine care, but visiting a dentist can help familiarize your child with the practice and help establish a routine that promotes a lifetime of good oral health. When you’re looking for a Delta Dental dentist in Seattle to address your family’s dental needs, be sure to consider Seattle Dental Associates.

To schedule an appointment, call our friendly staff today!