General & Family Dentistry

Prevention vs. Disease Management

At Mukilteo Dental Center, preventive and minimally invasive therapy is our first option. We believe there is nothing healthier or more functional than your natural teeth and we do everything in our power to preserve them.

We provide routine preventive services to ensure your mouth and your body are in good health. If there are any changes in your oral health, it can have an impact on your systemic health. As your oral health team, it is our privilege to assess, diagnose and treat any abnormalities.

Periodontal Disease

Little known fact: gum disease (otherwise known as periodontal disease) can be more damaging to oral health than cavities. Three out of four Americans have gum disease, and it is easy for it to go undetected because there is little to no pain associated with early stages of the disease. Untreated, gum disease can lead to bad breath, painful gums, dental jaw bone deterioration and eventual tooth loss. Bacteria linked to gum disease can also negatively impact vital systems of the body, including the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Healthy gums are one of the top priorities at Mukilteo Dental Center. Our providers specialize in recognizing and identifying bacterial infection, and customize treatment for each individual patient according to their specific needs. They use the best of ultrasonic instruments to treat tissues and to restore oral health. A great smile begins with pink, healthy gums!

Pay Attention to Your Gums, Your Heart Will Thank You

According to the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, gum disease has been connected to many systemic diseases. Oral systemic health is the connection between oral health and overall health. Many studies have demonstrated a connection between poor oral health and systemic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy complications.

Flossing and brushing regularly reduces your risk for developing gum disease and systemic issues. Brushing twice daily and flossing really does influence your overall health!

Adult Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

The American Dental Association labels prophylaxis as a scaling and polishing procedures to remove plaque, calculus and stains above the gums. This type of cleaning is recommended for people who do not have any periodontal disease, bone loss, or infection around their teeth and in their gums.

Periodontal Maintenance

If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will likely need scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove hard tartar deposits from the roots of your teeth. Other treatment, including surgery, may be required if periodontal disease is too advanced. After the deep cleaning is completed and gingival health is stabilized, a regular cleaning is no longer enough to maintain gum health. Instead, you will need an ongoing gum and bone care procedure known as periodontal maintenance. Typically, an interval of 3-4 months between appointments is effective for maintaining periodontal health. Intervals longer than this between each maintenance appointment will allow for tartar to accumulate leading to gingival inflammation and irreversible bone loss.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing – SRP)

A deep cleaning removes bacteria, tartar, and calcified build-up deposits from under the gums. This type of cleaning is one of the first steps to treating gum and bone disease (periodontal disease). Scaling is cleaning the full length of the root surface, down to where the root, gum and bone meet. Periodontal treatment promotes healing of the gum tissue and its reattachment to the teeth.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer (also known as mouth cancer) is a quiet but devastating threat to the health of populations all over the world. Although oral cancer is more commonly found in those who are drinkers or smokers, you do not have to be a drinker or a smoker to develop oral cancer.

Oral cancer kills around 10,030 Americans every year–usually because it was detected too late for effective treatment. With modern dental technology we can help detect oral cancer earlier. Early detection is critical to the success of oral cancer treatment and the best way for patients to achieve more favorable results from treatment.

Approximately 51,540 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2018. We provide regular oral cancer screenings at each check up. If you notice any signs or symptoms listed below, please come in and let us take a look.

Signs and symptoms of oral cancer:

  • Lump or mass that can be felt inside the mouth or neck
  • Numbness in the mouth or face
  • Constant hoarseness
  • Pain or difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Persistent earache