4 Signs You Need to Visit the Dentist
Your teeth are one of the first things people notice about you, so it’s important to take care of them. That said, looks are not the only reason that you should care about your teeth, as many health…Read More
How to Find the Best Local Dentist
Not many people see going to the dentist as a good time. But the reality is that oral health plays a major impact on a person’s overall health. In recent years, poor oral health has been linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions. Maybe you’re thinking, “I brush and floss my teeth on a regular basis. Do I really need to see a dentist?” The answer is yes. Here are 10 reasons why you need to see a dentist, according to the American Dental Association:
1.You have pain – This is an obvious one. Maybe you’ve had a tooth that’s been absolutely throbbing of late and you can’t seem to figure out why. Pain or swelling in your mouth can mean a number of things. It could be something as simple as a bad toothache. However, you could also be dealing with a cracked or broken tooth and not even know it. That’s why we recommend seeing a dentist as soon as possible. The longer you put off your visit, the longer you will likely be in pain.
2. You have puffy gums – Every now and then, you probably cut corners with your oral hygiene. As a result, your gums become puffy and bleed when you brush or floss. This is a sign of periodontal (gum) disease and should be taken seriously. If gum disease progresses, the underlying bone supporting your teeth could be destroyed by bacteria. It doesn’t sound fun, right? Fortunately, regular brushing and flossing coupled with six-month dental cleanings significantly reduce your chances of experiencing periodontal disease at all.
3. You try to hide your smile – You’ve been self-conscious about your teeth for as long as you can remember. Now is the perfect time to improve your smile. Here at BeaverBrooke Dental, we are proud to offer dental implants, six-month braces, Lumineers porcelain veneers, as well as the innovative Snap-on Smile. Our experienced dental staff can help transform your smile and give you some much-needed confidence.
4. You’re pregnant – It’s completely safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. Believe it or not, pregnancy can actually worsen some dental problems. So if you’re expecting, remember to keep your regular cleanings. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about pregnancy gingivitis, increased risk of tooth decay, and plaque-related tumors.
5. You have a difficult time eating – This goes back to the point we made about pain. It’s not normal to experience pain while chewing and swallowing. In this instance, you will want to get in touch with an emergency dentist. Our team invites you to take advantage of our New Patient special at BeaverBrooke. For just $29, we will perform an exam of a single, problem-focused area. This deal also includes one bitewing x-ray and one P.A. x-ray.
6. You have dry mouth – Do you always seem to be thirsty? Dry mouth could be the culprit. Scientifically known as xerostomia, dry mouth is often a side effect of certain medications such as decongestants, painkillers, diuretics, and antihistamines. Keep in mind that saliva is the mouth’s main defense against tooth decay and maintains the hard and soft tissues. Without saliva, you run the risk of extensive tooth decay. So what exactly can you do for dry mouth? The first step should be seeing a dentist.
7. You use any kind of tobacco – It’s no secret that cigarettes and chewing tobacco wreak havoc on your dental and overall health. Yet another reason to go to the dentist is for an oral cancer check. It usually takes just a few seconds and is completely painless.
8. You have jaw pain – We’re back to talking about pain. Does your jaw occasionally pop? Is it painful when you open and close your mouth, chew food, or when you first wake up? Then we recommend seeing a dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to adjust your bite accordingly.
9.You have sores or spots in your mouth – Canker sores and cold sores are not only painful but also annoying. If you have a mouth sore that lasts a week or longer, you should probably have it examined by a dentist. It’s important to know that mouth sores can develop from bacterial infections, viruses, or irritation caused by braces/dentures.
10. You need a checkup – Maybe you moved not too long ago and need to find a new dentist. On the other hand, it could be that you finally have dental insurance again for the first time in several years. Whatever the case, preventive dental care allows you to maintain your pearly whites and spot any problems before they worsen.
How to Find a Dentist in Sandy, OR
Now that you understand the importance of seeing a dentist, it’s time to find the right one for you. But with seemingly countless dental practices in the area, how do you make the right choice? Here are 10 suggestions from the ADA:
Ask around – See if any family members, friends, or co-workers would recommend their dentist. You can even go so far as to ask your family doctor or local pharmacist for recommendations.
Reach out to your local or state dental society – The last thing you want is to be scammed by someone who isn’t licensed to perform dental work. Do yourself a favor and browse the ADA website for a list of local and state dental societies. Before making your decision, try to call or visit more than one office.
Look at the office hours – You shouldn’t have to miss half a day of work or school just to have your teeth cleaned. Obviously, the office hours should be convenient for your schedule. Here at BeaverBrooke Dental, we are open as early as 7:30 a.m. on Thursdays and don’t close until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If a dental office isn’t flexible with appointment times, it’s best to move on to another option.
Value experience – We’re guessing you don’t want the average joe working on your teeth. A dentist’s education, training, and experience should be some of the most important factors you consider when making a decision. Take Dr. Ken Claggett of Beaver Brooke Dental, for example. Before becoming one of Sandy’s most experienced dentists, Dr. Claggett graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University in 1980. Dr. Claggett has certainly been a staple at BeaverBrooke, as he’s been practicing for more than 35 years at his current location.
Ask if they continue their education – The dental industry has come a long way. For one thing, we’ve said goodbye to bulky tools that looked like they should be in outer space as opposed to a dental office. Dr. Claggett would agree when we say that the technology has improved significantly. Of course, it requires extra time and effort to understand how to use this new technology. It’s why Dr. Claggett takes a number of educational classes throughout the year. Doing so allows his patients to receive the most comprehensive and advanced dental care. Most recently, our dentist received advanced training in dental implants, Lumineers, and short-term braces for adults.
Visit the facility – Once you’ve whittled down your list, think about stopping by the practice for a visit. This is a must for those who have a severe dental phobia. What specifically should you be looking for during your visit? Frankly, two things should stand out. The first is the staff. When you walk in, do they greet you and ask how they can help? Are they willing to provide a tour of the office and answer any questions that you have? The other thing that should grab your attention is the facility itself. Do you find yourself comfortable in the environment? If so, then that dentist should probably be on your shortlist.
See what they do to ensure patient comfort – We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: not many people enjoy going to the dentist. Unfortunately, many patients dread their appointment for weeks in advance. At BeaverBrooke Dental in Sandy, we make patient comfort a priority. When you walk into our practice for the first time, don’t be surprised to find the reception area looking more like a family room. Feel free to sit back and relax in any of our comfy, oversized chairs. Treat yourself to a freshly baked cookie and other refreshments while enjoying some TV. It’s not just our reception area that’s state-of-the-art, though. Each of our treatment rooms has a plush, upholstered dental chair along with a 42-inch TV. Simply put, we do everything possible to make you feel right at home.
Explore their services – Are you looking for a dentist who will treat the entire family? Then the practice you choose needs to be a “one-stop-shop” for dental care, so to speak. Here at BeaverBrooke, we do it all, from single appointment crowns and extractions to root canals and sleep apnea solutions. It’s our hope that, by choosing us, you will be able to save both time and money.
Ask about costs – Quality dental care from an experienced dentist shouldn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Before making a final decision, double-check that your preferred dentist participates in your health plan. Many employer-sponsored dental health plans cover standard six-month cleanings and help pay for cavities and some periodontal work. At BeaverBrooke, we will gladly submit all insurance work and ensure that you are getting the most from your benefits. The issue many patients run into is when they don’t have dental insurance for whatever reason. If you fall into that category, we offer a financing solution. With BeaverBrooke’s dental savings plan, you can receive 15 to 20 percent off all dental care for a small yearly fee. This plan is ideal for those who are self-employed and can’t afford good dental insurance on their own. Now, what about patients who require major dental work? We will come up with a complete plan that’s designed with an appropriate payment schedule. Our team accepts check, cash, or any major credit card. For your convenience, we also offer Care Credit no-interest financing. Don’t let fear of cost prevent you from getting the necessary dental work done.
Read patient testimonials – You’re just about ready to select a dentist. After some research, your list is down to maybe two or three practices. Cost is about the same and there are experienced dentists at each of them. Should you just pick one at random and call it good? Probably not. Before you set up an appointment, search for online reviews. If you notice a trend of bad patient experiences, a red flag should go up in your head. At BeaverBrooke Dental, we are fortunate to have so many positive patient reviews. Take it from Valerie W., who says, “The staff is friendly and helpful. Dr. Claggett made me feel confident and relaxed. He is so calm and explains procedures in a way you can understand. The atmosphere is relaxing from start to finish. Usually, “the dentist appointment” is a thing to dread! But not at BeaverBrooke Dental!”
Unmatched Dental Services
BeaverBrooke is Sandy’s “one-stop-shop” for quality dental care. Whether you’re due for a cleaning, a more extensive treatment such as a root canal, or something different, Dr. Claggett and the rest of our staff have you covered. Let’s take a closer look at some of our dental services:
CEREC Crowns
Are you self-conscious about decayed, cracked, or chipped teeth? Our dentist has a solution in advanced technology called CEREC. In short, CEREC is used in dental crown procedures, as well as inlays, onlays, and veneers.
With CEREC restorations, there’s no need to worry about temporary results, messy impressions, or ugly metal. If you are a candidate for CEREC, you can plan on one easy appointment and no downtime. You can also feel comfortable knowing these restorations are made of beautiful porcelain.
The first step of this crown procedure is to remove all decay and shape the tooth. Once we capture the image, the tooth will appear on our screen in 3D. At this point, Dr. Claggett will design the restoration in digital fashion while you wait.
Soon after the design is finalized, the CEREC will mill the restoration out of solid porcelain within about 15 minutes. Dr. Claggett will then glaze and finish the crown so that it looks beautiful and natural. Lastly, we will bond in the restoration.
Believe it or not, this entire process takes less than two hours in most cases. So if you’re tired of hiding decayed, cracked, or chipped teeth, we invite you to see if CEREC crown restoration is an option.
Dental Implants
Be honest — do missing teeth keep you from smiling or turn eating into a chore? On the other hand, maybe you’ve lost one or more teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury and you aren’t sure about the next steps. In any of these situations, dental implants make a lot of sense.
Tooth replacement has come a long way in recent decades. It used to be that dentures and bridges were the only options. There’s no question that dental implants have been a game-changer for patients wanting a permanent solution to missing teeth.
Here are some of the benefits of dental implants:
- Improve your smile’s appearance with a strong, lasting tooth replacement
- Replace missing teeth to help prevent the natural erosion of your jawbone
- Maintain improved dental health and a younger looking facial bone structure
With dental implants, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. At BeaverBrooke, we’ll take your individual situation into account before deciding on the type of implant. On top of that, we’ll communicate during every step of the process.
In terms of recovery time, the average patient heals from this procedure within a few days. Dr. Claggett will provide further details regarding pain medication and cold compresses for the pain and swelling. When it’s all said and done, this is a relatively quick and easy procedure that requires minimal downtime.
Be sure to read “Are Dental Implants Right For You” for more information.
Dentures
As aforementioned, dentures are also a tooth replacement option we may recommend. Patients can choose from three types of dentures: a conventional full denture, an immediate full denture, or a partial denture. The BeaverBrooke team will work with you in finding the right type and then create your custom denture at our office using impressions taken of your mouth.
“How long will my dentures last?” That’s a question we get on a regular basis from our patients. Here’s the thing: Every denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased regardless of type. Over time, your dentures may loosen a bit, making chewing more difficult and possibly even irritating your gums.
This is all the more reason to see a dentist twice a year for routine cleanings. Our staff will also review with you how to care for your dentures so they last longer. Contact BeaverBrooke today to see if dentures would be a sensible tooth replacement option for you.
Braces
You shouldn’t have to go one place to have your teeth cleaned and then drive across town to have them straightened. At BeaverBrooke Dental, we are setting the new standard for quality orthodontic care. Our team is thrilled to offer clear, six-month braces that are proven to straighten and align teeth in six months or less.
Think for a moment at what a difference straight teeth would make in your life. For one thing, you’d probably smile a lot more and enjoy a boost in confidence. Other benefits of straight teeth include healthier teeth and gums, fewer orthodontic issues, and improved overall health.
So which patients are the best candidates for our six-month braces? Frankly, we’ve seen success with patients of various ages and orthodontic situations. In particular, though, this is an ideal teeth straightening solution for adults with cosmetic problems due to crooked or crowded teeth.
At BeaverBrooke Dental, we use tooth-colored brackets and wires so there’s no “metal mouth” look to worry about. Plus, thanks to the shortened timeframe, you won’t have to be inconvenienced with weekly appointments for years on end.
Maybe you had braces as a teenager but failed to wear your retainer regularly and now have crooked teeth again. In contrast, perhaps your son or daughter doesn’t have major orthodontic challenges but you still want them to have beautiful, straight teeth. In both of these examples, our six-month braces could be the perfect solution.
Here at BeaverBrooke, we believe that every patient should be able to enjoy straight teeth. Schedule your initial consultation today and let’s get started.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
We tend to think of snoring as an annoyance and not much else. However, snoring could be a sign of a serious medical condition called sleep apnea. So if you or your partner wake up exhausted and though you didn’t get a minute of sleep, sleep apnea could be the culprit.
Sleep apnea isn’t just something that goes away on its own. If left untreated, sleep apnea could lead to decreased libido, depression, impaired concentration, heartburn, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Here at BeaverBrooke Dental, we truly care about your overall health and well-being, which is why we offer home sleep tests that can be done from the convenience of your home.
In the event of a sleep apnea diagnosis, our team will get right to work creating a custom oral appliance that’s proven to reduce associated health risks without the need for surgery, medications, or the ever-annoying CPAP machine. This oral appliance, which is worn while sleeping, holds the lower jaw forward and open, preventing the tongue and throat tissues from restricting the critical airway.
A whopping 96 percent of patients who use this oral appliance not only experience less snoring but wake up rested and refreshed. As long as you take a proactive approach, you’ll realize sleep apnea is a very treatable condition.
Contact BeaverBrooke Dental to ask about safe, effective sleep apnea remedies. You can also read “Why Sleep Apnea is Dangerous” for additional information.
Lumineers Porcelain Veneers
Maybe you have some teeth that appear too small or large, slightly discolored, or just not cosmetically pleasing. Lumineers porcelain veneers could be the way to go. Think of porcelain veneers as extremely thin facings of ceramic that are bonded to the front of your teeth to create a new smile.
For the majority of patients, the veneers procedure involves no preparation of the tooth. Once you choose the perfect shade, our team will take an impression of your teeth. We can begin crafting your Lumineers after the impression is sent to our lab.
It’s during your second visit when the veneers will be fitted and bonded to your teeth. Rest assured we will do everything possible so that your tooth feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. By the time we’re done, you’ll be ready to show off a beautifully restored, new smile.
Learn more about Lumineers Porcelain veneers today.
Teeth Whitening
Patients often ask us what they can do to have white teeth. We tell them to opt for professional teeth whitening. At BeaverBrooke Dental, we offer a safe, effective solution to a stained or dull smile.
Our custom-made bleaching trays and whitening solution are not only easy to use, but they lead to a noticeable improvement in the color and brightness of your teeth within just 10 days. In no time, you’ll have a smile that looks brighter, younger, and more attractive. Take the first step toward having the pearly whites of your dreams and contact our dental team.
Be sure to read “Debunking the Most Common Teeth Whitening Myths” as well.
Not Your Average Dentist
Going to the dentist can be scary anytime, but especially when you’ve missed your six-month cleanings of late. At BeaverBrooke Dental, we’re all about helping patients enjoy beautiful smiles. Do you have a few missing teeth and want to start smiling again? Then be sure to ask about our implants. Not exactly thrilled with the coffee stains on your teeth? Come on in for a teeth whitening session that’s safe, effective, and long-lasting.
There’s never been a better time to invest in your oral health. Between the friendly staff, welcoming environment, and experienced dentist, it’s no secret why so many residents in Sandy are coming to BeaverBrooke Dental. Let our talented team customize a treatment plan for you and your family.
We have spots available for emergency dental care, regular checkups, and cosmetic consultations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.