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Get Relief from Pain and Discomfort with TMJ Therapy from Cowlitz River Dental

January 26, 2015

167121308Simon Sez touch your nose. Simon Sez touch your ears. Simon Sez touch your temporomandibular joints. Aha! If you’re like most people, chances are you don’t know where those joints are or what they do. Your temporomandibular joints are located on either side of your face just in front of your ears, and they allow you to open and close your mouth. However, if they don’t function properly, then you may experience persistent headaches or several other painful symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Fortunately, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, offers TMJ therapy to help eliminate the pain.

Sometimes the cause of TMJ dysfunction is unknown. In other cases, patients can point to a particular injury, such as a hard blow to the face, as the beginning of their TMJ problems. Most of the time, however, TMJ dysfunction is the result of a bite problem that directly affects the joint. Misaligned teeth, bruxism—teeth grinding and clenching—and other activities are some of the culprits.

The Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

The symptom of TMJ dysfunction that Dr. Kennington hears patients describe most often is pain in the jaw joint when they chew. This pain may extend to the head, ears, neck and shoulders, too. Other symptoms include:

  • Swelling on the side of the face
  • A clicking or popping noise when the jaw is opened or closed
  • The feeling of an earache, but no sign of infection
  • Sensitive teeth
  • A misaligned bite
  • The feeling that the jaw is locked when opened to eat, talk or yawn

Treating TMJ Dysfunction

Because teeth grinding and clenching can be a contributing factor of TMJ dysfunction, Dr. Kennington can prescribe a custom-designed nightguard to help alleviate pressure and prevent damage from the movement of teeth against each other. By stopping nighttime teeth grinding and clenching, routinely wearing a nightguard can reduce or even eliminate the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ dysfunction.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing any of the painful symptoms listed above, then call the office of Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, for TMJ therapy. Our office is conveniently located for patients in Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.

Revive Your Smile with Restorative Dentistry in Castle Rock, WA

January 12, 2015

159289454Rare is the person who manages to sail through life without needing any kind of tooth restoration. (If you know people like that, then we’d love to meet them!) At some point, most people need a cavity filled, a chipped tooth repaired or a missing tooth replaced. For this reason there is restorative dentistry. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, are highly trained and experienced in a number of restorative dental procedures to make your smile look as good as new!

Fillings and Implants and Braces

At your bi-annual checkups, our hygienists will closely examine your teeth for any signs of decay, and we’ll take x-rays when necessary to uncover any spots of hidden decay. If found, then we will recommend restoring the tooth with a tooth-colored composite resin filling. With a blend of composite resin materials, Dr. Kennington can perfectly match the filling to your existing tooth color. And these fillings maintain more of the tooth’s natural structure and are stronger and safer than amalgam fillings.

If you have even one missing tooth, then you know what trouble that can be. Activities you had taken for granted—eating, speaking and smiling—are suddenly difficult. Therefore, replacing those teeth becomes critical. Perhaps the best tooth replacement option is a dental implant, which not only replaces the crown of a tooth, but the root, too. As such, you’ll have a new tooth that looks and functions like one of your natural teeth, and has the added bonus of a post that serves as the “root” of the tooth.

Cowlitz River Dental offers two kinds of orthodontic treatment if reviving your smile requires straightening your teeth. Invisalign®, as the name implies, straightens teeth almost invisibly with clear plastic aligners. Six Month Smiles® uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires to move teeth inconspicuously.

Call Our Office Today

Schedule an appointment today for restorative dentistry with Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA. Our office is conveniently located for patients in Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.

Cosmetic Dentistry is Making Smiles More Beautiful in Castle Rock, WA

December 20, 2014

158554263Not many people are born with movie star smiles… not even movie stars. But you don’t have to be a Hollywood celeb to have a smile like one. Today, cosmetic dentistry offers many options to improve and enhance your smile. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his staff at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, can take your smile from bland to beautiful with cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry at Cowlitz River Dental

To help you have the smile you’ve always wanted, the following cosmetic dentistry services are some of the most popular ones we offer.

Teeth Whitening Whether you choose our in-office whitening system or our professional grade at-home system, you will be amazed at the results. For a whiter smile in about an hour, we recommend our in-office treatment. If you prefer to whiten at home on your own schedule, then our at-home treatment is for you.

Cosmetic Bonding If you have a tooth that is slightly chipped or cracked, cosmetic bonding is a fast and simple solution. Dr. Kennington applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth and then molds the material to restore your damaged tooth’s shape.

Porcelain Veneers For teeth that are more severely damaged with chips, cracks or discoloration, there are porcelain veneers. These dental wonders are made of ultra-thin sheets of dental porcelain that are custom designed for your smile. Once cemented to your existing teeth, they will last for years with a little tender care.

Invisalign® If you would like to straighten your teeth, but don’t want to contend with the appearance of metal braces, there is Invisalign clear plastic aligners. Your custom aligners will be fabricated in the Invisalign lab according to Dr. Kennington’s treatment plan. You’ll wear the aligners according to plan and in about a year you’ll have the smile you’ve always wanted.

Call Our Office Today

If you’d like to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can give you a star-quality smile, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA. We also conveniently serve patients from Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.

Family Dentistry: Start the New Year Off Right with a Visit to Cowlitz River Dental

December 10, 2014

170082992Have you started thinking about your resolutions for the New Year? Well, here’s one that will help every member of your family—schedule their dental checkups now! At the foundation of any good dental practice is family dentistry, which focuses on the all-important prevention of tooth decay and dental disease. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his staff will care for all of your family’s dental needs.

Family Dentistry for You and Yours

From children to teens to adults, Dr. Kennington builds healthy and beautiful smiles with preventive care like checkups and cleanings. In accordance with the American Dental Association, Dr. Kennington recommends scheduled checkups every six months for you and your family. At these intervals, we are able to not only maintain your oral health, but we can also spot problems before they begin to develop serious symptoms.

At a checkup, our dental hygienists will clean your teeth, remove plaque and tartar to help reduce your risk of gum disease, and take x-rays when necessary to spot imperceptible decay. We also perform an oral cancer screening and check for uneven tooth surfaces that may indicate nighttime teeth grinding, which can lead to the painful symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.

For the youngest members of your family, Cowlitz River Dental offers the best in children’s dentistry. In addition to what is normally part of a dental checkup, we offer dental sealants and fluoride treatments for children. With dental sealants, we apply a thin coat of white plastic to the surface of your child’s molars to create a barrier between the teeth and bacteria-causing decay. Fluoride treatments strengthen the tooth’s enamel for added protection against cavities.

Call Our Office Today

To start the New Year with a healthy smile, schedule dental checkups for everyone in your family. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, we provide family dentistry services for patients in Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.

Straighten Your Teeth Inconspicuously with Invisalign from Cowlitz River Dental

November 20, 2014

177241677Braces are wonderful. A bit of metal and a couple of wires and voila! Straight teeth. But what if you’re not at a stage of life when metal braces are practical? Then the solution is Invisalign® clear braces. With Invisalign, only you and Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, will know that you have braces.

Invisalign clear braces, or aligners, are made of clear plastic that is BPA-free. Aside from being barely noticeable by you or anyone who sees you, they are also more comfortable than metal braces, which can scrape your cheeks and irritate your gums.

When you see Dr. Kennington for Invisalign clear braces, he’ll first conduct a thorough assessment of your oral health. Then, with the aid of x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, he’ll develop a treatment plan. This plan allows you to see how your teeth will gradually move into position and what your finished smile will look like. In addition, the treatment plan acts as a blueprint for the Invisalign lab to fabricate your custom designed aligners.

Your aligners come as a series of sets for your upper and lower arches. You’ll wear each set in the series for about two weeks, and then move on to the next set. Invisalign aligners should be worn for the better part of everyday except for when you eat or need to brush and floss. Dr. Kennington will monitor your progress with regular check-ups. As you move through the sets, you’ll actually be able to see your teeth shift into place. In the end, you’ll have a straight and healthy smile that you’ll want the world to see!

Call Our Office Today

To learn more about Invisalign clear braces, schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA. We also conveniently serve patients from Longview, Kelso and Lewis County.

Give Your Children the Gift of Healthy Teeth with Children’s Dentistry at Cowlitz River Dental

November 10, 2014

469174173Well, Halloween has just passed and Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. You know what that means… Your children will likely be eating more sweet treats. Apple pie, sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top, candy, cookies and the list goes on and on. So, now is the time to bring your children to Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental, the children’s dentistry specialist in Castle Rock, WA.

Although your children’s first visit to the dentist is not necessary until they are one or two years old, their dental health can begin much earlier. And it begins with you. The bacteria that cause tooth decay are frequently transferred to a child’s mouth via saliva from a parent or another caregiver. If you share a spoon with your baby or clean the baby’s pacifier in your own mouth, then your saliva is introduced to your child’s mouth. So in this case, spare the share!

Your Child and the Dentist

When you do bring your children to Cowlitz River Dental, we’ll count their baby teeth, check for any signs of tooth decay, gently clean their teeth and offer some tips for your at-home dental hygiene routine. Of course, your children’s baby teeth will fall out. Until then, however, they play a critical role in your child’s general health and more specifically, they are the guides and placeholders for adult teeth.

When their adult teeth do come in, we usually recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatments. Dental sealants are a white plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of molars to protect those hard to clean crevices from plaque that harbors cavity-causing bacteria. Fluoride treatments have been proven to strengthen enamel, the tooth’s first natural line of defense against cavities.

Call Our Office Today

Before the holidays arrive, schedule an appointment for your children to see Dr. Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA. We also serve patients in Kelso, Longview and Lewis County.

How Does Dental Nutrition Affect Your Smile? Helpful Tips from Dr. Kennington

October 15, 2014

112808754It is common knowledge that consuming too much sugar can ultimately damage your teeth and that a strong oral hygiene routine can help protect your smile from decay. Did you know, however, that there are other factors related to dental nutrition that play a vital role in your oral health? At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team help entire families keep their smiles healthy and looking great with a comprehensive range of general dentistry services, including invaluable patient education regarding dental nutrition.

How Important is it to Learn About Dental Nutrition?

Everything we eat and drink has a direct impact on the health of our teeth and gums. When you eat something acidic, for example, the enamel that comprises the outermost layers of your teeth becomes temporarily softened and more prone to damage. Did you know that brushing your teeth immediately after consuming an acidic food or beverage may actually result in unnecessary wear? It is actually best to simply rinse your mouth with clean water and wait for at least an hour to brush. This general rule of thumb applies particularly to sodas, sports beverages, energy drinks, and fruit juices.

Another tip we often give our patients involves the frequency and duration of snacking between meals. Ideally, you should avoid snacking between meals, but if you must, there are smarter options than the popular chips or candy many people find they reach for around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. Avoid starchy foods and added sugars by choosing snacks like non-fat yogurt, string cheese, a handful of almonds, celery sticks, or a crunchy apple.

Any food or drink that remains within your mouth for an extended period of time has a higher chance of causing problems like decay and the accumulation of plaque. This is a good thing to keep in mind around Halloween time, when kids are more likely to enjoy treats like lollipops and chewy taffy. To give your child’s smile extra protection from tooth decay, ask Dr. Kennington about dental sealants and fluoride supplements.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Life

Medical research has discovered a direct link between oral health and overall physical wellness. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is more important than most realize; maintaining optimal oral health can actually reduce your risk of developing heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and numerous types of cancer. Safeguard against oral health problems by visiting Dr. Kennington twice yearly and by keeping dental nutrition in mind every day. Together, you and our team can keep your smile looking and feeling its best for decades to come. Contact our office today to learn more about dental nutrition and to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kennington. Our office proudly welcomes patients from throughout Castle Rock, WA and nearby communities in Lewis County, Kelso, Longview, and more.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care in Castle Rock, WA

September 20, 2014

465464685When you or someone in your family experiences a sudden dental emergency, you want to know that you’ll be able to get the urgent care you need right when you need it. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team provide same-day emergency care to ensure the comfort, safety, and ongoing oral health of patients from throughout our community.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency can happen at any time. Keep the following guidelines in mind in case of an emergency situation at work, at play, or at home:

  • Knocked out tooth. Collect the tooth carefully (avoid touching the root).  Do not scrub the tooth or attempt to remove any attached tissue. Do not let it dry out. Rinse it with milk if it is dirty. Place it in a container of milk to preserve the viability of the cells and call us immediately. It may be possible to re-insert the tooth if you receive care in a timely manner. Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply pressure with sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
  • Severe toothache. Check for any foreign objects lodged between the teeth and gently floss in the affected area. Do not use any sharp or pointy objects. If pain does not subside, contact us to make an appointment.
  • Chipped or cracked tooth. Retrieve any tooth fragments and store them in a moist paper towel. Schedule your emergency dental visit with our team, bringing the pieces with you. It may be possible to reattach them with dental bonding.
  • Soft tissue injury. Gently clean the area and apply pressure to stop bleeding. A cold compress may be used to decrease swelling and provide pain relief. If the injury is severe and bleeding will not stop, contact us or your nearest ER.

If you experience any type of trauma to the mouth and are concerned about injuries or other complications, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you address and manage the situation properly until you can reach our office for emergency care.

Emergency Dentistry: Here for You and Your Family

While no one can effectively prepare for all dental emergencies, knowing that you have a caring, experienced team standing by to address your family’s most urgent dental needs is a priceless reassurance. Contact us today to learn more about how our emergency dental services can help you should the unexpected occur. Our Castle Rock, WA dental practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Longview, Lewis County, Kelso, and more.

Do I Need a Root Canal Treatment? Helpful Information from Cowlitz River Dental

September 8, 2014

454389001Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a process by which the inside of a diseased tooth is cleaned and disinfected to prevent the total loss of the tooth. When decay reaches the inner pulp of a tooth, the patient may experience pain and swelling; it is important to remember, however, that not all teeth in need of root canal therapy cause painful symptoms. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team help patients preserve more of their natural dentition with root canal treatment, all while treating the underlying cause of persistent discomfort.

Root Canal Therapy in Castle Rock, WA

In order to properly treat a tooth that is badly decayed, the infected tissue from deep within the root must be removed. The resultant cavity is then filled with a biocompatible material and a crown is placed atop the treated tooth. This crown’s purpose is two-fold; the crown protects the inside of the tooth from further damage, and it allows you to eat and smile with comfort and confidence.

Signs that one of your teeth may need root canal therapy include the following:

  • Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
  • Persistent pain localized to one area of the mouth
  • Tenderness in the gums surrounding the affected tooth
  • The development of an abscess in the gums
  • A change in tooth color (the decaying tooth may appear gray or darker than normal)

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is imperative that you make an appointment with our team as soon as possible. Root canal treatment can potentially save a diseased tooth before extraction becomes necessary.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

At Cowlitz River Dental, our primary objective is preserving your oral health and comfort, utilizing the latest technology in the industry complemented by a caring, personalized touch. If you or someone in your family is suffering with the pain of deep dental decay, Dr. Kennington can help. Contact our office in Castle Rock, WA today to reserve your appointment, and experience the difference our patient-centric approach can make for you and your family. Our state-of-the-art dental practice proudly serves patients from Kelso, Longview, Lewis County, Castle Rock, and the surrounding communities.

The Straighter Teeth You’ve Always Wanted with Six Month Smiles® in Castle Rock, WA

August 24, 2014

164125777Straight teeth are largely considered the building blocks of an attractive, healthy smile, but very few people are born with ideal alignment. Gaps, crowding, and crooked teeth can be corrected with orthodontic treatment, though traditional braces aren’t for everyone. That’s why patients in Castle Rock, WA and the surrounding areas turn to Cowlitz River Dental and Six Month Smiles for help. As a trusted provider of Six Month Smiles® orthodontics, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington helps patients with a variety of misalignment issues achieve the straighter, healthier teeth they need to smile with confidence.

Benefits of Six Month Smiles®

Six Month Smiles® orthodontic treatment is similar to traditional braces in that it utilizes gentle force to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. With this revolutionary short term orthodontic method, however, the front teeth are the primary focus of treatment. Using virtually invisible brackets and tooth-colored wires, Dr. Kennington will help you rapidly correct common problems like uneven spacing, gaps, and moderately crooked teeth.

Proven safe and effective, the Six Month Smiles® system can dramatically transform your smile  – often in as little as six short months. The shorter treatment duration means that you’ll save money, too, making Six Month Smiles® a highly preferred method for patients with a fixed budget. You’ll love how easy and quick the process is almost as much as you love your new smile!

A More Beautiful Smile in Just Six Months

Do you find yourself considering orthodontic treatment but feel that traditional metal braces just aren’t appealing to you? Perhaps you’re concerned that the lengthy treatment may interfere with your professional or personal life. Six Month Smiles® may be just the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact our office in Castle Rock, WA today to learn more about our wide range of cosmetic dentistry services, including Six Month Smiles®. Our practice also serves communities in the nearby areas of Lewis County, Kelso, Longview, and more. Dr. Kennington and our team look forward to helping you achieve the gorgeous, healthy smile you deserve.

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