Toothaches don’t happen the day of your dental appointment, but the day you develop a toothache, you should call Cowlitz River Dental for a same-day emergency appointment. Our Castle Rock dental team emphasizes preventive dentistry to preserve oral health and natural dental structure. One of the best ways to ensure our team is able to repair your smile is to contact Cowlitz River Dental as soon as a toothache occurs. The sooner we diagnose and treat the cause of your toothache, the less likely it is we will have to remove and replace the affected tooth. Read on to learn the signs and symptoms of potentially damaging toothache causes, and when to reach out to our team for emergency care.
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Relieve the Pain of Your Toothache – Call Your Dentist near Longview
November 12, 2015
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Dr. Kennington: A Dentist You Can Trust in Castle Rock
October 20, 2015
When you choose a doctor, you want someone who’s passionate about the study of teeth. A subject as complex as dentistry requires lots of education — and not just the initial degree. Good dentists engage in significant continuing education throughout their careers to stay on top of the latest theories and advancements in dentistry. Don’t you want your dentist to do the same? Dr. Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental is committed to continuing education in the field of dentistry — and he’s the dentist you can trust in Castle Rock.
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Restorative dentist, Dr.L. Blaine Kennington, brings smiles back to life in the Castle Rock and Longview, WA area
August 6, 2015
Do you have cracked, decayed, failing teeth with multiple fillings? Restorative dentist L. Blaine Kennington DDS at Cowlitz River Dental skillfully recreates troubled oral health, restoring strength, vigor and aesthetics with his state of the art dental services.
Few things are more embarrassing or worrisome than a failing smile. Tooth decay, large fillings, chips and gum issues challenge self-image and compromise oral and overall health.
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Qualified Dentist Near Longview, WA
July 28, 2015
At Cowlitz River Dental, we emphasize preventive dentistry for the care and maintenance of your natural smile, but we also know that to meet the needs of all our patients, we have to offer exceptional restorative and cosmetic dentistry services as well as meeting the needs of the whole family including patients with dental anxiety. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his team are also here to help your family in case of emergency. Whatever your dental care needs, let the superior dentist near Longview, WA put a smile on your face. Call our Castle Rock, WA office to schedule an appointment today.
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Best Dentist Near Longview, WA
July 27, 2015
You may not want to judge a book by its cover, but maybe you should judge dentists by their smiles. If you’ve ever visited a dental practice, other medical care office, or even a grocery store where all the other patients are frowning and the employees are surly and unapproachable, you probably didn’t go back. A dentist’s first priority should always be making you smile, and at Cowlitz River Dental, we believe that begins before you ever enter the patient care room. From the moment you arrive, our staff will make you feel welcome and comfortable. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is dedicated to making sure every patient is at ease and looks forward to their next visit. Call to schedule your appointment today, and let Cowlitz River Dental of Castle Rock, WA put a smile on your face.
How to Choose a Dentist
Finding a dentist isn’t always fun, but it should be a priority. Whether you’ve recently moved or you just need a new dentist, take your time and make sure you choose the dentist that is right for you. Here are some tips for choosing a practice to meet your oral health care needs:
- Know what you need – If you’re a single, relatively healthy person, you likely just need a general dentist, but if you have children or need special dental care, you’ll want to pay more attention to what services are available before you choose a dentist. Most offices list their services on-line, or would be happy to tell you more over the phone.
- Know what’s covered – Insurance is rarely straightforward. Review your dental insurance coverage, and try to select an in-network dental care provider. However, almost all dental practices will process and file insurance claims for you regardless of what insurance coverage you have.
- Check the credentials – This matters. If your dentist doesn’t keep up their licenses or continuing education, they may not be reliable.
- Read the reviews – Look for on-line reviews from real patients. We recommend reading the highest and lowest ratings to see what the most and least satisfied customers thought.
- Ask other trusted medical professionals – Your previous dentist or other trusted medical professionals may be able to offer some recommendations for dentists in your area. Additionally, the American Dental Association provides lists of their members on-line, and this may be a good starting point for your search.
- Schedule a consultation – You don’t have to commit to a dentist before you see the office and meet the staff. Schedule a consultation to check the facilities for cleanliness, meet the staff and see the other patients, and ask the doctor plenty of questions.
Preventive, Restorative, Cosmetic, Implant and Sedation Dentistry
At Cowlitz River Dental, we’re here to help our patients with a full spectrum of dental services. Dr. Kennington has completed advanced training in numerous areas including dental implants, CEREC same-day ceramic restorations, and laser dentistry. Our state-of-the-art office allows patients to receive the most up-to-date care in a peaceful environment. We’re here for our patients in case of an emergency offering same day treatment whenever possible. Best of all, we welcome the whole family to experience our superior dental health care.
General and Emergency Dentist Near Longview, WA
Whatever your dental health care needs, Dr. Kennington and the Cowlitz River Dental team are here to help. From your 6 month checkups and cleanings to dental emergencies, oral surgery and more. Call to schedule an appointment today, or find out more about our superior dental care services. Our Castle Rock, WA office accepts patients from nearby Longview, Ryderwood, Vader, Toledo, Toutle, and beyond.
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When is it time to see the dentist?
June 17, 2015
Every six months since we were children, we have all had to visit the dentist. It’s not like it’s something everyone wants to do; it’s done because it has to be. Sure, a busy work schedule, hectic family life or demanding social schedule can get in the way of receiving the proper care you need. Blaming your absence on those situations can only work for so long. You should all make time for the dentist or hold some serious regrets later in life. Your Longview, WA cosmetic and sedation dentist, Dr. Blaine Kennington, offers fantastic cosmetic dentistry and general family dentistry services that will help you and your family achieve optimal oral health.
10 Signs to See a Dentist
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing a few times a week won’t keep every form of bacteria from growing inside your mouth, and it certainly doesn’t mean you are exempt from visiting us. If teeth aren’t properly cleaned at least once a year, you run the risk of serious health issues like gum disease (periodontitis), coronary artery disease and dementia, to name a few. If you are experiencing any of the signs below, it’s time to give us a call.
- Tooth pain: When a toothache hits, you will do anything to get it treated. If pain resides after a day or two, don’t wait; your body may fight off the infection, but the root cause still remains.
- Inflamed gums: Swollen gums are caused by hardened plaque that has accumulated under your gum line. It can often be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis.
- White spots on teeth: It’s the first sign of dental decay. It’s an infection where the enamel begins to dissolve in response to acid produced by bacteria.
- Sensitivity to hold and cold: Tooth decay is a good possibility here. As the condition advances it makes its way into the center of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
- Changes of color in the mouth: If your cheeks, the top and underneath of your tongue has discoloration, lumps or inconsistencies, it’s time to pick up the phone and call us.
- Canker Sores
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Metallic taste in the mouth: It’s a very distinct taste that can lead to bad breath, and a popular sign of gingivitis.
General Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Every dentist wants his or her patients and their families to experience excellent oral health, and we’re no different. There is nothing that brings a smile to our faces more than helping a patient achieve their dreams and walk around showing off a beautiful smile. We provide the utmost care and professionalism when it comes to restoring your smile, whether it’s using cosmetic dentistry or general family dentistry services.
Our cosmetic dentistry services include:
- Teeth whitening
- Porcelain veneers
- Invisalign
- Six Month Smiles
- Dental Implants
- CEREC One-Visit Crowns
- Cosmetic bonding
- Complete smile makeovers
General family services include:
- Checkups and dental hygiene
- Children’s dentistry
- Periodontal therapy
- TMJ therapy
- Emergency dental care
- Restorative dentistry
Schedule an Appointment
Cowlitz River Dental helps southern Washington communities realize their dental dreams at our Castle Rock, WA office. Patients from all over the area, including Ryderwood, Vader, Toledo, Toutle, and beyond, have come to us for help. Schedule and appointment and make your smile pop!
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Endodontics, or Root Canal Therapy, in Castle Rock, WA
March 25, 2015
No one needs to tell you that if you’re in pain, something is wrong. If that pain happens to be a toothache, then the pain may indicate the presence of infection. To save an infected tooth, endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, is necessary. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, gently performs root canal therapy so you can eliminate the pain and save your tooth.
To understand the need for a root canal, let’s first examine the structure of a tooth, which consists of three layers. The first is called enamel, the hard and protective outer shell that surrounds each tooth. Next is the dentin, the softer and more sensitive middle layer. Finally, at the core of each tooth is dental pulp, which is comprised of nerve and lymph tissue as well as blood vessels. If this pulp becomes exposed to bacteria—whether through extreme decay or a traumatic injury to the tooth—the tooth can become infected and begin to die.
Other than a toothache, signs that indicate you may have an infected tooth include swelling of the gum and facial tissue around the tooth; a newly discolored tooth; and visible indications of infection on an x-ray.
The Endodontic Procedure
To begin a root canal, Dr. Kennington gently anesthetizes the tooth and surrounding tissue so the procedure is completely painless. Then, the tooth’s pulp is exposed and the pulp chamber and associated root canals are cleaned of infection and any accompanying debris. A biocompatible anti-bacterial material is inserted into the chamber and the tooth is sealed. To protect the tooth, Dr. Kennington will likely want to place a crown. When the root canal procedure is completed, you’ll have a strong and healthy tooth.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’re having any of the symptoms mentioned above that indicate an infected tooth, then call Cowlitz River Dental and ask about our endodontic treatment. We serve patients in Castle Rock, WA, as well as from Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.
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Have a Complete Smile again with Dental Implants in Castle Rock, WA
February 24, 2015
If you need to replace a tooth, or more than one tooth, then you know you have more than one option for replacement. There are bridges and dentures, of course, but perhaps the best option is a dental implant. Unlike other tooth replacement choices, dental implants replace the entire tooth from root to crown. In Castle Rock, WA, and the surrounding area, there are many people who have turned to Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental for dental implants that look, feel and function like a natural tooth.
Patients lose teeth for a variety of reasons: severe decay or a failed root canal that necessitates extraction and a hard blow to the face that knocks out a tooth are only a couple of reasons. Regardless of how teeth go missing, it’s important to replace them not only for the sake of appearances, but for your overall oral health, too. One missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, thereby throwing your bite out of alignment. And without a tooth root, the jawbone around the open socket begins to deteriorate, causing facial sagging.
Dental Implants to the Rescue!
In addition to replacing one tooth, dental implants can anchor a bridge to replace several teeth, and they can also hold a denture to make wearing a removable dental prosthetic far more comfortable and stable. When you come to Cowlitz River Dental for a dental implant, Dr. Kennington will first surgically implant a titanium post into the jawbone beneath the open socket. As you heal, the post will fuse with the bone much like a real tooth root. You’ll wear a temporary prosthetic during the healing process and then return to our office to have your permanent crown, bridge or denture secured into place. With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, your dental implant can give you a lifetime of happy smiles.
Call Our Office Today
If you would like to learn more about dental implants, then call the office of Cowlitz River Dental today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kennington. We serve patients in Castle Rock, WA, as well as the surrounding communities of Kelso, Longview and Lewis County.
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Get Relief from Pain and Discomfort with TMJ Therapy from Cowlitz River Dental
January 26, 2015
Simon 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.
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Family Dentistry: Start the New Year Off Right with a Visit to Cowlitz River Dental
December 10, 2014
Have 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.
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