Dental FAQ
 Periodontal (Gum) DiseaseWhat is periodontal (gum) disease? What are the signs of periodontal disease? How can I prevent periodontal disease? Taking Care of Your Teeth and GumsHow often should I visit the dentist? How often should I brush and floss my teeth? What is the proper way to brush my teeth? What is the proper way to floss? What is plaque? All About Dental ImplantsAre implants the right decision for me? Are implants or bridges a better choice? Can implants be used to restore multiple teeth? Are implants expensive? How long do implants last? What if I do not have enough bone in my jaw for implants? When an implant is surgically placed, how long until I get my new tooth? How can I get a full set of teeth in one day? Answers to FAQ How often should I visit the dentist?You should visit the dentist at least twice a year. A dental exam can reveal early signs of decay and disease that you may not see or feel. Catching these conditions early can help control them before they get worse and harder to treat. Additionally, getting a cleaning by a trained professional will remove plaque in areas you may have missed or cannot reach. If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist and periodontist may recommend that you get 3-4 cleanings per year since you are at more risk of losing bone around your teeth. How often should I brush and floss my teeth?You should brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. You should floss 1-2 times per day as well. What is the proper way to brush my teeth?The following guidelines are important to brushing correctly:
What is the proper way to floss?The following guidelines are important to flossing correctly:
What is plaque?Plaque is a sticky, clear film which forms every day on teeth, from food debris and bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular dental check ups, along with brushing and flossing every day, can help prevent plaque buildup on teeth. In addition, avoiding sugary snacks and eating a balanced diet can help control plaque. What is periodontal (gum) disease?Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. Typically, periodontal disease occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens, often due to poor brushing habits. The gums can become swollen and red in the early stage of the disease, called gingivitis. As the disease advances, periodontal disease can lead to sore and bleeding gums, pain while chewing and tooth loss. What are the signs of periodontal disease?The following are signs of periodontal (gum) disease, and you should contact your dentist if you experience any of these:
How can I prevent periodontal disease?Periodontal disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene and controlling contributing factors. It is important you keep up with brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. Are implants the right decision for me?Implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material. They are used to replace one or more teeth, and can be an attractive option for most people. Some benefits to implants include:
Are implants or bridges a better choice?A missing tooth would historically be replaced by a bridge. To anchor a bridge, the majority of the external tooth structure of the teeth on either side of the gap must be removed. With an implant, you only need a crown made on top of the implant itself to restore it, leaving the neighboring teeth undisturbed and completely intact. Can implants be used to restore multiple teeth?Implants can also be used to restore multiple teeth, a full set of fixed or removable teeth or even a complete denture. If you experience tooth loss, the bony ridges in your mouth start to decrease and be lost as well. Implants are placed and prevent bone from shrinking, leaving you many future options for tooth replacement not available otherwise. Are implants expensive?To replace a single tooth an implant is usually less expensive than any alternative in our office. The cost of implant care increases with the complexity of the case, the history of tooth loss and the position of the implant in the mouth. How long do implants last?Research has shown that implants are 98% successful: a higher success rate than almost anything else in dentistry! Under professional care, implants have a potential for lifetime durability. Ask us about our warranty. What if I do not have enough bone in my jaw for implants?Minor grafting can improve and restore the bone lost from your extraction years ago. We do this in the office frequently where additional bone is required for success of our implant care. It is possible to have an implant for virtually any situation with expert care and planning. When An Inplant Is Ssurgically Placed, How Long Until I Get My New Tooth?While same day temporary crowns are possible in specific situations, generally, it is advisable to allow for the implant to heal and osseointegrate in the bone for 6-12 weeks prior to placing a crown and allowing for functional chewing force on it. In cases where there is uncertainty about the strength of the bone, more time may be required to ensure longevity (7–10 months). In every case, clinical experience along with the prevailing research guides our decision to finalize the implant restoration. We always plan for long-term success and we do not rush. How can I get a full set of teeth in one day?With the use of CBCT scan planning we can plan for immediate teeth replacements and the ultimate in surgical precision. Planning takes all the time in these cases, however we can deliver exceptional care quickly and never leave you without teeth, regardless of your particular need or treatment. Learn more about Teeth in A Day or the All-on-4® Treatment Concept. Additional Information: How Much Does Dental Care Cost |
 Contact UsAppletree Cove Dental 26114 Illinois Ave. Northeast, Kingston, WA 98346-7674 PO Box 149, Kingston, WA 98346 360-297-4331 Office HoursMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 2pm Closed |
