Enhancing the natural beauty of your smile
Restorative Dental Services
A gentle touch with stunning results. Your smile is our first priority, and we’ll give you something to smile about.
COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL RESTORATION
EXCEPTIONAL DENTAL CARE, AMAZING RESULTS
Restorative dentistry centers around bringing the mouth back to full functionality. Even if the proper preventative measures have been taken it is possible that restoration still may need to take place. Unavoidable causes, like accidents and genetics, may put a patient at a higher risk of needing restorative procedures at some time in his or her life.
For our team at Lifetime Dental Care to best treat our patients it is important to know what may be causing the issue at hand. We use an all-encompassing approach to determine what may be going on. When a patient comes to Lifetime Dental Care we never see just their teeth. We see the whole person. Their upbringing, experiences, and life choices have led them to where their teeth are today. This is all taken into consideration when treating our patients.
Once we have an understanding of the situation we aim to educate our patients on the potential risk factors and benefits of the disease process and treatments. This, in turn, will help them make the most educated decisions possible. Lifetime Dental Care takes extra care to identify the root of the problem and educate patients so they may make the decisions that are best for them.
Ready to restore your smile? Lifetime Dental Care is easy to get to in Richland, WA. Give us a call today at (509) 628-1144 to start restoring your smile to its utmost highest level of functionality!
Restorative Dental Services
Dentures
Whether some or all of your natural teeth are missing, we may be able to restore the functionality of your mouth and aesthetics of your smile with dentures.
Since our office is conveniently located in Richland, WA, you don’t have to go far to get great professional denture service.
A denture is synthetic teeth attached to a plastic base that has been made to match your natural teeth and gums.
Besides making your smile look better, dentures also fix the way your mouth functions overall. Dentures also support your cheeks and lips to reduce sagging of the muscles in your face.
Below are some types of dentures that might be available to you. Even though there are many options, not all patients are good candidates for every type of denture. During your appointment, we will let you know which options may work best for you.
CONVENTIONAL COMPLETE DENTURES
Conventional complete dentures consist of an upper denture and a lower denture. The upper denture is made to replace all of your teeth in your upper jaw. It covers the roof of your mouth and fits securely on your upper gums and palate.
The lower denture is made to take the place of all your teeth in your lower jaw. It sits on the lower gums and stays in place with the help of your tongue, saliva, and cheek muscles.
Your mouth must be clear of all natural teeth before conventional complete dentures are placed. If some of your teeth need to be removed, the dentures will be placed once your gums have healed.
IMPLANT-SUPPORTED COMPLETE DENTURES
Like conventional complete dentures, implant-supported complete dentures replace all of your natural teeth. Instead of relying solely on the structure, tongue, saliva, and cheek muscles, this type of dentures uses implants to keep them secure.
Implant-supported complete dentures are placed on healthy gums that have fully recovered from teeth extractions and/or implant placements.
IMMEDIATE DENTURES
Immediate dentures are put into place right after all of your remaining teeth have been removed. You do not have to wait for your gums to heal before the immediate dentures are placed. The dentist may need to make adjustments once your gums have fully healed.
PARTIAL DENTURES
Partial dentures are also comprised of synthetic teeth attached to a plastic base made to look like your natural teeth and gums. Below the plastic base they usually have a framework that attaches to your teeth. Unlike complete dentures, partial dentures cannot be placed in a mouth with no teeth.
Dentures require special attention to keep them working well and looking good.
HANDLE DELICATELY
Dentures are fragile and should be handled very carefully at all times. They can break after being dropped just a few inches.
When they are not in your mouth, handle your dentures over a folded towel or sink of cool water. Never place your dentures in hot water since the heat can warp them.
STORE PROPERLY
When not in your mouth, dentures need to be stored in water so they will not dry out and lose their shape. Alos, be sure to keep your dentures out of the reach of pets and children.
CLEAN THOROUGHLY
Like your natural teeth, your dentures need to be cleaned well.
Remove them from your mouth and rinse with cool water to remove loose food particles. Use a denture brush or soft bristled toothbrush with denture cleanser to clean them. Once you have finished cleaning your dentures, rinse them with cool water in case there are chemicals in the cleanser that are not meant to go into your mouth.
Since dentures are more delicate and not made of the same materials as natural teeth and gums, do not use toothpaste or hard bristled toothbrushes to clean them. Such cleaning materials may be too abrasive and scratch your dentures. This can leave them less attractive, more susceptible to stains, and harder to clean. Use denture cleaners that meet the American Dental Association’s standards for effectiveness and safety. These products have the ADA Seal of Acceptance on them.
You should continue to clean all parts of the inside of your mouth daily as well. Brushing your palate, tongue, and gums every morning with a soft brush increases the circulation in your tissue and helps get rid of plaque.
DIET
To keep your dentures in place and properly supported, you should maintain a healthy mouth. Along with cleaning your mouth daily, a balanced diet can keep your mouth strong. Also, avoid foods that may discolor or damage your dentures.
VISIT THE DENTIST
You should visit the dentist to make sure your dentures and mouth are functioning together correctly. Besides checking the fit of your dentures, the dentist will also look for any signs of oral diseases.
When teeth are missing, there are many different ways to help your mouth function optimally and look great. Making an appointment with a dentist is the best way to determine what type of treatment is best for you.
At Lifetime Dental Care we work with the top denture lab specialists in Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and nearby areas to get you the best dentures possible in WA.
Give us a call at (509) 628-1144 to schedule an appointment.
Let’s us help you feel great with an awesome looking smile!
Fillings
Composite resin fillings can be used to fill small or midsize cavities.
Since they are tooth colored, they look more natural than other types of fillings.
Composites are tooth-colored fillings. While amalgam fillings are made up of different metals and have a silver look to them, composites are composed of plastic and ceramic compounds.
After years working in dentistry, Lifetime Dental Care has stayed up to date with all the latest technological advancements to bring you the best composite fillings available in Richland, Washington today.
The keep your teeth healthy and free from more decay around your composites and entire mouth, it is important to maintain good habits.
Nutrition
Having a balanced diet will help support a good oral health. Avoid foods that can harm or discolor your teeth, especially those around your composite. If you do have any foods that may break down the enamel, sip some water to help rinse away harmful residue. Staying hydrated is also key to maintaining oral health. Dehydration can lower the level of saliva present in your mouth and reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that is natural washed away.
Oral Hygiene
The American Dental Association suggests brushing your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride twice a day. Daily flossing is also encouraged to remove bacteria from between your teeth. Products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance meet the association’s standards for effectiveness and safety.
Regular dental visits
The dentist will check to make sure the composite is holding up and there is no further decay around the filling. A thorough cleaning should be done by dental professionals regularly as well to help stop decay and gum disease before they start.
Composites can be great alternatives to amalgam and gold fillings. You may want to replace your old amalgam fillings – especially if they are deteriorating – with more subtle and aesthetically pleasing composites.
Even though it can take longer to place composites than amalgam fillings, they can still be done in one visit. Before you make your decision, we will go over the pros and cons of composites and what your options are.
At Lifetime Dental Care every member of our focused and professionally trained team works together to efficiently and precisely place your fillings. We’ve had patients from all over Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco and surrounding areas come to us for great gentle dental care.
Crowns
If you have a tooth that is cracked, worn down, or just doesn’t look right, then a dental crown might be exactly what you need.
For years Lifetime Dental Care has been placing dental crowns on patients in Richland, WA using an expert team to generate beautiful and healthy smiles.
A dental crown is a cover that is securely placed over your tooth by a dentist. Different types of materials are used to create a dental crown that mimics the shape, color, and size of your other teeth. Some materials that are used include ceramics, composite resin, porcelain, and metal alloys.
When your tooth is weak or doesn’t match the rest of your teeth a dental crown can be placed to strengthen it and fix the appearance of your smile.
Cover
If there is not enough of the natural tooth left after a root canal treatment or once a large cavity has been removed, then a dental crown can be used to cover and support the tooth.
Refurbish
Discolored or misshapen teeth can be covered by a dental crown to make your smile look and function better.
Protect
A weaker tooth that may be compromised and susceptible to breakage or cavities may be covered by a dental crown to protect it from being damaged or infected.
Restore
Once a tooth has been cracked or worn down a dental crown can be placed to restore the look of your smile.
Support
Instead of getting implants or partial dentures to replace a series of missing teeth, a dental crown can be secured over a strong tooth to support a dental bridge.
Replace
After the synthetic root portion of a dental implant has been placed, a dental crown can then be fastened to replace a tooth.
To keep your new dental crown looking and working great you should treat it just like your other teeth, but with a little extra care.
Avoid Hard Foods
Do your best to avoid chewing on hard foods like ice. And don’t use your teeth to chomp on other nonfood items like pens and pencils.
Regular Checkups
Regular checkups and cleanings are crucial to help ensure that your dental crown is functioning properly.
Oral Hygiene
Proper personal oral hygiene is a must to get rid of plaque and bacteria to keep your crown looking good and working well. Using products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance is your best option since they meet the ADA’s standards for effectiveness and safety.
If you have any questions at all about dental crowns give us a call at (509) 628-1144. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff in Richland is ready to help with any questions or appointment requests you may have.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are synthetic teeth roots. They are used to create foundations for replacement teeth.
When teeth need to be replaced due to an accident or disease, give Lifetime Dental Care a call at (509) 628-1144 to learn if dental implants are right for you.
In general, any person at any age may need dental implants. However, it is important to Lifetime Dental Care that you:
- Commit to good oral hygiene
- Have enough bone to hold the implant in place
- Have healthy gums
- Continue with regular dental visits
Certain people may need to be more closely examined to determine if they are good candidates for dental implants. This can occur if you:
- Are a heavy smoker
- Suffer from uncontrolled chronic disorders (like heart disease or diabetes)
- Have had radiation therapy around the head or neck
There are many reasons why dental implants may be right for you. When looking into tooth replacement, consider the following attributes of Lifetime Dental Care’s dental implants:
Comfort: each implant is individually placed and therefore more comfortable than dentures or bridges
Strength: if taken care of properly, they can last you for your entire life
Fit: tends to be better than dentures or bridges
Appearance: they look and feel like your teeth
Speech: since they won’t slip out, you do not run the risk of your implants slurring your words or causing you to mumble
Eating: they stay put so you can eat more easily
Oral Health: other teeth do not have to be altered to fit, like with a bridge, so your teeth are left intact
Flossing: you can floss around your dental implant and other teeth
Cleaner: unlike dentures, there is no need to disinfect or deal with adhesives to keep them in place
To begin the dental implant process, you should first make an appointment with a licensed dentist. The friendly staff at Lifetime Dental Care is ready to take your call and answer any questions you may have about the process. We will create a personal treatment plan for you based on your specific situation.
Dental implants should be treated just like your real teeth. It is important to brush, floss, rinse with ADA approved mouthwash, and schedule dental check-ups regularly. This will keep your implants and teeth looking great and working well.
Give us a call at (509) 628-1144 to set up a consultation so we can help you decide if dental implants are the right move for you.
Root Canal Therapy
Despite popular belief, a root canal procedure actually doesn’t hurt at all. If pain is felt, the root cause is actually an infection in the tooth. The purpose of the root canal therapy is to eliminate that pain. At Lifetime Dental Care we take extra care to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free during a root canal treatment and all dental procedures. With years of experience we know how to comfort even the most anxious patients and make the entire process as simple as possible.
With our office conveniently located in Richland you don’t have to go far to get great root canal therapy. Give us a call at (509) 628-1144 today to schedule a consultation and see what treatment is best for you.
Dental Bridges
When you have several teeth that need to be replaced you may want to consider having a dental bridge installed.
Lifetime Dental Care works with leading dental bridge specialists around Richland, WA to ensure your smile is restored to a healthy and great looking state.
A dental bridge consists of one or more synthetic teeth used to fill a gap in your smile. Different types of materials may be used to create a dental bridge including metal alloys and ceramics.
After an impression is taken of your mouth, a lab makes your dental bridge to match your surrounding teeth. The dental bridge consists of synthetic teeth called pontics and usually has dental crowns on each end. The dental crowns are placed over your existing teeth to hold the dental bridge in place.
When extra support is needed because your existing teeth are not able to hold the dental bridge alone or there are several missing teeth, implants may be used with or without placing dental crowns on surrounding teeth.
If you have one or more missing teeth your mouth might not be functioning properly and your bite may be affected.
Missing teeth can allow other teeth to move into the vacant space. This may cause pain by placing more stress on your jaw joints and teeth. These teeth that have moved are now more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay since it is more difficult to properly clean them.
Bone shrinkage may occur where there once was a tooth and now it is gone. The way the cheeks and lips are supported by the jawbone may change as the bone shrinks. Your face may look different over time as a result.
Consulting a dentist is the best way to determine if a dental bridge is right for you. During your exam the dentist will review your specific situation and explain your options.
At Lifetime Dental Care we take the time to go over all your possible options and answer any questions you have. After years of fitting patients in Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and surrounding areas with dental bridges, you can be confident that we will work hard to deliver you the best solution possible.
Though your dental bridge should be treated with a bit more care than your natural teeth to reduce discoloration and detachment, you must take good care of your natural teeth as well, especially if they are holding the dental bridge in place. If those teeth become compromised, the stability of the dental bridge and how well your mouth looks and functions may be threatened.
REGULAR CHECKUPS
Regular checkups and cleanings are crucial to help ensure that your dental bridge is functioning properly. Even if the dental bridge is not supported by your natural teeth, they can lead to health issues in your mouth like gum disease and bone loss that can jeopardize the look and functionality of your dental bridge.
ORAL HYGIENE
Proper personal oral hygiene is important to get rid of plaque and bacteria to keep your dental bridge looking good and working well. Using products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance is your best option since they meet the ADA’s standards for effectiveness and safety.
DIET
It is important to maintain a healthy diet to ensure your oral health does not suffer. You should also avoid foods that may stain your teeth or dental bridge and cause irregular discoloration or distortion.
When you are ready for a consultation to go over your options give us a call at (509) 628-1144. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Lifetime Dental Care is ready to help with any questions or appointment requests you may have. We are conveniently located in Richland, WA and is easily accessible from West Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and surrounding areas.
“First time at this place, have only good things to say. The staff is super friendly, my hygienist Jasmine was so nice and professional and the way they pamper you while you sit on that chair is unbelievable, warm neck pillow, paraffin for your hands, blanket, gifts… I almost thought I came to a spa.”
– Regina Gelman