Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Seattle Met 2011 Top Dentist!

Before putting your smile in the hands of any Dental practitioner or Periodontist, we recommend you check their credentials to rest assured you've chosen a Doctor well established in the field, and someone who will vouche for your best interests. We're pleased to announce that Dr. Kang is featured again this year in Seattle Metropolitan Magazine's Top Dentists 2011, making this his hat trick nomination, three years running! He is noted for his extraordinary Dental implant work, and is backed by a number of honorable, reputable sources, which is extremely reassuring for all patients that walk through our doors. All Puget Sound Periodontics staff members are well educated, friendly, and soundly dedicated to providing you with the best service in the Northwest. We're pleased to have Dr. Kang as a mentor in the office, and invite all to check out his feature in Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, http://www.seattlemet.com/health-and-fitness/articles/seattle-best-dentists-0211/

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Top 7 Dental Implant Myths

Many people are intimidated by the idea of Dental Implants, and have received mixed reviews about the product pros and cons. Puget Sound Periodontics would love to inform all interested parties on the Top 7 myths rapidly spreading around town about Dental Implants, according to the trusted site worlddental.org. You might find some interesting things you didn't know before straightening out the facts about Dental Implant Surgery. Please find the myths revealed, http://worldental.org/teeth/top-7-myths-dental-implants/3497

Monday, February 21, 2011

Proper Brushing Techniques

Are you an avid brusher, or floss at your own convenience? We're not here to scold you, or critique your own personal hygiene techniques, we're simply here to assist and educate all our patients. Here is an educational update on proper daily oral hygiene care:

Brush at least twice daily, for 2-4 minutes. When brushing, position the brush at a 45 degree angle where gums meet the teeth, gently using circular strokes, repeating several times. Use light pressure while brushing the outer area of the teeth, and then use the same technique while cleaning the inside of the back of your teeth. It's important to clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower frontals, holding the brush vertically, as plaque can easily build up in this area. Make several back and forth strokes, and don't neglect the surrounding gum area. Lastly, you'll clean the biting surface of your chompers. Use short gentle strokes, while changing the positon of your brush as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. You should brush while looking at your reflection in the mirror, so you can be sure you've properly cleaned each area. Rinse your mouth with water when you're finished, to remove any plaque you may have loosened while brushing.

Flossing:
Periodontal disease commonly forms in the areas of your teeth that you can't reach with your brush. Flossing is an effective easy way to remove plaque from these areas. You probably won't become a flossing expert overnight- the technique takes practice to master, so try giving this technique a try, and you should see proven results. Start with a piece of waxed floss 18" long, lightly wrapping the majority of the floss around one of your middle fingers. Wrap the remaining floss around the middle finger on the opposite hand. For the upper teeth, hold floss lightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand, while gently inserting floss between teeth, using a back and forth motion. Bring the floss to the gum line, then curve it against a tooth in a C shape. Slide floss in between the gum and tooth until you feel light resistance, then move it up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember to clean both sides of the tooth, and be careful not to cut the gum tissue between teeth. Rotate floss to use a fresh section when floss becomes soiled. When you are finished, rinse your mouth vigorously to remove plaque and food that may have loosened while flossing. During the first week of flossing, you may experience sore gums, or a little bleeding, while you're learning the proper flossing technique. If your gums hurt, you could be flossing too hard, and if you keep up the regular routine, bleeding and soreness should stop.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

What to Expect on Your First Visit

We you've done some research, and think dental implants might be a good option, please set up an appointment with our office so we can determine together, what the best treatment plan will be for you. Our goal is to make you feel relaxed and comfortable and we're here to listen and answer any questions you will have on your first visit. To help speed the process please bring the following with you on your first visit if applicable:
-referral slip and x-rays from your referring dentist, if given to you.
-A list of medications you're currently taking
-If you have dental insurance, please bring any forms or insurance cards
-You can also fill out your patient registration, and medical history from our web page, http://www.pugetsoundperio.com/
We will complete an in depth Medical and Dental Health History, and a thorough examination measuring bone loss, teeth bite, oral cancer screening, TMJ, and examine other signs of Periodontal disease. We'll take Periodontal x-rays to see disease not otherwise visible, (unless your referring Doctor has submitted these x-rays). Usually an approximate fee can be determined at the initial visit, but on occasion further treatment must be completed before the final treatment plan can come to light. We pride ourselves on working with patients to set up the best Financial planning available, and our philosophy of practice is to treat as conservatively as possible to reach treatment goals. When you think you're ready for that perfect smile, contact our office, and we'll walk you through one step at a time. (206)400-0800

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

Today it's perfectly ok to indulge with your loved ones, so have a few candies or sweets to satisfy your craving. In the greater scheme of things, we want you to know how important it is to take care of that precious mouth of yours, so here are a few reminders to keep your smile as healthy as possible:
Adults above the age of 35 lose far more teeth to periodontal disease than they do to cavities. As you get older, it is increasingly important that your dentist is completing regular periodontal exams on you, because without them, you may not know when a problem is sneaking up on you. The best way to prevent Periodontal disease and cavities is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques performed daily, and regular professional exams and cleanings. Unfortunately even with the best home dental care, some people will still form a degree of periodontal disease. Once this process begins, that's where we come in handy- It's necessary for professionals to step in to prevent it's progression.

Other factors affecting gum disease:
-Stress
-Tobacco usage
-Diabetes
-Grinding teeth
-Medication
-Poor nutrition

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Before and After Smiles

When choosing a Periodontist, or a Dentist with Periodontics training, be sure to do your research, and dig deep to find how qualified your practitioner is before you put your smile in their hands. You want a staff that is well trained, professionally experienced, and very knowlegabe on the latest, and most successful procedures. We can gush about the prestigious Universities our staff attended and excelled in their programs, and go over the growing number of satisfied patients, but we also want you to dig deeper. We want you to be completely confident that our staff can exceed your expectations, so please feel free to browse our Facebook page, and check out some of the before and after photos of some of our patients.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Puget-Sound-Periodontics/114989263307

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

New Procedure makes Implants More Comfortable and Less Invasive

When we initially think of Dental Implants, most of us find ourselves cringing a bit at the thought of more probing done in our precious mouths. But with today's technology, things are increasingly getting easier across the board. Until recently, there was little to be done, or few who could take the initiative to help the 30 million Americans living with tooth loss, but this new revolutionary procedure with implants could give alot more people a reason so show off their smile. The latest procedure allows people without any teeth to get a full set of pearly whites in just over an hour. It cut costs in half if patients don't need bone grafting, (which is fairly common for most cases) and could need as little as four impants for a brand new full set of chompers. For the full scoop, check out the article online, and watch the interactive video, http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/health/133451/new-procedure-may-help-make-dental-implants-more-common

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Dental Implants- the 21st Century Solution for Missing Teeth

Dental Implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth currently available to patients. As opposed to a bridge, or partial denture, an implant is permanent and non dependant on other teeth for strength and stability. Dental Implants can help strengthen your remaining teeth, and because implants stimulate the jawbone directly, they help prevent "bone resorption" or loss of bone mass and density. The placement of a dental implant is actually a surprisingly comfortable procedure. Most patients experience little discomfort, and after the implant is placed a removeable cap dubbed "the healing abutment" is placed on top to aid in a proper recovery. Please visit our website to view before and after photos to visualize what a dental implant can do for your smile.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Welcome Blog!

Puget Sound Periodontics & Implant Dentistry located in Federal Way, Wa is backed by a team of caring professionals dedicated to helping each indivudual pateint achieve the perfect smile. This blog will feature updates directly from the office, keep patients up to date on the latest procedures, and be readily available to educate current and potential periodontic patients on our Dentistry services, and the steps we'll walk you through to complete your individual plan. Our mission is to gently treat every patient as if they are our only patient. We ensure comfort by striving for excellent customer service through our friendly staff, and working closely with your referred dentist to establish a lasting relationship, (but it is not required to have a dental refferal to visit our office). Please peruse our website to meet the staff, and get a sense of what our office can offer you http://www.paperstreetperio.com