Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Making your child's first dental visit a positive experience sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. At Clearwater Dental, we recommend preparing well before the appointment to help your child feel comfortable and confident.

Keep It Positive

Start by reading age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist and maintaining healthy teeth. Make oral hygiene a fun part of your daily routine by playing their favorite song or using apps that help kids learn to brush and floss. Speak positively about dental visits, sharing your own good experiences while avoiding words like "hurt," "pain," or "shot" that might cause anxiety.

Your Child's First Dental Visit

Schedule appointments when your child is typically well-rested and alert. Bring their favorite comfort item, such as a small toy or blanket. If there's an older sibling, we recommend scheduling their checkup at this time so your little one can see it's not a scary experience.

We'll take time to help your child feel comfortable, showing them our equipment and explaining everything in child-friendly terms. Remember, our experienced team loves caring for young patients and will work at their pace to ensure a positive experience.

Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Call Clearwater Dental at (509) 783-5000 to schedule that all-important first visit for your child. We proudly serve families throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA.

Preventing cavities requires a combination of good home care habits and regular professional dental care. While brushing and flossing are essential, cavity prevention goes beyond basic oral hygiene.

Daily Habits for a Cavity-Free Smile

Start with thorough brushing twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. Equally important is paying attention to your diet and eating habits. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and avoid frequent snacking throughout the day, which keeps your teeth constantly exposed to acids. When you do enjoy sweet treats, try to have them with meals rather than as separate snacks.

Routine Preventive Care

Regular dental checkups at Clearwater Dental are crucial for cavity prevention. Professional teeth cleanings remove hardened plaque that brushing alone can't. Dental checkups keep your smile healthy by allowing us to catch early signs of decay and treat them before cavities form. We can also recommend preventive treatments like fluoride applications and dental sealants when appropriate.

Call Us for Invisible Cavity Repair

At Clearwater Dental, we are pleased to offer metal-free, tooth-colored composite fillings that blend perfectly with your smile. To protect your teeth against decay, call Clearwater Dental at (509) 783-5000 to schedule a preventive care appointment. If you already have a cavity, we’ll provide the judgment-free care you need.

We proudly serve patients throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA.

Insurance coverage for cosmetic dentistry depends on whether the treatment is considered purely cosmetic or if it also serves a restorative purpose. While most elective cosmetic procedures aren't covered by dental insurance, some treatments may qualify for partial coverage when they improve both the function and appearance of your teeth.

Insurance Coverage for Dental Procedures

For example, if you need a crown to protect a damaged tooth, insurance may contribute to the cost, even if the crown also enhances your smile's appearance. Similarly, composite bonding or tooth-colored fillings might be partially covered when used to repair decay, even if they also improve aesthetics.

Flexible Payment Options for Your Dream Smile

At Clearwater Dental, we understand that cost is important in your decision to pursue cosmetic treatment. Our team works closely with you to develop treatment plans that fit your budget, often recommending conservative approaches that can achieve beautiful results cost-effectively.

We offer several payment options to help make your dream smile affordable, including CareCredit financing and our in-house membership plan, which provides discounts on cosmetic procedures.

Ready to learn more about cosmetic dentistry options and payment solutions? Contact Clearwater Dental at (509) 783-5000. We serve patients throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA.

Our experienced dentists at Clearwater Dental make getting a dental crown comfortable and straightforward. The process typically requires two appointments spaced about two weeks apart.

Steps for Getting a Dental Crown

Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Consultation — Your restoration begins with a thorough examination and discussion of your needs. We'll evaluate your oral health, take digital images, and explain all your treatment options.
• Treatment Planning — Once we determine the best solution, we create a detailed treatment plan. We use digital technology to ensure precise measurements and an optimal fit.
• Tooth Preparation — We carefully prepare your teeth while keeping you comfortable. Our digital impression system eliminates the need for messy traditional molds.
• Temporary Restoration — While our trusted custom dental lab prepares your permanent restoration, we'll place a temporary crown to protect your teeth.
• Final Crown— When your custom restoration arrives, we'll ensure it fits perfectly and matches your natural teeth before permanently cementing it in place.

Dental crowns last 10-15 years or longer with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of your restoration depends on factors like oral hygiene, bite forces, and habits. During regular checkups, we'll monitor your restoration to ensure it continues to serve you well.

Book an Appointment with Us

If you live in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, or any surrounding area in the Tri-Cities, we can help restore your smile with custom dental crowns. Please call us at (509) 783-5000 to schedule an appointment.

Patients with excellent oral health and no history of cavities or gum disease may only need one or two visits annually. However, many patients at Clearwater Dental require more frequent attention to address these ongoing issues.

Our dentists and hygienists will evaluate your needs and work with you to determine the ideal schedule of checkups for your specific situation.

Personalized Care Plans

Some patients may need to see us three or more times a year, depending on their needs. Some conditions that may require more frequent checkups include:

• A history of gum disease
• Frequent cavities
• Compromised immune systems
• Diabetes or other medical conditions affecting oral health
• Difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene

Prevention Is Key to Oral Health

Regular dental visits help us catch potential problems early when they're easier and less expensive to treat. Even if you maintain excellent home care, professional cleanings remove buildup that brushing and flossing can't reach, while regular exams allow us to monitor your oral health and prevent small issues from becoming major concerns.

Are You Due for Next Checkup?

Ready to schedule your next dental visit? Contact Clearwater Dental at (509) 783-5000. We serve patients throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA

While dental implants can't develop cavities, they still require dedicated care to ensure their long-term success and protect your investment. Otherwise, gum disease called peri-implantitis can develop, causing complications and threatening the success of your implant.

Daily Dental Implant Care

Maintaining dental implants involves thorough daily hygiene practices. Brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying special attention to all surfaces of your implant crown and the area where it meets your gum line. Use dental floss or interdental brushes designed specifically for implants to clean around and between your restorations effectively.

Like natural teeth, dental implants can become damaged due to excess force caused by clenching, biting, and chewing. Habits like teeth grinding or chewing on pens, ice, or fingernails can place stress on the implant and cause it to fail.

Professional Implant Care and Monitoring

Regular dental exams and cleanings are even more crucial after implant placement. During these visits, our dentists will examine your implant, ensure the surrounding gums are healthy, and professionally clean areas you might miss at home. We'll also confirm that your bite remains properly aligned and your restoration functions as designed.

Questions about Dental Implant Care?

Ready to learn more about dental implants or implant care? Call Clearwater Dental at (509) 783-5000. We serve patients throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA.

At Clearwater Dental, we create custom dentures using a collaborative process to achieve the most natural-looking results possible. Our goal is to create well-fitting dentures that complement your unique features and personality.

Creating Your Custom Dentures

We start with a detailed consultation, during which you and your dentist discuss your goals and preferences. Together, we'll select the shade, shape, and positioning of your replacement teeth, considering factors like your facial structure, skin tone, and even hair and eye color. This attention to detail ensures your dentures enhance your natural features rather than appear artificial.

Our comprehensive denture creation process includes:

• Detailed impressions that capture your mouth's contours
• Examining bite relationship and jaw alignment
• Digital imaging to analyze facial proportions
• Multiple try-in appointments
• Final adjustments for comfort and function

Your Feedback Is Important!

Your input is invaluable, and during try-in appointments, you can preview how your dentures will look and feel. The result is a prosthetic that restores function and gives you confidence, knowing your smile looks natural.

Now that you know your dentures will look like your smile, we would love to help you take the next steps. Call our Tri-Cities dental office today at (509) 783-5000 so we can schedule an appointment to get started.

Establishing healthy oral habits begins with making dental care a regular, positive part of your family's daily routine. The key is consistency and leading by example.

Make Dental Care a Family Activity

Start by brushing together as a family, especially with young children who learn best by watching and mimicking their parents. Make it fun by playing favorite songs during brush time or using a timer app designed for kids. Create morning and bedtime routines that always include brushing and flossing.

Create Positive Associations 

Consider creating a family challenge or reward system for consistent dental care for older children and teens. Digital brushing apps can make this engaging and trackable. Remember to keep dental supplies fresh by changing toothbrushes every three months and storing floss in easily accessible places throughout your home.

Build Lasting Habits

Most importantly, maintain regular dental visits for the whole family. When children see their parents prioritizing dental checkups and speaking positively about dental care, they're more likely to develop lasting healthy habits. At Clearwater Dental, we'll partner with you to reinforce these habits during visits and provide age-appropriate tips and tools for every family member.

Ready to start building better dental habits for your family? Call Clearwater Dental at (509) 783-5000 to schedule appointments for your family. We proudly serve families throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often goes undiagnosed because many symptoms occur during sleep. However, certain warning signs during both night and day can indicate the presence of this serious sleep disorder.

At Clearwater Dental, we understand how sleep apnea affects overall health and quality of life. We will work with you and offer personalized treatment solutions tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

Watch for these nighttime symptoms:

• Loud, chronic snoring that may include gasping or choking sounds
• Episodes of stopped breathing observed by others
• Restless sleep or frequent nighttime awakenings
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Night sweats or excessive perspiration during sleep

Daytime symptoms often include:

• Excessive drowsiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Irritability, depression, or mood changes

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing sleep apnea:

• Being overweight
• Large neck circumference
• Narrow airway or enlarged tonsils
• Family history of sleep apnea
• The aging process, especially after age 40
• Alcohol consumption, especially before bedtime
• Use of sedatives or tranquilizers

If you recognize these symptoms or risk factors, schedule a consultation at Clearwater Dental by calling (509) 783-5000. We serve patients throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA, and can help determine if you should undergo a sleep study for proper diagnosis.

While occasional jaw discomfort may resolve naturally, chronic TMJ problems typically require professional treatment. Without proper intervention, TMJ disorders (TMD) often progress, leading to increased pain and potential complications.

The Progressive Nature of TMD

TMJ disorders develop from underlying issues that affect your jaw joint, muscles, and bite alignment. These fundamental problems rarely correct themselves without treatment. 

What begins as minor jaw discomfort can progress to chronic pain, worn teeth, and difficulty with daily activities like eating and speaking. Compensating for jaw pain can even lead to altered behaviors and muscle patterns that can worsen the condition over time. This does not have to be your reality!

Seeking Early TMJ Treatment

Seeking treatment for TMJ-related problems as soon as possible can help prevent the cascade of problems that can occur. At Clearwater Dental, we provide a thorough evaluation and use advanced technology to identify the root cause of your TMJ problems and develop an effective treatment plan.

Get the TMJ Pain Relief You Need

Ready to address your TMJ concerns and get the relief you need? Call Clearwater Dental today at (509) 783-5000 to schedule your consultation. We serve patients throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA, providing effective solutions for TMJ pain relief.