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Seattle Metropolitan Magazine partnered with national survey company TopDentists, which sent ballots to all dentists listed online with the American Dental Association in King and close-in Snohomish and Kitsap counties, asking, “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”
More information about TopDentists’ survey process can be found at www.usatopdentists.com PATIENT TESTIMONIALS: If you are adverse to pain, dislike the idea of unfriendly fingers in your mouth or generally avoid dental services, this is one office I can personally guarantee you will love. Smile. It's easier than frowning about poor teeth. ~ Patient of Dr. Higashi for over 10 years, Bellevue Thank you for your diligence, expertise, and amazing care! Your care, thoughtful instruction and welcome to the office was exceptional! ~New Patient seen in August 2011 The results from the LASER treatment are nothing short of astounding, and this is the source of my encouragement. Thank you for taking a risk on the new technology. Not only have you turned the tide in the war on my periodontal disease, you’ve given me hope for a completely different outcome – one I can smile about. Bless You! ~ Patient of Dr. Higashi for over 8 years, Seattle We are constantly learning and striving to advance the standard of patient care in our office. As such, we have recently added the following new procedures: SIX MONTH SMILES - Cosmetic Braces System Would you like straight teeth without spending years in braces? You can have a straight beautiful smile created with nearly invisible braces in about 6 months! Six Month Smiles utilizes clear braces to straighten teeth in an average time of only six months. Dr. Higashi can comfortably straighten your teeth and give you the attractive, pleasant smile that you have always wanted. CALL US TODAY for details or click on the image below to learn more!
VELscope - Revolutionary Oral Cancer Screening at the your dental visit!
ORAL CANCER - SIGNS + SYMPTOMS In the early stages of oral cancer's development, it often is painless, and the physical signs may not be obvious. This makes it a very dangerous disease. Regular screenings by a qualified medical or dental professional, combined with a person's knowledge of the warning signs and symptoms, will allow its discovery in the earliest possible stages, when cure and survival are most likely. Even pre-cancerous tissue changes can often be detected by a trained professional. Below are a few of the early indicators:
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY / LASER HYGIENE In a continuing effort to provide comprehensive, non-surgical periodontal care, the use of the laser is a tremendous aid in treatment of periodontal disease. The laser can selectively target diseased tissue while killing bacteria and biostimulating the bottom of the pocket. This gives a marked advantage to our patients in the treatment of their periodontal disease.
Dental lasers were first introduced more than 20 years ago. The earliest models had one single, very limited function: that of desensitizing teeth. Since then laser technology, laser treatment, as well as patient awareness and demand have grown and developed at an incredibly rapid pace. Lasers have become highly regarded by the public, the dental profession, and the research community. *Material taken from the October 2010 issue of Dentistry Today. PATIENT TESTIMONIAL: Dear Dr. Mike & Team, ~ Patient of Dr. Higashi for over 8 years, Seattle
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What is a PROPHY? Also known as prophylatic teeth cleaning, a prophy is a non-therapuetic procedure for the maintenance of a healthy mouth. Prophy is only provided for patients without periodontitis, gum infection that destroys the soft tissue and bone supporthing the teeth. What is PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE? Periodontal maintenance (PM) is distinctly different from a prophy. PM is commonly prescribed to patients who have had active perio treatment. It involves ongoing treatment for periodontitis. The objective of PM is to keep the disease under control. What is SCALING and ROOT PLANING?
SCALING vs. PLANING Scaling scrapes off the plaque and tarter and then root planning smoothes the root. A smooth clean and healthy root surface allows the gums to reattach the the teeth. Since root planning is a procedure that removes the irritants, much like removing a splinter from an infected finger, patients generally experience little discomfort afterwards and the gums actually feel better. MORE NEWS + INFORMATION
The NTI-tss device is an anterior bite stop, which is indicated for the prevention and treatment of bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), tension-type headaches, and migraine.
Sleep Apnea Device. Relieves symptoms of sleep apnea, improves sleep, can eliminate snoring.
We are proud to offer our patients The Invisalign® system. It is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you've always dreamed of. Click HERE for more information
Overview of many dental procedures and home care information.
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Scaling and root planning is frequently referred to as ‘deep cleaning’. Deep cleaning is the treatment of choice for an infectious disease called periodontal disease. This type of "deeper cleaning" is unlike a professional polishing or prophy that removes only the soft sticky plaque that exists above the gum line. Scaling and root planing are methods for treating gum disease, which is marked by the formation of pockets -- measuring greater than 3 mm -- around the teeth. 
Deep cleaning is normally performed by your dentist or dental hygienist in a couple of visits. The exact number of visits however depends on your dentist and the amount of tarter build up. Often your dentist will choose to administer local anesthetic to make the procedure virtually painless. The goal of the procedure is to eliminate the infection by removing the bacteria containing plaque and tarter that has attached to your teeth and their roots under the gum.
