This used to be a debate that swirled around bathroom sinks and dental offices for decades. But in a recent article published on AP’s site The Big Story (1), a look to the past has apparently started pushing the debate toward a resolution of sorts. Because you, dear reader, are always looking to us for sound wisdom and advice, I’d be honored to oblige. As the article mentions, floss has limited benefits.  It’s hard to hold, tough to manipulate, and can’t always eliminate every bit of food and sludge on and between teeth and gums. Even when performed perfectly, it’s really difficult… [ Read More ]

Chris Rafoth, D.D.S., of Stanwood, WA has been named as an Implant Director for the American Academy of Facial Esthetics Place Implant Now courses. The AAFE is a teaching organization for dental and medical professionals that has successfully integrated internet learning with hands on training for Botox and Dermal Fillers. Now, AAFE is launching a new program for general dentists to learn to place implants immediately. This innovative 20 hour university level post graduate training is taught online and in a live clinical hands-on program. The hands-on training by AAFE Implant faculty will take place at over 20 locations around the… [ Read More ]

Earlier this year, I was asked to become a director for implant surgery by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. I couldn’t be more flattered and excited to teach others what I feel is a hugely rewarding procedure for dental patients everywhere.  I have worked hard over the past 16 years in my Stanwood, WA clinic, to maintain my continuing education in this field. During that time, I have learned a lot of lessons about what it takes to perform great implant surgeries, and how to contend with the failures as well. I consider dental implant procedures to be my… [ Read More ]

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is a major cause of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.  Vaccination can reduce significantly the risk of infection and subsequent cancer. According to the director of Snohomish County Public Health, only 30% of Snohomish County’s 11-12 year olds have initiated the HPV series and only 9% have completed the series.  By age 13-17, the rates are only 44% initiated and 24% completed.  The CDC, Washington State Department of Health, and Snohomish Health District are committed to increasing vaccination rates. To that end, I urge our Stanwood-Camano, Arlington, and… [ Read More ]

Lyons Creek Dental Care uses 3D technology to scan, print, and mill dental products, from crowns to bridges to dentures. Chris Rafoth is the owner of Lyons Creek Dental Care, providing medical dentistry, dental implants, and facial esthetics since 1998 for Shoreline and greater Seattle areas, as well as communities in King and Snohomish counties. Any questions or comments? Contact him at chris@lyonscreekdentalcare.com today! [ Read More ]

Dr Rafoth discusses PRF--a procedure that allows patients to improve surgery outcomes for bone regeneration and dental implants. Chris Rafoth is the owner of Lyons Creek Dental Care, providing medical dentistry, dental implants, and facial esthetics since 1998 for Shoreline and greater Seattle areas, as well as communities in King and Snohomish counties. Any questions or comments? Contact him at chris@lyonscreekdentalcare.com today! [ Read More ]

Dr Chris Rafoth has discovered new technology that takes a lot of compromises out of the denture process, and can make you a better denture. Chris Rafoth is the owner of Lyons Creek Dental Care, providing medical dentistry, dental implants, and facial esthetics since 1998 for Shoreline and greater Seattle areas, as well as communities in King and Snohomish counties. Any questions or comments? Contact him at chris@lyonscreekdentalcare.com today! [ Read More ]

Dr. Rafoth encourages everyone to use the best source of support for all things dental--his experience and continuing education in medical dentistry, dental implants, and esthetics. Chris Rafoth is the owner of Lyons Creek Dental Care, providing medical dentistry, dental implants, and facial esthetics since 1998 for Shoreline and greater Seattle areas, as well as communities in King and Snohomish counties. Any questions or comments? Contact him at chris@lyonscreekdentalcare.com today! [ Read More ]

You remember the last time you had a real Coke or Pepsi?  You sipped it, swished it around a little to enjoy the fizzy feel. Chugged a couple more gulps. And then you noticed your teeth felt different. They’re not slick anymore. Maybe rough to your tongue. Or even a strangely dry feeling. That, my friends, is the power of soda acid.  It strips the protective, mucousy sludge off your teeth.  You heard me. Protective. Your slimy drool has VALUE! We know that people who suffer dry mouth disorder or have chronic soda or sports drink habits, or eat lots of… [ Read More ]

About 30 million Americans have diabetes, and another 89 million are prediabetic. Diabetes has a significant relationship with periodontal disease. Diabetes lends to a compromised immune function, which becomes a key factor in patients with periodontitis, also known as gum disease. In our office, we’re interested in the optimal treatment of diabetic patients. When we first meet patients, we identify patients at risk for diabetes, even if they do not have a formal diagnosis. On occasion, we may provide an in-office test to assess for diabetes for at-risk patients. We refer patients to local physicians for diabetic control. We continually review… [ Read More ]