Some pleasantly surprising benefits occur for fearful patients when they elect to have sedation care at Lyons Creek Dental Care. 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 ]

Over the past two decades, narcotic and opioid pain medications have been overwhelmingly common for the treatment of postsurgical pain in dentistry and oral surgery. But the evidence that has been presented over the past several years has shown patients are suffering a number of problems with the use of narcotics. Pharmacists, physicians and dentists are all in agreement that pain management has to restrict or eliminate the use of narcotics. Over the past 5 years, we have been moving away from the prescription of narcotic and opioid pain medications, both in the number of prescribed doses and the number… [ Read More ]

Most people understand that dental implants are a way to replace missing teeth. But there are some little known facts I want to share that everybody can take advantage of when we have a tooth that has failed. Let’s set this up in terms of dispelling myths. Myth 1: It’s more expensive to place an implant for my failed tooth than a bridge or a denture. Today’s implants are less expensive than they were 10 years ago, in terms of time and money. The costs of replacing teeth with a denture may be less costly in the short term, but… [ Read More ]

Sensitive teeth can happen for many reasons. In this post, Dr. Rafoth addresses the 4 main causes of tooth sensitivity he sees in his practice. 1. Diet “Sometimes the diet we choose can make teeth sensitive. Foods and drinks that are higher in acids strip the protective layer of sludge (called the pellicle) from our teeth, exposing our teeth to more sensitivity with sweets or temperatures.” 2. Grinding and Clenching “Tooth grinding or clenching also makes teeth sensitive, because the supporting tissues of the teeth become inflamed. Inflammation can make teeth sensitive to biting, temperatures, sweets, sours, and spicy foods.”… [ Read More ]

In times of stress, it may be difficult to add your oral health to your list of things to remember, but is important to know how stress can affect your smile and oral health. Dr. Rafoth speaks to the effects stress can have on your teeth. Immune System Breakdown “Stress can directly cause immune system breakdown, which can be connected to deterioration in dental health,” says Dr. Rafoth. “Prolonged stress needs to be managed for your overall health.” Canker Sores “We most commonly see canker sores (apthous ulcers) emerge in times of stress.” While canker sores are generally harmless in… [ Read More ]

We may feel minor discomfort from tooth infections, but they should be taken seriously. Remember Andy Hallet from the TV series “Angel”? This actor died five years ago from a tooth infection that led to cardiomyopathy. 33-year-old "Angel" actor dies of heart disease Posted by Mimi on March 31, 2009 at 7:49pm in Black, White & Red Eyed: In The Headlines LOS ANGELES (AP) -- An agent for 33-year-old singer and actor Andy Hallett says the former cast member from the vampire TV series "Angel" has died of congestive heart disease. Hallett's agent Pat Brady says Hallett died Sunday at… [ Read More ]