Here are a few tips we recommend to change your sleep lifestyle and improve your sleep performance. 1) Be consistent about using your CPAP and/or your oral appliance for best results. 2) Watch when and what you eat before bed.a.  Eating within 2 hours of sleep time disrupts your body’s ability to prepare for a beneficial sleep cycle.b.  Many of us love to have something to eat before bed, and the stuff that makes us feel satisfied are comfort-type foods–rich and higher in fats. These types of foods alter body chemistry and disrupt sleep too. Low-fat, protein-rich foods are best.… [ Read More ]

Happy Daylight Savings Time! Or should we say, Happy Sleep Deprivation Time? It's a salient point to discuss, because this antiquated tradition of moving our clocks to reduce our energy consumption is responsible for significant impacts on our quality of sleep. The human race requires sleep to function and maintain physical health. Our ability to sleep is directly connected to the transition between day and night. Our circadian rhythm is crucial to how we stay healthy. We know that when we disrupt our sleep, it can put us into a short-term tailspin. We fail to get into a cycle that… [ Read More ]

It makes logical sense to handle heavy metals with care for countless reasons. Lyons Creek Dental Care has been practicing a specific protocol for removing metal fillings for over 30 years, called S.M.A.R.T.--Smart Metal Amalgam Removal Technique. We thought it would be useful to offer our patients the following checklist illustrating the protections we take when patients ask for amalgam filling removal. This protocol was designed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), of which Dr Chris and Dr Bob are active members. Check out more IAOMT information at https://www.IAOMT.org. Patient Protection Slurry of charcoal, chlorella, or… [ Read More ]

When I became a dentist in 1998, my grandmother Betty relayed a quick story to me about what her dentist used to recommend for her “patchy, white sores.” She said it worked like a charm whenever they resurfaced over her lifetime. Well, I was a young buck who had a lot on his mind at the time, and I propmtly forgot about her story for a few years until she came from Florida to visit and get her teeth cleaned. “Gram, those white patches are back on your gums and cheeks,” I noted. “Are they sore today?” “Not for long.… [ Read More ]

Dr Chris from Lyons Creek here again. Proudly, Dr. Bob and I are great tooth carpenters--repairing a broken shingle or two, sometimes building a better roof on a tooth, uprighting a sagging tooth, maybe cleaning the dirt and debris off the foundation for all those little houses on the block we call teeth. But the other part of my job is to be a detective; a forensic, "CSI"-dentist. And when our patients introduce their dental health to me, I find more than just a cavity or a gum infection. I often find teeth have a combination of physical wear and… [ Read More ]

Losing teeth stinks--for a lot of reasons. You lose the ability to chew with confidence. You might have some compromises when you smile. And going through the process of surgery to remove hopeless teeth is not fun either. But if it happens to you, just know you have me around to employ some modern procedures to get you back to where you want to be chewing and smiling. When you lose teeth, you immediately lose the surrounding bone that supported them. And that bone continues to atrophy over time if there are no teeth in place. The supporting bone is… [ Read More ]

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 ]