Vashon DentalQuality Restorative Dentistry on Vashon Island
With Dr. Leif Rasmussen on-site, in-person at the clinic during all business hours, our patients can be assured of complete assessment and care for your dental needs. For over 22 years now, Vashon Dental has provided dental care for thousands in the surrounding community. With our focus on high-quality care using the latest in proven dental technologies, Leif Rasmussen, DDS provides high-quality, eco-friendly, holistic dental care in a warm and caring environment.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to fill the gap caused by one or more missing teeth. They are comprised of artificial teeth that are anchored by crowns cemented on to teeth adjacent to the gap. We use toxin-free, top-grade, natural-looking, and eco-friendly procedures for our bridges.
Bridges that are placed in the front of the mouth are made from aesthetically pleasing ceramic or porcelain that mimics the translucent quality of natural tooth enamel.
Bridges that are placed in the front of the mouth are made from aesthetically pleasing ceramic or porcelain that mimics the translucent quality of natural tooth enamel.
Dental Crowns
We all want a great, healthy smile. However, often when it comes to achieving this goal, the need for some restoration comes into play. When damage such as a cracked or decayed tooth occurs, it can seriously impact functionality and your overall oral health. Dental crowns, also referred to as “caps,” are able to preserve and support your smile by encasing a tooth in custom material. Your dentist may decide to use this form of treatment in order to aid in a variety of dental situations.
A crown can serve several different purposes. Covering the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, it can shield and support weak or damaged teeth. It can also serve as a restorative agent for worn down teeth by building up its shape, size, and appearance.
A crown can serve several different purposes. Covering the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, it can shield and support weak or damaged teeth. It can also serve as a restorative agent for worn down teeth by building up its shape, size, and appearance.
Examinations
At Vashon Dental, teeth cleanings and exams are two of the essential procedures Dr. Leif Rasmussen performs. He encourages everyone to schedule biannual checkups to help them maintain good oral health. Brushing your teeth regularly and scheduling biannual cleanings can prevent plaque and tartar from damaging the teeth permanently.
Not only do biannual dental checkups reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but they also allow Dr. Leif to examine the soft tissues of the mouth to ensure there are no other existing oral health concerns. Biannual dental checkups will enable him to examine teeth for weak spots where potential cavities may appear. He also can determine whether the patient needs further instructions on how to brush or care for their teeth properly.
Not only do biannual dental checkups reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but they also allow Dr. Leif to examine the soft tissues of the mouth to ensure there are no other existing oral health concerns. Biannual dental checkups will enable him to examine teeth for weak spots where potential cavities may appear. He also can determine whether the patient needs further instructions on how to brush or care for their teeth properly.
Periodontal Treatment
Are red, tender, or bleeding gums something you deal with every day? If so, then you may already be experiencing periodontal disease. We can help protect your oral health and more with periodontal therapy here at Vashon Dental, so don't hesitate and contact Dr. Rasmussen for an appointment today.
When it comes to your oral health, it doesn’t begin and end with the condition of your teeth. The health of your gums directly affects not only your mouth but your overall health as well. Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is currently the leading cause of adult tooth loss here in the U.S., and even more alarming; it has also been linked to a person’s risk of developing other serious illnesses, including diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and even dementia.
When it comes to your oral health, it doesn’t begin and end with the condition of your teeth. The health of your gums directly affects not only your mouth but your overall health as well. Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is currently the leading cause of adult tooth loss here in the U.S., and even more alarming; it has also been linked to a person’s risk of developing other serious illnesses, including diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and even dementia.
Professional Cleaning
Teeth cleaning also referred to as professional dental cleaning, is one of those simple things that can dramatically improve your oral health. Although regular brushing and flossing at home help to remove food particles and reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, there are some areas that are difficult to clean. Certain kinds of buildup, like tartar (hardened plaque), can only be removed using professional tools in the dentist’s office.
If you’ve been avoiding a professional teeth cleaning, don’t be intimidated. Take the first step to better oral hygiene and a better looking smile by making an appointment today.
If you’ve been avoiding a professional teeth cleaning, don’t be intimidated. Take the first step to better oral hygiene and a better looking smile by making an appointment today.
Our Process
Two oral healthcare professionals - Dr. Rasmussen and your dental hygienist – will see you. The hygienist will conduct an initial oral exam of your gums. The hygienists will document any issues and record the evaluation.
1.
Professional Treatment
Hygienists document any changes in your overall health and medicine use, clean and polish your teeth, talk to you about caring for your teeth and gums, and answer any questions you might have about home care products. Dr. Rasmussen will also conduct an oral exam of your gums and teeth, ask about changes in your overall health or medicine use, review the cleaning done by the hygienist, look for signs of oral cancer and other diseases, diagnose any oral health problems, and make treatment recommendations.
2.
Cleaning
Although home-based tooth brushing and flossing help remove plaque, only a professional cleaning – provided by your dental hygienist – can thoroughly clean your teeth and remove the hardened plaque (called calculus or tartar) that builds up on teeth. Most hygienists use a series of metal hand instruments to clean your teeth. Some are using ultrasonic scalers, which provide deep cleaning above and below the gum line.
3.
Polishing
After your teeth have been cleaned, they are polished to remove plaque and stains on the tooth surface. The polish contains an abrasive substance and fluoride, and is applied using a small rotating rubber cup or brush attached to the dental hand piece.
4.
Prevention
Your hygienist might offer additional instructions for you to follow at home, based on the results of your exam. Don’t hesitate to ask your hygienist for instructions about brushing or flossing, or general care questions about your teeth and gums.
5.
X-rays
X-rays may or may not be taken during your checkup. Dr. Rasmussen will consider your oral exam, dental history, and risk for developing cavities to decide if you absolutely need X-rays.
6.
Recommendations
If any oral health problems are found during your examination, Dr. Rasmussen will make recommendations for the best next steps. These might include a few tests, or a return visit for restoration work (for example, fillings and crowns), or additional oral healthcare.
