How do I know if I Need a Dental Crown?
July 11, 2017
The only way to know for sure whether or not you need a dental crown is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Dental crowns are advanced restorations used to repair teeth following significant decay or damage. They fit completely over the top of the tooth to replace the lost structure and renew function. In order to preserve the maximum amount of tooth structure, we’ll only recommend dental crowns when more conservative treatments like tooth colored fillings are inadequate in repairing dental damage. During a treatment consultation, a dentist will examine your smile, capture diagnostic x-rays and images, and help you determine whether or not a dental crown is your best treatment option.
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Your Hillsboro Dentists at Orenco Want You to Understand the Threat of Periodontal Disease
July 23, 2015
Periodontal disease in Hillsboro, OR and across the United States is marked by red, swollen, pus-filled gums that pull away from tooth roots. Most commonly caused by poor dental hygiene, millions of adults suffer from this devastating but treatable oral infection.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that approximately half adult Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal or advanced gum disease. Characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gum tissue, periodontitis leads to tooth and bone loss and also to systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart attack, asthma and more.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by a variety of factors, including poor dental hygiene. When brushing, flossing and professional cleanings are neglected, sticky, bacteria-filled plaque forms on teeth and below the gum line.
Left untreated, the plaque quickly turns into rock-hard tartar, creating infected pockets in gum tissue. Pockets measuring more than 5 mm indicate advanced periodontitis and need dental attention before teeth loosen and are lost and before jaw bone is destroyed.
In addition, other factors play into gum disease. Heredity is one of them. If family members tend toward gum issues, you may develop them as well over time. So, it’s important to alert your Hillsboro, OR dentist to your medical history, including conditions that seem to run in the family.
Besides heredity, hormonal changes such as those associated with pregnancy and menopause play into gum disease. So, women should not neglect their dental check-ups during these important seasons of life. Additionally, some medical conditions which suppress the immune system, such as diabetes and cancer, promote gum problems as do medications such as antidepressants and oral contraceptives
Another common culprit is tobacco use. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) research pegs cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco as loaded with toxins which destroy gum tissue. Smoking steals vital oxygen and other nutrients from the mouth, making it prone to gum infection. Combine tobacco with other risk factors such as obesity and poor diet, and periodontitis is the result.
What can be done about Hillsboro, OR periodontal disease?
The best action is a trip to your Hillsboro, OR dentists, Doctors Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. These Dentists at Orenco Station are passionate about preventive dentistry and can measure the extent of your gum issues, suggesting treatments such as:
- stepped up brushing and flossing at home
- professional tooth and root scaling to remove tartar
- instillation of antimicrobial medication to heal infected tissues
- referral to oral surgery if advanced techniques are required to restore gums, roots and jaw bone to full health
Don’t delay getting periodontal therapy in the Hillsboro area
Doctors Brandon and Malinda Kearbey desire great oral health and overall well-being for each of their patients. They believe excellent preventive care keeps teeth and gums healthy so their patients can keep their smiles for their entire lives.
If it’s been a while since you had a hygienic cleaning and dental check-up, please call The Dentists at Orenco Station today to arrange a convenient appointment. Your oral health is too important to neglect.
Porcelain Crowns to Restore Your Smile
June 18, 2015
When you chip, crack, break, or loose a tooth, it can wipe the smile right off your face. A healthy, beautiful smile builds confidence, and makes a great first impression. When your smile is marred, you can feel the difference every time you smile, talk or chew. Don’t live with the pain or embarrassment of damaged teeth, let the Dentists at Orenco Station make your smile look better than it ever has with our restoration dentistry services. In Hillsboro, OR, we provide restoration dentistry with a cosmetic dentistry mindset. Our dentists truly believe that restoration dentistry isn’t complete until your smile is restored. That’s why we use all porcelain crowns to repair lost, chipped or broken teeth. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Restorative Dentistry that Looks Cosmetic
Some dental practices view restorative dentistry as simply restoring the function of your teeth. The Dentists at Oreco Station thinks your smile is not restored until it looks great too. We have numerous restorative dentistry services that will leave you with a beautiful, natural looking and feeling smile. For chips, cracks, breaks, and lost teeth, our all porcelain crowns will put the smile back on your face.
Porcelain Crowns
If you’ve ever seen a person with a metal crown, you may be thinking, “I’d rather stick with this crack in my tooth.” Fortunately for you, advances in dental technology make it possible for you to have a tooth that looks just like the original. Thanks to all porcelain crowns from the Dentists of Orenco Station, you and your dentist can be the only ones to know about your crown. A crown is placed on a tooth that has been cracked, chipped or broken so that the remaining tooth can be retained. A crown and bridge are used to fill the gaps between teeth when a tooth has been lost. This customized replacement helps your mouth retain its structure and looks great too.
All porcelain crowns look great, but they take more time than traditional metallic crowns and are less durable. The advantages definitely outweigh these minor inconveniences. With all porcelain crowns, your tooth will look just like the originally. Porcelain is a hypo-allergenic option for patients with metal allergies. You dentist can realign and correct the form of these caps after placing them for a perfect fit. Because they take up less space than thicker metallic crowns, they are best suited for patients with minimal spacing between teeth.
Ready to Let Us Crown You?
Weather you need to repair or replace a tooth with a crown, let the Dentists at Orenco Station do it right. Our dental experts will restore your tooth to its natural beauty with all-porcelain crowns that look and feel great. Call to schedule an appointment today in Hillsboro, OR. We welcome patients from our sister communities: Rock Creek, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Beaverton, and beyond.
Do You Have Dental Fears? Discover Your Sedation Dentistry Options in Hillsboro, OR
February 17, 2015
Do you have a fear of dental treatment? Dental fear and anxiety is a common barrier for many patients to seek the dental treatment they need to stay healthy. For some, dental fear and anxiety can persist despite the promise of pain relieving anesthetic doses. If your dental fears keep you from receiving dental care on a regular basis, you could be jeopardizing your overall health. But you can protect yourself from dental decay by making your next dental care appointment with the gentle and understanding sedation dentistry experts of Orenco Station. Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey are experienced sedation dentists. The Dentists at Orenco Station deliver quality care daily throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and the surrounding communities.
What Are Your Sedation Dentistry Choices?
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral conscious sedation can help the majority of patients with mild to moderate levels of dental fear and anxiety. Sedation medication can be taken orally, about an hour before your appointment begins. The medication will make you drowsy, but you will remain awake.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: If you need stronger sedation, Dr. Kearbey offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. Nitrous oxide gas is combined with oxygen through a mask that’s gently placed over your nose. The gas will help you feel completely relaxed, and Dr. Kearbey can control the amount of sedation you receive. Nitrous oxide gas can wear off quickly once the mask is removed so you will be able to drive yourself home after the procedure if this is your sedation choice.
- IV Sedation: With IV sedation, you can receive your sedative medication through a vein, so that it will take effect quickly. This method will also allow Dr. Kearbey to continually adjust the level of sedation administered.
Hillsboro Sedation Dentistry Appointments
While oral conscious sedation can help the majority of patients with mild to moderate levels of dental fear or anxiety, it may be ineffective in patients with more acute levels of anxiety. Dr. Kearbey will work with you to ensure that you receive the type and amount of sedation medication that works best for you. Make your next sedation dentistry appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey today. The Dentists at Orenco Station proudly restore smiles daily throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and neighboring areas.
Could Your Headache and Neck Pain Be Caused By a TMJ Disorder?
December 17, 2014
Do you often have unexplained head pain and jaw stiffness? You could be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Millions of people suffer from the headaches, neck pain, and joint and muscle soreness of TMJ disorder without knowing it. Untreated TMJ disorder can make it difficult to eat or even speak. If you suspect that you may have developed a TMJ disorder, make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey for a TMJ disorder evaluation and treatment plan today. They can determine if your pain and discomfort stem from a TMJ disorder. The Dentists at Orenco Station proudly serve patients of all ages throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and nearby communities.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder is a group of degenerative conditions involving the temporomandibular joint and its surrounding muscles. This area is responsible for the jaw movement necessary to talk and eat. The joint slides and rotates just in front of your ear, connecting the temporal bone (side of the skull) with the mandible (lower jaw). TMJ disorder can fall into one of three categories:
- Myofascial pain: discomfort or pain in the muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders
- Injury: resulting from a dislocated jaw or displaced disc
- Degenerative joint disease: rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the jaw joint
What are the Signs of TMJ Disorder?
- Jaw pain or soreness that is specific to a certain time of day
- Jaw pain when you chew or yawn
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Locked or stiff jaw
- Sensitive teeth in the absence of infection or gum disease
- An earache without an ear infection
Who’s at Risk for Developing TMJ Disorder?
No one knows the exact cause of TMJ disorder. However, TMJ disorder does affect twice as many women as men. Trauma to the jaw or jaw joint can sometimes play a role in development of the disorder, but in most cases the cause of the disorder is unknown. However, stressful situations can aggravate the symptoms. The discomfort you experience is caused by the overuse of the jaw joint muscles, especially if you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism). These excessive habits can tire the jaw muscles and lead to the associated pain and discomfort in the head and neck.
TMJ Disorder Evaluations in Hillsboro, OR
The Dentists at Orenco Station can evaluate and treat you for TMJ disorder. Many patients have been able to eliminate and even reverse their TMJ disorder with non-invasive oral appliance therapy. You can make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey for immediate TMJ symptom relief with a custom oral appliance today. Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey are highly qualified general and restorative dentists. The Dentists at Orenco Station proudly serve families throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and the surrounding areas.
The Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease
November 17, 2014
Have you ever discovered that your gums we’re sore or bleeding after brushing your teeth or eating? You may think that it resulted from brushing too hard or getting food stuck between your teeth, but it could be a sign of advanced gum disease. If left untreated, the gum disease Gingivitis can advance into full blown Periodontitis. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Don’t let gum disease rob you of your healthy smile. The easiest way to stop gum disease in its tracks is to visit a dentist for a check-up and cleaning. If caught early enough, gum disease treatment can actually be reversed. Make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey at Orenco Station Dental today. They want to help you save your healthy teeth. The Dentists at Orenco Station proudly serve families throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek and surrounding areas.
Signs of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Mouth pain
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus or mucus between gums and teeth
- Mouth sores
- Halitosis
- A change in your bite
- Dentures or partials no longer fit
Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment in Hillsboro, OR
Remember that gum disease is serious but treatable. No matter how well we take care of our teeth at home, there is no substitution for a regular dental check-up and professional cleaning. The dentist can find and remove plaque and tarter that you just can’t see at home. A small investment of time for a regular dental check up can save you the time and money needed for restorative dental procedures to save your teeth from advanced gum disease. Don’t delay; make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey at Orenco Station Dental. The Dentists at Orenco Station restore smiles daily throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek and nearby communities.
Oral Surgery for Hillsboro and Beyond
March 28, 2014
Have you been told that you need to have one or more teeth removed? We hope you’ll turn to Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey for help. Our team at The Dentists at Orenco Station offers comfortable oral surgery, made possible by combination of experience and sedation options like oral conscious sedation and IV sedation.
There are many reasons you might need to have a tooth extracted. They include:
- Decay
- Infection
- Gum disease
- Impaction
- Orthodontic preparations
Regardless of the reasons for your procedure, expect us to approach your case with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to detail. Once we’ve diagnosed your situation, we’ll be happy to explain exactly how your procedure will go. If you have questions about any aspect of your procedure, don’t hesitate to ask them.
To make your appointment more comfortable, we’ll recommend either IV sedation or oral conscious sedation. Both are effective for creating a comfortable, stress-free experience. In fact, many patients do not remember anything about their appointment afterwards.
Are you concerned that you might need to have a tooth removed with oral surgery? Our Hillsboro team can help. Call us today for a consultation appointment. We’re happy to serve patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, and Rock Creek.
The Connection between Oral Health and Heart Health
February 25, 2014
What if we told you there was a very important connection between oral and overall health? Most people would be surprised to hear that, but it’s true.
What’s the connection? According to recent data, it can be traced to gum disease, a very common oral health condition that affects a majority of U.S. adults.
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque around the gums. Over time, these irritants will cause tissue loss, culminating in the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets give the bacteria and plaque of gum disease an entryway into your bloodstream, and from there, to other parts of the body.
What kinds of health problems can be exacerbated by gum disease? Heart disease is one of the most common but it’s not the only one. Other health conditions that can be impacted by gum disease include:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s
- Pneumonia
- Pre-term birth or low birth weight
You can protect your smile and your overall health by following a couple of easy but important steps.
First, make sure that you’re brushing and flossing every day. At The Dentists at Orenco Station, we recommend brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash. Following a routine like this will help you control the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
But a good homecare routine isn’t all it takes to enjoy good oral health. We also recommend seeing Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Why so often? Because some patients may be struggling with gum disease without even knowing it. During your appointment with us, we’ll look for signs of the condition and offer care if we find anything.
Call The Dentists at Orenco Station if you’re ready to schedule your next checkup with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. They’re happy to care for patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.
Improve Your Entire Family’s Smile In 2014 with Family Dental Care
January 29, 2014
A common question for any dentist is: How often should I come in for checkups and cleanings? The answer might surprise you. While you only need to see your primary care doctor once a year, it’s a good idea to see your dentist twice a year. Why so often? Because common oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease can develop quickly and easily. And it doesn’t matter how old the patient is—children are just as susceptible to these conditions as adults.
That’s why Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey are proud to put family dental care at the center of what they do. With a checkup and cleaning twice a year, our friendly, experienced Hillsboro team will help you and your little ones watch for signs of decay, gum disease, TMJ dysfunction, and even oral cancer. We can also remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar above and below the gum line with a professional cleaning.
What’s more, our helpful Hillsboro dental team can also talk to you about taking care of your smile at home. Regular brushing and flossing are important; they can do a lot to protect your teeth from gum disease and tooth decay in between visits, though even the best homecare routine isn’t a substitute for a professional cleaning.
And what if we find something during your visit with us? Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey are happy to put together a customized plan to help you. We offer a great range of today’s best general, cosmetic, and restorative services.
Do you need to schedule your first appointment for yourself or your child? Call The Dentists at Orenco Station today for an appointment. Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey serve families from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, and Rock Creek.
What Are Your Smile Goals for 2014?
December 30, 2013
Even though 2014 isn’t here just yet, it’s never too soon to start thinking of goals for your smile. After all, people routinely set other kinds of goals at the start of a brand new year. Why not include your oral health?
Maybe your goal is a simply to see Dr. Brandon Kearbey or Dr. Malinda Kearbey on a more regular basis. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the foundation for good oral health. It will be easier for our Hillsboro dental team to keep your smile healthy when we can see you twice a year for regular checkups.
Another common goal patients have, besides coming in on a more regular basis, is transforming the way their teeth actually look. Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey can create dazzling results using teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, two very effective cosmetic dentistry services. What’s more, when combined with treatment for cavities, misalignment, or missing teeth, patients can look forward to an even more dazzling transformation.
Your final treatment plan will depend entirely on your needs. During a consultation appointment, Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey will assess your health and talk to you about the changes you’d like to make. How you feel about the health and appearance of your teeth truly matters to us. We want to not only help you achieve optimal oral health but also a smile that fills you with a sense of confidence and good wellbeing.
Call The Dentists at Orenco Station today to reserve your first appointment of 2014. We offer personalized general, cosmetic, and restorative care to patients from Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.