Dr. Townsan has introduced DEXIS Digital X-rays to his patients at Lynnwood Smiles. This new and exciting state-of-the-art dental radiology system enables Dr.Townsan to provide greatly improved diagnostic capabilities to his patients, while significantly lessening their exposure to radiation. Radiation exposure is reduced by as much as 50% over the old film X-rays!

The DEXIS digital X-ray technology also allows patients to see for themselves any problems demonstrated by the radiographs. When they view their first digital X-ray in less thantwo seconds on a computer monitor in the operatory, they appreciate yet another benefit - no waiting for film to be developed. The digital image of the patient’s tooth is then instantly displayed on a computer monitor screen in front of the patient. It can be enhanced and magnified to show conditions such as cavities or structural weaknesses in the tooth. They can see details in the large, clear X-ray image on the computer screen, enabling them to feel much more involved in the diagnostic process. Patients become partners in their dental health care with Dr. Townsan, co-diagnosing and planning for their treatment options with a much fuller understanding of their future care.

 While traditional film X-rays have been the standard for diagnosing dental problems for the past half century or more, digital X-rays offer substantial benefits over film. The chemical waste associated with film X-ray developing is eliminated. Dr. Townsan finds that his patients feel the sensor is much more comfortable than film, and the images can be taken in a fraction of the time that is required for film X-rays. A final bonus that DEXIS digital X-rays provide is the capability to be electronically stored and transmitted for filing insurance claims!

Lynnwood Smiles is committed to bringing the safest and the highest quality of care to our patients. The use of DEXIS digital X-rays continues that commitment.

   

  If you haven’t been in to see Dr. Townsan recently, you’re in for a big surprise! We have remodeled the office!  WOW!  What a  bunch of changes have occurred at LYNNWOOD SMILES! You will still see some of the same wonderful, caring, talented staff that you have come to know and trust, and some new faces as well. You’ll begin to notice some of the changes as soon as you drive into the parking lot. There are new signs, as well as a new front entrance. 

Once you enter, you will notice a beverage bar to the left of the door. Below the counter is a refrigerator where you can help yourself to a fresh bottle of juice or water. On the counter top, there is a Krueger Brewer with a selection of K-pod Tully coffees or Celestial Seasoning teas. Each K-pod is an individual brewing cup with just the right amount of coffee or tea, and filter paper to allow for the brewing of a perfect steaming hot beverage in less than 7 seconds! There is also hot chocolate, apple cider, or Oregon Chai, if you’re not a coffee lover.

We are an all digital, electronic office now, with the most advanced dental software and computers available to provide the most effective diagnosis and treatment possible for our patient. LYNNWOOD SMILES, the premier cutting edge dental office in the Pacific Northwest, offers DEXIS digital x-rays that improve Dr. Townsan’s ability to diagnose and treat your dental health problems. The DEXIS system allows Dr. Townsan to easily demonstrate the condition of your teeth to you, as well as easily share the treatment plan with you.  

Dr. Townsan can also give you a computerized Smile Make-over if you are interested in seeing what amazing things he can do to enhance your smile, and give you the Smile you have Always Dreamed Of. Don’t hesitate to share any concerns you have about your smile, or any even any dreams you have of what your smile could be. Dr. Townsan will be more than happy to show you with our cosmetic software and the magic of computers, what potential there is for enhancing your smile with the many cosmetic dental techniques that he has.

Our new practice management software DSN by Dental Executive, has made filing your insurance claims electronically possible. Now your claims can be returned in approximately 3 instead of 8 weeks! We also have the capability with this software, to attach a picture of you with your electronic chart. This increases patient safety, since we will never mistake you for someone else, and helps us recognize you when you arrive for your appointment. Additionally, your photographic electronic chart allows Dr. Townsan to re-familiarize himself with you and your particular needs remotely, should you call in with an emergency when he is away from the office. Don’t be surprised if we ask to take your picture!

     One of the goals of becoming an all-computerized office is to be less dependent on paper charts and reports. We plan to do more of our business electronically, since it speeds things along for you and allows us to keep our records of your care more readily available. We know that your time is valuable, and we want to make the most of the time you are with us, not waste it shuffling papers.

     You will also notice, that we no longer have the bells and light system that used to let Dr. Townsan know when you were ready for his visit to your dental room. This too, is now on the computer, and allows us to make your visit with us a quiet, restful, and pleasant one. 

 While you are having your dental care provided, you can choose to watch a DVD movie of your choice with noise suppression headset, or enjoy the playlist selection of your choice from an office iPod. We also have warm lap blankets, and neck pillows for your comfort, so don’t hesitate to ask for them if you would like them.

After your care is completed, we will offer you a warm, scented towel to wipe your lips, and hands before the completion of your visit. After you have appointed your next visit with Tracie,  please help yourself to a fresh juice or bottle of water from the fridge on your way out of the office.   

 Dr. Townsan and the Staff of LYNNWOOD SMILES   

 have undergone these many changes to promote

their delivery of the BEST DENTAL CARE POSSIBLE to  

you! 

 

Cosmetic Dentistry means enhancing a person’s smile and making their teeth aesthetically beautiful. It is considered an art and science which encompasses such cosmetic procedures as teeth whitening and bleaching, bonding and veneers. Dr. Townsan at Lynnwood Smiles is an exceptional Cosmetic Dentist who creates the “Smile you have always dreamed of” with an emphasis on matching your new smile to your face as well as ensuring that your teeth will be as functional as they are beautiful! Some of the methods available to him are:

 

A SMILE MAKEOVER or SMILE DESIGN

 A Smile Design or Smile Makeover is a work of art. The   term Smile Design applies to  the enhancement of a smile  using a combination of methods. A client’s eye, lip line, coloring, gum tissue contouring, and face, are all considered when a new smile is designed for you. Our goal at Lynnwood Smiles is to redesign your smile so that it fits you, is beautiful, strong, and natural looking. Dr. Townsan will create the “Smile of your Dreams” to last a lifetime!

 

 

 

 

BONDING

Bonding is a method of improving the appearance of your teeth. This is achieved by Dr. Townsan bonding a tooth-colored resin onto your existing teeth. A primary candidate for this procedure is someone who wants stains on teeth concealed, gaps closed, or worn or chipped teeth and fractures repaired. The procedure commences by Dr. Townsan slightly etching the surface of the tooth so that the bonding material will have a better surface to adhere to. The tooth is treated with bonding material and Dr. Townsan then shines a special light on it to set it. The next step is to apply a putty-like material to the tooth, mold it to the desired shape, and shine the special light on it again to harden the material. He then does the final shaping and polishes the resin finish.

 

  

VENEERS

Veneering is a method of improving the appearance of your teeth. People who get veneers generally want to close gaps between teeth, repair fractures, cover a discolored tooth or even straighten a tooth. Veneers are usually preferred over bonding because they are more durable, stronger and stain resistant. The procedure generally requires two office visits. During the first visit Dr. Townsan initiates the preparation stage. This consists of removing a small amount of enamel and etching the tooth surface prior to making an impression. The impression is then sent to a lab for a veneer to be made and fit to the tooth. On the second office visit, Dr. Townsan adheres the veneer to the tooth and files and polishes the veneer. Veneers will usually last five or more years.

 

 

 

TOOTH WHITENING

ZOOM! Tooth Whitening has become very popular over the past few years. There are different whitening processes available on the market with claims of making teeth from 6 to 9 shades whiter. Whitening is simply any process that makes the teeth appear whiter. If you are considering getting your teeth whitened it is recommended that you consult with Dr. Townsan at Lynnwood Smiles. For some patients the tooth whitening process can be very effective while others may not get the desired results. Not all tooth discolorations are correctable. For instance, if you have had bonding, veneers or tooth-color fillings in your front teeth there are potential problems. Dr. Townsan can advise you about which procedures will give you the best results. ZOOM! Whitening is a common tooth-whitening procedure done at Lynnwood Smiles.       

                                                                                       

  ZOOM! TREATMENT!      

When you have your ZOOM! Whitening at Lynnwood Smiles, in addition to the whitening procedure, you will also receive a custom-fitted mouth tray. This will help in applying bleaching agent evenly during the weeks following your whitening procedure to help maintain your new, bright smile. You will wear the mouth tray for a designated amount of time, allowing the bleaching agent to surround your teeth and begin to work. The staff at Lynnwood Smiles will instruct you on the use of these trays and the bleaching agent you will receive for your take home maintenance program.                                                                          .

The bleaching agents contain carbamide peroxides, which vary in concentrations. The most common strengths available are 10%, 16%, and 22 %. They usually come in gel form and this consistency seems to work the best. The products that contain carbamide peroxide actually bleach the tooth enamel. When professionally applied, hydrogen peroxide concentrations range from 10% to 35% and are sometimes used in conjunction with a light or laser (ZOOM!). This accelerates the whitening process. It is recommended that tray bleaching at home be done only while awake, so any saliva containing the bleaching compound can be spit out and not swallowed.

  

BLEACHING

A primary candidate for bleaching is someone who has moderately stained or discolored teeth. The stains or discoloration generally cannot be removed through a standard professional cleaning. Dr. Townsan and his staff at Lynnwood Smiiles will make a mold of your teeth and make a custom-fitted mouth tray that will hold the bleaching agent against your teeth and isolate it from mouth, lips and gum tissue. The mouth tray is designed so

  you can use it at home. Most people wear it for 30 to 120 minutes a day and sometimes longer. It is not recommended to apply the tray while sleeping as the bleach/saliva may be swallowed while you are sleeping. (Although the bleach is a non-toxic strength, it just makes good sense to spit out any excess bleach tainted saliva to promote good health practices.)

A noticeable improvement is usually seen between ten and fourteen days. The duration of use is determined by how light you want your teeth; the longer you wear the mouth tray the whiter your teeth will become. Be aware that sometimes you cannot get the color you wanted and you may have to make a compromise for a little less than you hoped for.  Sometimes you may develop slight tooth sensitivity after bleaching. If this occurs, let Dr. Townsan know, and he can provide you with an addition gel to cover your teeth to alleviate this increased sensation.                                             

 

 

         

WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?    

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, bone, and/or tissue that surrounds and support the teeth. Gingivitis and Periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease. The form and severity of gum disease may vary depending on how gum tissue reacts to plaque and bacteria. It can affect all or part of the gums.  

Early-stage gum disease, which is called Gingivitis, causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed. Because Gingivitis usually doesn’t cause pain, many people delay treatment. With proper dental care it can be reversed.

Advanced gum disease—known as Periodontitis—develops if the disease progresses and affects more than the gums.

                                                                                                                                                        

      Mild Periodontitis                   Advanced Periodontis

The gums draw away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets where plaque can grow and do further damage. These small spaces between teeth and gums may gather debris and can become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s enzymes fighting the infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that holds teeth in place. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Periodontitis can progress until the bones that support the teeth are damaged. At this point, there is no longer an anchor for the teeth, which become progressively loose. Ultimately tooth loss may occur.

 

CAUSES

Gum disease is caused primarily by the growth of bacteria on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce gum-irritating chemicals and form plaque on the teeth. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless plaque on teeth. Brushing and flossing will help get rid of plaque.  Plaque that is not removed can harden and form tartar that brushing doesn’t clean.  Only a professional cleaning by the Dental Hygienists at Lynnwood Smiles can remove tartar. There are other factors that can increase your chances of getting gum disease, including cigarette smoking. Individuals may inherit a tendency toward developing gum disease.

SYMPTOMS            

Although the symptoms of gum disease are often subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain indicators that may point to some form of the disease include:

Any of these symptoms may signal a serious problem, which should be checked by Dr. Townsan. Despite aggressive oral care habits, people who are genetically predisposed may be up to six times more likely to develop some form of gum disease.

 

TREATMENT

The treatment for gum disease is to control any infection that exists and to stop progression of the disease. Treatment options include healthy eating, proper brushing and flossing, and non-surgical therapies that control the growth of harmful bacteria. In more advanced cases of the disease, surgery may be needed to restore supportive tissue.

Although brushing and flossing are equally important, brushing  only eliminates plaque from the surfaces of the teeth that the brush can reach. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline. Both should be used as part of a regular at-home treatment plan. Dr. Townsan recommends the use of specialized power toothbrushes, such as the Oral B Triumph, which may be more effective at removing plaque than a standard toothbrush.

There are also some other treatments for gum disease. Using tartar-control toothpaste that contains fluoride, such as Crest ProHealth, will help slow the progress of gum disease. An antiseptic mouthwash, such as Listerine, will help kill bacteria. Carefully use a toothpick after meals if you are unable to brush your teeth right away. Stop using tobacco of any kind—it decreases your ability to fight infection of the gums and delays healing.

 

PREVENTION

Gum disease can be prevented for the most part by following a couple of easy steps. For example, brushing your teeth in the morning, after meals and snacks, and before bed can usually help prevent gum disease. Also, flossing once a day is recommended. Be sure to visit Dr. Townsan at Lynnwood Smiles for regular checkups—usually twice a year.

Today, Dr. Townsan uses root canal treatment to find the cause, then treat problems of the tooth’s soft core, known as dental pulp. Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Now, root canal treatments have given dentists a safe method of saving teeth.

The pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaw. When the pulp is diseased or injured and cannot repair itself, it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a severe cavity. Both of these problems can let bacteria enter the pulp, which can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip and in the jawbone, forming a pus-pocket, called an abscess. Abscesses can cause damage to the bone around the teeth.  

Usually, treatment requires two visits. During the treatment,  Dr. Townsan  removes the diseased pulp. Then, the pulp chamber and root canal of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed.

If you properly care for the fixed tooth, it should last a lifetime. However, regular dental checkups are necessary. As long as the surrounding tissue is nourished, it should keep the repaired tooth healthy.

Crowns are a type of dental restoration which, when set into place, fully cup over the portion of a tooth which lies at and above the gum line. To compare, fillings are dental restorations that are used to fill in or cover over just a portion of a tooth. Since dental crowns enclose the entire visible portion of a tooth, a dental crown becomes the tooth’s new outer surface.

People eat a lot of sugar—especially as children—which decays teeth. When decay is minimal, a cavity filling can be sufficient. However, when decay is severe, a crown will have to be performed. Some people break their teeth due to grinding or trauma. Sometimes the teeth are naturally crooked, discolored, or malformed; a crown will be needed to fix these problems. Teeth that are more than half filling material should be crowned. Dr. Townsan might recommend the placement of a dental crown for a variety of reasons, but generally the decision is in response to one of the three basic categories: 1) To restore a tooth to its original appearance; 2) to strengthen a tooth; and 3) to improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth. 

On average, dental crowns last between five and fifteen years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is subjected to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits. One should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching the teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails and using teeth to open packaging.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root

replacement and is used in prosthetic dentistry.

There are several types. The most widely accepted

 and successful is the osseointegrated implant,

based on the discovery that titanium could be

successfully incorporated into bone when osteoblasts

grow on and into the rough surface of the implanted

titanium. This forms a structural and functional

connection between the living bone and the implant.

A typical implant consists of a titanium screw, with a roughened surface. This surface is treated either by plasma spraying, etching or sandblasting to increase the integration potential of the implant. At edentulous (without teeth) jaw sites, a pilot hole is bored into the recipient bone, taking care to avoid vital structures. To expand this pilot hole the periodontist or oral surgeon will use progressively wider drills. Care is taken not to damage the osteoblast cells by overheating. The implant screw can be self-tapping, and is screwed into place at a precise torque so as not to overload the surrounding bone. Once in the bone, a cover screw is placed and the operation site is allowed to heal for a few months for integration to occur.

After some months the implant is uncovered and a healing abutment and temporary crown is placed onto the implant. This encourages the gum to grow in the right scalloped shape to approximate a natural tooth’s gums and allows assessment of the final aesthetics of the restored tooth. Once this has occurred a permanent crown will be constructed and placed on the implant by Dr. Townsan.

An increasingly common strategy to preserve bone and

reduce treatment times includes the placement of

a dental implant into a recent extraction site. In

addition immediate loading is becoming more common

as success rates for this procedure are now acceptable.

This can cut months off of the treatment time and

in some cases a prosthetic tooth can be attached

 to the implants at the same time as the surgery

to place the dental implants. Typically, a single

 tooth implant plus crown costs around

$3500. Full mouth reconstructions with

dental implants can start around $12,000

per arch and can approach $50,000 per

arch depending on the complexity of the

 case. Dental implant success is related to

operator skill, quality and quantity of the

bone available at the site, and also to the

 patient’s oral hygiene. 5-year success

rate of implants have a range between

75-95%. Patients who smoke experience

significantly poorer success rates.

 The American Medical Association has taken the position that all adults in

America should take a daily nutritional

supplement. In alignment with the AMA,  Dr.

Townsan and his staff have gone one step further.

Lynnwood Smiles is pleased to announce our

introduction of the Pharmanex Biophotonic

Scanner in our office. This scanner was developed

by the Pharnanex Nutraceutical Vitamin

Company to assess the effectiveness of the

vitamins clients take. This amazing tool projects

a blue laser light against the palm of your hand, and

in 3 minutes, calculates the levels of carotenoid

antioxidant in your tissues. Carotenoid is a  

powerful antioxidant biomarker that reflects

the health of your body’s total antioxidant

levels, thereby describing the strength or

weakness of your body’s response to life

stressors that contribute to the aging process

and the development of disease.  By measuring

your carotenoidlevel Dr. Townsan and his staff

can tell if your vitamins are actually getting to

the cell level to provide antioxidant neutralization

of free radicals found there. Free radicals are

highly reactive, short lived molecules that can

damage the proteins, fats, and even the DNA

inside your body’s cell. Scientists believe that

damaging free radicals are a result of exposure to

pollution, sun exposure, smoking, and the

toxic chemicals found in our homes and workplaces,

are the basis for developing many of the diseases

prevalent in today’s communities. Anti-oxidants

 

 

work to neutralize the harmful effects of

the free radicals, interfering with the cell

damage and death that can lead to disease and

heightened aging. Although we can’t stop

the aging process, we can take steps to

limit the damage done by free radicals,

thereby improving our looks and our general

well being.The Pharmanex Biophotonic

Scanner offers a non-invasive measuring

tool that allows you to evaluate the anti-

oxidant levels in your body, thereby

assuring you of the effectiveness of your

nutritional supplement and your body’s

competency for meeting the demands of the

daily assault by intrinsic and extrinsic

environmental free radicals. Scientific studies

demonstrate that increased levels of anti-oxidant

levels are associated with increased dental

health and supports prevention of periodontal

gum disease.

Call today to schedule your appointment

for a scanning.

Let’s find out if your vitamin supplements are

working or if they are just money you are flushing

down the drain. Find out about the Pharmanex

LifePak Nano vitamins that are

formulated to deliver just the

amount of daily anti-oxidants

required in a highly

absorbable formulation. Let us

tell you about the g3 Super juice

that is an amazing source of anti-oxidants.

Ask for a taste——it’s delicious, and it will help

bring your score up in an amazingly short time.

Dr. Townsan takes these vitamins himself

and greatly appreciates that they are a completely

botanical supplement with no fillers or additives.

 

Find out how to have these highly effective

nutritional supplements delivered right to

your door with a simple phone call. Soon you

will be joining the ranks of healthy people who

 want to know:

      WHAT’S YOUR SCORE?  

 and   

DO YOU NANO? 

    find out more about these product at: Pharmanex Nutriceuticals, g3 Super Juice, & the Biophotonic Scanner (select PRODUCTS)

Evelyn F. writes of her latest visit:

 

Dr. Townsan has been my dentist for over 30 years

and I highly recommend him. He is not only an

outstanding dentist, but very personable, one

who cares about his patients and always

makes them comfortable. I’ve had root canals,

 on-lays, fillings and a small bridge, all with

excellent results and virturally pain-free.

Because of the work done over the years,

my visits now are routine and fairly simple

(cleanings, X-rays, etc.) with only the

occasional need for additonal work. Dr. Townsan’s

office is state of the art, but it’s his skills,

experience and personality that make him

such an exceptional dentist.

He surrounds himself with a highly skilled staff

( including my hygienist, Peggy) and I actually

 look forward to my six month visits!