General Dentistry

Genetic Testing for Dental Diseases
We offer exceptional preventative care.

What are Genetic Dental Tests?
In recent years, it’s been found that genetic factors are at the root cause of certain medical conditions, including periodontal disease and oral cancer. This is exciting news because it allows people at risk to be identified more quickly, so appropriate monitoring and referrals can take place. This can help us catch problems earlier and deliver more personalized treatment, which can greatly improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Blodgett is proud to be one of the first dentists in the country to offer advanced genetic tests from OralDNA® Labs and HAIN Diagnostics. These tests are quick, painless, noninvasive, and extremely valuable for early detection and effective treatment of oral disease.

Genetic Testing for Periodontal Disease
A large percentage of the population is at risk for periodontal (gum) disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss. In the past, most everyone thought it was caused by poor oral hygiene. But recent research confirms that most gum disease is actually a result of common genetic mutations. Certain genes cause an autoimmune response from bacteria, which leads to inflammation and tissue damage.

Dr. Blodgett offers two genetic tests that deliver valuable information about periodontal disease:

MyPerioID® PST®:
This test determines if you have the genes that put you at greater risk for severe gum disease, so you can be monitored more closely for symptoms and/or referred for treatment. This test is recommended for:

• Adolescents
• Patients with compromised immune systems
• Patients with a family history of periodontal disease
• Patients with previous periodontal disease, including those receiving implants due to tooth loss from the disease

MyPerioPath®:
This test identifies the type and concentration of the specific bacteria causing the inflammation, so treatment can be tailored appropriately. It’s used as a baseline for patients at risk for developing periodontal infections and those who test positive for genetic susceptibility on the MyPerioID® PST® test.

The test is also recommended for:

• Patients with any form of gum disease, especially those who are not responding well to treatment
• Patients with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) or a history of cardiovascular disease
• People who use tobacco
• Patients about to undergo surgery or radiation treatment

Oral Cancer Screening
Advanced VELscope® technology to help detect a deadly disease.

Out of approximately 34,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, only about half of them will survive the next five years. This is mainly because in the early stages, oral cancer has no visible symptoms and is usually not detected until it has spread to other parts of the body.

Fortunately, technology exists that can detect the first signs of oral cancer, and we’re proud to offer it to our patients.

It’s called the VELscope®. It’s quick, painless, and noninvasive, using a bright blue light to illuminate the mouth. Under this light, it’s possible to see abnormalities that are invisible to the naked eye. Dr. Blodgett’s office was one of the first dental practices in the country to adopt VELscope® technology, and we’ve successfully used it on hundreds of patients.

VELscope® oral cancer screening is highly recommended to help protect against life-threatening forms of oral cancer, and VELscope® is offered as part of our comprehensive exam.

Periolase (Laser Periodontal Therapy) and LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure)

The PerioLase® from Millennium Dental Technologies is the only laser designed especially for LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPYTM. A powerful 6 watt FR (Free Running) Nd:YAG (Neodymium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser with the unique features necessary to perform LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPYTM and all other soft tissue procedures. The PerioLase® is the “Swiss Army Knife” of lasers — easy to use, with the versatility to help you advance your dentistry — and your practice — with a full complement of new soft tissue laser treatment options. The founding clinicians of Millennium Dental Technologies, Robert H. Gregg, II, D.D.S. and Delwin K. McCarthy, D.D.S., combined their talents and expertise to perfect a powerful laser with the unique features and capabilities needed to quickly and effectively perform LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY as well as all other soft tissue laser procedures.

Designed to optimize the performance of LPT, the PerioLase® has the power and versatility to perform a wide range of soft and hard tissue laser procedures, allowing you to provide a full complement of new soft and hard tissue laser treatment options for your patients.

This is proven technology, and it’s manufactured by a company you can rely on. The PerioLase® is the latest generation of dentistry’s first pulsed Nd:YAG laser and the world’s most widely used dental laser platform. It’s the first laser in dentistry to incorporate DIGITAL technology for enhanced performance and reliability.

Porcelain Onlays
Restoring the look and feel of natural teeth.

Like a crown, a porcelain onlay is used when a tooth is too damaged or decayed for a filling or other procedure. It’s similar to a crown, in that it covers and protects the tooth surface. But where a crown covers the entire tooth, the onlay covers only the cusps and biting surface.

Onlays are designed to match the natural bite and feel of natural teeth. Unlike fillings, which leave a tooth only half as strong when completed, an onlay restores it to its original strength.

A nice thing about porcelain onlays is that they match the tooth color, so the restoration looks natural and healthy. With proper care, porcelain onlays can last for years.

In our office we offer CEREC 3D, which is an in office CAD/CAM system used to create your porcelain onlays while you wait. The entire process takes less than an hour.

Composite Restorations
Healthier, more natural-looking replacement fillings.

If you’re of a certain age, you may have had your cavities filled with black mercury. Not only are these fillings unsightly, they’re also unhealthy.

It’s a known fact that mercury is a highly toxic substance. Some scientific researchers claim that each time you bite down on mercury-based fillings, you may be releasing a small amount of mercury vapor into your mouth, and thus into your system. This “mercury mist” builds up in the body over the years, which can lead to a toxic reaction.

Dr. Blodgett can replace your old, worn mercury fillings with modern tooth-colored composite materials. Composite restorations are non-toxic and aesthetically pleasing, and can give the finished tooth twice the strength it had before the mercury filling was replaced.

Root Canals
Endodontic procedures can save damaged teeth.

When a tooth becomes infected or severely decayed, a root canal is often required to save it. The “root canal” is the natural cavity in the center of the tooth, with a soft chamber containing pulpy tissue and the tooth’s nerve.

The nerve is not vitally important to a mature tooth’s health and function, and when it’s inflamed, it can be quite painful. During a root canal, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. This eliminates the source of the pain and helps ensure the tooth won’t become infected again.

Dr. Blodgett has specialized training in endodontics and can make sure your root canal is as thorough and painless as possible. In fact, many patients report that a root canal is usually no more painful than a filling. Dr. Blodgett uses the power of a dental microscope to give you the very best result.

After a root canal, the tooth will usually need a crown or composite restoration to protect it and bring it back to full strength.

CEREC “One-Visit” crowns
New technology eliminates the need for multiple appointments.

In additional to traditional crowns. Dr. Blodgett also offers innovative CEREC® technology, which allows crowns to be fitted, manufactured, and placed in just one visit. This not only saves you time, but eliminates the need for a temporary crown, which some patients find uncomfortable.

CEREC® crowns are made from a high-tech porcelain material and are milled by a computer to fit the tooth precisely. The results are extremely comfortable, durable, and natural-looking.

Canker Sores and Fever Blisters
Our dental lasers can give you instant and permanent relief.

Have a painful mouth sore? Using our dental lasers, we can remove most canker sores and blisters in about 4 to 6 minutes, with minimal pain and healing time. Give us a call at (503) 350-1234. We can usually fit you in the same day.

For Adults
Comprehensive dental care in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Whether you need an exam, a filling, or a major restoration, Dr. Blodgett and his staff can provide the care you need to maintain good oral health.

Our state-of-the-art laser systems and other technology allow us to diagnose and treat all kinds of problems as thoroughly and painlessly as possible. We’re also well-versed in the latest materials and techniques for replacing fillings and crowns.
And above all, we want to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. We’re not going to pressure you into having a procedure you don’t need, or send you off with a generic treatment plan.

Instead, we’ll gather all your data, then discuss a long-term plan that makes sense for you — all with no wasted time or money, and no surprises.

For Kids
Comprehensive dental care in a relaxed, friendly setting.

At Northwest Dentistry, we pay special attention to our young patients. We understand that, for them, dental visits can be scary. But with the right approach (and the latest technology), we can help put kids at ease during their exam or procedure.

With a focus on positive motivation, we explain things in terms kids can understand. We teach them that caring for their teeth can be satisfying and even fun.

FAQ

Question: How often should I come in for a checkup and cleaning?

Answer: One of the best ways to maintain good oral health is to visit a dentist on a regular basis. Most healthy children and adults should get a checkup and cleaning every six months. People at greater risk for oral diseases should have dental checkups more often. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions are some of the factors that we take into consideration when deciding how often you need to see us.

Regular checkups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy, as well as detect any early problems such as gum disease, oral cancer, and cavities.

At our office, we’ll schedule your next checkup before you leave, then remind you a few days in advance with a call or e-mail.

Question: When should my child start visiting the dentist?

Answer: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth comes in, or no later than their first birthday.

Question: I get nervous in the dental chair. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?

Answer: We want to make your visit as pleasant as possible, but we understand that many people do not feel entirely comfortable during a dental procedure. For those patients, oral sedative (such as Valium) are a safe and effective option. The oral sedatives are simply taken one hour prior to your appointment which can greatly reduce anxiety that is common among patients.

In addition, you can also listen to music, or get an extra blanket or pillow to make you feel calm and comfortable.

Question: Do you accept referrals?

Answer: We love referrals! And we are prepared to reward patients who introduce their friends and acquaintances to our practice. When you refer a new patient, both you and the person you referred will get a $30 credit toward any service we offer.