Dr. Shahid believes that an investment in preventive dentistry means a lifetime of benefits. She offers the care you need to protect and preserve your healthy smile at her Seattle dental office.

Preventive care begins with routine dental checkups. At these appointments, Dr. Shahid and her caring team will provide a thorough dental examination, including any necessary diagnostic testing. At SMILES ON 35^th, we adhere to the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines, which recommend a routine dental visit at least twice a year and annual x-rays.

If we detect any potential issues, such as gum disease or dental decay, we will make any necessary treatment recommendations.

We will also perform a professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar. Professional teeth cleaning is a vital supplement to your home hygiene routine, as even diligent flossing and brushing cannot remove all harmful substances. Routine cleanings effectively remove these substances from hard-to-reach surfaces. This not only helps prevent decay and gum disease, but it can halt or reverse oral health issues.

While fluoride treatments and dental sealants are considered optional, Dr. Shahid believes they are vital to keeping teeth healthy and strong.

Fluoride is proven to help remineralize teeth, which strengthens them and protects against decay. While tap water and many toothpastes include fluoride, most experts believe it is not enough. Fluoride treatments are a safe and effective way to provide the optimum levels of fluoride.

Dental sealants offer protection against dental decay. Made of the same material used in tooth-colored fillings, sealants are painted onto the chewing surface of the back teeth. The material seeps into the pits and grooves of your teeth, and it is then hardened with a special light. This moldable, plastic-like coating seals out harmful bacteria, protecting your teeth against dental decay.

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease can cause a variety of oral health issues.

In its mildest form, the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, may not cause any symptoms. As it progresses, it can cause bleeding, sensitivity, swelling, and tenderness.

At this stage, we may only recommend improved brushing and flossing habits with strict follow-up dental visits. For many patients, this is enough to halt or even reverse gum disease.

If not stopped, gingivitis easily progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, the harmful bacteria have invaded the tissue surrounding your teeth. Treatment will usually involve deep cleaning, which is called scaling and root planing. This treatment removes the plaque and harmful bacteria below the gum line, allowing your gums to heal.

Left untreated, periodontitis can progress to gum recession, the need for gum surgery, and tooth loss.

If we detect dental decay, we may recommend a filling. At SMILES ON 35^th, we offer mercury-free, tooth-colored composite fillings.

Before placing a filling, the decay will need to be removed. Dr. Shahid will first apply local anesthesia for your comfort. She will then match the composite filling to your tooth so it will not be noticeable.

This treatment option restores the health and function of your tooth in one short visit.

If your tooth has severe damage or loss of strength, such as a failed filling or a tooth that requires a root canal, you may need a crown to restore the function and strength.

At SMILES ON 35^th, we utilize the most modern, advanced technology when it comes to restoring a tooth with a dental crown. Our technology includes CEREC and CAD/CAM technology that allows us to provide you a crown in one visit. This saves you time, money, and discomfort. Moreover, our technology allows us to take digital impressions, which means you can avoid unpleasant, gooey impression mold material.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If it’s been longer than six months since your last dental visit, or if you are experiencing issues such as pain or bleeding, it is time to see a dentist.

At SMILES ON 35th, we believe that everyone deserves exceptional dental care, no matter their age or circumstance. For personalized, high quality dental care, contact our experienced family dentist in Seattle and make your appointment today.