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Comprehensive Dental Hygiene

Get your routine check-up and a professional teeth cleaning.

ROUTINE HYGIENE WELLNESS

Improve your daily brushing and flossing with Dental Care Of Vashon

Dental Hygiene would be started with daily brushing and flossing remove a great deal of the plaque and bacteria that accumulates on your teeth, but it’s nearly impossible to remove it all on your own.

Your dental hygienist can be your partner in achieving good oral health and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning can prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Our dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on the condition of your teeth and gums.

What to expect at your check-up appointment:

How Can We Help?

We provide a range of services to help with your hygiene and overall health. Please select an option:

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Caring for your Smile

Here is what is included in your typical hygiene appointment.

Vashon dentist is checking a patient's teeth

Visual & Gum Disease Evaluation

During the evaluation, your Vashon dentist will check for cracked, broken, or decayed teeth as well as look for any abnormal areas on your cheeks, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth.

Since gum disease affects almost 50% of adults in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control), we perform a comprehensive assessment during your exam to check for any signs of periodontal disease.

When addressed in the early stages, periodontal disease is easily controlled and possibly reversible. Since gum disease exhibits minimal symptoms until it is significantly advanced, it is important to be evaluated for the early stages of the disease. Conservative, early intervention is best and our team will assist you in choosing the best treatment options for your condition.

Vashon dentist of Dental Care of Vashon

Digital Imaging

The dentist may recommend digital X-rays and photographs to help identify problem areas in your mouth.

The type of images may vary based on your particular situation, but a full jaw x-ray, called a panoramic x-ray will give the dentist a comprehensive view of all the structures in your mouth as well as your jaw joint and your sinuses.

Digital 3D imaging may be appropriate in your situation to determine the exact positioning of your teeth.

Your dentist may also use a special digital camera to take close-up pictures of your teeth or gums. This will help them identify and monitor any areas of concern. We also use intraoral cameras to provide live images while we examine your smile.

Vashon dentist of Dental Care of Vashon
Fluoride-Treatment-Ilustration at Dental Care of Vashon

Fluoride Treatment

Cavity Prevention

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends fluoride treatments based on your risk for developing cavities. Our team evaluates if your risk for cavities is low, moderate, or high, based on criteria outlined by the ADA.

Most individuals with low risk receive fluoride treatment twice a year.

Moderate-risk individuals receive fluoride twice a year and a take-home fluoride product to help reduce the chance of them getting another cavity.

Individuals with a high risk for cavities may receive fluoride treatment more than twice a year, a take-home fluoride product, and an antimicrobial rinse to reduce the cavity-causing bacteria.

Patient at Dental care of Vashon smiling

Professional Teeth Cleaning

All of our hygienists are well-trained to perform thorough teeth cleaning. Our team removes the plaque and tartar from your teeth and then polishes them to remove stains and smooth the tooth surface.

In addition to hand-held hygiene techniques used by our skilled hygienists, ultrasonic devices deliver targeted treatments to hard-to-reach areas.

These devices deliver ultrasonic vibrations to crush and move calcified deposits of calculus.

Patient at Dental care of Vashon smiling
Oral-Cancer-Screening

Oral Cancer Screening

The development of oral cancer is on the rise. When detected early, oral cancers usually respond well to treatment.

The risk of developing oral cancer increases five times with smoking, two and half times with excessive alcohol use, and thirty-two times in the presence of a persistent HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection.

The dentist will look over all the tissue in your mouth, including your tongue, lips, and cheeks, checking for anything abnormal.

She will also feel for any unusual lumps or bumps and make recommendations for follow-up if necessary. We also can do a salivary screening to check for an active HPV infection.

Recommendations for reducing your risk of developing oral cancer include regular screenings and possible lifestyle changes.

LASERS IN DENTISTRY

Taking your dental care into the modern age.

Lasers have been used in dentistry for several years and provide additional benefits when combined with regular cleanings or therapy for gum disease. There are two specific procedures performed by the hygienists in our offices that can reduce your risk of gum disease or provide improved healing if gum therapy is indicated.

LASER BACTERIAL REDUCTION

Also known as "Laser Decontamination".

white-teeth-and-a-magnifying-glass

A procedure in which thermal, light energy is emitted through a small, fiber optic tip between the teeth and the gums. This energy is used to vaporize the harmful bacteria at or below the gum-line called biofilms.

Biofilms have been shown to be directly related to an increased risk of developing gum disease, a serious infection affecting the supporting bone. During your hygiene appointment, the hygienist will disrupt the biofilm to reduce the risk or severity of periodontal disease, but cannot eliminate the bacteria without the use of the laser. Destroying the bacteria will reduce inflammation in the gum tissue, and keep your gums healthier between visits.

There are no known side effects to laser decontamination. Most patients do not report any sensation during or after the use of the laser. Occasionally, patients will describe a warm, tingling sensation felt during the procedure. Laser decontamination takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete, and the entire mouth is treated at one time.

The laser uses light energy that is absorbed into the pigmented cell walls of the harmful bacteria, vaporizing them. The bacteria in our mouths that do not contribute to inflammation typically lack pigment in their cell walls and thus are not affected in the same way.

Dental professionals now have access to this technology by using a laser specifically designed to treat the gums. Due to the advances in the production of these dental lasers, our office now has the availability to offer laser decontamination. We are happy to treat our patients with an elevated level of care that is not only supported by years of research but also affordable.

Although the laser kills millions of harmful bacteria at your hygiene appointment, the bacteria will begin to multiply again over time, and will eventually be back to their original levels in a few months. For this reason, we recommend laser decontamination be included every time you see your hygienist. For some patients with a history of periodontal treatment, that is every 3 months. You may be thinking to yourself, “If the bacteria just grow back, what’s the point?”. One of the most important factors in obtaining optimal oral health and control of periodontal disease is your body’s ability to fight off these harmful bacteria. It is true that we are unable to kill the bacteria forever with a single use of the laser, but if it is completed at each appointment, we are able to keep them at a constant lower level, giving your immune system the chance to keep your body healthier.

LASER ASSISTED PERIODONTAL THERAPY

Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy is a procedure in which thermal, light energy is emitted through a small, fiber optic tip between the teeth and the gums. This energy vaporizes the harmful bacteria at or below the gum-line and removes the infection.

Active periodontal disease is a result of this bacterial infection causing a breakdown of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. Typically the infected, diseased tissue is removed with a procedure called curettage during gum therapy. It is a non-surgical, conservative procedure performed by your dental hygienist, using a local anesthetic.

Research shows that incorporating the use of the laser into gum therapy procedures “can produce an earlier and greater improvement in gingival health”, and “these applications can be used to improve periodontal wound healing”. The thermal energy produced by the diode laser stimulates circulation and formation of collagen fibers while reducing inflammation and bleeding.

There are no known side effects to incorporating the laser into gum therapy. Most patients report no discomfort during or after the use of the laser. Local anesthetic is utilized for most laser assisted periodontal therapies. It is also recommended to apply vitamin E oil following the therapy to provide a lubricant barrier and additionally promote healing.

Dental professionals now have access to this technology by using a laser specifically designed to treat the gums. Due to the advances in the production of these lasers, our office now has the ability to offer laser-assisted periodontal therapy as part of our standard of care. We are happy to treat our patients with an elevated level of care that is not only supported by the research but also affordable.

Although the laser kills millions of harmful bacteria during the procedure, the bacteria will multiply again over time, returning to original levels over the next several months. For this reason, we recommend laser decontamination therapy be included every time you see your hygienist. For some patients with a history of periodontal disease, this may be every 3 months. One of the most important factors in obtaining optimal oral health and controlling periodontal disease is the body’s ability to fight off these harmful bacteria. Incorporating laser bacterial reduction into appointments following initial gum therapy keeps the bacteria at a lower level, giving the immune system a chance to keep the gums healthier.

White teeth with Vashon dentist
Rarely can one be excited about going to the dentist. With this in mind, we have been going here for considerable time. It was good, then with the update in staff, it became great.A special shout out to Wanda. The gentlest hygienist we have ever had poke and prod our mouths. Kayla makes miracles happen and new dentist is pretty current and very sharp.I highly recommend this location.
Vince Ornato
Vince Ornato
22:46 17 Aug 23
Wanda is a wonderful dental hygienist!!!
Gale Lurie
Gale Lurie
21:33 16 Aug 23
Polite, professional, and expedient
Mark Joy
Mark Joy
16:23 14 Aug 23
Wanda is the reason that I go here
Dwight Anderson
Dwight Anderson
19:55 04 Aug 23
Our experience at this office has always been top shelf. The staff is friendly and provides the best care. I would highly recommend this practice.
Matthew Habrat
Matthew Habrat
18:09 04 Aug 23
I’ve been coming here for years now because I know that I’m in safe and caring hands. I’m so glad that I found this amazing team of people. I always leave with a smile on my face. Thank you Dental Care of Vashon! You’re the best!
David & Connie
David & Connie
23:45 28 Jul 23
1st visit, happy with the results so far!
William Dubay
William Dubay
21:34 12 Jul 23
Dr. Sofia Mehr is the best, gentlest, and most attentive dentist I have ever experienced. The staff is exceptional.
Adrienne Forest
Adrienne Forest
22:15 30 Jun 23
The office is friendly and organized. Appointments start on time! My hygienist is great-remembers me, knows what we are working on, does a great job, and gives practical advice. She and the dentist are a good team. I feel like we discuss conditions and arrive at a sound but not pushing procedures place.
Chuck W
Chuck W
22:51 15 Jun 23
I didn’t like going to the dentist until I became a patient at Dental Care of Vashon. Now I look forward to my appointments. The entire staff is great.
Casey Buxton
Casey Buxton
17:01 15 Jun 23
The staff at Dental Care of Vashon are consistently caring and professional. They are careful to make sure I understand what is going on and to keep me informed of my options.
Laura C Griffith
Laura C Griffith
21:07 11 Jun 23
I received wonderful care. Listen to what was going on with my implant. We came up with the mutual plan. Everyone was very professional and respectful. Definitely will recommend dental care of vashon to my friends.
Penni Symonds
Penni Symonds
22:57 07 Jun 23
Great staff and dental expertise! I love my new smile!
Sherrie Pierson
Sherrie Pierson
22:16 07 Jun 23
I appreciate their proactive approach and professionalism. They also do a great job scheduling and reminding me of appointments. Thank you 👍
Marilyn Kleyn
Marilyn Kleyn
18:46 07 Jun 23
They took great care of my daughter. She had bit her lip, which turned into a very painful sore area, which they cauterized with a laser. It will go away so much faster now! Thank you for your compassion😊
Karleen Diefendorf
Karleen Diefendorf
21:31 24 May 23
This is an AMAZING dental experience! I have always hated going to the dentist (leftover fears from having braces). These women are total pros! From the front-end office to the hygienists, the assistants and of course the Dr.! A strange and wonderful plus? Tiny, petite women have little bitty hands! Makes for plenty of room in one's mouth. It really does actually make me look forward to going to the dentist! You GO girls!
Sy Novak
Sy Novak
23:27 12 May 23
Wanda is an amazing hygienist. Professional and caring. Always making sure her patients are comfortable.
Jennifer Shields
Jennifer Shields
22:09 11 May 23
Always the best care
Bill Stoneham
Bill Stoneham
21:23 10 May 23
I have been very pleased with Vashon Dental Care, whose dental services I have been using for about six years. They offer the diligent, attentive and professional care that you normally expect to receive, and they always seem to run on time. I could not be more satisfied.
Robert Briggs
Robert Briggs
03:46 05 May 23
Great staff who genuinely care about results and try to be as cost efficient as possible. Recommend!
Amanda Kelly
Amanda Kelly
18:30 03 May 23
My experience was over, above, and beyond wonderful. She was very thorough as well as gentle. ALL my questions were answered sincerely. She gave me new information and even more information to "chew on".
Linda Fox
Linda Fox
00:11 03 May 23
Always happy! Great care and service every time!
Wende Johnson
Wende Johnson
04:21 29 Apr 23
Very knowledgeable staff. My hygienist Mandy did a great job explaining my x-rays and gum health in a way that I could understand. Her cleaning was very thorough too. Will definitely be back!
Jennifer Mickelson
Jennifer Mickelson
17:11 25 Apr 23
Always receive the best care! Wonderful staff.
Laura Ulianich Bartley
Laura Ulianich Bartley
20:11 18 Apr 23
I highly recommend Dr. Mehr. She is exceptional explaining what needs to be done, and absolutely no pressure to have dental work done asap if not necessary. I’m actually looking forward to her replacing a broken crown. She clearly understood my concerns.
Linda York
Linda York
23:49 31 Mar 23
Kind gentle and quick!
Brett Anne S
Brett Anne S
18:09 30 Mar 23
Very nice, patient people, and a professional practice.
Andreas Lorenzen
Andreas Lorenzen
02:23 30 Mar 23
I've been going here for dental care for several years and I have always received the best care. Love this place!
Shana Hirsch
Shana Hirsch
19:43 28 Mar 23
Excellent service. Top of the line.
Tami Brockway Joyce
Tami Brockway Joyce
00:00 10 Mar 23
Wanda did a fabulous job. A very pleasant lady and proficient dental assistant. She gets my recommendation.
Stu Tribble
Stu Tribble
23:09 09 Mar 23
Evan Justin here - been enjoying convenient, pain free service for 30 years. Presently in the middle of my second rear molar implant. Careful, effective treatment, friendly staff.
John Locke
John Locke
19:35 08 Mar 23
Terrific office staff, exceptional service, the professional staff is top-notch , highly competent and everyone is very friendly.
Frank Schin
Frank Schin
00:58 04 Mar 23
I have always appreciated the work they do to make sure they've covered all my dental needs, and they always ask if there are any changes that they need to be aware of which tells me that they care about their patients. Everyone there works hard under stressful circumstances. Thank you!
MelSteve Snyder
MelSteve Snyder
21:31 23 Feb 23
Have been going to Dental Care of Vashon for years. Love me hygienist Wanda. Gentle and thorough
Kirk Barker
Kirk Barker
19:13 22 Feb 23
Always had a great experience at Dental Care of Vashon. Friendly, professional and prompt team!
Duane Bedard
Duane Bedard
23:20 21 Feb 23
As usual, I received outstanding oral hygiene treatment from Wanda. She is the best!
John Runyan
John Runyan
19:20 11 Jan 23
As always, excellent care, on time and staff is welcoming and professional.
Susan Pitiger
Susan Pitiger
17:09 17 Dec 22
Been with DCofV for a few years now. Always great! Thoughtful, personal, intelligent care. With my son, 9yrs old, and myself.
Jacob Heil
Jacob Heil
20:41 15 Dec 22
I love these people! They always are so professional and very personable at the same time. It’s nice to feel completely comfortable here. I can lay back and experience great care and expertise in their work. I will always recommend them. They’re the best!!
Brock Smith
Brock Smith
18:17 15 Dec 22
I love everyone here! They are caring and dedicated.
linda Kirkish
linda Kirkish
23:25 07 Dec 22
It was fun and easy - got a gold star for using the hydro floss. Any of you reluctant flossers out there like I was; they’re cool. And they have high quality toothpaste. And free item bags.
Dimitri Hunter
Dimitri Hunter
18:12 07 Dec 22
Always happy with your work and atmosphere
Janet Jaeger
Janet Jaeger
23:18 29 Nov 22
Excellent in every way!
Stacey Peyer
Stacey Peyer
21:05 06 Jan 21
I love everything about this office. First review I've ever written.
anne onvashon
anne onvashon
19:10 21 Oct 20
We're new to the practice and have had all expectations exceeded. The team is super friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. The family is all caught up on our dental care needs and are thrilled that DCV is on Premera BCBS' preferred provider list!
Brent Poole
Brent Poole
23:20 17 Sep 20
Always got great service and advice from Dr Dimova. Everyone in the office is very friendly and Molly at the front desk is always happy to see folks, which is a nice way to start a dentist visit!
Coe Gibbs
Coe Gibbs
23:52 17 Mar 20
These folks are the best. Such a positive dentist experience.
Karen Jensen
Karen Jensen
19:50 03 Mar 20
I no longer fear going to the dentist. They listened to my concerns about sensitivity to pain and adjusted accordingly. I highly recommend Dental Care of Vashon.
Mimi English-Koch
Mimi English-Koch
20:38 27 Jun 18
Great dental care here - really good dentist and assistants. I have teeth that are tightly spaced at the top, and sometimes when I go in for a cleaning the technician will cut up my gums trying to get the floss past the tight part - this place is the 1st dentist I've been too where they know exactly how to do that correctly.
Jack Sheldon
Jack Sheldon
21:04 04 Oct 17
Best dental care I've ever had! Gentle, compassionate, and professional. Devoted to providing comprehensive care and a pain-free experience.
Antonio Dittmann
Antonio Dittmann
19:19 11 Mar 17
Friendly and welcoming staff. Listens to concerns, very gentle and uses the latest dental technology.
Mimi English-Koch
Mimi English-Koch
00:34 29 Dec 16
Excellent staff and excellent care!
Michael Swanson
Michael Swanson
20:59 27 Oct 16
Have been a patient for over 10 years. Outstanding service, I almost like going to the dentist since coming here. All the staff are friendly and attentive. The hygienist is very gentle, it's a pleasure to have her work on my teeth. Thank you for my smile!
Louise Bostock
Louise Bostock
21:00 05 Oct 16
White teeth with Vashon dentist

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

The Academy of General Dentistry recommends seeing the dentist for a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. Your Vashon dentist may recommend you visit more often depending on your specific situation and risk of disease. Some conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or pregnancy may require more frequent cleanings to keep you and your mouth healthy.

receptionist in Dental care of Vashon

Will my insurance cover my check-up appointment?

Most insurances cover the procedures completed at a check-up and cleaning appointment. Our great team of insurance coordinators will help you navigate through your specific insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of costs should there be a remaining balance after the insurance payment.

receptionist in Dental care of Vashon

MAINTAIN YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Improve hygiene habits and enjoy a gentle cleaning with our team.