Blog Archive

Although their name implies otherwise, wisdom teeth don’t do anything to make you smarter. In many people, they cause problems like crowding, swelling, jaw misalignment, sinus problems, cavities, and cysts. Because wisdom teeth often wreak havoc on your oral health, they’re commonly removed. But do they have to be? Here...

Dental anxiety is a common concern for many patients. It’s estimated that 36% of people have dental phobia, with as many as 12% having a severe fear.  If you’re among those who feel anxious or fearful about dental visits, sedation dentistry offers a solution to help you relax and receive...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

You diligently brush, floss, and get professional cleanings, yet notice your smile becomes dingier with each passing year. Your teeth are not immune to the effects of aging.  The loss of teeth whiteness that happens with age is partly due to the yellowing of the dentin within the tooth. The...

Almost half of all adults have signs of dental disease. Dental disease typically results from plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on the teeth and harden into tartar. If plaque and tartar are not treated and removed, the bacteria can spread to the bones...

CEREC crowns are a revolutionary way to cover misshapen or damaged teeth. They restore your smile in just one visit. At Advanced Care Dentistry, Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, and the experienced dental team use computer-assisted technology to design a customized crown crafted from sturdy ceramic right in the office....

About 5 million people have their wisdom teeth removed each year. If you’re scheduled for the procedure, you may be concerned about caring for your teeth, eating, and activity following. Plus, you want the swelling and discomfort to disappear as soon as possible — so you can get back to...

The holiday season makes for plenty of opportunities to smile. Your smile has a huge impact on your self-confidence and may even influence how much you can enjoy gatherings and parties this season.  If your pearly whites aren’t quite as bright as you’d like them to be, smiling with self-assuredness...

Fall is the ideal time to revamp your smile and prepare for the upcoming season of gatherings and celebrations. Your smile is an important part of your impressions, so brightening it as the season approaches is a smart idea.  At Advanced Care Dentistry, Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, offers several cosmetic dentistry procedures...

A radiant smile boosts your confidence and leaves a lasting impression. Veneers and Lumineers® are ways to transform your smile if you have uneven, discolored, or mildly crooked teeth. Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, and Andrew Keith, DDS, of Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington, provide both cosmetic dentistry procedures. You might think these two...

Dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities in the back teeth, where 90% occur. You read that right: 80% of cavities in children in adolescents are preventable!  You may wonder how to get in on this effective cavity-preventing treatment if you're an adult. After all, tooth decay can happen at any...

A sore throat may indicate an impending virus or the result of allergies. But if you experience a chronic sore throat every day upon waking and it subsides as the day goes by, it could be a sign of sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea is often due to a dental problem...

Your wisdom teeth don’t make you any smarter, but they do carry the potential for oral health complications. Some people have absolutely no problem with their wisdom teeth and don’t need to have them removed, but for most — the wisdom teeth can potentially cause bite problems, pain, infection, and...

Dingy, yellowing teeth can make you reluctant to smile for photos or flash a welcoming grin to a friend or colleague. Your less-than-sparkly smile may make you feel self-conscious or less-than-beautiful.  Teeth-whitening seems like an easy answer. While you may be tempted to grab one of the products on the...

Broken, chipped, and decayed teeth don’t have to bring your smile down. Repair them in just one visit with a same-day crown. These restorations look and feel like your natural teeth and make you feel confident and attractive when you flash your smile. Conventional crowns take at least two weeks...

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in every four adults has a cavity. In the earliest stages, cavities usually show no signs. If you have a cavity, you’re likely unaware of the infection and will only find out about it when you head to the...

You’re busy with work, family, friends, and chores. It’s tempting to put off your dental exam, especially if your teeth feel fine and you’re in generally good health. But regular dental exams and cleanings are some of the most important preventive care you undergo.  At Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington, Thomas...

Veneers are a simple, effective solution for aesthetic concerns about your smile. They can be a fix when you have unsightly chips, irregularly sized teeth, permanent stains, or mild crookedness.  At Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington, Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, and Andrew Keith, DDS, offer veneers as a cosmetic service to...

A dental crown solves several dental problems, including damaged teeth and permanent discoloration. Conventional crowns are always at least a two-visit process. You visit your dentist to have an impression of your teeth made. At this visit, they do any dental work, like a root canal, and prepare the tooth...

Dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth with a 98% success rate. The process of getting implants can seem like a long time, but it’s worth it in the long run when you have a complete smile that looks and feels natural. Plus, dental implants are long-lasting...

A strong coffee habit, a nightly glass of red wine, and a love of red foods like tomato sauce and red berries all contribute to dull, yellow teeth. Aging and tobacco use are other reasons your smile doesn’t look as bright as you’d like.  At Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville,...

Preventive dentistry includes all the care that helps you maintain good oral health. You, hopefully, already provide some of this care for yourself — by brushing and flossing daily. But we here at Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington, are essential to your preventive dentistry care.  We provide regular oral exams, teeth cleaning,...

Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, come in during your late teens or early 20s. These third molars often don’t come in straight, get stuck under the gum line, or crowd your current smile. About 5 million people have their wisdom teeth out every year.  Removal of wisdom teeth is a normal practice,...

Does the thought of going to the dentist fill you with absolute fear and dread? Do you have trouble sleeping the night before your exam? Does your nervousness escalate as you wait in the lobby?  In people with a true, disabling phobia, the prospect of heading to the dentist can...

Sleep apnea is not just dangerous because you irritate your bedroom partner. When you have obstructive sleep apnea, it means your airway becomes blocked when you sleep. This interrupts your breathing, causes heavy snoring and gasping for breath, and low oxygen levels. You may or may not realize that your body...

A sparkling, white smile exudes confidence, youth, and beauty. If you’re reluctant to smile in photos or find yourself covering your mouth with your hand when you speak due to a dull dingy smile, teeth whitening is for you. The simple in-office process can lighten your teeth up to eight...

You may have lost teeth due to trauma, decay, or disease. Whether you’re missing an entire arc, several in a row, or a few in sporadic spots, dentures are a fantastic smile restoration option.  At Advanced Care Dentistry, we are proud to offer dentures that look and feel very much...

When dental sealants are applied to the back teeth, they can protect you from up to 80% of cavities for 2 years and 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.  Think of sealants like a shield that blocks out germs and food. At Advanced Care Dentistry, we are proud...

Your smile is your first impression. Missing teeth can make you self-conscious, plus they endanger your oral health. As many as 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. Tooth loss happens because of decay, gum disease, or injury. Regardless of why you’re missing a...

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that acts like a cap to protect a damaged or misshapen tooth. Dental crowns are also used to top off sturdy dental implants and provide an anchor for dental bridges. Crowns are tooth-colored and made of solid materials, like metal, resin,...

Does the thought of visiting the dentist fill you with anxiety and unease? Do you avoid making appointments for cleanings, checkups, or necessary dental work because the thought of sitting in the dental chair is more than you can stand?  You’re not alone. Many people experience dental anxiety and it...

A beautiful, healthy smile makes you feel confident, keeps you free from oral pain, and ensures you can speak and eat easily — without any complications. Let’s be honest — your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. Without optimal care, you’re at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and...

Whiter teeth can help you feel more confident, attractive, and youthful. Yellowed teeth dull your smile.  Investing in professional teeth whitening can makeover your smile and your entire look. At Advanced Care Dentistry, the providers offer in-office Zoom!® teeth whitening as part of our cosmetic dentistry procedures that can get...

Having your wisdom teeth removed may not be on your list of fun things to do, but it’s often a necessary procedure that gives you a lifetime of good oral health.  At Advanced Care Dentistry, we can help patients determine if and when it’s time to have the wisdom teeth...

Do you snore loudly or awaken suddenly in the middle of the night, gasping for breath? You likely have obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your airway narrows or collapses during slumber, causing an extended pause in breath. The brain senses the lack of oxygen and wakes you...

Does the mere thought of visiting the dentist make you tense up and send your heart racing? You’re not alone. About 36% of the population has some anxiety about getting into the dentist’s chair.  While it’s understandable that you have fear, it’s not good if it keeps you from getting...

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt — usually in your late teens or early 20s. Many people have them removed right away, even before they break through the gums, because they just won’t fit or become impacted, causing potential pain and bite problems. If you were lucky enough...

Gum disease poses a serious risk to your oral health. If not reversed, it can lead to bone degradation, tooth loss, and systemic infection. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. At this point, improving your at-home dental hygiene and a few quality, professional cleanings can get your gums...

You may seek out cosmetic dental procedures to get a better looking smile. After all, teeth-whitening, veneers, and gum recontouring all help your teeth look their very best so you feel more confident and attractive. Cosmetic dental care provides more than just a boost to your appearance. Many procedures help...

At Advanced Care Dentistry, we know that many people would rather be anywhere but in the dental chair. And, it’s not about preference — dental fear and phobia is a real problem. You’re not alone if you avoid scheduling dental appointments due to anxiety. More than one third of people...

Dental anxiety affects about 36% of the population. If you share in this anxiety, you may avoid going to the dentist for regular check-ups, only coming in when it’s a dire emergency. This is a shame, because many of these emergencies and their complications could be prevented with routine care. ...

You brush every day morning and night. You even floss — most days. Is it really necessary to take time out of your busy schedule to get to a professional cleaning? The answer is a resounding yes. A professional teeth cleaning is one of the most important steps you can...

A wide, beautiful smile makes you look successful, joyful, and welcoming. Who doesn’t want to portray such an image when they meet up with family and friends they haven’t seen for a while. Even if your holiday meet-ups this year are more virtual than in person, you still want to...

Dentures restore the smiles of about 15% of the American population. If all of those people can adjust to wearing them, so can you. It takes patience, however. Andrew Keith, DDS and Thomas O. Marx, DDS, MSD and the team at Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington offer up the...

A sparkling, white smile exudes confidence and brightens your expression. You look years younger when you erase a dingy yellow hue caused by aging or stains due to years of coffee and red wine consumption. At Advanced Care Dentistry, Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, and Andrew Keith, DDS provide professional...

If you suffer from the heavy snoring, gasping, and headaches associated with sleep apnea, you want a solution. Sleep apnea can lead to long-term health problems and dysfunction, including poor libido and sexual performance, high blood pressure, irritability, and daytime sleepiness. A continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) may be...

If you’ve lost teeth because of dental disease or trauma, living with gaps or dealing with dentures aren’t your only options. Dental implants offer a solid, functional, and beautiful replacement for missing teeth that restores the look, feel, and health of your mouth. At Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville, Washington,...

Dental crowns are invaluable for covering and strengthening weakened or damaged teeth and restoring smiles. The traditional version also requires multiple office visits for prepping the damaged tooth and then molding, fitting, and placing the permanent crown. Led by Thomas Marxen, DDS, the team at Advanced Care Dentistry in Woodinville,...