Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patients teeth, gums, mouth and jaw. Dentistry performed properly is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patients entire body.

A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat and prevent oral health conditions problems. Dr. Sievert has completed many years of medical schooling in order to practice dentistry. After schooling a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means that he or she works with children from infancy up through teen age years. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for:

  • Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology and surgery)
  • Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
  • Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
  • Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
  • Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)

Here at Westlake Family Dentistry we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into your busy schedule seems to be one of the most difficult things you have to do. Proper oral hygiene is difficult to maintain. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing after every meal will keep many oral hygiene problems away, but not all. Scheduling a cleaning at Westlake Family Dentistry twice a year is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.

It’s very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Westlake Family Dentistry. Dr. Sievert recommends seeing you twice a year. There are many problems with can exist without knowing. Not only can we identify problems before they become a painful and expensive but we can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic. We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This is why we offer many treatments to help improve patient aesthetics.

Sixth month cleanings are recommended for proper oral hygiene. At Westlake Family Dentistry an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional x-rays to catch cavities and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris and plaque from your mouth.

Dr. Sievert will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile.

Please call our office at (503) 386-4164 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.

Recommendations by professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is as early as six months of age. This is when a child’s teeth begin to show. Dr. Sievert will be able to examine the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations.

Dr. Sievert recommends at least every three months. If you’re using and electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation of the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush often. If a patient has gum disease Dr. Sievert recommends that you change your brush more often then every three months. Also, after brushing it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your tooth brush clean.

Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria builds up in a patients mouth. When this build up is not treated in early stages it can cause gum disease. Periodontal disease can also be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause bone and tooth loss as well as permanent damage. Dr. Sievert recommends that brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling dental appointments every six months is the best way to fight gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:

  • Abscessed teeth
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth and or loss of teeth
  • Red, swollen or bleeding gums
  • Receding gum line

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at (503) 386-4164 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is out highest concern.

Here at Westlake Family Dentistry we accept most insurance plans but check with us. Please call our office for more information about insurance at (503) 386-4164. Prior to calling please have your insurance information ready. Also, please plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.

For your convenience here at Westlake Family Dentistry we accept cash, check, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card and Discover. If none of these payment methods suite your needs we also provide payment plans through our office or third party financing through Care Credit. We also provide discounts for those able to pay in full at the time of service. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods please give us a call at (503) 386-4164 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.