For New Patients

Dentistry is the treatment of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. As advocates for your health, we approach dentistry with a whole body approach where the health of your smile can impact your overall health.

A dentist is a specialist in teeth by diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health problems. Dr. Vanama has completed at least eight years of schooling at SCB Medical College/Utkal University and the University of Southern California and received a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree. There may be times where she partners with other oral health specialists to get you the best care you need depending on your smile’s function and health. Other specializations include:

• Pediatric dentist.
• Endodontics (root canals).
• Oral and maxillofacial (including pathology, radiology, and surgery).
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
• Periodontics (gum disease).
• Prosthodontics (implants).

Visiting Dr. Vanama every six months will keep your teeth, mouth, and body healthy. Dental care is important because it:

• Prevents tooth decay.
• Prevents periodontal (gum) disease (leading cause of tooth and bone loss).
• Prevents bad breath.
• Gives you a more confident, bright smile.
• Maintains the strength and durability of your teeth.

Your teeth may feel fine, but problems can exist without you knowing. Dr. Vanama can spot tiny issues, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, before they become bigger problems. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can rest assured your smile is in good hands and will keep you smiling for life.

It’s important you choose an Issaquah family dentist who is genuinely looking out for your best interests—not your wallet. When you research several dentists and look to schedule that first important visit, consider the following:

• Is the dental team friendly and answering all of my questions clearly?
• Is the office easy to find?
• Does the office feel like home and is it filled with the latest dental technologies?
• Does the dentist explain and visually show you what’s going on with your smile?
• Does the dentist answer all of your questions? Does the team present you the costs of treatment before scheduling it?

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!
• Use toothpaste with fluoride, and get fluoride treatment at every checkup to prevent cavities.
• Avoid foods with a lot of sugar and avoid tobacco.
• Brush your tongue! Brushing your tongue removes food particles, reduces the amount of plaque-causing bacteria, and freshens your breath.
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkup every six months.

According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should visit their first dentist no later than one year of age. Your child’s baby teeth will be coming in, and Dr. Vanama can examine the health of your child’s baby teeth and ensure your child’s smile is on the right path to optimal health.

Everyone should visit the dentist for an exam and hygiene appointment every six months. Patients who are at a higher risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be asked to see the dentist more than just twice a year. At your first visit, Dr. Vanama will discuss her recommendations for how much you should come in for checkups.

A cavity is a small hole building inside the tooth from tooth decay. Tooth decay happens from plaque buildup combined with sugars and starches in the food you eat. In turn, acid is produced and eats away the tooth’s enamel, creating the cavity. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems and complex restorative dentistry services. To prevent cavities, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.

A filling is used to fill a cavity after Dr. Vanama removes all of the tooth decay. The process of getting fillings is usually painless because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. At Discovery Dental, we only use metal-free fillings (composite) that harden in a white color to blend with your smile. If you have mercury fillings, ask us how we can replace them for you.

According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing removes plaque and keeps your teeth and gums clean and healthy. We advise you to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride to prevent cavities further. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, and don’t forget to brush your tongue!

The bristles in a toothbrush will fray over time. Dr. Vanama recommends changing your toothbrush every three months. If you have gum disease, you’re encouraged to change your toothbrush every four to six weeks. If you’ve been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is plaque and bacteria buildup in the gums. It has stages, including:

• Gingivitis: The beginning stage of gum disease; it is treatable if caught early. Brushing your teeth and visiting Dr. Vanama regularly will help prevent gingivitis.
• Advanced gum disease (periodontitis): If left untreated, gingivitis will lead to tooth and bone loss, which is a permanent condition

Common signs of gum disease, include:

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

Yes! It’s essential you visit the dentist regularly while getting orthodontic treatment. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. If not removed, bacteria builds up, leading to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Dr. Vanama will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Simply call our office! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know, and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.