Best Dentist in Salem, OR

If you have dental anxiety, our Dentist in Salem, OR can help. Often, dental fear stems from an early childhood experience that was frightening or painful. You will be happy to know that dentistry has come a long way since then, and patient comfort is now a priority in family dental practices.

An Experienced, Caring Team

We hope to show you the new face of dentistry. Not only is our team helpful, kind, and compassionate, but their experience also helps you feel confident about your care. We use the latest technology to show you your teeth and explain treatment options so that you feel fully informed and know what to expect.

We will make sure you are properly anesthetized for every procedure and will never get started before you are completely comfortable. We can take breaks throughout your appointment if you need to stretch, ask questions, or want a drink of water.

Sedation Dentistry for Nervous Patients

For patients who want a little additional help relaxing, we offer nitrous oxide sedation. Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, provides a mild form of sedation. We administer the sedative through a small nose mask and can control the levels of sedation throughout your visit. Once we stop the flow of gas, the sedative quickly leaves the body, and you will be able to drive yourself home from your dental appointment.

IV Sedation

IV sedation, also known as intravenous sedation, is a form of conscious sedation that can be administered by a qualified dental professional to help patients relax and manage anxiety during dental procedures. During IV sedation, medication is delivered directly into the patient’s bloodstream through an IV line, resulting in a deep state of relaxation and calm. While the patient remains conscious and able to respond to commands, they may feel drowsy and have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. IV sedation is often recommended for patients with dental phobia or those undergoing lengthy or complex dental procedures. It is a safe and effective option for many patients and can help make their dental experience more comfortable and stress-free.

Each patient is an individual, so we tailor your dental recommendations based on your oral health needs, your medical health, and your goals for your smile. For most children and healthy adults, two visits twice per year that include a dental cleaning, exam, and yearly x-rays are usually enough to keep teeth and gums healthy

If you have a history of periodontal disease, 3-4 visits per year could be helpful. Once periodontal disease occurs, patients are more likely to develop an infection again. Certain medications, conditions like dry mouth, and even hormonal fluctuations such as those during pregnancy can require more diligent home and professional dental attention.

Dental Exams with Veneers, implants, and crowns

If you have a lot of dentistry, veneers, dental implants, or a number of dental crowns, you might opt for extra dental cleaning and exam each year in our Salem dental office as an additional insurance on your investment.

Patients who have complete dentures still need to have a dental appointment at least once per year to monitor changes in bone and for a potentially life-saving oral cancer screening.

We are happy to discuss your needs with you at your initial dental exam and work out a plan to keep you healthy and looking your best.

Our Dentists in Salem, OR Dr. Abigail Rapchick, and Dr. Seth Huish can often identify oral conditions upon an oral examination. Decay, fractures, and wear are commonly visible to the naked eye or with high-powered loupes (magnifying glasses), but some diseases lurk below the surface of the enamel or are hidden by the gums or bone.

It is because these diseases can hide that we need assistance seeing what is happening inside the teeth and bones. Dental x-rays reveal oral health issues in their earliest stages when they are easier and more affordable to treat. 

Since decay and infection do not cause significant pain until they are well advanced, we recommend routine dental x-rays to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Since our x-rays are a digital system, you can rest assured that they are safe. The x-ray system we use emits up to 80 percent less radiation than previous film x-rays, and because they do not require developing, they eliminate many dangerous chemicals from our practice and ultimately our environment.

When you weigh the risks of x-rays alongside the benefits, it is easy to see that they are a necessary part of your preventive dental routine. If you want to talk about x-rays and their necessity, call or stop by our Salem, OR dental office.