General Dentistry

When you see or hear the terms “general dentistry” and “general dentist,” you may find yourself wondering, “How does a general dentist differ from other oral-health professionals?” or “Do I need to see a general dentist regularly?” The answers to these questions are key in helping you make the best decisions about your oral health care. As your Lynnwood, WA general dentistry practice, the staff at Robinson Dental and Dr. Brent Robinson want to make sure you know everything about general dentistry that you need to in order to enjoy a lifetime of optimal oral health.

General Dentistry

When you see or hear the terms “general dentistry” and “general dentist,” you may find yourself wondering, “How does a general dentist differ from other oral-health professionals?” or “Do I need to see a general dentist regularly?” The answers to these questions are key in helping you make the best decisions about your oral health care. As your Lynnwood, WA general dentistry practice, the staff at Robinson Dental and Dr. Brent Robinson want to make sure you know everything about general dentistry that you need to in order to enjoy a lifetime of optimal oral health.

What Is General Dentistry?

Similar to a primary healthcare provider, a general dentist is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They care for your overall oral health and are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the services required to meet your dental needs.


At Robinson Dental , we work hard to form long-term, trust-based relationships with you by getting to know your lifestyle as well as your oral-health history and goals. We then implement and oversee a personalized dental treatment plan that helps you meet those goals. Most dental treatment plans employ a variety of our general dentistry services as needed.

What Services Fall Under the General Dentistry Category?

Regular visits with general dentist in Lynnwood, WA like Dr. Brent Robinson will help you maintain good oral hygiene and aid in the prevention and early detection of serious oral health issues, like gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Our dental services include a wide range of preventive and restorative options that can be performed in the dentist’s office and are designed for patients of all ages. Services include:

  • Digital x-rays
  • Dental fillings
  • Fixed and removable
  • dental bridges
  • Inlays and onlays
  • Root canal therapy
  • Sealants
  • Tooth extractions
  • Wisdom teeth removal
  • TMD/TMJ therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are some common dental issues a general dentist addresses?

    We address everything from periodontal disease to root canals to missing teeth. We can also address cosmetic concerns, with services such as teeth whitening and veneers.

  • Why do I need a general dentist?

    Seeing a general dentist regularly will help you maintain good oral health, as well as detect any potential problems before they become serious.

  • How often should I see a general dentist?

    Scheduling a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year is recommended. Dr. Brent Robinson will let you know if you need additional appointments or treatments.

  • What causes tooth cavities?

    Cavities are caused by tooth decay that goes unnoticed. Scheduling regular checkups will ensure that tooth decay is caught in its earliest stages and addressed or avoided altogether.

Fillings

Approximately 92% of adults have experienced a cavity. Cavities occur as a result of tooth decay, and if left untreated, they can severely damage teeth and lead to a decline in oral health. Though cavities are common, at Robinson Dental, Lynnwood dentist Dr. Brent Robinson can easily fix them using a routine, restorative dental treatment called a dental filling, also known as a tooth filling.

What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling, such as those offered at our practice in Lynnwood, WA, can be made out of a variety of materials and is used to fill and seal the hole caused by a cavity, preventing decay from spreading to the rest of the tooth. Dr. Brent Robinson quickly, easily, and comfortably removes decay from a tooth before it progresses. The type of tooth filling that is used is largely based on your needs and preferences.

Types of Fillings

You are probably most familiar with gold and silver/amalgam fillings, but these are only two of several options you will have if you find yourself with a cavity. Though both gold and amalgam fillings are good options, they also stand out against the pearly whites they are preserving and protecting. Fortunately, there are less obvious alternatives available.

Filling options include:

  • Amalgam Fillings

    Amalgam tooth fillings are affordable and durable, able to last 10 to 15 years or longer. Because they are made of silver, they do not match the surrounding tooth and may stand out.

  • Gold Fillings

    Gold tooth fillings are very durable and last at least 10 to 15 years. Though they don’t match the surrounding tooth, some prefer the coloring and shine to that of amalgam fillings. Gold fillings tend to cost more than other materials.

  • Composite Resin Fillings

    Composite tooth fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and fine-glass particles. They last at least five years and match the color of your teeth. They generally cost less than gold fillings but more than amalgam fillings, and they can take up to two appointments to complete.

  • Porcelain Fillings

    Porcelain tooth fillings last approximately five to seven years, with a wide range of pricing. They match the color of your teeth and are more resistant to staining than composite fillings.

man smiling in mirror after fillings and teeth cleaning | General dentist in Lynnwood WA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do fillings ever need to be replaced?

    Though they are very durable, most fillings will need to be replaced eventually. How long they last depends heavily on the type of filling you get.

  • Does it hurt to get a filling?

    Dr. Brent Robinson can perform both the removal of the decay and the filling placement in such a way that you will remain comfortable and free of pain.

  • How long will it take for me to be able to eat, speak, brush, and floss as usual after receiving a filling?

    Shortly after receiving a filling, you should be able to do all of the things you normally would do.

As your Lynnwood dentist, the staff at Robinson Dental is happy to answer any of your questions about fillings. Call 425-778-1164 to learn more or to set up an appointment.

Inlays and Onlays

Beautiful restorations are an important part of retaining and preserving your natural smile. As your Lynnwood area dental provider, at Robinson Dental, dental inlays and onlays are the preferred type of restoration when your tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough for a crown (otherwise known as a dental cap or tooth cap).

When Do You Need a Dental Inlay or Onlay?

Damage to a tooth that is too severe to support a filling but not severe enough to require a dental cap calls for a dental inlay or onlay. If you’re in need of a dental inlay in Lynnwood, WA, using a filling when an inlay is needed can result in the continued decay of the remaining tooth, which eventually leads to the need for a root canal. Receiving a tooth cap or crown when one is not called for results in the unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure.

Dental Inlays

Dental inlays are similar to fillings and fit inside the outer edges of the tooth. They can be made out of a variety of materials, but most often they’re made out of tooth-colored porcelain. The inlay procedure requires approximately two visits with Lynnwood dentist Dr. Brent Robinson. During the first appointment, you receive a tooth-decay treatment; then impressions are taken and the temporary inlay is applied to the tooth. At the second appointment, the permanent inlay is bonded to the tooth, hiding any signs of imperfection.

Dental Onlays

Dental onlays, sometimes referred to as partial tooth caps, are similar to inlays in that the procedure is the same and takes place over the course of two days. Like a dental cap, it is a custom-made fitting that we secure to the damaged tooth; however, unlike a dental cap, it only covers a small portion of the affected tooth. Onlays cover one or more of the outer edges of a tooth. They are the conservative alternative to receiving a crown or tooth cap, and they preserve more of your natural tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do inlays and onlays fix cavities?

    Dr. Brent Robinson uses inlays and onlays, much like fillings, to fill or cover the area where a cavity once was. It minimizes the possibility of further decay to the existing tooth.

  • What are the most common treatments for tooth decay?

    The most common tooth decay treatments that Dr. Brent Robinson uses include:


    • Fluoride treatments
    • Restorations, including fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns/tooth caps
    • Root canals
    • In the most extreme cases, extraction

  • How long will it take for me to be able to eat, speak, brush, and floss as usual after receiving a filling?

    Shortly after receiving a filling, you should be able to do all of the things you normally would do.

At Robinson Dental, we can also use dental inlays and onlays for cosmetic enhancement. If you would like to find out more about these restoration options, call 425-778-1164 today to schedule an appointment with our Lynnwood dental office.

Sealants

Your children brush twice a day — so why do they still get small cavities? Brushing and flossing cleans most of the surfaces of their front teeth, but getting to the crevices in the back molars and premolars is nearly impossible for little, untrained hands. Those tiny dips and pits are perfect for trapping food and bacteria, which often results in the formation of cavities in young, vulnerable teeth.

What Are Sealants?

Fortunately, at Robinson Dental— your local Lynnwood family dentist — Dr. Brent Robinson can include dental sealant Lynnwood, WA in your child’s dental plan: a noninvasive, preventive tooth-decay treatment that protects teeth and keeps them healthy while they mature and strengthen. Dental sealants are made from a resin material that is used to coat the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It is painted on and seals the nooks and crannies in the teeth so that food and other plaque-causing materials that cause cavities are kept out.

The Procedure

At Robinson Dental, the procedure for applying sealants is simple, painless, fast, and takes only one visit. First Dr. Brent Robinson will remove decay from your teeth and thoroughly clean and dry them. Next the sealant material is painted on the chewing surface. It will naturally bond to the tooth on its own; however, a special light may be used to speed the process, helping the sealant to harden in just a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are sealants only for children?

    Though pediatric dentists most often use dental sealants as a protective tooth-decay treatment for children, they are also perfect for adults who don’t have cavities or fillings in their molars. Talk to Dr. Brent Robinson about adding them to your existing dental plan.Though pediatric dentists most often use dental sealants as a protective tooth-decay treatment for children, they are also perfect for adults who don’t have cavities or fillings in their molars. Talk to Dr. Brent Robinson about adding them to your existing dental plan.

  • How long do dental sealants last?

    Dental sealants are incredibly strong and can withstand the force of chewing. They have been found to reduce the rate of decay by over 70%, and they last over a decade.

  • Do I still need to brush and floss twice a day with sealants?

    Sealants only protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from cavities. Brushing and flossing regularly is the only way to make sure all of your teeth, as well as your overall oral health, stay in excellent condition.

The team at Robinson Dental’s Lynnwood dental office is happy to answer your questions about sealants and cavity prevention. Call 425-778-1164 to find out more or to set up an appointment.

Tooth Extractions

At Robinson Dental, we understand that having a complete, natural smile is key to feeling confident in your daily life. We also know that on occasion, circumstances may arise that require a patient to receive a routine or emergency tooth extraction in order to preserve overall oral health. As your Lynnwood dentist, Dr. Brent Robinson knows that the decision to extract can be a difficult one, so he makes sure that every aspect of the procedure is as stress-free and comfortable for our patients as possible by keeping you well informed, aware of what is happening, and aware of what your choices are along the way.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?

A tooth extraction is performed only after all alternatives have been considered and ruled out. Situations that may lead to an extraction include:

  • Infection or risk of infection from decay (may require emergency tooth extraction)
  • A tooth that is severely damaged from trauma (may require emergency tooth extraction)
  • Impacted wisdom teeth (results in a wisdom tooth extraction)
  • Overcrowded teeth (often requires orthodontic treatment)

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is a routine procedure for Dr. Brent Robinson, though in some instances, an emergency tooth extraction may be called for. The procedure includes:

  • X-rays to assess the location, size, and position of the tooth to be removed to help determine the extent of the procedure
  • An assessment of the anesthesia and sedation options that will best serve your needs, allowing for a pain-free, less-than-memorable experience
  • The careful removal of the tooth, which often includes a bone-preserving graft

After the tooth has been removed, Dr. Brent Robinson will have you bite down on some gauze in order to help stop the bleeding, so that a blood clot can form.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After your extraction, your recovery typically takes a couple of days. The following tips will help you relieve discomfort and avoid complications.

  • Take pain relievers as prescribed or recommended.
  • Leave gauze in place for the recommended amount of time.
  • Apply ice for 10 minutes at a time to minimize swelling after the procedure.
  • Avoid rinsing, sucking, or spitting for six hours after the procedure.
  • After six hours, rinse your mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt and warm water.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Eat soft foods the day after the extraction; gradually add solid foods as the extraction site heals.
  • Avoid the extraction site when brushing your teeth.

If you're in need of tooth extractions in Lynnwood, WA, it's important to follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery. When teeth must be removed, especially ones that appear in your smile, there are a number of natural-looking, permanent tooth-replacement options, such as implants, that can give your smile a second chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are tooth extractions painful?

    It is normal to experience some pain after the anesthetic wears off. There may also be some swelling and bleeding for up to 24 hours after the tooth extraction. If pain is severe or bleeding doesn’t stop, you should contact us immediately.

  • What is dry socket?

    On occasion, the blood clot that has formed in the socket breaks loose. This is referred to as dry socket.

  • Will insurance cover tooth extractions?

    Whether your tooth extraction or emergency tooth extraction is covered by your insurance depends on your provider. Our staff will help you find out if your extraction is covered and, if not, what additional financial solutions are available to you.

To schedule an appointment with our Lynnwood dental office, call Robinson Dental at 425-778-1164 today.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that tend to appear after adolescence (when a person is more “wise” — thus the name “wisdom teeth”). Their emergence can be painful, resulting in impacted wisdom teeth or damaged tooth alignment if allowed to come in fully. In fact, wisdom teeth removal is called for in 85% of dental cases.

Why Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?

Poor alignment and impaction are the two main reasons wisdom teeth removal becomes necessary. For those in need of wisdom tooth extractions in Lynnwood, WA, it’s important to address these issues promptly. When the final set of molars erupts (grows in) at an angle, it sometimes pushes on nearby straight teeth, altering their alignment. This is painful and can cause damage to neighboring teeth, as well as injure nerves and the jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth result from either the last set of molars developing but failing to erupt—remaining encased in the jaw’s soft tissue—or from only partially erupting, creating a passageway for bacteria to get into the soft tissue.

What Are Common Complications Associated with Wisdom Teeth?

In an effort to avoid the pain and complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth and tooth misalignment, Lynnwood dentist Dr. Brent Robinson’s approach to your family’s ongoing dental healthcare plan will include the monitoring and removal of wisdom teeth. Typically, the earlier the need for wisdom teeth removal is identified, the better; early removal can prevent damage to neighboring healthy teeth, bone, gum tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does everyone need to get their wisdom teeth removed?

    Some have the fortune of avoiding problems such as impacted wisdom teeth altogether, but in the worst cases, gum infections, jawbone cysts, and bone loss can occur. Therefore, Dr. Brent Robinson often recommends wisdom teeth removal.

  • At what age should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

    Though there is no “right” age to have your wisdom teeth removed, the surgery and healing from it are much easier at a younger age. Wisdom teeth extraction is typically recommended between the ages of 12 and 25. Removal may become necessary if Dr. Brent Robinson sees potential for complications should the teeth begin to grow in.

  • Is wisdom teeth removal painful?

    At Robinson Dental , we offer a multitude of comfortable options that make the removal of your wisdom teeth a calm and relaxing experience. Dr. Brent Robinson removes the teeth skillfully and gently, then provides medications and follow-up information that ensure a speedy, easy, pain-free recovery.

To learn more about our wisdom teeth removal services or to schedule a consultation, call Robinson Dental today at 425-778-1164.

Digital X-Rays

At Robinson Dental, one of the many ways we provide superior dental care is through the use of dental x-rays that allow Lynnwood dentist Dr. Brent Robinson to detect decay and disease earlier than what’s possible with a basic oral exam. As a new patient, you will most likely receive a dental x-ray; Dr. Brent Robinson may also choose to have one taken if you have signs or a history of disease or decay, or if your teeth are touching and making it difficult to see all surfaces. Digital x-rays, also known as digital radiographs, are quickly taking the place of traditional film-based dental x-rays and have become one of the most important advances in dental technology today, offering our patients substantial benefits.

What Is a Digital X-Ray?

During a digital x-ray, a small sensor is placed inside your mouth, instead of the traditional paper tabs that fit awkwardly and often cause pain. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin, unobtrusive wire and records a highly detailed image of your mouth. The image is then sent to the computer, where it is instantly projected onto a screen for the dentist to review.


The two primary types of dental x-rays are intraoral (taken from inside the mouth) and extraoral (taken from the outside). Bitewing x-rays are the most common type of intraoral radiograph. Traditionally, uncomfortable pieces of film were placed inside the mouth for the patient to bite down on while the x-ray was being taken. With digital technology, the small sensors make this type of imaging much more comfortable. A panoramic x-ray is an extraoral x-ray in which a machine rotates around the head. The resulting images allow the dentist to see the entire mouth at once.

What Are the Benefits of Digital X-Rays?

Digital x-rays benefit both patient and dentist alike in many ways. Benefits include:

  • Reduced chair time and wait time — results are instant and highly accurate
  • Improved imaging — images can also be sharpened, enlarged, and optimized in a variety of ways that improve diagnostic proficiency
  • Less radiation — the radiation exposure from digital imaging is 80% less than from traditional x-rays
  • Decreased environmental impact — digital x-rays eliminate the material and chemical waste produced by traditional film-based x-rays

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How often do I need to have a dental x-ray taken?

    The frequency with which you will need to have dental x-rays depends on your overall oral health. If you are suffering from dental decay or disease, you may need to be x-rayed every six months. If you are in good oral health, you may only need a dental x-ray every couple of years.

  • Are x-rays dangerous?

    Though dental x-rays do require very low doses of radiation exposure, they are considered very safe. The use of digital technology further reduces the level of radiation you receive from a dental x-rays.

  • Is it safe to have dental x-rays taken while pregnant?

    Dental x-rays are very safe. However, if you are pregnant, it’s best to minimize dental treatments and avoid dental x-rays if possible. In the case of a dental emergency, Dr. Brent Robinson will take all precautions available to minimize even the slightest risk to your baby.



At Robinson Dental , the use of digital x-rays allows us to provide you with the dental experience you deserve. Decreased anxiety and precise diagnosis allow for your increased comfort and confidence in our commitment to helping you maintain a healthy, bright, white smile for years to come.

If you are in the Lynnwood, WA area, call 425-778-1164 to schedule an appointment today!

Dental Bridges

Fixed and Removable Bridges

Having a complete, natural-looking smile contributes to healthy self-esteem and is essential to your comfort and confidence while performing everyday tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling. At Robinson Dental, if you are missing one or more teeth, Lynnwood dentist Dr. Brent Robinson may recommend a dental bridge or tooth bridge as an esthetic solution. This solution also keeps the empty space left by missing teeth from causing the surrounding healthy teeth to shift and move into the existing gap.


A bridge is a prosthesis (replacement part) that relies on support from healthy teeth surrounding the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. The artificial replacement tooth is called a “pontic” after the French “pont” for bridge. The healthy adjacent teeth, called abutments, provide support on either side — just like a bridge spanning a canyon.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

There are two main types of bridges: fixed and removable. Recognizing the differences between the two will help you understand Dr. Brent Robinson’s recommendations and decide which will work best for you. For those seeking solutions like dental bridges in Lynnwood, WA, understanding these options is crucial to making an informed decision.

Fixed Bridge: Dr. Brent Robinson typically recommends a fixed bridge for patients who have lost one or all of their teeth but have not suffered significant bone loss. A fixed dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns that are cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap (the anchor teeth), with false teeth in between. The replacement teeth can be made out of gold, porcelain, or alloys. A fixed tooth bridge can only be removed by a dentist.

Removable Bridge: Dr. Brent Robinson will recommend a removable dental bridge when multiple teeth are missing and the integrity of the supporting jawbone has been severely compromised. A removable bridge consists of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic support base that is connected with a metal framework. The bridge is then attached with metal clasps to existing teeth or implants. The plastic base restores the natural facial esthetics by providing support where the missing bone and tissues once were.


Benefits of a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge offers the following benefits:

  • Prevents remaining teeth from moving out of place
  • Allows you to eat, speak, and smile naturally
  • Maintains proper bite alignment and even bite-force distribution
  • Maintains the esthetic integrity of the shape
  • Restores natural function, look, and beauty to your smile

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do dental bridges ever need to be replaced?

    A high-quality tooth bridge that is properly cared for can last for 20 or more years. If, however, it gets chipped or the supporting teeth begin to fail, it may need to be replaced. How often this happens depends entirely on the lifestyle of the individual with the bridge and how well it is taken care of.

  • How much do dental bridges cost?

    The cost of a dental bridge varies greatly depending on the type of bridge, number of false teeth, and type of materials used. They can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands, depending on your needs and wants. Considering their life span, the dental bridge is an extremely affordable and effective option for patients who have lost one or multiple teeth.

If you are looking for a restorative solution for your smile, call Robinson Dental’s Lynnwood dental office today at 425-778-1164 to learn more about dental bridges.

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