General & Family Dentistry
Our family dentist office is conveniently located in the heart of Soldotna . We take pride in delivering the highest level of care, and proudly offer both pediatric and general dental treatments alongside our many other services.
A trusted family dentist is the cornerstone of a healthy and long-lasting smile. At Gentle Dental, we use the most modern dental methods available to find the right treatments for all of our patients. Our everyday goal is to provide our community with the best and most comprehensive family dentistry in and around Soldotna .
Children’s Dentistry
Children’s primary teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth, but that doesn't mean those pearly whites don't need conscientious care. Maintaining your child's dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions.
Primary teeth serve as maintainers for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. The crowns of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.
What's more, your child's primary teeth will be there for most of childhood, helping your child to bite, chew and speak. For the first six or so years, he or she will be relying on primary teeth exclusively to perform these important functions. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally.
Baby teeth will begin to appear between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. Sometimes your baby can experience teething discomfort during this process. If so, there are courses of action to help make your child more comfortable.
Caring for Children’s Teeth
Your infant's gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after each feeding with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth.
Once there are teeth in the mouth, establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft -bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child will need your help or supervision for several years.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child see a dentist by his/her first birthday. Though this may sound early, learning proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques, checking for cavities, and watching for developmental problems is extremely important.
It's important to discuss and be comfortable with the use of flouride to help strengthen your child's teeth.
Fluoride is incorporated into the enamel of teeth, making it harder and more resistant to decay. There are small amounts of fluoride in child toothpaste, but none in the drinking water here in Soldotna. Higher concentration can be applied professionally to your child's teeth for maximum protection.
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Staying up to date on your dental care is beneficial in many aspects. Catching disease in its early stages allows more treatment options and can prevent the need of more costly dental treatment. Many diseases including Periodontal disease can easily be avoided by regular hygiene cleanings.
Dental Hygiene Instruction
Not only are cleanings important, but they are a source of instruction to improve home care. Our hygienists know many tricks and tips to effective home care and are more than happy to help you get on track to a healthier smile.
Dental Sealants
If there was an easy way to stop decay before it started, wouldn’t you be interested? Luckily sealants are a way to prevent decay.
Our natural teeth contain pits and fissures that allow bacteria to remain even after brushing. Sealants are able to fill in these spaces without the need to drill on teeth.
Many younger patients do not quite understand the importance of good hygiene or may have a diet that leaves them more prone to decay. Sealants are the ideal treatment to avoid decay for these patients.
Dental sealants are plastic coatings placed on the grooves of chewing surfaces. Immature tooth enamel is more permeable and therefore less resistant to tooth decay. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection
Emergency Dentistry
Tooth pain is no joke and we are here to help. At Gentle Dental we want to relieve dental pain as quickly as possible to get you back to doing the important things in your life. Your concerns are our first priority.
Oral Cancer Screening
During yearly exams, oral cancer screening allows us to catch instances early. State of the art tools are put to work to allow us to detect cancer early.
Testimonials
"I've been going to Gentle Dental for years now. I've had cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns, and even an implant done and I couldn't be more pleased. Not only is the work beautifully done, but there is an atmosphere of cooperation between staff and a genuine effort to help a patient feel comfortable."
"Before Dr. White put a crown on my front tooth, I felt uncertain when smiling, especially when taking pictures. But now, I feel confident that I have a great smile. The whole process of getting the crown was quick, relatively painless and the color turned out great! I highly recommend Dr. White for all your dental needs. At Gentle Dental, all of the team are friendly, helpful and GENTLE!"
"Dr. White and the professionals at Gentle Dental see to my personal preferences and have truly gotten to know me--I can’t express how kind and caring everyone is. My children have special dental needs and Dr. White has seen to treating all of them with attention to detail and personal care, using tools and products that have proven results. I cannot express the gratitude I feel to Dr. White and the Gentle Dental team, they have come to know us like a family and I am so thankful for that!"