General Dentistry

The mouth is a gateway into the body. Oral health impacts overall health in a number of ways. Keeping the mouth clean and healthy will positively impact many aspects of health. For example, bleeding gums are not normal and are one way bacteria can get into the bloodstream. We offer a number of general dentistry services to help you manage and maintain your oral health, including implants, bridges, crowns, fillings, and root canals to name a few. Regular check-ups and cleanings are a great way to help ensure your mouth is healthy—like the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Developing good oral hygiene habits is an important factor to managing your overall health. The mouth is a portal to the rest of the body, and the bacteria found in your mouth can spread to other parts of your body affecting your heart, blood sugar, and pregnancy to name a few. Gum disease is 100% preventable—home care, along with regular dental cleanings and check-ups, is a healthy start down the road of prevention.

A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth and typically begin to appear when a baby is between 6 months and 1 year. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are 3. Being proactive about your child’s health today can help keep his or her smile healthy for life. Visit our Kids page for more information and great dental resources.

For mild crowding or excessive space issues, clear braces may be an option for you. Teeth in proper alignment are less prone to break and easier to keep clean, thus less problems with decay and gum disease. We offer free treatment consultations to patients of record and are happy to answer any questions you may have at your next appointment.

If your doctor or sleep specialist has diagnosed you with sleep apnea and, for any number of reasons, you are having a hard time wearing your continuous positive airway machine (CPAP), an oral dental device might be an effective alternative for you. Your doctor may recommend a dental device in which case Dr. Goyer will fabricate the appliance and continue to work closely with your doctor. Don’t give up if you just cannot wear your CPAP, an oral appliance might be the perfect solution for you. If you think you may have sleep apnea, get diagnosed and get treated. It could literally save your life. To learn more, visit the Dental Sleep Therapy of Walla Walla page.

Implants are used to replace missing teeth. An implant is placed in the bone. The bone then grows around the implant. After the implant is stable, the implant is ready to restore. If you’re missing one tooth, a crown is placed on the implant. If you are missing several teeth, a bridge or partial denture can be placed on the implant. If you have loose dentures, implants can be used to hold the denture in place.

If you are medically a candidate, oral sedation may be incorporated into your treatment plan. An estimated one-third of the American population avoids dentistry. Some of the reasons may include the following: cannot get numb, intense gag reflex, bad dental experience as a child, physical or sexual abuse victim, shame, or loss of trust in dental professionals. Even if you do not experience dental anxiety, sedation may be an option.

Dentures that fit not only add to your enjoyment of life but are essential to maintaining your health. Properly fitting dentures also help support facial muscles and allow for more natural speaking. For even more secure dentures, dental implants placed in the jaw and attached to the denture help prevent bone loss and improve your ability to chew more naturally. You can get what you want—great fitting dentures that feel good, look good, and allow you to chew and speak with confidence.

Orofacial pain encompasses many different disorders, ranging from temporomandibular joint disorders to sleep disorders to headaches. There are many causes for these disorders, which is why proper evaluation, treatment, and preventative measures should be taken to manage the diagnosed disorder.

We are fortunate in our valley to enjoy all the perks of a small town (no traffic, sense of community) while having access to highly skilled providers who are ready to help when you need them. Locally, there is a periodontist, a team of endodontists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and periodontist within a couple of miles from our office. Our doctors have known these folks for many, many years and trust them to provide you the specialty care we have referred you for to evaluate the best course of treatment. All these offices correspond with our office on a regular basis, and the doctors often meet to discuss treatment plans. We are all here to help you manage your oral health. Click here for a list of highly respected practitioners that can help!