Dental Services

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen in an instant. When they do, our team is here for you. Dr. Steim and the Steim Family Dentistry team will always treat you with compassion and work to relieve your pain as quickly as possible. We specialize in providing effective dental solutions that allow you to get back to your daily life quickly and painlessly.  

If you’re experiencing dental pain, or in need of an emergency root canal our extraction, call our office immediately at (360) 683-7168. We can often provide same-day or next-day appointment times to help you manage your pain and ensure your oral health. After your emergency appointment, make sure to schedule the necessary follow-up care for a long-lasting smile solution. 

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  • KöR Whitening

    KöR Whitening is a premium teeth-whitening system that uses specially formulated, continuously refrigerated whitening gels and custom-fitted trays to deeply penetrate your teeth and dissolve even stubborn stains leaving you with a dramatically brighter smile. Rather than relying on lights or lasers, KöR restores your teeth’s natural ability to absorb oxygen, breaking down stain molecules at a microstructural level for long-lasting, natural-looking whiteness.

  • Implants

    Dental implants are a safe, durable, and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth, whether paired with crowns for single-tooth restoration or used to anchor dentures. We use modern techniques to ensure comfortable, efficient care, and Dr. Nate Steim will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. Implants can restore your smile, improve function, support bone health, and provide a long-term replacement option.

  • Botox

    Dental Botox is a quick, minimally invasive treatment used to relax overactive facial and jaw muscles, helping relieve issues like TMJ discomfort, jaw clenching, grinding, and tension headaches. At Steim Family Dentistry, we use precise, targeted techniques to ensure a comfortable experience and natural results that support your oral health. Botox can also reduce a gummy smile and help facial muscles adapt more smoothly to new dental work.

Preventive Dentistry

We provide excellent preventive care, including exams, cleanings, intraoral photographs and digital x-rays. Early detection of dental problems is essential to gain optimal oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that you follow a schedule of twice-yearly cleanings and exams.

  • The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental visits at least twice per year. At Steim Family Dentistry, we follow that recommendation and provide high-quality dental cleanings and thorough preventive exams. This allows us to ensure your optimal oral health.

    Regular professional cleanings help remove built-up plaque and tartar. This removal is important for preventing tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues. These cleanings can also help remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter.

    During your examination, we will also:

    • Evaluate your overall oral health

    • Discuss oral hygiene practices and habits

    • Check your bite and jaw for any issues

    • Evaluate your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer

    • Evaluate existing tooth restorations

    • Take dental x-rays if necessary

    A healthy mouth and a beautiful smile can be attained through regular dental cleanings and exams by a professional. Contact us today to request an appointment for an exam and a cleaning.

Children’s Dentistry

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit the dentist within six months after the presence of the first tooth or by his or her first birthday. Early oral examination aids in the detection of the initial stages of tooth decay. Early detection is also essential to maintain good oral health.

  • It’s vital to instill healthy habits in your children from an early age, and dental habits are no exception. Starting their teeth cleanings in adolescence can make the habit of going to the dentist last a lifetime. Encourage your child to listen to the dental team during their visit, and be sure to make sure they understand that visiting a dentist twice a year is vital to keeping their teeth bright and healthy. At home, always stress to them to brush and floss twice a day.

    The best way to maintain your child’s oral health is to start their dental care early and often. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child’s first visit to the dentist be when you see their first teeth emerging or by their first birthday. Early checkups can catch signs of tooth decay before it gets out of control.

    Bringing your child to visit us twice a year will help prevent the onset of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. During each visit, we’ll clean your child’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup. We’ll also check for early signs of issues with the teeth and gums.

    The best way to ensure your child keeps up with their oral health is to stress to them that their care is a partnership between them and their hygienist. Tooth decay is becoming a chronic common illness for adolescents and teens, and we can teach your child how to properly avoid it. We’ll talk to them about hygiene habits like brushing and flossing and healthy food choices such as avoiding sugars and hard foods.

    Fluoride is a key component of treating your child’s teeth. It’s a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay. We offer in-office fluoride treatments and can recommend toothpastes and mouth rinses that contain fluoride so you can continue its use at home.

    Another way to help your child prevent tooth decay is to have their teeth treated with sealants. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to protect them from damage and decay.

    It’s easy for your child to experience a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums with your help. Contact Steim Family Dentistry today to schedule a dental exam and cleaning for your child to set them on the path to their best possible oral health.

Cosmetic Dentistry

If you have ever found yourself hiding your smile, avoiding photos, or covering your mouth because you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, it may be time to consider our cosmetic smile solutions. We offer a range of services to give you the smile of your dreams.

  • Are you unhappy with how your teeth look? Do you cover your mouth when you pose for pictures? If so, it’s time to consider cosmetic smile solutions from Steim Family Dentistry.

    Cosmetic dental solutions come with a variety of benefits. They improve both the form and function of your teeth, allowing your teeth to do their job while looking their best. Every person’s smile is slightly different, and at Steim Family Dentistry, we customize our cosmetic dentistry solutions to fit every patient’s individual needs.

    Your treatment may include:

    Our goal at Steim Family Dentistry is to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with us today.

  • Bonding is an ideal option if you need a solution that is both cosmetic and restorative. Bonding entails placing composite resin material on the surface of a damaged tooth and hardening it with ultraviolet light to restore both form and function to the tooth. Since the resin is enamel-colored and moldable before hardening, your dentist will ensure it looks natural.

    Our team may recommend bonding to address any of the following:

    • Chipped or cracked teeth

    • Discolored teeth

    • Gaps between teeth

    • Lengthening one or more teeth

    • Reshaping one or more teeth

    • Protecting an exposed tooth root

    Bonding is a safe, effective solution that can often be completed in just one visit. Contact our experienced team at Steim Family Dentistry today to find out if bonding is right for you.

  • If your teeth have become stained, dull, or discolored over time, teeth whitening may be a good option for you. One of the first things people notice about you is your smile, and you always want to make a good first impression.

    Healthy teeth are not immune to discoloration over time. Genetics, aging, antibiotics, and tobacco use all contribute to teeth becoming stained and discolored. Whitening treatments are a simple and effective way to brighten up your smile, making you look younger and increasing your self-confidence.

    Before any whitening can be done, your teeth and gums must be evaluated to determine if they are right for the procedure. If you have questions, our experienced team at Steim Family Dentistry will provide you with more information.

  • If you’re looking for a custom cosmetic dental solution made just for your needs, porcelain veneers may be the right option for you. Veneers are thin, durable shells that are custom-made from molds of your teeth that are the same color as tooth enamel. The shells are then bonded onto the front of your tooth for a natural look and fit that immediately improves your smile.

    Veneers are ideal for patients who have strong, healthy teeth, but they are stained, gapped, or crooked. Porcelain veneers make teeth look straighter, whiter, and more intact, and they can last for years with proper care. Always make sure to keep up with proper brushing and flossing habits even if you get veneers.

    Contact Dr. Nate Steim at Steim Family Dentistry for a consultation to see if porcelain veneers are the right solution for your smile.

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is used to restore the strength and beauty of your smile. If you’ve been suffering from pain caused by decay or other health conditions, you may benefit from restorative therapy. We offer conservative treatment solutions to preserve your natural teeth, as well as tooth replacement options.

  • Dental implants are a safe, durable replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants function and appear like natural teeth. Steim Family Dentistry is committed to ensuring your optimal comfort and quality care. We use the latest techniques to ensure efficient, stress-free treatment.

    Dental implants may be paired with replacement crowns for full tooth replacement. They may also be used to anchor dentures. Dr. Nate Steim will recommend your teeth replacement plan based on your individual needs and preferences.

    Benefits of Dental Implants

    Dental implants are an aesthetic, effective solution for tooth loss. There are many great benefits to choosing dental implants. Dental implants can:

    • Restore your smile

    • Improve your oral health

    • Improve your speech

    • Improve comfort

    • Improve function

    • Protect healthy bone structure

    • Provide a long-term tooth replacement solution

    Considerations

    There are several factors that Dr. Nate Steim will consider before recommending dental implants. Some of these include:

    • Adequate bone support to anchor the implant

    • Healthy gum tissue

    • Sinus and nerve location

    • Overall health, including any chronic illnesses

    In some cases, Dr. Nate Steim may recommend advanced treatment for your upper or lower jaw. Your individual plan is based on your unique needs and goals for your healthy smile.

    Be sure to let us know about any medications you are taking. Your health and safety are paramount.

  • Dentures are a removable replacement for one or more missing teeth. They are used to restore both function and aesthetics. Dentures are custom-fabricated to fit your mouth and match the appearance of your natural teeth. The fit of your dentures may be adjusted as needed to ensure comfort and proper function.

    Complete dentures replace the full upper or lower set of teeth. Partial dentures are used to replace one or more teeth when some natural teeth remain. This prevents teeth from shifting into the space left by missing teeth.

    You should clean your dentures regularly using a soft bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser. Keep your regular dental appointments as recommended. Dentures should be replaced every 5-10 years. Ask Dr. Nate Steim to evaluate whether your dentures should be refit or replaced.

  • Harmful bacteria on teeth can lead to decay. Untreated decay may cause further complications, such as pain or infection. Composite fillings are a safe, effective solution to help preserve your teeth.

    Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored, composite resin. This resin is strong, durable, and aesthetic. We gently remove decayed tissue and place your filling to help prevent further damage.

    We can help you decide whether composite resin fillings are right for you. To request an appointment, contact Steim Family Dentistry.

  • Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are used as an alternative to full coverage dental crowns. These dental restorations offer a well-fitting, strong, long-lasting solution to tooth decay. Inlays and onlays can also be used in place of dental fillings. While dental fillings are molded into place within the mouth during a single dental visit, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab before being fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth.

    An inlay restoration is when the material is bonded within the center of the tooth. An onlay restoration is like an inlay restoration except the extent of the damage requires inclusion of one or more cusps (the pointed portion of the tooth on the biting surface) on the tooth. Both inlays and onlays are highly durable and with proper care, can last for many years. Some reasons for needing these restorations include large, failing restorations, lost fillings, or fractured cusps.

    Advantages and benefits of inlays and onlays include:

    Tooth color – Inlays and onlays are not likely to discolor over time.

    Superior fit – This conservative approach preserves as much healthy tooth as possible.

    Tight space protection – Inlays are best for sealing teeth to keep out bacteria.

    Strength and stability – Inlays and onlays are extremely stable restorative solutions for the treatment of decay.

    Tooth structure safeguard – Since the fit is tailored at all edges and preparation is minimal, your tooth will be easier to clean.

    Weak tooth protection – An onlay can protect the weak areas of the tooth and the procedure does not require the complete reshaping of the tooth.

  • Over time, teeth begin to weaken. This leaves them more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, or discoloration. A dental crown can renew the appearance and function of a tooth.

    Dental crowns can:

    • Protect a weak tooth from breaking

    • Hold a cracked tooth together

    • Cover and support a damaged or decayed tooth

    • Cover a severely discolored tooth

    • Restore a broken or severely worn tooth

    Also, dental crowns are often used in conjunction with root canal therapy, dental implants or as an anchor for a bridge.

    Crowns are typically made from porcelain to provide both strength and a natural appearance. Once treatment is complete, continue routine brushing and flossing. Keep regular office visits to help your crown last many years.

  • A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. With this type of restoration, one or more neighboring teeth may be crowned and used to anchor the replacement.

    Tooth replacement helps avoid shifting of surrounding teeth into gaps. If left untreated, structural changes to your mouth and jaw may occur. This can cause you difficulty with eating, speech, and other functions.

    A dental bridge is custom-made to match your natural teeth in color, size, and shape. We use strong and durable materials for your restoration. With appropriate at-home and professional care, your dental bridge may last for years.

Periodontics

Periodontics involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. At our dental office, we will gently evaluate your gums and overall oral health, and if necessary, will make recommendations for treatment.

  • Periodontal disease is very treatable, but cannot be fully cured. After the completion of your periodontitis treatment, you will be scheduled for regular ongoing maintenance care. These visits will involve a thorough professional cleaning and monitoring of your oral health to ensure the disease does not recur and progress further.

    We recommend scheduling your periodontal maintenance visits and your general dentistry visits on an alternating schedule. This ensures you are receiving the proper care and treatments for your oral health needs in a timely, consistent manner.

  • A frenum (also called frenulum) is a tissue attachment that holds or connects an area such as the tongue, lip, or cheek. Occasionally a frenum might be exceptionally tight, thick, or short. Frenul pull can contribute to localized areas of gum recession. It can also play a role in creating gaps between teeth.

    A frenectomy is a simple surgery to excise the frenum. This procedure generally takes less than fifteen minutes and has minimal post-operative discomfort.

    Diastema

    A diastema is a large gap between teeth. A diastema can result from an unusually thick or tight frenum that attaches close to the teeth. Frenectomy, combined with orthodontics, can correct this problem.

    Tongue-tied

    Normal tongue motion can be constricted with a tight frenum. This can tug on the gingiva of the lower anterior teeth, creating a recession. In severe cases, this may affect speech. Eliminating this attachment can restore proper tongue movements and eliminate gingival pull.

Oral Surgery

Our team is experienced in providing oral surgery. Our philosophy to oral surgery is to provide the most comfortable care possible. We take the time to answer your questions and explain your treatment path beforehand.

  • Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last set of permanent molars to emerge. These teeth are also the most likely to require extraction, due to any of several complications. However, other teeth may also require extraction if they cannot be saved by root canal therapy or other treatment. Some of the most common reasons to have teeth extracted include:

    • Impacted tooth – tooth is trapped beneath bone or gums and not emerging properly

    • Crowding or small mouth – emerging teeth may cause other teeth to shift or crack due to lack of space

    • Decay or infection – when a tooth is affected by extreme decay or infection that cannot be corrected with filling or root canal treatment, it may require extraction

    Dr. Nate Steim may recommend extraction of one or more of your teeth if any of these issues apply to you. During your consultation, we may also recommend sedation dentistry to make your experience more comfortable.

    Post-Extraction Care

    After your extraction, you will require rest, but lie with your head propped on a pillow to prevent prolonged bleeding.

    We will apply gauze when your extraction is complete. When it becomes soaked, change it for a fresh piece. Use pain medication and ice pack as directed for pain and swelling. If bleeding continues beyond 24 hours, contact our office immediately.

    For the first few days following extraction, limit your diet to soft foods. Avoid smoking or using a straw, as the pressures created by these actions can slow clotting and loosen sutures.

  • Dental implants are an aesthetic and effective solution for tooth loss. However, to place a dental implant, you must have sufficient healthy bone structure in the area where the implant will be placed. This bone serves to anchor the implant in place and ensure your tooth replacement solution is strong and long-lasting.

    When teeth are lost or removed without replacement, resorption (bone loss) can occur. If we find that you have experienced bone loss in the area where you need implants, we may recommend a bone graft. A bone graft augments the healthy bone in your jaw and stimulates regeneration that further restores your jawbone structure.

    Once fully healed, you will be ready to receive dental implants that will provide a solution for tooth loss and prevent further resorption of jaw bone structure.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you enter a highly-relaxed state during treatment, providing a more positive dental care experience, even for patients who suffer from severe dental anxiety or dental phobia.

  • Oral Conscious Sedation, or OCS, provides a stronger level of sedation than Nitrous Oxide. Many patients prefer to use OCS for the deeper relaxation it provides.  Though you are still able to stand, walk, or answer questions, you remain in a calm and drowsy state throughout the treatment. With OCS, many patients have found they have little memory of the procedure after the fact. For patients with dental anxiety, this can be a great benefit.

    Your safety is our top priority. At your appointment, be sure to tell us:

    • Any prescription medications or over-the-counter medications you are taking

    • Any herbal or nutritional supplements you are using

    • Any allergies you have, particularly medication reactions

    • Any health conditions you have

    • Any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment or about sedation dentistry