Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We are happy to provide the necessary paperwork and information you need to submit your claim to your insurance company. Because the contract is between them and you, we've found that you will receive reimbursement for your claim much faster than we do. 

Therefore, we accept payment for our services in full at the time of your treatment procedure, and you will receive the payment for your claim directly from your dental insurance company. 

Convenient Ways to Pay in Lake Oswego

In addition to cash, checks, and credit cards, we work with third-party financing companies like CareCredit, which can help you break the cost of your treatment into monthly payments that are more affordable for your budget. 

CareCredit makes it simple to apply online at your home or in our dental office. They will provide a prompt response, making it easy for you to move forward with the dental care you need when you need it.

CareCredit offers convenient options, and there are interest-free options for patients who qualify. We are happy to assist you in applying for CareCredit or providing more information, if needed. 

Contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego 

We are happy to work with you to find the most comfortable way to fit your dental treatment into your budget. Call (503) 675-7300 to talk with a friendly team member.

If you have gaps between your teeth, several cosmetic dentistry options can help you achieve a more uniform smile. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a long-term solution, your cosmetic dentist in Lake Oswego can recommend the best treatment based on your needs and goals.

• Dental bonding — A fast, affordable, and non-invasive option, bonding involves blending tooth-colored composite resin to seamlessly fill small gaps.
• Porcelain veneers — Thin, custom-made porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to durably conceal gaps, discoloration, or minor misalignment with a natural-looking enhancement.
• Clear aligners — If a gap is due to misalignment, Invisalign® or other clear aligner orthodontics gradually, discreetly, and comfortably shift teeth into the proper position.
• Dental bridges— If a gap is caused by one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can fill it by anchoring an artificial tooth to the adjacent teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.

Each of these options has its advantages. Your dentist can help you determine the best choice for your oral health and aesthetic goals.

Smile Rejuvenation with Cosmetic Dentistry in Lake Oswego

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in Lake Oswego with experience and an artist’s touch in addressing gaps to restore your smile to its brilliant best, contact Dr. Larry Bowden and the Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego team to schedule a consultation!

Yes! Patients concerned about the negative impacts of fluoride can rest assured that we offer fluoride-free options for protecting their teeth from decay. 

The Importance of Preventive Dental Care in Lake Oswego

Your best defense against problems like tooth decay and gum disease is routine visits with your Lake Oswego dentist for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups every six months. 

During your professional teeth cleaning, our hygienist will remove the plaque and buildup of bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and cavities. This is also a great time to learn about products you can use at home to protect your smile, like an antibacterial mouth rinse. 

During your exam with Dr. Bowden, he will check the health of your current restorations to make you aware of any potential concerns. He'll also screen you for gum disease and oral cancer, which are best treated as early as possible.

This is a great time to ask questions or bring up any concerns you may have about your dental health, as Dr. Bowden can discuss and plan your care with you. 

Ready to Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning and Exam?

You can request an appointment at Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego online or by talking with a team member when you call us at (503) 675-7300.

Dental implants are an excellent option — the best available, in fact — for individuals missing one or more teeth. Unfortunately, however, the implant placement process is somewhat invasive and carries certain medical prerequisites for potential recipients:

• A Fully-Formed Jawbone — While there’s no minimum age at which a person becomes eligible for dental implants, to qualify for implant placement, an individual must have a fully-developed jawbone, which is typically between 18 and 24 years of age.
• Good Oral Health — To qualify for implant placement, an individual’s gums and jawbone must be sufficiently healthy and robust to support the implant.
• Good Overall Health — In addition to strong bones and gums, patients receiving dental implants must be free of medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes. It is also recommended that implant recipients generally be in good overall health.

While these are all good rules of thumb, bear in mind that each patient’s case is unique, and only a dentist or oral surgeon can determine definitively if they are suitable for implant placement.

Precisely Placing Dental Implants in Lake Oswego, OR

If you’re in the Lake Oswego area and want to learn more about whether dental implants are the right tooth replacement solution for you, contact Dr. Larry Bowden and the caring and knowledgeable Lake Oswego Smiles team to schedule a consultation!

Yes! Our dental office has state-of-the-art technology, including CBCT or cone beam computed technology, which provides us with 3-D imaging. 

3-D images of your jaw joints, teeth, sinuses, and jawbone are helpful in planning surgical procedures, such as tooth extraction or dental implant placement. Dr. Bowden can use the information provided by the CBCT images to pre-plan surgeries ahead of time and even create guides for proper implant placement that ensure optimal results and outcomes. 

Using CBCT technology makes oral surgeries more accurate and efficient, meaning the patient spends less time in the dental chair. 

Leading Edge Technology at Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego

Some of the other technology and equipment we have at our dental office include:

• Laser dentistry—Comfortable solutions for snoring and sleep apnea.
• Digital impressions—A more comfortable and accurate way to capture impressions of your teeth without the messy materials used in the past.
• Nitrous oxide sedation—Helps you feel relaxed and at ease during dental procedures.
• VELscope—For earlier detection of oral cancer, resulting in a better prognosis.
• Intraoral camera—Gives you a full-color close-up of what's happening in your mouth.

Contact Your Holistic Dentist in Lake Oswego

In addition to advanced technology, Dr. Bowden is also a trusted holistic dentist. This means that he offers several services that promote overall health and wellness that you may not find at other dental practices. 

Contact our team at (503) 675-7300 to learn more and arrange a consultation. 

At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, Dr. Bowden aims to provide patients with the most biocompatible materials to promote optimal health. For this reason, we are pleased to offer titanium and zirconia dental implants.  

Both of these biocompatible materials integrate and fuse with your jawbone to replace your tooth root and provide a stable foundation for your new tooth. However, zirconia implants are not made of metal like titanium and, therefore, eliminate any concerns about allergies or infection that can accompany a metal restoration. 

Biocompatible Dentistry for Your Health

Dr. Bowden often recommends zirconia implants because they offer these advantages:

• A Metal-Free Solution—Zirconia eliminates the concern that you may experience an allergic reaction to your dental implant.
• Temperature Resistance—Zirconia doesn't react to temperature as metal tends to do, avoiding problems like fractures.
• Decreased Chance of Infection—Zirconia is bacteria-resistant, which means less chance of developing infection.
• Corrosion-Resistent—Unlike metal material, zirconia is less likely to corrode over time.

As your holistic dentist in Lake Oswego, it is always our goal to use the best materials for your smile, and this may mean using metal-free alternatives. 

For more information about dental implants and holistic dentistry, contact Aesthetic Dentistry in Lake Oswego at (503) 675-7300. 

Metal-free dental implants are options for people who are allergic to titanium or who prefer not to have metal dental work in their mouth. Good candidates for metal-free dental implants have similar profiles to people who are generally good candidates for dental implants. Healthy gums and adequate jawbone density are the most important criteria. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and medical history before recommending implants or other types of treatment. 

Smokers and people with uncontrolled diabetes face higher risks with any implant type, although these factors are not automatic disqualifiers. Advanced age rarely prevents placement, but younger patients may need to wait until their jaw growth is finished. 

At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, we offer zirconia dental implants as a non-metallic alternative to traditional implants. Many of our patients choose zirconia dental implants for the following reasons:

• Osseointegration: Zirconia has a rough surface, meaning that it fuses well with the jawbone during healing
• Biocompatibility: Your body has an easier time integrating zirconia into the jawbone than titanium
• Discretion: Zirconia dental implants are more natural-looking, especially near the gum line
• Temperature Issues: Metal restorations may react to temperature changes, especially heat, while zirconia is resistant to heat

If you are interested in zirconia dental implants in Lake Oswego, please call us to schedule a consultation. 

Do you have missing teeth? We can help!

Holistic dental implants mean a more biocompatible and natural tooth replacement for our patients. The methods, materials, and technologies are modern, safe, and always patient centered.

If you have one or more missing teeth, the best solution is always a dental implant, offering longevity, aesthetics, and optimal function.

About Holistic Dental Implants in Lake Oswego

Traditional dental implants use titanium implant posts, which are made of metal. Some patients prefer not to have metal in their mouths! We understand completely.

Holistic dental implants do not rely on titanium implant posts. Instead, the holistic implant dentist uses zirconia, which is a naturally occurring element. Zirconia is durable and heat-resistant.

The benefits of zirconia dental implants include:

• No metal
• Temperature and heat resistant
• Easier integration
• Always biocompatible
• Lower risk of corrosion

Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement. They are lasting, functional, and always look entirely natural.

When it comes to tooth replacement, dentists and patients prefer implant dentistry. We think you’ll be pleased.

For Dental Implants in Lake Oswego, Contact Us

If you would like more information about holistic dentistry and biocompatible dental implants, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation with our dentist, call us today at (503) 675-7300.

Your saliva holds essential clues about the health of your mouth and body. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, we use SillHa® Oral Wellness Testing to quickly and painlessly analyze saliva to identify biomarkers that can help detect early signs of oral disease, inflammation, and even certain systemic health risks.

By assessing just a small amount of saliva, SillHa provides insight into things like:

• Oral acidity, which can affect enamel erosion
• The presence of harmful bacteria that contribute to gum disease and tooth decay
• Oxidative stress, which can reflect inflammation or infection
• Buffering capacity, or how well your saliva protects against cavities

This detailed snapshot of your oral environment allows your dentist to personalize your treatment plan, whether that means nutritional guidance, changes to your hygiene routine, or early intervention before problems progress.

Unlike traditional exams that rely on visible signs, SillHa helps catch potential issues before you feel pain or notice symptoms. It’s a powerful tool for prevention — and a great way to avoid problems like gingivitis, periodontitis, or enamel loss.

Safe Saliva Testing Dentist in Lake Oswego

If you’re in the Lake Oswego area and want to learn more about the simple and painless—yet revolutionary—power of saliva testing with SillHa Oral Wellness to help ensure your long-term oral health, smile aesthetics, and overall well-being, contact Dr. Larry Bowden and the Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego team to schedule a consultation!

Saliva testing is a powerful tool in personalizing holistic dental care, particularly when using advanced systems like the SillHa® Oral Wellness System. Saliva testing, through systems like SillHa, enhances the accuracy of dental care while empowering patients to take firmer control of their oral health with a more holistic approach.

Dental professionals can gather valuable insights into oral and systemic health beyond visual examination by analyzing a patient's saliva. Saliva contains important markers for bacteria levels, pH balance, enzymes, and other biological factors affecting oral and overall wellness.

What Is the SillHa Oral Wellness System?

The SillHa Oral Wellness System leverages saliva testing to detect early signs of potential issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or systemic inflammation. These results allow healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans for each patient. This approach enables a more precise focus on each patient’s unique oral environment rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.

With the data provided by saliva testing, a dental practice can offer personalized recommendations for daily care, diet, and lifestyle changes that specifically address the individual's oral health needs. Furthermore, by identifying specific bacteria or imbalances, they can create custom products or treatments to restore balance and optimize long-term dental health.

A Holistic Lake Oswego Dentist for Customized Preventive Care 

If you’re in Lake Oswego and want to learn more about the awesome preventive and corrective capabilities of saliva testing with SillHa Oral Wellness for your long-term oral and overall health, contact Dr. Larry Bowden and the Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego team to schedule a consultation!

Ozone therapy is an innovative treatment used in holistic dentistry to promote healing and prevent infection. Ozone, a powerful oxidizing agent, is a form of oxygen (O3) that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In holistic dental care, it’s used to disinfect the mouth, treat gum disease, and promote the healing of infected teeth without harsh chemicals or antibiotics. Ozone therapy is particularly effective in treating early stages of tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth sores.

Ozone therapy introduces ozone gas into areas affected by infection or decay. This reduces harmful bacteria and promotes natural healing by promoting the regeneration of healthy tissue.

Ozone Therapy’s Biggest Benefit

A key benefit of ozone therapy is that it’s non-invasive, safe, and natural. It can be used alongside treatments like fillings or cleanings to enhance healing and minimize the need for antibiotics. Many holistic dentists incorporate ozone therapy as part of their comprehensive approach to oral health, minimizing chemical exposure and supporting the body’s natural healing capabilities.

Holistic Dentistry and Ozone Therapy in Lake Oswego

If you’re in Lake Oswego and want to learn more about ozone therapy’s role in promoting safe, natural, and non-invasive healing from a variety of oral health procedures, contact Dr. Larry Bowden and the outstanding Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego team to schedule a consultation!

Your saliva holds essential clues about the health of your mouth and body. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, we use SillHa® Oral Wellness Testing to quickly and painlessly analyze saliva to identify biomarkers that can help detect early signs of oral disease, inflammation, and even certain systemic health risks.

By assessing just a small amount of saliva, SillHa provides insight into things like:

• Oral acidity, which can affect enamel erosion
• The presence of harmful bacteria that contribute to gum disease and tooth decay
• Oxidative stress, which can reflect inflammation or infection
• Buffering capacity, or how well your saliva protects against cavities

This detailed snapshot of your oral environment allows your dentist to personalize your treatment plan, whether that means nutritional guidance, changes to your hygiene routine, or early intervention before problems progress.

Unlike traditional exams that rely on visible signs, SillHa helps catch potential issues before you feel pain or notice symptoms. It’s a powerful tool for prevention — and a great way to avoid problems like gingivitis, periodontitis, or enamel loss.

Safe Saliva Testing Dentist in Lake Oswego

If you’re in the Lake Oswego area and want to learn more about the simple and painless—yet revolutionary—power of saliva testing with SillHa Oral Wellness to help ensure your long-term oral health, smile aesthetics, and overall well-being, contact Dr. Larry Bowden and the Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego team to schedule a consultation!

Saliva testing is a powerful tool in personalizing holistic dental care, particularly when using advanced systems like the SillHa® Oral Wellness System. Saliva testing, through systems like SillHa, enhances the accuracy of dental care while empowering patients to take firmer control of their oral health with a more holistic approach.

Dental professionals can gather valuable insights into oral and systemic health beyond visual examination by analyzing a patient's saliva. Saliva contains important markers for bacteria levels, pH balance, enzymes, and other biological factors affecting oral and overall wellness.

What Is the SillHa Oral Wellness System?

The SillHa Oral Wellness System leverages saliva testing to detect early signs of potential issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or systemic inflammation. These results allow healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans for each patient. This approach enables a more precise focus on each patient’s unique oral environment rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.

With the data provided by saliva testing, a dental practice can offer personalized recommendations for daily care, diet, and lifestyle changes that specifically address the individual's oral health needs. Furthermore, by identifying specific bacteria or imbalances, they can create custom products or treatments to restore balance and optimize long-term dental health.

A Holistic Lake Oswego Dentist for Customized Preventive Care 

If you’re in Lake Oswego and want to learn more about the awesome preventive and corrective capabilities of saliva testing with SillHa Oral Wellness for your long-term oral and overall health, contact Dr. Larry Bowden and the Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego team to schedule a consultation!

When most people think of a dental checkup, they picture x-rays, oral exams, and routine cleanings. But preventive care is evolving, and saliva testing is at the forefront. This simple, innovative, non-invasive test reveals powerful insights into your oral and overall health by analyzing the composition of your saliva.

Why Does Saliva Testing Matter?

Your saliva is home to hundreds of bacterial strains. Some of these are helpful, while others can be quite harmful. Saliva testing allows your dentist to measure and assess these bacteria, detect inflammation, check for imbalances in your oral pH, and even uncover early signs of gum disease before symptoms appear. Saliva testing can also identify biomarkers associated with heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions, making it a valuable tool for ensuring overall wellness.

By choosing an experienced saliva testing dentist, you’re signing up for more than a cleaning; you’re getting a personalized prevention plan tailored to your unique biology. Instead of treating symptoms, saliva testing enables dentists to address the root causes of oral issues before they develop into costly problems.

A Caring Saliva Testing Dentist in Lake Oswego, OR

If you’re in Lake Oswego and looking to proactively maintain your oral health through the latest in preventive care, contact Dr. Larry Bowden and the friendly and knowledgeable Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego team today to schedule a consultation and learn more about saliva testing’s customized, data-driven insights!

There’s nothing worse than knowing you have bad breath; it’s embarrassing, and it can affect your social interactions and self-confidence. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, we use saliva testing to identify the underlying causes of bad breath so you can work to overcome this common concern.

By looking at the biological markers in your saliva, we can customize a treatment plan and give you a reason to smile again.

Can Saliva Testing Help with Bad Breath?

Yes, saliva testing can help us form an effective treatment plan for bad breath. And with ongoing testing, we can monitor your oral health.

Here’s how:

• Saliva testing analyzes your oral microbiome and identifies harmful bacteria that can cause bad breath.
• Saliva testing identifies gum disease, a leading cause of bad breath.
• Saliva testing diagnoses dry mouth, and not enough saliva causes food particles to stick to your teeth. This leads to mouth odors.

Questions About Saliva Testing in Lake Oswego, OR?

If you’d like to learn more about how we use saliva testing in our Lake Oswego dental office, please feel free to reach out to us! Our experienced dental team truly cares about you and your oral health.

To schedule an appointment, just give us a call at (503) 675-7300.

Yes! The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) is the protocol from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) for safely removing metal amalgam fillings while protecting the patient, dentist, and team members from mercury exposure. 

Dr. Bowden has been a member of the IOAMT since 2007 and is a SMART-certified dentist in Lake Oswego, OR, meaning that he follows these safety protocols when removing metal amalgam fillings:

• Provides protective wear for our patients, dentist, and team members
• Uses a proper dental barrier
• Follows protocols for environmentally safe disposal of amalgam 
• Provides oxygen for the patient
• Uses high-speed suction and extra-oral or vacuum to remove amalgam material
• Provides protective air filtration and circulation

Healthy Alternatives After Amalgam Removal

Once your metal fillings are removed, depending on your needs, Dr. Bowden may suggest restoring your tooth with metal-free composite fillings, inlays, onlays, or dental crowns. 

Tooth-colored composite fillings are recommended for repairing small areas of tooth decay, while an inlay or onlay can restore more extensive areas of tooth decay that aren't quite ready for a crown. 

A ceramic porcelain dental crown covers the tooth entirely and is ideal for teeth sustaining larger areas of damage.  

If you have metal amalgam fillings, we would love to talk with you about your options for SMART-safe mercury removal in Lake Oswego. Contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego at (503) 675-7300.

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, which involves extracting plasma from your blood and combining it with calcium chloride and thrombin to create a natural PRP gel. Dr. Bowden can apply this gel to the surgical sites after tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or bone grafting to aid and accelerate the healing process with the body's own natural materials. 

PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin, which is also extracted from the blood and uses a concentration of the patient's own blood platelets to assist in the healing process after surgical procedures. PRF facilitates:

• Reduction of swelling and inflammation
• Prevention of infection
• Tissue regeneration
• Accelerated healing

Biological Dentistry for Your Health and Healing

PRP and PRF are examples of how Dr. Bowden, your holistic dentist in Lake Oswego, uses biological dentistry to make procedures more effective and comfortable for patients. 

Using techniques like PRP and PRF combined with biocompatible materials helps Dr. Bowden achieve the best outcomes for his patients.

Learn More about Holistic Dentistry in Lake Oswego

If you'd like more information about our holistic services, like PRP, PRF, ozone therapy, and SMART-certified mercury removal, we encourage you to contact our team at (503) 675-7300. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Bowden online.