EXPERT
Rebecca Carratt
Dentist
Dr. Carratt grew up in Enumclaw, WA, and began her dental career as an assistant. At the time, the dentist she worked for treated her patients like family, and this environment inspired her to go back to school to become a dentist. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington. She then went on to Midwestern University to earn a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences. She received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Roseman University of Health Sciences, which awarded her the American Academy of Implant Dentistry Predoctoral Award. She also received the Distinguished Clinical Excellence Award, Distinguished Professionalism and Ethics Award, and the Distinguished Lifelong Colleague Award. She is also a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Dental Honor Society, and the American Dental Association.
She is a lifelong learner and strives to stay current in all aspects of dentistry through continuing education courses. She has completed a nine-month course through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. She is a Board Certified Associate Fellow with the AAID. She has continued the same quality of care as a dentist, determined to treat her patients as a family, valuing the relationships she builds along the way. When not at the office, you’ll find her outdoors — hiking, fishing, camping, or snowshoeing with her husband and son.
She is a lifelong learner and strives to stay current in all aspects of dentistry through continuing education courses. She has completed a nine-month course through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. She is a Board Certified Associate Fellow with the AAID. She has continued the same quality of care as a dentist, determined to treat her patients as a family, valuing the relationships she builds along the way. When not at the office, you’ll find her outdoors — hiking, fishing, camping, or snowshoeing with her husband and son.
Rebecca Carratt
- Sammamish, WA
- Accepting new patients
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How many days after a root canal can you workout?
You can exercise immediately after having a root canal. Dentists recommend limiting exercise for the first few days after an extraction to limit break through bleeding, but there READ MORE
You can exercise immediately after having a root canal. Dentists recommend limiting exercise for the first few days after an extraction to limit break through bleeding, but there is no risk after a root canal.
Brackets
The resin used to attach the brackets is light cured and you should be able to eat right away with some exceptions of foods that the orthodontist will review with you.
Can water flosser damage braces?
Waterflossers are great for braces! No risk of damage, the brackets or buttons will be plenty strong enough to withstand the highest level of jetstream.
Do you get a bone graft during implant surgery?
Many times you can get an implant placed without any grafting if the bone has completely healed from the previous extraction. If however the bone healed poorly or you have limited READ MORE
Many times you can get an implant placed without any grafting if the bone has completely healed from the previous extraction. If however the bone healed poorly or you have limited bone available then grafting will strengthen the overall outcome. Most immediate implants, as in placement on the same day as extraction, will require graft to be placed.
What mouthwash is best after a root canal?
The root canal process sterilizes the center of the tooth, afterwards it will not be open to the oral cavity so mouthwash will not have an effect on healing. If there were periodontal READ MORE
The root canal process sterilizes the center of the tooth, afterwards it will not be open to the oral cavity so mouthwash will not have an effect on healing. If there were periodontal considerations they may give you a prescription strength mouthwash called chlorohexidine, but that will not be every case.
Can Invisalign cause teeth damage?
Invisalign is a very safe way to straighten your teeth, a dentist will monitor the teeth throughout the entire treatment. There is a process call IPR (interproximal reduction), READ MORE
Invisalign is a very safe way to straighten your teeth, a dentist will monitor the teeth throughout the entire treatment. There is a process call IPR (interproximal reduction), where the dentist will careful sand down the contacts between the teeth to create space to rotate teeth into alignment. It is technically thinning the enamel but should not be done to the extent of damaging the teeth if done by a competent provider. If you are unsure about the level of experience with your dentist you should consult an orthodontist who will have more training and knowledge with tooth alignment.
Can gum recession be fixed without surgery?
You cannot ‘grow’ the gums back without surgery. If the recession is minor and only an aesthetic concern or cold sensitivity you can have filling material placed over the exposed READ MORE
You cannot ‘grow’ the gums back without surgery. If the recession is minor and only an aesthetic concern or cold sensitivity you can have filling material placed over the exposed root.
How can I ease dentures' pain?
There will be several follow up visits after receiving dentures, each visit will alleviate sore spots. In the mean time just be patient and start with soft foods. Learning to use READ MORE
There will be several follow up visits after receiving dentures, each visit will alleviate sore spots. In the mean time just be patient and start with soft foods. Learning to use a denture is like learning to use a prosthetic leg, it takes lots of practice.
How long after the implant will I get a crown?
It depends on bone quality and provider. Some dentists will restore an implant immediately (higher risk of failure) some wait a full 6 months before restoring. If an implant has READ MORE
It depends on bone quality and provider. Some dentists will restore an implant immediately (higher risk of failure) some wait a full 6 months before restoring. If an implant has a high torque value on the day of placement, as in rock solid in the bone, it is safe to restore sooner than softer bone with less primary stability. Most dentists will tell you after the initial surgery what is your recommended healing time before the implant is ready for a crown.
Should I clean partial dentures every day?
Any removable dental appliance: dentures, partials, retainers, night guards and snore guards should be cleaned daily when they are removed from the mouth. A toothbrush and toothpaste READ MORE
Any removable dental appliance: dentures, partials, retainers, night guards and snore guards should be cleaned daily when they are removed from the mouth. A toothbrush and toothpaste are sufficient to remove any plaque accumulated. The dissolving tablets are for periodic use when it develops stain.
When should I replace dentures?
If you had teeth extracted at the time of your denture we typically like to reline (resurface) the inside after 12 months. If the denture fits well and you are able to function READ MORE
If you had teeth extracted at the time of your denture we typically like to reline (resurface) the inside after 12 months. If the denture fits well and you are able to function with it there is no need to replace or reline.
Do crowns on front teeth look good?
Porcelain restorations (crowns or veneers) can look very natural, they are more aesthetic when done in pairs. If only one front tooth is done it can be very difficult to get the READ MORE
Porcelain restorations (crowns or veneers) can look very natural, they are more aesthetic when done in pairs. If only one front tooth is done it can be very difficult to get the same translucency as the neighboring tooth and asymmetry is pretty obvious in a smile.
How long will my crown last on the implant?
An implant crown can last the lifespan of the implant.
What can I do for gingivitis?
The first step is to get a cleaning at the dentist and then floss! Most people brush regularly, most people just don’t floss. A Waterpik can also be a good tool to keep the deeper READ MORE
The first step is to get a cleaning at the dentist and then floss! Most people brush regularly, most people just don’t floss. A Waterpik can also be a good tool to keep the deeper areas of inflammation clean after your appointment.
How can I straighten my teeth fast?
Most orthodontists and many general dentists offer Invisalign, it’s typically quicker than traditional braces.
Can I eat solid foods with Invisalign?
You should remove your trays to eat.
What is the best glue for dentures?
None- if you can manage to learn to use them without adhesive they will fit better in the long run. The glue creates space between the acrylic and the gums, the gums will adapt READ MORE
None- if you can manage to learn to use them without adhesive they will fit better in the long run. The glue creates space between the acrylic and the gums, the gums will adapt the that space and then when the glue isn’t there you have a gap. So less is always more, polygrip is the most common- just a tiny bit goes a long way! Wearing a denture isn’t like getting your natural teeth back, it’s more like getting a prosthetic leg. It takes practice to learn to eat without dislodging them, you have to divide the food to have an even amount on both sides of your mouth. Your cheek muscles and tongue will adapt to keep the lower in place but it takes practice. Start with soft foods first, work your way up to more fibrous foods. And know that even after years of having a very good denture you will still struggle to bite into sandwiches, apples, corn on the cob.
Are partials comfortable?
There are different types of partials: cast metal framework are very sturdy, the clamp onto the teeth and don’t rock or lift when you eat. Flex partials (Valplast) don’t have the READ MORE
There are different types of partials: cast metal framework are very sturdy, the clamp onto the teeth and don’t rock or lift when you eat. Flex partials (Valplast) don’t have the rigidity but are still quite stable and offer a bit more aesthetics if you require clasps closer to the front. Acrylic partials (flipper) are intended to be taken out when you eat, many people use them like a normal partial but they don’t have the strength or comfort as the other, more permanent, options- this type moves the most and offers the least comfort. Regardless of type, if you have more natural teeth to support a partial, it will be more comfortable. Also expect a couple appointments after you receive the partial to adjust sore spots. Even a well made partial can require some fine tuning once it is in function. When it first goes in it can also be quite cumbersome depending on the type, that sensation of ‘having a mouthful’ goes away after a week or so.
Is bleeding gums serious?
If you have temporary bleeding in one area it could be from trauma or food impaction (like a popcorn kernel). If your bleeding is generalized or chronic it is serious. Long term READ MORE
If you have temporary bleeding in one area it could be from trauma or food impaction (like a popcorn kernel). If your bleeding is generalized or chronic it is serious. Long term inflammation leads to bone loss that cannot be reversed. Depending on how aggressive your case is, it could take years, but the teeth will get loose, become painful and eventually be lost. The sooner gum disease is addressed the cheaper/less invasive treatment it requires.
Can fluoride treatment reverse cavities?
Fluoride can remineralize the start of a cavity (incipient lesion), but once there is a cavitation it is a physical void in the enamel and therefore no longer has a matrix for READ MORE
Fluoride can remineralize the start of a cavity (incipient lesion), but once there is a cavitation it is a physical void in the enamel and therefore no longer has a matrix for the fluoride to rebuild on.
