Dr. Howey graduated from the University of Washington, School of Dentistry, and received many honorary awards, including the American College of Prosthodontics Achievement Award. Since graduation he has worked in several pediatric and general dentist offices in Eastern and Western Washington, as well as in his home town of Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the last 10 years, Dr. Howey owned and worked at two practices: one in Sammamish and one in Ellensburg, but has recently decided to focus his time on the Sammamish location.

Dr. Howey is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Washington State Dental Association (WSDA), and the Seattle King County Dental Society (SKCDS). Along with his dental society memberships, he has been a mentor to dental students through the University of Washingtons mentor program.

Doctor Howey practices in all areas of dentistry including aesthetic and restorative dentistry, veneers and smile make overs, endodontics (root canals), gum grafts, implants, and oral surgery (tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth). To stay abreast of the latest knowledge and methods, Dr. Howey attends several continuing education courses every year. A dentist in Washington needs to take 20 credits a year to maintain a current license; Dr. Howey regularly takes over 50 credits every year. Dr. Howey has participated in an implant residency at the Whitecap Institute and advanced jaw relation and restoration courses at the Dawson Academy.

Outside of the office, Dr. Howey enjoyed being a part of the community by working with the youth and coaching little league and soccer when his kids were younger. Throughout his childhood, Dr. Howey played soccer on a competitive level and still enjoys playing. He also likes to snow ski in the winter, and water ski in the summer.

Millions of Americans lose teeth each year mainly due to decay, trauma, and periodontal disease. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement options these days, and we encourage patients to look for professional advice as soon as this problem arises.

Many patients first think about full or partial dentures to replace missing teeth. Although they are both a good alternative for some (especially those patients with a tight budget), we encourage our patients to evaluate other options.

When a tooth is lost, the bone tissue that was anchoring it loses its function. The body detects that this bone no longer has a role, and as it doesnt conserve tissue with no purpose, it triggers the resorptive process. Dental implants are the only replacement alternative that prevents bone resorption, and thats why they are considered the most convenient solution. If patients dont replace missing teeth on time, the bone resorption that only affects a small area in its first stages will end up affecting the jawbone as well. When the jawbone is involved, the facial appearance is also altered, so we advise patients who want to conserve a youthful appearance to consider dental implants seriously.

The jawbones house the roots of all teeth. Those roots receive a light pressure when you chew food, and this stimulation keeps the jawbone strong and robust. When permanent teeth are lost, the bone in that area is no longer stimulated, so the body triggers a process that breaks down the tissue. This process is known as bone resorption. Over time, if multiple teeth are missing, the resorption will compromise the jawbone, which causes the lower third of the face to have a weak, sunken appearance.Replacing missing teeth with dental implants will preserve the jawbone structure and prevent the bone from disintegrating.

Traditional dentures that are not supported by implants will need continuous adjustments as the jawbone shrinks over time. Dentures that dont fit properly and simply lie on the gum tissue dont provide the stimulation required to avoid the jawbones resorption. After several adjustments, the patient will need a new denture.

Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically screwed into the jawbone. Once the dentist places the implants, the surrounding bone begins a process known as osseointegration. During this process, which lasts between four and six months, the bone tissue starts healing around the titanium and fuses to the implants surface. Once the osseointegration is concluded, the implants are firmly integrated into the bone, and the pressure they receive when the patient chews is transmitted to the surrounding bone. This keeps the bone tissue active and healthy, and, as a consequence, the body doesnt trigger the resorption.

The structure of the lower third of the face depends mainly on the position of the teeth and the shape of the jawbones. Teeth play a crucial role in preventing bone resorption, which helps maintain a healthy and robust jawbone.

Apart from preserving bone tissue, teeth keep the normal distance between the tip of the nose and the chin. When teeth are missing, the upper and lower jawbones come closer together, and this causes the sunken appearance typical of older people.

Dental implants have the same effect as natural teeth, providing the height and structure required to keep the jawbones strong and in the correct position, helping to avoid premature wrinkles and sagging skin.

Teeth are responsible for the full and healthy appearance of the face. When teeth are missing, the soft tissues lose support, and as a result, the face starts looking more wrinkled, collapsed, and sunken. In addition to that, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to the bone resorption that is triggered after tooth loss.

Dental veneers are the perfect option for those patients looking for a dramatic enhancement of their smiles. This cosmetic treatment can correct a wide range of dental imperfections, including discolorations, tooth wear, small gaps between teeth, or size discrepancies.

Veneers are thin shells that are placed over the tooths visible front part to improve its appearance. They look like natural teeth and give patients the confidence to talk, laugh, and smile in public with no limitations.

Porcelain veneers can fix multiple cosmetic problems. They are custom-made for each patient, and our dentist takes the time to design your new smile so that the color and shape of the veneers fit the rest of your teeth. Once veneers are in place, theyll look like the very best version of your natural teeth.

If youve ever felt self-conscious about your smile, consider that veneers might help you build the confidence you are now lacking. In as little as two visits, you can get a brand new smile that youd be proud to show off.

The difference between a veneer and a crown is that while a veneer only covers the front of the tooth, a crown covers the entire tooth, front and back. The tooth preparation for a veneer is much more conservative as it leaves more natural enamel intact.

In some cases, our dentist might consider that a patient may need crowns to achieve perfect cosmetic results. Sometimes, the teeth are not strong enough to support veneers. But in most cases, porcelain veneers are a suitable option and will get patients the cosmetic look they are longing for.

Some patients wonder if getting porcelain veneers will damage their teeth. Veneers wont ruin the teeth, but they permanently alter their structure. So patients should be sure about this cosmetic enhancement before the treatment gets started.

Impressions: the dentist will take impressions of the prepared teeth and send them to the dental lab, where the veneers will be manufactured following his specific instructions. He will place temporary veneers in the meantime.

Many patients are concerned about the lifespan of the veneers. But the truth is that it largely depends on how well they take care of the restorations. Patients who dont brush correctly and floss daily will find that their porcelain veneers will only last a few years. On the other hand, patients who have good oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings, not use them to open packages, and wear a night guard will likely see their veneers last for decades.