Did you know that nearly 65% of dental problems can be easily diagnosed or prevented? That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular examination of your teeth and gums. We provide evaluations, cleanings, preventative measures like mouthguards, and if an issue is found, treatments such as fillings or crowns.
Cleanings
A happy smile is a healthy one! Our dental hygienists start out all cleanings with a general exam of teeth and gums to check for any inflammation or other concerns. Then, plaque and tartar are removed. This is an important step as once tartar builds up, it can only be removed by a professional. Lastly, a good old-fashioned brushing and flossing leave your teeth feeling fresh.
X-Rays
Digital X-rays give us a fuller picture of your dental health, helping us identify and track problems such as cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth. We typically take them once a year but depending on your age, oral health, or any concerns, it could be more often.
Periodontal Services
Good dental hygiene isn’t all about healthy teeth. It’s also about the things that surround and support your teeth, such as the gums and underlying bones. Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is quite common but largely preventable. At Carter & Hoff, we take extra care cleaning the pockets around your teeth to repair or prevent any further damage.
Sealants
Your teeth work hard and sometimes they need a little extra protection. Dental sealants are thin coatings that go on your molars to help prevent cavities. While good brushing and flossing habits are still important, sealants have shown to reduce the risk of decay by 80%. While both children and adults can get these, the earlier the better. It is a quick and painless, non-invasive process that can last for several years.
Dental Exams
We love to see our patients smile! Regular dental exams are a key part of keeping those smiles healthy. During the exam, we check for cavities and gum disease, give your mouth a good cleaning, and, if you are due, take X-rays. We also check your face, neck and mouth for any noticeable abnormalities as well as discuss any lifestyle habits that may affect your oral health.
Bridges & Crowns
If you have missing or decaying teeth, artificial replacements like bridges or crowns are a common solution. While both are fixed prosthetic devices, their uses are slightly different. Dental crowns cap a damaged tooth while a bridge replaces a missing tooth. Crowns and bridges have an aesthetic purpose as well as functional, preventing teeth from further damage, shifting, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
Extractions
Tooth decay, infection, or crowding can all require a tooth extraction. We are able to perform simple extractions in our office using local anesthesia. The surrounding area of the tooth is numbed so while you may feel some pressure, you won’t feel any pain. If a more complicated procedure is necessary, we can refer you to one of our trusted oral surgeons.
Root Canals
Root canals help treat inflammation or infection inside of your tooth. The infection can be caused by a number of things: deep decay, a chip in the tooth, or injury to the tooth. If left untreated, it can cause pain or an abscess so addressing the issue early is key. During a root canal, the infected area is carefully removed and sealed to save your tooth.
Teeth Whitening at Home
Over time, those pearly whites may not be looking so pearly and white. Teeth whitening can help you get the brighter smile you are looking for but with so many solutions out there these days, it can be hard to decide which is right for you. There are many benefits to receiving teeth whitening treatment through our office. We make custom trays to fit our patients (which can be worn while sleeping) and sell bleaching solution in a variety of strengths depending on your specific needs and sensitivities.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are tooth colored fillings used to repair cracks, decay, or fractures in teeth. After the tooth is numb, any decay is removed, the filling is placed, and then shaped to restore your tooth to its original function. The whole treatment can happen in a singular appointment and with good oral hygiene practices, last for years.
