What We Do at Coulter Family Dentistry //
Dental Sedation
Techniques We Use for Keeping You Comfortable
IV Sedation* is literally as it sounds. The patient is administered anti-anxiety drugs through an IV line. Most patients are asleep during the procedure but will still be able to express discomfort and respond to requests from staff. Patients will likely not remember much of the operations while sedated, as it induces a state of deep relaxation. The drugs used for IV Sedation can produce a partial or full memory loss for the period of time between when the drug first takes effect until it wears off. Time will have seemed to have passed very quickly with no clear recollection of the procedure.
Oral Sedatives* provide no pain relieving qualities. However, in many cases they can help the patient have a better experience at the dentist. The patient takes a sedative the evening before to calm them, Then a sedative/muscle relaxer an hour before the dental appointment.
Nitrous Oxide, also known as Nitrous or laughing gas, is a lighter form of sedation. A patient remains relaxed during the appointment, however is able to continue their day as planned. There are no lasting after affects and patients do not need a driver to or from the appointment.
* Patients should NOT operate motor vehicles or machinery for 24 hours after receiving IV or oral sedation. Patients are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the office
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement. This procedure is an alternative procedure to a bridge. With an implant only the missing tooth is replaced without impacting the adjacent teeth. Usually requires two visits for completion.
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Attractive appearance
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Full chewing function
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Prevents bone loss
Who is a candidate?
Dental implants can be placed in most adults who are in good to moderate health. They are not typically placed in adolescents until they have reached their full expected physical maturity. Certain uncontrolled medical conditions may decrease the effectiveness of implant treatment, so be sure to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before beginning treatment.
Every patient is different and patient results may vary. Only a trained clinician can determine the best treatment plan for you. Please ask your doctor to explain the benefits and risks to see if tooth replacement with implants is right for you.
CEREC
Introducing the CEREC System
CEREC is a CAD/CAM system that delivers superb quality ceramic restorations quickly, precisely and efficiently. Just look at these benefits!
State-of-the-Art Restorations
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A single-appointment restoration — only one visit needed
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An efficient appointment — less time spent in the dental chair
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A natural-looking filling — no more silver metal-mouth
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A healthier, metal-free filling
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A restoration that matches the natural color of your teeth
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A restoration that is anti-abrasive, bio-compatible and resistant to plaque
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Proven technology — ten years of clinical research and over four million restorations performed worldwide
How It Works
CEREC is a camera, computer and precision manufacturing machine all in one. We use CEREC’s built-in camera to take a photo of the damaged tooth. Using this image, CEREC’s Computer Assisted Design (CAD) function takes over and designs a precision restoration.
Then CEREC’s CAM (Computer Assisted Manufacture) creates the finished restoration from a block of high quality ceramic that reflects light just like real teeth. Finally, we bond the restoration into position and we’re done! No messy impressions, no waiting for lab work, no second visit! This is dentistry the way it should be: fast, efficient, durable and natural looking.
Gingival Grafting
Gum recession occurs when the tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls away from a tooth or teeth which then exposes the root. It is a gradual process that is very common. It can cause sensitivity and eventually, if not treated, can result in tooth loss. The recommended treatment is a gingival graft. This is a periodontal surgical procedure that helps strengthen thinning and receding gums. The procedure helps cover exposed root surfaces and tries to reduce sensitivity.
Different types of grafts:
1. Autogenous Connective Tissue Graft: A small flap is made in the roof of your mouth and a piece of tissue is removed and stitched to the effected area.
2. Non-autogenous Connective Tissue Graft: Donor material is stitched to the effected area.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Techniques for Improving Your Smile
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Tooth Whitening
Whitening will restore the color of your teeth to their natural bright white color. Techniques for whitening the teeth include in-office and at-home bleaching.
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Same Day Veneers
Veneers are made out of porcelain and cover only the front of the tooth versus a crown which covers the whole tooth. Either done for cosmetic purposes or if a tooth has considerable wear.
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Gingival Plastic Surgery
Techniques used to take away excessive gum tissue.
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Bridge
Bridges are artificial teeth which span missing teeth. Usually anchored to adjacent teeth or crowns.
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Same Day Crowns
The cap restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength and appearance, and when cemented into place, covers the visible portion of a tooth.
Facial Esthetics
At Coulter Family Dentistry we offer a spectrum of cutting-edge facial esthetic services designed to rejuvenate and enhance your natural beauty. Our repertoire includes Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy, a revolutionary technique harnessing natural healing properties to promote tissue regeneration and collagen production, resulting in smoother, more youthful skin. Additionally, our microneedling treatments utilize state-of-the-art technology to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin texture, effectively reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. For those seeking refined skin tone and texture, our laser smoothing therapies provide targeted solutions to address various skin concerns, such as pigmentation irregularities and uneven skin tone, leaving you with a radiant, flawless complexion. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we aim to help you achieve your aesthetic goals and unveil a more confident, revitalized version of yourself. Click here for more information.
Preventative Care
Prevention is the Best Medicine
The most important person on your dental care team is you. Regular brushing and flossing is critical to keeping your smile looking great. Some procedures should be performed at regular dental visits as part of your dental hygiene. These help prevent problems before they start, correct routine problems before they worsen, and help to identify serious oral problems so they can be treated.
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Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are an important part of preventive dentistry because they allow us to address dental problems in their early stages, and to identify serious problems. Most people need an exam every six months, but the Doctor may recommend more frequent visits depending on your circumstances. -
Cleaning
Regular dental cleanings are part of a proper oral hygiene program. Cleanings help fight plaque, the major cause of tooth decay, gingivitis and other serious gum diseases. -
Polishing
Polishing is often the last step of a dental cleaning, scaling, and some restorative procedures. It smoothes and polishes teeth or restoration surface and removes some stains. -
X-Rays
X-rays take pictures called radiographs that show Dr. Coulter the interior of dental structures and tissues, like teeth, gums and bones. These allow him to make a more thorough examination than is possible with the naked eye, and can help spot problems that would otherwise go undetected and untreated. -
Fluoride Treatments
A fluoride treatment is a simple and relatively effective way to defend against tooth decay. A twice-yearly application of fluoride gel, combined with regular brushing and teeth cleaning, can make your teeth white, bright, and healthy. Check with Dr. Coulter to find out how you can best prevent dental problems from surfacing. -
Sealants
Dental sealants seal the grooves in the biting surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay. Applying sealants is a simple procedure that can keep your children in the 10% that stay cavity free. -
Breath Treatment
If you suffer from bad breath, we can determine the cause and propose a solution for keeping your breath fresh
Your Teeth Get Power Cleaned
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Scaling
Plaque that remains on teeth eventually hardens into tartar, which is virtually impossible to remove with brushing and flossing alone. Scaling is the deep-cleaning procedure Dr. Coulter or your hygienist uses to scrape the tartar off your teeth at and below the gumline. Ultrasonic scaling involves the mechanical use of a dental instrument to treat early and advanced periodontal disease. -
Sound Waves Do the Trick
Scaling is performed on the part of the tooth that is exposed, the crown of the tooth, as well as the portion that is normally covered by, but not attached to, the gum. In combination with good personal dental hygiene, scaling the tooth surface that is in this gum pocket is an effective treatment for early periodontal disease.
Other Procedures
Root Canal Treatment
A procedure which removes the pulp tissue of a tooth due to decay or injury.
NOTE: Coulter Family Dentistry has reduced the need for root canals performed on their patients by 80% over the last five years by using advanced technologies and expertise in providing alternative treatment options, including CERAC restorations, dental bonding, bridges, crowns, and periodontal disease treatment.
Remove a Tooth or Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom Teeth
A wisdom tooth procedure removes the pulp tissue of a tooth due to decay or injury.
Extractions
An extraction is the removal of a tooth that is non-restorable.
Remove and Replace Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
The FDA does not recommend removing or replacing amalgam fillings that are in good condition unless it is deemed medically necessary by your health care professional. This could be due to hypersensitivity to the amalgam material, or for people deemed to be at higher-risk due to possible adverse effects associated with mercury or other components of amalgam.
These higher-risk groups include pregnant women and their developing fetuses, nursing women and their newborns and infants; children younger than six years; people with pre-existing neurological conditions, impaired kidney function, or people with allergy to mercury, silver, tin or copper.
If you are in one of these higher-risk groups and are considering having your amalgam fillings removed and replaced with an alternative filling material, Dr. Coulter offers the convenience and comfort of IV sedation for a pain free experience.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Coulter to discuss your specific situation and have your questions answered.