Dental Services

Cleaning and Prevention

At Guttormsen & Hoffner Dental, we are passionate about preventative care. Our preventative program allows the patient and the dentist to engage in a cooperative effort to preserve the patient’s natural dentition and supporting structures.

Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene. It is continued in the dental office through regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventative treatments that help protect the teeth from tooth decay and prevent the need for fillings, root canals, or even tooth replacement.

Catching a dental condition early is the next best thing to preventing it entirely. The American Dental Association recommends patients be seen every 6 months for their routine dental care.

What does a professional dental cleaning involve?

Professional dental cleanings are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include:

• Removal of plaque
• Removal of tartar
• Teeth polishing
• Flossing
• Dental x-rays

What does a dental exam involve?

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at our initial visit. During subsequent visits you will receive regular check-up exams, which will include the following:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays
• Oral cancer screening
• Gum disease evaluation
• Examination for tooth decay
• Examination of existing restorations

Periodontics

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue that holds your teeth in place. The word periodontal means “around the tooth.” The infection attacks the gums and the bone that support your teeth. The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Symptoms of Gum Disease include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• New spacing between teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

What does treatment for periodontal disease include?

Treatment methods depend on the severity of the disease. If caught in the early stages of gingivitis your routine cleanings two times per year will be recommended.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done two quadrants of the mouth at a time while the areas are numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling), and rough spots on the root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pocketing to shrink.

Routine periodontal maintenance will follow your scaling and root planing. This procedure is recommended every three to four months. Research indicates bacterial formation on teeth and gums occurs almost immediately after the cleaning, and bad bacteria starts to form after 3 months. Frequent visits for removal of the bacteria from under the gum line can control the inflammation and can often prevent the further breakdown of the bone and gum supporting your teeth. Though gum disease cannot be completely reversed, periodontal maintenance is one of the tools the dentist can use to effectively halt its destructive progress.

Composite Fillings

A composite (tooth-colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay. The decay or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Composite resin fillings are a popular alternative to silver fillings. Your doctor will help you to decide which is best for your specific scenario. Because composite fillings are white or tooth-colored, they can be closely matched to the shade of your teeth.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth
• Closing space between two teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Worn teeth

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay is near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished—restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however, this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

Crowns (Cap)

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth-colored) is the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.

Reasons for a crown include:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings
• Tooth has had a root canal

What does getting a crown involve?

A crown procedure requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately three weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. In certain cases, a filling called a core build-up is placed. A core build-up is a restorative dental procedure that involves replacing missing tooth structure with a special filling material so that it can successfully support a dental crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement. Your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

Fixed Bridge

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

A fixed bridge is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to artificial teeth (pontics), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Restore chewing and speaking ability
• Restore your smile
• Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent appliance
• Maintain facial shape

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental lab where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for up to four weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit.

Implant Restoration

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and provide a fixed solution to having removable, partial, or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone by an oral surgeon or periodontist. While we do not place the implants in our office, we restore the implants. Meaning, we fabricate the custom abutment and crown on single implants. Or create the overdenture or partial for implant attached appliances.

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable. They will last many years! On occasion, they will have to be retightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space
• Restore a patient’s confident smile
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
• Restore or enhance facial tissues
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable

What does getting a dental implant involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

While the area is numb, your oral surgeon will surgically place the implant into the bone. A six-month period is typically needed for healing and time to integrate itself into the bone. Your oral surgeon can answer more specific questions regarding the placement.

What does restoring an implant mean?

After your oral surgeon sees you for your “final check” appointment they will refer you back to our office. At your initial visit, we will remove the healing cap from the dental implant. If this is a single implant, we will then use specific custom parts to take an impression of that area. We will then place the healing cap back. A shade is selected by you and your doctor. Your impressions are then sent to a dental lab to fabricate the custom abutment and crown.

Dentures and Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable plate or frame holding one or more artificial teeth.
There are two types of dentures: complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth but also prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete dental service may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue is healed, usually taking 6 to 8 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments to your new denture will need to be made. This will result in relining your denture.

A denture reline is a simple procedure to reshape the underside of a denture so that it fits more comfortably. Relining is periodically necessary as dentures lose their grip in the mouth.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for Dentures:

• Complete Denture: Loss of all teeth in an arch
• Partial Denture: Loss of several teeth in an arch
• Enhancing smile and facial tissues
• Improving chewing, speech, and digestion

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try in” appointments are necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty. This will subside as your muscles and tissue get used to new dentures.

Simple Extractions

A simple tooth extraction is performed on a tooth that is above the gum line and can be visibly seen in the mouth. Before recommending an extraction, we will investigate all possible avenues for saving your tooth.

Reasons for a simple extraction:
• Decayed tooth beyond saving
• Trauma to mouth
• Creating space for your orthodontist

What does having a tooth extracted involve?

While the area is numb, your doctor will test the tooth to make sure you are not feeling anything. The doctor will then use special instruments to lift and loosen the tooth. Forceps are then used at the final stage of extracting the tooth.

Modern dentistry makes routine tooth extractions relatively comfortable, painless procedures. For several days after your extraction, your tooth socket will require some care. You will be instructed to steer clear of the tooth socket while brushing. Some bleeding can be expected. Your dentist will give you
after care instructions at the end of your visit.