Meet Your Dentists!

Travis V. Coulter, DDS

Dr. Travis Coulter graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in May of 2007, and moved to Spokane shortly thereafter. Before his dental education he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas. Dr. Coulter and his wife made the decision to come to Spokane after falling in love with the area.

He is a member of the International Congress of Implantology, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association, and the Spokane District Dental Society. His hobbies include: dirt biking, mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, and hiking.

Elizabeth E. van den Hoven, DDS

Dr. Elizabeth van den Hoven graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in May of 2007. Prior to her dental education, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Maryland. In January of 2008 she joined her husband, Dr. Travis Coulter in Spokane, Washington.

She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association, and the Spokane District Dental Society. Her hobbies include: running, travel, violin, and spending time with family.

Learn more about our team, or request an appointment online with one of our Spokane Valley, WA dentists!

No More Dental Fear!

At Coulter Family Dentistry, we want you to have a comfortable experience. We offer several levels of sedation for anxious or fearful patients

Nitrous Oxide- laughing gas helps patients feel less anxiety and less discomfort in their mouths during procedures. The effects of the gas wear off within a few minutes of breathing oxygen.

Oral Conscious Sedation- Patients are prescribed an pill to take before coming to their appointment. The medication relieves anxiety and often can be combined with the effects of nitrous oxide once the patient is in our office.

IV Conscious Sedation- For these patients a medication is administered to take them to a deeper level of sedation than can be safely accomplished with pills. Patients undergoing this type of sedation usually do not recall anything from their procedures. In order to be licensed to perform this type of sedation our Spokane Valley, WA dentists have received extensive training in a dental residency including a rotation in the operating room of a hospital to administer general anesthesia to patients. Patients are carefully monitored to ensure their safety and comfort.

We are currently accepting new patients in the Spokane Valley, WA areas; call us today at (509) 924-1314 to make an appointment for an exam. Dr. van den Hoven and Dr. Coulter invite you to learn more about our Dental Services and Team Members. If you are having pain or have broken a tooth we would be happy to get you in to address your problem today. We look forward to serving you and meeting your family!

Why Do I Need A "Deep Cleaning"?

Some patients will need more than a professional cleaning (prophy) for their dental care. Patients with signs of gum disease (periodontal disease) may require more therapeutic types of cleanings to remove harmful plaque and bacteria from below the gumline and on the roots. Your doctor and hygienist will work together to properly diagnose the extremity of your Periodontal Disease and recommend a proper course of treatment.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
The American Association of Periodontists state that gum disease accounts for approximately 70% of all tooth loss in adults. Early signs of gum disease include bleeding gums when flossing or brushing and gums that are red, inflamed, or swollen.

Gum disease and tooth decay are caused by the same bacteria. These bacteria form plaque beneath the gum-line, which eats away at the bond between tooth and gum. If deterioration is allowed to continue, "pockets" form in between the teeth and the gums. Pockets deeper than 3ml may require special treatment to remove the bacteria and plaque. Without treatment and continuous maintenance, gum disease will eventually weaken the bonds that hold the teeth in place.

There is no permanent treatment for gum disease. However, it can be kept under control with proper personal hygiene and regular visits to a trained dentist or hygienist.

For more information on whether you need a deep cleaning, or to schedule your next cleaning appointment with our Spokane Valley, WA dentists, or give us a call today!

Brilliant, Natural Smiles with Cosmetic Dentistry

At Coulter Family Dentistry, a healthy, beautiful smile is our primary goal. Our dentists are well-trained in the art of creating a brilliant, natural smile with some of the latest advances in cosmetic dentistry. Below are a few of the ways we can give our Spokane Valley, WA patients the smile makeover they've dreamed of!

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth colored porcelain or resin material precisely designed to cover the front surfaces of teeth. They can dramatically improve the appearance of teeth by altering the shape, color, size and or length. Dental veneers are intended to achieve optimal esthetics and function through minimal tooth preparation.

Teeth Whitening

Stains caused by coffee, smoking, and medications can often be removed through whitening procedures. In-office and at-home whitening kits are available.

Crowns

Crowns are used for a variety of reasons. Strengthening and repairing a tooth that has broken, relieving cracked tooth syndrome, restoring missing tooth structure due to tooth decay, and cosmetic repair, all are potential indications for the use of crowns. Cosmetic porcelain crowns can be used in almost every situation where a crown is needed.

Implant Crowns

Dental Implants are the wave of the future for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Although they can be a more expensive option for restorating a missing tooth, they look and feel like your natural tooth, and can be used to support dentures and bridges for a more secure and natural fit.

Tooth colored fillings

Tooth structure that is lost due to trauma or chipping can in many cases be simply repaired using composite resin-a tooth-colored material. Multiple shades are available to allow for an exact color match to your tooth. In addition most dental cavities can be filled with composite resin.

Bridges

There are several kinds of bridges used in dentistry, all designed to replace a missing tooth by resting on the teeth adjacent to the space. If this is a treatment that you need, we can discuss all the options and select the type of bridge that will best meet your needs.