Sore Jaw? Here Are 4 Reasons Why...

If you wake up with a sore jaw, have chronic headaches or even have fractured teeth, you might be grinding your teeth without even realizing it. Most people are not aware of the fact that they grind (or brux) their teeth until they see their dentist who can pinpoint the symptoms. If you have been told that you are grinding your teeth, you might find yourself wondering why. Of course every case is different, but there are a few reasons that commonly occur.

Can't relax? Stress might be causing your jaw pain.

1. Stress – If you are under a lot of stress it can come out at night. When your muscles clench, it is a natural reaction to grind your teeth. 
2. Mouth Irritations – Whether it is teeth that do not line up perfectly, or another dental issue occurring in your mouth, you could end up grinding your teeth together at night to deal with the irritation.
3. Allergies or Colds – If you are uncomfortable from allergies or a cold, you might grind your teeth at night to deal with the discomfort.
4. New Dental Work - If you've recently had a filling or crown placed, your teeth may not line up anymore, and your mouth will constantly be adjusting to find the right "bite" again resulting in grinding.

There are several ways to deal with bruxism, including visiting your dentist at Coulter Family Dentistry to get fitted for a mouthguard. If you prefer to do something less drastic, you can try including relaxation methods into your daily routine and find ways to manage your allergies to avoid chronic grinding. Unfortunately, if you are subjected to grinding your teeth, you might not be able to prevent it from occurring 100 percent, but decreasing the amount of time that it occurs can help your overall dental health.

Concerned About Your Sore Jaw?

Give us a call today at (509) 209-8747 or visit us online to request your appointment through our online scheduling system. We're here to help relieve your pain!

Preventive Dental Care For Dental Health Month!

All too often, many assume that a dental appointment is not needed because there are no real dental issues going on at the moment. Contrary to popular belief, your dentist is there for more than knocked out teeth and toothaches. The right dentist can help with proper preventive care to help keep your mouth healthy and to help prevent more serious issues from occurring.

Every 6 Months

At the very least, you should be visiting Dr. Travis Coulter or Dr. Elizabeth van den Hoven every 6 months. This allows them to fully inspect your teeth and gums to ensure that there are no issues that you are not aware of yet. When you let conditions with your teeth get out of hand, the resolution can be rather invasive. By keeping your twice yearly appointments, you can keep your mouth healthy and your pain to a minimum.

Why Is A Comprehensive Dental Visit Important?

When you visit our office regularly, it allows us to have a baseline with which to compare your mouth to each time you visit. At your initial New Patient appointment, your Spokane Valley dentists will perform x-rays and other routine procedures to assess what is normal for your individual mouth. On subsequent visits, Drs. Travis Coulter or Liz van den Hoven will be able to determine if anything has drastically changed.

Immediate Assistance

Of course, if you have any issues that require immediate dental assistance, you should not delay in calling our office. Anytime you experience pain, bleeding, a lost permanent tooth, a lost filling, or anything out of the ordinary, you should call us right away.

Happy "Tooth" Thousand Fourteen!

At Coulter Family Dentistry, we're ringing in the New Year in style. We invite you to come by our offices and see the difference that our patients are talking about! From comprehensive family dental care, to complex cosmetic makeovers and sleep apnea therapies, the Spokane Valley dental team at Coulter Family Dentistry offers only the best.

As you pin up your list of New Year's Resolutions, don't forget about your oral care! Is there a procedure you've needed but have been putting off? Or perhaps you've always wanted to fix the space between your front teeth but hadn't gotten around to scheduling a consultation. Many of our patients are surprised to learn how affordable cosmetic dentistry is, and appreciate the financial plans that we offer to help their dental needs and desires fit their budget.

It's not too late to call and schedule your next appointment - we're available to help you! Call us today at (509) 209-8747, or visit our website at www.coulterdentistry.com to learn more!

January is Coulter Family Dentistry's "Get Healthy Month"

New Habits for a New Year!

With the New Year upon us, we know there is pressure to get healthy and fit, and we truly believe in the importance of this. Our office would like to help make that a little easier for you! Please visit our website or Facebook page for a weekly tip on how to get healthy and stay healthy this year!

Tip #1: Reduce/cut out the stress in your life! www.vibrantlife.com 

Tip #2: Get the rest your body needs. www.vibrantlife.com 

Tip #3: Make sure you are getting an adequate amount of exercise each day! www.heart.org 

Tip #4: Maintain a healthy diet. www.helpguide.com 

Tip #5: Maintain regular visits with your primary care doctor. www.bmc.org 

Dentistry Without Fear!

If you are preparing for a filling, root canal, crown, tooth extraction, or other dental procedure, you now have an option to relieve your dental anxiety. At Coulter Family Dentistry in Spokane Valley, WA, there are several options available to our patients for relief of pain and anxiety during routine dental visits.

Conscious, or moderate sedation, allows patients to remain awake during dental procedures. Patients are able to interact with their dentists but do not feel any discomfort or pain. Moderate sedation can also help patients avoid more severe side effects of general anesthesia such as nausea, headache, vertigo and long-term drowsiness. This form of sedation generally causes the patient to not remember anything about their dental appointment other than a pleasant experience.

One of the most common forms of non-IV sedation is Nitrous Oxide, known as 'laughing gas'. Patients of all ages can use Nitrous Oxide with minimal to no side effects.

Make sure you tell your Spokane Valley, WA dentist about any drug allergies or dependencies, existing prescriptions or over-the-counter drug use, medical conditions, changes in your health, history of anxiety, heart conditions or alcohol use before undergoing treatment. You and your Spokane Valley dental team will discuss the benefits and risks of each option. We will work with you to make sure you have a pain-free, anxiety-free, comfortable experience.

Affordable Dental Implants Are Just A Visit Away!

Affordable Dental Implants
in Spokane Valley, WA

In contemporary society, it might be shocking to know that “69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay.” By the time most adults reach their seventies, 26% have few if any of their original teeth left.

With so many people losing teeth and with our current dip in the economy, many people cannot afford the cost of implants and so go either without their teeth or with the less favorable option of bridges or dentures. Yet dental implants are the most desirable of all teeth-replacement options: they look natural, last virtually forever, do not cause pain, discomfort and bad breath and are permanent. Unlike dentures and bridges, implants do not sit on top of the gums or adhere to adjacent teeth. Instead, your dental implant experts, Dr. Travis Coulter and Dr. Liz van den Hoven, places them inside the jawbone, making them a natural, long-term replacement for teeth.

Thankfully, there is an alternate solution for those who need implants but cannot afford the cost. With a moderate-term, esthetic provisional, patients would be able to preserve their implant site and have the benefit of a temporary replacement tooth. Using computer-aided design and manufacturing, dentists can digitally create temporary implants for a fraction of the cost of permanent ones. The result, produced by a milling machine, is almost as strong as gold.

What this means is that there is now a predictable and successful stopgap for people who do not want dentures but who cannot afford implants. Call your Spokane Valley dentists at Coulter Family Dentistry for further details on how you can get your grin back.

Sip All Day - Get Decay!

Image Courtesy of dentalgentalcare.com

It is well known that sugar can promote obesity, tooth decay, and a wealth of other health issues. but do we realize just how much sugar is in our food and snacks? Here at Coulter Family Dentistry in Spokane Valley, WA we understand that a healthy diet is just as important as regular visits to the dentists or hygienist. Our friends at the Minnesota Dental Association have put together a campaign to teach children and families about the harmful effects of soda drinking.

Here's how you get cavities

• Sugar in pop combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid.
• Diet or "sugar-free" pop contains its own acid.
• Acid in soft drinks, whether they contain sugar or not, is the primary cause of weakening tooth enamel.
• The acid attacks your teeth. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes.
• The acid attack starts over again with every sip.
• Ongoing acid attacks weaken your tooth enamel.
• Bacteria in your mouth cause cavities when tooth enamel is damaged.

How to reduce decay

• Drink soft drinks in moderation.
• Don't sip for extended periods of time. Ongoing sipping prolongs sugar and acid attacks on your teeth.
• Use a straw to keep the sugar away from your teeth.
• After drinking, swish your mouth out with water to dilute the sugar.

To learn more about the research Minnesota Dental Association has completed, visit their website here!

Flouride - Nature's Cavity Fighter!

Healthy Teeth For Life

Many children in Washington suffer from dental pain caused by disease and decay. These children have limited access to preventive dental care, and may not even have access to restorative care (filling teeth, extracting decayed teeth). Dental decay is one of the most often cited reasons for missed days of school, and impacts our community's most vulnerable. For this reason, Dr. Travis Coulter and Dr. Elizabeth van den Hoven at Coulter Family Dentistry in Spokane Valley, WA join the ADA and Washington State Dental Association to support water fluoridation to prevent dental disease.

Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter, occurring naturally in the earth's crust, in combination with other minerals in rocks and soil. Small amounts of fluoride occur naturally in all water sources, and varying amounts of the mineral are found in all foods and beverages. Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride to a concentration sufficient to protect against tooth decay. Flouride minerals bind to enamel to strengthen the structure of the tooth, and this can be key for children as their teeth develop.

Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and all across the United States, dental associations participate in Give Kids A Smile Day - a day of free dental care. Many children suffer from decayed and abscessed teeth in Oregon, as a result of poor diet, poor hygiene, and lack of access to preventive dental care.

Age 1 Dental Visits - Healthy Teeth For Life!

At Coulter Family Dentistry, we advocate for children's health and recommend children begin dental visits at age 1, or when teeth first come in (per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines). This helps ensure that children become familiar with visiting the dentist on a regular basis, alleviating any anxiety or fear. It also creates a comforting and recognized environment for your child, should a dental emergency occur.

Although children have baby teeth (primary dentition) that will eventually exfoliate (fall out), it is highly important that those teeth remain free of decay and disease. Not only does decay cause pain and other illness, but children need their teeth as they learn to speak, and to assist in proper jaw and facial development.

To learn more about children's oral health and visit your dentist in Spokane Valley, WA, visit our website or call us at (509) 209-8747.

Repairing Your Smile with A Makeover!

Full mouth reconstruction is a term often used to describe the process of restoring all teeth in the mouth.  Full mouth reconstruction can involve general dentists and specialists such as pedondontists (for restoring teeth in young children), periodontists (specializing in gums and dental implant placement), oral surgeons (to remove teeth or place implants), orthodontists who specialize in tooth movement and positioning, and endodontists (specializing in tooth pulp). At Coulter Family Dentistry, our dentists have experience in many types of dental treatment and can care for many of your dental needs in our office.

When is full mouth reconstruction needed?

1 - When teeth have been lost due to decay or trauma.
2 - When teeth have been injured or fractured, or are severely worn due to acid erosion or bruxism (grinding).
3 - In occurrences of jaw, muscle, and headache pain requiring adjustment to occlusion. 

What type of treatment is needed?

Depending on the extent of decay and oral disease, your dentists at Coulter Family Dentistry will review the problem areas and listen to your priorities for a healthy and beautiful smile. You may need several of the following treatments to restore your oral health:

• Dental Crowns
• Dental Implants
• Dental Veneers
• Composite Bonding
• Composite Fillings
• Teeth Whitening

Before a full mouth reconstruction begins, Dr. Coulter or Dr. van den Hoven will meet with you for a consultation and comprehensive examination to determine the extent of dental decay and to review the treatment options that can correct the problem. To schedule your personalized consultation, call us at (509) 924-1314 today!

Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives

2 minutes - 2 times a day!

In August of 2012, the Ad Council joined with The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, a coalition of more than 35 leading dental health organizations, to debut Kids’ Healthy Mouths. Dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease with more than 16 million kids suffering from untreated tooth decay in the U.S., oral disease is estimated to cause kids to miss 51 million school hours and their parents to lose 25 million work hours annually, and disproportionately affects children from low-income families. At Coulter Family Dentistry in Spokane Valley, WA, we recommend children have their first dental visit by age 1 as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and maintain regular 6 month cleaning appointments for exams. 

Parents and their children can visit 2min2x.org to watch entertaining videos and listen to music, while children are brushing their teeth. Learn more about preventive care and make sure to schedule your next dental appointment with your family dentist at Coulter Family Dentistry. Make oral health part of your New Year’s Resolution!

Dental Implants - The Art & Science of Dentistry

Dental Implants in Spokane Valley, WA

Implant dentistry merges art and experience with science to create naturally functioning replacement teeth. A dental implant serves as a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants are secured in the jawbone and are not visible once placed. Implants are made of titanium, which has a special property of fusing to bone. This fusion is called “osseointegration” and is the basis of dental implant success. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device. Learn more...

When teeth are lost, the bone that supported those roots is lost too. Placing implants stabilizes this bone, and prevents bone loss. Implants help maintain the jawbone’s shape, and supports the overal facial structure of the skeleton. Dental implants help you eat, chew, talk; all in a completely natural fashion.

At Coulter Family Dentistry in Spokane Valley, WA, our dentists use their extensive restorative experience to not only place the implant in their office, but also work with you to place the restorative crown after the implant site is healed and ready for a natural looking tooth. Dr. Coulter and Dr. van den Hoven also offer a variety of options for sedation dentistry to make the experience of replacing your missing tooth as comfortable as possible. To learn more about our dental implant options and whether they are the right fit for your needs, call us at (509) 924-1314 to schedule your personalized consultation. 

November is American Diabetes Month

Since people with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing some oral health problems, this is a good reminder of the importance of staying. Some of the common oral health problems associated with diabetes are: gum disease, fungal infections, infections and delayed healing. Periodontal (gum disease) is no laughing matter; it's also connected to heart disease and other health-related issues.

Our friends at www.perio.org tell us:

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.

 
People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.

Research has suggested that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways - periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications

For more information and to watch a video on how diabetes can impact your oral health, visit the MouthHealthy A-Z page on Diabetes.

Ready to learn more and schedule your appointment?
We are accepting new patients, and both of our doctors at Coulter Family Dentistry in Spokane Valley, WA have experience in treating patients with gum disease. Give us a call today at (509) 924-1314 or visit our website for more information!

A Season of Thanksgiving

As we approach Thanksgiving and live in this season of thankfulness, we want to send our thanks and appreciation to our patients and community. Without your patronage and service, we would not exist! Dr. Travis Coulter, Dr. Elizabeth van den Hoven, and the staff at Coulter Family Dentistry in Spokane Valley, WA strive for meeting your individual needs; not seeing people in terms of their teeth, but treating the whole person and helping them on a road to longer living in a healthy way.

We also thank the military personnel that have served in the past for our country and those that are serving now, away from family and friends.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday - to you and yours!

The Staff of Coulter Family Dentistry

Can You Afford to Skip Dental Care?

We all know life can be busy, but don’t neglect your oral health. Your dental care is just as important now as it was when you were a kid. Untreated dental disease can lead to serious health problems such as infection, damage to bone or nerve and tooth loss. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and see your Spokane Valley, WA dentist regularly.

In the current economic crunch, it may be tempting to skimp on dental care. But you will not save money in the long run by ignoring your dental health and you might endanger your child's health or your own.

We want to help you keep more of your money for other essentials and that is why we encourage you to get regular dental checkups. Insurance companies know that prevention is far less costly than cures and that is why most policies cover routine dental checkup and cleanings.

The best way to avoid more expensive dental procedures is to follow a home dental hygiene program and maintain regular checkups to identify issues before they become full-blown problems needing costly intervention.

Fact Check:
Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? If you are missing one or more teeth, there are plenty of reasons to correct the problem. Your dentists at Coulter Family Dentistry have many treatments to restore your smile.

The ADA website has many great resources for kids and adults of all ages - and Drs Coulter and van den Hoven recommend that you visit the pages often for great information on keeping mouth healthy all year long!

To learn more, visit pages on MouthHealthy.org.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment With Dr. Coulter and Dr. van den Hoven?
We look forward to welcoming new and returning patients! Has it been a few years since we've seen your family? We still consider you our patient and we would love to see you back in the office to check up on your dental health and assist you in getting back on a healthy track. Request Your Appointment Online, or call us today at 509-924-1314!

Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits!

Toward the end of the year, our office typically gets an increase in phone calls from patients looking to schedule an end of year cleaning or restorative appointment and use their insurance benefits before they lapse December 31st.

Many patients sometimes don't realize that they can't carry over benefit maximums from year to year (with limited exceptions - check with your plan administrator to see if your plan qualifies for a rollover.) With premiums increasing in cost from year to year, it's important that you use the monies that you've been allotted - otherwise you've just given the insurance company back a chunk of free cash.

Why Should You Use Your Benefits Now?

1. Yearly Maximum: Most insurances have a year maximum of around $1,000. Unused benefits do not roll over at the end of the year.

2. Deductible: Deductibles vary but usually are around $50 per year. This decutible may reset at the beginning of the year.

3. Premiums: If you are paying monthly premiums you should be using your dental benefits. Regular cleanings can help prevent more serious treatments later.

4. Fee Increases: Health care costs and insurance continue to rise. Most fee adjustments are made at the beginning of the year including increases in copays and deductibles.

5. Dental Problems Can Worsen: By delaying treatment you risk more extensive treatment later. A simple cavity now could be a root canal later.

Read the full article on about.com here.

We still have appointments available in our Spokane Valley, WA dental office with Dr. Travis Coulter and Dr. Elizabeth van den Hoven, and we'd love to see you! Please call our office at (509) 924-1314 to schedule your appointment before time runs out.

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.