India Hook Dental Care

Family Dentistry

Our preventative dentistry services available at India Hook Dental Care Routine Cleanings: Guidelines recommend that every patient get six-month check-ups. These check-ups provide thorough cleanings and an oral pathology exam to check for potentially pre-cancerous or cancerous cells, lesions or growths. Digital x-rays may also be taken, if needed. Pediatric Dentistry: Younger patients enjoy working with Dr. Jennifer Houck, Dr. Lauren Smith, Dr. Heather Johnson and the rest of the team. We make coming to the dentist fun, interesting and comfortable. When kids are introduced to dental care early, they tend to take better care of their teeth throughout their lifetimes. Tooth Reimplantation: If you require a tooth reimplantation, our dentists have the training to carefully engage in this procedure. It is important to save natural teeth whenever we can. TMJ Treatment: Those who suffer from TMJ pain may find relief through the help of proven dental procedures and devices. Talk to us today about your TMJ treatment. Bruxism: Bruxism, or tooth grinding, can damage the teeth over time. We can help assist in creating a plan to reduce this behavior. Emergency Dental Care: Dental emergencies cannot be planned. If you have a sudden need for a dentist, just call us.

Pediatric Dentistry

Research has shown that when kids are introduced to the dentist early, they take better care of their teeth and gums throughout their lives. Finding a dental provider who is focused on pediatric dentistry is an important decision. At our office, we strive to be the best pediatric dentist in Rock Hill, SC, who understands how to make youngsters feel safe and secure. Whether your child needs a general cleaning, examination or has more extensive issues related to his or her mouth, we are happy to work with you as a family. If your child has never been to the dentist before, you can help make the transition exciting and interesting: Tell them that the dentist is going to brush their teeth in a special way. Explain that the dentist needs to count their teeth. Talk to them if they seem to have any worries, but do not assume they will be afraid. Remember that a great first visit to the dentist can positively affect the rest of a child’s life. Call today to schedule your first appointment for your son or daughter!

Periodontal Services

It is estimated that gum disease affects almost 50 percent of all the people across the nation. If you are having any of the following symptoms and you live near Rock Hill, SC, it is essential that you contact us today for an appointment: Gums that bleed excessively when you brush, floss, eat or are simply at rest Gums that are puffy, swollen, red or painful Gums that have started to recede from your teeth Bad breath (halitosis) that never goes away Pain when eating Exposed tooth roots Loose teeth

Video: Periodontal Services

Root Canal

In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you would probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal treatment, your tooth can be saved. Root canals are a relatively simple procedure involving one to three office visits. Best of all, having a root canal when necessary can save your tooth and your smile!

Teeth Whitening

Our Opalescence Boost teeth whitening system offers immediate results. Your appointment will last no longer than 1 hour and 1/2. You will also be given whitening to take home for maintenance. Customized Whitening Trays: An impression is taken so trays fit perfectly to your teeth. You will be given a starter kit of bleach at your impression appointment.

Tooth Extraction

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth. When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may schedule another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with your doctor any concerns or preferences for sedation. Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth.

Dental Bonding

Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling “bonds” with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth. Tooth bonding can also be used for teeth fillings instead of amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth depending on the location and extent of tooth decay. Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, tell your doctor. The bonding generally can be easily patched or repaired in one visit.

Invisible Braces

Have you hesitated to consider traditional braces because you worried that everyone would know you were wearing them? Are you a professional adult who cannot afford to be seen with metal braces? Consider making an appointment at India Hook Dental Care to discuss ClearCorrect™. ClearCorrect™ is a method of straightening teeth that uses clear aligners. The thin aligners fit snugly over your teeth, and gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. About every two weeks, you exchange your current aligner for a new one, and continue the process until your teeth are in the desired position.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are a cosmetic restoration used to strengthen a tooth or improve its shape. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or partially destroyed by tooth decay. Crowns are “cemented” onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong. Crowns or onlays (partial crowns) are needed when there is insufficient tooth strength remaining to hold a filling. Unlike fillings which apply the restorative material directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.

Dental Implants

For people who are missing teeth, there is only one permanent option that completely simulates a real tooth structure: a dental implant. Dental implants are comprised of three parts. The first is a titanium post that is surgically embedded under the gums. This post fuses over time with the bone, encouraging bone health and reducing the chances of bone loss at the area of the missing tooth. The second element of a dental implant is the abutment, which is attached to the post after the post site has healed for a few months. The abutment serves as a place for the dental crown to sit. The dental crown looks like the surrounding teeth and is typically made of a ceramic material. Each crown is custom made to fit your smile.

Dentures

Dentistry is all about smiles, and having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is important even for patients wearing dentures. Our practice provides personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients. All of our patients are unique and we create one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural. WHAT ARE DENTURES? Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue has healed, which can take several months. Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and may require frequent adjustments during the first couple of months of use. Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges.

Full Mouth Restoration

When the dentists at India Hook Dental Care decided to attend the prestigious Dawson Academy to learn specialized protocols that could help patients who needed full mouth restoration treatments, they knew they would be able to bring incredible, proven treatment options back to Rock Hill, SC. The Dawson Academy teaches precise, state-of-art methods that are particularly useful for individuals who have multi-faceted issues related to the health of their teeth and gums. Through extensive ongoing training, Dr. Jennifer Houck, Dr. Lauren Smith and Dr. Heather Johnson can apply safe, effective strategies to improve the way your smile looks and functions.

Same Day Teeth

The E4D Dentist system is a comprehensive chairside Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) system that produces inlays, onlays, full crowns, and veneers. Your newly restored tooth will be metal-free, as it is made from a high-grade ceramic material that is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. Using a handheld laser scanner, your doctor can capture true 3D intraoral images without the use of messy powder or putty trays. Your doctor, with assistance from E4D DentaLogic software, will then create a virtual model and plan for a custom-designed restoration. With the incorporation of an E4D mill, your restoration can be created and placed the same day, allowing you to get back to your life and all the things that make you smile.

Fillings and Restorations

Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, include gold, porcelain, and composite. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, often in the back of the mouth. Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.

Laser Dentistry

Does your dentist in Rock Hill, SC, have expertise with laser gum surgery and other laser dentistry techniques? One of the most amazing inventions that is now being used by advanced dental providers is the laser. Lasers allow us to more precisely and rapidly perform procedures and deliver phenomenal patient results. At India Hook Dental Care, our team members have extensive training in the use of the BIOLASE WaterLase® MD™. This revolutionary piece of equipment gives us the ability to help people feel better about their dental health and smile.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits of sedation dentistry, including: Less fear or anxiety during treatment More comfort during dental procedures A more relaxing dental experience Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it’s a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.

Video: Sedation Dentistry

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat, blocking air flow into the lungs. Lacking oxygen, the brain awakens the sleeping person to breathe (up to 300 times per night!), depriving the person of essential REM sleep and causing a list of problems associated with chronic lack of sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep. Even though this process can happen hundreds of times each night most are not aware it is happening.

TMJ Disorder

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, up to 10 million people across this country are affected with TMJ disorder. Many people with this condition that affects the joints of your jawbone, never realize that they have a treatable problem. Instead, they ignore symptoms such as: A jaw that “sticks”, “clicks” or “locks” when yawning, speaking or eating Jaw pain that tends to be worse in the morning, and that sometimes causes headaches and toothaches The sensation that the teeth do not fit together correctly Tooth grinding (bruxism) Sound familiar? Call India Hook Dental Care to find out if you could have TMJ disorder. We will help you uncover the root of your issues, and apply proven techniques to reduce the symptoms that are affecting your life.