There is no substitute for professional care at your gentle, skilled, neighborhood dental office

Home care is essential to combat the leading causes of tooth loss: dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease. However, consistently thorough home care is no substitute for professional care at the office of Douglas Hoppe DDS in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.

The power of professional dental cleanings and exams

Routine visits to our office, scheduled at least once every six months, are fundamental to oral health and preventative dentistry. During these visits, our excellent dental hygienists use specialized instruments and techniques to remove surface stains, harmful bacteria, and plaque from the teeth and gum line. Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. Even patients who are diligent about thoroughly brushing and flossing their teeth cannot stay on top of this destructive process. And, when plaque builds up, it hardens into tartar. This substance is stubborn; only trained professionals can effectively and gently remove tartar. 

If plaque and tartar are allowed to linger, they can lead to bad breath, tooth sensitivity, toothaches, enamel erosion, cavities, deep infections, and tooth loss. Likewise, the toxins in bacterial plaque are associated with progressive periodontal disease, which erodes the supportive structures between the teeth and gums and can eventually destroy the bone in the jaw without proper treatment. 

Dr. Hoppe will also examine your teeth and gums during these check-ups for signs of decay and disease. He screens for pre-cancers, oral cancers, and problems with other structures (such as the jaw joints). Regular, proactive examinations are essential to detect early-stage disease, decay, and other issues. 

In their earliest stages, oral conditions are notoriously “silent.” If symptoms are present at all, they are often subtle and, in turn, may be ignored by most patients. By the time patients notice sensitivity, pain, “pink in the sink,” or other changes to their teeth and gums, the underlying condition may have already progressed to the point of causing damage that requires restorative treatment. Dr. Hoppe can use his expertise and advanced imaging to pinpoint problems that might otherwise go undetected. 

Tailored care 

Dr. Hoppe will advise on the healthiest routine for you based on your unique risk factors and health. For instance, patients who smoke or vape may require more frequent check-ups than those who do not have such risk factors for oral disease. A “deep cleaning” may also be recommended for patients with existing gum disease. This non-surgical process involves removing bacteria and plaque build-up from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots to minimize plaque from sticking to them and accumulating on rough surfaces. 

Our team is always here for you – with tips to help you better brush and floss, answer any questions you may have, and relieve aches and pains and other concerns that can keep you up at night. Call (517) 667-7066 to schedule your check-up with Dr. Hoppe at our Eaton Rapids, MI office today!