General Dentistry in Rochester

Cultivating Smiles Throughout Rochester

At Rochester Dental Care, our belief is that long-term oral health improves your total wellness. We focus on preventive dentistry that detects any potential problems from the start and stops them from developing into larger, more expensive, and more invasive issues. Our preventive dentistry involves routine professional care, including comprehensive exams and regular cleanings, and helps you develop healthy daily habits like good nutrition and at-home care.

Your diet plays a big role in your dental health because certain nutrients help resist gum disease and decay. Ensure you’re eating the right foods to help maintain good nutrition, which not only helps your mouth, but your whole body health as well.

Regular office visits and daily hygiene reduces the risk of gum disease, which is the most common cause of adult tooth loss. Characterized by bleeding gums, receding gums, or swollen gums, periodontal disease is caused by a sticky layer of plaque bacteria on the teeth. If left untreated, plaque building on and between teeth can cause infections and advanced gum disease. Our general dental services include a full periodontal exam including dental charting to monitor the health of your gums throughout your lifetime.

We want you to take charge of your dental care, and our gentle dentistry sets you on the right path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Whether we’re providing care for you, or a member of your family, we’re always focused on the long-term goals of each individual patient, and we’re committed to providing gentle, effective dental care that keeps your smile absolutely fabulous.

The first step in developing a complete treatment plan is to assess your current oral health. All new patients receive a comprehensive exam, including perio-charting, oral cancer screenings, and x-rays. We’ll repeat our exams if any major changes occur throughout your time as a patient with us.

There are lifestyle factors that increase the risk of oral cancer, such as alcohol and tobacco use, however, anyone can still be prone to it. The sooner the disease is detected, the better, because early detection can be lifesaving. We use visual and manual screening methods to search for any abnormalities in the tissue around your mouth, cheeks, and gums.

X-rays allow us to get a better look at what is happening beyond the surface of your mouth. Our digital, panoramic x-rays let us see crystal clear images of your jaw and teeth. We can diagnose any problem areas, and formulate a plan to address your needs.

Developing healthy hygiene habits are key to long-term oral health. We help you maintain a clean mouth with routine cleanings, in which we use Cavitron sonic scalers to eliminate plaque and tartar debris from your teeth. Combining our professional cleaning with great habits at home will keep your smile looking and feeling its best.

Your gums are just as important as your teeth. Gum disease is a top cause of adult tooth loss, which is why getting a periodontal check-up is extremely important to your overall health. During our initial exam, we will check the health of your teeth, gums, bite, and bone structure to determine what course of action may be necessary to restore their health. We also perform perio-charting, which tracks the depths of your gum pockets over time and allows the dentist to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums.

Fluoride is essential for healthy tooth development, which is why we recommend children receive a treatment at every visit. For adults who suffer from tooth sensitivity or are at risk for tooth decay, a fluoride treatment helps restore minerals to the tooth enamel. Ask us if a fluoride treatment is right for you.

Do your children play sports? Consider having them fitted for a custom mouthguard to protect their teeth during activity. We also offer nightguards for those who suffer from nighttime grinding, known as bruxism. These mouthguards fit comfortably and protect your teeth from excessive wear due to unconscious grinding.

Keeping you comfortable is one of our top priorities. We offer conscious oral sedation to keep you relaxed and calm throughout every procedure. Don’t hesitate to express your concerns with us prior to a procedure and we’ll ensure your comfort. For more information, visit our Sedation Dentistry page.

Getting quality sleep is important to your total wellness. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, we may be able to help. Most of our patients have success with the Narval CC appliance, which is a custom-fitted device to reposition your jaw and open your airways while you sleep. We also offer other oral appliances, depending on your specific needs.

If you suffer from Temporomandibular Joint disorder (TMJ), we may be able to recommend an oral appliance to alleviate some of the discomfort. Dr. Hurtt is Pankey trained, which means he follows the philosophy that every patient is an individual. With this training, Dr. Hurtt is able to better assess your bite and jaw occlusion and determine if an oral appliance will help

Our state-of-the-art technology helps us deliver the best dental care possible. In our office, we use intraoral cameras, which allow you to see exactly what Dr. Hurtt can see. By seeing exactly what’s happening inside your mouth, you can make an educated decision about your care. We also employ the use of Cone Beam computed tomography, a type of 3D imaging that provides focused, detailed x-rays. This information helps assess root orientations, along with erupted and non-erupted teeth, to determine the best placement for dental implants and other restorations.

We know that you never plan for a dental emergency. We’ll get you in for a visit as soon as possible, so you can be pain-free and back to your day before you know it. Don’t suffer. Call us today.