General Dentistry

Thanks for visiting our General Dentistry services page. Below you’ll find information on services performed at our offices; everything from check-ups and cleanings to filings and dentures. If you can’t find a service you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact the office nearest you.

Checkups and Cleaning

The American Dental Association recommends frequent dental checkups and professional cleanings for patients of all ages.
At your checkup, we may assess your risk for:

Tooth Decay: 90% of adults have experienced some level of tooth decay. We can stop a cavity from spreading and disrupting your smile.

Gum Disease: Recent studies have linked gum disease to diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and stroke. We offer non-surgical therapies to reverse symptoms and restore oral health.

Oral Cancer: 8,000 Americans will die this year from oral cancer. If caught and treated early, oral cancer has a 90% cure rate.

Dentures/Partials

If you’re living with missing teeth, you’ve probably noticed some lifestyle changes. You may lack confidence when you speak or smile. Your chewing ability has likely diminished. Additionally, your facial appearance may have changed, sagging in the areas where teeth are not present. A denture or partial can restore your self-confidence and renew oral function.

What are Dentures and Partials? Dentures and partials are removable replacements for missing teeth and soft tissues. Dentures replace all of the teeth, whereas partials rest in line with existing, healthy teeth. Typically made from acrylic resins, dentures and partials match existing gum tissue. Skilled artisans shape the teeth to complement your facial features and coloring, and the dentist will take careful measurements to ensure optimal comfort. Modern dentures feel, look, and function very similar to natural teeth.

Extractions

Extractions are perhaps the most feared procedure in dentistry and also the most common. With modern methods and anesthesia, there’s nothing to fear! At Dentistry of the Carolinas, we offer oral conscious sedation, as well as a gentle chairside manner to help alleviate any apprehension you may have.

Why would I need a tooth extracted? Reasons for tooth extraction may include orthodontics, denture preparation, impaired or nonfunctional teeth, and impacted wisdom teeth. The dentist may also recommend tooth extraction for damaged or decayed teeth, as well as teeth associated with advanced gum disease. If left in the mouth, decayed or damaged teeth can cause acute pain and contribute to gum and bone loss.

What are wisdom teeth, and why should they be removed? Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. Because the modern jaw shape often will not accommodate wisdom teeth, they can cause problems for many people. In some cases, the wisdom teeth erupt sideways, irritating the oral tissues and creating an atmosphere susceptible to decay. They can also partially erupt or crowd existing teeth. Wisdom teeth that fail to erupt are referred to as impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can crowd or damage neighboring teeth, and in some cases, lead to cyst or tumor formation.

Fillings

Sugary foods and beverages combined with inadequate oral hygiene create a thriving atmosphere for dental cavities. A single cavity, left untreated, can spread to the entire tooth. Our dentists treat cavities by removing the damaged portion of the tooth and replacing it with fillings. Although there are some cases appropriate for metal fillings, typically white fillings are placed to allow you to maintain a natural-looking smile.

Crown/Bridge

If you’re self-conscious about cracked, broken, decayed, or worn teeth, we can bring back your healthy, natural-looking smile with dental crowns, also called caps. A crown can return structure, strength, and function to a tooth with extensive decay or damage. Designed to fit snugly and function as a healthy tooth, a crown will protect your tooth from further damage and preserve the jaw’s correct natural alignment.

Typically, we can design, fit, and place your crowns in just a couple of short appointments. Once a crown is placed, you can care for it as you do your natural teeth. Conscientious brushing twice a day and daily flossing will protect the base of your crown from bacterial growth.