Office Specific: 
Q: What are your office hours?
A: We are open Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. We close for lunch from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. 

Q: Where is the office located?
A: We are located at 2385 Timber Drive, Garner, NC 27529.

Q: Do you see children?
A: Yes, we can provide dental care for your entire family. While most routine dental care can be handled in office,  if a child is found to have extensive dental needs upon examination, we may refer you to a pedodontist (pediatric dentist).  

Q: Do you do root canals, cosmetic dentistry or extract wisdom teeth?
A: We provide a wide range of dental care, which includes cosmetic dentistry, routine fillings, crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures, minor periodontal treatment, root canals, and simple extractions. We often refer our patients to a specialist for complicated/impacted wisdom teeth extractions, difficult root canal procedures, advanced periodontal disease and orthodontic treatment. Please visit our Services page for more information on the dental care we provide. 

Q: Do you accept dental insurance?
A: Yes, we will accept and file any dental insurance as a courtesy to our patients. We are currently only in network with Delta Dental.  If you are not ensured with Delta Dental,  please check with your insurance company to see if you are able to visit an out of network dental provider. Please visit our Insurance and payment page for more information. 

General Dentistry:

Q: How often should I see the dentist?
A: It is recommended for patients to visit their dentist twice a year for their cleaning and exam. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a more frequent dental cleaning to help maintain and improve gum healing.

Q: What are early signs of dental trouble?
A: Tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, and bad breath are some common early signs of dental trouble. Tooth decay often will not cause patient any pain until it has gotten much worse. Your dentist can identify these areas of concern at your regular dental checkup and may recommend a filling to avoid the painful stages of tooth decay.

Q: What is gum disease?
A: Gum disease can be characterized as gum inflammation with or without bone loss surrounding teeth. When gums are inflamed without bone loss it is termed gingivitis. When gums are inflamed with bone loss surrounding the teeth, it is termed periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. 

Q: Why do my gums bleed?
A: Inflamed gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth. The inflammation is caused by bacteria in the form of plaque and tartar sitting around the gums.

Q: What are plaque and tartar?
A: Plaque is made up of bacteria that covers the teeth. It can look like a white, soft film that can be mechanically removed with a toothbrush. Plaque that is left undisturbed overtime becomes hard and is not able to be removed as readily with a toothbrush. This hard structure in called calculus and commonly referred to as tartar.

Q: What can I do if I have dry mouth?
A: Xerostomia or dry mouth, is a common oral condition that can cause difficulty eating, swallowing, and speaking, and can increase the rate of dental decay. Patients with dry mouth need to take extra care of their oral hygiene and consult their dentist for recommendations on how to manage their symptoms. There are palliative and preventative recommendation including topical fluoride, oral solutions, and lifestyle modification to improve quality of life.

Q: Should my children have fluoride?
A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends and encourages professional application of fluoride treatment for children at risk for dental caries. Children are encouraged to brush twice daily with appropriate amounts of fluoride tooth paste and receive fluoride treatment at each dental cleaning appointment.

Q: Why is fluoride important for your dental health?
A: Fluoride intake at the appropriate levels have shown to prevent dental caries. Clinical research has shown fluoride stops tooth decay and promote healthy tooth growth through remineralization. Children that are not getting fluoride supplements through community water, or diet are encouraged to receive fluoride treatment at each dental cleaning appointment. Too much recommended levels can lead fluorosis.

Q: What is dental fluorosis?
A: Dental fluorosis is a mild condition affecting the appearance of permanent teeth. It can result from consuming higher than recommended levels of fluoride. Individuals with dental fluorosis develop white spots on their enamel that can be barely noticeable and does not affect dental function

Q: Are dental x-rays safe and necessary?
A: With the advances in technology, dental x-rays contribute minimally to total radiation exposure from natural and man-made sources. Dental radiographs aid dentists in evaluating and diagnosing oral conditions. With proper barriers combined with principles of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Allowed) dental x-rays are safe and necessary for providing standard of care to our patients.

Q: Is it safe to go to the dentist when I'm pregnant?
A: “The American Dental Association (ADA) supports that preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy.” The ADA and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that emergency care including fillings, extractions and root canal treatment can be safely delivered during pregnancy and delaying these procedures can lead to more complex problems.

Q: What are dental problems associated with diabetes?
A: Uncontrolled diabetes can have oral manifestation such as poor wound healing, burning sensation in the mouth, oral fungal infection, and periodontal disease. Patients with poorly managed diabetes are at higher risk of having bone loss around teeth due to periodontitis. It is recommended for patients to monitor their diabetes closely with their physician to improve oral health outcomes. 

Q: What circumstances would require pre-medication and why?
A: Patients with certain medical history may be required to pre-medicate prior to an invasive dental procedure due to the risk of developing a systemic infection from oral bacteria entering the blood circulation. Commonly patients that have undergone joint replacement surgery are required to pre-medicate prior to their dentist appointment. While not all patients with artificial joint need to pre-medicate, it is important to discuss with your care team if antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary for you. The American Dental Association published the following criteria for antibiotic prophylaxis: 

• Prosthetic cardiac valves, including transcatheter- implanted prostheses and homografts;
• ​Prosthetic material used for cardiac valve repair, such as annuloplasty rings and chords;
• A history of infective endocarditis;
• A cardiac transplant with valve regurgitation due to a structurally abnormal valve​
  
• The following congenital (present from birth) heart disease.
• Un-repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including palliative shunts and conduits
• Any repaired congenital heart defect with residual shunts or valvular regurgitation at the site of or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device

Restorative Treatment: 
Q: What is a cavity?
A: A tooth that has been permanently altered by bacteria leading to tiny openings or holes is called a cavity. Cavities are resolved with removing the decayed tooth structure and filling the void in the tooth with a biocompatible material such as composite or amalgam. 

Q: What is a filling?
A: Please See our services page for an explanation. 

Q: What is in amalgam and is it safe?
A: Amalgam fillings are often referred to as silver fillings. They are made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. American Dental Association says amalgam fillings are “durable, safe and effective.” 

Q: What are dental Sealants?
A: Please See our services page for an explanation. 

Q: What is a root canal?
A: Please See our services page for an explanation. 


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