When it comes to maintaining good oral health, having a family dentist in Raleigh is essential. A family dentist provides a range of services to patients of all ages, from young children to seniors. These services go beyond just teeth cleanings and fillings and can include a variety of treatments and procedures to help keep teeth and gums healthy. In this article, we’ll explore the different services offered by family dentists in Raleigh, including preventative care, restorative treatments, and cosmetic procedures. By understanding the range of services available from a family dentist, patients can make informed decisions about their dental care and take steps to maintain optimal oral health for themselves and their loved ones.
What is a family dentist?
A family dentist is a dental professional who provides dental care for patients of all ages, from young children to seniors. They offer a wide range of dental services, including routine cleanings, exams, fillings, extractions, and more, with a focus on preventive care and education. A family dentist understands the unique dental needs of different age groups and can provide customized treatment plans to suit each patient’s individual needs. They also often offer a comfortable and welcoming environment, making it easy for families to bring their children in for regular dental check-ups. Choosing a family dentist can provide a convenient and efficient way for families to manage their dental health, as they can schedule appointments for multiple family members on the same day.
Services
1) Dental Crowns:
Dental crowns and caps serve as protective coverings for teeth, restoring their size and shape while enhancing their strength and appearance. They are affixed to the natural tooth with durable dental cement, primarily used to salvage teeth that have sustained damage. These restorative devices are constructed using various materials. In instances where a tooth is absent, a dental bridge can sometimes be used to fill the gap, which is essentially a series of interconnected crowns. Additionally, dental crowns are also employed to conceal dental implants.
2) Dental sealants for children:
Dental sealants are an effective preventative measure to ensure the long-term health of a child’s adult teeth. This procedure involves applying plastic resins to the biting surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Dental professionals widely recommend sealants as a starting point for preventing cavities in children, as they can help prevent the need for tooth extractions in the future. The sealant material has a similar appearance and application method to nail polish and comes in various colors, although most patients prefer tooth-colored or clear options.
3) Dental implants:
If you have lost a tooth or had one extracted, there are several options available for tooth replacement, and one of the most popular is dental implants. To be a suitable candidate for dental implants, you should be in good overall health and have sufficient jaw bone to support the implant. If your jaw bone is lacking, you may need to undergo a bone grafting procedure to build up the deficient areas.
A dental implant crown typically comprises three components. The first is the root anchor, which is implanted during the surgery in the area where the original tooth root was located. The size of the anchor is similar to that of the original root, and after it is placed, a process called osteointegration occurs, where the jaw bone around the anchor fills in and supports it.
The second part is the abutment, which is screwed into the root anchor. It serves as the attachment point for the implant crown.
Finally, the implant crown is the visible covering that sits above the gum line. It is usually tooth-colored and designed to resemble a natural tooth.
4) Dentures:
Dentures are a type of dental prosthesis used to restore the normal function of the mouth when teeth are lost. They can improve chewing, speaking, and facial support. In the field of dentistry, dentures can be classified into two main categories: removable and fixed dentures.
A removable denture can either be a complete denture, which replaces all teeth in the mouth, or a partial denture, which replaces only some of the teeth and is supported by the remaining teeth and soft tissue.
A fixed denture, on the other hand, is a permanent row of crowns known as a bridge. It is cemented into place and cannot be removed like a removable denture.
5) Tooth extraction:
Of all dental procedures, tooth extraction can be the most distressing for patients, even more so than a root canal. It is a procedure that requires the most healing time. Given a choice between tooth extraction and a root canal, the latter is generally considered less arduous. In cases where patients are very anxious about their oral surgery, medication is available to help them relax. However, it is important to note that if such medication is taken, the patient will require someone else to drive them to their appointment.
6) Tooth fillings:
Tooth fillings are necessary when a tooth has decayed, is fractured, or if a previous filling is in poor condition. If a cavity is detected during a dental check-up, filling it promptly can prevent further decay and prevent tooth loss or the need for a tooth extraction.
The ideal goal is to get a tooth filling that is both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting, while also being affordable. The size of the problem area within the tooth determines the most suitable material to use. If a cavity or fracture is too large, filling it with a simple filling may not provide sufficient strength, and other treatment options such as a dental crown or inlay may be required. These options are better suited for larger areas of tooth breakdown.
7) Root canals:
The root canal is a hollow space within a tooth that contains soft tissue called the dental pulp. This pulp contains blood vessels and connective tissue that nourish the tooth and keep it healthy. The space also contains nerve endings extending from the tooth’s roots to other body parts. If a tooth is cracked or severely decayed, an infection can develop within the tooth, damaging the dental pulp and potentially infecting the nerves, causing extreme discomfort. Loose fillings can also allow bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to infection if left untreated.
Symptoms of an infected root canal typically include pain when chewing, as well as swelling in the face or neck. Pain in the affected tooth and surrounding jaw area is also common. If an infection spreads to other areas of the face or head, it can be very dangerous and potentially lead to tooth loss, bone loss in the jaw, and other serious health emergencies.
8) Gum disease treatment:
Periodontal disease is a condition that refers to the destruction of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth in the mouth. This should not be confused with the term gingivitis, which simply means inflamed gums, a condition that is experienced by all people at some point. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that naturally exist in the mouth. To prevent gum disease or periodontal disease, it is important to establish good oral hygiene habits such as daily brushing and flossing, which can help maintain a healthy mouth.
Family Dentist contact!
-Monday-Thursday – (919) 872-1700
-Friday-Sunday – (919) 624-5556
We are located at 4905-111 Green Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616. Our office is open for regular appointments Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Dental emergencies, such as a fractured tooth, an abscess, or severe pain while chewing, are quite common. Over-the-counter pain medication may only provide temporary relief, and it’s important to see an emergency dentist promptly to properly diagnose and correct the underlying issue as soon as possible.
In summary, family dentist in Raleigh offers a comprehensive range of dental services to restore and maintain good oral health. Their services include dental crowns, dental sealants for children, dental implants, dentures, tooth extraction, tooth fillings, root canals, and gum disease treatment. They utilize state-of-the-art technology and materials to provide effective, long-lasting solutions for their patients.
Family dentist in Raleigh emphasizes the importance of good oral hygiene habits, such as daily brushing and flossing, to prevent gum disease or periodontal disease. In a dental emergency, they offer prompt, professional care to address issues such as fractured teeth, abscesses, or severe pain while chewing.
Trusting a family dentist means receiving top-quality dental care from a team of experienced professionals.
