Diagnostic Dentistry Cary NC

Cary NC Diagnostic Dentistry

Learn about the best Diagnostic Dentistry Cary NC has to offer!

At our Cary, North Carolina family dentist office, we perform a thorough evaluation of your oral and dental health, considering both hard and soft tissue, which is the foundation of an effective treatment plan. Our dentists in Cary, NC dedicate a significant amount of time with patients so an ideal plan can be established.

How are Cary NC Dentistry Diagnoses Conducted?

At your initial appointment, after checking in with our front desk team, you will be welcomed by one of our hygienists. She will begin with a broad review of your past medical and dental histories and current medications. She will take your blood pressure and discuss any concerns or questions you may have for the dentist. A set of cavity detecting radiographs will be taken and all teeth charted. This means documenting decayed, missing and filled teeth. The health of gingival tissues will be assessed by appearance and by measuring periodontal pocket depths. Any recession or loss of attachment will be noted as well. Intra-oral photographs will be taken of your teeth and soft tissues.

If there is no evidence of periodontal disease, the hygienist will proceed with cleaning and polishing your teeth.  If you have periodontal disease, your hygienist will explain the condition, its causes and treatment protocols. She may take additional radiographs at this time, to assess the extent of disease. She will show you proper brushing and flossing techniques and may share additional tips for optimal oral health.

Our dentists in Cary, NC will then perform a comprehensive exam. We will evaluate the soft tissues and screen for oral cancer. We will feel around your jaw, neck, and inside your lips and cheeks. We will closely examine your tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth. We will carefully assess the teeth, looking for decay, cracks, wear and mobility. We will study your bite and determine any jaw problems. We will review the radiographs, looking for decay, calculus, bone loss, infections, and root fractures. We may make impressions of the teeth to further study the bite, tooth shape and position.

We may also use additional aids, such as DIAGNOdent, to assist us in our diagnosis. We will ask about your dental concerns, your oral health habits, your diet, and your dental treatment goals. Our dentists in Cary, NC will then explain our findings, showing you your radiographs and intraoral photos and help you understand your oral condition. We have all the data we need to now present options for treatment.

Jointly, we will discuss these options, reviewing the process, advantages and disadvantages of each, the costs and time involved. We can provide you with copies of all the plans and give you the opportunity to contemplate them for as long as you would like. Ultimately, we will formulate an appropriate treatment plan that you are comfortable with and that best restores your oral health.

Contact a Cary NC Dentist to Receive a Diagnosis

If you are concerned about your oral health, contact our dentists in Cary NC today for diagnosis.

Why Aging Adults Should Be Evaluated for Gum Disease

A significant percentage of people have undiagnosed gum disease. It’s optimal to catch it early, as it becomes more challenging to treat as it progresses. Early diagnosis dentistry in Cary, North Carolina at Alliance Dentistry, can mean improved chances of resolving the problem.

Once gum disease progresses, the tissues can no longer secure the teeth and they can start to fall out. Loss of teeth from severe and advanced gum disease leads to a whole other set of problems and struggles.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Although some symptoms of gum disease may not be readily apparent in the early stages, some indicators can alert you of a potential problem. Signs you can watch for that may point to possible gum disease include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Gums that bleed, particularly upon brushing.
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Bad breath
• Pain when chewing
• A receding gum line

Any of these problems, deserve a trip to a dentist as soon as possible. At Alliance Dentistry, we have qualified dental professionals to perform diagnostic dentistry in Cary NC and who can supply the care you need to restore your gums to health.

Bad Habits Can Worsen Gum Disease

Gum disease develops slowly and over time. If you’re not mindful of your habits, you may be creating an environment that’s highly conducive to gingivitis or periodontitis. You’re increasing your chances of developing gum disease as you age if you:

• Don’t floss daily or floss infrequently
• Brush less than twice a day
• Brush and floss improperly
• Smoke
• Have nutrient deficiencies, especially a lack of Vitamin C.
• Use a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard
• Rinse with water only, instead of an antiseptic rinse
• Grind or clench your teeth

Changing or reducing these habits can lead to better dental health and less risk of gum disease. This is especially important for older adults.

The Dangers of Gum Disease for Seniors

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease left untreated can lead to bone loss around the teeth. A mouthful of lost or loose teeth can carry an armload of struggles in itself. And while there are many options to help compensate for missing teeth, including dentures and implants, they can be uncomfortable in terms of both your pain and your wallet. The best way to preserve your teeth is to take good care of them.

Plus, poor dental health doesn’t only impact your teeth. Bacteria from plaque and tartar buildup can have an effect on other parts of your body as well. Gum disease can be linked to many other health problems.

If your immune system is under-functioning, the bacteria in your mouth can travel to other parts of the body. The result could be an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Infection of a tooth can even lead to an infection of the heart’s lining. It can also worsen diabetic conditions. This is why diagnostic dentistry in Cary NC is so critical to staying healthy.

At Alliance Dentistry, we are dedicated to diagnostic dentistry Cary NC family recommend. Call our office to set up an appointment for an evaluation of your likelihood of gum disease. We can discuss ways of reducing your chances of having gum disease at any point in your life, and in particular as you age.

How Do Dental Fillings Work?

 

At some point in almost everyone’s life, the dentist will likely say that he or she needs a filling in a tooth. While this is a common dental procedure, many people are unsure about what the procedure involves and how it can benefit them. Dental fillings seek to replace tooth structure that must be removed due to dental decay, better known as a cavity. This is typically a simple process that does not take up much of the patient’s time.

 

The Process

 

The dentist will usually begin by administering local anesthetic to the area where the filling will be placed. This helps you to have a painless procedure that would otherwise be uncomfortable. The doctor may use other measures such as laughing gas to help you relax during the simple procedure. After the area if sufficiently numb, the doctor will use a special instrument to remove diseased portions of the tooth structure. He or she then fills the resulting hole or cavitation with a special filling material; this filling material may be hardened with a curing light as well.

 

Types of Dental Fillings

 

Traditionally, dental fillings were silver in color and could tarnish over time, making them appear black in the mouth. Due to aesthetic concerns, many dentists now rely only on tooth-colored filling materials to restore teeth. This can make it almost impossible to even notice that there is a filling in the tooth, making it more cosmetically inclined for the patient.

 

Fillings Versus Other Forms of Treatment

 

A filling is typically an uncomplicated procedure that seeks to restore areas of tooth decay when the problem is still small and more manageable. When a tooth becomes too diseased to hold a filling, the dentist may have to recommend other treatments such as root canals or tooth extractions. Because of this, it is important for patients to maintain regular dental visits so that problem areas can be addressed when they are small, when it is less intensive and less expensive for the patient.

 

Finding out that you need a dental filling may seem frightening, but when you are aware of what a dental filling is and why it is needed, you can feel more relaxed during your procedure. Addressing tooth problems in the early stages can save you money as well as allow you to have the most conservative treatment options available. If you have been experiencing discomfort or pain with your teeth and know it is time for a dental checkup, call today to see a dentist about getting your oral health back on track.