General Dentistry in Huntersville, NC
The Smile Architects provides general dentistry services in Huntersville, NC. Call us at 704-875-1621 to learn more and schedule a dental appointment.
Comprehensive Evaluation / Oral Examination
Your health and well-being is our primary concern. We assess your overall health, lifestyle and condition of your teeth and gums at every visit.
An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities. Radiographs allow for a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head and neck area.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.
Custom Mouth Guards
Many sports require athletes to use a mouth guard to protect their teeth while practicing and playing. Frequently used in contact sports, the mouth guard covers the gums and teeth to provide protection for lips, gums, teeth, and arches. A properly fitted mouth guard can reduce the severity of dental injuries.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition caused by the build-up of plaque and harmful bacteria. Left untreated, it can result in tooth loss or other systemic issues such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Our hygienists are committed to keeping your teeth and gums healthy with your regular visits.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Root Canal Treatment
At The Smile Architects, we are able to offer root canal procedures right here in our clinic. Our root canal specialist will examine the infected tooth, surrounding gum, jaw and mouth to determine what treatment is needed. The treatment will be clearly explained and any questions answered.
If a root canal is required, a local anesthetic will be used; the infected area inside of the tooth chamber will be removed; the area cleaned and medicated. Then it will be sealed, restoring your natural tooth or with a permanent crown that it looks and feels completely like your own.
All of this can be done conveniently in our office without having to make a separate appointment with a different specialist.
Extractions
A tooth that can not be saved with restorative procedures may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry
Why is preventive dentistry so important?
Preventive dentistry helps ensure that you have a healthy smile for decades to come. By seeing your dentist regularly for comprehensive oral evaluations and dental cleanings, you are also less likely to need emergency dental care or restorative treatments, which saves you both time and money.
What is included in a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning starts by using an ultrasonic instrument to remove large deposits of plaque and tartar, followed by a hand tool that removes smaller deposits. Your teeth are flossed, then polished to remove surface stains and make it more difficult for new plaque deposits to collect.
What is the difference between a regular dental cleaning and deep cleaning?x
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a procedure performed in order to treat gum disease. Unlike a regular dental cleaning, scaling and root planing involves removing plaque and tartar deposits from below the gum line, then smoothing the root of the tooth to encourage the gums to reattach, eliminating periodontal pockets.
Is a root canal painful?
No, root canals are not painful, as local anesthetic is used to numb your tooth and the tissue surrounding it. Once the anesthetic wears off, you are likely to have some tenderness and sensitivity at the site, but this can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication.
When is it necessary to extract a tooth?
There are a few reasons why it might be necessary to extract a tooth. Wisdom teeth are removed when they cause crowding, infection, or other dental problems, while other teeth may be extracted in order to create room for orthodontic treatment. A tooth that is badly damaged or decayed may need to be extracted if it cannot be saved by a root canal, then replaced with a bridge or dental implant.
Are you looking for a dentist in Huntersville, NC? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.