General Dentistry Services Huntersville, NC
Patients throughout Huntersville, NC turn to The Smile Architects for a full range of general dentistry care. Give our office a call at 704-875-1621 to ask questions or set up a visit.
Complete Oral Evaluations and Exams
Our team places your overall health and comfort at the center of every visit. During each appointment, we take into account your general health, daily habits, and the condition of your teeth and gums.
An oral exam involves a careful visual review of the mouth, head, and neck to help identify anything out of the ordinary. X-rays can support a more thorough evaluation, allowing the doctor to look for cavities, issues with existing restorations, gum or bone recession, and other conditions that may develop in the mouth, head, or neck area.
Routine Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning, sometimes called an oral prophylaxis, removes plaque and tartar buildup (calculus) from the tooth surface. Instruments designed for this purpose are used to lift these deposits gently, without harming the enamel. An ultrasonic tool that uses vibration and a steady stream of water typically loosens larger areas of tartar first. Hand instruments then follow to clear away smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surface. Once the teeth are free of tartar and plaque, a polish finishes the cleaning.
Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
A number of sports require players to wear a mouth guard during practice and games to help protect their teeth. Mouth guards are common in contact sports, where they cover the gums and teeth and offer a layer of protection for the lips, gums, teeth, and dental arches. A properly fitted mouth guard may help reduce the severity of injuries to the mouth.
Gum and Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition linked to the buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria along the gumline. When it goes untreated, it may contribute to tooth loss and has been associated with broader health concerns such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Our hygiene team works with you at each regular visit to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Health
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment option for gum disease. The scaling portion uses dental instruments to clear plaque and calculus from below the gumline, while planing smooths the root surface afterward. This combination can help the gums heal and reattach to a cleaner, smoother root surface over time.
Root Canal Therapy
At The Smile Architects, root canal treatment can typically be completed right here in our office. The treating dentist will examine the affected tooth along with the surrounding gum, jaw, and mouth to determine the appropriate next steps, and will walk you through the treatment and answer any questions you may have.
When a root canal is needed, the tooth is first numbed with a local anesthetic. The affected area inside the tooth chamber is then removed, cleaned, and treated with medication before being sealed. In many cases the natural tooth can be restored, or a permanent crown can be placed so the result looks and feels like your own tooth.
In many cases, this entire process can take place in our office, without a separate referral or an additional appointment elsewhere.
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth cannot be saved through restorative treatment, removal may be recommended. The area is numbed with anesthesia beforehand, and the tooth is gently loosened from the jawbone and surrounding tissue using a careful rocking motion before it is removed. Depending on the case, stitches may be placed afterward.
Common Questions About Preventive Dentistry
Why Does Preventive Dentistry Matter?
Preventive dentistry can help support a healthy smile well into the future. Regular visits for oral evaluations and cleanings may also lower the likelihood of needing emergency care or restorative treatment later on, which can save both time and money.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
A typical cleaning begins with an ultrasonic instrument that clears larger deposits of plaque and tartar, followed by hand tools for the smaller deposits. From there, the teeth are flossed and polished, which helps remove surface stains and makes it a bit harder for new plaque to build up.
What Sets a Deep Cleaning Apart from a Regular Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is typically used to treat gum disease. Unlike a routine cleaning, it involves clearing plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothing the tooth root, which can encourage the gums to reattach and reduce periodontal pockets.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Root canal treatment is typically not painful, since a local anesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue during the procedure. After the anesthetic wears off, some tenderness or sensitivity is common, and over-the-counter pain medication can often help manage it.
When Might a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?
A few different situations can call for a tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth are often removed when they lead to crowding, infection, or other issues, and other teeth are sometimes extracted to make room for orthodontic treatment. When a tooth is significantly damaged or decayed and cannot be saved with a root canal, extraction followed by a bridge or dental implant may be recommended.
Looking for a dentist in Huntersville, NC? Reach out to our team today to set up your appointment.