Eight Reasons to Schedule a Dental Visit

We all know regular dental visits at least twice a year are recommended. We also know bleeding gums and tooth pain means you should see your dentist as soon as possible. But what are some other signs or symptoms you may be experiencing that should signal it’s time for a dental visit? Here are to eight to consider….

1. You’ve quit smoking or chewing tobacco.

Quitting tobacco is important for your overall health, and is good for oral health as well. A dental visit after tobacco cessation allows your dentist to check your full mouth with a cancer screening. They will also check your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease and help you create a plan of action to achieve a happy, healthy mouth.

2. You have ongoing medical issues

Make your dentist part of your team if you have a medical condition (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders or are HIV positive), or you are undergoing medical treatment (such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy). Many diseases and conditions can have an impact on your teeth and gums.  The opposite is also true - poor oral health can make some medical conditions worse. Healthy teeth and gums can be key in your recovery.

3. You're pregnant.

A major shift in hormone levels can lead to changes to your oral health. In fact, pregnancy can make some dental problems worse, so don't miss your regular checkup. Also, many pregnant women discover their normally healthy gums may start appearing red, swollen, or even bleeding when brushing. If this occurs, visit to the dentist is a good idea. It's safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. Plan on a visit in your first trimester. Remember to tell your dentist about frequent morning sickness (frequent vomiting can erode your enamel), and problems with your gums.

4. You wake up with headaches 

If you go to sleep feeling well, but are waking with headaches, you could be unknowingly grinding or clenching your teeth at night. You may also notice soreness in your jaw when you chew your first meal of the day. Jaw misalignment, TMJ, or grinding can all be discussed at your dentist visit. Your dentist can offer suggestions and solutions, such as mouth guards, to reduce headaches and protect your teeth from excessive wear.

5. You were recently diagnosed with acid reflux.

GERD and acid reflux can cause stomach acids to climb up the esophagus, sometimes as far as the mouth. This can result in unusual tooth erosion and other periodontal problems. Seeing your dentist can allow you to create an action plan to limit damage and even save teeth.

6. You can’t kick that bad taste in your mouth.

An odor or bad taste that doesn’t go away, even after brushing, can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a saliva gland infection. Frequent, persistent bad breath can also be caused by mouth dryness or uncontrolled bacteria. Your dentist can offer some treatments and solutions.

7. You try to hide your smile

OK - this is not really a "condition", but smiling is important to your well-being.  Whether you're self-conscious about a missing tooth or embarrassed by a dull smile, don't be shy about talking to your dentist.  You may be surprised at some of the reasonably priced cosmetic options now available as well as financing options - such as CareCredit.

8. You're having trouble eating

Difficulty chewing or swallowing is not the norm. Try eating soft or liquified foods until you can see your dentist.

Schedule Your Dentist Visit Today

Of course this list is not all inclusive, so any time you have a concern with your mouth, teeth, jaw, or gums a dentist visit is recommended. You can contact the Raleigh dental practice of Jeff M. Morrison & Associates at (919) 755-3450 and speak with our friendly staff OR schedule online at: www.jeffmorrisondds.com/contact-us/.  We look forward to seeing you. 

What is Plaque and How Do I Avoid It?

Most people have heard the word “plaque,” and know it’s not something you want on your teeth. Yet, they don’t know what exactly plaque is, or how it contributes to dental decay.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that lives on the surface of your teeth and along the gumline. It accumulates from normal daily activities such as eating and drinking, especially if you’ve been consuming a lot of sugars and starches.

Ever had that fuzzy feeling on your teeth that goes away after you give them a good brush?

Yep, that’s plaque.

Plaque contributes to dental decay. The bacteria like to consume the sugars in your mouth and excrete acids that wear away at your tooth enamel.

When you don’t regularly brush and floss away plaque, it forms tartar. Tartar is the calcified substance on your teeth that only a professional cleaning can remove. When your Dental Hygienist scrapes away at your teeth, she is removing tartar.

If you don't brush properly after meals, plaque begins to form and build up on your teeth right away. It takes about 12 days for the plaque to turn into tartar. That's why good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are so important.

How can you avoid plaque?

Here are our five top suggestions:

1. Brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day

You know you should do it, but how often?

“Ideally, we want everyone to brush after each meal to remove plaque as soon as it develops,” says Dr. Morrison. "It’s especially important to get your bedtime brushing in", he says, "because without it, plaque sits on your teeth all night long".

2. Clean between your teeth

Your teeth aren’t the only places where plaque gathers. It also hides in the spaces between your teeth. In fact, one-third of your tooth surface cannot be reached by tooth brushing alone. Floss or other tools that reach that are key.

3. Swish with antibacterial mouthwash once a day.

For many people, antibacterial mouthwash can be another option in their plaque prevention toolkit. “Mouthwash generally helps loosen plaque, making it easier to remove,” Dr. Morrison says. 

4. Limit sugar and starch

When you finish eating, bacteria rush to the sugar left in your mouth and feed on it. The more sugary your food, the more bacteria there are to deal with when you brush.

5. Regular dental cleanings and exams 

Most of your plaque removal should take place during your home routine. “No matter how great a job you’re doing at home, there are some areas that are difficult to reach and clean properly, like under the gums or behind the second molars,” Dr. Morrison says. Besides cleaning the spots you might have missed, your Dental Hygienist can also tweak your tooth brushing techniques and catch any issues early, before they become bigger problems.

Is it time for your cleaning and exam? Give us a call at (919) 755-3450 or schedule online. We look forward to seeing you.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, we are ALWAYS taking new patients and have appointments available for same day and next day exams, cleanings and treatment.

Why Middle Aged Adults Avoid the Dentist: Cost and Fear Are Big Factors

Are you embarrassed by the condition of your teeth? Do you have dental problems that are causing pain, difficulty eating, or missed work? Have you been skipping your regular preventive dental cleanings?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions you're not alone. The dental health of middle-aged Americans faces a lot of problems right now according to new results from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.

Here are some of the surprising statistics:

• Thirty percent of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 say they're embarrassed by the condition of their teeth.
• A slightly larger percentage say dental problems have caused pain, difficulty with eating, missed work or other health problems in the past two years.
• Forty percent of Americans don't get regular cleanings or other preventive care that can help them avoid dental problems.

Why don't people get needed dental care? Cost was the most commonly reported answer, given by 69 percent who said they did not get, or delayed, needed care. One in five cited fear of the dentist as a major factor for not receiving care.

Insurance coverage has a lot to do with this lack of care. Nearly one-third of those surveyed did not have dental insurance and one-half did not know how they will get dental insurance coverage after they turn 65.

Creating Opportunities To Help Our Patients

"Oral health is a critical factor in overall wellness - for example, people with periodontal disease are at greater risk for Alzheimer's Disease, stroke, certain cancers, and rheumatoid arthritis" states Dr. Jeff Morrison, of Jeff M.Morrison & Assoc., DDS. This research helps us identify some key issues -- such as lack of insurance coverage and dental fear -- which may be keeping patients from the receiving the care they need. It also allows us to create opportunities to encourage these patients to come in."

"For example, because regular preventive dental care and early treatment for problems can be out of reach for those without dental insurance, we created the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan. This in-office plan covers the cost for annual preventive care and offers a significant savings off all other treatment throughout the year. We also offer a variety of payment options, including Care Credit dental financing." says Dr. Morrison.

"We also understand that fear keeps many people from the dentist, and our entire staff works hard to address the anxiety and concerns among patients of all ages."

Are you delaying needed preventive care or treatment - for any reason? Give us a call at (919) 755-3450 and let our friendly staff help you find a solution. You can also go online and schedule.

Story Source:  Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan. "Tooth trouble: Many middle-aged adults report dental pain, embarrassment and poor prevention: More than 1 in 4 lack dental insurance now, and half don't know how they'll get it after age 65, U-M/AARP National Poll on Healthy Aging finds." 

Sedation Dentistry: What You Need to Know

If you shudder at the thought of a dental visit, or avoid it altogether, you're not alone. Dental anxiety is very real and it's estimated that up to 20% of people avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates DDS, we want you to take excellent care of your oral health - which means coming in for regular cleaning and exams, and having dental problems addressed at the earliest possible stage. That's why we offer sedation dentistry to those who need extra help feeling calm and relaxed during a dental procedure.

We will administer a controlled amount of sedative medicine before or during your dental procedure, helping to reduce your anxiety and create a calm treatment experience.  Whether you are getting your wisdom teeth removed, a cavity filled, or simply a routine cleaning and exam, we will work with you to assure that you are comfortable, calm and relaxed.

Sedation dentistry is divided into different categories. Minimal sedation, which decreases anxiety while maintaining full consciousness, can be achieved through mild anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide. Moderate, or conscious, sedation is commonly achieved through a combination of sedative pills and an intravenous sedative. It creates a sleeplike state in which the patient's response to touch and sound is strong. Intravenous sedation allows you to sleep deeply in an unconscious state where you will not be awakened until the effects wear off or medication is used to reverse it.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, our patients’ comfort is our priority. We offer two types of minimal dental sedation to help you feel completely relaxed before, during, and after your visit to our office:

• Inhalation Sedation (or Laughing Gas) is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen that you breathe in through a mask placed over your nose to help you relax. The amount you receive is controlled by Dr. Morrison. This form of sedation wears off quickly.

• Oral Conscious Sedation is in the form of a prescribed pill that is taken about an hour before your dental procedure. With this form of sedation, you remain conscious and completely aware of your surroundings in a very calm and relaxed state. A variety of medications are available for this type of sedation, and Dr. Morrison will carefully discuss your particular needs to determine which choice would work best for you. However, all are classified as anti-anxiety medications and achieve the same result: reducing and even eliminating the anxiety of dental treatment.

Inhalation sedation and oral conscious sedation can safely be used together for an even deeper feeling of relaxation.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?

Here are a few things to discuss with Dr. Morrison when considering sedation dentistry: 

• Is the procedure lengthy or complex? Sedation dentistry may allow us to complete your treatment in fewer appointments and to finish complex procedures in less time.

• Do you have a psychological or physiological reason (such as a highly sensitive gag reflex) that makes dental procedures difficult? Sedation dentistry may successfully address these reasons by allowing you to relax deeply through the procedure. 

• Do you have any serious health conditions, or are you pregnant? Using sedatives during a dental procedure may not be a good idea for people who are pregnant, or who have certain cardiac or respirator conditions. 

While your dental treatment is performed, your vital signs will be carefully monitored to ensure that your experience is as safe as possible. If you've only received nitrous oxide, the effects will wear off almost immediately and you will be able to drive home, or return to work or school. The effects of oral sedation last longer than with nitrous oxide alone, so you'll need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Unexpected reactions to inhalation or oral sedation are exceedingly rare, but as with any medical procedure, Dr. Morrison will review your health history, discuss the risks and benefits, and carefully monitor you throughout the procedure for any changes in blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.

"It’s normal to experience some apprehension about going to the dentist, especially if you've had a negative experience at the dentist as a child, or if you’re heading into an extensive procedure" says Dr. Morrison. "Before I offer the option of sedation - I try to find out the source of the patients' anxiety and their level of anxiety, and then we talk about ways to manage it," he said. "I can oftentimes get an anxious patient comfortably through a procedure just by talking with them, distracting them, taking breaks, and explaining what we are doing at each stage of treatment." 

"However, some patients simply won't get the care they need unless they have some kind of sedation and in these cases the risks of not receiving dental care is greater," said Dr. Morrison. "For these patients, using sedation dentistry to help them face their fears and get the treatment they need is essential."

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, we do what we can so all patients feel completely comfortable in our office— no matter how big or how small their treatment may be. Is it time for your cleaning and exam? Give our office a call at 919.755.3450 or schedule online. We look forward to seeing you.

PROPER BRUSHING FAQs

Mouth open or mouth closed? After lunch or after dinner? Flat or at an angle? We've been brushing our teeth just about every day (hopefully) since our teeth came in.  Who knew it was so complicated?   

Fact is, there are actually some best practices to be mindful of when brushing those pearly whites. In our world of alternate facts, fake news, and lists of “7 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean Without Picking Up a Toothbrush” it's easy to be confused about the correct way to brush.  

Don't worry - we’ve got you covered with this handy FAQ (frequently asked questions) guide. We’ll keep it simple with some easy dos and don’ts of brushing. Let’s get to it! 

Don’t: Keep your brush flat 
Do: Use a 45-degree angle when brushing 

Don’t: Use looooooooong strokes. No need to cover your whole mouth in one stroke! 
Do: Use short, side to side strokes 

Don’t: Brush with the force of a giant
Do: Gently cover all areas. A gentle touch helps prevent wear and tear on your enamel 

Don’t: Go one and done 
Do: Brush at least twice a day, especially after eating or drinking something acidic (like citrus or soda) 

Don’t: Be sentimental and use the same toothbrush for life 
Do: Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. A trick to remember: switch out on the first day of each season 

Don’t: Be average – the average person brushes their teeth for 45 seconds 
Do: Brush for a full 2 minutes. A helpful trick: say the alphabet while brushing a certain section, move to the next section after you hit Z 

Don’t: Keep your toothbrush in a closed container 
Do: All your toothbrush to air dry 

Don’t: Store your toothbrush on the sink counter where bathroom particles can get on it 
Do: Store your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet 

Don’t: Use a tough-bristled brush 
Do: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is much better for your tooth enamel 

And there we have it! Some easy practices to keep that perfect smile. Remember: Brushing is only 4 minutes out of the day, so why not make it great?  If you have questions about brushing, ask our friendly Dental Hygienists at your next check up.  Need to schedule?  Give us a call at 919.755.3450 or schedule online at www.jeffmorrisondds.com.

Seven Steps to Take This Fall for Better Dental Health

1. Clean Out that Mouth! If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably thinking about cleaning out your gutters this time of year. The same goes for your teeth – particularly if it's been awhile since your last cleaning. So, pull out your calendar and give us a call or go online to schedule an appointment.  
2. Replace Your Toothbrush: Homeowners and renters are familiar with the drill of replacing heating and air conditioning filters, or batteries in your smoke detector, with the change of seasons. This is also a great time to switch out your toothbrush. Here are a few tips on choosing the right toothbrush to make sure you pick the right one.
3. Pick up a Pack of Xylitol Gum: This is one little secret that’s starting to catch on. Use a sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol – a natural sweetener derived from plants. It doesn't break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth. Both of which can help you avoid cavities.
4. Eliminate a Habit: Whether it’s smoking, acidic beverages, or chewing tobacco, try eliminating a habit that does harm to your teeth. Doing so now is a good idea because outside the holidays, there are fewer demands on your willpower reserves, making a successful effort that much more likely.
5. Pick up a GOOD Habit: There are a lot of great dental habits you can pick up that benefit your teeth year-round, like wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth at night, going with better food choices, or wearing a mouthguard if you play sports. 
6. Buy Yourself - or Someone You Love - an Early Holiday Gift: Why wait until the holidays to spoil yourself or a loved one? Start now by picking up a dental care tool to make your (or their) teeth look great, gums feel great, and breath smell great! There are a lot of options that are easy on your budget, including teeth whitening, electric tooth brushes, interproximal brushes, dental irrigators, and even tongue scrapers!   Do you know someone in need of dental care?  Buy them a year of preventive dental care with the St. Marys Dental Savings Plan.  
7. Check in on Your Insurance Benefits: Don't let your dental benefits go unused. In most cases any unused portion is lost when your new insurance year starts, even though you have already paid for them! And, don’t forget, many of those dollars can be used for items other than actual exams.  Not sure if you have remaining dental benefits?  Give our office a call - we can tell you and also schedule that exam or treatment you have been putting off.  

Questions?  Need to schedule an appointment?  Give our friendly staff at call at 919 755 3450.  We look forward to seeing you in the office!  

Chew Gum - Save Money?

According to a new study published in the American Journal of Dentistry, if current consumers of sugar-free chewing gum increase their consumption by just one piece per day, $4.1 billion could be saved worldwide on dental expenditures from treating tooth decay each year, according to the Institute of Empirical Health Economics (IEHE). These savings would include $2.07 billion in the United States, $1.1 billion in Europe, and $149 million in China.

Chewing Gum Increases Saliva Flow

Chewing increases salivary flow, which helps remove leftover food debris while neutralizing and washing away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on teeth. This acid can break down tooth enamel, creating conditions for decay. Also, the increased saliva provides more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen the enamel.

ADA Recommendations for Chewing Gum

The American Dental Association, (ADA), recommends chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals, since it's been proven to reduce plaque, promote tooth enamel, reduce cavities, and reduce gingivitis. Just make sure your gum is sugarless, as sugar-containing gums can actually add to acid build-up. Look for gums with xylitol too, which can reduce decay-causing bacteria. Finally, be mindful of sorbitol, which can cause GI discomfort if ingested in extremely large doses.

“In addition to the well-established clinical benefits, for the first time, this study models the reduction in the relative risk of tooth decay and subsequent cost savings for dental care as a result of increased consumption of sugar-free gum as part of a complete oral hygiene routine,” said Michael Dodds, BDS, PhD, lead oral health scientist with Wrigley, which funded the study and produces a range of sugar-free gum brands.

While sugarless gum should not replace brushing and flossing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, flossing once a day, and a dental cleaning and exam every six months, the ADA reports, it can be an effective adjunct to oral care.  

Did you find this article interesting?  Please leave a comment and also let us know about any other dental topics you may be interested in. 

The study, “A Global Approach to Assess the Economic Benefits of Increased Consumption of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum,” was published by the American Journal of Dentistry.

How Menopause Affects Your Oral Health and What You Can Do About It

Women experience many changes during menopause, some of which can show up in the mouth. This makes menopause a particularly important time for a woman to focus on dental health and hygiene. 

The connection between menopause and oral health is complex. Teeth, gums and bones are extremely susceptible to the hormonal changes taking place during this time of life. Some of these changes are subtle, so your dentist may be the first to notice.  Here are some potential changes both you and Dr. Morrison should keep an eye on:

Loss of bone in the oral cavity

Many women experience a loss of bone tissue in the oral cavity.  The reason is unclear, but a decrease in hormones is the suspected culprit. A past history with gingivitis and periodontal disease is another reason often considered relevant. In order to avoid losing teeth as you age, you'll want to maintain regular visits with your dentist so that you catch these problems early.

Burning mouth syndrome

First the good news: only about 1% of people experience a burning sensation in the mouth, known as “burning mouth syndrome”. The bad news is that the prevalence of burning mouth syndrome is significantly higher in menopausal and postmenopausal women (43%) than in premenopausal women (6%). The symptoms may vary from minor discomfort to intense pain. Treatment can include nutritional supplements, medication, the adjustment of dentures and other oral appliances, and nerve stimulation if the cause is believed to be nerve-related. But the answer to the cause and proper treatment remain elusive.

Dry Mouth

Dryness of the mouth, or xerostomia, is a common symptom for menopausal women. Salivary flow rates are influenced by estrogen levels and women in menopause have lower flow rates of saliva than menstruating women.  Saliva helps your body's ability to fight off minor infections, maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the oral environment and prevent cavities.  When saliva flow is reduced, women are more susceptible to problems such plaque formation, caries, and periodontal disease.  

Gingivitis and periodontitis

Postmenopausal women present with periodontal or gum disease more frequently and in more severe form than other women. The primary cause is bacterial plaque, which can increase with reduced saliva flow.  Regular dental care to remove bacterial plaque under the gum-line is especially important.  Women taking estrogen supplements during and after menopause are at risk for gingivitis or periodontitis, than women not pursuing hormone therapy.  So, taking care of your mouth, visiting the dentist, and being aware of a dry mouth are keys to keeping you gum-disease free. 

Can HRT Improve Oral Health for Women in Menopause? 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has helped women manage an array of menopause-related issues, including reducing hot flashes and improving heart health. Can we add improving oral health to that list?  It's very likely.  HRT is proven to be effective in preventing bone loss - which is linked to tooth loss.   And because the mouth contains estrogen receptors, HRT has been shown in some studies to prevent the likelihood or worsening of oral health issues such as  burning mouth syndrome, dry mouth, dental caries and periodontal disease.  In studies comparing women on HRT with those who are not, women on HRT had better dental outcomes including lower rates of periodontal disease, accelerated healing of periodontal disease, fewer teeth lost, fewer oral symptoms such as dry or painful mouth, and lower dental costs than those who did not use HRT.

What You Can Do

All women, but especially women in menopause, should make good dental care a part of their healthy lifestyles.  Let our staff know of any changes in your health - including symptoms of menopause, whether you are receiving HRT and  if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.  Also, alert us to any new symptoms you may have such as dry or painful mouth, or bleeding gums. 

Because menopausal and postmenopausal women present with periodontal disease more frequently and in more severe form, it is also very important for you to stay on track with your dental exams and cleanings to identify and begin to treat gum disease at its earliest possible stage. 

The dips in progesterone and estrogen that accompany menopause affect every woman differently. And for those who pursue hormone therapy, perhaps less still. Staying on top of symptoms and keeping your communication lines open with your doctor and dentist will help keep you ahead of the curve when it comes to your oral  health.   

If you have questions don't hesitate to talk with Dr. Morrison or your Dental Hygienist.  Is it time for your dental cleaning and exam?  Contact us so we can get you scheduled!  

If you found this blog post informative please leave a comment and share it.  Are there other topics we can address?  Let us know.

Why Do Dentists Want You To Come In Every Six Months?

           I hear this all the time when I tell a patient who just had a great check-up that I'll see them in six month - "Really? Six months. But my teeth are healthy." I understand - everyone is busy. If you don't have dental insurance, a routine cleaning and exam is an added expense. Instead of a waste of time and money - I suggest you to look at that exam as 30 minutes that can have a real impact on your teeth, your overall health, and your wallet.

The American Dental Association recommends semi-yearly exam and cleanings. That being said, everyone is different. Some adults with no risk factors and a great oral hygiene routine can get away with pushing it out to every nine months, while others really should stick to the twice yearly recommendation.  People with periodontal disease definitely need to get in every 3 or 4 months.  Children, because their teeth and jaws are still developing and they're still learning good oral hygiene habits, really need to come in every six months. 

Your oral health can change pretty quickly. A lesion can appear. A filling can fall out or a tooth fracture.  Decay or periodontal disease can start. You may not even be aware that anything is wrong. The time you spend here can mean much less time in our office down the road, much less expense, and if you have oral cancer - much earlier intervention and care.

In general, our "hygiene" appointments - which include a cleaning and exam - are about 30 minutes[1]. We cover a lot in that time.  I'll evaluate the health of your and gums, checking for redness, inflammation or signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. I'll do an oral cancer screening, perform a head and neck examination, and check the health of your teeth, jaw and bite. I'll look for evidence of tooth decay, damaged fillings, contact between your teeth, and any broke or loose teeth. Your Dental Hygienist will also do a thorough cleaning of your mouth. This will include removing any plaque and tartar, polishing and flossing your teeth. She'll point out any areas that you may need to focus on, and talk with you about maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits. Once your examination and cleaning are complete, I'll tell you about the health of your teeth and gums and we'll discuss any recommendations to improve your dental health.

Believe me when I say it's worth it. In my 30+ years as a dentist, I've identified areas that turned out to be cancerous lesions in a number of patients, and have referred many patients follow-up care because of suspected diabetes, reflux, eating disorders and other problems. I've also helped countless patients sleep better with our custom-made sleep apnea devices (and there are a lot of health benefits to getting a good night of sleep), and have resolved chronic headaches in people with our oral appliances.

People think 'no pain, no problem', or have a false sense of security because cosmetically their teeth look good. The truth is, many dental issues can advance without pain until they're very serious and requires more invasive and expensive treatment. If you have insurance - we accept just about any plan and are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and Delta Dental Premier - the cost of a 6 month cleaning and exam will probably be covered. Take advantage of it - even if you had a great visit in the past. If you don't have insurance - consider investing in the St. Marys Street Dental Health Plan - our in-office dental savings plan, which provides two cleanings and dental exams (including x-rays, periodontal and oral cancer screenings) per year at a significant cost savings, along with discounted care.

For more information on our financial options, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 919 755 3450. You can also schedule online.  See you soon.

[1] If you're a new patient the initial cleaning and exam takes about an hour