Blog

  • What’s the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar? Ask a Dentist in ApexWhat's the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar? Ask a Dentist in Apex
    WE OFTEN GET THIS QUESTION from our patients, “What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?” Many patients think they are the same thing. However, there is an important difference between the two.  Understanding how they are different can help explain why a daily oral hygiene routine is so crucial, as well as twice-yearly visits to your dentist. What Is Plaque? Dental plaque is the soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and under your gums. It starts forming soon after you finish brushing. In other words, plaque is constantly accumulating on your teeth. And guess what? It contains millions of bacteria! When you eat—especially carbohydrates ...
  • Tips for a Healthy Back to School Smile from a Family Dentist in ApexTips for a Healthy Back to School Smile from a Family Dentist in Apex
    It’s that time of year!  Back to school!!!  The time of year that Moms and Dads are found scratching their heads at Target trying to figure out whether the 3 prong, plastic, 2 pocket folders comes in 5 different colors so they can check it off the school supply list (There is always one item that makes buying the whole list in one trip impossible).  We have been there! Along with school supply shopping, it is also time to start thinking about what to pack in your child’s lunch.  Among the seemingly endless options there are prepackaged lunches and individual serving sizes of chips and cookies. These foods are usually high in sugar, sodium, and fat and, while easy to ...
  • Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted? Ask an Apex Oral SurgeonDo Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted? Ask an Apex Oral Surgeon
    We have found that while many of our patients with wisdom teeth know that they should be extracted, very few of them understand why. So here you go…A Little Wisdom about Wisdom Teeth. There are several reasons your Apex Dentist might recommend having your third molars, also known as Wisdom teeth, extracted.   Very few people have adequate space in their dental arch for wisdom teeth.  If you are one of the lucky ones that does have enough room, be sure your toothbrush is reaching all the way back to those teeth, as they are often very difficult to keep clean.  If/when 3rd molars develop cavities ...
  • Everything You Need to Know About Dental Sealants from a Family Dentist in ApexEverything You Need to Know About Dental Sealants from a Family Dentist in Apex
    What is a sealant?   A sealant is a tooth-colored resin material that is placed on chewing surfaces of teeth to help them stay cavity-free. Why do teeth need sealants? Molar and premolar teeth often have very deep pits and fissures.  While bacteria can easily enters these groves, toothbrush bristles are often too large and therefore ineffective.  As a result, these areas become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to multiply which can lead to dental decay. A sealant does just what its name suggests…it seals off the grooves so that bacteria can’t enter.  After a sealant is placed these areas can no longer harbor bacteria and your tooth brushing once again becomes effective. What teeth need sealants?  Any teeth that have deep groves ...
  • Our Apex Dentist Explains The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
    Everyday we see patients that have missing teeth. Sometimes they are teeth that have been recently extracted.  Other times they have been missing for years.  The reasons for why the teeth are missing vary.  But the answers about why to replace them are usually the same.  So we wanted to share these answers with you! In the US, about 70% of the population is missing one or more teeth.  Tooth loss can lead to reduced self confidence because of gaps in a person’s smile.  Unfortunately, effects on physical appearance are not the only result.   Teeth are lost or missing for several reasons such as trauma, decay, periodontal disease, or even genetics. ...
  • Four Things to Consider When Choosing a Dentist in Apex NCFour Things to Consider When Choosing a Dentist in Apex NC
    Are you new in town or looking for a different dental experience?  There are many dentists to choose from in the Apex Cary area and so sometimes it can be overwhelming as you try to find a good fit for you and your family. It is important to choose a dentist who you feel you can trust. Look for a dentist who…  1)  Is an Active Listener You should feel like your dentist gives you a customized dental experience. Not a one size fits all appointment.  This can only be done if the dentist takes time to not only look in your mouth, but to listen to you.  The dentist might be an expert ...
  • Our Dentist in Apex Shares FAQs Regarding Dental Sealants
    What are Dental Sealants? Dental sealants are thin coatings that are made out of plastic. They are placed over the teeth in order to prevent them from decaying. They help keep the food particles and germs out of the grooves of the teeth. Sealants are considered preventative dentistry. Are Sealants 100 Percent Effective? Some studies have shown that sealants can be 100 percent effective. The tooth will be protected as long as the sealant remains in place. Can you see Sealants? Sealants are clear and white. That is why they can only be seen up close. How Long do the Sealants Last? The sealants can potentially last ...
  • The Need to Know Detail About Cosmetic Dentistry
    What is a cosmetic dentist? A cosmetic dentist is one who improves the appearance of a smile. There are a number of ways to do this, ranging from simple bleaching to minor surgery. Many cosmetic dentistry techniques can certainly be performed at a local dentist office. The amount of time, discomfort, and expense involved depends upon the procedure. Cosmetic surgery can be broken down into two types. The first type improves upon the natural appearance of the smile by changing the color or shape of the teeth. The second type improves the overall appearance of the smile by improving tooth and bite ...
  • Is the Teeth Whitening Process Safe for Me and My Family?
    One question that you may have for your cosmetic dentist in Apex is whether or not teeth whitening is safe for you and your family members. You may be wondering if the components that the dentist uses for teeth whitening solutions are harmful. It is normal for a person to be concerned about a procedure that involves chemicals. However, you can rest assured that you will be able to undergo the whitening process and still have your health intact. Why You May Want teeth Whitening Teeth whitening is a very common procedure in the dental world. Millions of people have their teeth ...
  • Restore Your Dental Health with Bridges
    Bad teeth are not wanted by anyone. Poor dental health leads to a poor smile and poor self-esteem. It is not all about looks when you have trouble speaking and eating, too. No matter how bad your teeth are, get the missing ones fixed with the use of dental bridges. Bridgework is a major form of restorative dentistry that you should know about. The Purpose of Bridges First, know the main purpose of getting dental bridges in the first place. The bridges are prostheses that replace the large spaces caused by missing teeth. There are several reasons why people use this procedure: Serious ...
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