Preventive Care
We offer a variety of preventive services for your family!
We have a dedicated team of hygienists that take your oral health seriously. Routine cleanings, oral exams, and radiographs are necessary for patients of all ages to help maintain good oral health. Preventing cavities or catching tooth decay early can save money on restorative care in the future. Check out some of our most popular services below!
Cleanings and Exams
At your cleaning appointment, your hygienist will take extra care to remove all plaque and tartar (calculus) around the gum line and other hard to reach areas of the mouth. This helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease in areas that brushing alone cannot reach.
Following your cleaning, one of our dentists will do a thorough exam to evaluate all potential dental issues ranging from cavities to oral cancer. If you have any concerns about your smile or oral health, this is the perfect time to ask your questions!
Radiographs (X-Rays)
Radiographs are an important tool dentists have used for years to help check for tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that are not always visible to the naked eye.
Bitewings - These x-rays allow us to check for cavities between your back teeth. The grooves in your molars can be a hotspot for cavities, so bitewings help us get a clearer image of this area.
Full Mouth Series - This set of x-rays is done every 3-5 years to check each of your teeth in detail from top to bottom. Seeing each tooth in detail is the best way to diagnose hidden decay and gum disease on all your teeth, not just your molars.
Panoramic - This radiograph captures your entire mouth in one image and shows your teeth, your upper and lower jaw, and the surrounding tissues. Since we can see your entire mouth, we can diagnose any bone issues or advanced periodontal disease you may have. In some cases, a CT scan may be necessary to show any bone issues in greater detail.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral in your teeth that keeps them strong and more resistant to decay. Fluoride treatments are especially important for children. Not only does it strengthen their existing primary teeth, it also hardens their developing permanent teeth before they emerge through their gums. These permanent teeth will be more resistant to decay from the beginning, giving your child a jump start on cavity prevention.
Sealants
Sealants are small invisible coatings that fill the tiny grooves in molars so they do not hide bacteria and food debris. Keeping debris out of these small grooves prevents cavities from forming, which keeps you from needing fillings in the long run. It is important for children to get sealants as soon as their permanent molars break through the gum. This keeps your child’s teeth cavity-free from the beginning.
Periodontal Treatment
Scaling and Root Planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and hard deposits (calculus or tartar) from the surface of your teeth, both above and below your gum line. After this scaling, your hygienist will smooth the tooth-root surfaces, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to stick to these areas.
A few months after this procedure, you will receive specialized cleanings we call periodontal maintenance. In these cleanings, your hygienist will pay extra attention to your gums to ensure there is no plaque hanging around your gum line. Typically, your hygienist will recommend having these cleanings every 3 to 4 months to help you maintain your periodontal health.
| Monday | 8AM–5PM |
| Tuesday | 8AM–5PM |
| Wednesday | 8AM–5PM |
| Thursday | 8AM–5PM |
| Friday | 8AM–12PM |
Family dentistry with an innovative touch. Experience the Carolina Smiles difference! Let us handle all of your dental needs; make an appointment today!