North Carolina Dentistry 101

North Carolina dentistry has evolved over the last century and currently boasts well trained dentists as well as state of the art equipment. A patient searching for an experienced dentist has many options regardless of the dental procedure, including sedation dentistry.

North Carolina Dentistry Basics

A dentist in NC is easy to find -- one only has to search the phone book or browse the internet for dentists in their local area. A great tip when looking for a dentist in NC is to search for a local listing and then look for specific dental practices that coincide with one’s dental needs. For example searching for specifics such as sedation, veneers for teeth or crowns for teeth will narrow down the field considerably. If the particular service is unfamiliar, then look for dental practices that tout their specialties. For example:

1. Sedation: Dentistry can sometimes be a stressful process both for a dentist and the patient. Many North Carolina dentistry practices recognize this fact and provide adequate sedative options like Triazolam or other Valium derivatives which can act as a sedative, anesthetic, and/or a mild amnesiac.
2. Restorative: Arguably the most common specialty of many North Carolina dentists, with procedures from cleaning, fillings teeth whitening and bite realignment. In most cases patients come in with multiple restorative needs and require several dental appointments. However, patients should not fear a dental visit as the painful scraping and poking previously required to locate tooth decay is not always necessary. Many dental clinics now carry DIAGNOdent, a laser aided tooth decay locator.
3. Dental implants: In some cases tooth restoration is no longer an option and removal and implants are required. Implant options are veneers or crowns for teeth, bridges and full dentures. Dental implants are designed to be as comfortable and natural as possible, especially with the aid of a highly skilled sedation dentist. Many times crowns for teeth are virtually imperceptible and veneers for teeth are implanted as painlessly as possible.
4. Gum Disease: Do you experience gum inflammation? This can be the sign of periodontal disease. The dentist will tell you if you need to alter your preventative care measures to address your gum disease. Gum disease can also be a sign that tooth veneers are infected or improperly placed. The important thing is to have this checked as soon as possible by a reputable dentist.

Things to Remember

When locating a dentist, it is very important to make sure that he or she is properly licensed. Be sure to look for their diploma and Board certification and ensure they are in good standing with the Dental Board. It is also important to have adequate consultation with a dentist prior to a major procedure. Be sure to answer all questions honestly. This is especially true of detailing all prescription medication being taken, as many may not mix well with certain sedatives.