monroe, Author at Adam Brown Dentistry - Monroe NC Dentist

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So far monroe has created 33 blog entries.

The Long-Term Effects of Opioid Use on the Teeth

monroe2021-02-05T17:58:45+00:00August 30th, 2017|General|

Sitting on your couch watching TV, you hear the commercial that seems to have found the perfect cure to a common illness, you sit and listen and observe the happy people, then the commercial ends and a quick and speedy list of about a million side effects are announced in a low monotone voice. Carolina’s Dental Choice wants you to know the negative effects opioids have on your teeth. The fact of the matter is this: there is a good chance that due to modern advancements in medicine, we have begun to take advantage of the fact that there is a drug for just about any ailment. We have become so focused on feeling better, we have neglected to read the fine print. This is not to say modern medicine is bad. Rather, it is important that we take extra good care of our teeth. This is true more now than ever, especially with the use of opioids on the rise.

Narcotic pain relievers prescribed only by a medical professional are called opioids. Most of us know them better by their particular names such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine, but each of these opioids carries with it a dangerous condition: dry mouth. There are many side effects to opioid use (addiction being the most deadly), but dry mouth is the one that can do direct damage to the teeth. What happens when we use opioids for short or long periods of time is the saliva deteriorates from the mouth. We need the bacteria in saliva to be continually present in order to fight off infection, tooth decay, and a host of other possible issues. Admittedly, dry mouth does not sound to be all that serious of a problem, but it is important to understand that dry mouth is simply the source of other much more serious side effects to opioid use.

This is not to say opioids are bad, but the long-term effects of opioid use can be extremely hazardous to the teeth if specific measures are not taken. Here are several of the symptoms that can become present after opioid use:

Dryness in the mouth and throat – this can cause discomfort when talking or trying to swallow. It can keep you from sleeping, even keep you from eating.

Thick saliva – this is when the little saliva you have left in your mouth becomes viscous or mucus-like. This can interfere with speech, eating, and drinking. It can also create bad breath.

Sore throat – we all know how terrible it is to have a sore throat. It’s difficult to sleep and swallow. It can even be painful to speak at times.

Increase in plaque development – more plaque means higher chances for cavities and rotted teeth. Gum infection can also occur.

Bad breath – there are different types of bad breath: one caused from the foods or drinks we intake and another from dry mouth. The former can be dealt with by brushing, chewing gum, or taking mints. The latter is minimally effected by these things, and continuously gets worse with the more opioids we take.

Mouth sores – these painful infections seem to irritate to no end, and without enough saliva in the mouth, they take longer to go away.

Poor sense of taste – dry mouth can even cause our taste buds to suffer. Foods begin to taste dull, flat, or completely void of flavor altogether.

Luckily, there are remedies for dry mouth, and by taking a little time out of your day, these side effects of opioid use can be one less thing to worry about.

If you have been prescribed an opioid it is extremely important to have routine exams at Carolina’s Dental Choice. Once you are here, we can have a close look at your teeth and mouth to see what is most likely to happen once you begin taking the medication. We can even discuss possible side effects specific to your teeth from long-term opioid use. Regardless of how long you will be on the medication, there are a few things to start doing in order to counteract the many possible outcomes previously listed due to opioid use.

One thing you can do is purchase artificial saliva spray. This can help to moisten the mouth and increase the flow of saliva. If your dry mouth continues, you may want to contact your physician. He or she can prescribe Pilocarpine, which helps stimulate salivary glands to create saliva. Before trying either of these things, start by drinking extra water to see if it does the trick.

There are a few good home remedies that have proven to help many suffering from dry mouth, and it never hurts to try these first.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss each time as well.

Drink plenty of water or unsweetened fluids with meals.

Use only sugar-free mints or gum to stimulate saliva flow.

Try to breathe primarily out of the nose rather than your mouth.

The digestion of food is dependent upon saliva. Saliva not only keeps the mouth moist, it also helps prevent against viruses, fungi, and tooth decay from taking place inside the mouth. Even if you are taking measures to control your dry mouth, it is essential that you still come into Carolina’s Dental Choice regularly for cleanings and checkups. Viruses, fungi, and tooth decay are not always apparent at first, which is why you want a professional who can detect and deal with them right away.

Here are a few more things to consider:

Brush your teeth with soft bristles. If soft bristles still cause pain or irritation, try soaking the bristles in warm water prior to use.

Avoid flossing around bleeding or sore gums, as this can cause more serious problems. If your gums do not seem to be getting better, make an appointment with Carolina’s Dental Choice right away.

Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride and that does not contain alcohol. Alcohol in mouthwash can actually encourage dry mouth.

As much as possible, refrain from sticky, sugary foods and drinks. Any time you do consume these, be sure to brush your teeth right afterward.

Drink a lot of water throughout the day. This almost goes without saying, but it really can help keep the mouth from remaining dry.

Run a humidifier in your room while you sleep. This will make sure the air you are breathing in is not too dry.

Alcoholic and caffeinated drinks tend to quickly dry out the mouth. If you partake of either make sure you drink plenty of water before and after. Brushing your teeth after these can help as well.

We Can Help You

At Carolina’s Dental Choice we are here to help you. If you have been prescribed opioids, and have found that your mouth feels a little dryer than usual, come see us. Any or all of the preventative measures listed here can help, but allowing one of our trained professionals to look at your mouth can help pinpoint the most effective way for you to protect yourself from extreme dry mouth.

By: Andrae Bergeron

Content Writer

CCP Web Design

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Why is Dental Insurance and Dental Health Not Included in Regular Healthcare?

monroe2020-07-16T17:13:58+00:00July 31st, 2017|General|

Though dentistry is a medical practice, and is a very important part of an individual’s bodily health, both the medical system and insurance programs do not see it this way. They actually never have. For some strange reason, anything dental related is considered separate from these institutions. Dental insurance and dental health plans are not typically included in regular healthcare, which ends up leaving patients in a pricy predicament that produces negative results. At Carolina’s Dental Choice, we won’t leave you confused as to what is and is not covered. We are committed to taking care of all our patients, and this begins with understanding that dental health is bodily health.

There are countless tales of woe depicting situations where individuals with mild to severe dental issues are not able to receive the care they need because their healthcare provider simply does not cover dental. These individuals end up having to live with the pain caused by cavities, chipped or dead teeth, or even more complicated issues requiring dental surgery. Dental care is simply not seen as a part of one’s health. This makes absolutely no sense. To say there is no link between a person’s dental health and his or her overall health, is completely untrue. Just ask any dentist. Poor oral health can devastate the rest of the body. So why don’t regular healthcare providers see it this way? Well, it’s a bit complicated and extremely antiquated.

A Strange History

Nowadays, dentists are known to be highly trained professionals who have endured numerous years learning their craft but this has not always been the case. An article in the Atlantic provides a brief history of dentistry. The article states that up until the 1800s, all dental problems were taken care of by local barbers. Sounds a little strange, huh? Imagine popping in for a quick shave only to have your barber explain that he needs to pull a few teeth. The local barber could become a primitive dentist in a pinch, often times even conducting minor surgeries as well. This was this way dental worked for years because surgery and medicine were seen as two completely different practices. A barber could also be a dentist and a surgeon, since these practices were messy and barbaric. Bad teeth were yanked from the mouth. Open wounds were sewn back up without numbing agents. It didn’t really take someone well practiced as it did someone who could handle dealing with lots of blood and screaming. Whereas the practice of medicine was more refined, requiring intelligence and finesse. Deciding what would help a patient cope with pain and injury took time and education. So it makes sense for the separation between dentistry and medicine. At least it makes sense for back then.

But once anesthesia and numbing agents came about, everything changed. Patients could now be put under or numbed, and the practice of surgery and dentistry became more sophisticated. People began to study oral health more seriously, leading to a true profession in the field of dentistry. Even though the idea of dentistry was changing to something proper and professional, the stigma of its previous uncivilized nature was never dropped. Students wishing to pursue studies in dentistry had difficulty

gaining acceptance into medical schools, and they were often left to teach themselves.

The Stigma Continues

Up into the mid 1960s, dentistry was still seen as something not quite connected to our bodily health. It just didn’t carry the same level of importance to society as other medical practices. And when Medicaid was finally established, dental was not included. But that was over fifty years ago, and we know so much more now. It’s clear that oral health is indeed directly connected to our overall health. But for some reason, today’s healthcare providers typically only offer dental for children and pregnant women. The rest of us are on our own. And this is a scary thought seeing how anything beyond a teeth cleaning can end up costing a lot of money. And for those who cannot afford such procedures, they are left to live with the pain. And sadly, this pain usually evolves into more serious issues that cost even more money.

According to The Atlantic, “Just 12 states include the full suite of dental services, including common procedures like crowns and root canals, for Medicaid patients. Three offer nothing at all. The rest provide something in between—usually a list of preventative procedures, like cleanings and X-rays, and sometimes extractions and fillings” (Khazan). And the article goes on to say that when state budgets get tight, guess what gets cut first? Yep, anything to do with dental.

It Just Doesn’t Add Up

Think of the results of poor oral health, bad breath, missing, or discolored teeth can, at the very minimum, reduce confidence. They can even keep you from getting that job you want or impact relationships with friends and loved ones. On a larger scale, poor oral health can effect your very being. Dental problems can cause chronic headaches, diabetes, and heart problems. Nerves that are connected to your mouth can reverberate pain to other parts of your body, resulting in pain all over, not just in the mouth. Yet our healthcare providers continue to see dental issues as completely separate from other bodily health problems. But aren’t our mouths, and everything inside of them, a part of our body? Uh, yeah. How is it logical then that health insurance plans can decide which parts of our body are to be covered? It just doesn’t add up.

It Gets Worse

It’s bad enough that most dental needs are not covered by regular insurance providers, but what’s even worse is that what is covered is incredibly confusing to understand. Usually, the dental procedures included are labeled as “Additional Benefits,” implying they are extra services rather than those that are normally in need by everyone. Healthcare providers also like to explain that they are not required to provide the dental services listed, and that they have the right to discontinue the coverage of any or all of them whenever they want. This means you can go to a dentist one day to have a cavity taken care of, and then come back the very next day for the same procedure only to find out it’s not covered any longer. Healthcare customers are often left in the dark as to which procedures are actually covered. There have been cases of individuals who were covered for a more complicated procedure, such as a root canal, but were not covered for something simple, like a routine cleaning.

What this confusion does, besides cost us more money, is encourage people to not see their dentist regularly. Whereas it is strongly recommended to visit the dentist for a cleaning and checkup every six months, most people only see their local dentist once a year at best. Some just don’t go at all. And this works right into the hands of the healthcare providers. We pay to be insured, they make dental so confusing we don’t end up using it.

Let Us Take Care of You

At Carolina’s Dental Choice we are just as upset about the current state of dental insurance as you. That’s why we are clear and up front about everything. We will not only let you know which insurance companies we accept, but we will also help you understand what procedures are covered. Dental care is a health issue, and we take it very seriously. It’s time to get what you are paying for. Begin to take advantage of your provider’s dental coverage, as big or little as it may be.

By: Andrae Bergeron

CCP Web Design

Content Writer

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Laser Shaping Your Teeth and Gums

monroe2020-07-16T17:09:04+00:00June 15th, 2017|General|

The evolution of dentistry is astounding. When you look back at how simple procedures like teeth cleanings and cavity removals took place back in the day and compare it to now, there’s quite a difference. For instance, rather than someone coming at you with a sharp piece of metal, asking you to “open wide,” you can now sit, relax, and have a professionally trained dentist shape and contour the interior of your smile with a laser. Yes, I said LASER. If our ancestors could see the progress made in the modern dental field they would be nothing short of amazed. At Carolina’s Dental Choice we have made it our goal to operate with the most advanced methods of dentistry, and we’re proud to say we have become quite good at it.

LASERS!?

Lasers, Lightsaber

Something about the word “laser” brings forth futuristic images of bright lights cutting through metal or zapping some fictional bad guys into oblivion. But the truth is, lasers are real and are used frequently in all sorts of fields. Even in dentistry. Well, why not? If you break the acronym down, it actually doesn’t seem so fictional:

L—light
A—amplified
S—stimulated
E—emission
R—radiation

A laser is a device that uses radiation to stimulate light so that it can penetrate a foreign material. Now think of materials in the mouth that may need complete removal or reshaping. Things like cavities or excess gums overlapping the teeth. Lasers don’t sound so far off now, huh?

A Closer Look at Laser Dentistry

Understanding what a laser can do to cavities or gums is nice, but there is probably still some reluctance towards having a radiated light shot into your mouth. But when you take a closer look at the process, you can see it is actually very safe and effective.

Dental Laser, Laser Shaping Gums, Carolinas Dental Choice, Dentistry NC, Monroe NC, Teeth Shaping

Since the mid-90s, lasers have been slowly incorporated into dentistry for use on such things as:

Tooth Decay. Using a laser to remove the decaying portion of a tooth has proven to be a quicker and more efficient process.
Gum Disease. A laser is a great way to reshape gums and remove built-up bacteria without damaging the teeth.
Because a laser is so precise it can be used to remove a very small portion of tissue without affecting the surrounding areas. This creates a faster healing process also, which makes for happier patients!
Teeth Whitening. Modern dentistry has found a way to apply a peroxide bleaching solution and then have it activated by a laser to speed the whitening process up. Most importantly, it’s completely painless.

And that’s not all. Lasers can also be used for reducing the pain of canker and cold sores. They can expose hidden wisdom teeth. Remove excess muscles in the mouth that restrict proper movement. Help treat infections from root canals. The list just continues to grow. And a huge selling point to using lasers is the fact that they work speedily and require little prep work and recovery time. And if you are worried about safety, think about the alternative: a drill.

Sure, it might not be the size and shape of the one sitting in your garage, but it is essentially the same machine that twists and sharp object at high speed then shreds whatever tissue it encounters. Unlike the controlled accuracy of a laser, the drill is messy and loud. Is laser treatment beginning to sound a little more realistic? Good.

Different Lasers for Different Treatments

Essentially, there are two types of lasers used in dentistry: one kind for soft tissue and another for hard tissue.

Soft Tissue Lasers. These use an absorbable wavelength, making them less dangerous to use on softer tissue like the gums. The surrounding areas can then absorb and handle the effect of the beam without being damaged. Another benefit to using a soft tissue laser is that it has the capability to kill bacteria and encourage new growth. Postoperative pain is nil to nothing at all with soft tissue lasers because, at the same time they are penetrating one area of tissue, they are able to seal the surrounding blood vessels. Soft tissue lasers are typically used for:

Soft Tissue Folds. Devices such as dentures can cause actual folds of tissue in the mouth, which need to be removed. A laser is the painless way to take care of this issue and reshape the gums as they should be.

Crown Lengthening. This is a form of gum reshaping so that the foundation of the tooth is strengthened and exposed, making it healthier in the long run.

Muscle Attachment. For those who have limited tongue movement due to muscle restraints, a soft tissue laser can be used to reshape or remove pieces of tissue to free up the tongue and allow for better movement in the mouth.

Hard Tissue Lasers. These types of lasers have a high enough wavelength so that they can cut into hard tissues such as bone and teeth. This laser has such incredible accuracy that it only penetrates the desired material and causes little to no impact on the surrounding areas. A hard tissue laser is used for:

Prepping Dental Fillings. A drill is usually used to rid a tooth of unwanted bacteria before a filling is attached. For this to take place, the area must be anesthetized, and the process can be arduous. With a hard tissue drill, there is no pain and therefore no need for anesthesia. The process is easier, faster, and more accurate.

Overly Sensitive Teeth. On the root of sensitive teeth there can be found open tubules, which cause the unwanted sensation. By using a hard tissue laser, a dentist can seal these holes and strengthen the teeth.

A Clear Case for Lasers

So how do you know if you are a candidate for laser treatments? You can find out by visiting us at Carolina’s Dental Choice for a consultation. But there are a few signs you can detect yourself:

Do you have excess gums hanging over your teeth? A lot of people believe this is something they must live with, and therefore never question a possible reshaping. But now, due to the use of soft tissue lasers, these overlapping gums can be greatly reduced to make your smile more confident.

Have you detected a possible cavity in your mouth? Maybe you have even been told you have one and need to get it taken care of, but you keep putting it off due to the pain involved. But now that you know a drill does not have to be used, and that a hard tissue laser can remove the cavity with virtually no pain, what are you waiting on?

Come See Us!

Dental Laser, Laser Shaping Gums, Carolinas Dental Choice, Dentistry NC, Monroe NC, Teeth Shaping

Whether or not you are sold on having a laser used on your teeth or gums, we can take care of all your dental needs. Call or visit us today to make an appointment. It’s time to be confident in your smile, and we can help.

-Andrae Bergeron

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What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

monroe2020-07-16T17:23:21+00:00May 12th, 2017|Dental Implants|

Dental implants, crowns, veneers, dentures, bridges, bonding! That’s a lot of dental terms. If you aren’t a dental expert all these terms start to run together. So which one is it?

Dental Implants at Carolina’s Dental Choice are your missing tooth’s best friend. If you are missing a tooth dental implants can permanently replace the missing tooth without anyone noticing. The dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement that matches your other teeth. Let’s be honest, missing teeth can be serious and unattractive. They lower a person’s confidence and can turn smiling into a dreaded reaction. Not to mention, missing teeth can make eating a talking difficult. Carolina’s Dental Choice is dedicated to helping patients feel confident in their smile!

What Are Dental Implants

Dental implants are tooth replacements that are permanently installed in the jaw. Metal post or frames are surgically placed underneath the gums and into the jawbone. An artificial tooth is then placed on top for a natural looking tooth. Having the implant surgically placed into the jawbone allows for stable support for the replacement took. With this stability, the tooth not only looks real it can also function like a real tooth. This makes it easier to eat and speak with ease.

Why Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a timely procedure but the outcome is well worth the effort. Dental Implants last for a very long time and require very little maintenance. The dental implant is a very stable tooth replacement and helps with many things including improving:

Your smile and overall appearance
Your ability to speak comprehensively
Your overall comfort
Your ability to chew foods
Overall oral health

Type of Implants

Subperiosteal Implants- With this type of implant, metal frames are fused into the gum tissue. Overtime the gums heal and allow the frames to become secured to the jawbone. The post that are supporting the frames overhang through the gums. After the jawbone and gum tissue has healed, an artificial tooth is locked to the post.

Endosteal Implants- This form of implant is surgically implanted straight on the jawbone. After the jaw and gums are healed, a second surgery takes place to attach a post to the original implant. After all of the gum tissue has healed, an artificial tooth is secured to the post. This method is also used for bridges and dentures that are supported with implants.

Schedule an Appointment

At the initial appointment your Carolina’s Dental Choice Dentist will exam your teeth. Along with discussing the procedure, your dental history will be reviewed, x-rays will be taken, and your teeth will be thoroughly examined. You will have the opportunity to discuss your options for implants to determine if you are a good candidate. This will get you acquainted to the different procedures and help you and your doctor decided which option is the best fit for you.

First Procedure

For Endosteal Implants the first surgery will take place. The implants will be placed into the jawbone. This is done by making an incision in the gum and inclosing the implant. A small hole is drilled in to the bone for the implant to attach and then is stitched up. After the implants are secured it is important to allow your jaw to heal. The dentist will wait three to six month to plan the next step.

Second Procedure

Next for Endosteal Implants the dentist will take x-rays, to ensure the implants have fused with the jawbone. If all is well, the second surgery will proceed. This surgery is a simple and easy procedure. A small incision is made to show the top of the implant. Once the top of the implants is clear, a healing cap is placed on them, this helps the gum tissue during the healing process. After about two weeks the healing caps will be replaced and the artificial implant can be secured.

How to Take Care of the Implants?

The great thing about dental implants is that they require very little patience and if they are taken care of, implants will never have to be replaced. The upkeep of implants is very easy and requires very little of your time. Steps to keeping your implants successful include:

Brushing and Flossing Daily– Duhhh! You already know this one! But just a reminder that it is good oral hygiene to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every evening.

Routine Dental Visits– It is important to make visiting your dentist a routine. This can help keep your implants in the very peak condition. Having a dental exam and cleaning every six months is a good habit.

Not Smoke– Smoking has been known to weaken the tooth and bone structure. If the jawbone become too weak it can lead to implant failure.

Avoid Hard Foods– Foods such as ice and hard candy can be very harmful even to your natural teeth. To protect your implant and your natural teeth avoid chewing on hard foods.

Schedule an appointment at Carolina’s Dental Choice to help you decide if you are a good candidate for dental implants and go over all of your options. You will have a smile to be proud of in no time!

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Seven Ways To Get Your Smile Ready For Summer!

monroe2020-07-16T17:11:15+00:00April 30th, 2017|Dental Bonding, Dental Crowns, Dental Implants, Fixed Bridges, Implants, Teeth Cleaning, Teeth Whitening, Veneers|

With a whole season of fun events ahead you’ll want to make sure you look your best. Whether you are posing for that summer beach picture or smiling at a wedding you want your teeth to look their best. Make an appointment at Carolina’s Dental Choice to have your teeth cleaned or perhaps get a quick fix for a problem tooth.

Teeth Whitening Wilmington

Here are quick ways to improve your smile for the summer:
1 Teeth Whitening
Do you drink several cups of coffee in the morning or eat foods that stain your teeth? Dr. Vaghani or Dr. Luckhardt can remove those stains with a simple, inexpensive teeth whitening procedure within a few weeks. Using a carbamide peroxide gel that stays active for up to 6 hours you should notice a dramatic difference within a day. Our dentist use Opalescence tooth whiten gel. It has a good track record and can safely be administered at home. The gel can stay on for short periods of time or over night. Patients often find this form of teeth whitening easy to use. The Opalescence gel comes in three different flavors and prevents dehydration. The gel works by bleaching your teeth to get rid of stains or discoloration.
2 Teeth Cleaning
Sometimes all it takes is a deep clean to do the trick! A deep clean at Carolina’s Dental Choice is an easy way to give your teeth a lift and help prevent dental issues. It is recommended that patients make it a routine to have their teeth cleaned regularly.

During a routine clean, patient’s teeth are brushed diligently, flossed, and examined for cavities and other dental formalities. This teeth cleaning removes plaque and tar that form on the teeth that can be hard to see and difficult to remove. The dentist will clean each individual tooth and remove all unwanted materials on the tooth through brushing, flossing, scrapping, and special dental techniques.

3 Dental Crowns

Uneven teeth? Discolored teeth? Or a week tooth? That’s where dental crowns can help. Dental crowns are designed to help restore the shape, color, and strength of a tooth. This is a considerable option for dental and cosmetic reasons. One of our experienced dentists will examine your teeth to see if a dental crown is necessary and to identify which crown would bet fit your dental needs. A dental crown is a tooth shaped, porcelain crown that goes over the tooth. This is best for weak teeth that are predicted to crack or break or for teeth that have already cracked. The dental crown can also help support dental bridges or be used for cosmetic purposes.

As a bonus, most insurance companies cover dental crowns if the procedure is necessary.

4 Veneers

Looking for that perfect Hollywood Smile? Veneers are a great choice to cosmetically enhance your smile. The veneer is a thin custom made cover that can be placed over the teeth. They are made of porcelain and look identical to natural teeth. The veneer is permanently bonded to your tooth to keep your smile looking great!

Veneers change the shape, size and color of your teeth. First, a small portion of the original enamel is removed, this allows for room for the veneer to be placed on the tooth and function just like the natural tooth. Veneers may even be placed on the same day with minimally prepped veneers. This type of veneer requires no enamel to be grinded down.

5 Implants

If you have thought about dental implants before, take a second look. This procedure and the products associated with it have changed dramatically over the last six months. Implants are the latest innovation in cosmetic dentistry. If you are missing a tooth or two dental implants are a recommended way to replace missing teeth. The implant is a permanent replacement that is durable and looks natural. It can also be an alternative to getting dentures. Dental implants are embedded into the jaw and covered with an artificial tooth that matches other teeth.

There are two types of dental implants; endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are directly implanted through a surgical procedure that implants directly into the jawbone. After the gum tissue is healed another surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. After these surgeries have taken place am artificial tooth is placed on the post. The subperiosteal implants are metal frames that are placed on to the jawbone just below the gum tissue. When the gum heals, the frame is secured into the jawbone. Then a post is attached to the frame and an implant is attached.

6 Fixed Bridges

The fixed dental bridge is another method done at Carolina’s Dental Choice to help repair missing teeth. A fixed bridge is a procedure used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of two or more crowns. These artificial teeth can be made using gold, alloys, porcelain, or a mixture. The bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants. Dental bridges have many benefits that can help you obtain the perfect smile, create a proper way of speaking and eating, create structure, and prevent teeth from moving out of place.

There are three main types of dental bridges; Traditional Bridges, Cantilever Bridges, and Maryland Bonded Bridges. Traditional Bridges uses a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth. This is the most often form of bridge and is usually mad in ceramics or a porcelain fused to metal. Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on one side only of the missing teeth. This is not a very common form of bridge. Finally, there is the Maryland Bonded Bridge, these are gums supported by a framework of metal or porcelain and use porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth. The wings are often on one side of the bridge and bond to natural teeth.

7 Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a very quick and easy way to repair teeth that have cavities, cracks, chips, or to alter the shape and size. Dental bonding is a one-trip visit that makes it quick and easy. The bond is very cost effective. The bond is done by using a tooth-colored resin that is a durable plastic material. The dental bond can last anywhere from three to ten years!

To book an appointment before your spring event call Carolina’s Dental Choice at 704-289-9519. Dr. Brown and his team of wonderful dental experts would love to help enhance your smile so you can be confident and smile with pride!

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Benita Watts Spotlight: 30 years at the Dental Office

monroe2020-07-16T17:23:28+00:00March 31st, 2017|General|

Benita Watts, Carolinas Dental Choice

Wow, 30 Years! That’s the usual response when people find out how long Benita Watts has been working at Carolina’s Dental Choice in Monroe. Benita has over 3 decades of experience and tenure at Carolina’s Dental Choice. She has seen Carolina’s Dental Choice way before that was the name. She has seen several different owners and numerous interior designs.

Benita Watts is the Administrative Manager at Carolina’s Dental Choice in Monroe, North Carolina. She was born and raised in North Carolina where she is a Union County Native. Benita has two children and four grandchildren. When she isn’t working in the office she loves to spend time with her family. 30 years ago, prior to entering the dental community she never pictured herself working at a dental practice but now she could not picture it any other way! Benita was looking for a career that she could truly feel passionate about. She never thought about her current position but considers it fate when her friend offered her the position. The position was an opportunity she could not resist. Benita brags that from day-one her work has included friendly faces and a steady work schedule – her description of the ideal job!

Benita and her colleague and close friend, Regina Martin, have been at the dental office for quiet sometime. They have seen the many changes as the practice has morphed from new owners and new employees to new interior designs and new dental equipment. Recently the office was totally revamped with new people, new designs, and new equipment. Dr. Brown and his wife Missy purchased the office in early 2016. They infused the office with a new energy and a renewed dedication to excellence for their patients. What a new adventure! The office was completely remodeled and new equipment was installed. Benita said, it was a big adjustment but she loves working for Dr. Brown. Her favorite new equipment was the fancy 3D Head Scanner. In the small town of Monroe, the dental office makeover was the talk of the town. Everyone was interested to see the office makeover and see the new equipment.

Even after 30 years, Benita is still in love with her job! She has been there for such a long time that working in the dental community has become a second family. She is dedicated and passionate about helping patients. Her experience and knowledge of working with patients is extraordinary and makes her a sought after employee in the dental community. She is a veteran at making patients feel welcomed and informed. Sometimes patients get nervous about a visit to the dentist office but as soon as they encounter Benita they know they are in good hands. Fortunately, Benita has no plans for a career change or retirement so the good people of Monroe will be able to count on seeing her at Carolina’s Dental Choice for years to come.

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Carolina’s Dental Choice’s New Technology: The 3 Dimensional Digital Device

monroe2020-07-16T17:23:35+00:00March 26th, 2017|Dentures|

3D Head Scanner, Monroe NC, Carolinas Dental Choice, Dentist Office

Carolina’s Dental Choice has recently had a full makeover from new interior design to new technology and equipment. The new upgrades help provide patients with a comfortable environment and excellent dental services. The new equipment gives you the most thorough x-rays of your teeth. The 3 dimensional digital device is a unique piece of technology that allows your dentist to view a 3D scan of your entire mouth. The x-rays make it easy to view teeth at every angle.

How it works

The 3 dimensional digital device is a tooth x-ray technology that allows the patient to receive a full head scan to get images of the entire jawbone and teeth. The technology is a tall stand-up machine that has a cylinder that rotates from the shoulders up to the jawbone. The cylinder slowly rotates around the client’s head and takes 3D and 2D photos. This gives the dentist a clear view of the jawbone from every angle. The device collects three different types of 3D data and even creates a virtual patient in 3D. Images taken with this innovative technology show things like bone structure and nerve canals. The images create a stronger since of safety when doing oral surgeries such as dental implants. Dentist feel more confident using this equipment and patients report feeling safer and more secure with tangible images of the jawbone and teeth. The 3 dimensional digital device collects three different types of data that creates:

Ease of Operation
High Definition Images
Increased Diagnostics

Schedule an Appointment

Eager to check out the new technology and remodel at Carolina’s Dental Choice? Make an appointment with Dr. Brown and his excellent team today at Carolina’s Dental Choice in Monroe, North Carolina. Make an appointment by calling (704)289-9519.

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