FAQ
FAQ
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease.
- Red and puffy gums
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
- Bad breath
- New spacing between teeth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Pus around teeth and gums
Make an appointment today to have a thorough evaluation.
How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?
- Four out of five people have gum disease and don’t know it. Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in most stages.
- Periodontal disease begins when plaque-the sticky, colorless film of bacteria, food debris and saliva is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone.
- Several factors increase the risk of developing gum disease:
- Smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Certain tooth conditions such as crowded teeth and defective fillings.
- Dental bridges that no longer fit well-both fixed and removable.
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes and autoimmune issues.
- Pregnancy and hormone changes.
- Lack of “proper brushing and flossing”.
- Certain dietary factors-what you eat, how you eat it, and how often you eat it.
What is done during a dental exam?
- History review: knowing the status of any current medical conditions, medications, and illnesses can give us insight to your dental health.
- Taking digital diagnostic x-rays, we use the lowest ultra-low dose x-rays to evaluate and detect decay (cavities), tumors, cysts, cancer, bone loss, and deformities to determine any issues we cannot visually see.
- Oral cancer screening: we check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, and gums for any sign of cancer.
- Visual exam with surgical binoculars-the mouth is a small world and we use special loupes to examine you. We check all tooth surfaces for cavities, all gum tissue for gum disease, check for bite disease, oral cancer check, functional exam, TMI exam, examination of current fillings, crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures, examination of the airway and missing teeth. We take your blood pressure and may take intra oral and extra oral camera pictures.
What is done during a dental exam?
- History review: knowing the status of any current medical conditions, medications, and illnesses can give us insight to your dental health.
- Taking digital diagnostic x-rays, we use the lowest ultra-low dose x-rays to evaluate and detect decay (cavities), tumors, cysts, cancer, bone loss, and deformities to determine any issues we cannot visually see.
- Oral cancer screening: we check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, and gums for any sign of cancer.
- Visual exam with surgical binoculars-the mouth is a small world and we use special loupes to examine you. We check all tooth surfaces for cavities, all gum tissue for gum disease, check for bite disease, oral cancer check, functional exam, TMI exam, examination of current fillings, crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures, examination of the airway and missing teeth. We take your blood pressure and may take intra oral and extra oral camera pictures.
What is done during a hygiene (cleaning) visit?
- Removal of calculus (tarter) – We use the newest most gentle generation of sonic units called piezoelectric to clean your teeth initially, followed by hand instruments to remove this hardened plaque at and just below the gum line.
- We follow that up with a prophy – which is the polishing of your teeth with a rubber cup and tasteful paste to remove stains that have built up since your last visit.
- We floss every tooth to make sure the calculus has been removed and to check on any restorations in your mouth. If the floss shreds, something is wrong.
- Probe all your gums and input the data into your electronic chart-lets us know if any changes occur between visits.
- Evaluate your mouth from your first base line new patient visit or subsequent recall visits. We keep an eye on everything that may impact your dental health.
- Oral hygiene recommendations.
- Blood pressure check.
- Review any concerns you have. Determine what intervals between hygiene visits are appropriate for you.
What are your office hours?
Carolina Dental Arts is open Monday-Friday- from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m.
We will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving , and Christmas.
How do I schedule an appointment?
For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments.
- Call our office
- Email us at with your preferred date or day of the week and time. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment
