Cary Dental FAQs

A root canal is a treatment that eliminates infected pulp from teeth. Each tooth root has a pulp chamber which houses the nerve and blood vessels. During a root canal, the pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped. The canals are then filled with a material called gutta-percha. This helps protect the tooth from getting infected again in the future.

The best way to protect teeth and prevent tooth wear and fracture is to wear an occlusal guard. These are custom-made appliances that reduce jaw muscle pain and protect teeth and the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your skull to your jaw.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once implants have been placed, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them.

A dental crown—sometimes known as a cap—is a dental restoration that completely caps or covers a tooth or dental implant. Dental crowns are often necessary when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically attached to teeth using dental cement.

It is not necessary to have wisdom teeth removed if they are positioned correctly in your mouth and do not cause pain or dental problems. Dental X-rays are often used to determine if wisdom teeth will cause problems. Typical problems with wisdom teeth include damage to other teeth, jaw damage, sinus issues, inflamed gums, cavities and crowding of other teeth.

Sealants are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay. The sealant liquid bonds into the depressions and grooves of teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel.

Yes, taking care of your oral hygiene is important for both you and your baby. Teeth cleaning and local anesthesia are safe throughout pregnancy. Pregnant women are susceptible to gingivitis, so it is especially important to have a dental checkup, cleaning and any necessary treatment during pregnancy. Delaying treatment for oral health problems could result in significant risk to you and your baby.

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can be used to pay certain dental expenses, including deductibles and copayments. However, not all dental procedures are eligible, and you should refer to the guidelines of your specific FSA/HSA.