1. Do I need to arrive early for my first appointment?
Yes, please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to fill out any of our new patient forms.

2. What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

• Completed New Patient Info Form
• Valid ID such as Driver’s License, Military ID or Social Security card
• Dental Insurance Card (if applicable)
• Patient Health History Form
• HIPAA Consent Form
• Patient Authorization Form

3. How long will my first dentist appointment last?
It all depends, but please plan to be here for 1 to 1.5 hours for the first visit.

General Cary Dentistry FAQs

Have a question that is not answered below? Feel free to call our Cary dentist office and ask!

1. Why do I need to go to the dentist regularly?
Many people do not go to a dentist on a regular basis. They only go when they have a problem. This is known as “crisis treatment” vs “preventive treatment.” While patients may feel they are saving money, in the long term it often costs them much more in dollars and time. This is because many dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the futher stages of the disease process. An great example is having tooth decay. It is typical to hear, “I don’t have any paid… no problems here.”
Tooth decay often doesn’t hurt until it gets so close to the nerve of the tooth. It is common to see a patient with a huge cavity who has never felt any pain. A good Cary dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years in advanced before it develops any painful symptoms. This early detection can help you prevent root canal treatment which is very costly and painful.

2. Why do I need to floss, isn’t brushing enough?
Flossing reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. This bacteria lives in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing removes the bacteria the toothbrush can’t get to. That’s the bacteria hiding in the tiny crevices between your teeth. If you don’t floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. But only the dentist can remove tartar.

Ask our dentist to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at the next cleaning appointment.

3. How can I get my kids to brush their teeth?
Make it something fun! If you are enthusiastic about brushing your teeth, your children will also be enthusiastic. Children want to do the things their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow. Ask the dentist for other creative ways to get children to brush their teeth.

Getting your children to brush starts with taking them to the dentist at an early age. All children should be seen by their first birthday or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth.

4. How can I prevent cavities?
Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.

Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and brush your teeth afterwards.

If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water – which can help to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing deskulates the flow of your saliva which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance. And do not forget your regular dental visits. Good dental habits will go a long way toward a no-cavity visit.

5. Why does the dentist take X-rays?
Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when the dentist examines the mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:

• small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
• infections in the bone
• periodontal (gum) disease
• abscesses or cysts
• developmental abnormalities
• some types of tumors

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort. X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, X-rays may even help save your life. Dentist will evaluate your need for X-rays based on the conditions present in development. There are many benefits to having X-rays taken. Any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with your dentist.

6. What is fluoride and why is it important to dental health?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and in water. Some natural sources of fluoride are brewed tea, canned fish, cooked kale and spinach, apples, and skim milk. Some city water contains fluoride, so by drinking tap water you will acquire fluoride. If drinking water does not have fluoride, supplements are available.

The lack of exposure to fluoride places individuals of any age at risk for dental decay. Fluoride is important to dental health because it helps prevent tooth decay by making your tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria in your mouth.

Studies have shown that children who consumed fluoridated water from birth had less dental decay. Fluoride can reverse early decay and help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes degenerative bone loss. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about whether you’re getting the daily amount of fluoride you need.

The American Dental Association cites sealants as an effective weapon in the arsenal against tooth decay. Sealants are a thin coating painted on chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting your teeth against decay-causing bacteria.

Sealants have proven effective with both adults and children, but are most commonly used with children. Despite the fact that sealants are about half the cost of fillings, only a small percentage of school-aged children have sealants on their permanent teeth. Ask your dentist whether sealants are a good choice for you or your children.

8. What are the dangers of oral piercings?
The American Dental Association recognizes that piercing is a widely accepted form of self-expression, and that includes piercings in the mouth. However, the potential problems from piercings are numerous. Some symptoms after a piercing include pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth, tooth loss, and an increased flow of saliva, none of which are particularly pleasant. Tongue piercing can also cause excessive bleeding. If you’re thinking of placing a piercing in or around your mouth, talk to your dentist first. If you already have piercings and are having problems, see your dentist right away.

9. I knocked out a tooth, can it be saved?
Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you have knocked out a tooth, these tips may be able to save it:

• Rinse, do not scrub, the tooth to remove dirt or debris
• Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue
• Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket as this could cause further damage
• Get to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed promptly
• If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.