Dr. Lauren Francis and Dr. Rawley Fuller provide comprehensive general dental services to patients at Seaside Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Francis and Dr. Fuller are dentists in Hampstead, NC, who provide high standards of care for patients of all ages. Whether you need emergency dental care or a routine checkup, our team will be with you throughout every step of your treatment. General dentistry is a preventive approach to caring for the teeth and can help prevent dental problems before they fully develop.
Routine Dental Care for Common Dental Problems
Common dental problems among adults include dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and missing teeth. These problems can worsen if you don’t visit the dentist. At routine dental visits, we take X-rays of the mouth to look for signs of dysfunction. We want to keep track of these common issues to give you early treatment.
Visiting our office twice a year helps us track your concerns. Our dental care team uses advanced technology to make your visit more pleasant and improve care. We use the Airflow Prophylaxis system when we clean your teeth and gums. This advanced technology minimizes or eliminates the need for dental picks and scraping tools to remove plaque and tartar.
General Dental Services
Our general dental treatments act as preventative solutions to common oral health problems. Our dentists and team want to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We can treat tooth pain and infections, as well as stop problems with custom mouthguards.
Endodontics
Our endodontists provide treatments for decayed and injured teeth to restore the function and health of the smile. Endodontic dental care can treat dental infections, damage, cavities, and abscesses. We offer root canal therapy, fillings, and tooth removal for these problems.
Root Canal
A root canal treatment removes infected dental pulp to preserve the tooth. Once an infection reaches your tooth’s nerves, it causes severe tooth pain. We remove the infected pulp to prevent the spread of decay and preserve the tooth. After we remove the infection from the canal, we fill the teeth with dental fillings. We often also recommend dental crowns to cover and strengthen teeth.
Custom Mouthguard
Patients who play contact sports like football, lacrosse, baseball, and soccer need professional sports and custom mouthguards. Our sports mouthguards are custom-made with impressions of your teeth. Store-bought sports mouthguards don’t offer the custom fit of professional mouthguards.
Properly fitted mouthguards make it easier to speak and reduce the risk of falling out during a game. Some over-the-counter mouthguards may not fit comfortably or properly, which can lead to tooth damage from an injury.
Emergency Dental Care
Our office can treat dental emergencies immediately to help save teeth, stop tooth and gum pain, and restore broken restorations. Call our office after a dental emergency, and we will help you get the care you need as soon as possible. We provide cosmetic and restorative treatments to replace missing teeth, restore damaged teeth, and relieve pain and infection.
Family Dentistry
Are you looking for a family dentistry in Hampstead? Dr. Francis and her professional dental team offer dental care for the whole family. From pediatric and geriatric care to everything in between, Dr. Francis can help patients restore the health of their smile. She also helps patients who need preventative treatments to stop complex dental problems.
All members of your family can get treatment under one roof. Our dentists can help patients learn to care for their children’s teeth, and as they grow, teach children the importance of their own oral health.
Tooth Extractions
Impacted, infected, or severely damaged or overcrowded teeth may be removed by a dental professional. Tooth extractions are needed to improve the health and balance of the smile. We use local anesthetic and dental sedation for comfortable tooth extractions. Many patients may think that tooth extractions are painful, but they actually relieve pain caused by infected or damaged teeth.
General Dentistry FAQs
Do you want to know more? We can help. Read answers to common questions about general dentistry in Hampstead, NC.
Are tooth extractions painful?
Tooth extractions aren’t usually painful. Our dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic and then use specialized instruments to remove the tooth. Some patients may experience discomfort and soreness afterward, but we recommend over-the-counter pain medication.
How many times a year should I see a family dentist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a family dentist every six months. You need a preventive dental check-up and cleaning twice a year. However, our dentists may recommend more or fewer check-ups based on your individual oral health needs. If you have gum disease, we recommend that you visit us every 3 to 4 months.
What are the main services a family dentist offers?
Our family dentist Dr. Francis offers preventive care, such as dental cleanings and dental exams. S he also treats cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. During routine visits, she’ll provide dental X-rays. There are family dentists like Dr. Francis who offer pediatric dentistry services and some cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Can the ER help with tooth problems?
No. Most doctors lack training to assess dental emergencies or concerns. The only thing ER doctors will do is give you pain medication and antibiotics to control the pain and swelling. Then you can seek help from our dentist who can fix your problem.
Should I go to the ER for unbearable tooth pain?
Yes. If the pain is so severe that you can’t do anything else, you can go to the ER. Keep in mind that ER doctors and nurses will only be able to give you pain medication and antibiotics. You need to visit an emergency dentist as soon as you can. The ER is only an option if you can’t get to a dentist.
How long do custom mouthguards last?
A custom mouthguard made with high-quality materials will last up to 5 years. But the custom mouthguard’s longevity depends on how you care for it and how often you wear it. If you wear your mouthguard frequently, the materials can wear down faster. You can also warp the plastic, if you clean it with abrasive cleaners or don’t store it properly.
What is included in general dentistry?
A general dentist performs visual examinations and asesses of the condition of the teeth and gums. They take X-rays of the teeth, offer sleep apnea therapy, and place tooth sealants. General dentists also do minor dental operations such as cavity fillings, root canals, dental crowns, and cleanings.
Get Care From Your Local Hampstead, NC Dentist
Contact our Hampstead, NC, dental office today! Our preventive general dental services help patients maintain their oral health. If you have a dental concern, call Dr. Francis and Dr. Fuller at 910-335-4392. We also welcome you to schedule a dental appointment with us on our website.
Please ask us any questions about our dental services or any current oral health concerns. We’ll be glad to help you get the answers you need.