Dental anxiety is more common than many people realize, and it can prevent patients from getting the care they need. At Summit Family Dental, we offer dental IV sedation as a safe and effective option to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during dental treatment. Understanding how IV sedation works can help you feel more confident and informed before your appointment.

What Is Dental IV Sedation?

IV sedation involves administering a sedative medication through an intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm or hand. The medication works quickly, creating a deep state of relaxation while allowing you to remain responsive to verbal cues. During treatment, our team will closely monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety.

Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

Your dentist will review your medical history and discuss your concerns to determine if IV sedation is appropriate for you. IV sedation is a good option for patients who:

• Experience moderate to severe dental anxiety
• Have a strong gag reflex
• Need lengthy or complex dental procedures
• Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods
• Have had negative dental experiences in the past

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Before your procedure, you’ll receive instructions to help you prepare, such as avoiding food or drink for a specific period. You will feel calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. Afterward, you’ll need someone to drive you home, and you may feel drowsy for several hours.

Is Dental IV Sedation Safe?

When administered by trained dental professionals, IV sedation is considered very safe. At Summit Family Dental, patient safety is always a top priority, and our team follows strict monitoring and safety protocols during sedation procedures.

Sedation dentistry allows patients to receive necessary dental treatment without fear or discomfort. Whether you’re undergoing restorative care or a more involved procedure, IV sedation can make the experience easier and more manageable. If you have questions about IV sedation or would like to find out if it’s right for you, contact our office.

 

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure for individuals in their late teens or early twenties. At Summit Family Dental, we make the process quick, comfortable, and stress-free. Whether preparing for the procedure yourself or helping your teen, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Are Wisdom Teeth, and Why Are They Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop. They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. For some, these teeth come in without a hitch. For others, they can lead to a range of issues:

• Impaction: Teeth that remain trapped beneath the gums or grow at awkward angles.
• Overcrowding: Not enough room in the mouth to accommodate new molars.
• Infection or Decay: Partially erupted teeth can be hard to clean and prone to infection.
• Cyst Formation: Fluid-filled sacs can develop around impacted teeth, potentially damaging nearby bone or teeth.

Removing wisdom teeth early can help prevent these problems and protect oral health.

Do You Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. We conduct an examination and take X-rays to determine if removal is necessary. We’ll assess:

• The position and development of your wisdom teeth
• Any signs of crowding, infection, or damage to nearby teeth
• Whether future complications are likely

Wisdom Teeth Extraction at Summit Family Dental

Knowing what happens during the procedure can help ease your mind if you’re nervous about having your wisdom teeth removed. At Summit Family Dental, our skilled dentists perform extractions using local anesthesia, so while you’ll remain awake, the area will be completely numb, and you won’t feel any pain. Most extractions are completed in under an hour. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:

Accessing the Tooth

If the wisdom tooth has already erupted (broken through the gums), the dentist can typically remove it with forceps. If the tooth is impacted (partially or fully trapped under the gum or bone), the dentist may make a small incision in the gum tissue to access it. 

Loosening the Tooth

The dentist gently rocks the tooth back and forth to loosen it from the socket. You may feel some pressure; this is normal and not painful due to the anesthesia.

Sectioning the Tooth (If Necessary)

The dentist may cut the tooth into smaller pieces for impacted teeth. This makes removal easier and helps preserve surrounding bone and tissue.

Removing the Tooth

Once the tooth is fully loosened (or sectioned), it is carefully lifted out of the socket.

Cleaning the Site

After the tooth is removed, the dentist cleans the socket to remove any debris or bone fragments. If necessary, they may place dissolvable stitches to help the gums heal.

Controlling Bleeding

The dentist places gauze over the extraction site and has you bite down gently to help a blood clot form. This clot is essential to proper healing, so you’ll be given instructions on how to protect it following the procedure.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery

Recovery typically takes a few days to a week. You can manage the pain with over-the-counter medications. We’re only a phone call away if you have questions or concerns during recovery. Here are a few tips to speed up healing:

• Rest: Take it easy for the first couple of days.
• Use Ice Packs: Apply ice to the outside of your jaw to reduce swelling.
• Stick to Soft Foods: Yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce are good options.
• Avoid Straws and Smoking: These can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

Why Choose Summit Family Dental?

At Summit Family Dental, we provide personalized, affordable, high-quality dental care built on trust and communication. We accept dental insurance and Medicaid for this procedure, and for those without coverage, our dental membership plan includes 15% off oral surgeries. 

Contact us if you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an evaluation. At Summit Family Dental, your smile and your comfort come first.

Affordable Dental Payment Options in Denver, NC

When it comes to your dental health, having access to a variety of payment options is essential. At Summit Family Dentistry in Denver, NC, we understand that managing the costs of dental care can be challenging. That’s why we offer several flexible payment plans to help make

your dental treatments more affordable and accessible. Whether you’re looking for an in-house dental membership plan or prefer external financing options, we’ve got you covered.

We will guide you through the different payment options available at Summit Family Dentistry, so you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and your needs.

In-House Dental Membership Plans: A Cost-Effective Solution

For patients who do not have dental insurance or are looking for an alternative, we offer an in-house dental membership plan designed to provide quality dental care at an affordable price. Our dental membership

plan is tailored to meet the needs of individuals and families, offering significant savings on preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services.

Key Features of Our Dental Membership Plan:

– Annual Membership Fee: Our dental membership plan comes with a straightforward annual fee that covers a wide range of services. For an adult care plus, the annual fee is $424, while for a child plus, it’s $295. This fee ensures that you receive quality dental care throughout the year without worrying about unexpected costs.

– Preventive Care Coverage: The plan includes comprehensive preventive care services such as two professional cleanings, two regular exams, two oral screenings, routine X-rays as needed, and an emergency exam per year. The child’s plan gets an additional fluoride treatment. These services are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and catching any potential issues early.

– Discounted Rates on Additional Services: As a member, you will also receive a 10-15% discount on other dental services, including restorative treatments like fillings and crowns and even orthodontic treatments. This discount can lead to substantial savings on more extensive dental procedures.

– No Waiting Periods or Deductibles: Unlike traditional insurance plans, our in-house membership plan has no waiting periods, deductibles, or annual maximums. This means you can start using your benefits immediately and enjoy unlimited access to discounted dental care throughout the year.

Benefits of Choosing Our Dental Membership Plan:

– Affordable and Predictable Costs: With our membership plan, you know exactly what your dental care will cost, making it easier to budget for your oral health needs.

– Simplified Process: There are no claims to file, no approvals needed, and no waiting for reimbursements. You pay a single annual fee and receive immediate access to your benefits.

– Enhanced Dental Care: Regular visits to the dentist become more affordable, encouraging you to keep up with your dental checkups and maintain excellent oral health.

 

Learn More About Our Membership

External Payment Plans: Flexible Financing Options

In addition to our in-house dental membership plan, Summit Family Dentistry also offers external payment plans through a trusted third-party financing provider. These plans allow you to spread the cost of your dental treatments over time, making even more extensive procedures like dental implants or orthodontics affordable.

CareCredit^® Financing

CareCredit^® a well-known healthcare financing provider that offers flexible payment options for patients who need help managing their dental expenses. At Summit Family Dentistry, we are proud to partner with CareCredit^® to provide you with a convenient way to finance your dental care.

How CareCredit^® Works:

– Quick and Easy Application: You can apply for CareCredit^® online. The approval process is quick, and you can start using your CareCredit^® account immediately upon approval.

– Interest-Free Financing Options: CareCredit^® offers interest-free financing for 6, 12, 18, or 24 months, allowing you to pay for your treatment over time without incurring any additional costs, provided you make your minimum monthly payments and pay the full amount within the promotional period.

– Extended Payment Plans: For larger dental expenses, CareCredit^® also offers extended payment plans with low, fixed interest rates for up to 60 months. This option can make costly procedures more manageable and reduce financial stress.

Visit CareCredit^®.    CareCredit^® Application

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing the right payment option depends on your individual needs and financial situation. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

– In-House Dental Membership Plan: Best for patients without insurance or those looking for predictable costs and substantial savings on preventive and restorative care.

– CareCredit^®: Ideal for patients needing flexibility in paying for more extensive treatments, with interest-free financing options and extended payment plans.

Take Control of Your Oral Health Today

At Summit Family Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care, regardless of their financial situation. Our diverse range of payment options ensures that you can find a plan that fits your budget and needs.

If you have any questions about our payment options or would like to learn more, feel free to contact our office in Denver, NC. Our friendly team is here to help you navigate your choices and ensure that you receive the best possible care.

Don’t let cost be a barrier to a healthy, beautiful smile. Explore our payment options today and take the first step toward achieving optimal oral health!

Ready to learn more or schedule your next appointment? Visit our website or call us today!

Enhance Your Smile: Reasons to Visit a Cosmetic Dentist

Your smile is one of the first things people notice, and if you’re not confident in yours, it can be a cause for low self esteem and insecurities. That’s where cosmetic dentists come in. Cosmetic dentists are here to help you be confident in your teeth and smile. There are lots of things cosmetics dentists can do to make you love your smile. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of just some of the reasons why you should visit a cosmetic dentist.

Reasons to Visit a Cosmetic Dentist

Straightening Teeth

• Options: Invisalign®, veneers
  • Benefit: Straighten teeth without traditional braces, providing a discreet and convenient solution.

Replacing Missing Teeth

• Options: Crowns and bridges, implants, dentures
  • Benefit: Restore functionality and aesthetics, filling gaps and completing your smile.

Whitening Your Teeth

• Options: Professional teeth whitening
  • Benefits: Achieve a brighter, sparkling smile with longer-lasting results.

 

No matter if it’s a small change or a big change, cosmetic dentists can help give you confidence in your smile again. Call us at (980) 222-7501 to set up an appointment to talk with our dentists about what we can do to get you loving your smile again.

Tooth decay, or cavities, results from the softening of tooth enamel due to acid produced by plaque bacteria breaking down sugar. Without treatment, cavities can lead to various dental problems, including toothaches and loss.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Eating and Drinking

• Food particles and carbohydrates left on teeth contribute to decay.
  • Brush and floss thoroughly, especially after consuming sugary foods and drinks, to remove lingering particles.

Dry Mouth

• Reduced saliva leads to increased plaque buildup and acidity.
  • Stay hydrated to promote saliva production, aiding in plaque removal and acid neutralization.

Poor Oral Hygiene

• Inadequate brushing, flossing, and dental visits contribute to decay.
  • Maintain daily oral hygiene practices and attend regular dental check-ups to prevent decay and detect early signs.

Plaque Formation

• Accumulated plaque attacks tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
  • Remove plaque through proper brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings to prevent decay progression.

 

While tooth decay can be scary, the good news is that we are here for you. We can address the issue and find a solution for you in no time. If you think you’re experiencing tooth decay, call us at (980) 222-7501 and we’ll get you an appointment in the near future.

Experiencing extreme tooth pain can be both distressing and debilitating. It’s one of those discomforts that you can’t ignore and often leaves you scrambling for relief. While the definitive solution should always be a visit to the dentist, there are several measures you can take at home to manage the pain until your appointment.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

For inflammation-related tooth pain, Ibuprofen (like Advil) can be particularly effective. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another alternative, especially if you’re unable to take Ibuprofen. These medications can help reduce pain and swelling. However, it’s crucial to use them as directed and remember they are not a long-term solution.

Salt Water Rinse

A time-tested remedy for oral discomfort is a simple salt water rinse. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth. This can help reduce swelling and cleanse the area, potentially easing some pain.

Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress or an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area, offering temporary relief. Do this for 15-20 minutes every few hours.

Clove Oil

Clove oil has natural analgesic and antibacterial properties. Applying a small amount to the affected area can temporarily ease tooth pain. Use a cotton ball or swab to apply it gently.

Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages

While dealing with tooth pain, avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages as they can exacerbate the pain. Similarly, steer clear of sugary, acidic, or hard foods.

Elevate Your Head

When resting or sleeping, keep your head in an elevated position. Lying flat can increase blood pressure in the tooth area, potentially worsening the pain.

Keep it Clean

Continue to gently brush and floss, ensuring no additional food particles aggravate the affected area.

While these home remedies can provide temporary relief, they are not substitutes for professional dental care. Extreme tooth pain often signals a serious underlying issue that requires the attention of a dentist. Schedule an appointment immediately if pain persists.

At Summit Family Dentistry, we understand how critical it is to address dental emergencies promptly. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, don’t delay in seeking professional help.

Call us at (980) 222-7501 to schedule an appointment. Our team is ready to provide the relief you need and the comprehensive care your dental health deserves.

 

More On Emergency Dental Care Contact Summit Family Dentistry

As we age, we come to realize that several things we disliked during childhood were, in fact, beneficial for us. Occasionally, we even develop a fondness for some of those things, like vegetables or going to bed early. However, let’s face it – there are times when we empathize with an irate eight-year-old throwing a tantrum in the dentist’s waiting area. Dental visits rarely end up being anyone’s favorite thing to do!

Although visiting the dentist may not scare everyone, for some individuals, the thought of a dental appointment can be stressful and uneasy. In fact, around 15% of Americans feel so anxious about going to the dentist that they opt to avoid it altogether – unfortunately, this can have negative consequences for their oral health. Delaying or skipping dental visits can cause minor dental problems to escalate into more complex and painful issues.

At Summit Family Dentistry, we acknowledge that visiting us might seem daunting, and we strive to ensure that your experience is as stress-free as possible. We offer several ways to make you feel welcome in our office, and one of them is our ability to minimize discomfort during most procedures using modern medical technology.

Usually, a local anesthetic is enough to manage your pain. However, for some people pain isn’t the only concern. Patients who suffer from anxiety, for example, may be concerned the discomfort of a procedure will cause elevated anxiety. If that’s the case for you, don’t worry! Sedation can make your visit a breeze!

Controlling Dental Pain: Local Anesthesia vs. General Anesthesia vs. Sedation

Dentists use three primary methods to manage patients’ pain and stress during procedures:

• Local anesthesia: numbs the immediate area being worked on
• General anesthesia: makes you unconscious for the duration
• Sedative medication: calms you – dentists can choose different levels of sedative

Local anesthesia is applied using a swab or syringe to the targeted skin or muscle area. For some sedatives, a needle or catheter is used to inject them into the patient’s bloodstream. Unlike general anesthesia that renders the patient entirely unconscious and necessitates assistance with breathing and heartbeat, sedatives leave the patient in a semi-conscious state. Consequently, the patient can respond to verbal instructions and doesn’t require close monitoring.

Many sedatives leave the patient with no memory of the procedure, so they don’t have to worry they will have traumatic memories of the procedure. A combination of local anesthesia and sedative medication makes a patient’s experience both painless and more emotionally comfortable.

Oral sedatives (by mouth) often simply calm a person’s nerves a bit. These sedatives leave the patient fully conscious but help them relax during the dental procedure.

The type of sedation a dentist uses depends on individual needs of each patient.

Going to the dentist may not ever be one of your favorite things, but at Summit Family Dentistry we have ways (including sedation) to ensure your dental visit is as comfortable as possible. If you have questions about how we can accommodate you during your visit, or if you have specific questions about any procedure, give us a call and we’ll be happy to ease your anxiety!

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X-Rays are commonly used by dentists to see beneath your gums and into your bones. However, x-rays use radiation to create their pictures which can cause anxiety in some people. Radiation can have potentially harmful effects and you can find lots of information online about the dangers of radiation. But are dental x-rays really dangerous? Join us at Summit Family Dentistry as we dive into the information about x-rays and radiation.

How safe are dental x-rays?

In short, dental x-rays are considered to be very safe. When performed properly, dental x-rays give off extremely low levels of radiation. Additionally, over the years there have been many improvements to x-ray technology that continue to improve the safety of the procedure.

Just how little radiation do you get exposed to with dental x-rays? A set of 4 bitewing x-rays will expose you to 0.4mrem of radiation. Compare that to the amount of radiation you are exposed to from a variety of things you do in your daily life – drinking water exposes you to 5mrem per year and using natural gas for heating/cooking exposes you to 9mrem per year. You are even exposed to 35mrem of natural radiation from the soil every year.

We also take additional safety precautions to minimize your exposure to radiation during the x-ray. We will have you wear a lead apron to protect most of your body. We also have a leaded thyroid collar that protects the thyroid, which is more sensitive to radiation. If you are pregnant, please let your dentist know so they can take extra precautions or they may decide against taking x-rays at that time to protect you and your fetus.

What are the benefits of dental x-rays?

Dental x-rays are very useful and help us diagnose a number of oral health problems that can cause patients pain and discomfort. Letting these issues go unchecked can cause far worse problems than the small amount of radiation received from the x-ray. The problems that we can identify include:

• Tooth decay occurring between the teeth
• Bone loss
• Tumors or other growths
• Changes in a root canal
• Infections between the teeth and gums

If these problems are not promptly addressed, they can lead to serious long-term issues for your oral health.

Overall, the benefits of having x-rays taken vastly outweigh the risks associated with being exposed to such a small amount of radiation. If you have more questions or concerns about dental x-rays, call our Denver, NC dental office at (980) 222-7501 and we will be happy to give you more information.

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Toothaches can be caused by simple issues like a popcorn kernel stuck in your gum to more serious dental problems like an abscess or broken tooth. Some tooth pains won’t get better on their own and you will need to see a dentist for treatment. If you’re suffering from a toothache, Summit Family Dentistry in Denver, NC can help!

Toothache Causes

Toothache causes—and treatment options—can vary. Depending on your symptoms, you could have one of the following issues:

• Tooth decay or untreated cavities
• A tooth abscess (a bacterial infection inside the tooth)
• Tooth crack
• Broken tooth
• Damaged filling
• Gum infection or damage

Toothache Symptoms

Toothache pain can range from mild to severe, and it may be constant or intermittent. Pain in your tooth and mouth is the primary symptom of a toothache, but the type of pain can vary from:

• Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain on or around an infected/damaged tooth
• Pain that only occurs when pressure is applied to a tooth, gums, or jaw
• Swollen or painful gums
• Bad taste in the mouth (likely from an infection in a tooth)
• Fever or headache

Home Remedies for Toothaches

If you’re hoping to minimize pain from a toothache, you can try the following home remedies. Please talk with your dentist before using any of the home remedies listed below if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical condition that may be impacted by herbal ingredients.

• Saltwater rinse. Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water then use a mouthwash.
• Apply a cold compress on/near the area of pain.
• Use over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol or Advil to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Teabags. Apply a cold or warm tea bag to your tooth—but tea can stain teeth so don’t use this method often.

When to See the Dentist

If your pain is severe or has persisted for more than a day or two, it’s time to see your dentist. They can provide guidance on how to relieve your symptoms and prevent future pain. You should also see a dentist if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• fever
• trouble swallowing
• general pain that lasts more than one or two days
• swelling
• pain when you bite or chew 
• abnormally red gums
• foul-tasting discharge, or pus

If you’re experiencing tooth pain and need to see a dentist in Denver, NC, contact Summit Family Dentistry today.

A root canal is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that has become infected or injured. The procedure can remove damaged tissues in the tooth and prevent future infection, but is it really worth it? At Summit Family Dentistry in Denver, NC we offer root canal treatment. We will examine the pros and cons of root canals to help you decide if a root canal is right for you.

Cons of Having a Root Canal

While root canals are pretty common, there are some drawbacks to having this procedure done. One of those drawbacks is that it might weaken the tooth. Dentists have to drill through the tooth in order to get to the pulp, and additional decay might have to be removed. If the tooth is too weak to function, the dentist will add a crown to it, which will strengthen the tooth and allow the patient to use it like a natural tooth.

Another disadvantage of having a root canal is the time it takes in order to get one done. In most cases, a patient will only need to go to the dentist once to get this procedure done. However, two to three appointments are required in complicated cases where the infection or damage is severe. Also, patients might need two to three visits to get root canals on upper first molars. Upper first molars have three to five root canals, and each one must be treated, which takes longer to complete.

Root canals can also cause discomfort to the mouth and jaw, as they will have to remain open the entire procedure. While there are some cons to having a root canal, there are also some advantages.

Pros of Having a Root Canal

One of the advantages of getting a root canal is that it keeps the natural tooth. Dentists remove the infected pulp tissue, clean out the root canal and replace it with filling material. Because the patient gets to keep the natural tooth, they don’t have to worry about bone loss. The tooth’s root will also continue to stimulate the bone, so the patient can keep their natural smile.

Another benefit of having a root canal is that it stops tooth pain. Having an inflamed or infected pulp can be pretty painful and can make it difficult to function in everyday life. A root canal cleans out the infected pulp and antibiotics are used to treat the area if needed. Once everything is healed, the toothache will be gone!

If you choose to have a root canal over a tooth extraction, it helps prevent gaps in your mouth. Gaps can lead to alignment issues, which can change your smile and make it difficult to eat. With a root canal, your tooth stays in place so you don’t have to worry about those alignment issues.
Root canals are also more affordable than extracting the tooth and replacing it. You get to keep your real tooth and your real smile.

Like any dental procedure, there are pros and cons. It’s always a good idea to talk with your dentists if you think you may need a root canal. Call Summit Family Dentistry in Denver, NC today and we’d be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

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