Dr. Erika Graham provides general dentistry in Durham, NC that is dedicated to the comfort and care of her patients. She treats patients of all ages at Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. As a dental service, general dentistry can be used to prevent further dental problems. General dentistry procedures can also make it easier to treat present dental problems.
For example, sports mouthguards prevent tooth damage or loss, while tooth extractions prevent impacted or infected teeth from affecting the rest of the smile. Our family dentistry services ensure that we are prepared to handle your smile at any stage of development. Emergency dentistry provides prompt care for immediate concerns.
General Dentistry in Durham, NC
General dental care preserves the look, feel, and function of the smile. Patients who require preventative dental care or immediate treatment for their concerns benefit from our general services:
Custom Sports Mouthguard
If you or your child play contact sports, you need to wear a sports mouthguard to protect the teeth, gums, and jaw from injury. Because our sports mouthguards offer a custom fit, patients do not need to clench their jaw to keep their mouthguard in place.
Comparatively, over-the-counter mouthguards do not conform to the teeth and can fall out easily. To learn more about how a custom mouthguard can better protect your smile, see Custom Mouthguard.
Emergency Dentistry
Dental trauma, broken dental restorations, and lost teeth are dental emergencies that can be treated in our Durham dental office. If you have just lost a tooth or broken a dental restoration, contact our office so we can schedule an appointment for you. Emergency dental care helps prevent further oral health complications. To learn more about what to do in the event of a dental emergency and how we can help, see Emergency Dentistry.
Family Dentistry
Are you looking for a dentist that can treat every member of your family under one roof? Dr. Graham is a family dentist that works with patients as individuals to find the best treatments for their dental needs. She helps teach parents and children the best methods of treating their teeth and gums. She also makes scheduling appointments easy by allowing you to schedule your families appointments at the same time or back to back. To learn more about our family dentistry services, see Family Dentistry.
Tooth Extraction
If you have an infected or impacted tooth, it may need to be removed for the health of the remaining teeth and gums. We make sure that tooth extraction treatments are comfortable for our patients. In patients late teenage years we extract wisdom teeth before they come in or if they are impacted. To learn more about the tooth extraction process, see Tooth Extraction.
General Dental FAQs
Do you have further questions about our general dentistry services? Continue reading to learn more about general dental treatments and find answers to commonly asked questions in our office.
When should I replace my sports mouthguard?
If you notice a change in the fit of your mouthguard, or if your child is losing their baby teeth, you may need a new mouthguard for you or your child. We often recommend that patients replace their sports mouthguards every season, or whenever there is a change in the bite.
Do I need to have my dentist extract my wisdom teeth?
Not every patient needs extraction treatment for their wisdom teeth. Our team will use x-rays to keep track of your wisdom teeth. If it seems like your wisdom teeth will damage your molars, we will schedule an extraction. Wisdom teeth can become impacted and cause tooth pain and sensitivity.
Can a general dentist do pediatric dentistry?
A general dentist can do pediatric dentistry, but they may not have as much experience or training as a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist has specialized training in caring for the teeth of infants, children, and adolescents.
What does general dentistry include?
General dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases and conditions. It includes a variety of procedures, such as teeth cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, and more.
Can a general dentist do a root canal?
Yes, a general dentist is capable of treating a root canal. However, if your dentist feels that the root canal is too complex, they may refer you to an endodontist.
How painful is a tooth extraction?
Tooth extractions are typically not painful. However, the pain of a tooth extraction depends on the individual. Some patients report feeling only minor discomfort, while others experience more significant discomfort. The level of pain also depends on the location of the tooth. Generally, teeth located in the back of the mouth are more difficult to remove and can cause more pain than those in the front.
Contact Our Dental Office
Receive general dental care in our Durham, North Carolina dental office. Schedule a dental consultation with our team online. You can also call Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at 919-899-4467. Feel free to let our dental team know if you have any remaining questions or concerns and they will be happy to help you.