General Dentistry
in Raleigh, NC

Dental Exams & Cleanings

Central to Wells Family Dental’s general dentistry services are regular cleanings and exams. 

Cleanings & Prevention

Maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for life with expert dental exams, thorough cleanings, and preventative care at Wells Family Dental Group in Raleigh, NC. Our experienced and dedicated dental team partners with you to protect the natural health of your teeth and gums. We develop tailored dental plans focused on new, recurring, and ongoing oral health issues.

Preventing dental problems starts with a strong home oral hygiene routine and a balanced diet. At Wells Family Dental Group, we care about your dental health and your overall health. That is why we seek to educate all our patients on best practices for keeping your smile healthy for life. 

Our preventative dental services include:

• Regular Teeth Cleanings: Gentle and thorough removal of plaque and tartar buildup to prevent gum disease and cavities.
• Comprehensive Dental Exams: Detailed evaluations of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health to detect any potential issues early.
• Digital Dental X-Rays: Safe and efficient imaging to identify hidden problems like decay, bone loss, and root issues (read more below).
• Dental Sealants: Protective coatings applied to tooth grooves to prevent decay, especially in molars and premolars.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthen tooth enamel and increase resistance to decay.

Dental Exams

During your initial dental visit and regular check-ups, our dental team will conduct a comprehensive examination, including:

• Diagnostic Digital X-Rays: Utilizing advanced technology to assess tooth and root position, and identify potential tumors, decay, bone loss, and cysts with minimal radiation exposure.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Careful examination of your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum Disease (Periodontal) Evaluation: Assessing the health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth to detect and prevent periodontal disease.
• Tooth Decay Examination: Thorough inspection of all tooth surfaces for any evidence of cavities or decay.
• Existing Dental Restoration Examination: Evaluation of current fillings, crowns, root canals, and other restorations to ensure their integrity.

Dental Cleaning

Our skilled registered dental hygienists provide meticulous dental cleaning through the following procedures:

• Calculus (Tartar) Removal: Effectively removing hardened plaque (tartar) that has adhered to your teeth above and below the gum line.
• Plaque Removal: Eliminating the sticky, bacteria-rich film (plaque) that contributes to gum inflammation and the development of gum disease.
• Teeth Polishing: Removing surface stains and residual plaque, leaving you with a noticeably brighter and healthier smile.

Digital X-Rays

Wells Family Dental Group is committed to utilizing the latest dental technology, including digital X-rays. This advanced method uses electronic sensors to capture and store images instantly on our computer system, offering several benefits:

• Faster and more comfortable for patients.
• Reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays.
• Environmentally friendly (by eliminating the need for harmful chemical processing and waste).

Our team adheres to strict safety protocols to minimize any radiation exposure during digital X-ray procedures. The frequency of dental X-rays is determined based on each patient’s individual needs, dental history, exams, and current oral health, considering factors like age and risk of oral disease. We typically recommend a full mouth series for new patients (lasting 3-5 years) and bite-wing X-rays at regular six-month check-ups to detect new problems.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars with grooves (also called “pits” or “fissures”) to prevent decay. These areas are particularly susceptible to cavities because they are difficult to clean effectively. 

Sealants create a smooth surface, making these teeth easier to keep clean. With proper care and regular dental check-ups to monitor for wear or chipping, sealants can provide long-lasting protection against tooth decay.

Who can benefit from dental sealants?

• Children and Teenagers: Offering crucial protection as permanent molars erupt (around age 6) through the high-risk cavity years (up to age 16).
• Adults: Applying to decay-free tooth surfaces with deep grooves or depressions.
• Babies (occasionally): In cases of deep grooves or a high risk of cavities.

Maintaining the effectiveness of sealants requires consistent home dental care, a balanced diet, and regular visits to one of our Raleigh dental offices.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatment is a key preventative measure that strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay. We offer two types of fluoride applications at our Raleigh offices:

• Topical Fluoride: Is for teeth with surface eruptions. It is applied directly to the tooth surfaces through toothpaste, gels, mouth rinses (for daily use), and professional applications (recommended twice a year for children during tooth development). 
• Systemic Fluoride: Works on both erupted and developing teeth under the gums. It is found in some foods, community water supplies, and as prescription supplements (drops or gels, typically for infants to teenagers). It is important to note that excessive ingestion during tooth development can lead to fluorosis (white spots).

Fluoride alone is not enough to prevent tooth decay. To achieve optimal oral health, combine fluoride use with other essential preventative practices, including brushing at least twice daily, flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet, limiting sugary snacks, and scheduling regular dental cleanings at Wells Family Dental Group.