Dental advice just for women:

It is common knowledge that men and women have different health needs, from basic nutrition to common ailments. Did you know that gender also plays a role in dental health?

Women experience many changes in their overall health based on hormonal levels within the body during different periods of their life. It should not come as a surprise, then, that even dental health is affected by hormone fluctuations. Here are some common changes/issues to be aware of:

Puberty-During puberty, fluctuations in hormones can make a woman more vulnerable to gingivitis. Gums may become sore and/or bleed.

Menstruation-the menstrual cycle can trigger canker and cold sore development, and some women experience a recurrence with every cycle.

Pregnancy-Pregnancy is also a period when women become vulnerable to gingivitis. In fact, it is the most common oral condition associated with being pregnant. The problem is exacerbated if an expecting mother avoids dental check-ups during pregnancy. Dental infections are attributed for up to 5% of low-birth-weight and pre-term babies. This is a startling, and disturbing correlation.

Dry mouth is another common complaint of the expectant mother. Sipping water and chewing sugarless gum can help alleviate this problem. A greater concern is morning sickness. The stomach acids that constantly churn due to this condition can permanently damage tooth enamel. Mothers who experience morning sickness need to increase their brushing more than twice a day.

Birth Control- Oral contraceptives can cause gum tissue changes. This can cause complications such as healing problems and dry socket after tooth extractions.

Menopause- There is a myriad of changes during menopause. From the dental perspective, women experience changes that range from oral burning sensations and pain, to changes in taste and dry mouth. After menopause, women are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, which may increase the chance of tooth loss.

It’s important to maintain good dental hygiene and visit your dentist at least twice a year, through all of the changes of life. Hormonal changes are a fact of life, and developing a consistent dental hygiene regimen and a relationship with your family dentist can help you avoid many of the dental issues faced specifically by women. Preston Dental Center is a family-oriented practice, run by a husband-and-wife team. Finding a doctor who makes you feel comfortable and supports you through these life changes is essential. You need to be able to discuss and address these issues, and how they affect your health, with someone who understands and caress. Drs. Lisa and Greg Mayes are dedicated to a friendly, supportive dental practice that makes your family feel at home, and can care for your health through all the phases of life.

E4D Crowns = A new, permanent crown, the very day you need it.

The new E4D Crown offered by Dr. Mayes at Preston Dental Center revolutionizes the crown-making process, giving you same-day dental service. One office visit, problem solved.

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire surface of a tooth, adding strength, durability and stability and are used to treat damaged or decayed teeth. If you or a family member already have crowns, you are probably familiar with the lengthy process typically required. A crown can take 1-3 office visits and up to four weeks for completion. First, an impression is made in-office and a temporary crown is installed. The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory to create the permanent crown, which is installed during the second appointment. Not only does the traditional process of making crowns require multiple office visits, but typically includes an initial unpleasant impression-making process, an aggravating 1-3 week period of wearing a temporary and unreliable crown, and the potential of a third visit if the crown does not fit properly.

The E4D Crown truly revolutionizes this process. With the E4D crown, patients are able to return home with their new, permanent crown in only one office visit. Even better, the impression-making process is completely computerized so there is no mess, goop, or bad taste. You will love how quickly Dr. Mayes can get you in and out the door with a permanent solution. No more worrying about your teeth for weeks on end. A quick, simple solution to a traditionally frustrating problem.

So, who says the “good old days” were better? Learn more about how we’ve improved dentistry today: http://www.prestondentalcenter.com/dental_crowns_cary_north_nc.html

Smile Makeovers!

Preston Dental Center knows that when your smile looks good, you feel good! Modern smile makeovers are easy, affordable and natural-looking. You’d be amazed what crowns, bonding and whitening can do for your smile, and your overall appearance.

Nothing speaks for your health, youth and vitality like your teeth. The reality is, as we age, so do our teeth, and a large part of the image that we project is through our smiles. Stained, crooked, broken or damaged teeth can make you and your teeth look older than you are. Nothing conveys confidence better than a polished, winning smile.

Room for improvement: Old methods get a makeover

Obtaining that gorgeous smile has only gotten easier. Advanced methods in dentistry have sped up procedures, making them safer, more comfortable, and sometimes cheaper. If you’ve looked at cosmetic dentistry in the past, it’s time to look again. Many improvements can be done now in only a day!

Fillings: Did you know that metal fillings do not bond well to teeth, so that decay eventually leaks into the tooth? White bonded fillings not only look better, matching your tooth color completely, but they bond extremely well, so there is much less chance of decay. They can, in fact, strengthen your teeth.

Braces: Six Month Smiles is a cosmetic braces system that straightens teeth in six months or less. Compare that to years with traditional braces! Also, Six Month Smiles uses clear or tooth-colored bands that are much more comfortable, and can hardly be seen. Invisalign is another popular option also available at Preston Dental Center, using clear, removable aligners, and it takes about half the time of traditional braces.

Teeth Whitening: Zoom2 Teeth Whitening does exactly that-zooms you through the process of tooth whitening. In only one office visit, in less than an hour, you can have brilliantly white teeth. Compare this to older processes that involved weeks and weeks of trays and gels that leaked into your mouth-yuck!

Crowns: Crowns are used on damaged and/or decayed teeth, and could traditionally take up to a month, including multiple doctor visits and wait time. E4D crowns are made in only one visit, while you wait. They replace worn, chipped or decayed teeth with perfect tooth-colored restorations and are bonded directly to your teeth. Beautiful!

Diabetes and Dentistry:

What do you have to be concerned about?

“Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those who do not have diabetes. This relationship causes great concern because serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood sugar control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.” (Durham Dental, Patient Information)

Understanding the Relationship between Diabetes and Dental Health:

If you have diabetes, you are probably already aware that diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection. You may not have considered that this makes you a more likely candidate for gingivitis and a variety of other oral conditions that can adversely affect your health. Here are a few to be aware of:

1. Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Gingivitis is a form of gum disease caused by bacteria, which is reversible. Unfortunately, untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is an irreversible destruction of the tissues that surround the teeth. The first signs are gums that are red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually little or no pain. (Read more about periodontal disease)

2. Thrush. Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is an infection of the mucus membrane lining the mouth and tongue, caused by a fungus that grows in the mouth. This appears as white patches within the mouth and on the tongue.

3. Dry mouth. Dry mouth may sound innocuous, but it can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.

Consult a dentist if you show symptoms of any of these conditions. Depending upon the condition, a dentist can prescribe antibiotics, medicated moth rinses, and more frequent cleanings to prevent problems with bacterial infections in the mouth. People with diabetes who receive good dental care and maintain good insulin control have a better chance of avoiding gum disease. Maintaining a healthy diet and getting exercise are important parts of improving your quality of life and oral health. Also, keep both medical and dental care providers aware of your medical history and periodontal status.

Things you should do:

· Brush twice daily, using an antimicrobial toothpaste containing fluoride and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash.

· Be aware of your blood sugar levels in addition to having your triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis.

· Schedule dental appointments in the morning because blood glucose levels tend to be more level at this time of day.

· See your dentist on a regular basis, and on your appointment day, eat and take your medications as directed.

Looking for a caring, family dental practice in the Raleigh Durham area?

Drs. Gregory and Lisa Mayes make exceptional dental care their #1 priority. Their mission is to provide patients with care that lasts a lifetime, and are always open to new patients. They are a family working together, and consider each new patient a new member of the family. Please, read more here about Preston Dental Center, and visit their innovative web site to get a better feel for your new dentists!

Care with Experience: (Meet the Doctors)

• J. Gregory Mayes, D.D.S. has his dental degree from University of North Carolina and has taken postgraduate education in cosmetic dentistry, crowns, bridges, veneers, and tooth-colored restoration using modern composite materials.
• Lisa H. Mayes, D.D.S. received her undergraduate and dental degree from University of North Carolina, and is also a native North Carolinian.

Both Dr. Greg and Dr. Lisa are members of the ADA, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry.

A Testimonial to Personalized Care:

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for seeing me on such short notice and for doing such a beautiful job on my teeth. Thank you so much for being so patient and caring because I know I was a little difficult. It means so much that you take such an interest in your patients and you should know that it makes such a difference! Thanks again!"
- Kirsten Grove (more testimonials)

Dr. Greg and Dr. Lisa both attempt to treat each patient as an individual and get to know them personally. Their goal is to provide an attentive staff, enthusiastic manner, and state-of-the-art dental care, delivered with comfort in a friendly atmosphere. It’s important to them to establish a feeling of trust by listening to you, the patient, educating you, and respecting your decisions. Each proposed treatment plan is carefully explained, and each of your questions is answered before you receive dental care because they believe that it is important that you are involved in making your dental health decisions.

Contact Preston Dental Center today for your appointment:

J. Gregory Mayes, DDS and Lisa H. Mayes, DDS

(919) 460-0963

3761 N.W. Cary Parkway, Suite 100

Cary, NC 27513

Or, email your questions and/or comments to Dr. Mayes directly!

Dr. J. Gregory Mayes: DrGMayes@PrestonDentalCener.com

Dr. Lisa Mayes: DrLMayes@PrestonDentalCenter.com

“We love what we do!”

Orthodontics and Adulthood: Thinking about improving your smile?

Do you feel embarrassed of your smile or that your crooked teeth take away from your appearance, but can’t imagine wearing braces to correct the problem? Have you been thinking about improving your smile due to discoloration, misshapen teeth, or gaps, but don’t want the attention or inconvenience of lengthy cosmetic dentistry? You may be pleasantly surprised by some of the options available to you.

Advances in dentistry have given adults discreet, comfortable and convenient options that take as little as two visits to 24 months, depending on the procedure. Here are a few of the options that Dr. Mayes offers in-office:

1. Invisalign (typically 9-15 months)

Invisalign™ makes it possible to have straight teeth in as little as 9 - 15 months. The Invisalign™ system consists of clear plastic custom-made aligners that are replaced every two weeks. No braces, wires or headgear, no mouth irritation, and no embarrassment. You can eat, drink, brush and floss as you normally would because the Invisalign™ system is removable. Even better, the Invisalign aligners are nearly undetectable. Invisalign™ is widely popular and is greatly preferred by adults for its convenience and effectiveness.

2. Six Months Smiles (typically 6 months)

Six Month Smiles can give you a beautiful smile, quickly and comfortably. If your teeth have gaps, or are crowded and overlapped, most cases can be completed in six months or less. Six Month Smiles modifies the best aspects and materials of traditional braces to provide a cosmetic solution that better suits an adult lifestyle. Clear brackets and tooth-colored wires, which are barely visible, are used to gently move the teeth that are visible in your smile to the desired position. This can be accomplished in a short time, it’s much more comfortable than traditional braces, and can barely be seen. The result? Straight teeth in months instead of years! Not everyone is a candidate for Six Month Smiles, so call Dr. Mayes for a complimentary consultation.

3. Veneers (typically 2 visits)

Porcelain veneers are very hard, thin coverings that are bonded to your teeth. They are a great option for patients concerned with misshapen teeth, gaps, deep discoloration or other problems that interfere with the attractiveness of your smile. They are very natural-looking, and nearly undetectable. Most are done in only two visits!

4. Tooth Whitening (from 1 hour-2 weeks, depending on the process)

Dr. Mayes offers two different types of tooth whitening, KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching, and ZOOM!2 Whitening. Both are highly acclaimed for quality and effectiveness. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mayes to find out which is right for you.

Dentistry addresses heart attack, stroke and cancer:

You may be surprised to hear that some of the problems that can be found during a dental visit have been linked to heart attack, strokes, and cancer. Many people rely on their dentist for cosmetic reasons (to maintain their appearance), or if they have a dental emergency, such as a terrible toothache. However, visiting your dentist regularly is an important part of your overall health routine. A dentist can identify and help prevent some major medical issues that may go overlooked by other physicians. Here are some of the risks, signs and symptoms that you should be aware of.

Oral Cancer

Statistically, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. The great news is that there’s a 90% cure rate if it’s detected early. That’s why regular visits to your dentist are vital. At Preston Dental Center, one of the most effective FDA-approved oral cancer screening systems, VELscope, is used to examine tissues and identify problems early. This screening could literally save your life!

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep, multiple times per night. Snoring is one of the trademarks of sleep apnea; it indicates that the throat or tongue is blocking the airway and a person literally has to gasp or wake up to get the air they need. Sleep apnea puts a tremendous strain on the heart and brain, due to the continual interruption in oxygen flow, and has been linked to headaches, snoring, heart attacks and strokes. Treatment, once diagnosed, typically results in an oral appliance worn at night. These appliances have a 96% success rate. Not only does this treatment help you avoid major medical risks, but it improves the overall quality of your sleep, resulting in feeling well-rested and energized.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets. Periodontitis is the result of Gingivitis that goes untreated. Gum disease, surprisingly, has been linked to health problems such as stroke and heart disease. Diabetes is not only a risk factor for gum disease, but gum disease may make diabetes worse. Seeing your dentist for preventive care is the best medicine, but if you have already been diagnosed with gum disease, there are alternatives to gum surgery. Preston Dental Center offers a new, painless method called Perioprotect, a form of laser gum treatment.

Visit the Preston Dental Center website to learn more about the technologies and improvements Dr. Mayes can make in your health: http://www.prestondentalcenter.com/index.php