Want to learn more about Perioprotect, or Laser Gum Therapy?

The World Health Organization published an oral health report in 2003, indicating that approximately 85% of adults have some form of gum disease.  Between your teeth and your gums is a small valley, called the sulcus or, periodontal pocket.  It’s only 1-3 mm deep in healthy gum tissue. Brushing and flossing usually keep this area clean and healthy.  There are special cells in the sulcus that form a saliva-like fluid that flows out of the pocket.  The fluid is called crevicular flow and the body produces it to help keep the area clean. When food builds up in this area, a community of bacteria called a biofilm can develop and cause an infection.  Signs of gum infections include bleeding gums that can be swollen, red and tender.  Your teeth may also become sensitive.  This early infection is called gingivitis.

Dentists have many options when treating your gum disease.  The standard cleaning procedures called scaling and root planing can help reduce some of the bacteria involved.  Unfortunately, bacteria are continually re-introduced into the mouth and this procedure often needs to be repeated to maintain oral health.  When conditions are very severe, surgery is another option.  Since the condition is an infection, many dentists have attempted to help patients deliver anti-bacterial medications, like mouth rinses, into the sulcus to help kill the pathogens.  But remember the crevicular fluid that your body makes to clean your gum tissue?  With an increased infection, the fluid flow increases, sometimes as much as thirty times.  It is impossible to maintain enough of the medication in the pocket to kill the bacteria because the medicine is constantly flushed out.

The Perioprotect method  has a way around this obstacle.  The method includes a specially designed prescription tray that is custom-made for your mouth, so that medication can be placed into the pocket, the site of the infection.  The design of the tray prevents medication from being quickly washed away.  This placement gives the medicine time to fight the bacterial infection. The Perioprotect method overcomes previous obstacles, is easy, comfortable and a very effective option when used as directed. While a serious medical condition, your periodontal disease does not have to diminish your quality of life.

Perioprotect is FDA approved and has been called nothing short of miraculous, considering that it may save you from having to undergo gum surgery.  It’s easy, completely painless, and effective.  If you have been told that you may need gum surgery, contact Preston Dental Center today, 919.460.0963, to discuss your options.

Getting to know your doctor: What makes Preston Dental Center different?

Dr. Greg Mayes and his wife, Dr. Lisa Mayes, work as partners at Preston Dental Center.  They and their team have been serving the Raleigh, Carey, Morrisville and Durham areas since 1989.  There are many dental practices to choose from for you and your family in the area, so they have created an innovative, informational and user-friendly web site to answer your questions.  Once on the site, you’ll be able to “meet” the doctors, as close to “in-person” as it gets.  And, the information is intended to give you a better idea of who they are and what sets your experience in their office apart from any other office.  See the site:  http://www.prestondentalcenter.com

What sets them apart:

Long ago, Drs. Greg and Lisa decided that they wanted to offer all aspects of dentistry under one roof, so it is unlikely that you will have to be referred to another office for special procedures.  They do everything from complete cosmetic smile makeovers to simple fillings, teeth cleanings and root canals.  They also welcome and care for your entire family, including children of all ages.  It’s important to give your child the best start in life, and that includes a healthy mouth.  They also teach their youngest patients great dental habits that will last them a lifetime, so you can rest assured your whole family is welcome at Preston Dental Center.

In their 23 years of serving the Raleigh/Durham area, one of the most important things that they’ve learned about treating patients is that successful dentistry begins with a complete understanding of their patients’ needs and wants.  At Preston Dental Center, they will never treat you as a number, or just the next patient.  They also know that you want your dental care to be as easy as possible.  They strive to deliver completely comfortable dentistry.

Drs. Greg and Lisa are also forward-thinking with technology and education.  In their many years of practice, they have maintained a focus on the importance of learning and utilizing the latest advancements in dentistry.  In the last few years in particular, there have been many wonderful advancements in treatment and technology.  They think it is important to keep up with the latest advancements and deliver them to their patients.  Therefore, they have been passionate about continuing their education so that they can incorporate better and more effective procedure at their practice.  In addition, they encourage their team not only to provide warm and friendly care, but to pursue continuing education as well.  Dr. Greg and Dr. Lisa believe that continuing education for their team is as important as it is for the doctors, so that each member at Preston Dental Center is equipped with the knowledge necessary to give you the most advanced treatment possible.

How to make an appointment today:

Preston Dental Center is located at 3761 N.W. Cary Parkway

919-460-0963

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Happy Holidays from Preston Dental Center!

What’s on your wish list this holiday season? Preston Dental Center has a great idea for you!

As you go shopping this holiday season, it may be difficult to decide what to buy everyone. Worse, doesn’t it always seem like you run across things that you’d like to buy for yourself? At Preston Dental Center, we’ve come up with a way for you to give yourself a gift this season, without feeling guilty!

Drs. Lisa and Gregory Mayes offer some of the most popular, cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry options available. Many people would love to have a “Hollywood smile,” but feel guilty about splurging on themselves, or don’t take the time to find out how quick, easy, and reasonably priced it can be! In fact, there are few personal investments that a person can make in their appearance and health that are as long-lasting as cosmetic dentistry. An investment in your smile can last for years and years, and instantly projects a sparkling, more youthful you!

Here are six reasons to give yourself the gift of cosmetic dentistry at Preston Dental Center this holiday season:

1. Smile enhancement consultation for new patients is FREE! (Wow that makes it easy!)


2. New Patients who come for an exam, cleaning and any necessary x-rays at regular price receive an at-home whitening kit free! ($295 value) So, if you’re due for a dental check-up, this one’s also a no-brainer. Come in and get your teeth cleaned; leave with your present for free!


3. Preston Dental Center offers financing options and pre-payment discounts. “Care Credit” is an interest-free, flexible monthly payment option! And you thought layaway was fantastic! Take the time to weigh in your mind: what do you have saved in layaway at your local department store? Is it worth more than a beautiful, permanent new smile…? (No way!)


4. We offer ZOOM!2 Teeth Whitening-the same whitening seen on TV in “Extreme Makeover”. Your teeth can be brilliantly white in only one hour!


5. Adults who are not happy with their teeth, but have shied away from braces, consider Invisalign. Still not fast enough for you? Have you heard of Six Month Smiles? This innovation on braces results in gorgeous, straight teeth in months, not years! In addition, it is more comfortable than traditional braces, and barely noticeable. Read more! http://www.prestondentalcenter.com/6_month_smiles_dentist_cary_nc.html


6. In only two visits, porcelain veneers can give you a completely new smile, filling in gaps and correcting “problem teeth”. They are so natural-looking, even dentists have to look close!

We wish you a happy holiday, and hope that we can help make your season merry and bright! Visit our website to learn more: http://www.prestondentalcenter.com/, or call us today! 919.460.0963

“Good oral health has been linked to longevity, yet one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male.”

Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health. They often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only when a problem arises. The average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day and will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72. If he smokes, he can plan on losing 12 teeth by age 72! Men are also more likely than women to develop oral and throat cancer and periodontal (gum) disease.

In a previous blog, we discussed dental issues pertaining specifically to women. It’s only fair that we give men their moment in the spotlight! There are a number of dental issues that commonly affect men; many of them are linked to lifestyle or other general health issues. Here are our top three:

1. Tobacco use: Smoking and Chewing Tobacco’s affect on Dental Health
   
   If you smoke or chew tobacco, you have an increased risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often as women. 95% of oral cancers occur in those aged 40 years and over. Over 8,000 people die per year from oral and pharyngeal diseases. If you use tobacco, it’s important to see a dentist frequently for cleanings and to ensure your mouth remains healthy. Your general dentist can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer and can help with tobacco cessation.


2. Sports: Protecting your Teeth
   
   Studies consistently show that an active lifestyle is one of the most important factors to leading a long, healthy life. If you regularly play a sport or frequently participate in athletic activity, you have already made one of the best investments possible to your overall health. Now it’s time to consider the risks associated with sports, and the importance of proper gear. From the dental perspective, the easy answer is a mouth guard-a flexible appliance made of plastic that protects teeth from trauma. If you played high school or college sports, you may be familiar with mouthpieces. Unfortunately, most adults don’t practice the same safety measures as high school sports teams, and therefore are at greater risk for trauma to the mouth and teeth. If you participate in any activity with the potential for face injury, you should be using a mouth guard to avoid painful, unattractive and potentially costly dental damage.


3. Medications: Medicines Prescribed for Other Health Issues May Adversely Affect Dental Health
   
   Men are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, and are frequently prescribed medications that cause dry mouth. Heart and blood pressure medicines, as well as antidepressants can inhibit your salivary flow. What’s the big deal? Dry mouth increases your risk of cavities, as bacteria in your mouth can flourish. The solution: visit your dentist regularly, and make sure that you tell your dentist of any medications that you are taking. With the right information, your dentist will be able to address your dental needs more accurately.

Men also make up a large part of the growing number of cosmetic dentistry patients. Along with a healthy physique, men are finding that a fantastic smile can be a picture of health in itself. With many relatively inexpensive procedures available, it’s worth investigating while at your next visit, or online at: www.prestondentalcenter.com

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!