Dental Services

Emergency Care

For your convenience, we are always available to you in the event of a dental emergency. Call us at (252) 568-3711 if you are unable to manage your pain and/or if you have swelling or fever.

Cleanings & Fillings

It is recommended that a dental cleaning be performed on your teeth every six months, to prevent excessive buildup of plaque. Plaque float-md-left untreated leads to gum disease and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning involves scaling, the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth and between the gums, as well as polishing. Polishing is used to finish the surface of teeth after scaling, leaving them clean and shiny.

Fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, restoring them back to their normal function and shape. During a filling, the dentist first removes all decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. Fillings also help prevent further tooth decay by closing off cracks or spaces so bacteria cannot build up. There are a variety of filling materials, including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. At your appointment, our staff will discuss these options with you to determine which best suits your needs.

Digital X-Rays

Dental radiography, also called dental x-ray, provides an important tool to show the condition of a patient’s teeth, roots, jaw, and overall facial bone structure. X-rays can reveal the nature of a patient’s periodontal disease, as well as tumors or abscesses. X-rays aid dentists in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining your oral health. Dental radiography also assists in detecting cavities, determining bone health, and assessing damage after dental trauma.

 

Dental Implant Restorations

Dental implants provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. A patient with missing teeth is able to smile confidently and eat and talk normally again. Implants are tiny titanium posts which act as root substitutes and are surgically placed in the jawbone where teeth are missing. The titanium bonds with the bone, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth and preserving the patient’s natural facial contour, which in turn prevents bone deterioration. Implants are typically done in two surgical procedures, first inserting the post in the jawbone and then adding the replacement tooth. The entire procedure usually takes between six and eight months to complete. If you have missing teeth and want to feel confident about your smile again, ask today about dental implant restorations.

Invisalign®

Invisalign® is the invisible, modern approach to straightening teeth. Using a custom-made series of aligners created for each patient individually, teeth are gradually and gently shifted into place. Assisted by 3-D imaging technology, your dentist creates an individual, personalized plan for your Invisalign® treatment, from the original position of your teeth to their final desired position. Aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that the patient wears over their teeth for two weeks at a time and incrementally shift teeth until the final desired position is achieved. Want to finally achieve a straight smile without ugly metal braces in your mouth? Click here to learn more about Invisalign®, or speak with Dr. Rooks, or a member of our staff, to see if Invisalign® is right for you.

Whitening

A dazzling, white smile is perceived as a healthy smile. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, and happiness, as well as improves confidence. The main causes of external discoloration are smoking, coffee, tea, wine, and foods with tannins. Whitening is not for everyone, and patients with crowns, bridges, or veneers are not ideal candidates. These implants and restorations will not lighten with the rest of the natural teeth. Patients should keep in mind that drinking coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking cigarettes after whitening will gradually diminish the effect of the whitening process (all except the KöR® procedure). Call or visit us today to see if you are a candidate for whitening. Click here to learn more about KöR®.

We currently offer three different whitening processes:

  • KöR® Whitening – This comfortable, easy process is entirely safe for teeth and gums, and can be performed on individuals age 14 – 90. A deep bleaching system with permanent results – white teeth for your lifetime!
  • In-office whitening is a safe and effective dentist-supervised procedure, using a tray with bleaching solution.
  • Whitening strips are offered as a more temporary, less expensive option.

Snoring & Sleeping Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by episodes of little to no breathing during sleep, which can occur hundreds of time per night. Approximately 18 million adults in America are affected by sleep apnea each year. The muscles in your throat relax, and the tongue can fall back and block airway during sleep. This reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to organs, especially the heart and brain. In addition to loud snoring, sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, memory loss, morning headaches, depression, and impaired concentration. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to hypertension, stroke, heart attack and sudden death while asleep. Sleep apnea progressively worsens with age and weight gain. At Rooks Dentistry, we offer custom oral appliances to treat patients with sleep apnea.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is usually the first form of treatment for sleep apnea. But, many people prefer an oral appliance to CPAP therapy because the CPAP therapy requires wearing a mask, or prongs, to cover the nose and mouth during sleep. Oral appliance therapy involves the selection, fitting and use of a specifically designed oral appliance to maintain an unobstructed airway during sleep. Despite their retainer-like appearance, oral appliances are comfortable to use and sleep with. Our oral appliances are custom made to help patients achieve the snore-free, rejuvenating sleep they have been denied because of sleep apnea.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. A beautiful smile can unlock the door to a new, more confident you, and at Rooks Dentistry we offer cosmetic procedures to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve. We want to help you look and feel your best with an attractive, natural-looking smile. Cosmetic dentistry includes a range of procedures: whitening, bonding, crowns, bridges, veneers, and implants. These procedures can be done individually, or together to give you the smile you’ve dreamed of. If you are unhappy with your smile, schedule an appointment to discuss which cosmetic procedures will help you achieve the dazzling smile and self-confidence you deserve.

Pediatric Dentistry

At Rooks Dentistry, we understand the dentist is often a scary and unsettling place for children, which is why we strive to make your child’s dental experience comfortable and educational. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend your child visit the dentist every six months after the presence of his first tooth, or by his first birthday. We strive to put both parent and child at ease during visits and to use those visits to educate children on the importance of oral hygiene.

Full & Partial Dentures

Dentures are used to replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, so secure and natural looking that no one will notice they aren’t your real teeth. They are supported in the mouth by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. There are two forms of dentures, full and partial. Here at Rooks Dentistry, we offer both to meet the individual needs of each patient. We offer several different kinds of partials from metal partials to flexible non-metal partials.

Full dentures are used when all of a patient’s teeth are missing; meanwhile partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth when some natural teeth still remain. Partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth, attached to a gum-colored plastic base. They are held in place by fastening onto remaining natural teeth. Not only do partial dentures fill in gaps created by missing teeth, they prevent other teeth from changing position. All dentures are custom-made from impressions taken of the patient’s mouth. Call or visit us to find out if you are a candidate for full or partial dentures, and which type is right for you.

Prevention

At Rooks Dentistry, we believe prevention is one of the most important factors in maintaining proper oral hygiene. Preventative dentistry prevents patients from later developing dental problems such as cavities, enamel loss, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Oral health is connected to overall health of your body and maintaining a clean mouth is important because the mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Annual cleanings are a vital part of preventative dentistry because during those cleanings, dentists look for any signs that teeth are not clean, strong, and healthy. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that the most important part of preventative dentistry is to brush teeth daily with fluoride ADA-approved toothpaste. Toothbrushes should be replaced three to four times a year, or as the bristles start to fray. Daily flossing and eating a balanced diet are also forms of preventative dentistry.

Crowns, Veneers, & Bridges

Crowns are tooth-shaped synthetic “caps”, typically made of a material like porcelain, placed on top of a tooth. Usually, crowns are used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure, such as a root canal. When a tooth’s decay advances to a point where large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are used to restore the tooth. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, cover implants, or prevent a cracked tooth from worsening. Crowns restore teeth to their original shape, size and strength, as well as improve their appearance.

Veneers are an alternative to crowns, or lengthy orthodontic treatment. They are thin, porcelain shells custom made to give patients a brighter, natural smile. It is nearly impossible to spot the difference between veneers and natural teeth, and as a benefit veneers resist coffee, tea, and cigarette stains. Veneers cover gaps and can mask misshapen, stained, or crooked teeth, as well as restore tooth length, increase fullness, and make small teeth larger.

Dental bridges are used to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made of two or more crowns on either side of the missing tooth, as well as a false tooth in between. Bridges are supported in the mouth by natural teeth, or implants. Bridges are used to restore smiles, redistribute the forces in your bite, prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position, and restore the ability to properly chew and speak, as well as maintain the shape of your face. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, or tooth decay, call or visit us to find out what form of restoration best suits your needs.

Root Canals

Root canals are used to repair and save a tooth that is badly infected or decayed. When the nerve of a tooth is infected, or the pulp becomes damaged, root canals are performed. During root canal procedures, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed, and the inside of the tooth is both cleaned and sealed. A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face. Although root canals often have the reputation for being painful, many patients report it is no less painful than a filling. The discomfort experienced because of the infected or damaged tooth is much more painful than the actual root canal procedure itself.

Extractions

In the cases of trauma, overcrowding in the mouth, disease, or risk of infection, sometimes a tooth must be extracted. An extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from the socket in the jaw bone. Typically, the dentist will try other treatments to first save and repair the tooth before restoring to extractions. Wisdom teeth are often extracted before or after they erupt in the mouth.

During extractions, patients are first given anesthetic to numb the area and reduce pain and discomfort. Patients can feel the pressure of the tooth being removed, but will not feel pain. The procedure usually lasts only a matter of minutes. The dentist will place gauze on the affected area, and may use dissolvable stitches to close the gum edges over the extraction site. In most cases, a small amount of bleeding is normal.

After extractions, patients should avoid anything that will interrupt the healing process. This includes smoking, vigorously rinsing and washing the mouth, and brushing the extraction site. Our dentists will provide post-procedure steps and instructions on caring for the extraction site, as well as address any questions or concerns you may have.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer can be life threatening if not diagnosed early, which is why we offer oral cancer screenings at our office. We are dedicated not only to your smile, but to your overall health and wellness. The quick screening involves an examination of the oral cavity and teeth to detect cancerous or pre-cancerous signs and symptoms. Along with a visual exam, the throat and tissues of the mouth are felt to detect abnormalities. The most common symptoms of oral cancer are:

  • Red and white spots or sores in the oral cavity
  • A sore that will not heal, or bleeds easily
  • A lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment, so it is important that you are screened for oral cancer regularly. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask at your next appointment.

Periodontal (Gum) Treatment

Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues. Plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance that releases toxins, which causes the gums to loosen and break down, creating pockets that fill with more bacteria and toxins. If float-md-left untreated, those pockets continue to deepen and the bone structure surrounding the teeth is destroyed, resulting in tooth loss. Deep cleaning is a minimally invasive and non-surgical way to prevent or treat the more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis. Dental deep cleaning consists of scaling and root planting. Scaling and root planting, along with daily brushing and flossing, is effective in treating gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.

Deep cleanings are often needed when a patient has not had regular professional cleaning appointments every six months, as recommended. Scaling is removing the plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth and between the teeth and gums. Root planning involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of tooth roots. Follow-up visits or cleanings may be necessary to ensure a patient’s gums and teeth are growing healthier.

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Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed