Family dentistry is the focus of our dental practice in Hillsborough, where we welcome patients of all ages. At Hillsborough Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we recognize that each stage of life comes with unique dental needs and concerns. We offer comprehensive dental care to our patients in the Hillsborough, NC, area. Our team will ensure that your family has the care and attention they need to keep their smiles shining.
Hillsborough Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is your local resource for all your general and family dental needs. Dr. Williamson offers dental services and procedures catered to your family’s needs at any stage of life. Family dentistry is about ensuring that everyone in your family, from the youngest to the oldest, has excellent oral health.
Children’s Dental Services
Children’s dental services are at the heart of our family dentistry. Taking care of your child’s oral health from a young age is crucial for setting them on a path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Children who learn healthy habits earlier are more likely to continue them into adulthood. This can reduce their likelihood of dental concerns and improve their overall wellness.
For children, early prevention is key. Services in family dentistry cover a wide range of treatments for children, from infants to teenagers. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are one of the best defenses for their oral health. These visits not only track the growth and development of teeth but also help educate parents and children on good oral hygiene habits.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a powerful preventative tool, especially for children. However, they are available for patients of all ages. Dental sealants are like a shield against tooth decay. Typically, your dentist will apply the sealants to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. This creates a defense against leftover food particles and harmful bacteria.
The process of applying sealants is quick and painless, which is ideal for children. The less time they spend in the dental chair, the more pleasant the experience for everyone. Dr. Williamson will paint a thin, tooth-colored resin onto the tooth’s surface. It will then harden to create a durable barrier. Dental sealants can last for years, providing crucial protection as your child’s permanent teeth erupt and their smile develops.
Cavity Prevention
While children seem to be more susceptible to cavities, anyone can develop tooth decay at any age. We all want our smiles to shine bright. As a result, Dr. Williamson can provide different methods to prevent cavities for our Hillsborough patients. Along with sealants, we can use several strategies and treatments to protect young smiles from common dental problems.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visiting the dentist regularly helps catch dental issues early so that they don’t become big problems. When you make your regular appointments, you give Dr. Williamson the opportunity to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Dental Cleanings: Professional dental cleanings remove plaque buildup and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t get rid of.
- Fluoride Treatments: Dentists often recommend fluoride treatments for children to protect their teeth further. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. This makes teeth more resistant to bacteria and acid attacks.
- Brushing and Flossing: Learning to brush and floss properly gives you a secret weapon against cavities. During your appointments, Dr. Williamson and his team can show you and your family how.
Age-Specific Dental Care
As a family dentist office, we treat patients of all ages. Different age groups are more at risk of various dental problems. We’re trained to recognize those problems and provide the treatment you need at all ages.
Teens and Young Adults
As children get older and their adult teeth start coming in, there are new dental problems. This is the time that we may recommend orthodontic treatment. It’s easiest to treat crooked teeth or a misaligned bite while the mouth is still growing and developing. If Dr. Williamson sees something concerning during routine dental care, he’ll refer you to a good orthodontist for further treatment.
In the late teens or early twenties, wisdom teeth come into play. This third set of molars usually doesn’t have the space to erupt properly. They can come in and cause your teeth to crowd and overlap. If they don’t erupt, they get stuck under the surface and can cause pain and infection. In most cases, we’ll recommend removal. They aren’t necessary for mouth function.
Seniors
As we age, our smile starts to dull. Decades of eating and drinking stain our teeth. The bright white outer layer of the teeth slowly erodes as we age, revealing more of the off-white dentin beneath. If you use tobacco products, you may have staining from that as well. Teeth whitening can take years off your smile. Brightening it by several shades makes you look more youthful and proud to show off your smile.
Seniors are also the group most likely to experience tooth loss. Missing teeth can cause decreased confidence and problems with nutrition. If you can’t chew a variety of foods, it can be hard to get all of the nutrients you need. You may also experience bone loss, causing facial sagging. We can provide solutions like dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures to restore your smile.
The chances of getting oral cancer increase with age. At each routine dental appointment, we perform a thorough exam for signs of oral cancer. The signs can be subtle, like changes in the feel of the tissue. It’s hard for you to notice them on your own. Regular dental visits allow us to catch problems sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions you may have about family dentistry.
How long will dental sealants last?
Dental sealants last about 5 to 10 years. However, they can wear down over time due to chewing and daily use. Regular dental check-ups help ensure the sealants remain intact and effective. If needed, Dr. Williamson can reapply them to maintain protection against cavities. Proper care can help extend their lifespan.
Are sealants better than fillings?
Sealants and fillings serve different purposes. Sealants prevent cavities on healthy teeth. They’re applied to chewing surfaces, especially on back teeth. Fillings, on the other hand, repair teeth that already have cavities.
Sealants are more of a preventive measure, while fillings are a treatment. For cavity-free teeth, sealants are a great choice. They’re less invasive and cheaper than fillings. Dr. Williamson can advise you on the best option for your dental needs.
Can cavities grow under sealants?
Cavities can develop under sealants, but it’s rare. Sealants create a protective barrier on tooth surfaces. However, bacteria can get trapped underneath if the sealant chips or wears away. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor sealant integrity.
We can reapply or repair sealants as needed. Proper oral hygiene remains important even with sealants in place. They’re an effective cavity prevention tool but not a substitute for good dental care.
Can you stop a cavity once it starts?
Sometimes, you can reverse early-stage cavities. If caught very early, good oral hygiene and fluoride treatments may remineralize the enamel. However, once a cavity progresses beyond the enamel, you can’t stop it without treatment. Regular dental check-ups help catch cavities early.
We may recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants to prevent further decay. Once a cavity forms a hole, a filling is necessary to stop its progression.
How long does a fluoride treatment last?
Fluoride treatment provides protection for several months. Its effects can last up to three to six months, depending on your oral hygiene and diet. Regular treatments every six months during dental visits help maintain strong enamel and prevent cavities.
How often should I receive a dental cleaning?
You should receive a dental cleaning every six months. Regular cleanings help prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. However, if you have specific dental issues, Dr. Williamson might recommend more frequent cleanings every three to four months.
Why do I get so many cavities even though I brush and floss?
Even with regular brushing and flossing, you might still get cavities. This is due to factors like diet, genetics, and oral bacteria. Sugary or acidic foods and drinks can erode enamel. This can lead to cavities.
Some people have naturally weaker enamel or more cavity-prone teeth due to genetics. Additionally, issues like dry mouth can reduce saliva, which helps protect against decay. Regular dental check-ups, fluoride treatments, and a balanced diet can help reduce cavities.