A Dr. Moore in scrubs shows a document on a tablet to an older couple seated on a couch in a bright room at Springs Village Dentistry with a plant.

Helpful Articles.

Insight & Advice
for Your Oral Health

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How Long After Fluoride Treatment Can I Eat?

In this post, find out how long after fluoride treatment you can eat, what foods to avoid, and why waiting is a good idea.

What Is It Like to Be Under Dental Sedation

December 11, 2020
A woman relaxing in the dental chair after receiving dental sedation.

Sedation dentistry is an option for people who feel anxious about going to the dentist. The experienced and gentle team at Springs Village Dentistry understands your stress and will make you feel comfortable for your appointment with sedation options. Other situations where people receive sedation include patients that are undergoing an advanced restorative treatment. Many people wonder what to expect and what they should do to prepare for sedation. Here is what you should know.

What is it like to be under nitrous oxide sedation?

Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas. This is a mild but effective sedation treatment. The nitrogen and oxygen blend is delivered by a mask that goes over your nose. You will remain conscious and alert while under nitrous oxide sedation. You will also feel deeply relaxed and not feel any fear. Nitrous oxide wears off within a few minutes of breathing normal oxygen and is completely safe.

What is it like to be under oral conscious sedation?

Oral conscious sedation is a medication that you will take before your treatment begins. The oral medication may make you feel mildly or moderately sedated. You will still be conscious, but you may feel more deeply relaxed compared to nitrous oxide. You will be able to communicate with your dentist and be aware of your surroundings while under sedation. Since this is more heavy sedation, you might end up feeling groggy for the rest of your day. It may also take a few hours for the effects to wear off.

How should I prepare for sedation therapy?

You will want to discuss your medical history and current health with our team to determine if sedation therapy is the right choice for you. If you’re going to use nitrous oxide sedation, you won’t need to make any advanced preparations. If you’re using oral conscious sedation, you need to bring someone with you to the appointment. You will not be able to drive yourself home since the sedation will not wear off in time.

Sedation Dentistry at Springs Village Dentistry

Regardless of if you are getting sedation for anxiety or because of advanced treatment, our team in Holly Springs, NC is ready and prepared to help you have a smooth experience with us. Are you ready to schedule your next visit? Give us a call to make an appointment at a time convenient to you.

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How To Prepare My Child For Their First Visit To The Dentist

November 11, 2020
Toddler boy in the dental chair with his teddy bear for his first visit to the dentist.

Going to the dentist can be scary for kids, so preparing them well is important. Kids should visit the dentist around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth’s eruption. Here are some ways to prepare your child for this big milestone.

Introduce them to books & videos about the dentist

There are many books and videos for kids about going to the dentist and dental care. Many are available at your local library. Showing them to your kids when they’re very young prepares them for future visits and a lifetime of good oral hygiene. They’ll have a better understanding of what to expect at the dentist and why it’s important to go.

Be positive about the dentist

You may get anxious about going to the dentist, but it’s important not to let your fears worry your child. Kids are very aware of their parents’ emotions, so if they see that you’re nervous, they’ll get nervous, too. When talking about the dentist, speak positively and don’t bring up your bad experiences. When you have an appointment, act excited. When your child sees you happy about visiting the dentist, they’re more likely to feel good about their first visit.

Introduce them to the office beforehand

For many kids, the newness of an experience is very intimidating. Your child will likely feel more comfortable at their first appointment if they’ve seen the office beforehand. Call us about popping in and touring before your appointment. We also have pictures of the office on our website.

Schedule the appointment at the right time

We’ve found that kids do better at morning appointments because they’re more alert. If they’re sleepy and grumpy, their experience won’t be as positive. Having the appointment early also means you don’t have to deal with hours of anticipation. It’s also a good idea to leave yourself a little extra time to get to the appointment. Hurrying and worrying about being late can also stress kids out.

Kid-friendly dentistry in Holly Springs, NC

At Springs Village Dentistry, we offer a variety of services for children, including cleanings, exams, sports mouthguards, fillings, sealants, and more. We’re also registered with the Baby Oral Health Program. For your convenience, we have block appointments, so it’s possible to get your whole family’s dental care taken care of in one visit. If you have any questions or want to schedule a visit, please contact us today!

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What Are Dental Infections?

October 23, 2020
A red emergency kit with a white cross sitting next to a model of a tooth

Dental infections usually involve an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that has formed either within the tooth or on the gums. The cause of a dental abscess is usually poor hygiene. Not correctly brushing your teeth, neglecting to floss, and skipping regular visits to the dentist can cause cavities and gum disease to progress into abscesses. Dental abscesses are dangerous if left untreated. Infections can become dental emergencies and can even create further medical issues throughout your body.

Telltale signs of dental infection

The most common indication for a dental infection is feeling any pain surrounding a tooth. If you have any of these symptoms, please contact us as soon as possible.

  • Toothache or tooth pain
  • Fever
  • Pain when chewing or biting foods
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Jaw swelling
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

Are dental infections considered a dental emergency?

Infections can be considered a dental emergency. Don’t put off visiting Springs Village Dentistry if you are in pain. We keep time in our schedule open for those that need to see a dentist immediately. Our team can examine your teeth and determine the root cause of the problem. We see patients for dental emergencies if they have any of the following issues:

  • Mild to severe toothache
  • Inflamed or infected abscess on gums
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Knocked-out teeth

Treatment options for dental infections

Here are some standard options to get rid of dental infections. Your treatment will be tailored to your specific issue so not all of these might apply.

  • Drain the abscess: A small cut will be made into the abscess to remove the pus. Our dentist can adequately remove the abscess while not reinfecting the area.
  • Root canal therapy: Root canals sound intimidating, but they provide relief from pain. A small hole is created on your tooth to remove the interior, infected pus.
  • Tooth extraction: If you went a long time with an infected tooth, the damage might be too severe to save the tooth. An extraction will allow you to create space for an implanted tooth and a healthier mouth.

Need an emergency dental appointment?

Our office is always ready to help with dental emergencies. Please call us to schedule an appointment. We can often see you on the same day to provide the relief that you need.

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Do I Need a Root Canal?

September 15, 2020
Graphic illustration of the steps involved to remove infection from the tooth's pulp in root canal therapy

Root canals are a fantastic procedure that can be used to save the tooth. But is it right for you? In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of this amazing procedure and help you understand why you may need one. Keep reading for a closer look at the root canal.

What Is a Root Canal

Root canals sometimes get a bad rep, but they are actually a fantastic procedure that’s become very routine. With root canal therapy, a dentist goes in to repair damage or decay that’s posing a threat to the tooth. After a successful root canal procedure, the patient gets to maintain their natural tooth and avoid getting an implant. The pain that accompanies an infected tooth also goes away!

Reasons for a Root Canal

Root canals are employed when the pulp within the tooth becomes affected. This can happen due to damage, infection, or decay. During the procedure, the dentist will go in and clean out the infected pulp, maintaining the tooth and avoiding serious consequences like an abscess or tooth loss. The area is then sealed to prevent further infection. Depending on the extent of the damage, the tooth will be finished with a filling or strengthened with a dental crown.

How Do I Know I Need One?

Dr. Molta or Dr. Moore will be the one to suggest that it’s time for a root canal, but there are some signs that may let you know that you’re headed toward this routine procedure. These include pain while eating, bumps or “pimples” on the gums, damage or injury to the tooth, tooth sensitivity, swelling, or discoloration in the tooth or gums. If you notice any of these symptoms persisting, definitely give us a call!

Restorative Dentistry in Holly Springs, NC

Do you need a restorative procedure? Leave it to us! Springs Village Dentistry offers a variety of different restorative procedures to fit our patients’ needs and restore their smile to its original beauty. Give us a call or visit our website at any time to arrange for your consultation.

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Financial Tips for Dental Care

August 17, 2020
Hands shown adding up sums on a calculator with pen in hand

At Springs Village Dentistry, we understand how important it is to receive premium dental care without exceeding your budget. Here are some great tips to help you get the oral healthcare you need without breaking the bank!

Comprehensive Payment Options

Choosing the right dentist is the first step! After checking that they offer the services you need, take the time to ask questions or research their website to see which types of payment options they offer. The more choices you have, the better. If you have dental insurance, make sure the treatment you’re seeking is covered through your insurance and that the office works with your provider. If you don’t have insurance, inquire about financing options and payment plans if you can’t cover your treatment upfront. Our Holly Springs office is insurance friendly and we’ll file insurance claims for you. We also accept HSAs and FSAs in addition to VISA, Discover, AMEX and MasterCard.

Third-Party Financing Companies

Third-party financing is an option for patients looking to split their treatment costs into smaller, more manageable monthly payments. Springs Village accepts both CareCredit® and Lending Club™. For CareCredit, you complete a quick online application and receive a credit decision within minutes. Once approved, you will receive a CareCredit credit card in the mail. You’ll use this card to pay for your dental expenses and choose a repayment plan that best suits your financial needs. Lending Club is similar to CareCredit, except they offer personal loans that will be deposited directly into your bank account. There are many financing options out there! We recommend doing your research and finding one that works best for you.

In-House Dental Membership Plan

Some dentist offices provide an in-house membership plan. They are an awesome way to save big on the care you need, especially if you don’t have dental insurance! In-house plans cover most preventive treatments and offer great discounts on additional services. Springs Village Dentistry offers a Dental Wellness Club with plans for adults and children, plus a periodontal plan. The plan practically pays for itself after one teeth cleaning and exam. An added bonus is the free emergency exam if needed!

Affordable Dentistry in Holly Springs, NC

At Springs Village Dentistry, we proudly offer a wide range of financial options. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your financial health in order to maintain your oral health. We currently have a new patient offer. Please contact our office to learn more!

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Most Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms

July 16, 2020
A man covering his ears with his people while his wife snores next to him

When you wake up in the morning, do you find yourself just as tired as you were before you went to sleep? Do you wake up gasping for air? You may suffer from a sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

There are two types of sleep apnea, central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to your muscles that control your breathing while you sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is when the soft tissues relax in the back of the throat and obstruct your airway. Both types of sleep apnea cause your breathing to repeatedly stop and start throughout the sleep cycle.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms

While proper diagnosis needs to be done through a certified healthcare professional, here are some common symptoms you should look out for. Some of the symptoms occur while you sleep, so we recommend having a loved one keep an eye out for these symptoms as well:

  • Daytime Drowsiness
  • Dry Mouth or Sore Throat After Waking Up
  • Forgetfulness
  • Loud & Frequent Snoring
  • Morning Headaches
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Sudden Mood Changes

If you are currently experiencing any of the above symptoms, we recommend contacting a healthcare professional to schedule a sleep study. Sleep studies can determine whether or not you have sleep apnea and, if so, which type. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have negative effects on your overall health and well-being, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, and more.

Sleep Apnea Treatment at Springs Village Dentistry

For those who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, our experienced team at Springs Village Dentistry can help you get the sleep you deserve! We offer sleep apnea therapy, with our custom oral appliances. They are specifically designed to reposition your jaw and keep your airway open while you sleep. To learn more, please contact our office to schedule your sleep consultation!

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Call (919) 825-3131 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.