Blog Archive
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an inflammation and/or infection of the gum tissue that threatens your oral health. Fortunately, there are warning signs that you may be developing gum disease, so you’ll know when to seek out medical help. At Hometown Family Dental Centers in Fayetteville, Raeford, and...
Nobody wants to have a tooth extracted, but sometimes it’s necessary to preserve your oral health. As important as it is to prepare for the extraction procedure, it’s also important to plan for a smooth recovery. At Hometown Family Dental Centers, with convenient locations in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North...
Your teeth are covered in a hard enamel to protect them, but the enamel isn’t indestructible. Bacteria feed on the sugars you eat to produce acid, which eats away at the enamel and leads to decay and cavities (holes in the surface). Decay and the resulting cavities are among the...
Routine brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining good dental health, but they’re not the end of the story. There are places where a brush and floss can’t reach, like under the gumline, that need to be handled by a professional. That’s why at Hometown Family Dental Centers, with locations...
If you have damaged or missing teeth, some form of tooth restoration is needed to ensure your bite remains aligned and you don’t struggle with eating and talking. Crowns and bridges are two of the many options available. Which one is better for you depends on the circumstances. Our expert...
You’re good about brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, so you don’t need to squeeze an appointment for a dental visit into your busy calendar, right? Wrong. Your semi-annual professional dental visits are essential to maintaining good oral health. And the better you are at keeping these...
Before the introduction of dental implants, tooth restoration options included bridges, crowns, veneers, and dentures, but none had the strength or permanence of implants. At Hometown Family Dental Centers, our expert dentists offer dental implants to patients in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North Carolina. Implant-supported prosthetics are sturdy and durable,...
Yes, dentophobia is a real thing. People with this phobia fear the dentist and/or the dental office. It can be set off by thinking about making an appointment or being present at an actual appointment. Past negative experiences, family history, or feeling a loss of control can all lead to...
Your permanent teeth are meant to last you a lifetime, but sometimes there’s a “rotten egg” in the bunch, and it’s got to go. A common reason for extracting a tooth is when it’s too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired. At Hometown Family Dental Centers in...
If your toddler is anxious about going to the dentist, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. About 36% of adults in the United States fear dentists and dental treatments, with 12% having fear so extreme that they won’t schedule an appointment even when they’re in pain. At Hometown...
Nothing’s quite so bothersome as teeth that are sensitive to something. It could be heat, cold, air pressure, sweet things, spicy things, or something else, but your mouth hurts and distracts you from anything else you’re trying to do. At Hometown Family Dental Centers in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North...
Have you noticed your gums moving away from your tooth roots? This shrinkage, called gum recession, allows bacteria and food debris to accumulate on the roots and gums and bacteria to form disease-causing plaque. That’s how gum disease starts. Also called periodontal disease, it leads to pain, infection, and tooth...
Nobody wants a tooth extraction, but in some cases, it’s necessary. For example, you may have extensive decay, a rampant infection, or a tooth growing in the wrong direction. Whatever the reason for the extraction, the rules for what you should and shouldn’t do afterward remain the same. Our experienced...
The American Dental Association’s (ADA) guidelines state that your child’s first visit to the dentist should be about six months after their first tooth erupts or no later than one year old. After that, they should come in for a check-up twice a year. If you follow this schedule, your...
If you’re lucky, you’ll have no problems when your third set of molars — wisdom teeth — comes in. Problems arise when there’s insufficient space for them, resulting in pain, wear and tear on neighboring teeth, or even failure to emerge through the gums. While some wisdom teeth erupt easily...
Aging is a long, drawn-out process that comes with changes throughout the body, including the mouth. While some people retain a large part of their teeth’s youthful white color and strength, most others deal with the inevitable wear and tear over time, including the loss of whiteness. At Hometown Family...
Gum disease, often called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue surrounding your tooth roots. You open the door for an infection to take hold if you’re lax with your oral hygiene — failing to brush, floss, and get regular dental check-ups. Despite the United States’ status...
When your permanent teeth first came in, they were clean and pearly white, but after years of living, they may have turned dull and discolored, making you embarrassed to smile. Fortunately, you have teeth whitening and other restoration options that can give you the sparkle of a Hollywood smile. At...
Did you know that part of the secret to a dazzling smile is your diet? While you're familiar with the importance of brushing, flossing, and dentist visits, you might not realize the impact of what you eat on the color of your teeth. At Hometown Family Dental Centers, our team...
Is your toothache more than just an ordinary pain? It could indicate there’s an infection inside the tooth, which may require a root canal. Our highly trained dental experts at Hometown Family Dental Centers are here to provide top-quality care. Root canals are a routine dental treatment and not something...
Do you need a tooth removed? The prospect of undergoing a surgical extraction can be daunting, and it's completely normal to feel a little anxious about it. Understanding the process and knowing how to prepare can help ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Trust the experts at Hometown...
Are you missing most or all of your teeth? Consider dentures as a solution to enhance your smile's appearance, function, and feel. You can achieve a complete and beautiful smile with removable dentures. Choosing to get dentures is a major decision, and our dentists understand the importance of having the...
Have you noticed your gums receding a bit? Are your gums at risk of infection caused by bacteria accumulating on your teeth and gums? Gum disease can cause pain and even tooth loss, but the good news is that it's preventable and treatable. At Hometown Family Dental Centers in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North...
Do you feel self-conscious about your smile in selfies? Are your teeth dull, stained, or yellow, along with having other imperfections? There's no need to feel ashamed anymore. Our dental professionals have a brilliant solution: veneers. Veneers are a fantastic way to improve oral health and enhance your smile. Whether you...
Good oral health is essential to your overall well-being. A lack of proper oral hygiene can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and even more severe health complications. Sometimes a tooth extraction may be necessary to maintain optimal oral health. The experts at Hometown Family Dental Centers — with convenient locations in Fayetteville, Raeford, and...
If you have a temporary crown to protect your tooth while you wait for your permanent dental crown to be made, it’s smart to think about what you can and can’t eat. Certain foods may jeopardize the temporary crown's integrity, but plenty of delicious foods can keep it safe until you get...
Dentures offer a long-term fix, whether you're missing a whole set of teeth or just a few. If we’ve recently fitted you with partial dentures, you have a more complete, healthier-looking smile. Removable dentures can help you regain confidence and improve your oral health. Hometown Family Dental Centers in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass,...
The primary purpose of a root canal is to relieve pain, not cause pain, yet many patients fear the procedure. During a root canal, your dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp and nerves inside the tooth — eliminating what was causing tooth pain. Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort...
You probably already know it’s important to floss every day, but do you know why? Good flossing practices help you avoid gum disease, stop tooth decay, and keep your mouth feeling fresh. Regular professional dental cleanings and flossing daily at home are essential for optimal oral health. The experts at...
A cavity is damage to your teeth that develops into a hole that can become larger with time. It’s not usually noticeable at first, but a cavity can quickly become painful as it grows and exposes the sensitive tissues inside your tooth. To repair the damage, your dentist usually closes...
Root canals can seem frightening. But this common procedure is a necessary treatment that can eliminate the pain caused by an infection and save your tooth from extraction. Better yet, our skilled team at Hometown Family Dental Centers provides root canal treatments without causing pain. A consultation with our providers...
Missing teeth can affect how you chew and smile and raise your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Teeth gaps also affect your appearance and speech. If you’re missing teeth, you have many options, including dentures. Removable dentures can improve oral health and restore your smile, whether you’re missing...
Sometimes tooth removal is necessary. Wisdom teeth that don’t have room to grow in or an infection that doesn’t go away are two reasons you might need to have a tooth removed. Making room in your mouth to help orthodontia align your teeth is another reason for tooth extraction. Fortunately, modern...
Professional dental cleanings prevent pain in the long term by eliminating stubborn plaque buildup in deep gum pockets and narrow spaces between teeth that you can miss while brushing. Regular dental cleanings are necessary to maintain oral health. A routine dental cleaning is usually painless, but tooth decay, gum inflammation, and...
Phobias can be debilitating, especially when it comes to medical and dental procedures. Even something as simple as an annual teeth cleaning can induce physical reactions — making your palms sweat, your heart race, and your body produce a fight-or-flight response. This often results in avoidance, keeping you from getting...
A family dentistry practice attends to your entire family’s oral health. Family dentists are qualified to take care of both permanent and baby teeth to promote excellent oral health for a lifetime. If you and your family have limited time to get important tasks done, the last thing you want to do...
Dental fillings repair teeth and preserve oral health. A filling can smooth out any sharp edges and help you avoid worsening decay or infection. Composite and amalgam fillings are two common filling materials dentists use to maintain healthy teeth. Our skilled experts at Hometown Family Dental Centers offer composite and amalgam fillings for...
Your body detects fear to protect you from danger, but this fear sometimes has unintended negative consequences. If you’re nervous about going to the dentist, you may avoid checkups and cleanings, putting your oral health at risk. Many patients are nervous about visiting the dentist. At Hometown Family Dental Centers — with locations...
A proper, balanced diet promotes good dental health throughout your life. Without the right nutrients, your child’s teeth and gums become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease and mouth tissue can have a harder time resisting infection. At Hometown Family Dental Centers — with locations in Vass, Fayetteville,...
Missing teeth can affect your smile and chewing habits and increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Gaps in your teeth affect your speech and appearance. Dentures are a great option for anyone with missing teeth. At Hometown Family Dental Centers — with locations in Fayetteville, Vass, and...
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars that grow in the back of your mouth usually in your teens or early twenties. Most people don’t have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth, which is why these teeth frequently cause pain. Our team of specialists at Hometown Family...
A pacifier is an essential companion for many infants. It creates familiarity, comfort, and support because of a baby’s innate sucking reflex, particularly pronounced in the first few months of life. Reflexive sucking doesn’t disappear, but it becomes a voluntary activity rather than a newborn reflex by 4 months. Taking...
Family dentistry is beneficial for dental providers and patients. Having a single source of oral care for the entire family has many advantages, including the practical benefits of easier treatment planning and appointment organization. Our crew at Hometown Family Dental Centers — with locations in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North...
Professional dental cleanings preserve your oral health by removing plaque and stains from tooth surfaces. Reducing bacteria has a positive effect not only on your oral hygiene, but also on your body’s health beyond your mouth. Our compassionate specialists at Hometown Family Dental Centers — with locations in Fayetteville, Raeford,...
Modern local anesthesia can completely numb an area during dental treatment, eliminating the sensation of pain. However, knowing this often isn’t enough for anxious patients. Pain-relievers are powerless against the feeling of fear and its physical symptoms. At Hometown Family Dental Centers — with convenient locations in Fayetteville, Raeford, and...
Healthy gums are essential for healthy teeth and optimal oral health. Plus, proper gum care is important to prevent inflammation and bleeding. If you neglect your gums, they can quickly cause oral health problems, such as bad breath, illness, and tooth loss. To keep your gums healthy, it’s important to...
If you’re missing teeth, it’s important to consider getting dental implants to protect your oral and overall health. If you’re concerned about the pain that goes along with getting an implant, understanding facts about the procedure and recovery can help you feel more at ease. We regularly perform dental implant...
Poor dental hygiene can lead to oral health problems. An abscessed tooth is the formation of an infectious mass around the root of a damaged tooth. It requires prompt treatment by a dentist because the infection from an abscessed tooth can spread to your face, neck, and eventually the entire...
Dentists use tooth fillings to preserve teeth. They not only close holes, chips, or cracks in your teeth, but they also protect your natural teeth from further damage such as tooth decay. Amalgam and composite fillings are two common types used to preserve your oral health. The top-quality dental care...
You might hear the words “root canal” and feel fearful. You may even think it’s a treatment that must be avoided at all costs. But the truth is that a root canal isn’t as bad as you think, and it actually relieves you of severe pain rather than causes pain....
General dental care such as brushing your teeth every day is the best thing you can do to prevent gum disease. But your toothbrush can’t easily reach into the spaces between your teeth, which is how bacteria and plaque accumulate over time. Without regularly cleaning the spaces between your teeth,...
Dentures are detachable sets of artificial teeth that fill empty spaces in your smile. High-quality dentures look like natural teeth, and they attach to a gum-colored, acrylic base that sits directly over your gum tissue. They’re held in place with denture adhesive, metal fasteners, or implants for extra stability. When...
Dental health is essential for your whole family. That’s why our team at Hometown Family Dental Centers specializes in the diverse dental care needs for every generation. It’s especially vital to remove your child’s fear of visiting the dentist from the beginning to build a relationship of trust. At our...
If wisdom teeth cause so many problems, why do people even have them? It’s a great question with an interesting answer. These problematic stragglers in your mouth, a third set of molars, are a holdover from a time when human ancestors mainly ate raw vegetables and hard foods. Diet has...
The causes of bleeding gums are often due to poor dental hygiene. It could happen as a result of inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, or even a new toothbrush. These are things you can normally remedy yourself at home. However, bleeding gums sometimes indicate something more serious. With offices in Vass, Raeford,...
Yellow teeth and other tooth discolorations are a serious cosmetic problem for many people. Who doesn’t want a brilliant smile when they look in the mirror? However, as you age and live your life to the fullest, even the brightest teeth eventually become dull or yellow. The teeth whitening specialists...
Fear is a mechanism evolving humans developed for protection. It keeps you away from dangerous places and poisonous animals, for instance. However, fear can also have negative consequences, even in non-dangerous situations. This is the case with dental anxiety, which can develop into a full-blown dental phobia. The patient and...
Dentures and implants are two options to replace missing teeth. They’re both great for restoring a brilliant smile, but they approach the task differently. With offices in Raeford, Vass, and Fayetteville, North Carolina, our Hometown Family Dental Centers team helps you choose which tooth replacement option is best for you....
Brushing your teeth is an essential component of oral hygiene, and correctly brushing your teeth prevents gum disease and keeps your breath fresh. If you’re brushing your teeth incorrectly, however, you could be damaging your teeth and gums. Preventive care is vital in avoiding tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss....
When you have pain after tooth extraction, it can disrupt your daily routine and distract you from essential obligations. With major dental surgeries, like wisdom tooth extraction, you may feel discomfort for several days after your procedure. The dental experts at Hometown Family Dental Centers aim to ensure a smooth...
Dental crowns can last for over a decade, but they do break occasionally. When that happens, there are things you can do to ensure that you don’t cause further damage to the tooth beneath it. With offices in Fayetteville, Vass, and Raeford, North Carolina, the dental specialists at Hometown Family...
Accessible and affordable dental care is an important part of raising a healthy family and maintaining good oral health. If you’re looking for a dental office that offers everything from pediatric dental care to teeth whitening, our family dentistry practice provides comprehensive care for the entire household. Hometown Family Dental...
Regular dental checkups keep your mouth healthy. They provide you with a bright smile and fresh breath. But did you know that dental cleanings prevent serious diseases and improve dental health in many more ways? At Hometown Family Dental Centers in Fayetteville, Vass, and Raeford, North Carolina, our skilled team...
There are many reasons your dentist may need to pull a tooth. Trauma, decay, wisdom tooth removal, and correcting alignment are all common reasons for a tooth extraction. And the good news is that it’s an outpatient procedure that doesn’t typically take very long. Knowing what to expect helps with...
There are a lot of reasons to replace missing or damaged teeth with dental implants. Healthy teeth allow you to chew, smile, speak, and to keep facial tissues and muscles in their correct position. The absence of a tooth leads to changes in your remaining teeth and can even affect...
It's a fact that your overall health is directly affected by your oral health. What a dentist finds in your mouth tells them about ailments you’re dealing with elsewhere in your body, too, such as diabetes and other chronic diseases or conditions. The dental experts at Hometown Family Dental Centers...
No one wants to discover that they have a cavity. Unfortunately, even with the best dental hygiene, you can still develop dental decay. If you have a cavity, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, an astounding 92% of adults ages...
Do you have bad breath that makes you shy away from social situations or cover your mouth when you talk? Your bad breath may be the result of gum disease. The dental professionals at Hometown Family Dental Centers can treat your periodontal disease and return your mouth to sweet-smelling health....
Sitting in traffic, learning that your flight has been delayed for hours, going to the DMV, getting a root canal. What do these four things have in common? If you’re like most people, you probably dread them and wouldn’t wish such a fate on even your enemies. While the reputation...
Do you know someone who has a particularly beautiful smile? While a lot of things go into a cute smile — like dimples, eye crinkles, and straight teeth — it’s a set of gleaming pearly whites that really pulls everything together. While that smile may seem carefree, a lot of...
Sometimes you need to have teeth removed, due to an injury, tooth decay, or gum disease. Dentures are a great way to restore your smile, allow you to speak and chew normally, and protect any remaining teeth from shifting around in your mouth. Dentures can take a little time to...
If the very thought of visiting the dentist fills you with dread, you aren’t alone. It’s estimated that 9-15% of Americans avoid the dentist due to fear and apprehension. For these people, their dental phobia prevents them from getting the treatment they need. They miss cleanings, screenings, and necessary treatments...
A smile does more than express joy. It lifts your mood, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces stress. Smiles are also contagious, which means you can spread the health benefits around by flashing your pearly whites. If you’re hiding your smile because you’re embarrassed by your less-than-perfect teeth, then you’re...
It’s estimated that as many as 80% of Americans have anxiety about going to the dentist, so imagine how your child may feel during their first dental appointment. But like you, your child has nothing to fear, especially from the compassionate dental team at Hometown Family Dental Centers. To...
If you think the look of your smile is the only thing affected by your crooked teeth, you’re wrong. Your crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can make it more difficult for you to keep your teeth clean and free of tartar and plaque, which may mean an increased risk of...