Preventive Dentistry – North Raleigh, NC

Dental Checkups & Cleanings

Everyone should attend at least two dental appointments a year with a trusted team. Dental problems have a tendency to develop in subtle ways or in areas that are hidden to patients, and these crucial visits make all the difference in keeping your smile both feeling and looking great. Dr. Lisk will perform a thorough examination of each tooth, your gums, your bite, any existing restorations, and other important areas while keeping an eye out for even the smallest signs of decay or damage. Additionally, a teeth cleaning with one of our talented hygienists will get rid of dangerous plaque and tartar, leaving your mouth feeling refreshed.

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Oral Cancer Screenings

There are all kinds of organisms living in the mouth, and while most are non-threatening, some are a reason for concern. Our North Raleigh general dentistry office now has the ability to test for harmful organisms through a simple saliva test called Oral DNA. This advancement in general dentistry can give Dr. Lisk a leg up in determining your treatment, stopping problems before they start.

There are multiple uses for Oral DNA, including:

• We test for bacteria that are associated with treatment- resistant gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and trigger a number of general health problems, including heart disease, stroke, memory loss, diabetic complications, and even low birth weight babies.
• We test to see if you have a genetic predisposition to gum disease. This gene would reveal that the tendency to contract the disease is higher, thus indicating a need for stronger preventive efforts. In the case of existing disease having the gene, this would indicate the need for an aggressive treatment and a well-defined maintenance path in order to control the progressive and destructive nature of gum disease.
• We can determine if high-risk HPV viruses are present orally. These viruses are a known cause for cancers of the mouth and throat. The number of people infected with HPV is growing rapidly and is becoming a source of concern. A simple saliva sample helps us detect HPV infection early, equipping us with an important tool in our effort to help you achieve and maintain health through general dentistry.

Contact our North Raleigh general dentistry practice to schedule your appointment, consultation, or second opinion visit. There’s no better time than today to take control of your dental health.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is typically added to public drinking water and most brands of toothpaste. It will strengthen your enamel, protecting it from decay. For patients who have a particularly high risk of cavities, fluoride can make a significant difference. If you’re not getting enough fluoride from your daily routine, however, we can give your pearly whites a little extra help with a fluoride treatment. This involves applying a highly concentrated fluoride foam, varnish, or gel directly to the tooth.

Athletic Mouthguards/ Sportsguards

Sports are an excellent way to keep yourself in shape while also giving yourself a chance to have some fun. But you should never head out onto the field without making sure your smile is well-protected; after all, one wrong move and you could end up knocking out some of your teeth! After taking impressions of your teeth, Dr. Lisk can design a mouthguard fitted specifically for your unique smile so that it stays in place and gives you the best possible protection at all times.

Nightguards for Bruxism

Many people don’t even realize they’re grinding their teeth at night. They may occasionally notice that their jaws feel sore in the morning, but the underlying cause might not be identified until Dr. Lisk finds signs of excessive enamel wear during an examination. Once bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding) has been identified, steps can be taken to stop further damage. Specifically, we can design a nightguard for you to wear every night to act as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth.

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Children’s Dentistry

A baby’s first dental appointment should take place before their first birthday. Tooth decay is a very common childhood disease, and the earlier you act to protect your little one’s precious smile, the easier it will be to prevent long-term damage. Our friendly team will pull out all the stops to provide a warm, welcoming office environment that your child can feel comfortable in. And, if you have questions about thumb-sucking and other issues that could affect your child’s dental development, Dr. Lisk is here to help.

Special Needs Dentistry

Over the years, Dr. Lisk and the rest of our team have had numerous opportunities to work with patients who required special consideration due to physical, developmental, or cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome, and certain types of physical injuries. With an extremely gentle touch and highly compassionate understanding, you can count on Dr. Lisk to deliver the high-quality treatment that your loved ones deserve no matter what kind of situation they are in.