Dr. Heather Gentry and the team at Gentry Dental are committed to making every detail of your dental visit perfect!
There are millions of people who don’t like visiting the dentist and often miss appointments as a result. But we know from experience that the attention of a caring and compassionate team like ours can completely change the way you view dentistry. At our Charlotte, NC dental office, you will find a wide range of the dental services you need to achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile, as well as some advanced dental services that you may not find at other practices.
We Offer Comprehensive Family Dental Care
Your family life is busy, and we want to minimize the stress of making appointments for you and your family and make it easy for you to get the dental care you need. Dr. Gentry offers a wide array of general, cosmetic, and restorative services, so you’ll find everything you need right here in one convenient location.
Our variety of family dental care includes, but isn’t limited to, the following services:
- Dental cleanings and exams
- Digital x-rays
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Crowns and bridges
- Dental implants
- Solutions for headache relief
Regardless of the procedure we perform, you can be confident that our team will do whatever it takes to ensure that your time with us is as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
How Preventive Care Protects Your Health
Making sure your family stays current with professional dental cleanings and exams every six months is the best way to protect their oral health. You have probably heard people say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and it is especially true when it comes to managing your oral health.
During your routine examination, Dr. Gentry will take a thorough look at your teeth and mouth to screen you for issues like oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. We get the best results when we treat all of these concerns as early as possible, and your SouthPark dentist can help.
Preventive care is also essential for protecting your overall health since we now understand that there is a link between gum disease and other health concerns like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia. The bacteria that cause gum disease can also contribute to the inflammation causing these and other health issues, so your routine checkups and cleanings have never been more critical.
The Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is actually an infection of the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth. It occurs when excess plaque buildup causes a separation between your teeth and gums, which creates a pocket that allows bacteria below the gum line. If it's left untreated, the infection will eventually destroy your soft tissues and bone and result in tooth loss.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease where you might notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. They may also look red, swollen, and irritated. Chronic bad breath that you can't get rid of is also another sign of gingivitis. This stage of gum disease can often be controlled or even eliminated with a thorough professional cleaning and upgrades to your home care routine.
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease, and now you may feel your teeth becoming mobile or notice that your gums are receding. Periodontitis first requires a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove the buildup from below the gum line. Dr. Gentry may also recommend antibiotic therapy and even surgery for severe cases of periodontitis.