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Pay Your Bill Online
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REQUEST APPOINTMENT
CALL US: (919) 362-7878

Patient Information

Man in dentist office | Biannual dental checkup

Patient Forms

Beginning July 1, 2022, Apex Family Dentistry will require new forms for ALL patients. Please select the link below to complete the appropriate forms.

New Patient Packet
Updated Forms Packet

Once these forms are completed (after July 1, 2022), short in-office updates can be completed prior to your future appointments. 

If you prefer to complete forms in our office, we have tablets for your convenience. (We also have printed handouts available, if desired.) Please contact us if you have any questions!

Payments & Insurance

Payments

Pay Your Bill Online

For your convenience, we accept cash, personal checks, money orders, and most major credit cards. Payment is expected at the time services are performed. Feel free to contact our office If your treatment plan requires more comprehensive dental work and you want to discuss financial arrangements.

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Insurance

As of March 15, 2025: We are currently in-network with BCBS of NC.  As a courtesy to our patients, we file all PPO plan insurance claims on your behalf, apart from Medicare and Medicaid. At the time of treatment, we will collect the amount that we estimate insurance will not cover.  Please note this is only an estimate.  Once the insurance has made its payment decision, we will either bill or refund the difference.

Post-Op Instructions

If you had a filling placed by one of our experienced dentists, please know that it is not uncommon to experience mild cold sensitivity or gum tenderness afterwards. These symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days to a few weeks.

If your bite feels uneven after having your filling placed, you should call our office for an appointment to adjust your bite. When you are numb, it can be difficult to ensure your bite is normal. Sometimes the numbness must subside before your bite can be evaluated.

If you experience severe sensitivity or constant, throbbing pain that is not relieved with Ibuprofen or Tylenol, you should call our office to have your tooth evaluated. These may be signs that your tooth requires further treatment.

At Apex Family Dentistry, we use a topical fluoride varnish that is painted onto your teeth. This varnish is sticky and must adhere to the tooth surface in order for the fluoride to adequately protect the teeth.

You should avoid the following for a period of 12 hours after the fluoride varnish is placed:

  • Scratching off the varnish
  • Eating foods that are hot, sticky, or crunchy
  • Brushing or flossing (Yes, this is the one time we advise that you don’t brush! After 12 hours, you should brush and floss normally.)

A dry socket is a concern after a permanent tooth extraction. For prevention, bite down on gauze for one hour. Change once during the hour, if needed. Also, for 24-48 hours:

    • No smoking
    • No spitting
    • No rinsing
    • No drinking through a straw
    • Nothing hot to eat or drink
    • Minimal exertion — no exercise or heavy activity (take it easy)
    • No aspirin based medication
    • Soft diet for the next five days-nothing crunchy, hard, or spicy

If you should experience excessive pain that can’t be controlled with Tylenol, Motrin, or by prescribed pain medicine given by dentist or uncontrollable bleeding, please call the office.

Potential Complications

        • Paresthesia/Anesthesia: You may remain temporarily or, in extremely rare instances, permanently numb in the lower jaw after an extraction or severe oral surgery.
        • Sinus Exposure: During an extraction of an upper tooth the sinus may be exposed. If this should occur we will give you instructions for home care.
        • Infection Antibiotics may be prescribed after oral surgery as a preventative or to control existing infection.
        • Swelling: Swelling may occur after oral surgery and may remain for 3 to 5 days. If this should occur, the doctor recommends ice packs for 3 to 4 hours (20 minutes on –20 minutes off) to help control swelling.
        • Pain: Advil, Tylenol or Motrin is recommended after oral surgery. Doctor may prescribe pain medication if needed.
        • Hemorrhaging: Minimal bleeding usually occurs after oral surgery. Instructions will follow after treatment in accordance with patient’s need.

Please be informed: These complications are quite rare.

Call our office if you should have further questions.

If you had a crown or bridge prepared, you most likely had a temporary crown or temporary bridge placed until the final prosthesis is made at one of our high-quality dental labs.

Care for Temporaries

  • Brushing: Brush carefully and keep the area around your temporary clean.
  • Flossing: Unless otherwise instructed by your dentist, it is recommended to floss your temporary, though with a slightly different technique:
    • Floss between your teeth (pull up for upper teeth or pull down for lower teeth). Gently maneuver the floss to remove debris.
    • Then, pull the floss out towards the side of your mouth. To avoid dislodging the temporary, do not pull floss “up and down” between your teeth.
    • If you have a temporary bridge, you may need a floss threader to floss under the fake tooth/teeth. Please ask our staff if you have questions.
  • Eating: Unless otherwise instructed, it is safe to chew soft foods on your temporary. However, avoid chewing foods that are firm, hard, crunchy or sticky to prevent your temporary from breaking or dislodging.

Sensitivity

It is normal to experience mild tooth or gum sensitivity with a temporary in place. However, if you experience pain that is not controlled with Ibuprofen or Tylenol, you should call our office for an evaluation. You may require further treatment to resolve the issue.

If Your Temporary Comes Off or Breaks

While temporaries are in fact “temporary” they are meant to last until the final crown/bridge is received from the lab. If your temporary breaks or comes off, please call our office (919-362-7878) to have it remade or recemented, so that your tooth does not become sensitive or shift.

  • If your temporary breaks: Keep your tooth as clean as possible and call our office for an appointment to have your temporary remade.
  • If your temporary debonds/”unglues”:
    • During normal business hours, call our office for an appointment to re-cement your temporary.
    • Outside of normal business hours:
      • If your tooth is sensitive, you can hold the temporary in place with a small amount of toothpaste (pea-sized amount).
      • If your tooth is not sensitive, keep the area clean, and save your temporary to bring to your appointment.
      • Call our office and leave a message for an appointment to re-cement your temporary.

FAQs

What should I expect at my first appointment?

At your first visit, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to review your new patient paperwork and collect your insurance information, if applicable. You may relax in our reception area and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi while we update your individual patient record.

Each patient will see one of our experienced hygienists for a cleaning and periodontal (gum) evaluation, as well as necessary x-rays, prior to their comprehensive exam with the dentist. This way, your dentist has the most current information about your dental health. If you have more complex dental needs, you may have a consultation scheduled with the dentist to develop your personalized treatment plan. 

However, if you have a more urgent dental need (pain, broken teeth, etc), please let our staff know when you schedule your appointment. It may be necessary to see a dentist and receive treatment prior to scheduling a cleaning and comprehensive exam.

Please bring your new patient forms, your insurance card, and a photo ID, as well as any dental appliances that you use.

It is helpful to have your previous records transferred to our office, especially your most recent x-rays (Bitewings and Panoramic X-ray). To ensure we are able to provide the most accurate assessment of your dental health, we ask that you have your most recent x-rays forwarded to our office. Our email is: info@apexfamilydentistry.com

*Please note that most offices require a patient to complete a records release form, so the process of transferring your x-rays sometimes takes longer than 24 hours. Please plan accordingly. -All children under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at their first visit.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see a dentist at Age 1. At Apex Family Dentistry, we begin seeing children at Age 4. However, we are happy to answer questions or provide a referral to a pediatric dentist until your child is seen at our office.

If the situation allows, it is a great learning experience for your child to see a parent or older sibling have their teeth cleaned and evaluated. For example, bringing your 3 ½-year-old to your cleaning visit is a great ice breaker! That way, at your 6-month recall visit, your then-4-year-old is more familiar with our office and the dental experience.

If you’re unable to do this, it’s no problem! Our friendly staff loves the opportunity to introduce kids to our practice!! We encourage parents to keep your coaching positive, and tell your child that they will have their teeth counted and brushed/tickled, and pictures taken if they are needed.

A true dental emergency is defined as uncontrolled pain, bleeding, swelling, or infection. Acute trauma is also considered a dental emergency.

In the event of a dental emergency after hours, our doctors are available for consultation for patients of record. You may reach them via our practice voicemail at (919) 362-7878. Listen to the options given to contact your dentist.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.  Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.  Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums.  The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone.  Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than non-users to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
  • Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
  • Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives.  Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
  • Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
  • Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
  • Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis.  Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

  • Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
  • Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
  • Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
  • New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
  • Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
  • Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
  • Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
  • Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. 

Since teeth whitening has now become the number one aesthetic concern of many patients, there are many products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.

Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.  Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments and might not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade.  The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth, which can become darker over time. Smoking and fluids such as coffee, tea, and wine can also contribute to tooth discoloration, making teeth yellow and dull.  Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline.  Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.

It’s important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate for bleaching.  Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach and your dentist may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns to cover up such stains.  Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching begins.  Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.

Since teeth whitening is not permanent, a touch-up may be needed every several years to keep your smile looking bright.

The most widely used professional teeth whitening systems:

Home teeth whitening systems: At-home products usually come in a gel form that is placed in a custom-fitted mouthguard (tray), created from a mold of your teeth.  The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately 30 minutes, or overnight while you sleep.  It usually takes several weeks to achieve the desired results depending on the degree of staining and the desired level of whitening.

In office teeth whitening: This treatment is done in the dental office and you will see results immediately.  It may require more than one visit with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes.  While your gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth.  A special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent while the teeth are whitened.

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened.  This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.

Teeth whitening can be very effective and can give you a brighter, whiter, more confident smile!

With many state-of-the-art dental treatments and prevention options available in dentistry today, there are fewer reasons for having to extract (remove) teeth.  When something does go wrong with a tooth, we try to do everything possible to restore the tooth to its original function.  Removing a tooth is the last option because we know that removal may lead to severe and costly dental and cosmetic problems if the tooth is not replaced.

Losing a tooth can be a very traumatic experience and it’s very unfortunate when it does happen.  Injury, accident, fracture, severe dental decay, and gum disease are the major reasons for having to remove a tooth.  If teeth are lost due to injury or have to be removed, it is imperative that they be replaced to avoid cosmetic and dental problems in the future.

When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone that helped support that tooth begins to atrophy, causing the teeth on either side to shift or tip into the open space of the lost tooth.  Also, the tooth above or below the open space will start to move towards the open space because there is no opposing tooth to bite on.  These movements may create problems such as decay, gum disease, excessive wear on certain teeth, and TMJ (jaw joint) problems.  These problems and movements do not result immediately, but will eventually appear, compromising your chewing abilities, the health of your bite, and the beauty of your smile.

Options for replacement of missing teeth:

Removable bridges – This type of bridge is a good solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, especially in complex dental situations where other replacement options are not possible. They are usually made of tooth-colored, artificial teeth combined with metal clasps that hook onto adjacent natural teeth. Removable bridges are the most economical option for replacing missing teeth but might be the least aesthetically pleasing. This is because the metal clasps on the appliances are often impossible to completely conceal.

Fixed bridges – This type of bridge is generally made of porcelain or composite material and is permanently anchored (cemented) to a natural tooth adjacent to the missing tooth site.  The benefit of this type of bridge is that it is fixed (not removable), and it is very sturdy.  The disadvantage is that in order to create a fixed appliance, two healthy, natural teeth will have to be crowned (capped) to hold the bridge in place.

Dentures – This type of tooth replacement is used when most or all of the natural teeth are missing in one dental arch. Dentures are removable artificial teeth that are made to closely resemble the patient’s original teeth.  

Implants – Are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth. They can also provide great support for ill-fitting dentures.  A dental implant is an artificial root that is surgically placed into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth. An artificial tooth is placed on the implant, giving the appearance and feel of a natural tooth. Implants are very stable, durable, and are the most aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option.

If you are missing teeth, ask us if they need replacement and what options are available to you. Together we will select the best replacement option for your particular case. Prevention and early treatment are always less involved and less costly than delaying treatment and allowing a serious problem to develop.

Most of us have fillings in our mouths that date back many years and some may have even been placed during our childhood. These fillings may now be old, dark, and unattractive, making us feel self-conscious when we smile, laugh, and talk. Old fillings are not only unattractive, they may also be defective. When a filling is old, the margins (space between the tooth and filling) may eventually open and allow bacteria and food debris to enter, potentially causing dental decay.

Your dentist can check your fillings and evaluate if they are defective and need replacement. Also, if you simply want to replace fillings that are unattractive, you and your dentist can decide which ones should be replaced first and what replacement options would best suit you. There are many state-of-the-art dental filling materials and procedures available today that are quick, painless, and cost effective for replacing old, unattractive or defective fillings.

Options for replacing old, unattractive, or discolored fillings:

Composite (bonding) fillings – These are tooth-colored fillings that can be closely matched to the color of your existing teeth. They are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth and are one of the best ways to improve the health and beauty of your smile.

Crowns (Caps) – These types of restoration are used when a tooth is too damaged and cannot be repaired with a filling or other type of restoration. A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens the remaining tooth structure and can be made of gold, porcelain, and other tooth-colored materials.

Inlays/Onlays – These restorations are custom made fillings. They can be made of composite resin, porcelain or gold and are made by a dental laboratory and placed by a dentist. Inlays/onlays are usually best for the posterior chewing surfaces of teeth and are utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective/unattractive fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma.

Porcelain veneers – Used primarily in the front teeth, veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted and permanently cemented to the front surface of teeth. They are a great solution for fixing discolored, pitted, shipped, malformed, or slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are also used if you have unwanted spaces. Veneers are very durable, natural looking, and do not stain. This makes veneers a very popular solution for restoring a smile impaired by old, unattractive fillings.

As you can see, there are various options for replacing old, unattractive fillings. These treatments will provide strong, natural, and long-lasting replacement solutions to enhance the health and beauty of your smile.

Many people are unaware that having periodontal disease (the destruction of gum tissue and bone that hold our teeth in place) can affect your overall health.  Periodontal disease is one of the most common infections – often more prevalent than the common cold!  Periodontal disease is not only the number one reason people lose teeth; it can also affect the health of your body!

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and in its earliest stages, it’s called gingivitis.  It starts when an accumulation of plaque (a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is NOT regularly removed from the gums and teeth.  The bacteria in plaque produce toxins/acids that irritate and infect the gums, eventually destroying the jaw bone that supports the teeth.  When periodontal disease is not treated it can eventually lead to tooth loss!

There are numerous studies that have looked into the correlation between gum disease and major medical conditions.  These studies suggest people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic disease.  They also indicate that periodontal disease can allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, beginning new infections.  Research suggests that periodontal bacteria in the blood stream can:

  • Contribute to the development of heart disease
  • Increase the risk of stroke
  • Compromise the health of those that have diabetes or respiratory diseases
  • Increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low-birth weight baby

While there is still much research to be done in order to fully understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, research has shown that infections in the mouth can wreak havoc elsewhere in the body.   

To ensure a healthy, disease-free mouth, we recommend the importance of regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which include a periodontal evaluation.  Also, diligent home care and a proper diet can help reduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

Remember the mouth body connection!  Taking care of your oral health can contribute to your overall medical health!

Although thorough brushing and flossing removes most food particles and bacteria from easy to reach tooth surfaces, they do not reach the deep grooves on chewing surfaces of teeth.  More than 75 percent of dental decay begins in these deep grooves (called pits and fissures). Toothbrush bristles are often too large to clean most of these areas, thus sealants play an important role.

A sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers and protects the chewing surfaces of molars, premolars, and any deep grooves or pits on teeth. Sealant material forms a protective, smooth barrier covering natural depressions and grooves in the teeth, making it much easier to clean and help keep these areas free of decay.

Who may need sealants?

Children and teenagers – As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.

Infants – Baby teeth are occasionally sealed if the teeth have deep grooves and the child is cavity prone.

Adults – Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions that are difficult to clean.

Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process only takes minutes per tooth. After the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution that helps the sealant adhere to the tooth, the sealant material is “painted” onto the tooth surface, where it hardens and bonds to the teeth. Sometimes a special light will be used to help the sealant material harden.

After sealant treatment, it’s important to avoid chewing on ice cubes, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or any hard or sticky foods. Your sealants will be checked for wear and chipping at your regular dental check-up.

Combined with good home care, a proper diet, and regular dental check-ups, sealants are very effective in helping prevent tooth decay.

We’re all at risk for having a tooth knocked out.  More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year!  If we know how to handle this emergency situation, we might be able to save the tooth.  Teeth that are knocked out can possibly be re-implanted if we act quickly and follow these simple steps:

  1. Locate the tooth and handle it only by the crown (chewing part of the tooth), NOT by the roots.
  2. DO NOT scrub or use soap or chemicals to clean the tooth.  If it has dirt or debris on it, rinse it gently with your own saliva or whole milk.  If that is not possible, rinse it very gently with water.
  3. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes.  The longer you wait, the less chance there is for successful reimplantation.

Ways to transport the tooth

  • Try to replace the tooth back in its socket immediately.  Gently bite down on gauze, a wet tea bag or on your own teeth to keep the tooth in place.  Apply a cold compress to the mouth for pain and swelling as needed.
  • If the tooth cannot be placed back into the socket, place the tooth in a container and cover with a small amount of your saliva or whole milk.  You can also place the tooth under your tongue or between your lower lip and gums.  Keep the tooth moist at all times.  Do not transport the tooth in a tissue or cloth.
  • Consider buying a “Save-A-Tooth” storage container and keeping it as part of your home first aid kit.  The kit is available in many pharmacies and contains a travel case and fluid solution for easy tooth transport.

The sooner the tooth is replaced back into the socket, the greater the likelihood it has to survive.  So be prepared, and remember these simple steps for saving a knocked-out tooth.

You can prevent broken or knocked-out teeth by:

  • Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports
  • Always wearing your seatbelt
  • Avoiding fights
  • Avoid chewing hard items such as ice, popcorn kernels, hard breads, etc.