Dental Exam in Raleigh
Good dental health is all about prevention! A regular dental checkup can detect oral disease and cavities in their earliest stages, sometimes preventing them altogether. Once you arrive for your checkup, you’ll first meet with the dental hygienist. Your hygienist will examine your teeth and gums and talk with you about any changes in your overall health or medications you are taking. Your teeth will be cleaned and polished, and you’ll have a chance to ask any questions that you have. After the hygienist is finished, your dentist will perform a second exam to check for signs of oral disease or cancer.
What We Look For
- Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your over all health and also your dental health.
- Examination of X-rays: Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
- Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues and gums for any sings of oral cancer.
- Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
- Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
- Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
- Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.
Anna Abernethy, DDS
Dr. Abernethy, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Raleigh for college and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemical physics. Her journey towards dentistry began unexpectedly when she experienced a dental emergency during her college years, leading her to explore the field through externship programs. Witnessing a patient's life-changing smile makeover after a car accident inspired her to become a dentist. She pursued her dental education at UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School, actively participating in various community service initiatives and events. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as an associate in a dental practice.
Jill Sonner, DDS
Dr. Sonner, a Raleigh native, completed her undergraduate studies at NCSU in Biological Sciences in 1999. She pursued dental education at UNC Dental School and trained at Fayetteville VA Medical Center, gaining skills in treating medically compromised and geriatric patients, and in advanced surgical techniques, including implant placement. She achieved Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association, mentored by Dr. Arun Garg. Dr. Sonner, alongside Drs. Abernethy and Wells, took part in a mission to the Dominican Republic, contributing to dental implant surgeries, enhancing chewing function for locals who wouldn't otherwise have the chance. Their efforts significantly improved the quality of life for many recipients.
Anita Wells, DDS
Dr. Anita Wells, developed her passion for dentistry in her hometown of Pinehurst, inspired by her childhood dentist's compassionate and personalized care. From a young age, she was fascinated by his ability to transform lives through beautiful smiles. Observing his artistic skills and the positive impact he made on patients, she decided to pursue dentistry. Dr. Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry, and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with the highest honors. After practicing in Chapel Hill, she co-founded Renaissance Dental Center in 2009, aiming to provide personalized dental care based on her dedication to changing people's lives.
Dental Questions
You can ask us any questions you have about your mouth, no matter how small or insignificant you think they may be—the checkup is your time to talk candidly with your dentist. We’ll also provide you with helpful information you can use to maintain a good dental health routine at home. If we discover any oral health issues or problems during your checkup, we’ll make treatment recommendations based on your specific needs. Then we’ll work together to develop a treatment plan that’s ideal for you.
Children and adults should schedule a regular dental check up, about once every six months. Those at a higher risk for oral disease, such as those who use tobacco and alcohol, should come in more often. If you have questions or think you may be at risk, get in touch with us today—we will work together to define a preventative plan that’s right for you.