Dental Sealants in Raleigh

Dental sealants are used in dental offices every day. They are one of the most common treatments performed. Sealants help prevent decay from occurring on the chewing surfaces of teeth, especially on young children who have not yet mastered the art of brushing their teeth.

Dental sealants have been around for nearly 50 years and became popular in the 1970s as a method of preventing cavities from forming. Sealants are often applied to the back teeth, or molars because that is where people typically have a hard time brushing and flossing correctly.  These teeth also have deep crevices where food gets trapped.

Diagnodent

Dentists rely on many examination methods to determine the presence of tooth decay in a patient's mouth. X-rays are one of the most common methods of finding hidden tooth decay, as well as visual examination for larger areas of decay. Diagnodent is a laser product that is being used in many dental clinics today.

Diagnodent uses fluorescent laser light to find hidden tooth decay, even in early stages of development. This means that dentists can discover and treat tooth decay faster and easier than ever before.

When teeth can be treated early, the risk of losing the tooth due to decay is reduced. Many people lose teeth to undetected tooth decay, and it can be devastating to have to have a tooth extracted because of a problem you didn't even know about in the first place.

Diagnodent technology is saving patients time, money, and above all else, their teeth. With over 90% accuracy, the chances of finding hidden dental decay are greatly increased, and that is comforting for patients to know.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How Diagnodent Works

The Diagnodent laser system is simple and easy to use. It takes only a few seconds to determine the presence of decay in the mouth of a patient. Using a small device, your dentist will aim the laser at your teeth, and the amount of light that is reflected back determines the presence of decay. Diagnodent is used for patients of any age, and it is safe for everyone involved. Once decay has been detected, our dentists can treat the decay with sealants or fillings in order to prevent further decay from occurring.

For more information, just ask us about dental sealants during your visit!

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What Happens In A Smile Consultation?

Setting expectations can be the first part of a smile consultation.   Here is some information to outline what to expect during a smile consultation with Renaissance Dental Center. The first part of a smile makeover consultation is for the patient to discuss their goals with the dentist.  Some of the most popular smile makeover goals include the following:

  • Replacing missing or decaying teeth with Dental Implants
  • Straightening crooked, weak or thin teeth with Clear Aligner Therapy
  • Whitening severely stained teeth
  • Lengthening teeth that are too short with Veneers
  • Filling gaps in between teeth with Bioclear

Second it is important for patients to expect the dentist to help them consider different procedures. The dentists at Renaissance Dental Center and our staff are trained to know what procedures will work best for certain conditions, which is why they help recommend the appropriate ones. For example, a cracked tooth may benefit from a dental crown or dental bonding, both of which are smile makeover options. Once the dentist makes their recommendation, the patient can begin to consider their options.

Your timeline is another expectation for the smile makeover consultation is for a timeline to be determined. Most patients want to know how long the process will take so that they can prepare appropriately. Certain smile makeover procedures may take a few months, which is good to be aware of prior to the process beginning. On the flip side, it is good to be aware of procedures that may not take as long, which can be helpful if the patient needs to undergo multiple procedures, such as teeth straightening and whitening. Oftentimes, multiple procedures are combined to complete a smile makeover because there may be multiple goals. Being aware of how long it may take can be helpful for the patient.

Done be afraid to ask questions.  The last part of the smile makeover consultation is to go over questions and concerns. Patients should expect the dentist and staff to discuss concerns that they have with the treatment and vice versa. Our team will answer any questions or concerns regarding the smile makeover so that the patient knows what to expect and how to prepare. This part of the consultation is extremely important because it allows for open communication between the dentist and the patient.

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