Seeing a family dentist provides more convenience and flexibility for the entire family. Dr. Emily Ann Reece provides family dentistry services in Cary, NC, for all ages at Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Patients of all ages, including children, teens, and seniors, can expect the appropriate care to meet their unique needs.
Family dental care is a part of general dentistry. General dental treatment helps maintain your dental health and prevent future dental problems. Our dental office provides cleanings, routine treatments, and recommendations for patients of every age. Regular dental visits and preventive dental treatment are important at every stage of life.
Family Dentistry in Cary, NC
As a family dentist, Dr. Reece provides dental services for children, teens, adults, and seniors. She customizes every dental service and treatment to each patient. Children need special care that adults and seniors don’t because their mouths are still developing. Our dental staff is prepared to meet these unique needs.
We want patients to feel at ease whenever they come to our dental office. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time at the dentist, we make our office a warm and comforting space. Please let us know if you have any current concerns or questions for us and will be happy to answer them for you.
Dentistry for Children
We encourage parents to bring their children to the dentist early in life. We teach them about oral health maintenance at pediatric dental visits. This allows children to become familiar with the dentist’s office.
Establishing a relationship with the dentist will also help reduce the anxiety many children experience surrounding dental visits. Many children may be anxious or scared on their first visit. However, our staff has the training and care to make them feel comfortable.
Routine pediatric dentistry visits can include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Diagnostic x-rays
- Charting of teeth and existing tooth conditions
- Dental cavities screening
- Gum evaluation
- Examination of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and jaw position
Early intervention and prompt treatment can help prevent more complex dental problems if we detect any dental issues. Early dental issues can affect speech and jaw development and your child’s long-term oral health. Our team wants to treat common pediatric dental problems like tooth cavities as soon as possible so your child doesn’t experience increased oral health issues over time.
How to Help Kids Feel Comfortable at the Dentist
Here are some more tips to keep in mind when helping your child get the dental care they need:
- Discuss the dentist before their first visit so that you can assuage any fears or concerns that they may have.
- Check to see if your water has fluoride in it and talk to us about supplement choices.
- Ask us about dental sealants. This dental application can protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth.
- Teach your child about brushing when they are around 2 or 3 years of age, and teach them about flossing when they are around 7 or 8.
- Be aware of bottle tooth decay, which happens when teeth are exposed to sugary liquids.
Meet Your Cary Family Dentist: Dr. Emily Reece
Dr. Emily Reece is a local dentist who truly cares about your family’s oral health. She is a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from East Carolina University. She then completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the VA Medical Center, where she gained advanced training in implant placement, root canals, and managing complex cases.
Dr. Reece is passionate about building lasting relationships with her patients and helping them feel comfortable. She understands that dental visits can be stressful, especially for children and anxious patients. Her warm, compassionate approach creates an inviting environment where patients know they are genuinely cared
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Dental Care For Seniors
As we age, our dental needs change. Seniors are more likely to experience tooth loss, dry mouth, and tooth sensitivity. We offer a range of treatments to help seniors maintain healthy, comfortable smiles.
Tooth Replacement Options
When you lose a tooth, you are more likely to suffer further tooth loss and increase your chances of gum disease and tooth decay. We offer multiple tooth replacement options, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures.
Managing Tooth Sensitivity
Seniors experiencing tooth sensitivity should use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid acidic foods and consult our dentist for tailored solutions.
Managing Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common concern for seniors. You can manage it by staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Some dental products can also help. If you have chronic dry mouth, contact our office for a custom treatment plan.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Seniors
Cosmetic dentistry can enhance the quality of life for seniors. A simple teeth whitening treatment can brighten your smile, and porcelain veneers can completely transform your appearance. These treatments help you regain confidence by taking years off your teeth and overall appearance.
Family Dentistry FAQs
We welcome you to read answers to common questions about family dentistry in Cary, NC. To learn more about our services, read through these questions and answers. Please contact us if you have further questions or concerns.
How Important are Baby Teeth?
The primary teeth, also called the “baby” teeth, help children speak and chew and provide a blueprint for their future permanent teeth. Taking care of primary teeth is important because cavities and infections are still concerns early on.
How Do You Care for Baby Teeth?
When your child’s first tooth shows, you can clean it with a wet washcloth. You may use an infant toothbrush that is the correct size for your child. We also suggest limiting sugary snacks and drinks and encouraging healthy eating habits.
Schedule dental check-ups to Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry every six months once the first tooth erupts. Proper dental care will help set the foundation for lifelong dental health.
Where Does Decay on the Baby Teeth Occur Most Often?
Tooth decay often occurs on the upper front teeth or chewing surfaces of the baby teeth. Infection can build up between teeth, where food particles get stuck. This attracts harmful bacteria, making areas harder to clean and easier for cavities to develop. Flossing and brushing baby teeth every day is the best way to prevent decay and cavities in children.
When Should I Start Using Toothpaste on my Child’s Teeth?
Use an infant toothbrush or a wet washcloth to clean your child’s gums before their teeth grow. When their baby teeth come in, use a very minimal amount of toothpaste and an infant toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth twice daily.
By age 3, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush. You should teach your child to spit out the toothpaste by this time. Always supervise your child while they brush their teeth to ensure they do not swallow the toothpaste.
Why is Dental Care Important for Seniors?
Seniors need to maintain their oral health for many reasons. First, we’re more prone to tooth loss as we age. Once you lose a tooth or multiple teeth, it can be harder to maintain proper nutrition and digestion.
Also, poor oral health can contribute to systemic health conditions. For example, patients with a history of heart attacks or heart disease are at an increased risk of gum disease.
What Are My Options if My Child or I Have Dental Anxiety?
We understand that dental visits can be nerve-wracking for kids and adults. Our office uses a gentle, reassuring approach and explains everything to help you feel at ease. We welcome you to bring headphones, blankets, and toys for your child to our private treatment rooms. For patients who need extra relaxation, we may recommend sedation.
Do I Really Need to Visit the Dentist Twice a Year?
Yes. Even if your teeth feel and look fine, regular dental visits help us catch small cavities, early gum disease, and even signs of oral cancer before they become bigger problems. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing at home can miss. This helps prevent decay and keeps your gums healthy.
For most people, two visits a year are enough. But everyone is different. If you have gum disease, wear braces, or have other risk factors, we may recommend coming in more often.
How Often Should Seniors Visit the Dentist?
Like other age groups, seniors should visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and dental cleaning. If you experience increased dental problems, we suggest you visit us more often. Our office will help you find the right dental schedule to meet your needs.
Call Us for Expert Family Dentistry in Cary, NC
If you need a new family dental office, call Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. You can contact us at 919-646-6294 to schedule your next dental visit. You may also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Reece on our website.
