Category: Blog/ News

Millions of Americans have at least one missing tooth. With rapid technological advances, there are numerous options for individuals with missing teeth to restore their smiles. Dental implants are foremost among the options available to patients. However, some people are wary of the pain that they believe an implant procedure may entail. Fortunately, an implant procedure is not nearly as uncomfortable as some may believe, for the reasons explained further below.

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that destroys teeth-supporting structures such as gum tissue and the jaw bone if left untreated. Although we often think of periodontal disease as a condition that only impacts grown-ups, in fact, children and teenagers can suffer from gum disease as well. There are a number of reasons why an adolescent might develop gum disease.

Patients here in Raleigh are sometimes curious about what steps we take to ensure the health of everyone in the office. The answer is “alot!”

Preventing and controlling the spread of infectious disease is crucial in the oral health community. The Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) and the American Dental Association have enacted thorough guidelines that help us create a safe environment for our patients and staff. By implementing proven cleaning and sterilization methods, North Raleigh Periodontics greatly reduces the risk of patients contracting any type of infectious disease.

Instrument Safety

At North Raleigh Periodontics, we ensure that every instrument is sterilized using the highest industry standards. Every instrument undergoes an intense sterilization process between each use.

First, we clean all our instruments by placing them in the ultrasonic machine. This machine uses ultrasonic vibrations to deep clean and destroy surface pathogens. Then we place the instruments in a heated dryer. The heated dryer eliminates moisture to prevent the regrowth of bacteria. Next, we bag each instrument individually and place it in an autoclave. The autoclave uses hot, pressurized, steam to destroy the protein structure of any potentially lingering bacteria and spores. After this process, the instrument is ready to use.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is basic but fundamental to protecting against infections. Every staff member washes their hands thoroughly throughout the day and before and after patient visits. Additionally, we use fresh gloves for each patient interaction, and we change gloves every time we touch a surface during every patient visit.

Clean Surfaces

Although seemingly a no-brainer, clean surfaces are crucial to upholding top-notch hygiene standards. To keep our surfaces bacteria-free, we disinfectant surfaces in the morning, evening, and throughout the day. We also cover surfaces with barriers that are changed between patients.

Personal Protective Equipment

To protect ourselves and our patients, we utilize personal protective equipment (“PPE”) . We use masks, gowns, shoe covers, gloves, caps, and facial shields. We change out the PPE between patients.

Air quality

We also use an air purification system in each operatory and in the waiting area. These systems use U-V light to kill any viral particles and circulate clean air throughout the office. We also use high-speed suction devices to remove aerosols from the vicinity of the patient.

Water Quality

Clean water is a key element in dental treatment. Cleaning the waterlines is a critical step to ensure the water quality meets the high standards of the Environmental Protection Agency. At North Raleigh Periodontics, we use our own internal water system to pump distilled water. We also employ steristraws that hook into the water lines to further sterilize the water as it flows through our system. Additionally, we flush the water lines daily and clean the water filters weekly.

In conclusion, we take every step to ensure that our facility is sterilized and bacteria-free for the health and safety of everyone who comes through our doors. You can rest easy knowing that when you visit North Raleigh Periodontics, you will be entering an environment that meets, and exceeds, industry standards.

Have questions? Give North Raleigh Periodontics a call at (919) 518-8222! Serving the greater Triangle area – Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest.

Expecting mothers know — or quickly come to realize — that pregnancy impacts numerous aspects of their day-to-day lives. This includes changes in gingival (a.k.a. gum) health. In fact, since the 1960s, researchers report a marked increase in gum disease in pregnant mothers. Many mothers will notice an alteration in the color, sensitivity, and even size of their gum tissue. In fact, nearly 75% of pregnant women will develop gum disease during pregnancy. Read on to find out why this shift occurs and what can be done to diminish pregnant parents’ greater susceptibility to gum disease.

For the family we love,

the patients we are thankful,

and for the blessings that will come.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Singletary & North Raleigh Perio

What happens when I lose a tooth?

One of the most common questions I get from patients here in the Raleigh/Wake County area is: “Why would I need a bone graft after a tooth extraction?” After losing a tooth, many people do not consider the impact of that loss on the rest of their oral structures, especially their alveolar ridge. The term “alveolar ridge” refers to the thick ridge of bone containing the tooth sockets on the top and bottom of the mouth. Bone loss, a.k.a bone resorption, in the alveolar ridge area, is a common result of tooth loss, but the consequences can be severe.