Welcome to Seaside Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our state-of-the-art Hampstead, NC dentist office. Dr. Michael Weis and his professional dental team aim to provide the highest quality of care for patients of any age. Our goal is to make our patients feel right at home when they visit our office. Using our comprehensive dental services, we treat patients with effective dental care that helps address the root causes of their oral health problems.
Our office is a soothing and relaxing space that feels more like a spa than a dental office. This gentle environment helps set the tone for your visit. Dr. Weis and his team take the time to discuss the concerns of each patient and accommodate their needs.
Routine dental care allows us to keep track of developing dental problems. Visiting the dentist regularly helps reinforce good dental hygiene to improve long-term physical and oral health. Catching common dental problems like gum disease or cavities can help prevent the risk of overall health problems. For example, gum inflammation can put patients heart health at risk. Bacteria that cause gum disease and inflame the gums can enter the bloodstream and increase patients risk of heart attacks, disease, and strokes. Patients who already have heart problems need to be aware of the link between oral health and heart health so they can be proactive in preventing increased problems. Our team is here to help educate patients on this link.
Our office uses the latest technology to help diagnose and treat our patients. These effective tools assist our team in taking a closer look at problem areas in the mouth and providing an accurate impression of the teeth and gums:
Digital x-rays: Digital x-rays create detailed images of the teeth and gums so that we can easily diagnose dental problems. Because these x-rays are digital, we can easily share them with oral surgeons or specialists. They are also safer than traditional methods as they give off 80% less radiation.
Intraoral cameras: Small intraoral cameras allow our team to view different angles of the mouth so we can get a better view of each patients dental problems. These images are projected on a monitor so we can show them to our patients in real-time. Intraoral cameras are a key aspect of patient education.
Digital impressions: Traditional dental impressions are made of a thick putty material that is messy and uncomfortable to use. Digital impressions are an alternative for patients that uses a handheld scanning camera to capture digital impressions. Like digital x-rays, these impressions can be saved and shared with local dental labs or surgeons.
If a dental procedure is deemed necessary for your health, it is more likely to be covered by dental insurance. Routine and restorative dental treatments are often at least partially covered by dental insurance. However, most cosmetic treatments are not covered.
Preventative dental care includes dental cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatment, and dental sealants. These treatments are used, usually at routine dental exams, to help prevent common dental problems like gum disease or cavities. Receiving preventative dental care every six months helps keep oral health issues at bay.
Dr. Michael Weis is a Hampstead, NC dentist that was born and raised in North Carolina. While attending the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, he met his wife, Amy, who is proudly serving at Camp Lejeune as a US Navy Dentist.
Dr. Weis treats his patients like his family. He believes in practicing conservative and preventative dentistry provided in a gentle, comfortable environment. Dr. Weis likes giving back to his patients. Fostering positive relationships with his patients allows for open communication during each visit. Patients who want to change their smiles, suffer from dental pain or have a fear of the dentist can feel comfortable visiting Dr. Weis. He wants to meet the goals of his patients and help them get the appropriate care for their needs.
Have you noticed discoloration or pain in your tooth? You might have issues with restricted blood flow in the tooth pulp, which could ultimately lead to non-vital pulp, also known as a dead tooth. To confirm this issue, your dentist may request a vitality test.
Some people may realize they have a non-vital tooth due to tooth pain or dullness in their tooth color. But many individuals do not notice any relevant symptoms, and the issue might be spotted by a dentist on an x-ray during a routine dental exam.
A dead tooth alone may not qualify as a dental emergency that requires treatment. However, non-vital tooth pulp is at a greater risk of infection, which could need extensive dental work to repair. If your dentist can confirm a non-vital tooth, they can monitor the tooth to ensure that its health does not deteriorate.
With this test, the dentist places a cold stimulus on the affected tooth as well as other spots in your mouth, checking the speed of your reaction as well as the intensity of the sensation. A slower reaction time or less feeling in the tooth may signify non-vital tooth pulp.
As discussed, if your dentist determines that you have non-vital tooth pulp, you do not necessarily require further dental work on the affected tooth. If you have no symptoms or signs of infection, your dentist will likely monitor the tooth and not request further procedures. Some individuals may ask their dentist about cosmetic dentistry treatments that can amend tooth discoloration.
If you notice pain in your tooth or your dentist finds that the pulp is infected, then your dentist will recommend prompt dental treatment. They will likely suggest root canal therapy to clear out the infection and damaged tooth pulp.