A Lifetime Of Healthy Teeth

Dental Services for Optimal Oral Health

For more than half a century, Ludgate Family Dentistry has proudly combined modern techniques with state-of-the-art technology to maintain optimal oral health for patients in Lumberton, NC. Whether you need a routine dental cleaning or a cavity filled, our dentists look forward to brightening your happy, healthy smile!

Restorative Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

General Dentistry Services

Dental Cleanings

Routine dental cleanings are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. By removing plaque and tartar, your oral health is enhanced, and your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease is reduced. Throughout this appointment, our dentist will perform the following routine checks:

Examine and assess gum health
Check for gum disease
Diagnose any existing tooth decay
When indicated, take and analyze x-rays, which reveal decay, bone loss, abscesses, tumors, cysts, and other problems.
Screen for the presence of oral cancer
Verify the stability of any existing fillings or other restorations
Inform you of all findings and make treatment recommendations

Periodontal Care

Ludgate Family Dentistry maintains oral health for patients of all ages with our periodontal care services. We remove plaque from your gum line through scaling and root planing to ensure happy, pink gums!

If you are experiencing redness, swelling, or inflammation around the gum line, you may be in the early stages of gum disease. Our dentists or hygienists may use a tool called a probe to test gums for bleeding and measure periodontal pockets. X-rays will be used to evaluate the bone level around your teeth. While the leading cause of gum disease is lack of oral hygiene, contributing factors include heavy smoking and diabetes.

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General Dentistry FAQ

Why is brushing important?

As damaging as plaque can be, mechanical brushing easily removes it. Plaque deposits build up on the teeth fairly quickly after eating and drinking, and if they are not brushed away at least twice a day, they can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. It takes just one day for bacteria to build up enough to make your mouth susceptible to infection.

It hardens plaque and becomes calculus (tartar) if plaque is not removed. Calculus cannot be removed with regular brushing. Your hygienist has special instruments designed to remove tartar.

Why should I get a dental exam?

No matter how diligent you are in your home dental care regimen, you should still get a dental exam and cleaning at least twice per year. The importance of regular dental exams cannot be overemphasized – dental exams are the cornerstone of good dental health. In particular, regular checkups are essential for the early detection of more severe problems. Early detection makes treatment easier, less expensive, and more successful and effective.

Why should I floss my teeth?

Daily flossing is an effective way to clean teeth where regular brushing can’t reach. To floss properly, take 18″ of dental floss, wrap it around the middle finger of each hand, and pinch it between your thumb and index finger. Pull the floss taut, then slide it gently between each tooth and under the gum line. Slide the floss up and down the side of each tooth to remove plaque buildup. Be sure to use a clean section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

How do I treat periodontal disease?

Gingivitis is easily treated with a professional cleaning (prophy) and proper home care to remove the plaque before it becomes calculus. Contributing factors may be dry mouth (due to medications or medical conditions), braces, mouth-breathing, and many more. We will work together to help you maintain healthy gums.

Periodontitis will require more aggressive treatment. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be recommended, which involves the removal of plaque/calculus below the gums. For your comfort, local anesthesia is used. The procedure is broken up into 2 (or more) visits for the deep cleaning and a final polish visit. We remove any residual stain and check for persistent areas of inflammation.

The use of a slow-released antibiotic placed into deep pockets may be necessary, as well as prescription mouth rinses.

Perio patients frequently require cleanings and check-ups every 3-4 months. With proper home care and frequent check-ups, patients need regular cleanings to maintain their periodontal health.

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Pediatric Dentistry

A child’s experience with the dentist can be a daunting experience. At Ludgate Family Dentistry, we prioritize making our patient’s experience positive. From infants to adolescents, we keep our patients safe and comfortable. Parents can rest assured that their children receive the best possible dental care.

Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They fill in the crevasses, ensuring that food particles stay out. Bacteria can hide in these crevasses and lead to cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.

Sports Mouth Guards

Protect your children’s teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums from sports-related injuries with a soft mouthguard. A well-fitted mouth guard can also protect from severe injuries to the head. Ludgate Family Dentistry is glad to custom-fit a mouthguard for your children.

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Pediatric Dentistry FAQ

What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?

It is essential to develop the habit of removing plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, starting at birth. For newborns, clean your baby’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing at least once a day (at bedtime) with a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants; twice a day is even better, especially as more teeth come in and the child’s diet becomes more varied.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain–do not place aspirin on the teeth or gums. Then, call our team and see us as soon as possible.

How often does my child need to see the dentist?

The dentists at Ludgate Family Dentistry recommend a checkup every six to prevent cavities and other dental problems. We set up exam schedules with parents based on each child’s oral health. We will also recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. Children should visit the dentist regularly (beginning shortly after the first tooth’s eruption). When added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, these home treatments will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits– and healthy teeth and gums.

How do I make my child’s diet safe for their teeth?

Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including whole-grain bread and cereals, fruits and vegetables, and good sources of calcium and protein such as legumes, dairy products, or meats and eggs. Avoid sticky sweets and limit the servings of sugars and starches. Make sure tooth brushing is happening according to our dentist’s recommended program. We can discuss food selections with you to protect your children’s teeth.

Choose our dental team for you and your family’s dental needs! Contact us at 910-738-2473 to schedule an appointment today!

Ludgate Family Dentistry

4309 Ludgate St.
Lumberton, NC, 28358

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Business Hours

Monday-Wednesday: 8 AM- 5 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM- 2 PM

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910-738-2473

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admin@gkdentistry.com

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