Smile Carolina Dental Group Blog

Mt. Pleasant dentist, Virginia L. Gregory DMD LLC, teaches 5 steps to a better smile

July 16, 2015

What could be be stronger asset to personal health and image than a healthy, attractive smile? The American Academy of Periodontology maintains that a big, bright smile attracts not only admiration, but good interpersonal relationships, too.

A better smile has to be a healthy smile

However, no matter how big or spontaneous the smile, healthy teeth and gums are essential for oral and systemic health, too. Skilled and compassionate Mt. Pleasant dentists, including Virginia L. Gregory DMD, teach their patients several simple steps to having a better–and healthier–smile for a life time. These easy strategies help individuals maintain hard enamel, viable gum tissue and strong jaw bone.

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Get A Hold On Your Sleep Apnea With Excellent Treatment From Dr. Virginia Gregory

June 19, 2015

Everyone deserves a great night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for your wellbeing. Think of it like a computer that needs to be shut down or rebooted. When you’re not sleeping well, your body is put in the balance and may leave you exhausted at work, school or other places. Staying alert and being in the best health possible involves getting your beauty sleep. There are those out there who have trouble sleeping because of a well-known disease that has spread throughout the country amongst many adults — sleep apnea. It’s not the same as insomnia, so let’s squash that right off the bat. If you or someone you know is an excessive snorer and is causing themselves to stop breathing at points during the night, we would highly recommend they or you receive sleep apnea treatment at our office in Mount Pleasant, SC. Dr. Virginia Gregory and her staff are prepared to provide you with a full night’s sleep that will keep you well rested for years to come.

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Getting a White Smile Has Never Been So Easy

May 29, 2015

Everyone has something about their teeth that they wish was better. Either it’s a space that needs to be closed, teeth that are slightly chipped that need to be covered, or teeth that need a fresh whitening. Most often, people opt for the teeth whitening services. It’s become one of the most popular dental services in the industry, and it’s easy to see why. The technology has advanced so much that you can choose between take-home or in-office treatment. It’s perfect for patients that are on-the-go or would rather receive professional treatment in our office. Mt. Pleasant, SC dentist Virginia L. Gregory knows that there are many patients that wish their teeth were better looking than they currently are. It must be nice to know there is a dental office that offers these great cosmetic dentistry services. Oh wait, that’s us!

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Neuromuscular Dentistry for TMJ Relief

April 23, 2015

Have you even heard of neuromuscular dentistry? Well, if you have TMJ—temporomandibular joint—disorder, then you’ll want to meet neuromuscular dentist Dr. Virginia L. Gregory in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Dr. Gregory’s understanding of jaw alignment allows her to help patients who know the pain and discomfort that TMJ disorder can cause.

First of all, let’s establish where and what the temporomandibular joint is. You have two of them, and they are located on either side of your face just in front of your ears. These joints allow you to open and close your mouth to eat, chew, talk, laugh and yawn. As with most of the body’s joints, these are wondrously designed and work beautifully… until they don’t. If the bite is misaligned, then the temporomandibular joints can become irritated and throw the whole system off balance. Then, the consequences can be pain and discomfort. Among the symptoms of TMJ disorder, also known as TMJ dysfunction, are:

Pain or soreness when you chew or talk
Swelling along the side of the face
A popping sound when you open or close your mouth
Headaches, as well as neck or shoulder pain
The feeling that your jaw is locked or stuck
An earache with no signs of infection
Sensitive teeth
Changes in your bite

Treating TMJ Disorder

Using the science of neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Gregory can determine the jaw’s best alignment and bring it into a relaxed position. Treatment may require you to wear a custom mouthguard at night to hold your jaw in place and reduce jaw-joint stress. We may also recommend tooth restorations that precisely raise or lower areas of your bite in order to build a naturally comfortable position for your jaw. Other therapies include facial relaxation and changing your eating or chewing habits.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re having any of the symptoms listed above, then call the office of Dr. Gregory and ask about neuromuscular dentistry. We serve patients in Mt. Pleasant, SC, and from Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville.

Have the Smile You Want with Porcelain Veneers in Mt. Pleasant, SC

March 10, 2015

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a beautiful smile must be worth at least 10,000 words. What does your smile say about you? If it doesn’t transmit the message you want to share, then consider porcelain veneers. With porcelain veneers, Dr. Virginia Gregory in Mt. Pleasant, SC, can help you realize the smile you want rather than settle for the smile you have.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are extremely thin layers of dental porcelain that are adhesively bonded to the facial surface of the teeth in your smile zone. As such they conceal a number of smile flaws including:

Stained or discolored teeth that have not responded to teeth whitening
Chipped or cracked teeth
Slightly crooked teeth
Teeth that are misshaped
Teeth that are irregularly spaced or have gaps

Although porcelain veneers are a cosmetic procedure, they also fall into the category of restorative dentistry, because they can also help protect damaged teeth from additional harm.

Porcelain Veneers: The Procedure

Dr. Gregory will initiate your porcelain veneers procedure with a consultation, during which the two of you will discuss your smile goals. This is your chance to talk about the shape, size and color of teeth you desire. Considering the size and shape of your mouth, your complexion and even your hair color, you and Dr. Gregory will plan for the best smile possible.

Receiving your veneers usually requires two appointments. At the first, Dr. Gregory will prep the teeth by removing a very thin layer of your teeth’s enamel, so that the veneers will fit comfortably and lay flush with your other teeth. Then, we’ll take an impression of the teeth, which our dental lab will use to fabricate your custom veneers. While those are made, you’ll wear temporaries. When your permanent veneers are ready, you’ll return to our office for Dr. Gregory to remove the temporaries and place your custom porcelain veneers. You’ll leave with a smile that’s as pretty as a picture!

Schedule an Appointment Today

To learn more about porcelain veneers, call our office and schedule a consultation. Dr. Gregory serves patients in Mt. Pleasant, SC, and from Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville.

Root Canal Therapy in Mt. Pleasant, SC

February 5, 2015

Root canal. Just reading those two words might conjure up thoughts of pain and discomfort. Actually, root canal therapy is intended to do just the opposite—relieve pain and discomfort. And with today’s advanced analgesics and technology, root canal therapy doesn’t have to hurt at all. Thanks to root canal therapy, Dr. Virginia Gregory has helped many patients in and around Mt. Pleasant, SC, and she can help you, too.

Why Root Canal Therapy?

Each one of your teeth are comprised of three layers. The hard, protective outer layer is called enamel. The next layer, referred to as dentin, is softer and more sensitive. Finally, the innermost layer is the pulp. Dental pulp houses nerve and lymph tissues as well as blood vessels. Each pulp chamber branches off, forming canals that lead toward the tooth root tip. These root canals allow the tooth to absorb nutrients from the blood and eliminate toxins or other unnecessary materials via the blood stream.

If this dental pulp is exposed to bacteria—as can happen when there is severe tooth decay, a deep fracture or traumatic injury—then infection can set in. This infection begins to kill the pulp and the entire tooth begins to die. Root canal therapy is often required in order to rid the tooth of infection and prevent tooth loss.

The Root Canal Procedure

Dr. Gregory will anesthetize the tooth and surrounding area, so there is not any pain during root canal therapy. Then, the pulp is accessed and the infection and any accompanying debris are cleaned out of the chamber and canals. This area is disinfected, filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. More than likely, Dr. Gregory will want to protect the tooth with a crown. Once your tooth is completely healed and we’re sure the infection is eliminated, you’ll return to the office for a permanent crown.

Call Our Office Today

If you are experiencing a toothache, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory to determine if root canal therapy is needed. We serve patients from Mt. Pleasant, SC, as well as from Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville.

Silence Snoring with a Snoreguard in Mount Pleasant, SC

January 20, 2015

Do you ever hear the words, “stop snoring!” from the person sleeping one pillow over? Are you ever sleepy during the day, or do you sometimes have trouble concentrating? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you may want to consider doing something about that snoring problem. Dr. Virginia L. Gregory in Moun Pleasant, SC, can prescribe a custom-fitted snoreguard to help you and your partner have a good night’s sleep.

Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a chronic condition that is actually the cessation of breathing during sleep. The most common form is obstructive airway sleep apnea. Many factors may contribute to this form of sleep apnea, including the size and structure of airway passages, swollen passages or the tongue’s position during sleep. No matter the cause, the result is usually snoring.

Moreover, one of the consequences of snoring is interrupted sleep throughout the night, which leads to daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, reduced coordination and irritability. Thus, solving your snoring problem may be more than just a matter of sleeping well, it may also dramatically improve your productivity during the day.

Snoreguard to the Rescue

To remedy your snoring, Dr. Gregory may prescribe a custom-fitted snoreguard that you’ll wear while you sleep. A snoreguard, which resembles an athletic mouthguard, is designed to reposition your jaw and your tongue for unobstructed airflow. With your airways free from any blockages, there will be no more snoring and you’ll no longer hear the words, “stop snoring!” in the middle of the night.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you or someone you love snores at night and complains of sleepiness during the day, then call the office of Dr. Virginia Gregory in Mount Pleasant, SC. Dr. Gregory will assess your situation to determine whether or not a snoreguard is the answer. We also serve patients from the surrounding communities of Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville.

With Zoom! Teeth Whitening, Christmas won’t be the only Thing that’s Bright this Holiday Season

December 10, 2014

You’ve made a list and you’ve checked it twice. You’ve bought gifts for all of the special people in your life. Now, how about putting your own name on that list and giving yourself a special gift? If you’d like a whiter and brighter smile that rivals a white Christmas, then now’s the time to do something. Zoom! Teeth Whitening from Dr. Virginia L. Gregory in Mount Pleasant, SC, will make your dreams of a white smile come true!

Whiter Teeth in a Hurry with Zoom!

Over time, teeth become stained and discolored for a variety of reasons including:

Your favorite foods and beverages, such as tomato sauce, blueberries, soy sauce, coffee, tea and cola
The nicotine in tobacco if you smoke or chew
Certain antibiotics, specifically tetracycline
Normal wear and tear that leaves imperceptible cracks, which hide stains
The natural aging process

Zoom! teeth whitening system turns back the hands of time—in about an hour! When you come to Dr. Gregory for teeth whitening, first she’ll thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, making sure they are healthy. If they are, then you’re ready and set to whiten.

The teeth whitening process begins with a shield placed over your lips and gums for protection and to isolate your teeth. Then, the proprietary Zoom! whitening gel is applied to your teeth. The gel is then activated with the Zoom! Advanced Power Chairside Lamp. The lamp accelerates the bleaching process by breaking down the gel’s hydrogen peroxide and allowing oxygen to penetrate the teeth’s enamel and dentin. Immediately following the whitening process, a fluoride treatment is applied to your teeth to reduce the chances of sensitivity.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re ready to have the whitest smile this Christmas, then call the office of Dr. Virginia Gregory to learn more about Zoom! Teeth Whitening. We serve patients in Mount Pleasant, SC, as well as the surrounding communities of Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville.

Get a Smile Makeover from Your 29464 Dentist in Mt. Pleasant, SC

November 5, 2014

Makeovers don’t just happen at the cosmetics counter in a department store. Today—whether you are a woman or a man—you can have a makeover in the dentist’s office. A smile makeover, that is. Your 29464 dentist, Dr. Virginia L. Gregory and her team in Mt. Pleasant, SC, will assess your current oral situation, listen to your smile goals, and devise a smile makeover plan to help you achieve those goals.

A smile makeover is designed to improve the appearance of your smile. As such, Dr. Gregory, your 29464 dentist, will not only assess your oral health, but will also consider the shape of your face and your skin tone. If you have specific desires, we encourage you to bring them to our attention as we develop your smile makeover plan. Actually, celebrity photos are a great way for us to see the smile characteristics that you want. So, please feel free to bring those photos to your smile makeover consultation.

Smile Makeover Options

There are a number of procedures that Dr. Gregory and her team may suggest for your smile makeover. For teeth that are dull and discolored there is Zoom! Teeth Whitening, which can make your smile up to 10 shades whiter. The Zoom! teeth whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and then a special light activates the gel. You’ll leave the office about an hour later with whiter teeth and a more confident smile.

For more severely discolored teeth, or for teeth that are chipped, cracked, slightly misaligned or otherwise damaged, your 29464 dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are micro-thin layers of dental porcelain that are bonded to your teeth to cover the problem. Crowns, bridges and dental implants are restorative treatments for teeth that are missing or teeth that need functional repair because of severe tooth decay or a root canal. These are just some of the procedures available for your smile makeover.

Call Our Office Today

If you would like to learn more about a smile makeover, reserve an appointment with Dr. Gregory, your 29464 dentist. We proudly serve patients in Mt. Pleasant, SC, as well as Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville.

Preventive Dentistry

October 31, 2014

This week our office hosted consultant Annie Harris of JP Consultants to provide continuing education to our entire team. As a registered dental hygienist, Annie provided the latest information on periodontal (gum and bone) disease and the relationship between gum disease and systemic (whole body) disease. Did you know that even the earliest stage of gum disease-gingivitis-is linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes? The bacteria in our mouths causes gum inflammation, infects the nearby blood vessels and travels to all parts of the body causing inflammation in other sites. Controlling this bacteria is the role of the hygienist (along with your home care) to decrease your risk of all these related diseases. Do you have a family history of any of these diseases? If so, having perfect gum health and controlling the bacterial biofilm in the mouth is critical to decreasing your risk of developing these diseases in your lifetime.

So that’s where Angel and Jill, our dental hygienists, come in! They have been trained to assess your individual oral health status and risks and customize their care specifically to your needs. Their care is not “one-size-fits-all”, and your recare visits are not “just a cleaning”. Specifically, using comfortable ultrasonic instrumentation, they seek to reduce the bacterial biofilm in the nooks and crannies between the teeth and gums. Doing this repetitively over a series of appointments destroys the “bad, disease-causing” bacteria, promotes a healthy biofilm, and benefits your entire systemic health. And to maintain that health, they will customize both your homecare regimen and your recare interval to your particular needs.

Preventive Dentistry is not just about preventing decay…it involves controlling the bacterial biofilm in the mouth that leads to decay, tooth loss and other serious systemic diseases. Our goal is to provide our patients with state-of-the-art level of preventive dental care. Our patient’s health is our top priority!