At Fox Dental Associates in Asheville, your oral health is our number one concern. Our physicians suggest biannual dental exams to assess the health of teeth and gums and to check for tooth decay, cancer and periodontal problems. During your checkup, we use digital X-rays and an intraoral camera to thoroughly inspect every aspect of your mouth. These types of X-rays use less radiation and produce clearer images, so we can be sure your mouth is in great shape. Using a camera alongside these images allows us to inspect hard-to-reach areas for plaque deposits, cracked teeth, decay or significant wear. Early identification of these issues ensures that you receive treatment before any major problems have a chance to arise. You can also expect a thorough, gentle teeth cleaning to leave your mouth feeling fresh and polished. For further protection, we offer several fluoride treatments and sealants.

We Offer Zoom Whitening

At Fox Dental Associates, we offer quick, professional teeth whitening with our in-office Zoom system. Results are visible immediately, and the average appointment lasts about 90 minutes. This procedure is similar to tray bleaching, but is accelerated by the use of a whitening lamp or laser. These vivid wavelengths accelerate the peroxide action of the bleaching gel for immediate tooth brightening. Our patients love the one-time ease and effectiveness of this method, and our experienced staff is here to ensure your comfort and relaxation during the process. The Zoom system is extremely successful in treating dull, yellow or stained teeth with amazing results. We also offer several take-home treatments for individuals who would rather bleach in the comfort of their own residence.

At-Home Treatments and Upkeep

Your dentist will recommend some simple at-home maintenance to preserve your bright smile. Using a whitening toothpaste is a great way to keep on top of mild surface stains, although it will not change the natural color of your teeth. Tray bleaching, teeth whitening strips and paint-on teeth whiteners can prolong your professional job and keep you smiling confidently. A combination of simple procedures will help you achieve and maintain the smile you have always wanted.

Everyone will visit the dentist for a filling at some point in his or her life, and at Fox Dental Associates, our aim is to make the process as comfortable as possible for our patients. Dental fillings are an effective modern method of stopping decay when a cavity forms in the surface layer of your tooth. Because we are able to fill these indentations, your permanent teeth can be protected and preserved for many years.

When you visit our office for a filling, we begin by numbing your mouth with a gel anesthetic and a small injection. Our staff works in tandem to remove the decayed portion of your tooth using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. The dentist then fills the gap with one of several materials that he or she will discuss with you prior to the procedure.

Your dentist may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Fox or Dr. Whitlow will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. . Nearly 9 in 10 people will need to have at least one wisdom tooth removed in their lifetime. But if that time comes for you, Dr. Fox and Dr. Whitlow have your back.

Why do Wisdom Teeth need to be removed?

Often, there is not enough room in the jaw for all four wisdom teeth. These extra molars are also prone to growing in on an angle or becoming impacted. If they are causing you pain and discomfort, it’s important to have them removed before they cause more serious pain or an infection. Left untreated, the extra teeth can overcrowd the jaw, causing your existing teeth to shift, or even crack – not to mention the general discomfort you’ll feel while they erupt. If wisdom teeth grow in as normal, they may still need to be removed as their position all the way in the back of the mouth makes them difficult to clean and prone to infection.

Our dentists may recommend dental implants if you wish to fill gaps in your smile left by missing teeth with a permanent, stable solution.

Dental implants are permanent and secure tooth replacements that can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all of the teeth. The dental implant post, which is a screw made of titanium, is surgically placed in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. This replaces the missing tooth root and ensures that your dental restoration is stable. A period of healing is then often required to allow the bone to begin to bond with the biocompatible post. Following this healing period, our dentist will place the dental implant restoration, or replacement tooth, which fits on top of the implant post. Depending on which teeth are missing and your personal dental needs, your implant restoration might be a dental crown, dental bridge, complete denture, or partial denture. Each dental implant restoration is custom made to fit your smile comfortably and aesthetically pleasing.

Replacing a missing tooth can restore your smile to optimal health, function, and appearance. A dental implant is a great option for restoring your smile because the implant is designed to look, function, and feel just like your natural teeth, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. For more information about the benefits of implant dentistry, and to schedule your implant consultation, please call or visit us soon.

Mini Implants

How Are Mini Implants Placed?

Placement of the implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed in our office, with local anesthesia or light sedation to help make you more comfortable. Using a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique, mini implants are placed into the jawbone. The head of the implant protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation for securing your dentures. It is a one-step procedure that involves minimally invasive surgery, no sutures, and a much shorter healing time.

What Will My First Day Be Like?

Leave the denture in place until bedtime. You should not experience any excessive bleeding. There will be some mild discomfort, but this should be minimal and controlled by the pain medication you have been given. If needed, take the pain medication only as directed. The denture should feel secure. You may eat as soon as you wish, but avoid excessively hard or sticky foods for a period recommended by us. Upon removing the denture, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash and clean around each implant with a cotton swab and toothpaste. Use the cotton swab technique for cleaning for three days. After the three days, use your toothbrush which has been specifically designed to clean your implants as well as to gently stimulate the surrounding gum tissue.

How Do I Place and Remove My Dentures?

The implants and the O-ring fixtures must be clean and free from debris. Grasp the dentures with both hands and lightly seat the dentures, making sure that the O-rings are resting above the ball head of the implants. Press down firmly and equally on both sides of the dentures. Make sure that you feel the implant heads easily fitting each O-ring. You will feel the dentures snap into place. If you have trouble seating your dentures, first make sure that the implants and dentures are absolutely clean. Second, make sure that you feel the implants resting over each socket. A light touch will give you the best results. Remember to push downward equally on both sides. If you are still experiencing difficulty, ask a spouse or family member to assist you in placing the dentures.

What About Care & Maintenance?

You must brush and clean the balls of the implants as if they were your natural teeth. As with natural teeth, food and bacterial debris (plaque) must be removed after meals. If not removed, the plaque will cause inflammation of the gums and can be forced into the O-ring fixtures, causing improper seating and loss of retention. The O-ring fixtures must also be cleaned out. If the dentures do not remain firmly in place, give our office a call to schedule an appointment.

Your implants, gums, and the O-rings will be needed to properly maintained with an appropriate cleaning recall interval.

Dr David Whitlow at Fox Dental Associates is a certified Inman Aligner Dentist. The Inman Aligner is a simple removable appliance used to align front teeth quickly and safely. It’s ideal as a stand alone treatment or to align your front teeth prior to further cosmetic options such as whitening, bonding or minimal veneers. We often use the Inman Aligner when we do Triple “B” cases – Braces, Bleaching and Bonding. Moving the teeth closer to alignment makes for better results and more conservative treatment. The Inman Aligner has Nickel Titanium coil springs that power two aligner bows that gently oppose each other. These bows guide your teeth into their new position. These gentle forces are active over a very large range of movement, which is why the Inman Aligner works so quickly and needs very little adjustment.

Using only a single appliance as opposed to multiple clear aligners, most cases are completed within 6-18 weeks. Since it is removable, it fits your lifestyle and is an affordable choice providing an efficient and safe way to move your front teeth. Patients wear the appliance about 20 hours per day and in no time at all, you get straight front teeth!

Bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants by a dentist or prosthodontist. Crowns are used most commonly to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth or cover an implant. Bridges are commonly used to cover a space if you're missing one or more teeth.

A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw.

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment for removing infection from inside a tooth. It can also protect the tooth from future infections. It is carried out in the pulp of the tooth, which is the root canal.