At Mallard Creek Family Dentistry, we proudly serve patients of all ages, from young children to seniors. Our goal is to provide the highest quality dental care for all our Charlotte, NC, patients. From routine cleanings to more advanced treatments, our team is here to help you and your family maintain healthy, beautiful smiles for life.
We believe that a strong foundation in general dentistry is essential for long-term oral health, which is why we offer a wide range of dental services to meet your needs.
Keeping Your Smile Healthy for Life
Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Rankin will help you maintain excellent oral health through every stage of life. From preventive care to treating dental issues when they arise, we strive to provide compassionate, high-quality care that keeps your smile strong and healthy. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a filling, or more advanced treatment, our team is here to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental checkups are a key part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. During these visits, our team will carefully examine your mouth to look for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other potential issues. Early detection allows us to treat problems before they become more serious, which can save you time, money, and discomfort in the future.
Along with exams, professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be removed by regular brushing and flossing. Even with great at-home care, it’s normal for some plaque to harden into tartar, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Dental Fillings: Restoring Damaged Teeth
Cavities are a common dental problem, but they can be easily treated with dental fillings. A filling is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, restoring its function and appearance. At Mallard Creek Family Dentistry, we use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend in with your natural teeth so your smile looks as good as new.
The process of getting a filling is simple and painless. After removing the decayed part of the tooth, the filling material is applied and shaped to match the contour of your tooth. The result is a strong, durable restoration that protects your tooth and prevents further decay.
Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards provide a tailored fit that offers superior protection compared to store-bought options. They help prevent dental injuries during sports and protect teeth from grinding at night. Made from durable, high-quality materials, they are comfortable to wear and allow for easy breathing and speaking. A well-fitted mouthguard safeguards teeth and reduces the risk of jaw injuries and long-term oral health issues.
Emergency Dentistry
Emergency dentistry provides urgent care for sudden dental problems like severe tooth pain, broken teeth, or infections. It also includes treatment for knocked-out teeth, abscesses, and injuries to the gums or jaw. We believe that quick intervention can relieve pain, prevent complications, and even save a damaged tooth. Seeking immediate care ensures the best outcome and helps protect long-term oral health.
Tooth Extractions: Removing Problematic Teeth
While our goal is always to save natural teeth whenever possible, sometimes tooth extraction is the best option. Teeth may need to be removed due to severe decay, infection, or crowding. We perform extractions with care and precision to ensure the process is as comfortable as possible.
If a tooth needs to be extracted, we offer sedation options, such as oral sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). We want to help you feel relaxed during the procedure. After the extraction, we will discuss your options for replacing the missing tooth, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures, so you can maintain a full and functional smile.
Family Dentistry
Family dentistry offers comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, making it convenient for the whole family to maintain healthy smiles. It includes preventive services like cleanings, fluoride treatments, exams, and restorative and cosmetic procedures. Our office focuses on long-term oral health, detecting issues early, and providing personalized care at every stage of life. Patients receive consistent, stress-free dental care with a familiar and trusted provider in one convenient location.
Sedation Dentistry
We offer sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide to help patients feel comfortable during our dental treatment. Nitrous oxide is a safe, mild sedative that is inhaled through a mask and takes effect quickly. It helps reduce anxiety and discomfort while allowing patients to remain awake and responsive. The effects wear off soon after the mask is removed, making it a great option for those who need a stress-free dental experience.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often emerge during the late teens or early twenties. These teeth can sometimes become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully break through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. As a result, we may need to remove them. Our doctors are experienced in evaluating wisdom teeth and can recommend whether removal is necessary. In some cases, wisdom teeth can be extracted in our office. We may refer more complex cases to an oral surgeon.
Root Canals: Saving Infected Teeth
A root canal is a procedure used to treat a tooth with an infected or damaged nerve. Contrary to common belief, root canals are not painful. In fact, they are performed to relieve the pain caused by the infection. During a root canal, the infected tissue inside the tooth is removed. We seal the tooth to prevent further infection. Our team uses local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
We also offer sedation options to help patients feel more at ease. Root canals can save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted, preserving your natural smile.
If it’s time for your next dental checkup or you have concerns about your oral health, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today. Let us help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.