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 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.
Tooth Extractions: Removing Problematic Teeth
While our goal is always to save natural teeth whenever possible, sometimes 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.
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.