Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  Regular exams and cleanings remove the buildup of plaque and bacteria that can result in tooth decay and cavities. It also keeps the gums healthy by preventing gingivitis and other gum diseases.
• X-rays
• Oral Cancer Screening
  Dentists conduct regular oral cancer screenings as part of general dentistry services. They check for signs or abnormalities in the oral tissues that may indicate oral cancer. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  Your teeth are vulnerable to plaque and tartar deposits that form on the teeth’s surface. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, can lead to gum disease and cavities. Teeth cleaning is a preventive measure to remove plaque and tartar deposits to keep your teeth healthy.
• Fluoride Treatment
  A general dentist is trained to treat and prevent many problems affecting the teeth, gums, and jaw. From routine cleanings and fillings to root canal therapy and complex smile makeovers, a general dentist can help you maintain good oral health. At Low Country Dental Center, our general dentist provides a preventative treatment plan for patients of all ages. In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, patients can expect to receive x-rays and fluoride treatments to protect their smiles from decay. General dentists can also fill cavities and repair teeth damaged due to trauma or decay. They can also place crowns, bridges, and other restorations.

Restorative

• Fillings
• Resin Composite
  Used to repair teeth affected by dental decay or minor fractures, dental fillings restore the structure and function of the tooth. They are typically made of composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain.
• Veneers
  When tooth decay or trauma causes a tooth to become broken, chipped, stained, or otherwise damaged, your smile can look and feel unhealthy. Restorations help patients rebuild their smiles so they look and function their best. The treatment process varies based on the type of restoration that is needed. For example, porcelain veneers are a cosmetic procedure that conceals major imperfections in just two appointments. On the other hand, dental crowns protect damaged teeth by restoring their strength and appearance.
• Crowns
  Dental Crowns allow dentists to restore and protect a worn and damaged tooth. Crowns are cemented or “glued” onto your tooth, thereby protecting the tooth long term. Esthetics are enhanced with crowns due to the covering or masking of a dark tooth. The tooth is also protected from fracture and possible loss of tooth. Dentists will discuss with patients which teeth need crowns. Although more expensive, crowns can protect a tooth over 10 years versus a tooth with large fillings, which last usually 3-5 years or less. Crowns can be made of Gold, porcelain, or zirconia ( a tooth color metal) and generally require a dental lab to fabricate. request an appointment
• Bridges
  This type of bridge is also a three-unit bridge, but it’s not as noticeable because the resin used to make it is tooth-colored, so it blends in with the smile. These are made from porcelain fused with metal material but have a resin coating on the visible part of the bridge to make them look more natural. Dental crowns are placed on the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap to anchor the bridge that holds the false tooth in the center. Like a traditional fixed bridge, these are also cemented into place over the existing teeth so the patient cannot remove them.
• Restorative Dentistry
  Addressing dental problems promptly through restorative dentistry can prevent the progression of oral health issues. If you suspect you have a damaged tooth or need restorative dental treatment, visit Low Country Dental Center at 70 Pennington Dr, Ste 7, Bluffton, SC 29910, or call (843) 706-3377 to schedule an appointment.

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment
  Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental conditions that affect the functionality, health, and appearance of teeth and their supporting structures. It involves restoring or replacing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth to improve oral function, aesthetics, and overall oral health. At Low Country Dental Center, restorative dental treatments may include inlays and onlays, dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, tooth fillings, and root canal therapy. These restorative dental procedures can repair damage caused by tooth decay and protect the smile from further damage in the future. request an appointment

Periodontics

• Deep Cleaning

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  Dentures and partial dentures allow a dentist to replace many missing teeth in an upper and lower arch. Dentures and partials are made to be taken in and out of your mouth in order to clean them. They can be a cost-effective way to bring back function and esthetics to a patient with many missing teeth. request an appointment

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Subperiosteal implants are an alternative to endosteal implants, particularly when there is insufficient jawbone structure or height for traditional implant placement. Instead of being placed into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are positioned on or above the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. They consist of a metal framework with posts that protrude through the gums, allowing for the attachment of dental prosthetics.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
  Dental implants are a popular and effective restorative treatment option for missing teeth. They are small titanium screws that act as the tooth root and are placed within the jawbone during minor oral surgery. Dental implants restore your ability to chew and speak properly, help prevent bone loss in the jaw area, and eliminate the need to use messy adhesives like dentures. Patients prefer dental implants because they are more comfortable than other types of restorations and are natural looking.
• Jaw Surgery
  Dental implants are the most state of the art way of replacing a missing tooth. Over 50 years of innovation and trial by error has resulted in implants that are durable, reliable, and safe. A misconception is that dental implants involve major jaw surgery and are painful. Although some cases involving placement of implants are less than routine, the vast majority are placed to replace a single missing tooth. Dr. Hendricks uses a surgical guide, custom made for each patient, which allows exact placement of the implant. This is a safer, more precise way of performing surgical implant dentistry. Once the implant has integrated with the jaw, usually 3-4 months after the implant has been placed, a dentist will make an abutment and crown to fit the implant. This will complete the case. request an appointment
• Tooth Extractions
  After the removal of the tooth by the dentist, patients are told to keep pressure on the extraction site with gauze, which can be replaced every hour or so. This helps to reduce bleeding until a blood clot forms. Usually, 2-4 hours is sufficient. Patients are told to refrain from sucking on a straw for 3 days to prevent the blood clot from being disrupted. Smokers should refrain from smoking for 72 hours. Ice packs can be used 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off on the cheeks to help eliminate any swelling. The dentist will prescribe pain medication, such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol, which will be needed as long as the pain is severe enough for the patient. Opioids can be used in severe cases, but this should be discussed with the dentist prior to taking these drugs. An antibiotic, usually Amoxicillin or Clindamycin, may be prescribed depending on the situation. If an antibiotic is prescribed, it is on the patient to take it as directed and to take all of the pills. Taking only some of the pills could lead to mutations of bacteria which could result in bacteria which is resistant to the antibiotic. The patient should let the dentist know if there is prolonged bleeding, prolonged pain, or swelling that doesn’t resolve after 3 days or so.

Orthodontics

• Braces
  Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth which is infected, severly fractured, or can not be restored with a root canal and/or crown. Some specific healthy teeth may be extracted to allow braces to fix crowded teeth in teenagers. There are different degrees in difficulty of extractions and it is on the dentist to decide which situations his or her skill level is adequate. Most extractions can be performed under local anesthesia in my office here at Lowcountry Dental Center. More difficult extractions such as 3rd molars (wisdom teeth ) will be referred to an Oral Surgeon who may use sedation. Also, some patients may have existing medical issues that can be treated better by an Oral Surgeon when having the extraction. request an appointment

General

• Teeth Whitening
  Teeth whitening can be done with bleaching trays (like mouthguards) or with whitening strips. Bleaching trays are custom-made to fit your teeth. They hold bleaching gel against the teeth. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which gently bleaches the enamel.
• Cosmetic Dentistry
  We understand how important it is to get to know our patients so we can better meet their oral care needs. Our dental office provides comprehensive services that ensure everyone gets the care they deserve from people they can trust. From creating a brighter smile with teeth whitening to cosmetic dentistry that can improve self-confidence, our caring team will help make your time in the dentist’s chair a pleasure.
• General Dentistry
  General dentistry includes diagnosing and treating gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing, and in some cases, surgical interventions, may be performed to restore gum health.