Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  As part of a comprehensive exam, the dentist will perform a screening for oral cancer. To start, the dentist will review the patient’s medical and dental histories and ask if there have been any changes to his or her oral health or overall health. The dentist will then carefully check in and around the oral cavity as well as the head and neck area for any signs or symptoms that may indicate the presence of a problem
• X-rays
  Although we perform a thorough visual inspection of every aspect of your smile, the only way to see the deeper structures of the teeth, as well as the surrounding tissues and bone, is with dental x-rays or radiographs. Diagnostic x-rays not only reveal the presence of dental disease, but they also provide valuable information on the development, health, and integrity of teeth and orofacial structures.
• Oral Cancer Screening
  At the office of John F. Ceraso, DMD, we emphasize taking a proactive approach as the best way to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. By coming to our office as recommended for checkup visits and routine care, we can help you and every member of your family prevent the onset and progression of many oral health problems. As skilled and experienced providers of care, we offer a comprehensive range of preventive services, including examinations, professional teeth cleanings, and oral cancer screenings, along with patient education on hygiene, diet, and healthy practices.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  While maintaining a healthy smile depends upon keeping your teeth and gums clean at home, even those with the most diligent brushing and flossing routines can find it challenging to reach every nook and cranny between the teeth and gums. For this reason, we emphasize the importance of routine dental cleanings.
• Fluoride Treatment
  We also help children establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of optimal oral health. In addition to providing the instruction and age-appropriate information required to maintain healthy smiles, we offer periodic topical fluoride treatments and dental sealants for added protection against childhood tooth decay.
• Dental Sealants

Restorative

• Fillings
  According to archaeological findings, for as long as dental problems have existed, there have been efforts to provide emergency and restorative care. In fact, attempts to place dental fillings have been found in the skeletal remains of people who lived around the year 8000 BC. However, it wasn't until thousands and thousands of years later, in the 19th century, that a variety of metal fillings, including dental amalgam, appeared on the scene. Although gold achieved status as a popular restorative material, it was soon apparent that amalgam fillings, consisting of a mixture of mercury and an alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper, offered a less expensive, durable, and simpler alternative.
• Resin Composite
  Composite fillings, which are frequently referred to as either "tooth-colored fillings" or "white fillings," consist of a combination of biocompatible resins and finely ground, glass-like filler materials that become strong and durable when set. Available in a complete range of natural-looking shades, composite fillings offer a cosmetically pleasing alternative to traditional "silver" fillings. Composite resins are also used in dental bonding procedures to improve a tooth's color or shape, mask defects, or close minor gaps between teeth.
• Veneers
  At the office of John F. Ceraso, DMD, we recognize that every smile is different and tailor treatment to address individual needs and expectations of care. Whether your smile is best served by the fabrication of dental veneers or another cosmetic dental procedure we provide, you can count on our office for the latest, most effective, pleasing, and healthy solutions for your smile.
• Crowns
  Thanks to advances in dental ceramics, dental crowns today don’t have to be fabricated from metal or have a metal substrate. We can now fabricate all-ceramic crowns that offer the benefits of being metal-free, durable, long-lasting, and as beautiful as a natural tooth.
• Bridges
  Far from a new idea, the history of replacing teeth with a fixed dental bridge goes back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations made impressive use of available materials, including animal and human teeth, bones, gold, and ivory, to fill gaps in a person's smile.
• Dental Bonding
  In some cases, if the imperfections are minor ones, a teeth whitening procedure or cosmetic bonding may be all it takes to create a more perfect-looking smile. However, darker dental stains, discolorations, and more significant flaws involving the size, shape, and alignment of the teeth, are sometimes better addressed with porcelain veneers.

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment
  At John F. Ceraso, DMD, we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.

Periodontics

• Periodontal Surgery
  When gum disease has advanced beyond the initial stage, periodontal surgery is often recommended to effectively remove bacteria and tartar from around the teeth, reduce gingival pocket depth, restore lost tissue as possible, and halt disease progression. It’s essential to keep in mind that gum disease is a progressive condition. If appropriate measures are not taken, gum disease continues to compromise the support of the teeth and have consequences to one’s overall dental health and well-being.
• Deep Cleaning

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  At the office of John F. Ceraso, DMD, we fabricate dentures from the highest grade of dental materials for a precise and comfortable fit. Our dentures are meticulously designed to rebuild beautiful smiles and support natural facial contours while enabling patients to speak, smile, and chew with renewed confidence and ease.
• Overdentures
  An overdenture is a type of complete denture that receives added stability and support from special attachments that are secured to the remaining underlying teeth or specialized dental implants.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Southern Pines, we are dedicated to providing you and every member of your family with high quality and affordable dental care. Offering a comprehensive range of dental services, we combine state-of-the-art technology with the most effective and proven treatment methods to achieve outstanding outcomes of care. Whether you are seeing us for a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, a cosmetic smile makeover, dental implants or emergency care, our office is well prepared to meet your dental needs.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
• Flap Surgery
  In many cases, a periodontal procedure, which is known as flap surgery, is frequently recommended. During this procedure, the gums in the affected area are reflected away from the teeth and supporting bone. Now, the pocket and roots of the teeth can be thoroughly cleaned and supporting tissues recontoured as needed. When this step gets completed, the tissue flag gets sutured back into place.
• Gum Surgery
  Periodontal treatment in this phase is designed to halt the progression of the disease and to restore tooth support as possible. Treatment may involve medications to control the bacteria and reduce the size of the pockets between the teeth and gums, gum surgery, as well as bone and tissue grafts.
• Tooth Extractions
  Treatment for dental problems such as a toothache or a fractured tooth can vary. It all depends on the extent of the damage caused by the decay or trauma. Care may involve the placement of a new dental filling, dental bonding, or a larger restoration such as a crown to rebuild the tooth's form and function. If the damage has reached the tooth's nerve and vital inner tissues, you may need root canal treatment to save your natural tooth. Root canal treatment is a highly effective procedure with a greater than 95% success rate. Although we provide leading-edge care and do all we can to help save your tooth, in some situations a dental extraction is required. While losing a tooth can feel a little overwhelming, there's no reason for despair.
• Bone Grafting
  Why wait any longer? With fewer implants, less need for bone grafting, and reduced treatment time, it won't take long to share your new smile with the world!

Orthodontics

• Invisalign Orthodontics

General

• Teeth Whitening
  You can rest assured your smile in the best of hands with us. We use the latest generations of professional strength teeth whitening systems to transform the appearance of your teeth and give you a smile that's several shades lighter, brighter, and more vibrant than before your procedure.
• Cosmetic Dentistry
  Dr. Sara Moghul is a distinguished general and cosmetic dentist renowned for her comprehensive approach to dental care, seamlessly blending aesthetics and functionality to create healthy, beautiful smiles. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) from Nova Southeastern University, where she was recognized for her exceptional achievements in oral medicine and cosmetic dentistry. She also holds a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences and a Bachelor’s in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Rutgers University.
• General Dentistry
  Dr. John Ceraso has been practicing general dentistry since 1990 with a concentration in cosmetic, implant and full mouth rehabilitation. He is a distinguished member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Ceraso regularly participates in advanced courses of study because he strongly believes it is important to remain on the cutting edge of dentistry.