Hampton Roads Center For Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth-Colored Fillings for a Beautifully Healthy Smile in Virginia Beach

May 2, 2014

shutterstock_140401018Dental fillings are the most common restorative dentistry service performed in America, helping to preserve natural teeth and protect delicate internal structures from further decay. Previously, fillings were composed of an amalgam of silver, mercury, copper, and tin, though now dental technology offers us the ability to fill a cavity with something much better: tooth-colored fillings. At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Carol Morgan and her team offer a variety of cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry services, including tooth-colored fillings.

Tooth-Colored Fillings: Form & Function

Though scientific research has yet to prove the existence of health risks associated with amalgam fillings, many patients and doctors tend to prefer alternatives that do not contain mercury. Mercury itself, which comprises about 50 percent of the amalgam in silver fillings, is toxic to humans; however, whether or not mercury in fillings can be harmful continues to stand for debate. Fortunately, there is a preferable alternative to dark metal amalgams: composite resin fillings.

Because they are color-matched to the shade of your natural teeth, composite resin fillings blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. There is no more worry or self-consciousness surrounding dark metal fillings when you smile or laugh, and the materials used offer even better structural stability than their amalgam counterparts. The end result is a beautiful smile that is protected from decay and damage, and even stronger than before.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Whether you are in need of a new filling or you’d like to learn more about how Dr. Morgan replaces amalgam fillings with beautiful tooth-colored composites, our team is here to help. Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to schedule your appointment. Our family-friendly dental practice happily welcomes patients from the surrounding areas of Portsmouth, Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and beyond. We can’t wait to help improve your smile and enhance your overall oral health!

Understanding Root Canal Therapy with Dr. Carol Morgan in Virginia Beach, VA

April 10, 2014

Shutterstock Mouth PainWhen most people think of a root canal, the first thing that comes to mind is an uncomfortable procedure they’d just as soon rather avoid. Root canal therapy, however, doesn’t have to be painful, and it can actually help save an ailing tooth before extraction becomes necessary. At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Carol Morgan and her team offer exceptionally gentle, effective endodontic care to patients in need of root canal therapy – providing relief from pain and fostering continued oral health and wellness.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

There are a number of reasons that a person might find themselves in need of root canal treatment. The most common is deep decay of the internal structures of a tooth. If an infection is allowed to penetrate to the pulp of the tooth, the bacteria must be completely eliminated to prevent further damage and pain. Other events that may result in the need for root canal therapy include a fractured tooth or an injury to the gums.

Anytime bacteria is able to reach the pulp (the innermost structure of your tooth that contains nerve endings) of a tooth, that tooth becomes susceptible to infection. The earlier you visit Dr. Morgan’s office, the better able she is to help you save your tooth and eradicate the pain caused by the infection.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you or someone in your family is experiencing pain or swelling anywhere in your mouth, please contact our office as soon as possible to schedule your appointment. Root canal therapy may be the treatment you need to preserve your tooth and alleviate your pain. From our conveniently located practice in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Morgan warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and more. We look forward to serving you and your family!

The Importance of Treating Gum Disease with Periodontal Therapy from Dr. Morgan

March 11, 2014

Shutterstock Perio HealthPeriodontal disease, more commonly referred to simply as gum disease, is a common oral health condition that affects approximately 80 percent of adults in America today. Though most frequently associated with gum redness, sensitivity and bleeding, periodontal disease can actually lead to far more severe health complications. At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Carol F. Morgan treats patients with gum disease with specialized periodontal therapy, helping them maintain their dental health as well as their overall physical well-being.

Hidden Hazards of Gum Disease

Clinical research has shown that gum disease is the leading preventable cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States. Tooth loss comes along with its own set of undesirable effects, including deterioration of bone tissue in the jaw. When periodontal disease is left untreated, bacterial present along and beneath the gum line can spread rapidly throughout the blood stream. Some of the potentially life-threatening health complications that have been linked to gum disease include the following:

  • Blood cancer and pancreatic cancer
  • Rheumatoid arthritis in various joints
  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Preterm birth (and resulting low birth weight) in pregnant women affected by gum disease
  • Degeneration of brain tissue (possibly linked to Alzheimer’s disease)
  • Poorly managed diabetes

While periodontal therapy cannot yet cure chronic gum disease, it can help keep the bacteria that cause it at bay for improved health. Dr. Morgan can explain the many benefits of this procedure during your consultation in our office.

Saving Your Teeth, Saving Your Life

If you or someone in your family is experiencing any of the common symptoms of periodontal disease, it’s not too late to seek treatment to reduce your chances of developing even more serious health problems. Contact our office in Virginia Beach, VA today and find out how periodontal therapy can help you reclaim your oral health. We also happily serve patients from throughout Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and the surrounding communities. Give us a call or visit our office to find out more. We look forward to seeing your smile!

National Children’s Dental Health Month is Here! Celebrate with Dr. Carol Morgan

February 10, 2014

Shutterstock Little Girl at DentistEvery year in February, the American Dental Association observes National Children’s Dental Health Month, teaming up with family dental practices across America to raise awareness of early oral health and hygiene. At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Carol Morgan and her caring team would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the significance of children’s dental care. Our comprehensive array of general and preventive dental services serves as the fundamental building blocks for your child’s future oral health.

Early Care for a Lifetime of Smiles

When your child begins to learn about how important dental care is at a young age, that lesson is likely to remain throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Finding the right family dentist to care for your child is crucial, and we want to be the ones that help you introduce this vital part of life to your little ones. From the moment they step into our lobby, your children will feel comfortable, safe and welcome. We’ll also make sure that you, as parents, are informed regarding your child’s treatment along every step of the way.

At Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that prevention is the best cure for all oral health concerns, including the common ones that affect children most often. To prevent tooth decay and strengthen enamel, Dr. Morgan may suggest sealants and fluoride treatments. If your little one plays sports, we can provide a custom-made, athletic mouth guard that protects teeth and gums from injury.

Keeping Little Pearly Whites Healthy

Whether your child is due for his or her first dental appointment, or simply needs to visit for a routine checkup, Dr. Morgan and her experienced staff can help! Contact us at our office in Virginia Beach, VA today to see what a difference our warm, welcoming approach can make in your child’s dental experience. We also proudly serve families from throughout the surrounding areas of Suffolk, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake and beyond.

Zoom! Whitening Pen

January 17, 2014

shutterstock lumineers smileThere is no question, having a whiter and brighter smile can make you look years younger. Our teeth get stained daily by the foods we eat and the liquids we drink. Out teeth stain quickly especially when we drink coffee or wine. Brushing alone will not give us the brighter and whiter smile we all desire. Don’t fool yourself, whitening tooth paste will not get your teeth as white as a professional Virginia Beach cosmetic dentist.

Your Virginia Beach cosmetic dentist, Carol F. Morgan, DDS has several options to get your youthful white smile back. You can come in the office for one hour laser whitening. Dr. Morgan can make you whitening trays for your teeth so you can use whitening gel and whitening at night. However, the hottest new procedure is to use the Zoom! Whitening Pen. This is a wonderful product where you apply a thin layer of Zoom! Whitening Pen gel directly onto the front surfaces of your teeth. Then go about your day. It is suggested that you do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after application. However, you can apply the gel day or night. Apply the gel twice a day for best results.

Dr. Morgan, DDS at the Hampton Roads Center for Cosmetic Dentistry has had tremendous results from her patients that use the Zoom! Whitening Pen. Call Dr. Morgan at 757-412-1400 and see which whitening technique is best for you.

When Should My Child Get an Orthodontic Consultation?

April 9, 2013

Shutterstock Child at Dentist 2There is something about spring break and parents calling and asking at what age should they have their child examined to see if they need orthodontic treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children should be given an orthodontic consultation no later than age 7. This does not mean that your child will get braces or orthodontic treatment at age 7. It is more to see if there are growth or bite development issues that may be treated which can prevent or lessen the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

So when is the right age for braces? It is usually dictated by how many permanent teeth have properly erupted. The age is usually somewhere between 10-12 years of age.

Virginia Beach General Dentist, Dr. Carol Morgan, has been successfully straightening teeth for over 17 years. She also worked in an orthodontic office before she went to dental school. If you have questions about braces or orthodontics for your child or yourself, feel free to call the office for a consultation.

Silver Fillings in Virginia Beach

March 12, 2013

Shutterstock Healthy GumsDid you see the recent episode of Dr. Oz discussing the mercury toxicity of amalgam (silver) fillings? The show discussed that people are being “poisoned” by their amalgam fillings and that the mercury allegedly being released from such fillings is responsible for a whole host of chronic health issues and diseases. The American Board of Dentistry’s official position is that amalgam fillings are not harmful. We do not pass judgment on the allegations on Dr. Oz’s show or the position of the ADA, however, our office chooses not to place amalgam fillings. In fact, we remove a whole lot of amalgam fillings and replace them with beautiful tooth colored (white) composite fillings. Additionally, our office uses only materials made in the USA.

Many times dental insurance companies will only pay to have amalgam fillings placed instead of the slightly more expensive tooth colored composite fillings. We take our patients health very seriously and do not allow any insurance company to dictate what material is best for your tooth.

Dr. Carol F. Morgan, DDS is a Virginia Beach Dentist. I you have questions about fillings feel free to call us at 757-412-1400.

Virginia Beach Smile Makeover with Veneers

March 10, 2013

Shutterstock Lumineers Close UpWe saw a patient recently who did not like the shape or the color of her teeth. I discussed with her teeth whitening, teeth recontouring, gum recontouring, cosmetic porcelain veneers and the concept of a comprehensive smile design. We spent over 20 minutes in a consultation explaining her options and discussing smile design. She learned that smile design is incredibly complex and takes into consideration many factors such as skin tone, eye color, facial geometry, lip shape and position (at rest, smiling and while talking) and the patient’s teeth among other factors. We were trying to determine what smile design would best fit her face and meet her esthetic desires. Based on this patient’s specific needs, we decided porcelain veneers would be her best treatment plan.
Porcelain veneers are hand-made wafer thin veneers of porcelain that are bonded to the existing teeth modifying them to the desired color, shape and position based on the smile design. Veneers allow patients an opportunity to design a smile of their dreams which may not have been possible with their natural teeth.

After the patient and I decided on a design and plan, I explained that I will have the case designed in wax and let the patient come for a second consultation to evaluate the wax smile design before we proceed with preparing her teeth for beautiful porcelain veneers. The patient is extremely excited about her new personalized smile.

Dr. Carol F. Morgan, DDS is a Virginia Beach Dentist and had been designing smiles for cosmetic needs for over 17 years. She completes a significant amount of extra hours of continuing learning education to stay at the top of the latest products and procedures.