Family Dentistry

Looking for a great family dentist in Cary, NC?

The foundation of our practice, our family dentistry services help to ensure great oral health for your family, from regular cleanings to preventative care.

Quality dentistry for the whole family right here in the Triangle!

Here at Stanley Dentistry, our dentists do a lot. They have extensive training, decades of experience, and the drive to keep themselves educated about better and newer practices. Our office offers a plethora of services all under one roof, including orthodontics, dental implants, sedation, and more. With so much going on, how does Stanley Dentistry keep everything in perspective? It’s easy: by focusing on the patient.

As a family-run business, we understand how important your family’s health is to you. Our main goal is to keep our patients as comfortable, happy, and healthy as possible. At Stanley Dentistry, we have the opportunity to be your sole dental treatment provider. This means we can better understand you and your family’s unique dental needs.

During regular dental visits, we work with families to create unique dental hygiene plans for each person — no matter how young or old they are. When maintenance is needed, we offer cutting-edge orthodontic treatments and oral surgery techniques that relieve pain quickly and efficiently. Because we know our patients and see them regularly, we can frequently diagnose those problems before they become more serious.

Here at Stanley Dentistry, your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Located conveniently in Cary, North Carolina, we are just a call away. To make an appointment to see one of our dedicated dentists, contact us today! We look forward to taking care of you and your family’s dental needs for years to come.

Some of our

Family Dentistry

services

Frequently Asked Questions about

Family Dentistry

We’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions so help you be as informed about our services as possible. If you have a question that is not on this list please feel free to contact our office, we are here to help!

Will my insurance cover the cost of Dental Sleep Medicine treatments?

Insurance coverage varies, but our team at Stanley Dentistry will assist in verifying your benefits and maximizing coverage for eligible services.

How do I schedule a consultation for Dental Sleep Medicine at Stanley Dentistry?

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bobbi Stanley, simply contact our office in Cary, North Carolina, either by phone or through our online appointment request system.

What can I expect during my first visit for Dental Sleep Medicine consultation?

Your initial visit involves a comprehensive evaluation of your sleep health, discussion of symptoms, and potential diagnostic testing. Dr. Bobbi Stanley will then create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

What sets Stanley Dentistry apart in the field of Dental Sleep Medicine?

Stanley Dentistry stands out for its expertise, personalized care, and a comprehensive approach. We collaborate closely with physicians to provide holistic sleep disorder management.

How does oral appliance therapy work, and is it a comfortable solution for sleep disorders?

Customized oral appliances reposition the jaw to improve airflow and prevent airway collapse. They are comfortable, non-invasive alternatives to CPAP machines, promoting better sleep quality.

Who is Dr. Bobbi Stanley, and why should I trust her for my sleep disorder treatment?

Dr. Bobbi Stanley is a distinguished professional with extensive experience in dental sleep medicine. Her commitment to staying updated on advancements ensures patients receive the latest, most effective treatments for sleep disorders.

What conditions make someone a candidate for oral appliance therapy?

Individuals diagnosed with primary snoring, mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or severe obstructive sleep apnea (CPAP intolerant) may be candidates for oral appliance therapy.

Can I use oral appliance therapy if I have severe obstructive sleep apnea but cannot tolerate CPAP machines?

Yes, oral appliance therapy is a viable alternative for individuals with severe obstructive sleep apnea who find CPAP machines intolerable.

What is Dental Sleep Medicine, and how does it differ from traditional dentistry?

Dental Sleep Medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, utilizing oral appliances to manage conditions like snoring and sleep apnea. It complements traditional dentistry by addressing specific sleep-related issues.

How does Dr. Bobbi Stanley ensure the oral appliance is tailored to my needs?

Dr. Stanley conducts a thorough assessment, considering individual sleep patterns and preferences. The oral appliance is custom-designed to fit seamlessly, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness.

Do dentists check for cancer of the mouth?

Yes, dentists check for cancer of the mouth during routine oral exams. During a routine exam, your dentist will look for signs and symptoms of oral cancer such as lumps, swellings, or discolored patches in or around your mouth. They may also feel the tissues of your mouth to check for any unusual bumps or changes in texture that could be an indication of cancer. Dentists can also use innovative technology to screen for tissue abnormalities and enhance the visualization of pre-cancers, cancer, and other disease processes. By utilizing this technique of natural tissue fluorescence, dentists are better able to examine the oral mucosa and provide accurate diagnoses. If something is found, your dentist will suggest further diagnosis and treatment. It's important to remember that early detection of oral cancer can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment, so it's important to have regular dental check-ups. Your dentist is an essential part of your overall health and should always be included in the healthcare team.

Is periodontal disease serious?

Yes, periodontal disease is a very serious condition and can result in multiple health problems if left untreated. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the tissue and bones supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss. It can also contribute to other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and even an increased risk of pre-term birth in pregnant women. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause severe pain and discomfort, as well as the potential for tooth loss. That’s why it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly so that any signs or symptoms of periodontal disease can be treated promptly. Taking care of your gums and teeth is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being! Periodontal disease often starts with bleeding gums. If you think you may have periodontal disease, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat and prevent further damage. Your dentist can help diagnose the condition and provide you with a treatment plan to help reverse the effects of periodontal disease and restore your mouth’s health.

How much does dental insurance cover?

Dental insurance plans typically cover a percentage of the cost of procedures such as cleanings, X-rays, and fillings. The exact percentage varies depending on the plan and the type of procedure. Many plans also cover preventive care, such as sealants. However, more extensive procedures such as crowns and root canals may not be fully covered, or may only be partially covered. It’s important to check with your insurance company for details about your plan. Additionally, many insurance plans also have annual limits, so it’s important to check the maximum that your plan will cover each year. It's important to note that some dental procedures may not be covered by insurance at all. Cosmetic treatments such as whitening and veneers are usually not covered. Additionally, some plans may offer discounts for certain procedures but not cover them in full.

Are fluoride treatments just for kids?

No, fluoride treatments are not just for kids. Adults can benefit from fluoride treatments too. Fluoride helps to strengthen and protect tooth enamel, which is especially important for adults who may be more prone to cavities due to weakened enamel from years of wear and tear. Also, fluoride treatments can help strengthen the enamel around crowns or restorations. While children often benefit from stronger fluoride concentrations in toothpastes and mouth rinses, adults may opt for professional fluoride treatments to get the extra strength protection they need. Professional fluoride treatments are highly concentrated and cover all surfaces of the teeth, providing additional protection against cavities and other dental issues. Regular fluoride treatments can also help to reduce tooth sensitivity. Talk to your dentist about whether fluoride treatments are right for you.

What is included in a comprehensive oral exam?

A comprehensive oral exam entails assessment of gums and bite, screening for oral cancer, taking intra-oral camera photos, 3D digital impressions, obtaining digital radiographs, and Near-Infrared Imaging (NIRI) for detecting cavities without the use of x-rays. The dental practitioner will also discuss the patient's oral hygiene habits, diet, and risk factors for oral diseases. Any necessary treatments may be discussed at this time, such as tooth decay fillings or crowns. The dental professional will suggest the type of cleaning needed. Lastly, the dentist may offer advice on how to care for your teeth, such as brushing and flossing techniques, and recommended products. Overall, a comprehensive oral exam is an important part of maintaining good oral health. It allows the dentist to detect any potential issues early on and recommend necessary treatments that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy long-term.

Are dental fillings permanent?

Dental fillings are not permanent and may need to be replaced over time. Depending on the type of filling, the amount of wear and tear your teeth experience, and the type of material used in the filling, you may need to have it replaced every five to fifteen years. Your dentist will be able to assess the condition of the filling and determine if it needs to be replaced. It is important to have regular dental checkups so your dentist can monitor the condition of your fillings. If a filling needs to be replaced, the old material will be removed and a new one placed in its place. Just like other dental treatments, the cost of a filling will depend on the complexity of the procedure and type of material used. Be sure to ask your dentist for information about the cost of the procedure and any insurance coverage you may have.

What can I do about my bad breath?

To help combat bad breath, brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. It is also important to scrape your tongue daily to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. Additionally, avoid foods with strong odors such as garlic and onions, cut down on sugary drinks and snacks, and stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. If lifestyle changes don't improve symptoms, it might be helpful to visit a dentist for a professional cleaning or other treatment options. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol can also help reduce bad breath. Finally, make sure to keep your dentures, retainers, or other dental appliances clean. Following these tips can help you keep your breath fresh and prevent future bad breath.

How often should you really floss?

It is recommended that you floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing is an important part of an overall oral hygiene routine and helps to remove plaque, food particles, and other debris that may be trapped between your teeth. Flossing also helps to massage the gums and reduce inflammation. Make sure to use proper flossing technique for the best results. Start by using a length of floss, about 18 inches long, and wrap each end around your index fingers. Use a gentle sawing motion to move the floss between your teeth. When you reach the gum line, curve the floss into a C-shape against the tooth and carefully scrape along the side of each tooth. Use a fresh section of floss as you move from one tooth to the next. This helps to ensure that you are removing any plaque or other debris on each tooth surface. As the saying goes "you only have to floss the teeth you wish to keep".

What do dentists use for filling cavities?

Dentists typically use a variety of materials to fill cavities and restore teeth. These materials, such as amalgam, composite resin, and glass ionomer, can be chosen depending on the individual case. Amalgam is a silver-colored metal alloy that has been used for many years to treat cavities. It is very strong and durable, and it can last for many years in the mouth with proper care. However, due to safety issues, this material is not used at Stanley Dentistry. Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is used to fill cavities and restore the shape of teeth. It bonds directly to the tooth, making it an ideal choice for cosmetic dental treatments. Glass ionomer is a special type of cement that releases fluoride, which can help to protect the teeth from decay. It is often used to fill cavities in children and can be matched to the color of their natural teeth.

My teeth look “long”. What are my options?

If your teeth look “long”, it could be a sign of gum recession caused by periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and other structures that support your teeth. It can cause irreversible damage if left untreated, including tooth loss. For this reason, it’s important to seek help from your dentist right away if you suspect that you are suffering from gum recession. Your dentist can diagnose the condition and develop a plan to help you reverse or slow down the progression of the periodontal disease, protecting your teeth and gums from further damage. Treatment may include scaling and root planing, antibiotics, gingival grafts, or other procedures. Taking care of your teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups can help to prevent gum recession caused by periodontal disease. If you believe that your teeth look “long” due to gum recession, don’t wait—speak to your dentist as soon as possible. With the right care, you can protect your teeth and gums from the effects of periodontal disease.

Should my child get sealants?

Like most other dental offices, Stanley Dentistry recommends that children get sealants soon after their molars erupt. It’s a safe, easy, and pain-free way to keep your child’s teeth healthy. In the long run, they save families a lot of money.

What is the best way to treat gum disease at home?

Advanced gum disease is not something that you can treat at home. Periodontal disease is not just “dirty” gums — it’s a continually growing disease in the gums. That disease won’t just go away on its own, unfortunately. To prevent gum disease, we encourage our patients to brush and floss regularly.If that still won’t keep the gums healthy and pink, we recommend getting special anti-bacterial toothpaste that can help fight off early gum disease.

Can tooth scaling strengthen a loose tooth?

We typically recommend scaling (or deep cleaning) for patients who have periodontal disease. Scaling includes removing all of the disease-causing bacteria from the gumline. Although scaling can mean a much cleaner, healthier smile, it will not reverse damage caused by periodontal disease.A loose tooth, which is a byproduct of gum recession, is not something that can be fixed with scaling. However, a mixture of gum grafts and bone grafts may be able to help save it. The earlier you detect a loose tooth, the better. If you notice a slightly loose tooth, come into the Stanley Dentistry office immediately.

What is the cause of periodontal disease?

The number one cause of periodontal disease in our patients is poor oral maintenance. Not brushing, flossing, or going to the dentist for regular cleanings can cause gum disease. The best way to avoid periodontal disease is to take your oral health seriously.

Is gum recession permanent?

One of the most common side-effects of severe or late-stage periodontal disease is gum recession. As bacteria grow in the gums, the ability for the gums to stay attached to the teeth deteriorates. The teeth will begin to look “long” as the gums gradually pull away from the teeth.Unfortunately, gum recession is permanent. The gums are very resilient but they cannot grow back without some assistance. If your gum recession is severe, we will recommend a gum graft which is a way to artificially repair recessed gums. Dr. Rob uses artificial tissue to “graft” over the affected area, similar to a skin graft.If gum grafts sound a little intimidating, there is an alternative. For less severe cases, we can use a kind of collagen called AlloDerm that regenerates gum tissue. If you’re interested in getting gum grafting or Alloderm at the Stanley Dentistry office, schedule a consultation today.

Does insurance cover fillings?

Insurance will, in many cases, cover a portion of the cost of fillings. Typically, it’s about a 60% coverage rate if the policy-owner has paid their deductible. Of course, this depends on your specific plan. During your consultation, we will give you a free insurance check to see what your insurance will and won’t cover.

How do I know I need a filling repaired?

If a filling falls out, you will undoubtedly notice. Not only will you have the physical filling as proof, but you’ll also have an exposed nerve that will feel just as painful as it sounds. If this happens, make an appointment with your dental specialist immediately.In other cases, fillings wear out or crack. Patients don’t always notice when these things happen because they don’t leave the tooth completely exposed (so there typically isn’t a lot of pain). If a filling cracks, you may experience some hot and cold sensitivity but chances are, you won’t know what’s wrong until you visit your dentist. That’s why it’s best to see one of our doctors every six months so they can diagnose any latent filling problems.

How long do dental fillings last?

Unfortunately, fillings don’t last forever. Fillings typically last around five to ten years though some patients keep their fillings for fifteen to twenty years. The size of the filling is perhaps the biggest factor when considering how long it’ll last. Large fillings have a much higher likelihood of falling out whereas small fillings can frequently last for decades.

What happens when you get a filling?

No one wants to hear that they have a cavity. For kids (and parents), “cavity” sounds like a death sentence, and “filling” signifies a long, painful, and expensive procedure. Luckily, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In most cases, cavities require only a short, pain-free appointment to our office in Cary, North Carolina.During a cavity filling, our dentists administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. They then use a small drill to remove the decay from the tooth and kill any existing bacteria. Once the tooth is ready, the dentist places the filling.At Stanley Dentistry, we typically use a composite resin material for the filling. Composite fillings are tooth-colored and look just like natural teeth. During the procedure, one of our dentists will place the composite (which looks like a paste) into the cleaned cavity. The composite will naturally take on the shape of the cavity as the dentist places it. After the cavity is filled, the dentist will use an ultraviolet light to “cure” (or harden) the composite. Post-op, your dentist will ask you to bite down to make sure the cavity hasn’t affected your natural bite.

Do fillings hurt?

Our dentists use a local anesthetic to numb the area before completing the filling. This ensures that the patient is comfortable and pain-free for the entirety of the procedure. After the filling, most patients experience little to no discomfort and no downtime.

How do you make visiting your practice less stressful?

We know that many people have anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist so we’ve tried to create a calm, soothing environment for everyone who walks through the door. We offer blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and other amenities (located in our comfort menus) to make every visit to the Stanley Dentistry office a good one.

Why should you believe us?

Don’t take our word for it! See what 1,000 happy patients have to say!

We don’t want to toot our own horn, but we are proud of our reputation. We feel that it is a reflection of the hard work and dedication we have committed to our profession, as well as a representation of the passion we have for providing exceptional care to our patients. At Stanley Dentistry, our goal is to earn our patient’s trust and loyalty.

The Stanley Dentistry badge, which consists of three horizontal lines. The top line is flat, the second is slightly curved, and the third is more curved. This represents the journey to finding your smile!The Stanley Dentistry badge, which consists of three horizontal lines. The top line is flat, the second is slightly curved, and the third is more curved. This represents the journey to finding your smile!
Are we the right dental practice for you?

Winner of 21 best dentist awards

We’re honored to have been awarded 21 best dentist awards by the Triangle community. From the Western Wake County Maggy Awards to the News and Observers Raleigh’s Best, our patients have been vocal in their support!

How can we help you today?

The first step on your journey to exceptional dental care is for us to learn more about your specific needs.

Tell us about your dental needs!
The Stanley Dentistry badge, which consists of three horizontal lines. The top line is flat, the second is slightly curved, and the third is more curved. This represents the journey to finding your smile!