https://www.jteravestdds.com/advanced-dental-services daily 0.75 2020-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597760980353-D8AE6LQ1ARY22Q2D9USQ/implant-steps-1600.png Advanced - Dental Implants A dental implant is one of the more popular options we have to replace a missing tooth. Implants typically involve 3 parts: the surgically placed “implant”, the “implant crown” (which looks like a tooth), and the “abutment” (which acts as an adapter between the implant and implant crown). The implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed by a specialist, and the bone is given time to heal around the metal. Once the implant is fully secured to the bone, our office then works to attach the replacement tooth to the implant itself. Implants can also be used as support for a bridge, partial, or complete denture. This is often used as an alternative to traditional partials and dentures, by providing more stability while chewing and talking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597760932687-4F2I408J04LUV0A5MZZS/RCT.jpeg Advanced - Root Canal Treatment Root canal therapy (also called endodontic therapy) is made necessary when decay reaches the “pulp”, or the nerve and blood supply in the tooth. Sometimes deep fillings or tooth trauma can cause damage to the pulp, which would also require root canal therapy. Once the pulp is affected, infection can extend through the root tip and damage the surrounding bone (this is often called an abscess). This infection is not only painful, it can also be dangerous. Once the pulp is infected it must be treated, and will not heal on its own. Another treatment option for infection would be to extract the tooth, but we try first to save the tooth if possible. Common signs and symptoms pulp damage can include sensitivity to hot/cold/sweets, pain (especially to biting or chewing), swelling, and a bad taste in the mouth. However, not everyone has these symptoms, and sometimes there are no signs at all, until the person has a checkup or an x-ray is taken. Although some teeth can be treated with root canals in our office, more complicated cases may be referred to a specialist called an Endodontist. Once the infection is identified, a root canal is done to clean out the pulp, to disinfect the space where the pulp was, and to fill in that pulp space to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for a tooth that has had root canal therapy, in order to prevent fracture of the tooth and leakage around the root canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597760851801-L00L0LOQQWL5QN133DDS/TMJ.jpeg Advanced - TMJ Treatment TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Problems with this joint arise due to several reasons, including trauma, clenching/grinding of the teeth, muscular tension often caused by stress, arthritis, or even poor positioning of the teeth. Problems in the TMJ can cause: Clicking or popping of the jaw Pain in the jaw muscles and face Headaches Ear Pain Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth Dental related treatments for the condition can include adjusting the bite, creating an occlusal or night guard to wear at night and even during the day, or braces to reposition maligned teeth. There are also other therapies that can help, including physical therapy, chiropractic services, acupuncture, massage, and cognitive training to work on preventing the habits that created the TMJ imbalance in the first place. There is no one right solution for all cases of TMJ pain. If severe enough, surgery may be required to repair a damaged joint. https://www.jteravestdds.com/home daily 1.0 2022-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597932311561-MB69EIFLAFDPQJSXSDS7/IMG_1565+%28002%29.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597845117429-BWINVO9SI75YB8SRALV1/Logo.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597265924924-TUUHEMERELCZ0ANPAZWG/pic.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597069787513-VPG1L3SN3WR9LARU3DD5/BusinessCard.jpg Home https://www.jteravestdds.com/our-team daily 0.75 2025-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1596110683583-5WWL5WKJOSICH2PA7PWI/Jerry+ter+Avest+2020_015HT+3+8x12.jpg Our Team - Jerry ter Avest DDS Pronounced (tur-ah-vest) Owner Dentist Dr. Jerry ter Avest received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1988. He went on to join this very practice in 1989, before purchasing the practice in 1990 as full owner. Jerry has been enjoying serving the RTP area ever since. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1596110246860-93ZDNCFBC21OOBS2H92G/Jerry+ter+Avest+2020_006HT+2+8x12.jpg Our Team - Tessa Taylor DDS Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1596110385011-KE85NB17JKZ0FJUU7FW7/Jerry+ter+Avest+2020_012+HT+8x12.jpg Our Team - Carrie Dental Hygienist Carrie graduated with a Business degree in 2001, and then again with a Dental Hygiene degree in 2007 from the UNC Dental School. However, she has worked in the dental profession ever since high school. Carrie values family time, and she enjoys spending time in her home town of Durham, especially seeing shows at DPAC and The Carolina Theatre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1596110265780-CW3Z3UAUGTU0BI0FUZ88/Jerry+ter+Avest+2020_008+HT+2+8x12.jpg Our Team - Laura Dental Hygienist Laura received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May of 2004 and started working with us the following September. She has a passion for helping others and loves working closely with long-time patients and their families. She has truly grown up here! Born and raised in Durham, Laura now lives in Wake Forest with her husband Kevin, their son Hudson, and their pup Porter. She loves spending time with her family and friends and thrives on community. Laura was a cheerleader at UNC-CH and is the biggest Tar Heel fan you will ever meet. GO HEELS! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1596110562724-7I8IAOB9FMX8O3T6GK67/Jerry+ter+Avest+2020_002TH+8x12.jpg Our Team - Vicki Front Office Staff Working here since 1990, Vicki has been key in keeping our office running smoothly and efficiently. She’s a lover of dogs, living a healthy lifestyle, and spending time with her family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1596110580163-8KPSFUF5KOY09C4AISWY/Jerry+ter+Avest+2020_009+HT+8x12.jpg Our Team - Kandace Front Office Staff Kandace joined our team after completing her Degree for Billing, Coding, and Insurance in 2020. A North Carolina native as well, Kandace loves to spend time with her family. She also enjoys camping and being outdoors. Kandace makes a wonderful addition to our staff & puts a smile on everyone’s face. https://www.jteravestdds.com/faqs daily 0.75 2022-12-01 https://www.jteravestdds.com/cosmetic-dental-services daily 0.75 2020-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1591621949547-YCR13OBWT5M25FE1KZ31/image-asset.jpeg Cosmetic - Take Home Whitening Our most frequently used method of teeth whitening is a set of take-home trays, customized for your teeth, and using a carbamide peroxide gel. Trays with gel properly in place are worn anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the gel concentration. We recommend daily use for two to four weeks or until desired results are achieved, depending on the depth of staining. The most severe of staining, like tetracycline stains, can possibly take several months. We recommend occasional short-term use for upkeep of your new bleached shade! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597761721675-AOY2D9KR831BUQKRNEMW/Veneer.jpeg Cosmetic - Veneers Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed. The procedure can be done in the office using a bonding technique, or the veneers can be made by a dental laboratory and glued in at our office. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain. https://www.jteravestdds.com/patient-info-forms daily 0.75 2025-07-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597265847265-PPE8K9CZ3VX1X5VAKEPB/IMG_6127_Facetune_10-08-2020-18-44-06.jpg Patient Info & Forms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597265871292-UNZH9EUMRCTSVU2NWM5V/1.jpg Patient Info & Forms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597759495365-0EBV22SWBJAXSKFJ2HBU/vibrant.jpg Patient Info & Forms https://www.jteravestdds.com/common daily 0.75 2020-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597761091270-HX8F1JRWNPQHAYR1DOX7/xray.jpg Common - XRAYS X-rays, also called radiographs, play an important part in the diagnostic process, and to not routinely take them could lead to undiagnosed conditions. If left undiagnosed, these conditions may worsen over time and become more severe. Our office implements digital radiography into our routine X-Rays, which are processed immediately and reduce the amount of radiation to the patient! Our office also uses CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) to view teeth, bone, and other facial structures in a 3D image! This allows us to view problems or concerns in a 3D form that otherwise would not be visible in a simple 2D X-ray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597761120750-G76ZELY8PKG3E9ZSSJ7W/Sealant.jpeg Common - Sealants Sealants can be used as a preventative measure, or as a treatment option, to fill in the pits and grooves on the biting surface of a tooth where toothbrush bristles cannot adequately reach. If properly applied and with continued good oral hygiene, a sealant could last up to 10 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1591710148169-QMFMGZ9E1GNU0LPCZ35E/srp-standard-1600.jpg Common - Periodontal Care The periodontium is the name given to the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of the teeth. These supporting structures are for a tooth, what a foundation is for a building. If the foundation is not stable, it can compromise the health of the tooth. Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is the name given for an inflammation process that causes the loss of bone and gums around the tooth. Visible symptoms can include bleeding gums, receded gums, loosening of teeth, and changes in the overall bite. Less obvious symptoms can include high amounts of bacteria around the teeth that can lead to infection, and deep pockets around the teeth. There is a link between oral health and overall health, therefore minimizing bacteria and inflammation in your mouth can benefit your overall health! Treatment of periodontal disease at our office includes deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), and use of antibiotics. If severe enough, a referral to a specialist (Periodontist) may be recommended for further treatment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597761143992-C5MVYFS3NGSM4RI7LKUO/Filling.jpeg Common - Fillings Decay of a tooth is a process where acid from your diet, or acid created by bacteria, wears away at the tooth. When acid progressively wears through a tooth, a hole is created that is called a cavity. Once a hole is created in the tooth, it cannot be reversed and the remaining decay must be removed and replaced. Replacement of the tooth structure is called a filling which can be done with either tooth or silver colored materials. If left untreated, decay will progress and can require more extensive treatments such as crowns, root canals, and even extractions. The progression of decay can be painful and cause infections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1597761369558-RQ9WHOJLBTF8HFAEG18Y/image-asset.jpeg Common - Crowns Crowns are made of either metal, tooth colored ceramic, or a combination of metal and ceramic. Crowns cover an entire tooth for protection and additional strength. A crown is usually recommended when the tooth decay is too large to be treated with a filling, or for a tooth that is at risk of fracture, or has already been fractured. Crowns can also be used to improve aesthetics. We also offer tooth colored crowns that can be done in a single day through CEREC®! https://www.jteravestdds.com/suresmile daily 0.75 2022-12-01 https://www.jteravestdds.com/same-day-crowns daily 0.75 2022-12-01 https://www.jteravestdds.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2023-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecd6214c5773c2dcbc2bfaa/1596476648603-E5R6I1HLIXM0I52UQCMK/sign.jpg Contact Us - Look for our sign by the road! Our building is the first one on the left pulling into the parking lot. See below for our exact location on Google Maps. Some GPS sources may take you to Chapel Hill, NC by mistake so double check your GPS before heading to our office!