Blog

Gum disease is a serious and progressive oral health condition characterized by:

• Bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Gum irritation
• Gum recession

These are symptoms you should never ignore!

In the early gingivitis stage, I can often reverse the disease because inflammation and infections are limited to the softer tissues and have not invaded the bones and ligaments. If you wait until gingivitis progresses to periodontitis with ...

Missing teeth affects more than your appearance. They can impact chewing, speech, the stability of surrounding teeth, and self-esteem. Dental bridges offer a proven, non-surgical solution to replace missing teeth and restore balance to your smile.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a dental restoration that anchors replacement teeth (most commonly made from porcelain or ceramic) to dental ...

Have your teeth lost a bit of their razzle dazzle? Maybe they appear yellowed or duller than you'd like? Want to amp up the sparkle and shine of your smile? Did you know that professional teeth whitening is an affordable and effective way to enhance a lackluster smile?

Here's everything you should know about professional teeth whitening in Durham, NC. 

Professional ...

You're enjoying brunch with family and friends when the unthinkable happens! Your front tooth cracks, leaving you with a visible chip that detracts from your smile. Now it's also difficult to chew and eat your food comfortably, so you end up heading home early. 

The good news is that dental crowns in Durham, NC, might be an excellent solution for ...

There’s nothing better than feeling confident when you meet someone for the first time or when you lead an important meeting at work, and knowing that your smile looks as good as you feel is a great mood booster.

Today’s cosmetic dentistry offers numerous ways to achieve a brighter, more confident smile in Durham and the surrounding area.

What Is Cosmetic ...

Finding a dental practice that meets the needs of every member of your family can be challenging. At The Smile Shop in Durham, NC, Drs. Kate Dolin and Adam Spriggs and our outstanding team offer comprehensive family dentistry services in a warm, welcoming, stress-free environment. From routine cleanings to advanced treatments, our team is dedicated to ensuring that every ...

When it comes to finding a dental home for your entire family, it’s important to choose a provider that offers a wide range of services in a welcoming, stress-free environment. At The Smile Shop, we’re proud to offer compassionate and comprehensive family dentistry in Durham, NC, designed to support healthy smiles at every stage of life.

Here are some of ...

Even if going to the dentist isn’t one of your favorite things to do, it’s easier and more convenient when your entire family is welcomed and encouraged to visit. Whether it’s your baby’s first tooth, you want to explore cosmetic dentistry, or your parents need special care for their smiles, The Smile Shop has it all.

We strive to make ...

A bright, confident smile makes a lasting impression on others and gives you the confidence to do anything you put your mind to. So, if you have teeth with stains or discoloration from years of coffee, berries, or certain medications, a professional teeth whitening treatment can quickly and safely restore your smile’s brilliance.

At The Smile Shop, we use Opalescence ...

No one gets excited about hearing the words “root canal.” But at The Smile Shop, we’re here to change the narrative. Root canals in Durham, NC, can save your smile and relieve your pain—and they’re much more common than you think. Every smile is unique, as are the different types of root canal treatments.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help ...

You might think that opting for a tooth replacement solution other than dental implants will save you money. In the immediate term, you may not be wrong. The truth, however, is that, in the long run, not getting dental implants immediately after tooth loss will likely cost you more time, money, and inconvenience.  

While dental implants have a higher upfront ...

Oral cancer poses a significant health risk, often manifesting without noticeable symptoms until advanced stages. Your holistic dentist in Durham can potentially save your life!

Early detection is crucial to properly addressing any oral or systemic health issue, including oral cancer. With early detection, many types of oral cancer can be treated promptly, which is critical to successful treatment, minimal ...

Most people skip brushing and flossing sessions occasionally, not realizing the damage they are doing to their teeth and gums. Skipping your oral care routine occasionally adds up, eventually resulting in consequences.

Ideally, you should be brushing and flossing after all meals or no less than twice daily. Skipping days can lead to:

• Tooth Decay
• Tooth Infections
• Gingivitis
• Gum Disease
• Tooth Loss

A Day without a ...

Among the many benefits of having strong, healthy teeth (or just having teeth at all!), enjoying a wide array of delicious food may be the most significant. Certainly in vibrant Durham, NC!

Durham features an incredible food scene, from award-winning BBQ joints to local farm-to-table favorites. Unfortunately, while we’re busy savoring these iconic favorites, we sometimes push dental health to ...

Simple, straightforward preventive care beats needing restorative care. Every time. This is especially true when it comes to oral health.

Many everyday habits that we take for granted, beyond brushing and flossing at least twice a day and regular dental cleanings, have a major impact on oral health. Let’s take a look at these normal daily habits that “secretly” help ...

From a child's first toothy grin to a grandparent's warm, welcoming smile, our teeth tell the story of our lives. In Durham, NC, each stage of life brings unique dental needs, and caring for your smile is a journey that evolves as you do.

At The Smile Shop, we’re not just treating teeth; we’re preserving your ability to speak clearly, ...

I understand how scary and overwhelming it can be to move to a new city. Between packing and unpacking your belongings, starting a new job, getting the kids settled into a new school, and learning your way around, it doesn’t feel like there’s much time for anything else.

Once you feel like you have room to breathe, you’ll have time to ...

Your dreams of a brighter, more confident smile may be closer than you think! At The Smile Shop, we offer the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatments in Durham, NC, that can make your dream smile a reality.

Whether you want to fix minor imperfections or completely transform your look, our expert dental team is here to help. Here’s a quick ...

Smoking and vaping are two ways to deliver nicotine and other chemicals into your body. Nicotine is highly addictive and toxic; that’s why health professionals discourage their patients from both smoking and vaping.

Everyone knows smoking and vaping can cause serious health issues and harm your heart and lungs, but have you ever considered the impact on your oral health? ...

Even with the best intentions and regular brushing and flossing, most people will get at least one cavity during their lifetime. Fortunately, your Durham dentist can restore your tooth with a tooth-colored filling.

Your new tooth will look, feel, and function like before you had a cavity. So, keep reading to learn more about tooth-colored fillings, a natural-looking restoration.

What Is ...

How often have you faced a significant issue and thought, “I could have easily prevented this!”? This is especially relevant to oral health, where simple preventive steps are crucial to maintaining and caring for your teeth and gums while they’re healthy to avert major issues down the road.

Understanding the Power of Regular Dental Cleanings and Good Oral Hygiene

Preventive dental ...

It’s the middle of the night, and you wake up with a painful toothache that won’t go away. What do you do? It’s Saturday afternoon, and your child sustains an injury to their mouth during a sporting event; who do you call? Dental emergencies often don’t happen during regular business hours; that’s why the dental team at The Smile ...

This patient of record lived for years with compromised front teeth that had failing restorations. She was ready for a change! 

She hoped to achieve stability and aesthetics for her smile with more reliable restorations. Our dentists in Durham rejuvenated her smile with eight customized porcelain crowns, and now she can chew, eat, and smile confidently again. Let's take a ...

Everyone wants a smile they can be proud of, so if you have dental concerns that make you feel embarrassed about your smile or avoid social situations because your teeth aren’t as beautiful as they could be, we can help.

Our dental office provides general dentistry services such as dental cleanings and hygiene education, fillings, crowns and bridges, implants, root ...

Even in cases of severe trauma or decay, if at all possible, a dentist will make every effort to save as much of a patient’s natural tooth as possible. Unfortunately, in especially severe cases, a tooth can be broken, decayed, or infected beyond the point of repair. In these instances, in the interest of the patient’s short-term relief and long-term ...

Losing multiple teeth is devastating in many ways. Difficulties or pain when eating and chewing can significantly compromise your nutrition and quality of life. Your self-confidence may be impacted if you don't feel confident about the appearance of your smile, which could keep you from interacting with other people in the way you would like.  

The good news is that

Living with tooth loss is devastating in many ways. When it's challenging to eat and chew your food properly, your nutrition and digestion are impacted. You might also feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile, which can prevent you from interacting with other people in the way you'd like.

The good news is that dental implants offer an excellent ...

Cavities are tiny craters in your teeth that can take the sparkle out of your smile and make the simple, necessary act of eating uncomfortable and even painful. The good news is that these dental nuisances are the results of specific factors and behaviors that are within our control. Today, we’re digging into what cavities are, what causes them, and ...

Root canals are straightforward procedures that eliminate pain and swelling. They also prevent infection spread and loss of the tooth. Your dentist in Durham provides gentle root canals and tips to ensure a speedy recovery.

Let’s examine root canal treatment, including ways to maintain your results and enjoy a lasting recovery.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

If you have a toothache and ...

Sadly, accidents happen. In the case of a dental mishap that leaves you with a broken or chipped tooth, it’s vital to understand why it happened, know what to do, and have a qualified dental professional on hand.

Today we’re looking at broken or chipped teeth, what causes them, and, most importantly, some effective treatment techniques to ensure that neither your ...

Tooth infections, also known as dental abscesses, affect the inside of teeth and surrounding tissues. Dental abscesses occur when bacteria enter a tooth through a chip or a cavity and reach the “pulp,” or soft, inner part of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Dental abscesses are not only quite painful but, left untreated, can result in ...

Gum recession means your gum tissue is receding away from your teeth. This may be happening for a few reasons, but gum disease is a common culprit.

Your dentist in Durham, NC, can help you avoid gum recession or treat the condition if it’s already there.

Common Causes of Gum Recession

• Aggressive brushing—When brushing your teeth, be gentle and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Piercings—Piercings ...

It can be frustrating when you take excellent care of your teeth but have imperfections that detract from your smile. It could be that you have a chipped or discolored tooth or even one that is missing. Your cosmetic dentist in Durham, NC, can help.

If you want more information about cosmetic dentistry in Durham, we look forward to hearing ...

Finding the right dentist for your family can be challenging. Our dentists at The Smile Shop are highly skilled, experienced, and passionate about caring for people's smiles. The Smile Shop team is gentle and aims to provide a stress-free, relaxing experience for each patient. Your smile is our priority, and we are here for you! 

Here are three reasons to ...

People say a picture is worth a thousand words, but we believe a smile is worth a million. One of the beautiful things about a smile is that it knows no borders; it can convey joy, gratitude, or love in any language.

And it's no secret that smiling positively affects the body and mind. Science tells us that smiling ...

Six-month checkups and teeth cleanings in Durham, NC, are crucial to your long-term oral health. Dental cleanings lower risks for preventable conditions like cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. But sometimes, a more thorough, below-the-gumline cleaning is in order.

If you need a more customized teeth cleaning schedule or deep cleaning, your dentist will explain why.

Regular Checkups and Teeth Cleanings

Most dentists ...

Sensitive teeth can make eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing a challenge. Luckily, The Smile Shop in Durham, NC, can provide you with the relief and comfort your smile deserves. We offer several treatments for sensitive teeth, such as dental fillings, fluoride treatments, dental veneers, tooth crowns, and more. 

What Can Cause Sensitive Teeth?

Many things can cause tooth sensitivity, ...

Everyone wants to have an attractive, natural-looking smile. However, many people aren’t born with perfect teeth. Also, over the years, our teeth may sustain wear, damage, and stains that can leave our grins looking a bit lackluster and aged. Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry can fix these problems and many others.

Here are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services ...

The thought of a tooth extraction makes most people cringe. But thanks to modern dentistry, tooth extractions are more gentle and pain-free than ever. If your dentist recently told you that you might need a dental extraction, there’s no reason to fear––especially if you’re in the skilled and caring hands of Drs. Kate Dolin and Adam Spriggs. 

The Smile Shop ...

Shakespeare asked us, "what’s in a name?" perhaps so we'd ponder how often names are misleading or irrelevant. But in some instances, the word itself contains a kernel of truth. We find this quality in the term 'fad.’ Possibly a contraction for ‘fiddle-faddle,’ but more likely, the word relates to the French fadaise for ‘trifle.’ What’s funny is ...

Missing teeth impact many areas of our lives, influencing the way we speak, the foods we choose to eat, and how confident we feel in the presence of others. Additionally, tooth loss contributes to oral health complications like tooth migration, digestion issues, and gum disease.

Fortunately, your dentist in Durham, NC, offers options like dental implants and the time-tested ...

Do you long for a radiant smile that lights up any room? Do you wish your teeth looked picture-perfect like the actors on TV? In years past, people born with less-than-perfect teeth simply had to live with it, but thanks to modern dentistry, you can now get the smile you’ve always wanted. 

The Smile Shop offers various cosmetic dentistry services ...

Dental implants are the only complete tooth replacement available in dentistry. When we say “complete,” we mean that they replace an entire missing tooth—from the root to the crown.

This is beneficial for several reasons, and it all relates to the fact that an implant tooth looks, functions, and feels the most like a natural tooth. Dental bridges and dentures ...

A dental crown can correct several types of oral health issues. Whether you have dental decay or a dental implant, your dentist can provide you with a crown that looks and feels just like a natural tooth. 

At The Smile Shop, our dental crowns are custom-made to meet your specific needs so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile. Many ...

Contrary to popular belief, tooth loss doesn’t just affect older adults. People of all ages experience tooth loss for various reasons, such as injuries or medical conditions.

Because of advances in modern dentistry, numerous tooth-replacement options are as lifelike as natural teeth. One of the most effective and affordable tooth replacement options available is dentures. 

The Smile Shop offers natural-looking dentures ...

Dentures can replace your smile’s appearance and function while also giving you a significant confidence boost. If you recently received new dentures in Durham, NC, we would like to share with you some valuable tips so you can get the most out of your newly revived smile.

#1 Practice Patience 

One must grow accustomed to wearing dentures, and you must understand ...

Our cosmetic dentistry in Durham, NC is designed to give you the smile you have always wanted. And we have options to fit many patient budgets.

One popular choice that we offer is dental veneers. Patients often choose them because they are versatile and can conceal a variety of aesthetic flaws, including:

• Worn down or shortened teeth
• Gummy-looking smiles
• Mildly crooked teeth
• Uneven spacing ...

If you take excellent care of your teeth—brushing, flossing, and visiting your Durham, NC dentist regularly—it can be disheartening when you’re not happy with your smile’s appearance.

In our dental office, we offer various cosmetic dentistry options to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, including dental veneers.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin tooth shields bonded to the fronts ...

The simple answer to this question is no, not everyone can get dental implants. Because implants require surgery and a lifelong commitment to care for them, it’s important that candidates for dental implants first meet specific requirements before receiving their dental restorations. 

The good news is that most adults with strong jawbones, excellent oral health habits, and relatively few bodily ...

If you have missing teeth, you understand firsthand how challenging it can be to maintain your everyday lifestyle when it becomes harder to eat, speak, and smile after tooth loss.

Because missing teeth can quickly cause problems for your entire smile, it’s best to replace them right away. If missing natural teeth are left unreplaced for too long, you will start ...

No one can keep a beautiful white smile without putting in a little effort. Everyone wants their teeth to be bright and healthy, but it takes a combination of professional dental treatment and excellent at-home care to achieve the smile you want. The Smile Shop offers cosmetic dentistry, including professional teeth whitening, to patients who desire to enhance their ...

Do you hide your smile or laughter because your teeth look dull or yellow? Do you have an important event coming up, like a wedding or reunion, and you want to dazzle everyone with your pearly whites? If so, our cosmetic dentistry services in Durham, NC can help you enhance your smile’s appearance with teeth whitening.

What Causes Dental Stains ...

Even if you brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist on time for checkups and teeth cleanings, your teeth can still be discolored, uneven, or not as symmetrical as you would like.

In our Durham, NC dental office, we offer cosmetic dentistry options to help you love your smile again. And we can typically find solutions to fit most budgets.

Crooked ...

Dental cleanings are crucial to your oral health and body wellness. Through professional teeth cleanings, you rid your mouth of the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, infections, gum disease, and even body health issues.

Your Professional Teeth Cleaning Near Morrisville, NC

During your professional teeth cleaning, we make sure you’re relaxed and comfortable. We then rely on special tools ...

You can’t have healthy teeth if your gums are not healthy. Untreated gum or periodontal disease can ultimately lead to tooth loss and have serious health repercussions that affect your overall wellness.  

Gum disease is typically the result of inadequate oral hygiene that allows bacteria to collect around and under your gum line. The early stage is called gingivitis, and ...

There’s an old saying: “Be good to your teeth, and they’ll be good to you.”

That pretty much sums up oral health in a nutshell. Your teeth are incredibly strong and resilient, and with some pro-active steps on your part, you may never have to worry about tooth extraction.

Focus on Excellent Oral Hygiene

Your entire at-home hygiene routine, including brushing twice ...

Are you going through the process of researching what types of dentures exist and which one is the right solution for you?

Let The Smile Shop help! We are happy to go over the different dentures we offer to help you determine your perfect fit.  

Types of Dentures in Durham, NC

Complete Dentures: When patients are missing all the teeth on the upper ...

Do you have an issue with your smile that you wish you could fix but worry that the dental treatments you need are beyond your reach? At The Smile Shop, we work with our patients so they can get the best oral health services they need, including cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry can help you address any smile flaw that plagues ...

Sometimes people skip brushing and flossing sessions, especially if they have a teeth cleaning coming up in the dental office. Other times, people may forego their professional teeth cleanings because they brush and floss regularly and are not experiencing any issues.

Either approach can lead to cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, and sudden root infections.

Your Brushing and Flossing Routine

Your dentist in ...

The dentures and partials offered during previous decades have not always been flattering—boxy teeth and an unnatural appearance. Fortunately, dentures have come a long way over the years, and today’s prosthetics are natural-looking and function as intended.

The Denture Process

Your dentist in Durham, NC first examines your mouth to make sure dentures are a good tooth replacement option. If dentures ...

Tooth loss happens to many Americans, especially as we age and experience tooth decay, infection, or injury. Missing teeth can be embarrassing, and they can make it hard to eat or speak properly. At The Smile Shop in Durham, NC, we are here to restore your confidence and health.

There are several options to restoring your smile, including dentures and dental implants. ...

If you have a tooth extraction coming up, you probably have a lot of questions: What should you expect? Will it hurt? How should you care for yourself, post-extraction? 

What to Expect After Tooth Extraction in Durham, NC

If our experienced dentists recommend tooth extractions at our Durham, NC dental office, you can rest assured that they will explain why it’s ...

The goal of dentistry is to heal and save every tooth for as long as possible. Doing so benefits your long-term oral health, but there are situations where your dentist exhausts every option for keeping the tooth and needs to recommend a tooth extraction.

We understand that it can be upsetting to learn that you need to have a tooth ...

October is a time to give back to a wonderful local cause for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Smile Shop team is proud to announce a partnership with Pretty In Pink Foundation, a local North Carolina based non profit that supports those under-insured or uninsured diagnosed with breast cancer. Every little bit helps! Whether you ...

A person's smile can be their source of joy.

Studies suggest that the act of smiling can increase your level of happiness, and smiling often makes people likable and approachable. Not everyone has a smile they are proud of, and some people go through great lengths to hide their smile. This can affect their self-esteem and their well-spring of joy.

Cosmetic ...

We just completed another another round of renovations. We have been working hard to upgrade our hygiene rooms with hardwood floors and fresh paint. Take a look at our before and afters. Stay tuned- more improvements to come!

Do you wish you had a more attractive smile, but feel cosmetic dentistry is a luxury that’s out of your reach?

This is a common misconception; your cosmetic dentist in Durham, NC wants you to know that many cosmetic dental treatments are budget-friendly. Today, just about anyone interested in improving their smile can achieve their cosmetic smile goals.

Why People Choose ...

Most of us start our lives with strong, healthy teeth designed to stand up to years of wear and tear. While tooth enamel is extremely hard and durable, wear and tear take its toll as the years go by. At some point, the damage may be so extensive that a filling will no longer save the tooth. 

If and when this ...

Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Mountains of scientific research show that what goes on in your mouth also affects your general health. So when you make the effort to keep your teeth healthy, you also contribute to a healthier body.

This is one of the reasons that your dentist emphasizes the importance of dental hygiene in Durham, ...

Thank you to all of our patients that entered The Mother's Day 2019 Giveaway! Please enjoy the video below presented by some of The Smile Shop team :) Happy Mother's Day from all of us at The Smile Shop.

Click HERE to see the ...

Learning that you have gum disease can be unsettling; you brush, floss, and watch your diet and wonder where it went wrong.

But your dentist in Durham, NC is not as concerned with what went wrong as they are with resolving the problem now to protect your oral health. Your customized gum disease treatment will get the infection under control and ...

You know that flossing your teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene, but actually doing it may be a challenge. So, you rush through the routine just to get it over with, and the result is an inadequate job and wasted effort.

Your dentist in Durham, NC wants you to understand the importance of proper dental hygiene, so here are ...

Hearing that you need a tooth extracted can be overwhelming. Even if you know your dentist has exhausted all other ways to save the tooth and extraction is needed to protect your oral health, it can still be an intense experience.

So, what you don’t want is to make things any more complicated by not following after-care instructions and developing a ...

There are several options available today to replace missing teeth. Full or partial dentures have long been the go-to for tooth replacement, and they’re still a reliable choice. Dental implants, however, are considered the standard of care for missing teeth because they provide so many benefits.

If you’re thinking about dental implants in Durham, NC and are trying to ...

You may have noticed some new faces at the office.  We are excited to have Amanda, Jasmine, and Tracy join The Smile Shop team!  Check out their bio's on our About page to learn about our new dental family members and help us welcome them to the practice!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Join us in our efforts to hit our goal of $500 raised for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation! Click on the link below and follow the simple directions on a safe and secure site to donate to a great cause. 

When you look in the mirror, do you see a healthy, attractive smile? Or are you disappointed by teeth that detract from your beautiful appearance?

The good news is that you’ve never had more options than you do today for improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry in Durham, NC. 

Here at The Smile Shop, we offer an array of cosmetic dental ...

Most of us are going to experience a dental emergency at some point where suddenly the teeth you haven’t paid much attention to are the only thing you can think about.

It’s times like these when it’s good to know that your familiar family dentist will be available to help you and provide the fast relief you need.

How Emergency Dentistry Saves ...