Chatham Dental Arts

Serving the Pittsboro community with a warm, professional demeanor, Dr. Karen Tiwana has been recognized as a “top dentist.” She is committed to helping patients of all ages achieve a lifetime of high-quality oral health. Whether you are a regular patient or have admittedly let too much time pass since your previous appointment, Dr. Tiwana is delighted to make sure your teeth are as clean and healthy as possible. Are You a Candidate for General Dentistry? General family dentistry chathamAll people should regularly undergo general dentistry care approximately every six months. Dr. Tiwana works with patients who are children, senior citizens and everywhere in between. What Are the Benefits of General Dentistry Care? While having healthy teeth and gums begins with diligent at-home care, brushing and flossing alone are not enough. Chatham Dental Arts uses special tools to provide you with a deeper clean than you could ever get at home. Moreover, even the best brushers and flossers can miss some spots or develop a plaque buildup. What Is a General Dentist Appointment Like? Each semiannual appointment has two main components: Professional Cleaning family dentistry chathamTo begin, your hygienist scrapes the tartar and plaque from the teeth, addressing spots that ordinary flossing cannot reach. You also receive a cleaning with a special toothpaste that has a gritty consistency and can scrub and polish your teeth better than the average toothpaste. Your teeth can withstand this kind of cleaning twice a year. The hygienist will use floss and mouthwash to get rid of any remaining debris in your mouth. Dr. Tiwana may also suggest a fluoride treatment to give more strength to the teeth’s enamel. The enamel is the outer layer on the teeth that safeguards against chipping and cracking. Examination For the examination portion of the appointment, Dr. Tiwana methodically searches the mouth for signs of problems like cavities, periodontitis (gum disease) and even oral cancer. Since all these issues can be treated more easily when found sooner, examinations are a useful tool in early detection. If you have noticed any tooth sensitivity or pain prior to your appointment, be sure to bring that to Dr. Tiwana’s attention so she can look out for those concerns. Because Dr. Tiwana is talented at restorative procedures, she is equipped to quickly address any problems this examination might turn up. If she notices that you need a filling, root canal, dental crown, tooth extraction or other procedure, the team at Chatham Dental Arts can schedule you a follow-up appointment at your soonest convenience. Make an Appointment If you have waited over six months since your last dental appointment, that means you are overdue for an examination and cleaning. Regular dental care ensures that problems are caught while they can still be managed with ordinary, easy procedures. Waiting a long time between appointments allows minor problems to develop into bigger problems, which can require longer and more expensive treatments. To receive excellent care for you and your entire family, please make an appointment at Chatham Dental Arts by calling (919) 542-4911.

If you have always wanted to have an attractive smile and are less than excited by what you currently see in the mirror, the good news is that you have options. Pittsboro dentist Dr. Karen Tiwana offers several cosmetic procedures that can help you to achieve a nice smile even if your genetics have let you down in this regard. At Chatham Dental Arts, patients leave with teeth that are both beautiful and functional. Are You a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry? If you would like to improve the aesthetics of your smile, you are likely a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. In some cases, Dr. Tiwana may suggest that you fix an existing dental problem before performing a cosmetic procedure (like teeth whitening or veneers.) Much of the time, restorative and cosmetic procedures go hand-in-hand, with a single procedure offering both functional and aesthetic value. What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry? Cosmetic dentistry offers patients who are not naturally blessed with a perfect smile the opportunity to achieve attractive, whiter teeth. Dr. Tiwana has noticed that people who are happy with the way their smile looks are more likely to take care of their teeth with good brushing and flossing habits, so she is happy to provide these services to her patients. Which Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Are Available at Chatham Dental Arts? Teeth Whitening Cosmetic dentistry chathamDr. Tiwana uses the impressive Zoom teeth whitening system to bleach teeth that are stained or yellower than you would like. In less than an hour, you achieve teeth that are about eight shades whiter than before. The procedure is pain-free and very safe, producing results that are much more exciting than what you can accomplish with an at-home whitening kit. Veneers Veneers are tiny covers that permanently attach to the front of your natural teeth to give them a new look. You may choose from a range of veneers to get the precise color, size and shape of teeth that you have always wanted. You may also decide to cover an entire row of teeth for a beautiful transformation, or simply cover a problem tooth or two. Veneers are great for achieving a whiter, straighter smile. Dental Crowns Crowns are porcelain or ceramic tops that rest atop a real tooth. Though some patients get crowns for restorative purposes (like supporting a dental bridge or strengthening a tooth that has had a root canal), they are also effective at concealing imperfections like cracked, chipped and/or misshapen teeth. Crowns are designed to look just like a real tooth, so they fit seamlessly in your mouth. Tooth Colored Fillings Dr. Tiwana can treat a cavity with a tooth-colored filling rather than a silver amalgam filling so that you do not have unnecessary metal in your mouth that detracts from the quality of your smile. These resin fillings are mixed to match the color of your tooth so they cannot be spotted and they are comparably durable to traditional fillings. Smile Makeover With smile makeover, Dr. Tiwana combines multiple cosmetic procedures to give your mouth a more complete transformation. After examining your mouth and hearing your aesthetic concerns, she can recommend a course of treatment that best achieves those goals. What Kind of Results Can You Expect from Cosmetic Dentistry? Thanks to Dr. Tiwana’s expert precision, you can expect your cosmetic results to last a long time, with the exact timeframe depending on the procedure. Teeth whitening lasts for a year or two, dental crowns last up to 15 years, veneers last up to 20 years and tooth-colored fillings last about 7 years. Discuss Cosmetic Procedures with Dr. Tiwana If you know you would like your smile to look better, come have a conversation with Dr. Tiwana at Chatham Dental Arts. Together, you can devise a treatment plan that can have your mouth looking better than it ever has before. For a consultation, call (919) 542-4911.

Some patients only schedule a dentist appointment when they encounter a serious problem like bleeding gums, a toothache or a cavity. Dr. Karen Tiwana, recognized as a “top dentist” in Pittsboro, NC, is happy to treat any dental situation that arises, though she does encourage her patients to visit at least twice annually for preventive care. It’s not a coincidence that those who undergo preventive dentistry are among the least likely to develop bleeding gums and cavities! Are You a Candidate for Preventive Dentistry? All of us should be proactive about preventive care to ensure our teeth remain in strong, healthy condition. By brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once, you are taking the right steps to remove plaque and keep your teeth clean. However, at-home care does not provide you with the type of deep cleaning and examination that Dr. Tiwana offers in a general dentistry appointment. What Are the Benefits of Preventive Dentistry? Most preventive care is covered by your average dental insurance plan. In addition to saving you money on general appointments, you can also avoid having to pay for other costly procedures that may arise from ignoring your oral health, such as dental implants, dental crowns or fillings. What Is Considered Preventive Dentistry? Preventive dentistry care that Dr. Tiwana offers includes: Dental Cleaning Preventative dentistry pittsboroYour hygienist uses special tools to scrape any hard-to-reach tartar and plaque along the gumline. You also undergo a deep scrub in which an electric brush polishes the teeth with a gritty toothpaste. Flossing helps to remove any lingering particles from between the teeth. Dental Examination Dr. Tiwana uses a mirror to search for signs of cavities and other problems (like cracks and chips) on the surface of your teeth. Additionally, she checks the condition of your jaw, tongue and bite. She alerts you if she notices anything that may be a sign of oral cancer. X-Rays Periodic X-rays are a good way to catch any potential problems that Dr. Tiwana cannot spot with her own eyes. Digital X-rays allow her to safely (and with much less radiation than previous X-ray technology) take pictures that can spot problems in the tooth roots, jawbone and gums. If anything is detected, she can take prompt action. Fluoride Treatment A fluoride treatment helps to strengthen the enamel (the protective outer layer of the teeth) so that it can better protect from bacteria and plaque. Dr. Tiwana gently applies the fluoride, which is highly concentrated — far more concentrated than the fluoride present in standard toothpaste. This treatment is typically recommended for children 14 and younger who naturally have weaker enamel, though some adults may be good candidates for the procedure. What Kind of Results Can You Expect from Preventive Dentistry? Although preventive dentistry is by no means a guarantee that you will never have a cavity or need more serious restorative care, it certainly improves your odds of having healthy, functional teeth and gums throughout your life. The most important thing to remember is that preventive care is an ongoing process; your commitment to regularly brushing and flossing and attending dental appointments is what makes it successful. Make an Appointment Dr. Tiwana is a friendly, talented dentist who is committed to keeping her patients’ oral health in top condition. To make an appointment for preventive dental care, please contact Chatham Dental Arts at (919) 542-4911.

Dr. Karen Tiwana of Chatham Dental Arts strives to foster an inviting environment for all of her patients in Pittsboro, North Carolina. At the same time, she knows that some of her patients have developed deep-seated fears about visiting the dentist that can make visiting a mentally taxing experience. Since regular dental cleanings and examinations are critical to your ongoing oral health, the solution is not to avoid making appointments. Instead, Dr. Tiwana is proud to offer sedation dentistry to her anxious patients in Pittsboro to help them get through their appointments — from cleanings to dental bridges to tooth extractions. She uses nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, to provide light but effective sedation. Are You a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry? Nitrous oxide is a safe and efficient drug for most patients, including children. It was first used over 200 years ago and remains one of the most commonly used types of anesthetics. Dr. Tiwana reviews the medical history of each patient to confirm that they are a good candidate for sedative dentistry. Certain conditions like respiratory illness, vitamin B-12 deficiency and pregnancy may preclude you from using nitrous oxide. What Are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide? Beyond the obvious benefit of keeping you relaxed during dental appointments, nitrous oxide may also help you sit through long procedures (this is especially important for restorative dental procedures). If nitrous oxide allows you to get dental work done in a single appointment rather than many appointments, you may save both time and money. Some forms of sedation dentistry involve shots or IVs to administer the sedatives. Patients generally prefer being able to receive this sedative by simply breathing normally. What Is a Procedure with Nitrous Oxide Like? Sedation dentistry pittsboroDr. Tiwana places a mask over your face so that you may breathe in the nitrous oxide. The gas has a pleasant, slightly sweet taste and smell. Within a few minutes, a strong feeling of calmness should overcome your body. You may also notice some tingling and lightheadedness. In addition to reducing anxiety, it also limits any pain or discomfort you might otherwise experience during the procedure. You will remain conscious throughout your appointment. This allows you to communicate with Dr. Tiwana as necessary and to respond to her requests (such as “open wider” or “spit”). What Kind of Results Can You Expect from Sedation Dentistry? Dr. Tiwana provides the same outstanding care to her patients whether they are under sedation or not. You can expect to have a healthier, whiter mouth after your visit and, ideally, less anxiety about returning in the future for regular appointments. Unlike other forms of sedation, the effects are temporary. Approximately five minutes after the mask comes off, you should no longer feel under the influence of a sedative. This makes it safe for you to drive yourself home following your treatment. You do not need to worry about the “hangover” effects common with other types of sedatives. Ask Dr. Tiwana about Sedation Dentistry Postponing dentist appointments is a surefire recipe for needing additional, more comprehensive care in the future. If your fear of the dentist is holding you back from maintaining a healthy mouth, please ask Chatham Dental Arts for more information about sedation dentistry; we are here to help! Reach our Pittsboro office at (919) 542-4911.

Is your loud, chronic snoring causing you and/or your sleeping partner to get less-than-satisfactory sleep? The solution you’re looking for may start with your dentist. Dr. Karen Tiwana of Chatham Dental Arts in Pittsboro, NC, is pleased to offer SnorNoMor, a custom oral appliance that has been proven to reduce or eliminate your snoring at night. SnorNoMor is a product from Annalan Laboratory, a respected brand known for creating occlusal splints (oral night guards that improve breathing and reduce teeth grinding.) Are You a Candidate for Sleep Dentistry? If you are one of the 40 million Americans who regularly snores, you may be a good candidate for SnorNoMor. You may be at heightened risk for snoring if you: Are male Are overweight Drink alcohol Have a deviated septum Have large tonsils During a consultation, Dr. Tiwana can assess your candidacy and discuss how the oral appliance works in more detail. What Are the Benefits of Sleep Dentistry? Patients who wear SnorNoMor are much less likely to snore at night, to the delight of others who share a bedroom with these patients — this can be a literal relationship-saver. The patients report that they get more restful sleep themselves since they are no longer waking themselves up with their own snoring. Additionally, research has found that patients who wear a dental device like SnorNoMor can help to prevent obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition characterized by having your breathing stop and start as you sleep. Patients who develop sleep apnea not only snore loudly, they also are exhausted during the daytime, suffer frequent migraines, experience high blood pressure and are often irritable. How Does SnorNoMor Work? Sleep dentistry PittsboroSnoring occurs due to vibrating muscle tissue at the back of the throat. When you sleep, these muscles loosen, and the air that passes through the throat flutters the muscles, creating a snoring noise. SnorNoMor helps by increasing the size of the airway and moving the lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. This allows air to pass through more normally, even when your muscles relax during sleep. During an appointment, Dr. Tiwana makes a mold of your mouth and sends it to Annalan Laboratory to create a custom SnorNoMor device that fits perfectly in your mouth. Once it has been created, you can begin to wear the appliance at night to keep your airway open. Although you may find it awkward to wear this device for the first night or two, most patients agree that they can sleep comfortably while wearing it. What Kind of Results Can You Expect from Sleep Dentistry? SnorNoMor should produce results for you for as long as you continue wearing the oral appliance. Because it does not alter your jaw or airway, you may choose to stop wearing it with no adverse health consequences if you are dissatisfied with the results. If SnorNoMor does not significantly reduce your snoring or no longer feels comfortable in your mouth, please visit Dr. Tiwana so that she can make adjustments or suggest an alternate treatment. Start Getting Quiet, Restful Sleep Dr. Tiwana is a beloved dentist who is happy to help her patients get better, snore-free sleep. For an appointment, please call Chatham Dental Arts at (919) 542-4911.

Dr. Karen K. Tiwana: Pittsboro’s Leading Implant Restoration Dentist Dental implants are a new alternative in tooth replacement. The procedure consists of two stages: placement of a replacement tooth root, followed by placement of a tooth replacement (crown) all within our Pittsboro dental office. There are now a wide variety of dental implant placement procedures that vary in duration and materials. Any implant procedure is preceded by a detailed consultation and case planning with your restorative dentist. Karen K. Tiwana, DDS, is an expert in creating dental implant restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth. Schedule Your Appointment Today Contact our Pittsboro dentist, Karen K. Tiwana, DDS, for more information about our dental implant restorative services. Click here to request an appointment or call our office at (919) 542-4911 today.

At Chatham Dental Arts, talented dentist Dr. Karen Tiwana knows that most adults who have strong, healthy gums and teeth began as children who learned proper oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing. For that reason, she makes it her mission to ensure that children in Pittsboro, NC have a positive (i.e. non-scary) experience at her office where they can feel comfortable and secure. She has experience communicating with and treating kids of all ages. Is Your Child a Candidate for Dentistry? All children should attend regular dental appointments to protect their oral health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents schedule their child’s first appointment around the time of his or her first birthday (or within six months of the first tooth appearing). What Are the Benefits of Children’s Dentistry? Some people believe that caring for baby teeth is less important since these teeth eventually fall out anyway, but that is a dangerous misconception. Gum disease can start early. Infected or decaying teeth can cause pain and discomfort and affect your child’s speech. Teeth that fall out prematurely may cause serious alignment issues when the adult teeth come in. What Procedures Are Included with Children’s Dentistry? family dentist chathamMost of the procedures Dr. Tiwana performs on kids pertain to general dentistry. Your child visits twice per year so that Dr. Tiwana can check for cavities and verify that the gums are in good health. She also reminds your child of important habits like brushing twice a day and limiting sugary foods to avoid cavities. If cavities are discovered during the appointment, Dr. Tiwana can perform a filling or a root canal, if necessary. Your child also undergoes a deep cleaning at these appointments, which eliminates the plaque that has amassed in areas that are hard for your child to reach. In children under 12, Dr. Tiwana also offers fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel of the teeth for extra protection. Restorative procedures are also popular among adolescent patients. Kids who play sports or explore outdoors sometimes crack or chip their teeth — something that is important to address. For kids who are missing a tooth, Dr. Tiwana usually uses a dental bridge; dental implants are not ideal for children since the jawbone continues to grow throughout puberty. What Kind of Results Can You Expect from Children’s Dentistry? Dr. Tiwana offers the same outstanding care to her young patients as she does to her older patients. You can count on her to address any needs that arise so that your child is properly set up for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene. Her goal is to make sure each child’s smile is as beautiful as possible, whether it consists of baby teeth, adult teeth or is currently transitioning. Schedule an Appointment at Chatham Dental Arts Dr. Tiwana has earned the trust of many families in Pittsboro and the surrounding area in North Carolina. Since Dr. Tiwana treats both children and adults, it is extra convenient to schedule appointments for the whole family on the same day. To see firsthand why kids adore Dr. Tiwana, call her office at (919) 542-4911 today.

Life is too short to dislike your own smile. If you have healthy teeth but are less than satisfied with the way they look, you may be interested in undergoing a smile makeover. When elite North Carolina dentist Dr. Karen Tiwana performs smile makeover, she combines multiple cosmetic dental procedures to achieve a beautiful smile you will be excited to show off to the world. Are You a Candidate for Smile Makeover? People choose smile makeover to address a variety of problems, which may include: Yellow, discolored and/or stained teeth Crooked teeth Chipped teeth Large or uneven gaps between teeth Missing teeth Not all of these issues pose health problems, however. Smile makeover is primarily concerned with making an aesthetic transformation. What Are the Benefits of a Smile Makeover? Patients who undergo smile makeover typically achieve a brighter, whiter, straighter smile. The exact benefits of a smile makeover depend on the procedures you elect to undergo. What Procedures Can Be Included in a Smile Makeover? Teeth Whitening Professional, in-office teeth whitening is the most effective way to lighten the shade of your teeth. Dr. Tiwana uses the amazing ZOOM bleaching process to whiten teeth that have become discolored through staining. She applies a hydrogen peroxide solution to the teeth then shines a custom light on them for 15 minutes. This is repeated three times for a total procedure time of 45 minutes. Patients achieve teeth that are up to eight shades whiter. Dental Crowns Although dental crowns are often restorative in nature, they can also be used to fix a crooked, cracked or misshapen tooth so that it looks better. By covering the top of a problem tooth with a crown, Dr. Tiwana is able to make your smile look natural and attractive. Porcelain Veneers Smile makeover pittsboroPorcelain veneers are shields that affix to the front of healthy teeth and improve their appearance. Veneers can make your teeth look whiter, larger or more evenly shaped. Some patients choose to cover up just one problem tooth with a veneer, while others choose to cover up an entire row (or rows) of teeth. Tooth Colored Fillings Cavities not only impair the health of your teeth; they also make your teeth look worse. As cavities progress, they may make the affected tooth look brown or black and leave jagged edges. The only way to treat a cavity is with a filling. Tooth-colored fillings are resin-based and made to match the color of your teeth. Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, they are difficult to spot in your mouth. Dental Implants The most invasive of the smile makeover procedures, dental implants involve replacing a missing tooth by surgically attaching a prosthetic tooth into the jawbone. Dental implants function like a real tooth and appear authentic. What Kind of Results Can You Expect from Smile Makeover? Results (including their duration) depend on which procedures are included in your customized smile makeover plan. Teeth whitening can last a couple years, dental crowns and tooth-colored fillings last five to 10 years, porcelain veneers last up to 20 years and dental implants can last decades (if not a lifetime). Teeth whitening can safely be repeated every year or so to maintain your desired results. Make an Appointment with Dr. Tiwana Dr. Tiwana is happy to customize a smile makeover plan with any patient looking to upgrade his or her smile. To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, please contact Chatham Dental Arts at (919) 542-4911.