Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any specific questions that are not answered on our Website, please call our Charlotte dental office at 704.527.2440 so we can give you a personalized answer to your particular concern.

1. How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?

Typically, dental recall appointments (checkups) should be scheduled every 6 months.  During this visit, a cleaning will be performed along with a dental exam and x-rays.  This cleaning, exam, and x-ray appointment will ensure that problems are prevented before they become larger issues.  Occasionally, a patient may be scheduled on a more frequent recall schedule, such as every 3 or 4 months.  This ensures that oral health is maintained and that a patient reaches a consistent level of good oral health.  Our office will be happy to schedule an appointment for your cleaning and we will send you appointment reminder cards via mail to help you stay on your regular recall interval.

2.  What can I expect at my first dental appointment?

Your initial visit will consist of a complete oral evaluation by Dr. Hammock along with a complete series of x-rays that are necessary for diagnostic purposes.  This time with the dentist opens a line of dialogue for you to express what your needs and wants are for your  smile, and allows us to plan how we can help you achieve those goals.

3. My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Bleeding gums is a concern.  Bleeding gums is a disease known as gingivitis.  This is a progressive disease and will turn into the irreversible gum disease known as periodontitis, if untreated.  Left untreated, gum disease can cause loose teeth, inflamed gums, and eventually tooth loss.  Regular cleanings and maintenance is an important step in stopping gingivitis and gum disease.  Your dentist and hygienist are a key part of limiting this disease from progressing.

4. At what age should my children first see a dentist?

A child should be seen by a dental professional by the age of one, or as soon as the first tooth appears.

5. How can I ask the Doctor questions directly?

Dr. Hammock will answer dental health related questions personally via email located at the “Contact Us” tab on our website.  Please refer all questions to dentistryofcharlotte@gmail.com.

6. What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?

Dr. Hammock prides himself and his practice on providing personalized care.  Any dentist has the skill and ability to do the necessary dental procedure.  We set ourselves apart by allotting time specifically for you, not rushing into the next situation.  We take time to answer any questions you may have, and Dr. Hammock will sit down person to person to discuss any concerns involving your dental treatment.  Your time in the chair is the most important matter happening at that time, and Dr. Hammock will focus on you personally.  You are a part of the practice, not just a patient with a name.

7. I do not like drills. Are there any other options?

There are other options.  We offer the advanced technology of Laser Dentistry that offers restorations with no shots or needles.  The laser is not a conventional drill.  It does not sound, look, or perform like a conventional drill but can have the same outcome as conventional drill dentistry.  It uses high frequency pulses through a laser beam to remove decayed tooth structure. 

We also offer Lumineer Veneers, which offer you cosmetic dentistry without drilling tooth structure.  There are no frustrating shots, drills, or temporaries to worry about.

8. I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

We offer Invisalign, or “invisible braces.”  These come in a series on trays that work to align your teeth without the pain of metal brackets.  You can insert and remove the trays manually, and no one knows that you are wearing braces.

We also offer Lumineer Veneers that cover the existing teeth.  These veneers are bonded on and can offer wonderful esthetics to create a beautiful smile.