EXPERT
Dr. Richard Raymond Pence, DDS MAGD
Dentist
Dr. Richard Pence is a Dentist practicing in Denver, NC. Dr. Pence specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
53 years
Experience
Dr. Richard Raymond Pence, DDS MAGD
- Denver, NC
- UNC School of Dentistry
- Accepting new patients
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How do you cure sensitive teeth?
Causes: cavities or clenching/grinding teeth or receding gums. See your Dentist find the cause in your case. In the meantime, try using a “desensitization toothpaste” like “Sensodyne READ MORE
Causes: cavities or clenching/grinding teeth or receding gums. See your Dentist find the cause in your case. In the meantime, try using a “desensitization toothpaste” like “Sensodyne “ for a few weeks. That helped me.
Which gel is best for mouth ulcers?
To my knowledge, in-your-mouth type ulcers are, most likely virus-related, so getting rid of them is like getting tired of the flu, your immune system does it, and it takes a couple READ MORE
To my knowledge, in-your-mouth type ulcers are, most likely virus-related, so getting rid of them is like getting tired of the flu, your immune system does it, and it takes a couple of weeks typically. So gels suitable for internal use only help make it feel better, though some may make it go faster if they have anti- viral properties.
How do you stop partial dentures from moving?
Sometimes, having a dentist perform a slight adjustment to the wire clasps will help. Most but usually the best but more expensive cure is using something like Dental Implants READ MORE
Sometimes, having a dentist perform a slight adjustment to the wire clasps will help. Most but usually the best but more expensive cure is using something like Dental Implants to hold it still.
Is deep cleaning done under local anesthesia?
I have had that done myself. If it causes sensitivity of your teeth, they will use local.
Is it painful to have a dental bridge removed?
A dental bridge is normally cemented to the supporting natural teeth. They can be difficult to remove, so I usually make narrow cuts in the bridge (not the teeth) and then can READ MORE
A dental bridge is normally cemented to the supporting natural teeth. They can be difficult to remove, so I usually make narrow cuts in the bridge (not the teeth) and then can usually remove them fairly easily, not painfully.
Do they take X-rays for cavities?
X-rays help the dentist see cavities when they are smaller and you cannot see them just by looking at the teeth. If they are treated when small, it will save much more of the tooth. READ MORE
X-rays help the dentist see cavities when they are smaller and you cannot see them just by looking at the teeth. If they are treated when small, it will save much more of the tooth. The main problem is to see what is causing the cavities, (in our area, it's mostly soda, soft drinks, energy drinks, etc), and try to stop creating more cavities. Also flossing with unwaxed floss helps.
Can you straighten your teeth with periodontal disease?
Yes..we do this all the time if the patient has the disease and is consistent about maintaining their dental health. Seeing the periodontist on a regular basis is suggested to READ MORE
Yes..we do this all the time if the patient has the disease and is consistent about maintaining their dental health. Seeing the periodontist on a regular basis is suggested to ensure you don't lose more bone.
Can receding gums be restored?
Yes, in some cases. The best way to discover the most accurate answers is to make an appointment with a periodontist, a dental specialist whose primary job is to save gum tissue READ MORE
Yes, in some cases. The best way to discover the most accurate answers is to make an appointment with a periodontist, a dental specialist whose primary job is to save gum tissue whenever possible and replace it when appropriate.
Is floss with fluoride good?
The best type of floss is UNWAXED. All others just slide over the biofilm that harbors bacteria on the teeth. Using Waxed floss is like trying to clean up olive oil on the floor READ MORE
The best type of floss is UNWAXED. All others just slide over the biofilm that harbors bacteria on the teeth. Using Waxed floss is like trying to clean up olive oil on the floor with wax paper. A great brand is POH, if you can find it
Can I get my teeth straightened while pregnant?
Yes. Main problem we see with a pregnancy is that the xtra hormone level can cause your gums to bleed if you don’t keep the teeth clean.
Can a dentist fill gaps between front teeth?
Yes There are 3 ways to do 1. An orthodontist can move the teeth together 2. Bonding (tooth colored filling material used to adhere to the teeth) 3. Porcelain Veneers (laboratory-made READ MORE
Yes
There are 3 ways to do
1. An orthodontist can move the teeth together
2. Bonding (tooth colored filling material used to adhere to the teeth)
3. Porcelain Veneers (laboratory-made thin, tooth-colored porcelain applied to the teeth (just did those for my wife)
There are 3 ways to do
1. An orthodontist can move the teeth together
2. Bonding (tooth colored filling material used to adhere to the teeth)
3. Porcelain Veneers (laboratory-made thin, tooth-colored porcelain applied to the teeth (just did those for my wife)
How long after a molar tooth extraction can I get an implant?
When you have a molar removed, it leaves a big hole in the jawbone. To speed up healing, and to reduce the amount of bone lost in the meantime, the socket is usually "grafted" READ MORE
When you have a molar removed, it leaves a big hole in the jawbone. To
speed up healing, and to reduce the amount of bone lost in the
meantime, the socket is usually "grafted" or filled-in with material
to help the socket heal with minimal loss of bone. I would think that
4 months would be the minimum for healing prior to having your implant
place. I waited longer for one of the implants I have personally.
speed up healing, and to reduce the amount of bone lost in the
meantime, the socket is usually "grafted" or filled-in with material
to help the socket heal with minimal loss of bone. I would think that
4 months would be the minimum for healing prior to having your implant
place. I waited longer for one of the implants I have personally.
How long do fillings last on baby teeth?
I would expect fillings to last until the tooth comes out…unless the baby gets more decay. The key to having it last is the care you take to minimize sweets or acids in the baby’s READ MORE
I would expect fillings to last until the tooth comes out…unless the baby gets more decay. The key to having it last is the care you take to minimize sweets or acids in the baby’s diet. Ask the dentist for more information and try to find out how the baby got the cavity…such as sleeping with a bottle.
What to avoid if you have gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, usually caused by bacteria living in the plaque around the neck of the teeth. If left untreated it can progress into a permanent loss READ MORE
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, usually caused by bacteria living in the plaque around the neck of the teeth. If left untreated it can progress into a permanent loss of bone and decay in teeth. Usually, a good cleaning by a dental hygienist can allow the gums to go back to healthy, like removing a splinter from your finger allows healing. The most important thing is that the hygienist shows you how to keep the gingivitis from returning, usually just how to keep clean the areas you miss when you brush your teeth.
Can you eat with front partial dentures?
Yes, I wore one on the upper and lower for a while until I later got implants, so I didn't have to take them out anymore. You will need to be a little more careful with biting READ MORE
Yes, I wore one on the upper and lower for a while until I later got implants, so I didn't have to take them out anymore. You will need to be a little more careful with biting things, as the teeth are plastic,
not metal/porcelain.
not metal/porcelain.
Is a root canal necessary before the dental bridge?
A root canal is required prior to a "dental bridge" if the nerve of the tooth is damaged or infected, or if there is not enough tooth structure remaining and a post is needed to READ MORE
A root canal is required prior to a "dental bridge" if the nerve of the tooth is damaged or infected, or if there is not enough tooth structure remaining and a post is needed to build up the tooth in order to better hold the bridge.
How long does laser whitening of teeth last?
In our office, we only use the "office whitening" (stronger % of whitener) if the patient has a job interview coming up real soon. After 6 months, half the whitening is gone. The READ MORE
In our office, we only use the "office whitening" (stronger % of whitener) if the patient has a job interview coming up real soon. After 6 months, half the whitening is gone. The "laser" is mostly hype, and not worth extra $$, as studies show that the whitener used gives the same effect whether the laser is used or not. And most of the people who use it need to still do "at-home" whitening to keep the effects long term. Save the money, go to Walmart and buy the Crest 3D WhiteStrips (not the "professional" version. According to Consumer Reports, the WhiteStrips were the best of the at-home whitening systems at the time they tested them, unless you have a wedding or job interview coming up in the next couple of weeks.
What is the fastest way to straighten teeth?
Fastest way is with braces that attach to your teeth
What type of crown is best for front teeth?
I would recommend EMAX (lithium Disilicate) or Translucent Zirconia
How long does dental implant recovery take?
It takes 2-4 months for the implant to integrate with the bone of your mouth. Then the implant is tested to make sure it’s solidly fused to your bone. Next, the new tooth (crown) READ MORE
It takes 2-4 months for the implant to integrate with the bone of your mouth. Then the implant is tested to make sure it’s solidly fused to your bone. Next, the new tooth (crown) can be placed (2 visits). When I had an implant, I had to be careful not to chew anything hard on it while it was integrating. It was a little sore for a few days, more mildly annoying than painful, and an extra strength Tylenol took care of that. I’m so glad to have my tooth back!
