Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Smiling is a natural way of expressing emotions and feelings, and our smiles are often seen by many different people each day. If you are unhappy with your smile and want to improve your appearance without committing to expensive or extensive dental procedures, there are cosmetic dentistry options available to you.

Options for Cosmetic Dentistry in Apex, NC

At Olive Chapel Family Dentistry, we want you to love and feel good about your smile. We offer a wide range of cosmetic procedures that can help boost your confidence in your smile without breaking the bank or requiring years of follow-up care.

Some of our more common cosmetic procedures in Apex include professional teeth whitening and dental bonding. For more extreme or comprehensive cases, we also offer full-smile makeovers. The best thing about cosmetic dentistry is that it is extremely versatile and can be customized entirely to fit your needs.

Contact Olive Chapel Family Dentistry Today!

If you are searching for instant ways to enhance your smile, our dental office recommends professional teeth whitening and dental bonding. Dr. Prusik will meet with you for an initial cosmetic dental appointment and help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual smile. 

Contact Olive Chapel Family Dentistry at (919) 335-6133 to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Prusik! 

In order to serve our Apex patients best, we happily accept a full range of insurance companies.  At Olive Chapel Family Dentistry, we accept and work with most insurance plans, and our friendly and experienced front dental team can work with you in understanding your insurance benefits. We will make sure you get the maximum coverage that your insurance plan provides, and we are always happy to navigate the murky waters of insurance requirements.

Affordable Dental Care in Apex, NC

We accept most dental insurance plans and work with most national carriers. Additionally, Olive Chapel Family Dentistry offers a dental savings plan for patients near Apex who do not have insurance.

If you are a new patient or an existing patient with changing insurance, call our office and share your insurance information. We are happy to file your insurance for you as a courtesy!

The following is a list of popular insurance companies that we work with. If you don't see your insurance company on the list, please give us a call to verify your policy. We likely accept your insurance—the following list can always change:

• Delta Dental
• Aetna
• Ameritas
• Assurant
• BCBS
• Careington
• Cigna
• DHA
• Dental Network of America
• Guardian
• Humana
• MetLife
• Principal
• United Concordia Dental
• United Healthcare

Contact Olive Chapel Family Dentistry For More! 

We know how challenging insurance can be to navigate, which is why we are happy to help you get the best value from your insurance along with the highest quality of dentistry. Contact our Apex dental office today at (919) 335-6133 to learn more and ask any questions you may have along the way. 

We are thrilled that you have chosen to visit Olive Chapel Family Dentistry. We strive to provide the highest quality care and service. When you arrive, expect to be treated with friendly service and expert dentistry.

As you prepare for your appointment with us, getting familiar with our location will help you reach your appointment on time without stress.

Your Local Apex, NC Dentist Office

Centrally placed in the heart of Apex, NC, our dental office is located just up Kelly Road from Beaver Creek and Kelly Road Park at 1801 Olive Chapel Road on the right hand side. 

We are located across the street from Olive Chapel Elementary School, in a multi-office building. If you have any trouble locating our offices, please call us at 919-335-6133.

We look forward to seeing you for your appointment!

In some instances, we can repair a broken crown. In situations where the fracture is significant, however, repair may not be an option.

Repairing Dental Crowns in Apex, NC 

Dental crowns have several uses in dentistry, including:

• Capping a weak or damaged tooth
• Concealing tooth flaws, including discoloration
• Topping a dental implant post
• Anchoring a dental bridge

Dental crowns in Apex, NC—much like teeth—absorb a lot of impact from chewing, which means that eventually, a dental crown can chip or fracture.

In some cases, your dentist can repair a broken dental crown in Apex, NC with composite resin—the same material used to bond teeth and fill cavities. Your dentist spreads the resin over the crack or fracture, shapes it to conceal the break, uses a special light to set the material, and then finishes up with a polish.

However, if the crown is severely damaged—due to an impact injury, for example, your dentist may recommend a new dental crown.

Remember, with proper care—visiting your dentist regularly and brushing and flossing daily—dental crowns can last for many years!

Contact Our Apex, NC Dentist Office

If you’re looking for dental crown repair, or if you have any questions about our dentistry options, contact Olive Chapel Family Dentistry today at (919) 335-6133!

Getting a dental crown in Apex, NC, is not painful. Instead, you simply relax while your dentist prepares the tooth for its cap. Then, with the tooth crown in place, you’re free to eat and go about your day with no downtime for healing.

If your dentist recommends a dental crown, it may be that you have a broken or vulnerable tooth. The crown restores function and prevents the tooth from breaking further or needing extraction. A dental crown also works to cap a dental implant (acting like your lost tooth) or to secure a dental bridge to healthy teeth.

Additionally, some patients choose dental crowns as part of a smile makeover or in cosmetic dentistry. For example, the crown can cover a flawed or discolored tooth to restore its aesthetic.

A dental crown is a protective cap that fits over a prepared or treated tooth. It is always customized to work with your smile and blend in naturally, looking like a real tooth.

For Dental Crowns, Contact Your Dentist in Apex, NC

We rely on quality materials to craft our tooth crowns and restorations and use only the most trusted dental labs. To learn more about dental restoration or to arrange a consultation with the dentist, reach out today to a helpful team member.

Dental implants can help improve your quality of life and restore your ability to eat and smile normally. If you are considering dental implants near Apex, NC, Dr. Dustin Prusik, DDS can meet with you and outline a treatment plan.

Treatment Time for Dental Implants in Apex, NC

How long it takes to receive your dental implants will largely depend on your personal situation. If you are having broken or damaged teeth extracted first, the extraction site will need to heal before implants can safely be placed. Some patients may also require bone grafting, especially if the area has been missing a tooth for a significant amount of time. If bone grafting is required, the healing process will usually take between three and six months.

Dental Implant Placement

After the tooth site is sufficiently healed, implant placement surgery can be performed. The titanium implant is placed directly into the jawbone so the bone can grow around the implant and secure the implant within the mouth. Typically, the implant is left to gradually unite with the jawbone for several months.

Once the implant is securely within the jawbone, an abutment will be connected to the implant. The abutment is the hardware that joins the implant post and the porcelain crown together. The crown will need to be custom-made for your implant and then placed in the mouth. These steps usually take several weeks to complete.

Contact Our Dentist Office in Apex to Learn More

The time it takes to get dental implants ranges significantly, but the average amount of time is approximately four to six months for a patient who does not need a bone graft. 

Give Olive Chapel Family Dentistry a call today at (919) 335-6133 to schedule a consultation for dental implants!

Dental implant costs vary for a few reasons, including the number of implants, the type of implants—single or fixed prosthetic—and the complexity of your case.

Your Apex, NC, the dentist will have you come in for a consultation, which includes an exam. This visit determines whether you’re a good candidate for implant dentistry. At this time, we can also determine complexity and cost. We will share all findings with you before moving forward with treatment.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants in Apex, NC, are tooth root replacements surgically implanted into the jawbone. These roots integrate into the bone, creating a stable underpinning for your replacement tooth. Four to six implants can also secure a denture if you have complete or significant tooth loss.

Dentists recommend implants because they are like natural teeth and the only replacement option that restores your tooth and its missing root. By replacing both, you help preserve jawbone health and guard against deterioration. Additionally, dental implants prevent migrating teeth, which can lead to oral health complications.

Contact Your Implant Dentist in Apex, NC

To arrange your implant consultation with the dentist, or if you have questions for our dental team, give us a call today. We are always happy to answer your questions and arrange your next visit.

Most dentists agree that dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. This is due to their numerous advantages, including stability, durability, and a natural appearance. If you’re searching for a dental implant dentist near me to learn more about the procedure, Olive Chapel Family Dentistry can help, especially if you’re concerned about dental implant success.

Dental Implant Procedures are Highly Successful

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons reports that tooth implant treatments performed by a qualified implant dentist have a success rate greater than 95%. Part of this level of success is due to excellent planning.

In addition, our implant dentist possesses comprehensive tooth implant placement training. This qualifies him to determine if dental implants are right for you and then help you through the process from start to finish.

Some factors could interfere with dental implants. Other tooth replacement options may be better if you use tobacco or suffer from conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis. Our team will assess you before we start any procedures.

A few prerequisites for dental implants include:

• Good overall physical health
• Sufficient jaw bone structure to support the implant
• Absence of periodontal disease

To learn if the highly effective dental implants in Apex, NC, might work for you, we encourage you to call our dental office today.

Yes! Since our office monitors incoming phone calls 24/7, we are typically able to get emergency and same-day appointments right away. If you are experiencing a toothache or have broken a tooth, do not hesitate!

We understand that dental emergencies near Apex, NC are by nature unpredictable, and often happen at the worst time. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don't hesitate to give us a call. We usually reserve spots in our schedule so we can fit in unexpected visits. Even if you're not a patient of ours, we will still work to give you the dental treatment you need. 

Emergency Dental Care in Apex, NC

Give Olive Chapel Family Dentistry a call today at (919) 335-6133! Dental emergencies are often painful, and—in some cases—time-sensitive. If you have cracked a tooth or had your tooth knocked out, we may need to see you right away to save your tooth. If your dental emergency happens during business hours, we can arrange to see you on the same day. If you call us after business hours, we still answer calls at any hour and can often treat you right away. 

Relieve Bad Tooth Pain at Our Dentist Office

Don't live with tooth pain! We are here to make your life easier and stress-free. If you're unsure whether you have a dental emergency or a dental issue that can wait, please give our friendly and knowledgable dental team a call at (919) 335-6133 to schedule treatment for emergency dental care. We are available to answer any questions or concerns at any time. 

Dental Emergencies Near Apex, NC

We monitor our phones for after-hours emergencies 24/7 in case the unexpected happens. Whether you're a current patient or have never seen us before, do not hesitate to give us a call at (919) 335-6133 in the event of a dental emergency near Apex, NC. We often reserve space in our treatment schedule so we can see patients the same day. 

Olive Chapel Family Dentistry is Here for You

At Olive Chapel Family Dentistry, we treat all our patients like family—which is why we work hard to see you whenever you need to. We never make patients feel unwelcome or difficult; we know how difficult it can be to take time out of your life to maintain your oral health. Please let anyone on our friendly dental staff know if there are any specific needs or concerns you have before your dental appointment with us. 

If you have suffered a dental emergency near Apex, NC, do not hesitate to contact Olive Chapel Family Dentistry at (919) 335-6133!

We always look forward to speaking with our patients and providing any information they need. Please come in and say hi!

At Olive Chapel Family Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can be a scary and anxious time. No one wants to be in pain due to an injured or infected tooth, and it can be especially frustrating if your emergency begins outside of regular business hours!

Emergency Dental Care in Apex

If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Apex, NC, we want to help you treat the emergency as quickly as possible. If you are in severe pain or have trauma to your mouth, do not wait to contact our dental office. Usually, we will be able to get you in within a matter of hours and treat you that very same day. Dr. Prusik and our team take any type of emergent threat to oral health very seriously, which is why our dental office created a 24/7 phone line for after-hours needs.

Call Our Emergency Dentist at (919) 335-6133

Not sure if your injuries are serious enough to qualify as a dental emergency? We encourage both new and existing patients to reach out immediately at the first sign of irregular pain or discomfort. It is always better to catch a problem early before it turns into something more serious. Emergency dental care can include treating conditions such as infected or abscessed areas of the gum, teeth that have been knocked out or broken off, severe pain in a tooth or in the jawbone, or broken dentures.

Your health is our priority. If you need emergency dental care in Apex, NC, contact our dental office any time of day!

General dentists are equipped to handle a wide array of dental issues. They are the first line of defense for common oral health concerns like cavities and gum disease. However, when faced with more complex or specialized dental issues, a general dentist may refer patients to specialists with additional specialized training and education in specific branches of dentistry like orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics.

These referrals occur when a dental issue requires specialized knowledge, advanced techniques, or equipment that are not readily available in a general dental practice. This ensures that patients receive top-quality care tailored to their specific needs.

General dentists collaborate with specialists to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address a patient's oral and overall health. Ultimately, however, whether a general dentist treats a specific issue themselves or refers a patient to a specialist, the goal remains the same: to provide the most effective care possible for their patient’s oral health.

General Dentist in Apex, NC

If you’re in the Apex, NC area and seeking a general dentist with the expertise to treat a wide range of oral health issues, a knowledge of when specialized care is required, and relationships with highly regarded specialists in all areas of dentistry, contact dentist Dr. Dustin Prusik and the Olive Chapel Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.

Do you tend to cover or hide your smile when you're meeting new people? This might make you appear unfriendly or unapproachable to others.

If you're not satisfied with the appearance of your smile, cosmetic dentistry in Apex, NC may be a good solution.

Cosmetic Dental Services

Whether it's yellow teeth, chipped or broken teeth, or crooked teeth that you are living with, Dr. Prusik offers dental services that can help. Some of the cosmetic dental procedures you might choose from are:

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Dental bonding
• Porcelain crowns
• Dental bridges
• Tooth implants
• Dental veneers
• Clear braces with Invisalign

Apex dentist, Dr. Dustin Prusik, DDS, is happy to provide a smile evaluation for you to discuss your ideas and goals for your smile. Based on your unique needs and desires for your smile, he will help you determine which cosmetic dental procedures will best help you achieve your goals.

If you're dealing with more extensive smile concerns, Dr. Prusik may design a smile makeover plan to help you achieve your new look. Smile makeovers can often be divided into phases that can be completed over time to accommodate both your schedule and your budget.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Cosmetic Dentist in Apex!

Have you considered making changes to your smile? Contact Olive Chapel Family Dentistry today at (919) 335-6133 to learn more about the possibilities for your smile.

Many of our patients want to know if they will need to see a specialist for a certain procedure.

Whenever possible, we offer dental treatment right here in our Apex, NC dental office. Our patients enjoy the familiarity of having their dental treatment in an office they are familiar with, and they appreciate not having to make trips across town to receive their necessary dental care. Some of the expanded services we provide at Olive Chapel Family Dentistry include:

Oral Surgery and Tooth Extractions 

In most cases, we can perform oral surgery procedures here in our Apex, NC dentist office without the need for a trip to the oral surgeon.

Root Canal Therapy

For most root canals in Apex, NC, we offer treatment here. We use the latest rotary equipment to make your treatment fast with minimal discomfort.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Apex, NC

Unless the surgery is highly complex, we will remove your wisdom teeth here and make sure that your healing stays on track.

Bone Grafting 

Bone grafting helps patients who would otherwise not have enough bone to support a dental implant. 

Dental Implant Placement

Dr. Prusik is highly skilled and has valuable experience in placing and restoring dental implants in Apex, NC.

Contact Our Apex Dentist Office Today!

Of course, we want the very best outcome for you. In the event that we feel you could benefit from a specialist, we will certainly refer you to one. We will stay in communication with them to ensure that your care is seamless from start to finish. Call Olive Chapel Family Dentistry today at (919) 335-6133 to schedule your oral surgery consultation.

Olive Chapel Dentistry happily treats children! 

We recommend beginning pediatric dentistry in Apex, NC at age one. This age is approximate and around the time of his or her first tooth.

Children's Dentistry in Apex, NC

At your child's visit to our dentist in Apex, NC, Dr. Prusik will examine your child’s smile carefully and take the time to help him or her feel at ease in our office. 

We also make room during this exam to talk to you, answer questions, and share what to expect as your child’s teeth develop. Additionally, a member of our team can speak to you about oral care tips to try at home and make dietary suggestions to help keep your child’s teeth healthy.

A Fun Experience for Your Child

We want your child to enjoy coming to the children's dentist in Apex, NC, which is why we take measures to bond with him or her—sharing a joke or making small talk to ease any anxiety. We want your child to associate the dental office with fun, and we provide a children’s area and even a place to watch favorite programs.

Schedule Your Child's First Dentist Appointment

Is your child ready for their first appointment for pediatric dentistry in Apex, NC? Contact our dentist office today at (919) 335-6133 to schedule your child's dental exam. 

Warnings Signs of Gum Disease

Bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth is often an early indicator of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is an infection in your gum tissue caused by bacteria. Bacteria feed on food particles and the plaque that collects on your teeth. 

Preventing Gum Disease

You can avoid gum disease by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once per day. Regular dental cleanings in Apex, NC will also help to keep infection at bay because no matter how diligently you brush and floss your teeth, you cannot remove all plaque on your own. It will eventually harden into tartar and cannot be removed using a toothbrush and floss. 

Gum Disease Treatment in Apex, NC 

The dental hygiene team at Olive Chapel Family Dentistry is gentle and expertly removes plaque from your teeth using precision instruments designed to work efficiently and comfortably. We can educate you on proper home care so that you can avoid gum disease in the future.

Our dentist in Apex, NC can provide gum disease treatment by performing a specialized dental cleaning that removes tartar from above and beneath your gum line. This allows your gum tissue to heal properly and reduces inflammation.

We may also apply a local antibiotic treatment to heal any particularly troubled spots and schedule more frequent dental cleanings until your health is restored.

Contact Olive Chapel Family Dentistry Today!

If you're concerned about your gums bleeding or gum disease, contact our Apex dentist office today at (919) 335-6133 to schedule a consultation.

Professional teeth whitening in Apex, NC is a great way to boost your confidence.

Many people wish for a whiter, brighter smile only to purchase whitening kits at the store and be disappointed by the results. Often yellow stains remain, and the bleaching is uneven. Your dentist in Apex, NC provides solutions that help you achieve optimal results.

Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening in Apex 

Your Apex, NC dentist determines whether professional teeth whitening is right for you. If you are a good candidate, the next step is whitening your smile! The type of whitening and the method chosen depends on your exam and conversation with Dr. Prusik.

Professional teeth whitening can dramatically brighten your smile—in many cases, up to eight shades! Our take-home kit means that you can do periodic touchups to maintain your results or whiten on the eve of an event like a wedding or vacation.

Maintaining your results may also mean minimizing certain tooth-staining activities like drinking red wine, sipping coffee, or smoking tobacco.  

Contact Our Cosmetic Dentist in Apex, NC Today!

Ready to enhance your natural smile? Contact our office at (919) 335-6133 to schedule your teeth whitening consultation with our Apex, NC dentist. Also, get in touch with us if you have any questions about professional teeth whitening.  

Whitening your teeth can transform your smile—more so than you might think—and it’s one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options in Apex, NC. However, to ensure a safe experience that does not harm your enamel, we strongly encourage whitening under the supervision of a dentist.

When you whiten your smile with your dentist’s approval, our dental office deems the ingredients safe for your teeth and gums. However, when you whiten on your own, this is not knowable.

Other reasons to stick with the professionals include even and predictable results.  

Your cosmetic dentist in Apex, NC, starts with a consultation, especially if you’re a newer patient and don’t have relevant or current information on file. The dentist can gauge whether professional teeth whitening is safe for you at this visit.

If it is, we typically start you with professional teeth whitening. This approach clears plaque and tartar, encouraging the whitening to better adhere to the teeth and lift stains.

A whiter smile improves confidence and allows you to choose lighter restorations like crowns and tooth-colored fillings.

Looking for Professional Teeth Whitening in Apex, NC?

Teeth whitening works beautifully on its own or in combination with other cosmetic treatments for a full smile makeover. If you would like to learn more or if you’re ready to get started, give us a call today.  

Despite the rumors, root canal therapy is a standard procedure that is not typically painful. In fact, the area your dentist works on will be numb!

More good news: root canals in Apex, NC relieve pain as opposed to causing it.

Root Canal Treatment for Pain Relief

If you need a root canal, it means you have had past trauma to your tooth or a root infection that is likely causing you pain. Your jaw near the pain site may be swollen, and you may notice a blister on your gum.

Root canal therapy finds your Apex dentist gently numbing the area around your infected or damaged tooth. After the numbing takes hold, your dentist pulls the root and pulp from your tooth; removing these infected bits eases your pain.

After extraction of the root and pulp, your dentist relies on a healing agent and transitory filling to keep the area clean. At your next dental visit, we fill the tooth or cap it with a dental crown, the latter if the tooth is weak following infection.

Our tooth crowns match your teeth in color, shape, and size.

Contact Our Apex Dental Office Today!

If it is time for your next checkup, or if you have a toothache, contact Olive Chapel Family Dentistry at (919) 335-6133 ASAP!