Dr. Cynthia Elderkin, Dr. Claudel Giggey, and the team at Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are proud to offer comfortable and comprehensive solutions for patients of all ages. We welcome patients to discover more about our practice, learn what happens during routine cleanings, and read answers to common new patient FAQs. Our dentists will also be happy to answer questions you have about new patient information in our Raleigh, NC dentist office.
Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams
Routine dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining overall oral health. This procedure is a valuable part of your dental check-up, along with dental x-rays to check for proper bone density and the presence of any cavities or other oral diseases. A dental cleaning and complete examination are the foundation for good dental health.
During your visit, our registered dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and update any changes to your oral health. Professional cleanings are a helpful way to gently remove plaque and tartar from areas that are hard to self-clean, as well as get a check on any signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Because it is important to maintain good home care, we also educate our patients on how to brush and floss properly, ensuring they are knowledgeable in proper home care.
Regular checkups are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile!
Also, at your visit, our dentists will perform an oral cancer screening within your mouth and also will examine your jaw and neck. We will look for any abnormalities, such as asymmetries, swelling, bumps, discolorations, and ulcerations. If something unusual is seen or felt, we may feel the need to bring you back for a follow-up visit or refer you to a specialist.
The goal of this oral cancer screening is early detection of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions, thus increasing the chance of a positive outcome. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 53,000 people will get oral or oropharyngeal cancer, and 10,860 deaths will occur because of these cancers in 2019. The key to survival is early detection.
The following are risk factors that can increase the chance of oral cancer:
- Tobacco use (this includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaping, chewing tobacco, and snuff)
- Chronic alcohol use
- Significant sun exposure (especially without protection)
- Previous history of oral cancer
- HPV (human papilloma virus)
Be sure to keep up with your routine dental visits so these screenings can be done consistently.
Resources for Patients in Raleigh, NC
On our website, you can
New Dental Patient FAQs
Learn more about our practice, dental insurance, and routine care with answers to these popular questions from our new patients:
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, Dr. Giggey and Dr. Elderkin welcome new patients for dental care. We offer a full menu of dental services. Call 919.295.0936 to make your first appointment. To see how happy patients are with the services they receive at Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, see Patient Reviews.
How often should I visit the dentist?
You should visit the dentist biannually or every six months for a dental cleaning and examination. We may recommend more frequent visits for patients who have chronic dental problems. If you notice a change in your oral health, please let us know, and we can help you schedule an appointment.
Will I be able to use my dental insurance benefit if I come to your office?
Yes. You should check with your insurance company and ask what their “out-of-network” benefits are. You will pay for our services at the time of your appointment, and we will provide you with the claim form for you to submit to your insurance company. Your insurance company will reimburse you.
Can I still see you as my dentist if you aren’t a network provider for my insurance plan?
Absolutely! We are an out-of-network provider with all insurance companies. We will provide you with quality dental care and create a claim form you can submit directly to your insurance company, no matter your insurance.
Call Our Raleigh Office Today
Request your next dentist appointment with us online or contact our dental office at 919.295.0936. Our dental office also sees patients from North Raleigh, RTP, and Millbrook.