William L Hand III New Bern Cosmetic Restorative General Dentist Services

Services Offered

Preventive Dentistry

We provide comprehensive examinations, typically more thorough than any you have previously experienced, and use digital x-ray technology to produce instant images with only a fraction of the radiation emitted by conventional dental x-rays. Our caring and competent dental hygienists will clean your teeth and provide you with home care instructions. Dietary coaching to help prevent decay and gum disease are routinely provided.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth Whitening
We are advocates of at-home bleaching with our assistance and supervision. This method is time tested and proven to comfortably and effectively lighten teeth at a fraction of the cost of laser or Zoom bleaching, which is no more effective but much more expensive. An added benefit is being able to easily "touch up bleach" in the future.

Completely Natural Crowns
For the most natural smile, we use special all-ceramic materials and a world-class laboratory in Virginia to fabricate restorations that look just like natural teeth. All ceramic crowns have color characterization and a natural translucency that mimics natural teeth, and no dark line at the gum line.

Dental Makeovers
A “dental makeover” may involve limited or extensive treatment. The result of a total dental makeover is a patient with a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.

Restorative Dentistry

Tooth-Colored Fillings
We use tooth-colored fillings that are very strong and natural-looking.

Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy is a conservative option that helps save teeth with nerve damage from decay or fractures. While root canal treatment has traditionally received a 'bad rap', our patients rarely experience discomfort during or after this procedure as a result of modern materials and techniques.

Complete and Partial Dentures
We provide this service and also repair existing dentures.

Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most advanced and natural tooth replacement system ever devised. Due to technological advances, most patients who are missing one or more teeth are now good candidates for dental implants. There are often a number of options available regarding implants. We will review your options so that you can make an informed decision.

For denture wearers, as few as two dental implants can make a tremendous difference in comfort and stability by providing retention and stabilization. Usually it is possible to work with an existing denture.

The best source of information on dental implants is the non-profit organization Institute for Dental Implant Awareness.

We frequently team with the Carolina Implant Center for complex or difficult implant placement, especially when teeth have been missing for a while and supporting bone has been lost. Dr. Thomas is one of the most skilled dental implantologists in the country.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Whether for esthetic or functional reasons, the most challenging dental treatment of all is a full mouth rehabilitation. Exceptional clinical skill from the general dentist is necessary, as well as the ability to coordinate complex treatment with multiple specialists. Dr. Hand has been teaming with several exceptional local specialist for more than 10 years to rebuild the worst dentitions imaginable. With the materials and techniques available today, no one need live as a dental cripple.

Sedation Dentistry

To reduce anxiety while receiving treatment, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. In conscious sedation, you safely take a pill to become completely relaxed, with little or no memory of your dental appointment. This can be helpful for those who have unpleasant memories of previous dental experiences.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The temporomandibular joint is a specialized hinge structure near the ear that allows the mouth to open and close and coordinates chewing. TMD, which stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, is a chronic degenerative disease that often takes years to develop. TMD affects millions of people. If you've tried everything and you still suffer from chronic headaches, neck aches, earaches, shoulder and back pain, and the cause of these symptoms has not been found, a thorough evaluation for TMD is essential and could change your life.