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Emergency Dentistry

We Handle All Emergency Dentistry at CarolinasDentist

There’s rarely any warning that dental trauma is about to happen, and it often occurs when you least expect it, leaving you in dire need of emergency dental care—and needing it as quickly as possible. At CarolinasDentist, we reserve space in our schedule to accommodate same-day dentist appointments. Our goal is to treat you with efficiency and accuracy to provide you with a long-term smile solution rather than a quick fix. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact one of our skilled emergency dentists near you today!

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Experiencing an issue with a tooth can be stressful, especially when you’re unsure if the issue qualifies as a dental emergency. However, at CarolinasDentist, we’ve seen it all. If you’re curious about what dental emergencies we prefer to quickly address, refer to the list below.

  • Broken dental restoration (crown, bridge, or denture)
  • Chipped or cracked tooth
  • Inflamed gums
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Lost filling
  • Persistent toothache

If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, please contact us right away so we can get you into our office for immediate treatment. We don’t want you to have to wait in pain or spend too much time trying to find an emergency dentist near you. We’ve got you covered!

Cost of Emergency Dental Care

The cost of treatment often prevents patients from getting the quality of dental care they need. We never want our patients to have to choose between their oral health and their budget, especially in an emergency. We offer a variety of payment options, including our CarolinasDentist Membership Plan, CareCredit®, and Comprehensive Finance™, to ensure a healthy smile is always within your reach.

Emergency Dentistry FAQs

A severe toothache, abnormal bleeding, or a broken tooth are a few of the most common dental emergencies. If you’re experiencing abnormal dental pain, you should seek advice from a dental professional as quickly as possible.

Now that’s a good question. Preparing for the unknown obviously has its challenges, but there are some preparations you can do. Indeed, dental emergencies are not always preventable, but you can better respond to them if you have the right tools. We recommend adding a few dental-specific items to your emergency kit, including floss, gauze, and a small container to transport a broken tooth. You should also have our contact information in an easily accessible spot so you can speak with a member of our team immediately.

In a perfect world, now. The sooner you seek help, the better. There is a small window of time that a knocked-out tooth may be salvaged, so it’s critical that you notify us of your dental emergency promptly. We do everything we can to get you into our office the very same day you call.

Many dental plans offer full or partial coverage for dental emergencies, and it’s always a good idea to check with your provider before an emergency arises to see what kind of coverage your family would receive. During a dental emergency, our number one priority is treating the issue, and our team will be happy to help you find a budget-friendly financing solution once your treatment is complete. Our Dental Discount Plan includes a complimentary emergency exam, and our office also accepts third-party payment plans through Comprehensive Finance™ and CareCredit®.

When an accident occurs, it can be difficult to determine the best course of action. In general, any dental-related issue should be taken care of by an experienced emergency dentist, with the exception of broken jaws. If you have a more serious, time-sensitive problem that needs to be treated before your dental emergency, you should visit the ER first. Still not sure what to do? Patients are always more than welcome to give our office a quick call if they believe they may need to schedule an emergency appointment with our team.

When an adult tooth gets knocked out, getting to an experienced emergency dentist as quickly as possible is imperative, as the sooner a dental professional can begin working on it, the more likely it is that the tooth will survive. Once you locate the tooth, we recommend picking it up by the crown and rinsing it off if possible. Then, either place the tooth back in the socket or put it in a cup of milk or saliva. After this is done, please give our team a call and get to our office as quickly and safely as possible, and we will do our best to restore your smile quickly and effectively.

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Clifton Cameron

Founder, Chief Dental Officer

Dr. Clifton Cameron founded CarolinasDentist in 2013 with a vision to create an unparalleled patient experience and transform the dental industry. His passion for leadership and technology has shaped CarolinasDentist as the premier dental group in the Carolinas, with over 40 affiliated doctors, 16 doctor partners, and practices that boast the latest and greatest dental technology.

Dr. Cameron also serves as Chief Dental Officer for Lightwave Dental and is an esteemed member of the Invisalign Faculty, where he trains doctors and teams on the digital workflow of clear aligners across the US, Canada, and the UK. Dr. Cameron boasts an impressive career, including 15 years in private practice, where he also played a pivotal role in educating dental students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels as an Adjunct Faculty at the East Carolina School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Cameron holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University, a DDS degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has earned a prestigious Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry. His diverse background and extensive experience make him a valuable asset to the dental industry as a frequent guest on numerous dental and entrepreneurial podcasts. He loves serving others as well and is a frequent volunteer locally and internationally through a variety of mission trip experiences.

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Gabrielle Smallwood

Senior Regional Director

Gabrielle, a seasoned professional, began her journey with CarolinasDentist in 2015 as the Practice Manager for the Fayetteville location. Swiftly showcasing her passion for growth and effective leadership, she transformed her Fayetteville team into the largest and most profitable practice in the CarolinasDentist network, earning her a spot on the CarolinasDentist Leadership Team in 2018.

Her impact extended behind the scenes, where Gabrielle played a pivotal role in facilitating CarolinasDentist's partnership with Lightwave. Recognizing her contributions, she was promoted in 2020 to Regional Director of Operations for Lightwave and Integrator for CarolinasDentist. A firm believer in the EOS Operating Platform, Gabrielle exemplifies her commitment to streamlined operations which helped her earn her promotion to Senior Regional Director of Operations.

Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Gabrielle is a proud graduate of Slippery Rock University, holding a degree in Health Services Administration. She brings a wealth of leadership experience from multi-location medical and dental practices. Her dedication to continuous improvement is evident in her enthusiasm for professional development and executive coaching.

Now based in Raleigh, NC, with her husband Nathan, Gabrielle shares her home with her two furry companions, Teddy and Peach, who are likely familiar faces on her Teams calls. Outside work, she loves getting lost in books and finds joy in diving into DIY projects, effortlessly merging her love for stories with hands-on creativity. With a book in one hand and a toolbox in the other, she brings literature and craftsmanship together in her own unique way.

lourdes

Lourdes Sisk

Marketing Director

Lourdes's journey in the professional landscape has been a rich tapestry woven through multiple industries. With over 20 years of experience, she has honed her skills across different sectors, gaining invaluable insights that enrich her strategic approach to marketing. At the core of Lourdes's leadership style is her ability to blend creativity with analytical prowess. This versatility allows her to approach challenges with a holistic perspective, ensuring that every aspect of the business is considered in the pursuit of strategic goals. Customer satisfaction lies at the heart of Lourdes's philosophy. Her customer-centric approach permeates every aspect of the marketing strategies she crafts, ensuring that our efforts resonate with our audience and create lasting connections. Lourdes embodies an entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation and drives growth.

Beyond the boardroom, Lourdes is a music enthusiast who finds inspiration in the rhythm and melodies that surround her. Her love for music reflects her creative spirit and adds a unique dimension to her leadership style. Lourdes cherishes her role as a loving spouse and a pet parent to three fur babies. Her commitment to family values extends beyond the workplace, fostering a culture of care and compassion among the team.

Lourdes is far more than our Director of Marketing; she is a multifaceted leader whose journey, skills, and passions converge to create a unique and powerful force within our organization. Her customer-centric approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for both her work and personal life make her an inspiring leader, shaping the future of marketing at CarolinasDentist.

Lauren

Lauren Collins

Hygiene Director

In 2018, Lauren Collins, originally from sunny Santa Rosa, California, happily joined the CarolinasDentist team in Raeford after graduating with a dental hygiene degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Lauren's positive energy and dedication to oral health quickly propelled her into the role of Hygiene Lead for the Raeford office in 2019.

Riding on the wave of her infectious enthusiasm, Lauren went on to apply for and secure the position of Hygiene Director in 2021. In this role, she supports and mentors all hygienists across CarolinasDentist, creating a workplace filled with positivity and professional growth.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lauren’s life is enriched by her love for animals. Currently sharing her home with two dogs and three cats, she exemplifies her caring nature not only in her career but also in her personal life. An outdoor enthusiast, she finds joy in kayaking and soaking up the beauty of nature. Lauren's lively personality shines in her social life, where laughter and shared references from The Office are always on the agenda.

Engaged to be married, Lauren cherishes the moments spent with her fiancé, laying the foundation for a future brimming with love and shared adventures. Lauren Collins symbolizes a fulfilling professional journey where her love for healthcare effortlessly merges with her love of caring for people. Her appreciation for life's simple and delightful moments adds a layer of joy to her overall career experience.

Sam

Sam Cernosek

Revenue Cycle Manager

Samantha Cernosek, a native Texan and proud alumna of Texas Tech University, moved to North Carolina in 2015. Her professional journey with CarolinasDentist began in May of 2016 and quickly led to a passion for the intricacies of dental insurance.

Her expertise lies in navigating the complexities of the dental revenue cycle, ensuring optimal financial performance for the practices. With an acute understanding of industry nuances, Samantha has implemented strategic financial solutions, enhancing revenue streams and contributing significantly to the practices’ growth and stability.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Samantha enjoys a variety of fitness activities, particularly cycling and self-defense with a focus on Krav Maga. In addition, she is an animal enthusiast, caring for three dogs of her own and actively contributing her time to volunteer at local rescues.

Paulina

Paulina Franco

Area Manager

In 2017, Paulina Franco Gil earned her degree as Chemical Engineer from the University of Antioquia. The Colombian native who found her heart divided between the vibrant valley of Medellin, Colombia, and the rolling landscapes of North Carolina moved to the US in 2018, where she not only found a new home but also the love of her life. Paulina embarked on a journey of resilience and adaptability being a proud military wife.

Joining CarolinasDentist in 2021 as a Treatment Coordinator in the Raeford location, Paulina swiftly climbed the professional ladder. Within a year, she transitioned from Treatment Coordinator to Assistant Practice Manager and was promoted to Practice Manager. Another year unfolded, and the opportunity to serve as the Area Manager for the Sandhills region knocked on her door.

Paulina’s passion extends beyond the office walls. She thrives on helping others grow and achieve their goals. When she is not immersed in the world of dental management, she is fostering an active lifestyle. Paulina enjoys going to the gym and loves outdoor activities, whether it's soaking up the sun at the beach, conquering mountain trails on a bike, or skiing down snow-covered slopes during winter.

While Paulina’s heart is firmly rooted in Colombian traditions, her spirit embraces a global perspective. Traveling is her way of expanding horizons, and sampling international cuisine. Paulina lives by the philosophy that energy is neither created nor destroyed; it simply changes form. That means you!

Bonnie Heath

Bonnie Heath

Regional Director of Operations

Born in Missouri and raised near Baltimore, Maryland, Bonnie embarked on a journey that led to a fulfilling career in the dental field. Achieving an associate's degree from Carroll Community College laid the foundation for Bonnie's professional pursuits.

Initially entering the veterinary field, Bonnie transitioned to dentistry, drawn by a keen interest in dental hygiene and inspired by her mother, a seasoned dental assistant of over 25 years. However, upon entering the dental field, Bonnie discovered that her true passion lay not in the intricacies of a patient's mouth but in the gratification of helping patients and the joy of training and mentoring others.

In 2019, Bonnie joined CarolinasDentist, taking on the role of managing the Porters Neck location. As time progressed, Bonnie expanded her responsibilities to support the Wilmington and Triangle regions, showcasing leadership and dedication to the dental community.

Beyond the professional realm, she finds joy and balance in her personal life. She and her husband, Chase, have two dogs, who are more like children. Bonnie unwinds by playing beach volleyball, indulging in reading, and immersing herself in the world of music.