Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hopewell Family Dentistry is located at 3454 N. Hwy 81 in Anderson, SC, and we are pleased to treat patients from all locations, including Williamston, Belton, Pelzer, Piedmont, and your neighborhood.

Our dental office is only seven miles from the Anderson historic district and just under four miles south of I-85 and 81 convergences.

In the historic district, you'll find opportunities for shopping, eating, and exploring:

• CocoBon Chocolatier
• DaVinci Italian Restaurant
• Doolittle's
• Shucks Oyster Bar
• Blake & Brady Boutique
• And so much more!

Our dental office is just across the street from Dominion Senior Living of Anderson.

About Family Dentistry in Anderson

We couldn't be more pleased if you consider making us your dental home. As a family dentist, we provide dental care for the entire family, treating patients of all ages—from children to seniors.

Your Anderson dentist provides all the treatments your family needs to achieve and maintain excellent oral health. We are also here for your dental emergencies and advanced care, including:

• Cosmetic dentistry
• Clear aligners
• Tooth replacement

Additionally, to help you finance your dentistry, our dental clinic will bill your insurance company on your behalf and are happy to accept CareCredit financing.

Dentist Near Me in Anderson

If you have questions for our dental team or are ready to schedule appointments for yourself or your family, contact us today.

A cavity is created by a process termed “caries,” which is the destruction of hard tooth structure. During the caries process, the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths are fed by what we eat, and release acid that breaks down the tooth. To prevent the caries process, there are many areas of our daily routine that can be modified. Many times, only simple changes in the areas listed below may be enough to stop the caries process and prevent cavities.

How Your Diet Can Affect Your Oral Health

Simple carbohydrates are the primary food source for the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths. The bacteria then use these carbohydrates to produce acid, which is what damages our teeth. The bacteria can continue to feed for approximately 30 minutes after consuming any food or drink items containing carbohydrates.  Recommendations for diet modifications are listed below:

Problems: Soda, sweet tea, processed foods high in carbohydrates (such as bread, crackers, and chips), hard and soft candies

Solutions: Raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, meats, yogurt, cheese, water, and calorie-free drinks

Problem: Bacteria using food to produce acid for 30 minutes after consumption

Solutions: Minimize snacks between meals, eating xylitol gum immediately after meal to neutralize acid

Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for 2 minutes twice daily and flossing at least once daily. When you are finished brushing your teeth, they should feel slick and smooth to the tongue like they feel after a professional cleaning. If there is an area on the surface of any teeth that still feels “furry” then plaque is still present and should be brushed off. The tongue should also be cleaned every time the teeth are brushed.

Problem: Inadequate cleaning of teeth

Solutions: Electric toothbrush*, glide-type floss**, more frequent professional cleanings***

*Teeth are typically much cleaner after brushing for the same amount of time with an electric toothbrush compared to a manual toothbrush.

**Many people have complaints of flossing being uncomfortable, difficult, or even painful. Newer glide types of floss make flossing a much better experience than traditional floss that is prone to shredding.

***Professional cleanings are recommended at least every 6 months for the average person

Environment of Mouth

Occasionally caries are still a problem even with proper hygiene and diet. This can be caused by environmental factors including “bad” bacteria in the mouth, low flow of saliva, or low pH (high acidity) of saliva.

Problem: “Bad” bacteria

Solutions: Bacteria modification through probiotics, such as OralBiotic Blis or Evoraplus, and/or mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist

Problem: Low salivary flow caused by older age or medication

Solution: Xylitol (sugar-free) gum or hard candy to promote saliva flow

Problem: Low salivary pH (high acidity)

Solution: Fluoride toothpaste or gel trays prescribed by your dentist to promote remineralization.

Clear aligners are an innovative alternative to traditional, fixed orthodontics like metal braces. Clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays that fit over your teeth, similar to whitening trays. Over time as the patient wears clear aligners, the trays gently engage the teeth and gradually move them into the desired position.

Common Dental Issues Clear Aligners Can Correct

Numerous concerns can be remedied with clear aligners, including:

• Overbites
• Underbites
• Open bites
• Crossbites
• Gaps and uneven spacing between teeth 
• Crooked or twisted teeth 
• Overlapping or crowded teeth

Clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a desirable option for teens, adults, and professionals who don’t want metal brackets and wires to detract from their smile. 

Clear aligners are also removable, so you don’t have to worry about dietary or oral hygiene restrictions; you can eat whatever you’d like and brush and floss like normal. With clear aligners, you can achieve straighter, more symmetrical teeth and a more aligned bite.

Clear Aligners in Anderson, SC

Do you have crooked or uneven teeth? Cosmetic dentist Dr. Patrick Carter and our Hopewell Family Dentistry team can provide you with smile-enhancing options for straighter, healthier teeth. Clear aligners may be an excellent solution for you. Please schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options. 

Bone grafting allows patients who did not originally meet the requirements for dental implants to have the stable, reliable results that dental implants provide. Using donor bone or lab-created bone, Dr. Carter will place the material at the site of your dental implant. As you heal, and the bone graft integrates fully with your natural bone. 

If you have been looking into dental implants as a solution for your missing teeth, you might have heard that some patients require bone grafting for treatment to be a success. 

Importance of Bone Density for Dental Implants

Proper bone density is necessary to support a dental implant post and the force that occurs when chewing. If your bone is too thin or has receded over time, a bone graft can solve this problem.

Dental Implants at Our Anderson Dental Office

Dr. Patrick Carter can perform your dental implant treatment from start to finish right here in our Anderson, SC dental office without the need for trips to the oral surgeon. This puts many of our patients at ease because they prefer to have their dental care performed by the dentist with whom they have developed a relationship and at the office where they feel comfortable.

Dr. Carter gives our patients great results. Dental implants are the perfect long-term solution to missing teeth. Call Hopewell Family Dentistry to learn more.

That depends on you, your goals for your smile, and your overall oral health.

At Hopewell Family Dentistry, we offer a number of options to replace missing teeth, including dental implants. An oral evaluation will help us determine which option is right for you. Here are some of the ways we can give you your smile back:

Popular Tooth Replacement Options in Anderson

Fixed dental bridge – If you are missing one or two teeth, a dental bridge may be the answer. A bridge can complete your smile and prevent your teeth from moving. The downside is that we need to prep two of your adjacent teeth to suspend the artificial tooth in place.

Dental implants – One of the best ways to replace missing teeth is with a dental implant. We do not need to prep healthy teeth because dental implants can stand alone. Dental implants also have the same health benefits of your natural teeth.

Partial denture – A partial denture replaces missing teeth on your upper or lower arch. It can replace a few or many missing teeth and uses your natural teeth as an anchor.

Complete dentures – A complete denture is for patients who are facing extraction of all of their teeth on their upper or lower arch.

Contact us to learn which option will work best for you.

At Hopewell Family Dentistry, we want you to feel confident when you smile, so we offer a variety of cosmetic services, including professional teeth whitening, to help you achieve your best look. 

Are You a Candidate for Professional Teeth Whitening?

You are likely eligible for professional teeth whitening if your teeth and gums are healthy and you don’t have fillings or other dental restorations such as bridges or crowns on the teeth you would like to whiten.

Teeth whitening is also not ideal if you are:

• Pregnant or nursing
• Allergic to peroxide
• Susceptible to sensitivity in your teeth

What Teeth Whitening Services Do We Offer?

We proudly offer our Anderson patients professional take-home teeth whitening services. We will give you detailed instructions on how to use your custom whitening trays and whitening gel in your home on your schedule. You can reuse your whitening trays over and over until you reach the beautiful smile you want.

Do You Need Professional Teeth Whitening in Anderson?

If you want to schedule an appointment with our dental team, please call (864) 760-1611.

That is a common misconception! Cosmetic dentistry does not have to be expensive.

At Hopewell Family Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Carter offers a number of affordable options to improve your smile. 

Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Teeth whitening is a great way to take years off of your appearance. With professional teeth whitening, you can get great results in just a couple of weeks. Professional teeth whitening is superior to over-the-counter products because Dr. Carter will create custom trays and choose a whitening option that works best for you.

Tooth-colored fillings can replace dark fillings that may leave a mark on your smile. Over time, amalgam fillings can cause your whole tooth to take on a gray hue. Replacing your dark fillings can improve the appearance of your teeth.

Cosmetic dental bonding is a non-invasive and affordable way to improve the appearance of your teeth by fixing chips, gaps, wear, misshapen, or damaged teeth. While cosmetic dental bonding cannot repair every problem, Dr. Carter enjoys this procedure and can work wonders in one appointment. 

Contact Our Anderson, SC Dental Clinic

Whether you want to change something about the way your teeth look or you just want to know what options are out there, contact our Anderson, SC dental office to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation.

You might be surprised to learn that about a third of the patients who call our office express some level of dental anxiety, so you are definitely not alone. For some, dental anxiety is so great that patients actually stay away, miss appointments, and then develop serious oral health problems that cause them to spend more time at the dentist in the long run.

Dr. Carter wanted to provide a way for even the most fearful patients to get the dental care they need to stay healthy. That is why at Hopewell Family Dentistry, we offer two levels of sedation dentistry to help our anxious patients relax.

Types of Sedation Dentistry in Anderson, SC

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a mild form of sedation. It’s so safe, we can even use it on nervous kids. It doesn’t leave you groggy or feeling drowsy so you can return to work right away.

Oral sedation dentistry is a powerful way to combat dental office stress. We use prescription medication to help you reach deep levels of sedation while you remain conscious, though you may doze off during treatment. You shouldn’t drive after oral sedation, so bring a friend with you to your appointment to keep you safe.

Are you curious about sedation dentistry? Call our Anderson, SC dental office today!

We never want to hurt our patients.

Dr. Patrick Carter takes his time making sure you feel completely comfortable for your treatment. Our Hopewell Family Dentistry philosophy includes the idea that dentistry can be pain-free, and we strive for that goal with every patient.

Alleviate Dental Anxiety

Even if you have difficulty getting numb, we offer solutions. Did you know that stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can counteract anesthetic and make it harder for you to feel completely numb? It’s true, and it’s not your fault. If we address your anxiety first, using sedation dentistry, getting numb and staying numb throughout your treatment should be no problem.

Gentle Dentistry in Anderson, SC

Even services such as extractions, root canal therapy, and dental implant placement can go smoothly and feel just like having a filling. Dr. Carter is also great at giving injections. You will hardly know it is happening.

Making sure you are comfortable is a top priority. At our Anderson, SC dental office, we take our time to do it right so you can relax, feel confident in the care you receive in our office, and even have a positive experience when receiving dental treatment.

Contact Hopewell Family Dentistry

If you have concerns about something hurting, let us know! That way, we can learn a little more and make sure we treat you right.

A cavity is created by a process termed “caries,” which is the destruction of hard tooth structure. During the caries process, the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths are fed by what we eat, and release acid that breaks down the tooth. To prevent the caries process, there are many areas of our daily routine that can be modified. Many times, only simple changes in the areas listed below may be enough to stop the caries process and prevent cavities.

How Your Diet Can Affect Your Oral Health

Simple carbohydrates are the primary food source for the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths. The bacteria then use these carbohydrates to produce acid, which is what damages our teeth. The bacteria can continue to feed for approximately 30 minutes after consuming any food or drink items containing carbohydrates.  Recommendations for diet modifications are listed below:

Problems: Soda, sweet tea, processed foods high in carbohydrates (such as bread, crackers, and chips), hard and soft candies

Solutions: Raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, meats, yogurt, cheese, water, and calorie-free drinks

Problem: Bacteria using food to produce acid for 30 minutes after consumption

Solutions: Minimize snacks between meals, eating xylitol gum immediately after meal to neutralize acid

Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for 2 minutes twice daily and flossing at least once daily. When you are finished brushing your teeth, they should feel slick and smooth to the tongue like they feel after a professional cleaning. If there is an area on the surface of any teeth that still feels “furry” then plaque is still present and should be brushed off. The tongue should also be cleaned every time the teeth are brushed.

Problem: Inadequate cleaning of teeth

Solutions: Electric toothbrush*, glide-type floss**, more frequent professional cleanings***

*Teeth are typically much cleaner after brushing for the same amount of time with an electric toothbrush compared to a manual toothbrush.

**Many people have complaints of flossing being uncomfortable, difficult, or even painful. Newer glide types of floss make flossing a much better experience than traditional floss that is prone to shredding.

***Professional cleanings are recommended at least every 6 months for the average person

Environment of Mouth

Occasionally caries are still a problem even with proper hygiene and diet. This can be caused by environmental factors including “bad” bacteria in the mouth, low flow of saliva, or low pH (high acidity) of saliva.

Problem: “Bad” bacteria

Solutions: Bacteria modification through probiotics, such as OralBiotic Blis or Evoraplus, and/or mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist

Problem: Low salivary flow caused by older age or medication

Solution: Xylitol (sugar-free) gum or hard candy to promote saliva flow

Problem: Low salivary pH (high acidity)

Solution: Fluoride toothpaste or gel trays prescribed by your dentist to promote remineralization.

A dental crown is like a tiny hardhat that covers a natural tooth to protect, strengthen, or improve a person’s oral health and aesthetics. 

Reasons You Might Need a Dental Crown

You may need a dental crown for one or more of the following reasons:

• Protect a weak or brittle tooth from breaking 
• Hold together parts of a cracked or fractured tooth 
• Protect a decayed or damaged tooth 
• Restore a broken or severely worn down tooth 
• Cover and support a tooth with a large filling
• Secure a dental bridge in place 
• Conceal a severely discolored or misshapen tooth 
• Top a dental implant 
• Modify cosmetic flaws 

Though crowns often restore an adult tooth, some children may need a crown on a primary tooth to:

• Save a tooth damaged from decay and prevent the decay from spreading 
• Cover a tooth that can’t support a filling 
• Protect a tooth that’s at a higher risk for tooth decay, especially if a child does not practice good daily oral hygiene 
• Cover a tooth that hasn’t developed correctly 

We only suggest a dental crown for a child to preserve their natural primary tooth. Repairing and restoring primary teeth is important because it helps their permanent teeth grow correctly and reduces their chance of needing orthodontic care. 

Custom Dental Crowns in Anderson, SC

Do you have a broken or decayed tooth? Please call our dental office in Anderson, SC, today to schedule your appointment and learn more about your restorative dental care options. 

Yes! Not only do we treat children, it’s one of the best parts of our day.

We have set up our Anderson office to make sure that kids feel completely comfortable. We know parents can be a little nervous, too, so we will make your child’s dental visits fun for you as well!

Dr. Carter believes that helping kids keep their teeth healthy now will not only protect their smiles in the future, but allow them to have a positive attitude toward dentistry and oral health that lasts a lifetime.

Kid-Themed Treatment Room

We have a kid-sized and fun treatment room where your child will receive his or her care. From the brightly decorated walls to the overhead televisions, this special place was designed with your little one in mind. We can play their favorite Disney Channel or Nick show to help them pass the time.

Professional and Gentle Care in Anderson, SC

We describe treatment in a way that makes dentistry easy for kids to understand. By avoiding scary terms such as shot, hurt, and drill, we can eliminate their anxiety.

We also communicate well with parents and keep them up-to-date on everything we see. If your child is missing a spot when they brush their teeth, we will show both of you how to make sure even those hard-to-reach areas get attention.

If you have a thumb sucker at home and it is time for them to break the habit, we are here to support you and give you some ideas to make this transition easier. Call our Anderson dental office today!

At Hopewell Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer various tooth replacement options, including three types of dentures in Anderson, SC:

1. Complete dentures
2. Partial dentures
3. Implant-supported dentures

Complete dentures stand in when you have lost all your teeth or your remaining teeth are too weak to support a partial denture and must be extracted.

Partial dentures stand in for sporadic or incomplete tooth loss. They require healthy remaining teeth for support.

An implant denture is a prosthetic or arch of replacement teeth fixed to your jaw with four to six dental implants. This option provides heightened stability compared with removable dentures and partials.

No matter the denture option you choose, we rely on quality materials to customize prosthetics that complement your smile and look natural. Your Anderson dentist also pays close attention to fit and function.

Are You Ready to Restore Your Smile with an Anderson, SC Dentist?

Tooth replacement contributes to self-esteem, but a full smile also plays a vital role in your oral health, preventing tooth migration and supporting an even and stable bite surface.

To learn more about tooth replacement, including dentures, partials, and implant-retained prosthetics, call us today. A team member is standing by to schedule your tooth replacement consultation.

If you notice bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, gum pocketing, and an elongated appearance to your teeth, you should see the dentist right away. These are the most common symptoms of gum disease.

Other symptoms may include bad breath and loose, mobile teeth.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an oral health condition characterized by infections in the bones and ligaments that keep your teeth in place. It typically starts as the reversible condition of gingivitis. You may have fewer symptoms in the gingivitis stage, which is why regular checkups are crucial.

Common Causes of Periodontal Disease

Common causes of gum disease include but are not limited to:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Lack of dental care

Hormonal changes and tobacco use can also exacerbate gingivitis and gum disease.

Without treatment, studies link gum disease to the following systemic health issues:

• Tooth loss
• Heart and lung complications
• Pregnancy complications
• Low birth weight
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Alzheimer’s disease

The good news is that gum disease treatment in Anderson, SC, mitigates your risks for these serious complications. And we always customize your treatment to address your specific level of disease.

Do You Suspect Gum Disease in Anderson?

If you notice symptoms or have not been to the dentist in a while, we urge you to contact our team today to arrange a visit with the dentist.

A comprehensive dental exam at our Anderson, SC dental office is a thorough oral health evaluation that includes checking all areas of the oral cavity, such as all extraoral structures, intraoral structures, and soft tissues. We recommend receiving a comprehensive dental exam every three years.

Personalized Dental Care in Anderson

During this personalized dental exam, we do the following:

• Periodontal exam (gums)
• Dental exam (teeth)
• Occlusal exam (bite analysis)
• Radiographic exam (x-rays and scans)
• Oral cancer screening
• TMJ exam (jaw joints)
• Aesthetic exam (appearance of the teeth and gums)

Dr. Patrick Carter and our Hopewell Family Dentistry team perform comprehensive dental exams to ensure we know everything about your oral health and wellness. This type of exam allows us to make the appropriate recommendations for treatment plans, such as:

• Dental implants to replace missing teeth
• Replacing worn or damaged dental restorations
• New oral appliances or dentures 
• Aesthetic changes to the teeth or gums
• Medical diagnosis 

Call to Schedule Your Dental Exam and Cleaning

Whether you receive routine exams or it’s been a while since you’ve seen the dentist, Hopewell Family Dentistry welcomes you to our Anderson, SC dental office. 

We offer comprehensive and compassionate dental care, and we are always pleased to welcome new and familiar faces to our practice. Please contact us today to schedule your comprehensive dental exam and teeth cleaning with Dr. Carter. 

We look forward to seeing you smile! 

A cavity is created by a process termed “caries,” which is the destruction of hard tooth structure. During the caries process, the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths are fed by what we eat, and release acid that breaks down the tooth. To prevent the caries process, there are many areas of our daily routine that can be modified. Many times, only simple changes in the areas listed below may be enough to stop the caries process and prevent cavities.

How Your Diet Can Affect Your Oral Health

Simple carbohydrates are the primary food source for the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths. The bacteria then use these carbohydrates to produce acid, which is what damages our teeth. The bacteria can continue to feed for approximately 30 minutes after consuming any food or drink items containing carbohydrates.  Recommendations for diet modifications are listed below:

Problems: Soda, sweet tea, processed foods high in carbohydrates (such as bread, crackers, and chips), hard and soft candies

Solutions: Raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, meats, yogurt, cheese, water, and calorie-free drinks

Problem: Bacteria using food to produce acid for 30 minutes after consumption

Solutions: Minimize snacks between meals, eating xylitol gum immediately after meal to neutralize acid

Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for 2 minutes twice daily and flossing at least once daily. When you are finished brushing your teeth, they should feel slick and smooth to the tongue like they feel after a professional cleaning. If there is an area on the surface of any teeth that still feels “furry” then plaque is still present and should be brushed off. The tongue should also be cleaned every time the teeth are brushed.

Problem: Inadequate cleaning of teeth

Solutions: Electric toothbrush*, glide-type floss**, more frequent professional cleanings***

*Teeth are typically much cleaner after brushing for the same amount of time with an electric toothbrush compared to a manual toothbrush.

**Many people have complaints of flossing being uncomfortable, difficult, or even painful. Newer glide types of floss make flossing a much better experience than traditional floss that is prone to shredding.

***Professional cleanings are recommended at least every 6 months for the average person

Environment of Mouth

Occasionally caries are still a problem even with proper hygiene and diet. This can be caused by environmental factors including “bad” bacteria in the mouth, low flow of saliva, or low pH (high acidity) of saliva.

Problem: “Bad” bacteria

Solutions: Bacteria modification through probiotics, such as OralBiotic Blis or Evoraplus, and/or mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist

Problem: Low salivary flow caused by older age or medication

Solution: Xylitol (sugar-free) gum or hard candy to promote saliva flow

Problem: Low salivary pH (high acidity)

Solution: Fluoride toothpaste or gel trays prescribed by your dentist to promote remineralization.

A root canal is a procedure a dentist performs on a tooth that has an infected root. The procedure alleviates a significant degree of pain that often accompanies the infection and saves the tooth.

If left untreated, infection will continue to cause pain and may eventually damage enough of the tooth that the dentist will no longer be able to save it. Infected teeth also pose a health risk to the surrounding jaw and gums. We recommend speaking with your dentist about root canal therapy as soon as possible if you have an infected tooth.

What Happens During the Root Canal Procedure?

During a root canal, the dentist will access the interior of the infected tooth and remove the diseased tissue. During this process, the dentist will also remove the inflamed nerve, ending the pain the infection caused.

Then the tooth is cleaned and sealed up again, and a filling or crown will be placed on top to return the tooth to its natural appearance and function. A successful root canal will end the infection and save the tooth.

Contact Our Anderson Dental Clinic

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, need a root canal, or have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact the team at Hopewell Family Dentistry today.