Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Generally, people take 2–3 days off work or school to recuperate. However, if your job involves physical labor or if you're a student with a rigorous schedule, you may need to consider a longer recovery period. Always consult with your dentist to discuss your personal circumstances and receive a tailored recovery plan.

Tooth Extraction Recovery

The recovery time after having wisdom teeth removed varies significantly among individuals, and the specific time you'll need off work or school will depend on several factors, such as:

• The complexity of the extraction
• Your personal pain threshold
• How quickly your body heals

Generally, most patients require a few days to a week off to recover after wisdom teeth removal. Minor bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are expected within 24–48 hours after surgery. 

What to Do after a Tooth Extraction 

Throughout the healing process, our dentists recommend the following:

• Eat a soft diet. 
• Avoid strenuous physical activity. 
• Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. 
• Get plenty of rest. 
• Elevate your head during sleep. 
• Take medications as prescribed or directed. 
• Gently brush and floss, avoiding the surgical site.

Your dentist will provide you with more detailed instructions based on your specific needs. 

Contact Us Today!

Call us today to schedule an appointment with our Apex, NC dentists, Dr. Bass and Dr. Watson. 

We understand the importance of making quality dental care as easily accessible as possible to all of our valued patients. This is why the Bass & Watson Family Dental office is centrally and conveniently located at 1031 W Williams St, Suite 101, in Apex, NC 27502, just second from OfficeMax. Our location, which offers ample parking, allows us to serve Apex and the neighboring communities of Holly Springs, Cary, Morrisville, New Hill, Fuquay-Varina, and Pittsboro.

If you’re coming to us from downtown Apex, head west on E. Chatham St toward N. Salem St., turn right, and continue straight, passing UNC Family Medicine at Apex, onto W Williams St. until you see our office on the left. From Holly Springs, take NC-55 E toward Apex until N. Salem St., turn left, and, as before, continue straight onto 1031 W Williams St on the left. Our office is also easily accessible via public transportation, via the GA1 bus.

We are here to help ensure your oral health every Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm and from 7:30 am until noon on Fridays.

Easily Accessible, Top-Quality Dental Care in Apex, NC

If you’re in the Apex area and looking for a top-quality dental practice to help guide you and your family through your dental health journey, contact dentist Dr. Michael Bass and the Bass & Watson Family Dental team to schedule an appointment!

Rest assured, the thought of judgment or critique couldn't be further from our minds. Everyone on our team is compassionate and understanding, and we take pride in providing non-judgmental dental care in a warm and welcoming environment.

Whether it's been just a few months or several years since your last dental visit, we genuinely understand. Life gets busy, and routine dental visits sometimes take a backseat. We're not here to scold or lecture—we're here to support you and help you maintain your smile's health.

Redefining the Dental Care Experience in Apex

When you step into our dental office, you'll be greeted with warmth and respect. During your first visit, we'll perform a comprehensive exam to assess your oral health status. This will involve a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues and may include digital x-rays for a more in-depth look. We aim to gain a holistic view of your dental health so that we can provide the most effective care tailored to your specific needs.

Our Friendly Team Welcomes You! 

Dental care should be a cooperative process, and we're committed to working alongside you every step of the way. Your journey to optimal oral health is a shared journey; we're thrilled to be part of it. Call us today to schedule your first appointment with our friendly team. 

If you’ve been dreaming about a beautiful smile but don’t know where to begin, consider the cosmetic dental services from Bass & Watson Family Dental. We can help you form a treatment plan that suits your needs, budget, and timeline. If you’re wondering about the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures, keep reading to learn more.

Common Cosmetic Services

Our most requested cosmetic services include the following:

Veneers – We can place thin layers of ceramic porcelain on the front sides of your teeth to reshape and brighten your smile.

Tooth-colored fillings – If old metal fillings detract from your smile’s aesthetics, we can replace them with tooth-colored composite material.

Professional teeth whitening – Our teeth whitening products can make your teeth several shades whiter, getting you ready for a vacation or class reunion.

Dental crowns – With dental crowns, we can cover certain imperfections, creating a seamless look.

Invisalign – Straightening your teeth with Invisalign clear aligners is a less noticeable and more comfortable option than traditional braces.

Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist in Apex, NC?

Do you want to schedule a cosmetic consultation with our dental team? If so, contact our dental office at (919) 362-6789 for more information.

We can’t wait to see you smile!

Traditional crowns can take a couple of weeks to complete, while same-day crowns are completed and ready to wear in a single appointment.  

Same-Day Crowns in Apex, NC

Imagine getting your dental crown designed, crafted, and fitted all in one visit. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? This dream can be your reality with our CEREC same-day dental crown technology. Our dentists use 3D imaging and an in-office milling machine to create high-quality, customized dental crowns in a single appointment. No more messy impressions, temporary crowns, or waiting weeks for a dental lab! Instead, you'll leave our dental office on the same day with a durable, natural-looking crown designed just for your unique smile. CEREC makes high-quality restorations a breeze. 

Traditional Crowns 

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two appointments. The first visit includes preparing the tooth, taking a digital impression, and placing a temporary crown. We send the impression to a dental lab where a trained technician creates your custom crown. This process usually takes a couple of weeks. Once your final crown is ready, you'll return for a second appointment for its fitting and placement. 

Want to learn more? Give us a call today or schedule your appointment online.

The cost of dental implants can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the type of implant, the location of the tooth, and whether additional procedures, such as bone grafting, are needed.

Dental implants are an investment in your oral health and a long-lasting solution to tooth loss, providing value over time. As each patient's circumstances are unique, it's best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bass or Dr. Watson. During your consultation, our dentists can assess your individual needs and help you in choosing an ideal payment option.

Payment Options and Dental Memberships 

Bass & Watson Family Dental accepts various payment options, including CareCredit. If you have any questions about billing, treatment costs, or CareCredit, please don't hesitate to contact us. One of our friendly team members can assist you and answer any questions you may have. 

Contact Us about Dental Implants in Apex, NC 

Dental implants are considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacements because of their permanence, similarities to natural teeth, and longevity. 

If you'd like to complete your smile with dental implants, please call us today to schedule a consultation. 

IV sedation is an excellent option for patients completing tooth extractions. With IV sedation, you'll feel relaxed, as if you were sleeping, while we complete your procedure. 

For many patients, tooth extraction may feel overwhelming, and IV sedation is an excellent option to help relieve their anxiety or fear. 

What to Know about IV Sedation in Apex, NC 

IV sedation is delivered intravenously under the supervision of Dr. Watson, who is licensed in North Carolina to provide this type of sedation at our Apex dental office. Monitoring your vital signs throughout the procedure, IV sedation allows him to adjust the medication whenever needed so the patient has a relaxing experience. 

Patients are still responsive during treatment with IV sedation, but they feel completely relaxed, as if they were sleeping, and have little to no memory of the procedure due to the amnesic effects of the medication. 

Plan to relax and recover for the remainder of the day after your treatment with IV sedation. We'll also send you home with post-operative instructions to follow after your oral surgery to ensure that you have a smooth and comfortable recovery process. 

If you have questions or concerns about tooth extraction or IV sedation, don't hesitate to contact us at (919) 362-6789.

Absolutely! Invisalign is a fantastic option for correcting various alignment issues. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-designed for your teeth, so they provide a perfect fit. These clear aligners gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

Invisalign works by you wearing sets of aligners; each set is worn for a couple of weeks before you can move on to the next set. We recommend wearing your aligners 20–22 hours daily for optimal results. The average time for treatment with Invisalign is 12–18 months, but this can vary based on your alignment needs and smile goals.

Why People Choose Invisalign in Apex, NC

The beauty of Invisalign is in its discreet nature. The aligners are virtually invisible, so no one will ever even know you’re wearing them! Plus, you can remove the aligners to enjoy meals and brush and floss your teeth.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation with Us

Our Invisalign clear aligners are a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth and align your smile. Tailored to your unique dental structure, Invisalign can pave the way for a radiant, confident smile. 

The best way to determine if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bass or Dr. Watson. Call us today at (919) 362-6789 for more information.

Our Invisalign dentists can help bring your dream smile to life!

Instead of using traditional brackets and wires to move teeth into alignment, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners. The aligners fit snugly against your teeth, gently moving them over time.

According to your treatment plan, you'll achieve your desired results by wearing your clear aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Then, you'll move to the next set of aligners in the series every one to three weeks. 

While everyone's needs differ, most patients achieve their desired results within 10 to 18 months of treatment.  

You can remove the aligners for meals, brushing, and flossing, making home care during treatment with Invisalign simple. 

The Advantages of Choosing Invisalign to Straighten Your Teeth 

Clear aligners with Invisalign offer our patients several benefits that they love:

• Comfort—Clear aligners are smooth and much more comfortable to wear than metal brackets and wires. 
• Discretion—Since aligners are clear, they're essentially invisible, and no one will notice your orthodontic treatment.
• Freedom—You'll enjoy the freedom to eat all the foods you love with Invisalign since aligners are removable. 
• Simplicity—Caring for your smile with daily brushing and flossing is simple with removable aligners. 

To learn more about clear aligners, contact your Invisalign dentist in Apex, NC, at (919) 362-6789. 

Since each patient's needs are unique, treatment times vary significantly. For example, a patient who needs to close a couple of gaps in their smile will have a shorter treatment time than one who needs to align teeth and correct their bite. 

Most patients finish their treatment with Invisalign in about 10 to 18 months.  

The best way to determine what your treatment time will be is to book an evaluation with one of your trusted Invisalign dentists in Apex, NC, at Bass & Watson Family Dental.  

How Does Invisalign Work?

If you proceed with Invisalign treatment after your evaluation, our dentists will use 3-D imaging and other information gathered to create a personalized treatment plan for you. 

Invisalign uses this treatment plan to create a series of custom aligners that you'll wear for one to three weeks at a time, according to our dentist's specifications. Wearing your aligners consistently for at least 22 hours per day ensures you achieve the best results and finish within your treatment time frame. 

Compliance is the key to successful and timely treatment with clear aligners. If you have questions about Invisalign in Apex, NC, or you would like to schedule your evaluation, contact us at (919) 362-6789.

The cost for Invisalign varies for each patient based on their unique needs. For example, the cost of treatment with Invisalign for six months will be less than treatment for 18 months. The six-month treatment would require less materials and time, resulting in a lower fee. 

The best way to determine the cost of Invisalign for your smile is to book an evaluation with one of our Invisalign dentists. After evaluating your needs, they can determine the cost of your treatment. 

Invisalign vs Braces: What Will My Cost Be?

The cost of Invisalign and braces tends to be relatively similar. Again, it depends on your needs and treatment time frame, so the cost of traditional braces also tends to vary. 

Our dentists can help you compare the costs and treatment time frames during your evaluation. 

Why Choose Invisalign for Your Smile?

Our patients love some of the benefits Invisalign offers, such as:

• No changes are needed for diet throughout the treatment
• Easy home care with removable aligners
• Aligners are smooth and comfortable to wear
• Aligners are clear and not noticeable

Would You Like to Learn More about Invisalign in Apex, NC?

Contact Bass & Watson Family Dental at (919) 362-6789 to book an Invisalign evaluation. 

Yes! We can use sedation for root canal treatment, although you may not need to be fully "asleep" for the procedure. Here's what you should know. 

At Bass & Watson Family Dental, we offer several levels of sedation dentistry in Apex, NC. Depending on your needs, we can determine which type of dental sedation best suits your treatment procedure.  

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as "laughing gas," we deliver nitrous oxide through an inhalation mask worn throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide offers a lighter level of sedation without side effects that linger afterwards. This makes it safe for adults or children, and they can continue their normal activities afterwards. 

Oral Conscious Sedation 

For a deeper level of sedation, you can choose oral sedation, which is delivered through prescribed medication that you take an hour before your procedure. 

IV Sedation

The deepest level of relaxation we offer is IV sedation, delivered intravenously. During IV sedation, you are still conscious but feel as if you're sleeping. 

Dr. Watson is one of only a few dentists certified and licensed to provide IV sedation in North Carolina. He will monitor your vital signs throughout the entire process and can adjust your medication as needed. 

To learn more about dental sedation in Apex, contact Bass and Watson Family Dental at (919) 362-6789.

We understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety for some, and we offer sedation options to help alleviate stress or discomfort. 

Nitrous Oxide

Often known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a mild sedative used to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures. You inhale the gas through a small mask placed over the nose, and in just a few short minutes, you should start to feel the calming effects. Once you remove the mask, the effects wear off within minutes. 

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your dental procedure, helping you achieve a deeper state of relaxation. Though you'll still be awake and able to respond to instructions, you may feel drowsy and not remember much about the procedure.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream for immediate and deep relaxation. Dr. Watson is a trained sedation dentist who works with a certified registered nurse anesthetist to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. IV sedation can benefit patients with severe dental anxiety or those who undergo more complex or lengthy procedures. 

Sedation Dentistry in Apex, NC 

Sedation dentistry is an excellent way to alleviate your anxiety so you can receive the dental care you need to maintain a healthy smile. 

Please give us a call today to learn more!

IV sedation is an excellent way to complete complex treatment procedures while feeling comfortable, at ease, and as if you were sleeping. Dr. Watson is one of very few dentists licensed to provide IV sedation in NC, so we're thrilled to offer it at Bass and Watson Family Dental. 

How to Prepare for IV Sedation Dentistry in Apex, NC

Dr. Watson will provide specific instructions for your day of treatment, including when you should stop eating and drinking prior to surgery. Otherwise, just get a good night's rest before you come in! 

You'll need transportation arranged to and from your appointment as you won't be able to safely drive yourself home after treatment. 

During your procedures, Dr. Watson will monitor your vital signs and heart rate throughout, adjusting the medication whenever needed. You will feel relaxed as if you were sleeping, while still being able to respond to Dr. Watson. 

After your procedure, plan on resting for the remainder of the day. Our team will send you home with after-care instructions, which vary depending on the type of procedure you complete. 

We're here to support your needs throughout treatment and beyond into the recovery process. So don't hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions or concerns after IV sedation dentistry in Apex.