Dental insurance can be a helpful tool for defraying the cost of dental care. However, it does have several limitations that are important for patients to understand. Here's what you should know.
Most dental insurance plans have annual maximums that they will pay within a year. This is typically around $1000 to $2000. Unfortunately, …
Many people avoid the dentist because they are not sure how they will pay for it. However, not having dental insurance does not mean you have to skip the care you need.
Pryor Dental offers an in-house membership savings plan. The plan covers routine and preventive care at a predictable cost, giving our uninsured patients access to basic dental care. …
When you have that persistent and unrelenting dental pain, you'll do anything to make it go away. You probably feel like you just want the tooth pulled out to stop the pain. However, at Pryor Dental, our goal is always to help patients save their natural teeth if possible. If you're proactive about seeking treatment for your tooth pain, we …
Moving to a new city can feel daunting! Especially when you have to find new healthcare providers for your family.
If you're new to Winston-Salem, our dental team would love to welcome you warmly! We're here to take the guesswork out of finding a new family dentist. Here are some helpful tips to consider as you look for your new …
Replacing one or multiple missing teeth is a big decision, and one we know you don't take lightly. Because of that, we understand that you probably have a lot of questions about tooth replacement, your options, and what the procedure might be like. Today, we're going to discuss dental implants and what you can expect from the procedure and healing …
Have you noticed that your teeth aren’t as bright and white as they used to be, even though you’re good about brushing and flossing and making regular visits to your Winston-Salem dentist? If so, you’re not alone.
Many factors can affect your teeth’s whiteness, including age, genetics, tobacco, certain medications, and drinking coffee, tea, or wine. And because there are …
We all know brushing our teeth is a cornerstone of good oral health, but there’s one small tool that many of us overlook: the toothbrush itself. Your toothbrush works tirelessly every day, scrubbing away plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Over time, though, those bristles wear down, and it becomes less effective. So how do you know when it’s time to …
Dental crowns are a fantastic way to keep your natural tooth and achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile, making them a common dental procedure for many patients. We can match your crown to your other teeth so it blends seamlessly, and no one will know you have it!
But what’s the process for getting a dental crown?
Let’s take a look …
Picture this: it’s a Monday morning, your coffee kicks in, and suddenly a sharp, throbbing pain hits one of your teeth. It feels like a tiny hammer taps your jaw, and all you can think is, “Not today, tooth. Not today!” That pain often signals a tooth infection. Luckily, a root canal swoops in to save your smile. At Pryor …
There’s never a good time for a dental emergency; whether you wake up in the middle of the night with severe tooth pain or fall and injure your mouth while hiking, you need to know what to do to save your smile and alleviate the pain.
That’s why Pryor Dental offers emergency dental care to patients in Winston-Salem and the …
When you decide to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you’ll undoubtedly have some questions and concerns. You may wonder how long the implants take to heal or what the treatment timeline looks like. But the one thing you don’t want to have to worry about is how you’re going to pay for your new smile.
Let’s take a …
After a tooth extraction, focus on soft foods that require very little chewing, such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and lukewarm soup. During the first 24–48 hours, avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, spicy, or very hot foods, and do not drink through a straw.
As the extraction site becomes more comfortable, you can gradually add firmer foods back into …
Hearing the words “root canal” can stop anyone in their tracks, conjuring up thoughts of a lengthy, painful dental procedure. But if you have a deep, throbbing pain that makes it difficult to function normally or concentrate on your daily tasks, you need real relief.
You may be surprised to hear that root canal therapy is the best and fastest …
Missing teeth can lead to decreased confidence and self-esteem and make you not want to socialize with friends and family. But did you know that without your tooth’s roots, your jawbone can weaken and shrink? This decreased bone density can eventually lead to changes in your facial structure and the inability to speak or eat correctly.
At Pryor Dental, our …
Got a wedding, reunion, or important celebration coming up? Your smile is often the first thing people notice—so why not make it shine? Whether you're days or weeks away from the big event, there are cosmetic dental treatments that can give your smile a quick and effective boost. Here are the top three treatments to consider:
…
As important as a committed at-home oral hygiene routine is in preventive dentistry, regular dental checkups are essential to laying the foundation for long-term oral health. Sometimes, however, a person suffers from symptoms that signal the need for immediate care. Delaying treatment in these cases allows minor issues to develop into serious complications, potentially leading to severe pain, infection, and …
Tooth extraction can be your introduction to a healthy smile. It can set the stage for replacement teeth and smile restoration, giving you back confidence, aesthetics, and oral function.
Your dentist recommends tooth extraction for various reasons, including:
Remember, extraction doesn't mean …
The thought of achieving a dazzling, white smile is exciting, but it’s natural to worry and wonder if teeth whitening will harm your smile! You’re not alone in wondering if the pursuit of a brighter smile could come at a cost to your oral health.
At Pryor Dental, we’re here to put your fears to rest. Our professional whitening treatments …
A root canal is your tooth's lifeline. One moment of intervention can save years of function, preventing the silent devastation of tooth loss. Your choice isn't between comfort and pain but between preservation and permanent absence. Root canal therapy may be the only way to save your smile.
So, what is the role of root canals in preventing tooth loss? …
Updated: June 8, 2026
No one should have to endure the daily frustrations and insecurities that come with missing teeth. The impact extends far beyond your oral health, seeping into every aspect of your life. Avoiding social situations, feeling limited in your dietary choices, and lacking the self-assurance to truly be yourself is a heavy burden to bear.
Envision a …
In a dental emergency, decisive action is crucial to immediate relief and a full, speedy recovery.
Whether you’re suffering from a broken tooth, a severe toothache, a knocked-out filling, or a knocked-out tooth, knowing what to expect before you see an emergency dentist can make a stressful situation more manageable. Here's what you need to know before seeing an emergency …
Think you know all there is to know about dental crowns? Think again!
Dental crowns are an essential tool in restorative dentistry. With proper placement, they provide protection, durability, and aesthetic improvement for damaged teeth or replacements for lost teeth atop dental implants. Unfortunately, certain myths surround dental crowns, causing unnecessary concern among patients. Understanding the facts can help you …
Nothing is more stressful than your child's toothache or dental emergency, and it can feel significantly worse when it occurs during school hours! The good news is that when you know what to do during a dental emergency and have a trusted dental team you can rely on, you can rest assured that your family is in good hands.
Building …
The new school year is quickly approaching. While this time of year is usually dedicated to updating wardrobes and school supplies, it also presents a great opportunity to renew the health and radiance of your kids’ smiles!
Safeguarding your child’s smile during the summer months is an excellent way to ensure their dental well-being once the hectic schedule of a …
When your teeth are crooked or misaligned, you might cover your mouth when you talk and feel self-conscious in social situations. Misaligned teeth are also more difficult to brush and floss, causing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Fortunately, you have options. Both dental veneers and braces can improve your smile’s appearance, but which one is right for …
Teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular cosmetic dental treatment, and many people are turning to at-home solutions to achieve a brighter smile. When considering teeth whitening in Winston-Salem, it's essential to weigh the pros, cons, and safety precautions. Here, we'll explore these aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding what to expect during the recovery period after a root canal procedure is essential to ensure a comfortable recovery process and the long-term success of the procedure. From managing immediate post-procedure discomfort to long-term recovery, oral care strategies, lifestyle considerations, and dental restoration options, knowing what lies ahead can help alleviate concerns and ensure an optimal outcome.
Today, we’ll …
Updated August, 2026
A dental crown is an excellent choice for restoring a tooth compromised by decay, fractures, or an infection. The crown covers the tooth completely, like a cap, restoring its form, aesthetics, and function while protecting the integrity of the root.
Today, we'll discuss everything you need to know about dental crowns in Winston-Salem, from why you would …
Millions of Americans are missing one or more teeth, and without your teeth, you can’t eat your favorite foods or speak correctly. Not only that, but gaps in your smile can be embarrassing, causing you to cover your mouth when you talk and avoid going out with friends.
Fortunately, you have more tooth replacement options than ever before; so, in …
Updated: August 27, 2026
X-rays are an invaluable tool your dentist in Winston-Salem uses to evaluate your internal dental health and identify problems as early as possible. Today's dental x-rays are quick, simple, and effective, and they emit up to 80 percent less radiation than traditional film X-rays, making them significantly safer for our patients.
Digital x-rays also don't require …
Updated: July 10, 2026
Understanding gum disease is a vital first step toward achieving a healthier, happier smile. This common yet often underestimated oral health issue can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums if left unchecked.
In this guide, we'll delve into the specifics of periodontal disease, including its underlying causes, why early recognition is so crucial, and the …
We all dream of having a million-dollar smile that lights up a room. And why not?
No physical trait has a greater impact on both others’ impressions of us and our own self-confidence than a bright, beautiful smile.
Most individuals require a helping hand to take their smile to its brilliant best. On the bright side, there’s never been a …
Update: August 26, 2026
If you have ever considered cosmetic dentistry, you know how daunting it can feel to find the right cosmetic dentist. You want someone who will listen to your smile goals and help you form a personalized treatment plan to achieve them. You want a team that genuinely cares about you, works hard to make your smile …
Updated: August 27, 2026
If you have ever considered cosmetic dentistry, you may have heard of porcelain veneers. Veneers are a popular way to improve your smile by giving it a more uniform look. Before you decide to get porcelain veneers, it’s essential to make an informed choice by weighing the pros and cons of this dental treatment.
Updated: Aug 27, 2026
For dental patients in the Winston-Salem, NC area, Pryor Dental stands out as a premier choice for comprehensive, patient-centered oral healthcare. By continuing the proud legacy of service established by Jeffrey J. Tibbs DDS PA, our practice enters an exciting new chapter. Now led by Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr.—a highly trained clinician with a decade …
The choice of a dentist in Winston-Salem, NC, is an important one; you want a dental office that genuinely cares about your oral health, but you also want a dentist who will listen to you and help you make informed decisions about any dental work you may need. If that sounds good to you, look no further than the office …
Updated: June 8, 2026
Missing teeth leave gaps in your smile that can cause you to feel self-conscious about your interactions with other people. You may also find it difficult to chew, eat, and enjoy your food easily.
The good news is that dental implants in Winston-Salem can restore your smile and confidence, and Dr. Peter Pryor Jr. can help!
Dental emergencies cause families (or family members) to cancel their plans. Unfortunately, these situations can also be frightening. Thankfully, your emergency dentist in Winston-Salem, NC, can quickly eliminate your pain and take care of your smile.
Typically, we address dental emergencies the same day, especially if you are in pain or your oral health is at risk.
Everyone deserves to have a smile they love. An attractive smile boosts confidence, opens doors to more professional opportunities, and makes you more approachable to others. However, many people have imperfect smiles or dental flaws that develop over time. Fortunately, you can achieve your dream smile with the help of Dr. Pryor Jr.! Pryor Dental offers personalized cosmetic dentistry in …
Updated: September 10, 2026
Scheduling regular dental exams and teeth cleanings is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your long-term oral hygiene and overall health. To support a healthy smile, we recommend scheduling at least two dental exams per year.
These routine visits allow our team to professionally clean your teeth and enable our dental …
Tooth restoration is necessary to maintain optimal oral health, and dental fillings are the most common form of tooth restoration. They are used to repair cavities, chips, cracks, and worn surfaces of the teeth.
Dental fillings are required to repair cavities or lesions on the surface of teeth to restore tooth strength and protect against …
Gaps in your smile can feel embarrassing! Not to mention making it more difficult to chew and eat comfortably. The good news is there are three reliable solutions for compromised or missing teeth that can fill the gaps and restore function and aesthetics to your smile:
Here's what you should know.
You're enjoying a meal at your favorite restaurant with friends when the unthinkable happens! You take a bite, feel a crunch, and immediately start experiencing pain. A dental emergency can stop you in your tracks, and you need relief and the prompt help of an emergency dentist in Winston-Salem!
At Pryor Dental, our team leaves time available in our daily …
When you think of protection, one item that comes to mind is the hard hat. Found now on construction sites worldwide, this protective headgear is actually quite young. The first hard hat dates back to 1919 and was just steamed canvas, glue, and black paint.
But if you want an example of a genuinely time-tested item, you'd be hard-pressed to …
Updated: July 10, 2026
Gum disease has been called the silent threat to your dental health. Because while teeth problems like cavities have more pronounced symptoms, gum disease, also called periodontal disease, creeps forward with few signs, if any. So, by the time you notice it, the impacts of periodontal disease could be permanent.
The good news is that at …
General dentistry is about oral health maintenance or treatments designed to restore oral health when an issue arises. In contrast, preventive dentistry is about lowering your risk of developing oral health issues in the first place.
Examples of general dentistry in Winston Salem, NC, may include:
Updated: July 10, 2026
Having missing teeth may make you feel isolated or self-conscious. Coupled with that sensation of embarrassment, missing multiple teeth can make it challenging to speak clearly or enjoy the foods you have always loved. However, you are not alone. Missing teeth are a common issue here in Winston-Salem, with figures suggesting that the average adult has …
Updated: July 10, 2026
Aging can come with many benefits that can improve your quality of life, from special car insurance rates and AARP memberships to senior discounts. But of all the milestones that come with getting older, complete tooth loss is certainly not one of them—even though it remains highly prevalent. Studies show that roughly 13% of Americans aged …
Professional teeth whitening is a fast and affordable way to rejuvenate a dull, lackluster smile. While whitening options are available at your local Winston-Salem drugstore, achieving a truly dazzling, professional-grade white smile is difficult with generic products.
This is when it’s best to turn to a dental professional to whiten your teeth safely and efficiently. You’ll be assured of seeing …
Updated: June 8, 2026
If you’re like some people, you might believe that dental X-rays emit a harmful amount of radiation. The good news is that digital X-rays in Winston-Salem emit up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film radiographs.
In fact, the radiation exposure from a modern digital X-ray is equivalent to spending just a small amount of …
Updated March 24, 2026
You may think you don’t have the budget for cosmetic dentistry, but we offer treatments at various price points. And dental bonding in Winston Salem, NC, is one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry options for patients looking to enhance their smile without surgery.
Our cosmetic dentist can talk to you about whether dental bonding is …
Updated: June 8, 2026
Cosmetic dentistry in Winston-Salem, NC, offers multiple advanced options to restore your smile’s luster and aesthetics—from professional teeth whitening to the seamless concealment of flaws. At Pryor Dental, we are proud to continue this practice's long-standing legacy of exceptional local care, welcoming generations of patients into an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Dr. Peter …
Updated: July 10, 2026
Tooth loss is a common problem that affects many people each year. Left untreated, it can lead to serious oral health complications, including self-esteem issues, tooth migration, and even additional tooth loss in the future. To protect your oral health, our Winston-Salem, NC dental team recommends dental implants to completely restore your smile.
A professional teeth cleaning is your first line of defense against preventable conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Your Winston-Salem, NC dentist Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr. and the American Dental Association promote two dental checkups per year, and these checkups include professional dental cleanings. Additionally, most dental insurance plans allow for these preventive exams and teeth …
Dental emergencies can be frightening—forcing you to cancel plans, miss work, and disrupt sleep. Fortunately, your emergency dentist Dr. Peter Pryor Jr. in Winston-Salem, NC offers emergency dental appointments to restore your oral health and rid you of pain.
There are many different dental emergencies, and some are more common than others. If you are experiencing any dental pain, be …
Your Winston-Salem, NC dentist Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr. performs a root canal if you have a deeply decayed tooth, deep root infection, or have suffered a substantial tooth trauma.
A root canal is often what saves your tooth from fracture or the need for a dental extraction.
Unfortunately, root canals are associated with an untrue rumor. In reality, root …
Preventive dentistry in Winston-Salem, NC is a way to keep your smile healthy, lower your risks for oral health conditions, and save you time and money in the long run.
The American Dental Association and Dr. Peter Pryor Jr. recommends twice-yearly exams and teeth cleanings to lower your risks. Book with us today if you haven't had your cleaning yet!
…
Updated: June 29, 2026
Do you experience pain or soreness in your gums when you brush and floss? Millions of Americans experience sore gums, and brushing and flossing can sometimes make the discomfort more noticeable. Your gums may even bleed when you clean your teeth, but people often ignore these early warning signs or simply attribute them to brushing too …
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and sometimes they occur when you least expect them—during your favorite meal, a first date, or even in the middle of the night while you're in bed. So whether you chipped your tooth on a piece of hard candy or you have a never-ending toothache that disrupts your sleep, Dr. Peter B. Pryor …
Updated: June 18, 2026
At Pryor Dental, we provide prompt and efficient emergency dental care to our patients. We realize that emergencies—and specifically dental emergencies—are not something most people plan for.
Dental emergencies often strike unexpectedly, and that’s okay. You may wake up with a severe toothache on a Saturday morning or experience a minor accident and chip your tooth …
Gone are the days of silver amalgam fillings! While some dentists still use these fillings to treat patients’ cavities, many dentists have moved on and only use fillings made with a natural-looking composite material that blends right into their patients’ smiles.
We can customize composite fillings to make the material indistinguishable from your other teeth, so no one even needs …
Updated: July 9, 2026
You are probably already aware that cosmetic dentistry procedures can help you eliminate all kinds of tooth flaws, improving the appearance of your teeth and gums to create a more attractive smile. However, cosmetic treatments can do much more than just enhance your smile’s appearance. With cosmetic dentistry, you can also improve the functionality of your …
When you have missing teeth, it can affect your oral health. With gaps in your smile, your remaining natural teeth can begin to drift in your mouth, affecting your bite. Missing teeth can also make eating and talking more difficult, and without them, your jaw bone lacks needed support and stimulation.
Fortunately, we offer a variety of tooth replacement services …
If you suffer from significant tooth loss, you may be a candidate for dentures. Contrary to popular belief, needing dentures depends on the condition of one's teeth, not their age. Tooth loss occurs for myriad reasons such as trauma, poor oral hygiene, and a medical condition.
Whatever the cause of your tooth loss may be, Dr. Pryor Jr. can help …
Missing teeth affect much more than your appearance. Gaps in your smile can make it harder to bite, chew, speak, and smile confidently. Fortunately, dental implants offer an unrivaled long-lasting solution that replicates the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. For many patients in Winston-Salem, dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement because they offer a comprehensive …
Updated: June 18, 2026
It’s easy to let your oral health slip. Remembering to brush your teeth and floss regularly can be a challenge for many people, and it is equally common to fall behind on scheduling regular professional dental cleanings and exams.
At Pryor Dental, we understand that life gets busy. We also recognize that many individuals experience dental …
Dentures, whether full or partial, are extremely common. Millions of Americans alone wear dentures every day. So if you believe it is time for you to get dentures, you are not alone.
Here are signs that you may need to consider dentures:
If you …
Dental implants replace missing teeth, making them a great option for people who are missing one or more teeth due to decay or injury.
If you choose not to replace a missing tooth, you may be putting your oral health at risk. Your jawbone is designed to support your teeth and their roots, and when a tooth is missing, the …
Whether you’ve recently undergone root canal therapy or are waiting to schedule a root canal in Winston-Salem, you probably have questions about what to expect after your procedure and how to treat your teeth.
Luckily, your treatment team here at the dental office of Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr. has the answers you need:
Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth, odds are you’ll probably have a cavity at some point. Cavities, which leave tiny holes in your teeth, pose a threat to your oral health and can compromise the structure of your smile.
The best way to treat a cavity is to clean the area by removing the decay and then …
When life gets busy, it’s easy to put off things you don’t want to do. Unfortunately, if you’re like many other people, one of those “to-do” items might be your six-month dental checkups.
While it may feel tempting to skip a dental visit here and there, the best way to keep your teeth clean and consistently have excellent oral health …
Tooth-colored resin has long been used to fill dental cavities aesthetically, replacing silver amalgam that can detract from your smile. Patients are even requesting removal of the silver in exchange for the more modern white, and we perform this switch often in our Winston-Salem dental office.
But this same material is also an inexpensive and non-invasive way to conceal tooth …
Dental emergencies are often scary. You have pain, swelling, or another change to your oral health and are not sure how to address the problem or problems. We tell our patients to contact our dental office if they are unsure. Our dental team is trained to make recommendations and determinations based on your symptoms. Dental emergencies do not have to …
Your teeth, gums, and restorations should look and behave the same today as last week or last night. If you notice oral health changes, especially those that do not go away or worsen, it may be time to call your dentist in Winston-Salem, NC.
In most cases, oral health changes require a timely dental appointment or even an emergency dental …
Many of us will experience a toothache at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, tooth pain often goes ignored with the unrealistic hope that it will resolve itself.
You can try ibuprofen or another home remedy to give you temporary relief, but the only way to get rid of the pain for good and avoid the need for complex treatment …
Until recently, there was a stigma associated with wearing dentures because they were looked at as a last-resort tooth replacement for the elderly. It didn’t help that dentures back in the day looked fake and one-size-fits-all.
Fortunately, the materials and techniques we use to make dentures today at our Winston-Salem dental office are a vast improvement over those used years …
Updated on November 17, 2025.
More and more people are discovering just how transformative dental implants can be for replacing missing teeth. Not only do they restore a person’s ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently, but they also help maintain jawbone health, which traditional dentures and bridges simply cannot. Because implants are, well, implanted directly into the jaw, they …
If you've thought that your smile could use an update, have you ever considered teeth whitening in Winston-Salem? You might be surprised at how significant bleaching your teeth can be for your smile. Many patients feel that it removes years from their appearance, and it is also a fast and affordable treatment procedure.
If …
Repairing your damaged or broken tooth with a dental crown in Winston-Salem, NC is an excellent way to restore function and aesthetics to your smile! You've made a great choice, and now that you've invested the time and money to restore your smile, you will want to do everything you can to protect it and ensure the longevity of your …
Have you been thinking about replacing a missing tooth? Maybe you’ve done some research and like the idea of dental implants because you’ve learned that they’re the replacement that’s closest to the form, function, and appearance of a natural tooth.
If you’re ready to do something about the gaps in your smile, you couldn’t find a better solution than dental …
What if you found out that everything you thought you knew about root canals was wrong? For instance, what if we told you that getting a root canal isn't painful? Or that it’s a procedure that saves infected teeth from extraction?
We’ve all been conditioned to believe certain things about root canals, and while scary stories are great punchlines for …
It’s an age-old question and the topic of hot debate in some circles: Should you floss before or after brushing? It’s an age-old question and a topic of hot debate in dental circles.
As a general dentist in Winston-Salem, NC, it’s our responsibility to ensure that you have all the facts you need to maintain a healthy smile. The team …
At Pryor Dental, we believe that quality general dentistry treatment and a strong at-home dental care routine are the best ways to prevent tooth decay and to care for your smile.
It is very important to come to our Winston-Salem, NC dental office every six months for a professional dental cleaning and exam. During this dental appointment, we examine your …
Updated: June 8, 2026
Are you unhappy with the way your smile looks? The great news is that you have an array of cosmetic dentistry treatments at your disposal!
Modern dental advancements have made it easier than ever for us to change the appearance of our smile. At Pryor Dental, our Winston-Salem, NC dental office, we offer a wide range …
Updated: June 18, 2026
Broken or missing teeth pose an oral health dilemma: If you're not in pain, should you visit your dentist to fix the issue right away or can you wait a while?
The answer is that it's always best to discuss dental problems with your dentist as soon as possible. Not only can broken and missing teeth …
At Pryor Dental, we understand that families today have busy schedules, and it can be tough to fit in biannual visits to the dentist. To that end, we have worked hard to ensure that your time at our Winston-Salem, NC dental office is as pleasant as possible. We firmly believe that going to the dentist does not have to be …
Updated March 24, 2026
Have you been living with a smile that doesn’t look as good as it could? Do you have broken, damaged, or missing teeth that are preventing you from chewing or speaking properly? Does it all seem overwhelming to imagine fixing a number of issues with your teeth? It doesn’t have to be!
With a custom smile …
Here are …