Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  Through the AACD’s advanced credentialing program for dentists and dental laboratory technicians, AACD members who wish to become Accredited must undergo a three-part process consisting of a written examination, submission of clinical cases for evaluation, and an oral examination. Each candidate must also attend a series of workshops as part of the program.
• X-rays
• Oral Cancer Screening
  Oral Cancer Screening (did you know that 3% of all cancers are oral cancer? In any cancer, early detection is crucial to successful treatment.)

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  Maintaining good dental hygiene in Asheville can be challenging when you work and play hard. You might find yourself too busy or tired to keep up with your professional dental cleanings. Not to mention, keeping up with brushing and flossing at home is equally important for maintaining dental hygiene in Asheville. Sometimes, you fall asleep on the couch or rush off to work without completing your full dental routine.
• Fluoride Treatment
• Dental Sealants
  The best way to prevent caries is to brush and floss regularly. To rebuild the early damage caused by plaque bacteria, we use fluoride, a natural substance that helps to remineralize the tooth structure. Fluoride is added to toothpaste to fight cavities and clean teeth. The most common source of fluoride is in the water we drink. Fluoride is added to most community water supplies and to many bottled and canned beverages. If you are at medium to high risk for caries, your dentist may recommend special high concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses, or dietary fluoride supplements. For effective prevention and tooth decay treatment in Asheville, your dentist may also use professional-strength anti-cavity varnish or sealants—thin, plastic coatings that provide an extra barrier against food and debris.

Restorative

• Fillings
  While some dentists still place silver-mercury amalgam fillings, we do not use that material for our non-mercury dental fillings in Asheville. Dr. Highsmith and Dr. Jernigan have not placed an amalgam filling in over twenty-five years! We believe there are better materials to use for repairing teeth, ensuring both durability and a natural appearance.
• Resin Composite
  A composite resin is a tooth-colored mixture of acrylic resin and ceramic filler particles. Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly improved and can be successfully placed for restorations in the back teeth as well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay but are also used for cosmetic improvements, changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.
• Gold Restorations
  Not always. The material is best used in small cavities, especially those that do not go in between the teeth. The material is not as strong as gold or porcelain, so it does not hold up well when it replaces a large portion of the tooth. If you have major damage resulting from a failed amalgam filling or from other dental trauma or infection, we might recommend that you choose a porcelain or gold restoration.
• Veneers
  Most people have heard of porcelain veneers. How could you not? Everyone seems to be sporting a dazzling smile from celebrities and movie stars to professionals and performers right next door – all thanks to porcelain veneers! Porcelain veneers from your Clyde dentist can make your teeth look so amazing, your smile can literally stop people in their tracks.
• Crowns
  We provide quality restorative dentist in Asheville with a comprehensive approach to keep your smile healthy and bright. From old, failing restorations to dental crowns and preventive care, our friendly, expert team make sure your dental needs are met with personalized attention.
• Bridges
  Adopting better eating habits with dental bridges involves avoiding hard, sticky foods that can dislodge or damage the bridge. Opt for soft, nutrient-rich foods, cut food into smaller pieces, and chew slowly. Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to ensure the longevity and functionality of the bridge.
• Dental Bonding
• Restorative Dentistry
  Restorative dentistry in Asheville at the office of John Highsmith, DDS, means care, compassion, and excellence. Our team prioritizes your needs and comfort.

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment
  At Dr. John Highsmith’s dental practice in Asheville and Clyde, we recommend visiting us at least every six months for checkups and cleanings. Since tooth decay can be hard to detect on your own, regular exams are essential. If you experience a toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, or notice signs of decay like white spots or discoloration, don’t wait—schedule an appointment. The sooner you come in for tooth decay treatment in Asheville with Dr. John Highsmith, the easier and quicker the process will be. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious problems like root canal infections, severe damage, or even tooth loss.

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  A commonly-used way to make teeth on implants is using a metal base with acrylic denture teeth. The problem with acrylic is that after a short while, the acrylic teeth start to chip and break, and stain. A good friend of mine who makes them this way tells the patient that they need a new bridge every few years. Yikes!

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Our Dental implants in Asheville offer a remarkable solution if it’s been a while since you’ve truly loved your smile due to missing teeth. This oral health dilemma is more common than you might think. Patients of all ages come to our practice seeking solutions to restore their smile for a more complete appearance that radiates renewed health and happiness.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
• Bone Grafting
  That’s kind of like asking how much a car costs; there’s a big range. We’ll be able to provide an answer after we see your specific situation. Many factors affect how your case is evaluated and planned. (Do you have a lot of bone to hold the implants? Do you need bone grafting first? Where are your sinuses positioned, and what is their size?)

Orthodontics

• Orthodontics
  Using Lightwalker Fotona Laser she can provide to her patients NightLase® therapy for sleep disorder breathing, TwinLight® periodontal therapy, SWEEPS® endodontic laser treatment and a variety of other treatments that are less invasive. Dr. Sylvia Jernigan completed additional training to provide effective Invisalign® orthodontics. In the last few years, she has expanded her knowledge in Sleep Disorder Breathing and Sleep Apnea. We are able to offer Myofunctional Therapy with clear aligners for airway-friendly orthodontics focusing on expansion.
• Invisalign Orthodontics
• Braces

General

• Teeth Whitening
  You’ve dreamed of a professional tooth whitening before. You’ve looked in the mirror a hundred times and imagined what it would be like to dazzle every time you smiled. And now, you have a special event coming up and you just can’t stop dreaming about it. Could teeth whitening in Asheville really be for you?
• Cosmetic Dentistry
  If cosmetic dentistry in Asheville is what you’ve been searching for, you’re not alone. Many people want to enhance their smiles. Some seek to correct issues like discolored, gapped, or crooked teeth from childhood, while others want to address conditions like cracked or worn-down teeth for a more youthful appearance. No matter the reason, cosmetic dentistry from Dr. John Highsmith and Dr. Sylvia Jernigan, your trusted Asheville cosmetic dentists, can help you look, feel, and smile your best.
• General Dentistry
  For over a decade, she’s been working in dentistry, assisting with some of the most advanced yet gentle treatments available in our area. Much like Dr. John Highsmith, Dr. Jernigan is also an avid learner interested in the artful, cosmetic side of dentistry. She’s spent many extra hours of continuing education and training over the last few years. She is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Physiological Medicine & Dentistry. Dr. Jernigan has completed additional training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, as well as training to use the Fotona laser.