Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

Traveling From Downtown Apex

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.

Coming From Holly Springs

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. A free parking lot is also available outside our Apex dental office.

We are here to help ensure your oral health every Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm.

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!

This is such a common question we had to include it as an FAQ.  Here at Bass & Watson Family Dental, 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. 

Yes! We accept both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for eligible dental treatments. These accounts allow you to use pre-tax funds to pay for many dental services, helping make your care more affordable. If you have questions about using your HSA or FSA for a specific treatment, our team will be happy to help guide you through your payment options.

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) 298-8976 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.  The cost of a single dental implant placement typically ranges from $2100 to $2600 and does not include the final crown placed after the implant heals.

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. 

Yes, dental implants can be removed, though it’s rarely necessary. An implant is designed to be a permanent solution that integrates securely with your jawbone. Your dentist may recommend removal in certain circumstances, such as infection, implant failure, or changes in your oral health needs.

When Implant Removal Might Be Necessary

While dental implants have a very high success rate (over 95%), certain situations may require removal:

• Peri-Implantitis: This is an infection around the implant. If the infection can’t be controlled with treatment, removing the implant may be the best option for the sake of your overall oral health.
• Implant failure: In some cases, an implant doesn't properly integrate with the jawbone. If the remains are loose or unstable after the healing period, your dentist may need to remove and potentially replace them once the area heals.
• Fracture or damage: If an implant becomes fractured or severely damaged, your dentist may recommend removal and replacement.

The Process for Removing a Dental Implant

Your dentist in Apex, NC, typically uses a specialized technique to carefully reverse the osseointegration and extract the implant with minimal bone damage. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and in many cases, a new implant can be placed once the area has healed properly.

Prevention Is Key to Implant Success

The best approach is to prevent the need for removal through good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and following your dentist's care instructions after implant placement.

Call Bass & Watson Family Dentistry at (919) 752-4887 to discuss dental implants or if you have concerns about an existing implant.

Age can be a factor for dental implants, but not in the way you might think. There's no upper age limit for dental implants. There is a minimum age requirement because your jawbone must be fully developed before implant placement. This typically means waiting until your late teens or early twenties.

Age Requirements for Dental Implants

• Minimum age: Dental implants aren't usually recommended for children or young teens because their jaws are still growing. 
• No maximum age: Age itself doesn't disqualify you. Many patients in their 70s, 80s, and beyond are excellent candidates for dental implants. 

What Matters More Than Age

Your dentist will consider the following factors to determine if you’re a good implant candidate:

• Bone density and quality: Adequate jawbone is essential to support an implant. Bone loss from missing teeth or gum disease can affect candidacy, though bone grafting may be an option.
• Overall health: Certain conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer treatment, or immune disorders, can affect healing and implant success.
• Oral health: If you have active gum disease or tooth decay, you will require treatment before implant placement.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking significantly impacts implant success at any age and should be addressed before treatment.

If you’re considering implants and want to see if you’re a good candidate, call Bass & Watson Family Dentistry in Apex, NC, to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

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 AT LEAST 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.  Many cases are finished in as little as 6 months!

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 complimentary consultation. Call us today at 919-899-7956 for more information.

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 22 hours per day. Then, you'll move to the next set of aligners in the series typically every 2 weeks, but in some cases weekly. 

While everyone's needs differ, most patients achieve their desired results within 12 to 18 months of treatment, with many as fast as 6 months.  

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 919-899-7956

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 a complimentary evaluation at Bass & Watson Family Dental.  

How Does Invisalign Work?

During your complimentary evaluation, your dental team will take a 3D scan of your mouth with the iTero scanner, take a panoramic x-ray and take a series of photos.  Then Dr. Watson will work directly with Invisalign to create a custom treatment plan based on your goals and desires for your smile. 

If you have questions about how Invisalign works or you would like to schedule your evaluation, contact us at 919-899-7956.

The cost for your comprehensive Invisalign treatment at Bass & Watson Family Dental is $4800.  This includes:

• Developing your treatment plan with Invisalign
• All of your Invisalign aligners
• All of your Invisalign check-up visits
• 1 round of at-home teeth whitening
• Refinement aligners if needed
• Your first set of retainers at the completion of your Invisalign journey

Occasionally, the cost may be less, but we would determine that on a case-by-case basis. 

Would You Like to Learn More?

Contact Bass & Watson Family Dental at 919-899-7956 to schedule a complimentary Invisalign consult!

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.

The short answer -- YES we can!  Simply give us a call and a member of our team will gladly schedule a visit for you with Dr. Watson to discuss ALL of your sedation options.

Now for the long answer.  We offer many different sedation options that can be tailored to your specific need.  You may be someone who has mild anxiety so maybe a bit of laughing gas is enough to put you at ease. Or perhaps you or your loved one has a debilitating phobia of the dentist due to trauma so then IV sedation with our CRNA would be best.  

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 appear awake and be able to respond to instructions, you may feel drowsy and not remember much about the procedure.  A lot of our patients who choose this option actually fall asleep during the procedure because they are so relaxed.   

IV Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is when medications are administered directly into the bloodstream for immediate and deep relaxation. Dr. Watson is a trained and experienced IV sedation dentist and will ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Watson often works alongside a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) so you can be confident the sedation will be safe and effective, especially for patients with extreme dental anxiety, special needs, 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.

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. 

For most patients, the removal of all four wisdom teeth with IV moderate sedation typically ranges from about $2,100 to $2,800, depending on case complexity.

Dr. Watson is a fully trained and experienced IV sedation dentist who has been performing wisdom teeth removals with sedation since 2008.

Our dental benefits experts are here to advocate for you and will work to maximize your insurance benefits to help cover the procedure.  And if you don’t have dental insurance, ask about financing options. You may be surprised at how affordable wisdom teeth removal can be.