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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – In observance of Oral Cancer Awareness Month this April, experts from Carolina Dental Specialty Center are raising awareness about the importance of early oral cancer detection and encouraging patients to schedule oral cancer screenings at their Jacksonville practice.

Screenings are available by appointment and are open to both new and existing patients. Oral cancer, when caught in its earliest stages, has a significantly higher survival rate. Unfortunately, many cases go undetected until they have reached advanced stages.

“Oral cancer often develops silently, without pain or obvious warning signs, which makes routine screening essential,” said Dr. Jose I. Arauz, a board-certified periodontist and chief dental officer at Carolina Dental Specialty Center. “Early detection through a quick and simple in-office screening can lead to life-saving outcomes. We want patients to know that this is not something to wait on.”

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer will affect more than 54,000 individuals in the U.S. this year, and the disease claims one life every hour. The most common risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, many people who develop oral cancer do not have any clear risk factors, which is why routine screenings are vital for everyone.

Carolina DSC’s comprehensive screening process includes a careful examination of the mouth, lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, throat and surrounding tissues to check for suspicious lesions, discoloration, or changes in texture. If any abnormalities are found, the team works closely with patients to coordinate follow-up care and appropriate next steps.

In addition to emphasizing screening, the team at Carolina DSC is also seeking to educate the community about the subtle symptoms, which should never be ignored. These include persistent mouth sores, lumps, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing or hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks.

“Our goal during Oral Cancer Awareness Month is not only to provide screenings but to educate,” said Arauz. “Being informed and staying proactive can truly make a difference. We want our patients to feel empowered to take control of their health.”

Carolina Dental Specialty Center is a trusted provider of specialized dental care, offering advanced periodontal services, surgical procedures and implant dentistry in Eastern North Carolina. The practice remains committed to supporting patients through personalized care, education, and expert treatment.

To schedule a screening or learn more about oral cancer detection and risk factors, patients are encouraged to contact the office directly.

About The Carolina Dental Specialty Center:

The Carolina Dental Specialty Center specializes in periodontics, robotic dental implants, and oral medicine. Dr. Arauz is a board-certified periodontist trained in dental implant robotics, as well as a Diplomate of The American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration and the American Board of Periodontology.

For media inquiries, please contact our PR firm at 813.279.8335 or email news@judgepr.com.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — In observance of World Oral Health Day on Thursday (March 20) the Carolina Dental Specialty Center will be offering appointments for free oral health screenings to the public as part of its ongoing commitment to community health and preventative care.

The announcement follows the success of the center’s previous initiative, during which numerous community members participated in free oral cancer screenings in honor of Mouth Cancer Action Month. The effort was a significant step in raising awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention.

This time, the team at the Carolina Dental Specialty Center will be conducting free screenings to check for potential signs of gum disease, bone loss, tooth decay and other oral health concerns. These conditions, which are often preventable with early care, can negatively impact overall health and quality of life if left untreated.

“We’re thrilled to continue giving back to the community while emphasizing the importance of oral health,” said Dr. Jose I. Arauz, a board-certified periodontist and chief dental officer at Carolina Dental Specialty Center. “Oral health plays a vital role in overall well-being, and preventative care can make all the difference. These screenings are a valuable opportunity for individuals to prioritize their health.”

Screenings will be available by appointment only, and those interested must schedule their appointment by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025. To secure a spot, patients can request an appointment by clicking here or calling the office directly.

The purpose of World Oral Health Day is to help empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain good oral health. The observance also encourages schools, health professionals, and policymakers to work together toward better oral health for all.

The Carolina Dental Specialty Center, located near Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, is dedicated to providing advanced care in periodontics, dental implants, and oral medicine. As a hub for military members and veterans, the center has consistently championed initiatives that benefit the local community.

About The Carolina Dental Specialty Center:

The Carolina Dental Specialty Center specializes in periodontics, robotic dental implants, and oral medicine. Dr. Arauz is a board-certified periodontist trained in dental implant robotics, as well as a Diplomate of The American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration and the American Board of Periodontology.

For media inquiries, please contact our PR firm at 813.279.8335 or email news@judgepr.com.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – Dr. Jose I. Arauz, a Jacksonville periodontist, won the Distinction in Regenerative Excellence Award at a recent symposium in Charlotte, N.C.

Arauz was presented with the award by Geistlich, the world market leader in the production of regenerative biomaterials.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Arauz for receiving the ‘Distinction in Regenerative Excellence’ award from Geistlich!” the company said. “This prestigious recognition was presented during the Southern Academy of Periodontology Winter Meeting in Charlotte, N.C., honoring his exceptional work in advancing regenerative dentistry and his dedication to excellence in patient care. Dr. Arauz’s passion for innovation and commitment to improving lives inspire us all. Join us in applauding his incredible achievement.”

Regenerative dentistry, practiced by Arauz in many forms, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on using biological mechanisms to repair and restore damaged oral tissues. It aims to promote the body’s natural healing processes to regenerate teeth, gums, and other oral structures.

One such regenerative technique is called ENDORET® Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF), an advanced biomedical technology that stimulates tissue regeneration with the use of autologous proteins found in the patient’s blood.

PRGF treatment is minimally invasive, customized and bio-safe, and favors quicker and more predictable healing that reduces not only the patient’s pain level, but also the risk of infection.

“It is always great to be recognized for the innovative work we do at the Carolina Dental Specialty Center,” said Dr. Arauz. “At the end of the day, our practice is all about the health and comfort of our patients, which is why we use the newest and least invasive techniques, not just in oral tissue restoration, but in our other exceptional procedures like guided biofilm therapy, aerosol reduction and robotic dental implants.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Arauz, please call 910.577.1315 or click here.

The Carolina Dental Specialty Center in Jacksonville recently became the first practice in the area to become certified in Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), an innovative new procedure that thoroughly cleans a patient’s teeth, and is less invasive than a traditional cleaning.

GBT is a method devised by EMS Dental, headquartered in Switzerland.

Instead of the traditional teeth cleaning method, which involves cleaning paste, brushes, rubber cups for oral discharge and sharp metal tools, GBT uses a harmless dye to reveal biofilm on the teeth. Biofilm is a colorless film of bacteria that’s hard to see with the naked eye. After the biofilm is revealed, a stream of air, warm water and powder is used to remove the biofilm, leaving the patient with clean teeth.

The comfortable and minimally invasive treatment is suitable for patients of all ages in all dental situations, but is especially helpful for patients with dental implants. Carolina Dental Specialty Center is recognized across southeastern North Carolina as the go-to practitioner for dental implant procedures, making the implementation of GBT cleanings a huge asset for their practice.

GBT therapy typically takes only 30 minutes to complete, which is on par with other oral hygiene procedures.

Over a period of a year, the Carolina Dental Specialty Center equipped their office with the technology that allows them to provide GBT, and passed a lengthy certification process by EMS Dental in order to begin offering the treatment as a certified provider.

That process included numerous in-house training sessions, some with the guidance of EMS Dental and some conducted by Carolina Dental Specialty Center staff. After the training, Carolina Dental Specialty Center was required by EMS to obtain positive reviews from patients receiving the treatment in order to be officially certified as a GBT provider.

“I’m proud of our staff for the hard work and dedication they have shown throughout the GBT certification process, and I’m excited that we have implemented the minimally invasive GBT technology to give our patients the most comfortable and effective oral hygiene experience,” said Dr. Jose I. Arauz, a board-certified periodontist and chief dental officer at the Carolina Dental Specialty Center. “Our entire staff is not only invested in providing top-notch care to our patients, but doing so with the highest standard of comfortability.”

To book a GBT cleaning, please click here.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – A Jacksonville periodontist is offering useful tips for keeping up with oral hygiene routines during the holiday season, when millions of Americans will be traveling to visit friends and loved ones.

“It can be very easy to brush aside our oral hygiene when we travel, since traveling disturbs our normal routines and can sometimes remove us from our comfort zone,” said Dr. Jose I. Arauz, a board-certified periodontist and chief dental officer at the Carolina Dental Specialty Center. “However, it is important to pay attention to our oral hygiene even when we travel, and to set aside time to take care of ourselves.”

According to Dr. Arauz, the first tip for keeping up with oral hygiene on the go is to choose a travel kit with all of the essentials for taking care of our teeth and gums. These necessities include a toothbrush, a sanitary toothbrush cover, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash and a tongue scraper.

“Many pre-arranged kits exist with all of the hygienic essentials to take on a trip,” said Arauz. “They are compact, easy to pack and are typically made to be easily accessible. It is as simple as choosing one that will allow you to keep up with your normal routine, and packing it along with the rest of your luggage.”

Arauz specifically emphasized the importance of a sanitary toothbrush cover to keep your toothbrush bristles free of bacteria. He recommends letting your toothbrush dry before placing the cover on it, because dampness encourages bacterial growth.

Chewing sugar-free gum is another effective, if nonconventional, way to maintain oral hygiene while traveling, according to Arauz.

“We don’t want to be chewing on sugar, so sugar free gum should be our go-to, but chewing gum can be useful especially if we find ourselves falling out of our normal oral healthcare routine,” he said. “That is because the gum helps keep saliva flowing inside our mouths, which is useful in combatting cavity-causing bacteria that may build up over time.”

Dr. Arauz also provided the following advice for keeping your teeth and gums clean during travel:

• Stay hydrated: Water also helps wash away bacteria that could cause cavities.
• Watch your diet: Especially during the holidays, it is easy to overindulge in desserts and sweets, and consuming sugar is detrimental to oral health.
• See your dentist before you leave: For preventative purposes, schedule a teeth cleaning appointment with your oral healthcare practitioner before you travel to ensure that cavities, toothaches, or other painful conditions don’t interfere with your trip.

About Carolina Dental Specialty Center:

The Carolina Dental Specialty Center specializes in periodontics, robotic dental implants, and oral medicine. Dr. Arauz is a board-certified periodontist trained in dental implant robotics, as well as a Diplomate of The American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration and the American Board of Periodontology.

For media-related inquiries, please contact our PR firm at 813.279.8335 or by emailing news@judgepr.com.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – The Carolina Dental Specialty Center in Jacksonville announced Tuesday that they will be offering free oral cancer screenings through the end of November in observance of Mouth Cancer Action Month, which takes place through the end of the month.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – The Carolina Dental Specialty Center in Jacksonville is helping adults understand the root causes of tooth decay and how to protect themselves and their children from deteriorating dental hygiene as Halloween approaches.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – Each year, Gum Care Awareness Month is observed in September, and experts from the Carolina Dental Specialty Center in Jacksonville are offering a few simple tips to aid in preventing periodontal (gum) disease, which if left unmanaged, can often result in tooth loss, as well as being painful and expensive to treat.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Patients of Dr. Jose Arauz and Carolina Dental Specialty Center (DSC) are more confident and less anxious about their scheduled procedures thanks to the recent addition of a 3-D dental video platform aimed at making it easier for patients to understand a particular diagnosis or treatments they are scheduled to undergo.