Carolina Dental Specialty Center

Carolina Dental Specialty Center The specialty practice of Dr. Jose I. Arauz-Dutari is dedicated exclusively to the practice of excel

Dr. Arauz is committed to providing you the expertise you need and the care you deserve with excellent periodontal and implant treatment in a caring, safe, and comfortable environment. Dr. Arauz and his professional staff are trained and focused on effectively listening to help each patient articulate and obtain their desired results.

Healthy Aging Month and National Dental Implant Awareness Month spotlight the importance of protecting oral health, nutr...
09/04/2026

Healthy Aging Month and National Dental Implant Awareness Month spotlight the importance of protecting oral health, nutrition and function later in life.

As September marks Healthy Aging Month and National Dental Implant Awareness Month, a North Carolina periodontist is urging adults to make oral health part of their plans for aging well, warning that tooth loss should not simply be accepted as an inevitable consequence of getting older.

Dr. Jose Arauz, a board-certified periodontist and chief dental officer at Carolina Dental Specialty Center in Jacksonville, says preserving healthy teeth, gums and supporting bone can play an important role in maintaining the ability to eat comfortably and retain oral function later in life.

The concern is significant among older Americans. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults 65 and older have an average of 21 remaining teeth, and about 15% have lost all of their natural teeth.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults, and about two in five adults 30 and older have some form of the disease.

“Getting older does not mean you should expect to lose your teeth,” Arauz said. “We want people to think about their oral health the same way they think about mobility, nutrition and other aspects of healthy aging. Being able to comfortably eat, speak and smile matters at every age, and protecting that function should be part of planning for the future.”

September’s observances provide an opportunity to bring greater attention to that connection. National Dental Implant Awareness Month, designated by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, is intended to educate the public about dental implants and tooth replacement options.

Healthy Aging Month focuses more broadly on maintaining health and quality of life as people age. Arauz says the two conversations are closely connected.

Arauz says one of the challenges with periodontal disease is that patients may wait for significant pain before seeking care. Gum disease can progress without the type of discomfort a patient might expect from a serious dental problem.

Warning signs that may warrant evaluation include gums that bleed regularly, gum recession, loose or shifting teeth, persistent swelling or inflammation and changes in the way the teeth fit together.

Read the full article here: https://carolinadsc.com/tooth-loss-should-not-be-considered-a-normal-part-of-aging/

If you have been putting off dental care because you are nervous, anxious or even afraid, you are far from the only one....
08/29/2026

If you have been putting off dental care because you are nervous, anxious or even afraid, you are far from the only one.

Dental anxiety is real. For some people, it comes from a difficult experience in the past. For others, it may be fear of pain, needles, sounds or simply not knowing what to expect.

Whatever the reason, we want you to know that you can talk to us about it.

At Carolina Dental Specialty Center, Dr. Jose Arauz and our team take dental anxiety seriously. We will explain what to expect, answer your questions and help you feel as comfortable as possible throughout your care. Anesthesia options are also available for patients who need additional help feeling comfortable during treatment.

Most importantly, please do not let fear keep you from getting the care you need. Sometimes the hardest part really is making that first call.

Tell us you are nervous. Ask us questions. Let us know what you need to feel more comfortable. We are here to help.

📞 Call Carolina Dental Specialty Center at (910) 577-1315 to schedule an appointment.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars from another happy patient!The greatest compliment we can receive is hearing that a patient felt comfor...
08/26/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars from another happy patient!

The greatest compliment we can receive is hearing that a patient felt comfortable, cared for and confident in the treatment they received.

At Carolina Dental Specialty Center, Dr. Jose Arauz and our team know that specialty dental care can feel overwhelming. That is why we take the time to listen, answer questions and make each patient's experience as comfortable as possible while providing the advanced periodontal care they need.

Thank you to our patients who take the time to share their experiences through Google reviews. Your words mean so much to our team and can help others who may be searching for answers feel more confident taking that first step toward better oral health.

Ready to prioritize your smile? Call Carolina Dental Specialty Center at (910) 577-1315 to schedule an appointment.

As National Wellness Month comes to a close, Dr. Jose Arauz, a board-certified periodontist and the chief dental officer...
08/26/2026

As National Wellness Month comes to a close, Dr. Jose Arauz, a board-certified periodontist and the chief dental officer of the Carolina Dental Specialty Center, is encouraging patients to pay extra attention to the health of their gums and mouth year-round.

Throughout National Wellness Month, Americans have been encouraged to focus on habits that support their physical and emotional well-being. Arauz says oral health deserves a permanent place in that conversation, not just during August but throughout the year.

Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is an inflammatory condition that can damage the gums, supporting tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. According to research, associations have been found between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This reinforces the importance of prioritizing oral health as part of a person’s broader health picture.

“People often separate dental health from the rest of their health, but your mouth is a critically important part of your body,” Arauz said. “National Wellness Month may be coming to an end, but taking care of your gums, addressing inflammation and recognizing changes early should be part of taking care of yourself year-round.”

For Arauz, that begins with helping patients understand periodontal disease and recognize symptoms that can easily be dismissed.

Bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, loose or shifting teeth and changes in the way teeth fit together can be signs of periodontal problems. Periodontal disease can progress over time and can contribute to the destruction of the tissue and bone that support the teeth, potentially resulting in tooth loss.

“Bleeding gums should not simply be accepted as normal, and losing teeth should not be viewed as an inevitable part of getting older,” Arauz said. “When patients recognize changes and seek an evaluation earlier, we can determine what is happening and discuss the appropriate options for protecting their oral health.”

Read the full article here: https://carolinadsc.com/as-national-wellness-month-comes-to-a-close-periodontal-specialist-reminds-patients-that-wellness-includes-oral-health

Your mouth can give you warning signs long before a dental problem becomes impossible to ignore.🦷 Gums that bleed when y...
08/26/2026

Your mouth can give you warning signs long before a dental problem becomes impossible to ignore.

🦷 Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
🦷 Swollen or tender gums
🦷 Persistent bad breath
🦷 Receding gums
🦷 Teeth that feel loose or begin shifting
🦷 Increased tooth sensitivity
🦷 Changes in the way your teeth fit together

These symptoms can be associated with periodontal disease and should not simply be accepted as normal.

Periodontal disease can progressively damage the gums, tissues and bone supporting your teeth. As that foundation deteriorates, patients can experience gum recession, bone loss and eventually tooth loss.

"Bleeding gums should not simply be accepted as normal, and losing teeth should not be viewed as an inevitable part of getting older," said Dr. Jose Arauz.

If something in your mouth has changed, it is worth finding out why.

Call Carolina Dental Specialty Center at (910) 577-1315 to schedule a periodontal evaluation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nothing makes us happier than hearing that a patient had an exceptional experience with our team!At Carolina Denta...
08/09/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nothing makes us happier than hearing that a patient had an exceptional experience with our team!

At Carolina Dental Specialty Center, every patient who walks through our doors deserves to feel heard, feel comfortable and feel confident in their care. We are incredibly grateful when our patients take the time to share their experience and trust Dr. Jose Arauz and our team with their specialty dental needs.

Thank you for the five-star review and for allowing us to be part of your care. Your kind words mean more to our team than you know!

Looking for specialized dental care? Call Carolina Dental Specialty Center at (910) 577-1315 to schedule an appointment.

August is National Wellness Month, a reminder that taking care of your health means looking at the whole picture, includ...
08/09/2026

August is National Wellness Month, a reminder that taking care of your health means looking at the whole picture, including your oral health.

Your mouth is not separate from the rest of your body.

Research has found associations between periodontal disease and several systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Inflammation is an important part of that conversation, and certain health conditions can also affect the health of your gums and your body’s ability to fight infection and heal.

That is why changes in your oral health should not always be viewed as “just a dental problem.”

Bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth and other changes can be signs that the tissues supporting your teeth need attention.

As a periodontal specialist, Dr. Jose Arauz focuses not only on treating existing problems, but also on protecting the gums, bone and other structures that create the foundation for long term oral health.

This National Wellness Month, remember that taking care of yourself includes taking care of your smile.

If you have noticed changes in your gums or have concerns about your periodontal health, call Carolina Dental Specialty Center at (910) 577-1315 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Arauz and his team.

Have you noticed that one or more of your teeth suddenly look longer than they used to?The tooth probably did not change...
08/09/2026

Have you noticed that one or more of your teeth suddenly look longer than they used to?

The tooth probably did not change. Your gumline may have.

Gum recession can happen gradually, which means you may not notice it right away. For some patients, the first clue is a tooth that looks longer. Others may experience increased sensitivity or notice changes around the gumline.

Recession can expose the root of the tooth and leave areas that were previously protected by gum tissue more vulnerable.

The important thing to know is that gum recession is not something you simply have to accept.

Dr. Jose Arauz specializes in advanced periodontal care, including treatment options designed to address gum recession and protect the natural structures of your mouth.

Swipe through to learn what gum recession can look like, why it matters and when it may be time to see a specialist.

Have you noticed a change in your gumline? Call Carolina Dental Specialty Center at (910) 577-1315 to schedule an appointment.

If your gums bleed every time you brush or floss, do not just assume you are brushing too hard.Frequent bleeding can be ...
08/09/2026

If your gums bleed every time you brush or floss, do not just assume you are brushing too hard.

Frequent bleeding can be an early warning sign of gum disease and may be your body’s way of telling you that something needs attention.

The good news? The earlier periodontal problems are identified, the more options you may have to protect your gums, bone and natural teeth.

At Carolina Dental Specialty Center, Dr. Jose Arauz and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating periodontal conditions, with a focus on preserving your long-term oral health.

If you're experiencing bleeding gums, call our office today for an appointment and a checkup. (910)577-1315

As  Dental  Care  Becomes More  Complex,  Patients Are  Taking  a  Closer  Look  at Who  Performs  Their Treatment Most ...
07/28/2026

As Dental Care Becomes More Complex, Patients Are Taking a Closer Look at Who Performs Their Treatment

Most patients would not think twice about seeing a medical specialist for a complex heart condition or serious orthopedic injury. Yet when it comes to complex dental care, many may not realize dentistry also has specialists with years of additional training in specific areas of treatment.

About 4 in 10 U.S. adults over age 30 have some level of periodontitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and can cause irreversible bone loss.

“People understand the role of a specialist in medicine, but that same understanding does not always carry over into dentistry,” said Dr. Jose I. Arauz, a board certified periodontist at Carolina Dental Specialty Center in Jacksonville. “General dentists are an important part of long term oral health. When a condition involves the bone, gum tissue or complex surgical treatment, there are specialists whose training is specifically focused on those areas.”

Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontists complete three additional years of education beyond dental school, with advanced training focused on the gums, bone supporting the teeth and dental implant treatment. Arauz said general dentists and specialists often play distinct but collaborative roles in patient care.

“The general dentist often knows the patient and their dental history very well,” Arauz said. “When something becomes more complex, the specialist brings focused training and experience to that specific condition. It should be a collaborative process.”

The difference can be particularly important in cases involving periodontitis, an irreversible condition involving bone loss around the teeth. Symptoms such as bleeding gums, persistent inflammation and gum recession may be easy for patients to underestimate.

“When we evaluate a periodontal patient, we are looking at much more than whether the gums appear red or irritated,” Arauz said. “We are evaluating the bone, the tissue around the teeth, areas of recession and the overall stability of the teeth.”

Similar considerations apply to dental implant surgery. Because dental implants are placed into the jawbone, the health and amount of surrounding bone and gum tissue are important parts of treatment planning.

At Carolina Dental Specialty Center, Arauz uses Yomi robotic assisted technology for dental implant surgery. The system provides guidance based on a digital treatment plan and assists the clinician during implant placement.

“Technology has changed what is possible in implant dentistry, but it is only one part of the equation,” Arauz said. “You still need to understand the biology of the tissue, the bone and the anatomy of the patient.”

Arauz is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and has practiced in Eastern North Carolina since 2007. He completed specialty training in periodontology at the University of Rochester’s Eastman Dental Center and previously served as an assistant professor and clinic director in periodontics. He also provides S.M.A.R.T. bone grafting for appropriate patients with bone deficiencies and is the only provider trained in the technique in Eastern North Carolina. Arauz encourages patients facing complex dental treatment to ask about a provider’s experience, specialty training and approach to treatment planning.

“Understanding a provider’s training and experience is an important part of making an informed health care decision,” Arauz said. “When a general dentist recommends specialty care, it is often because the condition requires a more focused level of expertise. The goal is to make sure the right provider is involved at the right time.”

For patients with advanced gum disease, significant gum recession, bone loss or complex dental implant needs, understanding the role of a periodontist may be an important part of making informed treatment decisions.

Read the full article here:
https://carolinadsc.com/as-dental-care-becomes-more-complex-patients-are-taking-a-closer-look-at-who-performs-their-treatment/

Address

200 Doctors Drive, Suite N
Jacksonville, NC
28546

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 4pm
Tuesday 7am - 4pm
Wednesday 7am - 4pm
Thursday 7am - 4pm
Friday 7am - 1pm

Telephone

+19105771315

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