Whether you’ve chipped, broken or lost a tooth due to an accident, our dentists in Mellwood AR can provide the dental care you need to get back on your feet again. From root canals to periodontal cleanings, our dentists have the tools to help you keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Regardless of the severity of a tooth crack or chip, the damage can be detrimental to your oral health and cause pain and discomfort. It is always a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible for treatment that repairs and restores the appearance and function of your tooth.
Tooth chips usually occur when a piece of enamel breaks off, making the surface of the tooth more susceptible to damage from chewing or biting. These small chips can be treated with a dental filling, or if the damage is more severe, with a procedure called bonding.
Gum Disease
Gum disease (also called periodontitis) is an infection that starts in the gums and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It can be prevented and treated with regular dental care and good oral hygiene at home.
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) causes red, swollen and bleeding gums. It usually responds to treatment by improving with better oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
The most serious form of gum disease is called periodontitis. It develops when the inner layer of gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and forms small ‘pockets’ that deepen as the bone erodes. It can also cause teeth to loosen and need to be removed.
Root Canals
If you have a deep infection within the pulp of a tooth, root canal therapy is an effective and relatively painless way to save your natural tooth. Without treatment, this infection can lead to severe pain, bone loss and even the death of the tooth itself.
During your dental appointment, the dentist will listen to your symptoms and perform an exam. Then, x-rays will be taken to help your dentist determine the cause of your pain and the extent of the damage.
Using a local anesthetic, your dentist will drill an access into the tooth and clean the infected pulp and bacteria from it. Next, a rubber dam is put over the tooth to keep saliva and other substances away from the area.
Periodontal Cleanings
Periodontal cleanings are an essential part of regular Dental Care In Mellwood AR. They remove bacteria buildup, allowing us to catch problems early and help prevent dental disease.
A hygienist performs this procedure during routine checkups or as a follow-up to periodontal maintenance therapy. They use a process called scaling and root planing to remove the plaque and tartar that accumulates below your gum line.
Scaling involves the dentist or hygienist manually scraping off plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, getting to the bottom of each pocket. Root planing smoothes the rough areas on the tooth roots so that your gum tissue can attach to them, which prevents disease from reoccurring.
Crowns
A crown, a synthetic cap that fits over your tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance, is a restorative treatment that can be used to treat many dental issues.
A crown can be made of a variety of materials, from porcelain to metal alloys. Porcelain crowns provide the closest match to your natural teeth, though they may not be as strong or durable as some other types of crowns.
During the initial appointment, we will remove any decay or other material from the affected tooth and prepare it to receive the crown. Next, impressions will be taken and sent to a dental lab for the crown to be manufactured.