Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A new study pointing to a correlation between a type of tumor known as meningioma and dental x-rays was released recently. We feel it is important to acknowledge and address this study and keep our patients informed so that they can make the best decisions regarding their treatment.   

Reading some of the headlines can be pretty scary if you don’t have all the information available. A Google search for “dental x-rays” turned up results such as “Are Dental X-rays Causing Brain Tumors” and “Yearly Dental X-rays Raise Brain Tumor Risk.”  

Let’s examine these claims more closely: 

• One of the key points to recognize is that this study pertains to “past” x-rays. It is important to note that modern x-rays utilize much lower doses of radiation due to advances in technology and increased film speeds. Our office uses digital x-rays, which use significantly less radiation – as much as 80% less.
• The study relies on a patient’s memory. Many of our patients are surprised to learn that it has been over a year since we last took any x-rays. They “could just swear” that they had x-rays at their last visit. Be honest: can you remember what dental x-rays you had taken 5 years ago? 10 years? How about 20 to 60 years ago? That’s how far back this study is asking patients to remember. The American Dental Association’s media spokesperson, Dr. Matthew Messina, says one of the weaknesses of the study is that people’s memories about their x-rays are unclear. It is difficult to pin down, especially without the actual x-rays themselves.
• The specific type of tumor mentioned is usually benign, rarely cancerous. There are also studies that seem to indicate that genetics play a role. Some of the symptoms associated with meningioma include vision changes, worsening headaches, hearing loss, memory loss, weakness in the extremities, and seizures.

How do X-Rays at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental work?

In our office, we like to look at risk factors: your gums and bone, your bite, and your teeth themselves. As we've said before, our philosophy is "the best dentistry is no dentistry."

Some of our patients are at an increased risk in one or more areas, however, and may need to have diagnostic x-rays more frequently. For instance: 

• Children, depending on age, are more likely to develop cavities. We are also monitoring growth and development during their developmental years. Teenagers need to be monitored for possible problems with wisdom teeth.
• Patients with extensive existing restorations (crowns and/or fillings) have an increased risk for decay to develop under these restorations, where they can’t be seen with the naked eye. 
• Patients who have a high sugar intake are at an increased risk for developing cavities.
• Patients with periodontal disease may need more frequent x-rays to monitor bone levels.
• Patients with dry mouth, whether due to medications or illness. Saliva helps to maintain a stable pH in the mouth. When there is reduced saliva, the pH decreases, which contributes to cavity development. 

 For more information on x-rays, please visit the American Dental Association’s website

We take almost all types of insurance. We are providers for Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Guardian. A majority of our patients have a different insurance or no insurance at all. 

Call Northwest Arkansas Family Dental for all insurance questions!

We have found that we are able to get a pretty accurate estimate of what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Even when we are not on your "list," we find that most of the out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment are minimal. We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have regarding coverage, so please give our Fayetteville, AR office a call today!

At Northwest Arkansas Family Dental, we recognize that a dental emergency can mean many things, but as a rule, we consider the following to be dental emergencies:

• Tooth pain
• Jaw pain
• Jaw swelling
• Injury to the soft tissues of the mouth
• Broken tooth or restoration
• Tooth or restoration knocked loose or out
• Bleeding

Of course, there can be other situations that we have not considered here, which is why we always want you to call our dental office if you’re not sure. Your dentist in Fayetteville can weigh your symptoms and advise you what to do—whether to come in or wait a few days. A member of our team or your dentist will provide all at-home instructions in the meantime.

If you’re in pain, however, or your oral health is at risk, we want to see you as soon as possible.

We also want to share a few tips to help you avoid future dental emergencies:

• Brush your teeth at least two times every day.
• Floss between your teeth at least once every day.
• Come to our dental office twice yearly for exams and teeth cleanings.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind and clench your teeth.
• Wear a mouthguard if you compete in athletics.

Contact our dental team if you have any questions.

f you’re suffering from jaw pain, especially jaw pain resulting from TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), your dentist in Fayetteville, AR offers BOTOX injections.  

At Northwest Arkansas Family Dental, we have treated countless patients using this technique, and we invite you to schedule an exam if you’re experiencing jaw pain or if you suspect TMJ in Fayetteville, AR. 

TMJ is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint does not function properly, you may notice symptoms like: 

• Face pain 
• Headache 
• Jaw pain 
• Jaw locking 
• Jaw or joint clicking 

BOTOX injections in Fayetteville, AR work by reducing the force when grinding or clenching your teeth—commonly called bruxism. The BOTOX injections do not freeze your jaw but relax the muscles, which is designed to relieve muscle stress and reduce pain.  

BOTOX in Fayetteville, AR also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and it has been long approved by the FDA to treat migraines. 

BOTOX therapy is not particularly painful and relies on a delicate needle to bring you lasting relief from jaw and face discomfort. 

If you would like more information about BOTOX in Fayetteville, contact a member of our team. Also, get in touch with us if you would like to schedule an exam today.  

At Northwest Arkansas Family Dental, we are proud to offer Invisalign clear aligners. This system straightens teeth without the hindrance of brackets and wires. Invisalign is virtually invisible.

The process starts with an exam and chat with your dentist in Fayetteville, AR. We want to learn what you’re looking for in a new smile, and we want to make sure that Invisalign is the right choice to provide that smile.

If you prove to be a good candidate for Invisalign, your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and gums. Invisalign uses this information to create custom aligners for your teeth. You change your aligner every two weeks to help your teeth move into position. But you can remove your aligners when eating, brushing, and flossing.

As to whether Invisalign can correct your overbite, your dentist closely examines your smile and gums to make sure that it will achieve this goal. An aligned bite, after all, means less wear on your teeth and fewer dental health problems long term.

As a rule, Invisalign corrects mild to moderate:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Crooked teeth
• Twisted teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth

Contact Our Dental Team to Schedule Your Exam for Invisalign in Fayetteville

If you have questions, or if you’re ready to schedule your consultation, we look forward to speaking with you.

At Northwest Arkansas Family Dental, we want you to be proud of your smile and help instill confidence through straighter teeth. 

If you have mild to moderate crooked or twisted teeth, Invisalign in Fayetteville, AR may be the best option for you. 

Your dentist in Fayetteville, AR examines your smile to make sure Invisalign will correct your issues, which may include: 

• Crooked, twisted, or overlapping teeth 
• Bite problems, including over, under and crossbites 
• Gaps between teeth 

Invisalign in Fayetteville, AR relies on clear, plastic aligners—custom-designed by taking an impression of your smile—to gradually straighten your teeth. You change aligners every few weeks until you’ve completed the series. Then you’re left with a beautiful new smile! 

Following therapy with Invisalign, your dentist in Fayetteville, AR provides a custom retainer to help train your teeth to remain in their new straight position.  

Also, following therapy, you’ll discover that straight teeth are easier to brush and floss adequately. And an even bite helps reduce tooth wear and cavities.  

To learn whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign in Fayetteville, AR, contact Northwest Arkansas Family Dental today to schedule an exam. 

We look forward to helping you realize your dream smile through Invisalign therapy! 

Full mouth reconstruction in Fayetteville, AR considers both the health and appearance of your smile. Also, the services recommended to repair your smile may borrow from both general and cosmetic dentistry. 

Your general dentist in Fayetteville, AR examines your smile, takes x-rays, and determines the best methods to bring your smile in line. Options depend on the health of your smile, the services that are safe for you, and your own smile goals going forward.  

Combined dental services may include: 

• Dental implants 
• Extractions 
• Professional teeth cleaning 
• Professional teeth whitening 
• Tooth-colored fillings 
• Same-Day crowns 
• Bridges 

There are so many possible combinations! And our team takes Fayetteville dentistry very seriously. We want you to love your results and be proud of your new smile.  

Of course, we always consider your budget and participate with Delta Dental in Fayetteville—among other providers. This participation means that some services may be covered, specifically the oral health portions of your full mouth reconstruction in Fayetteville—extractions, for example, or even orthodontics like Invisalign. A member of our team can help you navigate the language of your policy.  

If you would like to learn more about full mouth reconstruction in Fayetteville, AR, contact Northwest Arkansas Family Dental. Also, get in touch with us if you would like to schedule an exam. 

At Northwest Arkansas Family Dental, we take a custom approach to each patient’s dental treatment plan. Our skilled dentists will examine your teeth and make a determination as to whether you’re a good candidate for dental veneers.

If the dentist decides that you are a good candidate, we will schedule your appointment as soon as possible so you won’t have to wait long for your new smile!

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin covers affixed to your existing teeth. These thin covers match surrounding teeth in shade and shape, giving your smile consistency and symmetry. Veneers also look very natural. Your friends will not even know you’ve had work done.

Here’s a list of some of the cosmetic issues dental veneers camouflage:

• Gaps between teeth
• Broken teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Damaged teeth
• Short teeth
• Misshapen teeth

Porcelain veneers are a patient favorite because these little porcelain shells take care of a variety of issues in a single step. This makes veneers not only versatile but also cost-effective.

And there’s more good news! Porcelain veneers are non-invasive and require no recovery time!

Contact Our Dental Office

If you would like to learn whether you’re a good candidate for dental veneers, contact our Fayetteville, AR dental office today!

Porcelain Veneers at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental

A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is bonded to your natural tooth structure. A veneer gives us the ability to change the shape and color of your teeth without having to cut down your natural tooth. Many patients elect to use veneers to close spaces between teeth or fix minor positioning problems with teeth. Veneers are a very predictable way to give you the smile you always wanted.

For most people, it is generally recommended that you see your dentist twice a year. Every patient is different, and we do make different recommendations based on your unique situation. Keep in mind that if you are feeling oral pain or discomfort it is imperative you make an appointment with our office, even if you are in between your regularly scheduled visit.

Should my dental visits change once I have dentures or dental implants?

The number of visits per year also depend on what additional needs you have may have. We usually recommend seeing some of our denture and implant patients once a year. Some patients with increased risk factors, like smoking, diabetes,  pregnancy, or periodontal disease, may need more frequent examinations. Some patients will be seen between three and six times per year.

The signs of gum disease vary from person to person, and it’s important to know that gum disease is often present with no symptoms at all. People who do not visit their dentist regularly may not even know they have gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease will continue to worsen. It can even lead to tooth loss.

Warning signs of gum disease

Sometimes warning signs of gum disease do appear, and these can include any of the following:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
• Unexplained sores in your mouth
• Teeth that look longer than normal because gums have started to pull away
• Teeth that have become loose
• Bad breath that persists no matter how often you brush
• A change in your bite
• A change in the way your partial dentures fit

Contact Northwest Arkansas Family Dental 

Even if you do not have any of these symptoms, you might still be in the early stages of gum disease. The only way to know for sure if you have gum disease is to visit your Fayetteville dentist regularly for examinations. If you find out that you do have gum disease, it is treatable and it is possible for your gum health to be restored. 

A crown is a covering for a tooth that goes around the entire tooth. Crowns are done on teeth that have large fillings and/or decay and are susceptible to breaking. Crowns, or caps as some patients refer to them, give us the ability to restore your tooth to a natural shape and function. They also give us the ability to change the color of your teeth. 

Periodontal disease by definition is a disease or infection in the periodontium. What that means is that you have some sort of infection in the structures that hold the teeth. This can be in the gums and/or the bone holding the teeth. 

We try to be very aggressive when treating gum and bone disease because it is difficult and usually impossible to get the bone back after you have lost it. Proper treatment can include a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) or even gum surgery. Other treatment options may include antibiotics or laser therapy.

Proper home care is important to treat and prevent periodontal disease. There are different risk factors that make a person more susceptible to getting periodontal disease. Some of these risk factors include race, smoking, diabetes, and genetics. Some people have good oral hygiene and still develop periodontal disease. It is very important that you are checked thoroughly for periodontal disease by your dental professional. 

Treats like apple juice and orange juice seem like healthy alternatives for kids, but they should remain just that – a treat. When thinking of fruit juice, conscientious parents likely consider all of the vitamins packed within a small sippy cup of juice. The truth is much different. 

Children’s dentistry in Fayetteville encompasses both good practices and accurate information.

How Dental Decay Develops

Dental decay starts with a combination of bacteria and sugar. Sugar, the most easily digestible and accessible form of energy, fuels the reproduction of bacteria. As a result, an acidic environment forms in the mouth. Acid softens enamel, the protective covering on the teeth, and a cavity develops.

By drinking fruit juices and soda, kids get a double whammy of acid – both the acid in the drink and the acid from the bacteria – and kids are at a greater risk of developing decay.

What to Drink Instead

The healthiest drink is still good, old-fashioned tap water. As long as the water in your municipality is of high quality, you get the benefits of hydration and the added fluoride that protects teeth.

Juice and soda should be reserved as a special treat for a time at the movies, parties, and other special occasions.

Why Eating Fruit Is Still a Good Idea

Fruit in its whole form is not as concentrated. It also contains natural plant matter that has fiber and assists with digestion. While some fruit is more cavity-causing than others, it will always be a healthier choice to eat the whole fruit than a processed form of the fruit.

How to Prevent Cavities

Eating a healthy diet, practicing good home hygiene, and opting for cavity prevention treatments such as fluoride and sealants will assist in keeping cavities in check. Of course, regular dental exams and cleanings are also important to a healthy smile. Talk to us at your next routine visit. We offer children’s dentistry in Fayetteville to help you keep every member of your family healthy and smiling.

Part of our children’s dentistry program in our Fayetteville dental office includes home hygiene instruction and nutritional counseling with parents in addition to preventive dental treatments to reduce cavities and protect the smile.

Here are some tips to keep your little one’s smile comfortable and disease-free:

Make Regular Pediatric Dental Appointments

Your child’s preventive dental check-ups and cleanings are the best way to avoid serious oral health conditions and dental emergencies.

Today’s technology, including digital dental x-rays, ensures the earliest detection and diagnosis possible.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Brush Their Teeth Properly

Kids need help brushing their teeth until about age nine or ten when they can manage the dexterity necessary to do a good job.

Brush for at least two minutes twice a day and floss at least once per day.

Disclosing tablets can help your child adjust to brushing their teeth on their own by showing areas they might have missed.

Opt for Additional Decay-Preventing Treatments

Fluoride application – fluoride strengthens enamel to prevent decay

Sealants – place a barrier between decay-causing bacteria and the deep grooves of your child’s teeth

For gentle and reliable children’s dentistry in Fayetteville, contact Northwest Arkansas Family dental. We welcome kids of all ages.

The amount of sensitivity you feel after a crown will vary, as will the length of time you will notice that your tooth feels extra sensitive. In general, the closer we get to the root portion of the tooth when preparing it to receive the crown, the greater the chance that you’ll feel sensitivity.

It can also depend on the reason for the dental crown. If you come to our office with a toothache and we perform a root canal then place a crown on the treated tooth, the affected area might be sensitive and a bit uncomfortable for a few days after the procedure.

Are dental crowns sensitive?

Regardless of the reason, crown sensitivity is quite common. Most patients can expect it to last for about a week or two after getting treatment. If the pain lasts beyond that, be sure to give us a call, and we can take a look to ensure the sensitivity is not coming from an adjacent tooth. If you notice pain when you bite down on the new crown, it might need to be adjusted, and we can also take care of this.

Contact Northwest Arkansas Family Dental today

We welcome Fayetteville, AR residents to contact our practice to learn more about dental crowns and the services we offer at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental. 

Dental insurance is kind of a misnomer.

How is dental insurance different?

Most insurance plans have a deductible and then cover most of the expenses after you have met your deductible. This is how car, home, and most health insurance work. Dental insurance is different. We like to refer to it as a benefit plan. It usually covers your preventative procedures like prophylaxis (cleanings) and exams and then pays less or not at all when major procedures are needed. They usually put limits on treatment payouts of around one thousand or fifteen hundred dollars. This is far less than most other types of insurance. 

It is up to your employer (or whoever is paying for the insurance) to determine your benefits and maximum payable amounts. The insurance company will usually sell a plan that covers more of the major procedures, but the cost of the plan will go up. Each company offers different plans, and it is up to you to look at what the cost to you is and the benefit that you will receive.

Call Northwest Arkansas Family Dental to learn more about our dental insurance!

If you have any questions, Erin or Shawna would love to sit down with you and look at your plan to determine if it is in your best interest. 

When you come into Northwest Arkansas Family Dentistry in Fayetteville, AR, for a new patient exam, here’s what you can expect:

1. It’s best to come a few minutes early so we can have you fill out any needed paperwork. (Hint: You can save yourself some time by filling out the paperwork ahead of time. You can find it directly on our website.) This is also a good time for you to ask any questions you might have about the appointment.
2. Once you are brought back into the exam room, you’ll talk with your dentist about any oral health concerns you might have. We’ll go over your medical history at that time as well. If you are feeling anxious about the new patient exam, be sure to share that with your dentist.
3. Next, your mouth, teeth, and gums will be examined, and x-rays will be taken to find out if there are any potential issues that cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Look at your initial exam as a way to get to know us—and us you!—and to find out the status of your oral health. If any issues are detected, you’ll also be able to find out how we might be able to help you. 

Though no one really wants to have a root canal, it is important to remember that it is an effort to save your tooth. When we perform root canals in our Fayetteville, AR dentist office, we always make sure you feel completely comfortable during treatment.

Once we successfully complete your root canal, we need to protect the tooth. Because we remove the nerve and blood supply, the tooth can become brittle and easier to break. Protecting your treated tooth usually means placing a dental crown.

A dental crown completely covers your tooth and protects it while chewing. It can add decades to the life of your tooth.

How does a root canal procedure work at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental?

As with all of your teeth, we will closely monitor your root canal-treated tooth to ensure that it is still healthy. Regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays will help you keep your mouth healthy and your smile looking its best.

If you are wondering why we go through such heroic efforts to save one tooth, it is because saving your natural teeth is far less complex than replacing a missing tooth. Leaving a gap in your smile can lead to bone loss, reduced self-esteem, and shifting teeth that result in a misaligned bite.

Contact our office for your root canal procedure

For a Fayetteville, AR dentist who will always put your smile first, contact Northwest Arkansas Family Dental today. 

The way that your teeth and bite fit together is known as your occlusion. When your teeth are not aligning properly, or your bite is off, this is referred to as malocclusion. A misaligned bite can cause all kinds of issues with your joints, such as TMD, or temporomandibular disorders. It can also cause excessive wear, fractures, or other damage to your teeth.

Types of malocclusions

There are also different types of malocclusions such as:

• Overbite - This is where your top arch of teeth protrude over you bottom teeth.
• Cross Bite - This occurs when upper teeth don't fit properly with the lower teeth. They're on the wrong side.
• Underbite - This happens when the lower teeth are farther forward than the upper teeth.
• Open Bite - In this case the molars fit together, however the upper and lower front teeth don't meet resulting in a opening of the front teeth.
• Spacing or Crowding Issues - Teeth that are crowded or overlap cause malocclusion, as well as teeth that have gaps and spacing.

Contact Northwest Arkansas Family Dental for your evaluation

Malocclusion can be treated in a number of different ways, and it's best to have your particular situation evaluated by your dental team at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental. If malocclusions are left untreated, they can lead to joint disorders, painful headaches, neck and shoulder pain, excessive wear or fractures to your teeth, and an increased risk for developing gum disease.

If you have stained or discolored teeth and are unhappy with your smile, chances are you’ve tried store-bought pastes or whitening strips only to be disappointed with the results.

Products purchased online or in stores do not have the same whitening capabilities as the professional teeth whitening treatments we offer in our Fayetteville, AR dental office. When teeth whitening products are not prescription strength, in fact, stubborn stains are always left behind.

It has been our experience at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental that KöR Deep Bleaching provides the best results around, and our patients could not be happier with their results following this excellent teeth whitening therapy.

What is the teeth whitening procedure like at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental?

The process begins with mouth impressions. We use these impressions to create a custom- whitening tray that fits your teeth snuggly.  KöR bleach is placed in the tray’s tooth slots. Before you know it, you have a whiter and brighter smile.

At Northwest Arkansas Family Dental, we always utilize the best cosmetic dental options when it comes to our patients. This is why our Fayetteville cosmetic dentist uses KöR Deep Bleaching.

Contact Our Dental Office

If you’re considering teeth whitening treatments, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation with our top cosmetic dentist in Fayetteville, AR. Also, if you have any questions about teeth whitening, don’t hesitate to contact us.

We take almost all types of insurance. We are providers for Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Guardian. A majority of our patients have a different insurance or no insurance at all. 

Call Northwest Arkansas Family Dental for all insurance questions!

We have found that we are able to get a pretty accurate estimate of what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Even when we are not on your "list," we find that most of the out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment are minimal. We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have regarding coverage, so please give our Fayetteville, AR office a call today!

The short answer is yes, it does, and you should go twice each year for examinations and cleanings. The longer answer is that preventive care is essential when it comes to dental care, so visiting your dentist regularly along with good home care are the only ways to stay on top of potential problems.

Preventive care you can do

Preventive dental care means taking small steps regularly to avoid big problems that can potentially develop. Preventive care in Fayetteville includes the following:

• Daily brushing and flossing, and replacing your toothbrush regularly
• Avoiding foods and beverages that contribute to tooth decay
• Visiting your dentist twice each year

Spending just an hour in the dental chair twice each year will not only save you time in the long run but money as well. Most dental problems get worse the longer they are left alone—and they also get more expensive to treat.

Book your dental appointment at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental

Life gets busy and hectic, and skipping your regular dental appointments might seem more convenient at the time, but when you eventually get to the dentist, you might discover that you now need expensive, time-consuming treatments to restore your oral health. In the long run, it’s just not worth it to skip going to the dentist twice each year.

Periodontal (gum disease) is a widespread oral health problem that affects nearly half of all US adults. It is an infection of the gums that can eventually break down the bone that supports your teeth and will not go away on its own. The best ways to avoid gum disease in Fayettville is brushing and flossing conscientiously and visiting Northwest Arkansas Family Dental for teeth cleanings and dental exams.

Early Gum Disease Is Reversible

The first sign of gum disease in Fayettville is bleeding, swollen, or inflamed gums. This stage is called gingivitis.

If your dental hygienist sees signs of gingivitis, she will perform a comprehensive teeth cleaning to remove the germ-filled plaque and tartar buildup. When you follow up at home with conscientious brushing and flossing habits, gingivitis is reversible.

Periodontitis, A Long-Term Disease

If we don't treat early periodontal disease, it progresses to periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. At this stage, the infection attacks the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. 

Periodontitis is a chronic, long-term inflammatory disease and is not reversible, but we can treat it. The first step is a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. Your dental hygienist removes the plaque and tartar from all your tooth surfaces above and below the gum line. 

The roots of your teeth will be smoothed so as your gums heal, so they can more easily reattach to the teeth. Along with improved oral hygiene and more frequent dental cleanings, we can control periodontitis.

Schedule a Dental Cleaning and Exam Today

If you think you have gum disease, call our Fayetteville dental office. The faster we address it, the better the odds that we can treat and eliminate it.

When we welcome a new patient to Northwest Arkansas Family Dental, we want to ensure that you receive precisely the type of care that will promote a lifetime of healthy and comfortable smiles. In order to achieve this, we welcome each patient with a comprehensive exam that includes plenty of time for you to speak directly with Dr. Wade Kifer, giving you the opportunity to share any goals or concerns you may have with your smile.

New patient checklist at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental

This is a great time to discuss any painful teeth, changes to your oral health, or any cosmetic goals you may have for your smile.

We will also take diagnostic x-rays to look for conditions such as decay, bone loss, or fractures as well as perform a periodontal exam and a tooth-by-tooth exam. 

Dr. Kifer will also look for signs of premature wear that could indicate a teeth grinding habit, called bruxism, or a jaw-related condition called temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

This type of comprehensive dental exam provides a big-picture view regarding your oral health and supplies the information we need to determine the recommended frequency of your dental cleaning schedule in our Fayetteville dental office.

Our goal is to help our patients retain their natural teeth, avoid gum disease, and have a smile that makes them feel great about the way they look.

We really care about children and want to make sure they get off to a good start. We like to see the child at an early age, usually around one year old. We recommend that you bring your child to an appointment with you. 

The really important part of this first visit is for us to make sure that everything is going ok developmentally. We also want to spend some time with you, the parent, educating you on the proper way to take care of your kid's mouth.

A child's mouth that is not cared for in a proper way can lead to an entire life of dental problems. If we can spend ten minutes with you on the proper way to care for your children, it could save you and them a lifetime of dental misfortune. 

A dental implant is the closest thing we have to replacing a missing tooth. When you lose a tooth, you not only lose the part of the tooth that you can see (the crown), but you also lose the root of the tooth that is in the bone. The bone in your jaw has a purpose and that is to hold your teeth. When you lose your tooth, the bone loses its purpose and starts to disappear.

How do dental implants work at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental?

That is where a dental implant comes in. We place a small titanium screw into your jaw bone to replace the root of the tooth and put a porcelain crown on that to replace the crown of your tooth. This not only gives you back a tooth but also preserves the bone so that you don't get a caved-in look in the area where you lost the tooth.

Call to book a Dental Implant appointment today!

Feel free to call for a no-cost consultation on dental implants. We will sit down with you and go over all the available options for replacing missing teeth.   

Partial dentures are an economical way to replace several missing teeth. They can also restore your ability to chew and speak properly as well as eliminate any feelings of embarrassment you might be having because of your missing teeth.

You can talk to Dr. Wade Kifer, your dentist in Fayetteville, to find out if partial dentures might be right for you.

Benefits of partial dentures at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental

Partial dentures are removeable devices that are made to look natural by matching your existing teeth and gums. There are plenty of benefits to getting partial dentures, including:

• They are an affordable tooth replacement option that is often covered by dental insurance.
• Filling in gaps in your mouth with a partial denture will help protect your remaining healthy teeth because they will stop your teeth from shifting and support the jaw and gum tissue.
• They will give you back your confidence because you will no longer have gaps in your mouth when smiling or speaking.
• They are easy to care for, although you should not use regular toothpaste to keep them clean since this can be too abrasive.

If you do decide to get partial dentures, plan to see your dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings. You will also need to have them adjusted from time to time to ensure a proper fit.