General Dentistry in Fayetteville, AR
General dentistry in Fayetteville, AR, includes a wide array of treatments that improve the overall health of your mouth. Dental procedures range from cavity detection and treatment to periodontal disease evaluation and therapy; we take the time to assess every aspect of your dental health carefully.
Regular general dentistry oral screenings can help us prevent significant problems from developing. It can also catch any issues that do come up while they are easily treated with simple, conservative measures.
- Dental Cleanings in Fayetteville
- Gum Disease Screening and Treatment
- Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism)
- Cavity Treatment and Prevention
- Call Us Today to Schedule Your General Dentistry Exam
Dental Cleanings in Fayetteville
Getting a dental cleaning is a preventative oral health treatment that efficiently and meticulously cleans your teeth and gums. Routine dental cleanings are crucial in preventing gum disease and tooth decay. Regularly scheduled teeth cleanings keep you in proper oral health. The benefits of getting your teeth and gums cleaned include:
- Plaque removal—Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can still buildup above and below the gum line. If left untreated, this can lead to early stages of gum disease. Only your Fayetteville general dentist can remove all the food debris, particles, bacteria from between your teeth and in gum pockets. When food debris is not removed, bacteria and foul odor can be a result. Specialized dental instruments are necessary to eradicate plaque and tartar—toothbrushes and flosses cannot do this alone.
- Oral health—Getting your teeth cleaned and polished can help improve the brightness and shade of your smile. Regular teeth cleanings eliminate stains and keep your smile looking healthy and robust.
- Oral cancer screening—Dental exams in Fayetteville can allow your general dentist to visually inspect your teeth, gums, soft tissue, and neck for any abnormalities. Special x-ray machines allow our dentists at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental to identify and catch dental issues before they become problems.
Dental exams in Fayetteville are integral for your oral health and general well-being. A professional dental cleaning can be completed in our Fayetteville, AR dental office. We recommend that you schedule a dental cleaning at least twice annually as a precautionary measure; but for those suffering from gum disease, visits should be more frequent.
When was your last dental cleaning? Call our Fayetteville, AR, dental office at (479) 310-8945 to schedule your next one!
Gum Disease Screening and Treatment
At each preventive exam, we look at your gum and bone to see if you are at risk or have developed gum disease. Since every person is unique and responds differently, it doesn't make sense to treat everyone the same.
We do a thorough evaluation and try to gauge your individual risk of developing periodontal disease (gum disease). These screenings are incredibly important since gum disease has been linked to increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even having pre-term low birth weight babies.
We used to think that gum disease might only make you lose your teeth (and it will!), but we now see a correlation between gum disease and your overall health. The good news is that there are multiple treatments to help us deal with this disease. We will look at how your body is reacting to the bacteria that are causing gum disease and develop a plan that treats you best.
If you notice swelling or bleeding in your gums, persistent bad breath, or bleeding after brushing—you may have gum disease. Early stages of this disease are easily treated if caught early; advanced stages can require surgical intervention to prevent tooth loss. If you are worried that you may have periodontal disease, contact your Fayetteville general dentist at Northwest Arkansas Family Dental for a dental exam.
Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism)
Dr. Kifer has made it a mission over his career to give your bite (occlusion) and jaw joint appropriate attention. If you feel that you are having trouble chewing or notice that your teeth are changing, then you may have bite problems.
We are equipped to evaluate your bite and give you a plan to prevent future breakdown or restore it back to where you used to be. We sometimes look into night guards to help protect the teeth and help slow the damage caused by clenching and grinding while you sleep, a condition known as bruxism. We may use a Kois deprogrammer or NTI appliance to control muscle activity and treat headaches and migraines.
We also have the ability to selectively adjust your teeth to make them fit together or completely rebuild your chewing system. Every patient is different and in a different place in their lives. We help diagnose what is causing your problem and find a solution for YOU.
Cavity Treatment and Prevention
Teeth and cavities are something else we clearly focus on as a dental practice. We try to look at this area differently than most dentists and patients.
Are you one of those patients who seems to have new cavities or problems every time you go to the dentist? You may have even done everything your dentist asked, including brushing and flossing.
If you are not one of those people, it is hard to imagine the dread of going to the dentist and waiting for the bad news that you have a new cavity. While our practice uses all the best techniques and materials to repair cavities, we also look at it a little differently.
We practice CAMBRA (Caries Management By Risk Assessment). We use a system call CariFree to do this. These methods measure the bacteria in your mouth and test your risk of developing a cavity. We are then able to treat accordingly by selecting ways for you to lower your risk of developing cavities.
We use different products that will kill the bacteria in your mouth while raising the pH to create an environment that is safer for your teeth. These methods drastically reduce the chances of you getting a new cavity.
We want to be your total oral healthcare provider. We don't just want to fill a cavity when they occur; we want to diagnose and treat the bacterial infection to make sure you don't get a new cavity.
Call Us Today to Schedule Your General Dentistry Exam
Your oral health can be easy and efficient to maintain—all you have to do is practice at-home oral care and show up to our dental office—and we'll do the rest! Your oral success and health is our priority, which means we are thorough during each dental cleaning to make sure there is no residue from plaque.
Our dental exams screen you for oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and any abnormalities. Your general health is directly tied to the state and health of your mouth; we want to make sure you have the best shot at being happy and strong.
When was your last visit to Northwest Arkansas Family Dental? Even if it's been longer than you can remember, we won't judge! We know that things can get hectic, the last place you should expect to receive judgement is your own oral health provider. We are happy to see you at any time, whether it's been two months or two years. Call us today so we can get your oral health back on track.
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. 
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.
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. 
