General Dentistry in Little Rock
Kevin G. Jones, DDS provides general dentistry in Little Rock, AR. Call 501-225-4555 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Comprehensive Evaluation / Oral Examination
An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities. Low radiation digital imaging allows for a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head and neck area.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.
Custom Oral Appliances
Custom Mouthguards
For our patients who participate in sports, we can create a custom mouthguard to protect their teeth and jaws from injury. We take an impression of your teeth, then create a device fitted to your mouth for a more comfortable fit, easier breathing, and better protection. Preventing injury is much more budget-friendly than repairing the damage caused by facial trauma.
Custom Nightguards
In addition, our office can fabricate custom night guards to help alleviate stress and prevent further tooth damage caused by bruxism. Bruxism is a condition that causes clenching and/or grinding of teeth. This causes additional unnecessary stress on tooth surfaces that damage teeth or can lead to TMJ pain.
Custom Sleep Apnea Appliances
Sleep apnea is a disorder which can cause one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. We make custom-fitted night guards that can alleviate sleep apnea symptoms by realigning your bite and providing an open airway while you sleep.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected. When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection. Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.
TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is similar to a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. To treat TMJ disorders, first the cause has to be identified. Improper alignment due to genetics or injury, arthritis affecting the cartilage in the joint, malocclusion, and trauma can all cause TMJ disorders.
Extractions
A tooth that can not be saved with restorative procedures may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.
Call 501-225-4555 to schedule an appointment.