Most people know that cavities are holes in the teeth, even if the details about how they’re found and what dangers they pose can be comparatively murky. Cavities are sometimes easy to find for dentists in Little Rock, AR. If they’re right on the surface, they’re pretty much impossible to miss. When they’re harder to find, the dentist has to be creative about how they go about diagnosing the problem.

Methods for Cavity Detection

If you think of cavities and immediately think of X-rays, it’s easy to see why. They’re not only a great way to spot cavities, they can be used to spot a number of other dental problems as well. However, X-rays aren’t fool-proof, which is why dentists may use special instruments to feel along the teeth for any structural deficiencies.

When the dentist wants to take it a step further, they’ll use a laser to really be sure that there are no cavities present. At Mounts Dental Care, a Diagondent is the name of the laser used for early cavity detection. The small laser magnifies the reflection of the tooth and is powerful enough to show whether there’s a cavity under the surface.

Cavity Detection in Little Rock, AR

When you opt for advanced cavity detection in Little Rock, you won’t be sorry. If there are no cavities, then you can keep up your routine in confidence. If you don’t have small cavities, though, you can take care of them before they have the chance to get any bigger. Staving off a root canal or larger filling isn’t just good for your wallet, it’s good for your overall oral health. If you have questions about how the laser works or whether you’re taking enough preventative steps, call Mounts Dental Care to schedule an appointment.

Periodontal disease is a problem caused by inflammation and infection of the gums and bones that hold in the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause your gums to recede and can even lead to loose teeth that fall out. Knowing the signs of periodontal disease and what you can do about it is important. As your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, we can help you understand the dangers of periodontal disease. Here’s what you need to know.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

There are many signs of periodontal disease to be aware of. Some common symptoms include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily, especially when flossing or brushing your teeth
• Breath smells bad, even when you brush your teeth
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Teeth are sensitive to hot and cold
• It hurts to chew
• The way your teeth fit together when you bite down has changed

If you have one or more of these symptoms, speak with your dentist as soon as possible to get advice and a potential diagnosis.

What Can You Do About Periodontal Disease?

If you have periodontal disease, your dentist may prescribe a variety of treatments, including a deep cleaning beneath the surface of the gums and antibiotics to help treat the infection. Your dentist may also work with you to teach you lifestyle changes that can prevent the periodontal disease from returning.

One way that you can avoid periodontal disease is to come in for regular teeth cleaning in North Little Rock, AR. See your dentist twice per year to get your teeth cleaned. Call Mounts Dental Care today to make an appointment to see your dentist.

There are many signs that your tooth is infected, but if you don’t recognize those signs, you could wind up with a very painful situation. As your dentist in North Little Rock AR, we’re here to help. Below are the signs of a dental infection and what you need to know to protect yourself from this problem.

Signs of an Infection

A tooth infection can feel especially bad, much worse than a simple cavity. If you have an infection in your tooth, you’ll notice many signs, including:

• Severe aching in your tooth and jaw
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pain in the neck or ear
• Swelling that leads to difficulty swallowing or even breathing
• Fever
• Bad breath that won’t go away even when you brush your teeth
• Sensitivity to hot and cold

What to Do If You Suspect You Have a Tooth Infection

A tooth infection can be a serious problem. It’s a dental emergency, so describe your symptoms over the phone when you’re making your appointment. By showing that you have a serious problem, you indicate to the dental scheduler that you need to see the dentist as soon as possible.

If you have an infection in your tooth, it’s important to get help from a dentist. Your dentist can perform a root canal, wherein the dentist will clean out the infection in the tooth, seal the tooth, and then put a dental crown over the weakened tooth enamel. A root canal can help save the tooth.

Call Your Dentist Today

If you think you may have a tooth infection in North Little Rock AR, call your dentist at Mounts Dental Care to make an appointment and get treatment. Do it quickly! Infections that go untreated can become serious, and can even result in a lost tooth. Call today.

Did you know a toothache can make your whole face feel painful? In fact, sometimes it’s difficult to tell which tooth is causing the problem because the pain may radiate all over. Problems with tooth decay, bone loss, or your temporomandibular joint are common causes of facial pain. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, can help you narrow down the source of your discomfort and relieve it.

Common Causes of Orofacial Pain

Facial pain brings many patients to their dentist, and there are several common conditions that cause it, including:

Toothache

Toothaches may be caused by tooth decay, inflammation of tooth pulp, gum disease, abscess, or dental hypersensitivity. Your dentist can treat these conditions easily, bringing an end to your pain and discomfort.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Your temporomandibular joint acts as the hinge that connects your lower jawbone to your skull. It’s this hinge that allows you to open and close your mouth for eating, talking, and yawning. When you suffer a TMJ disorder, you may experience pain beneath your ears or tenderness in your jaw.

Dental Bone Loss

Dental bone loss occurs when your dentist pulls a tooth, and you put off having something, such as a bridge or an implant, put in its place. Over time, the bone beneath the empty tooth socket will be reabsorbed by the body. This can cause your jawbone to become weak and may also cause problems with the way your upper and lower teeth fit together, resulting in facial pain or jaw fatigue.

Trauma

Trauma or injury to your teeth or mouth, such as a sports injury, is a common cause of facial pain.

Help for Orofacial Pain in North Little Rock, AR

Mounts Dental Care is your go-to solution for facial pain in North Little Rock, AR. Call today to schedule a friendly and informative consultation.