Family Dentistry Fort Smith ARFamily dentistry is one of the most rewarding fields of dentistry as it allows us to treat every member of your family and grow with us. At Harper Dental, Dr. Mitchell Harper, DDS specializes in family dentistry which focuses on preventing dental complications rather than treating them. If you are in need of comprehensive dentistry services, we can help. Dental CleaningRegular dental cleaning is your first line of defense against plaque-causing bacteria that leads to tooth decay and gum disease. At Harper Dental, we strongly recommend you come to us for your routine dental cleaning every six months. Patients who have a history of oral disease or are at high risk need to get their dental cleaning done more frequently. Dental ExamRegular dental exams are designed to detect any developing dental or oral issues and to treat them when they are in their earliest stage. At Harper Dental, we can detect gum disease, tooth decay, and even signs of oral cancer through a comprehensive and non-invasive dental exam. In some cases, we may also use dental x-rays to determine if there are any issues below the surface that cannot be seen from the naked eye. Oral Cancer ScreeningOral cancer is a life-threatening disease that can be fatal if it is not caught in its early stages. We recommend oral cancer screening for people who are at high risk of the disease, including those who have a family history of cancer, smokers, people who consume excess alcohol, or people who use drugs. Detecting oral cancer in its early stages means better chances of making a full recovery. Periodontal CareIf bacteria accumulate in your mouth, it can lead to inflammation and eventually irreversible damage to the gums, ligaments, and the bony ridge supporting your teeth. This is known as periodontal or gum disease and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in the country. If your gums are swollen, red, and bleeding, it may be indicative of gum disease. Fortunately, we can treat periodontal disease with a scaling and root planing procedure that removes the bacterial plaque from deep beneath your gums and return your gums to their healthy state. Periodontal MaintenancePeriodontal maintenance is a dental treatment that is performed to stop active periodontal disease from progressing. At Harper Dental, we use cutting-edge equipment that is designed to give you a more in-depth cleaning than a regular dental cleaning. Periodontal maintenance is performed on people who are fighting gum disease and we strongly recommend you schedule an appointment with us every two to four months to get periodontal maintenance to prevent bacteria from proliferating in your mouth. Dentistry for KidsYour child should get their first dental appointment as soon as their first baby tooth erupts. This allows us to check if your child’s teeth are developing normally and prevent any dental issues in their early stages. Scheduling dental appointments for your kids at the earliest age can help remove their fear of dentists and ensure they have strong and healthy teeth well into their adult years. MouthguardsIf you participate in any kind of sports, particularly one that involves flying objects, body contact, and falls, we strongly recommend you use a mouthguard to protect your teeth and jaw from injuries. At Harper Dental, we can make custom-fitted mouthguards for you which offer superior comfort, protection, and durability and ensure you remain injury-free. Night GuardsIf you suffer from bruxism, a condition that results in involuntary or unconscious grinding of teeth, we strongly recommend the use of night guards. Night guards are custom-fitted plastic trays that are worn on the teeth and can relieve the pressure on your jaw from clenching your teeth and prevent damage to your teeth. At Harper Dental, we may advise you to wear night guards if you have bruxism. TMJTemporomandibular joint disorder is an umbrella term for a variety of jaw conditions including jaw pain, limited mobility of the jaw, ringing noise in the ears, earache, facial ache, and more. If you suffer from TMJ disorders, Dr. Mitchell Harper, DDS can help you through various therapeutic and non-invasive treatments. Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder that results in the cessation of breathing during sleep. This can lead to a variety of other health issues including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disorders, and mental conditions. Unfortunately, as many as 80% of sleep apnea patients remain undiagnosed. If you suffer from sleep apnea, it is important you get it treated for your continued health and mental well-being. Oral Appliance TherapyIf you have obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can benefit you. An oral appliance is similar to a mouthguard and keeps your airways open and your jaw in the proper position during sleep. This prevents your breathing from becoming interrupted and allows you to have a good night’s sleep. Schedule an AppointmentAt Harper Dental, we offer you a range of comprehensive family dentistry services as preventive dental procedures. Call us at (479) 431-0280 to schedule an appointment with us today. |
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