Question 1

How do you treat TMJ?

Accepted Answer

The first step is diagnosing the cause of your pain, such as teeth grinding or stress. We often use TMJ splints or mouthguards to improve the alignment of your jaw and prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching at night. We can also recommend physical therapy exercises, stress reduction techniques, medications to relax muscles, and dietary changes. Additionally, we offer Botox injections, which involves the injection of a small amount into the muscles responsible for jaw movement, to reduce clenching and tension.

Question 2

What is a dental implant made of? And how long do they last?

Accepted Answer

All implants have three different parts: the artificial tooth root which serves as a base for your replacement tooth; a metal frame that’s attached to the base, designed to hold an artificial tooth; and the artificial tooth itself, which fills any gaps between teeth. Implants are considered permanent with regular dental hygiene.

Question 3

What exactly happens during a dental cleaning?

Accepted Answer

A dental cleaning, also called an oral prophylaxis, removes dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from your teeth. To do so, we use special instruments that gently remove these deposits without harming your teeth. Cleaning begins with the use of an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations. Cooled by water, it loosens the larger pieces of tartar. Then, hand tools are what is used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces are clean, and free from tartar and plaque, your teeth are then polished. A smooth, polished tooth service helps to discourage the formation of new plaque and tartar.

Question 4

How often should I visit my dentist?

Accepted Answer

Most typically, you will schedule regular visits with your dental team every six months, or as directed by your dental team, for a dental examination and professional dental cleaning. This prevents dental health issues from arising in the future, and keeps your teeth healthy, removing plaque and tartar.

Question 5

I brush and floss twice a day, and I don’t eat much sugar. So why do my teeth still form tartar?

Accepted Answer

Over time, plaque builds up on your teeth eventually no matter how thorough your at-home brushing and flossing. When it isn't removed through regular brushing, it hardens into sticky tartar or calculus, which can only be removed by professional dental cleaning.

Call our office or book your appointment today!

Dentist Serving Fayetteville, AR

Integrated Dentistry

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you treat TMJ?

What is a dental implant made of? And how long do they last?

What exactly happens during a dental cleaning?

How often should I visit my dentist?

I brush and floss twice a day, and I don’t eat much sugar. So why do my teeth still form tartar?

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