How Can You Find The Best Dentist? It’s Easier Than You Think

The dental industry seems to be booming every year, and with that comes an influx of new dentists. Some are just out of school, others are trying to make a name for themselves at other dental practices. Choosing which dentist is right for you and your family is something that should be taken very seriously – this is your family’s oral health we’re talking about. Doing your due diligence and research can go a long way in determining which dentist will treat your family’s dental issues. Our office in Fort Smith, AR wants you to know that there are indicators you can keep an eye out for when looking for a dentist. Maybe you just moved to the area or want to branch out – there are steps you can take to find the dentist that’s best for your situation. At New Smile Dental, we have the tools, team and talent to bring your oral health up to standard.

Finding a new dentist can be time-consuming, but it’s worth every second. You never want to overlook things when searching for a health provider, especially a dentist. Cutting corners just doesn’t make sense when it’s you or your family’s oral health that’s on the line. If you need tips on how to find the right one, we offer many.

Here’s How You Can Find the Perfect Dentist

 

Finding the perfect dentist is fairly easy, you just have to put in the time. Be sure to heed this advice before deciding on anyone new for your family. When start searching, keep these tips in mind:

 

·         Pick family, friends or neighbors minds. Find out who they use and if their experiences have gone well. A little friendly and family advice won’t hurt.

·         Don’t be afraid to ask your local pharmacist or a family doctor who may be “in the know” about which dentists are the best in the area.

·         If you’re still having trouble nailing down a choice, seek help from your local or state dental society. They have helpful information on all of the dentists that practice in your area.

 

Concentrating on the little things like office hours can determine whether a dentist deserves your business. These are just a few of the tips we offer when trying to search for a reputable dentist. Of course, we’d prefer you come to our office and enjoy the care that our dental team can provide, but that’s up to you.

 

We Can Be Your Family’s Dental Provider

 

Your search could very well start and end with us. We will give your family the care they deserve while transforming their smiles into new and improved pearly whites. If you’re located in and around the Fort Smith, AR area, we’d love to see you in for an appointment. You can trust your family’s oral health to our dental professionals!

 

 

 

 

Understanding Bruxism: Nighttime Teeth Grinding Treatment in Fort Smith, AR

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects millions of men and women in America, but many of these individuals are unaware of their behavior because it frequently occurs while they’re sleeping. While it may not initially cause much discomfort, bruxism can lead to serious oral health consequences if not treated promptly and properly. At New Smile Dental, our team can help you find relief from the symptoms and complications associated with bruxism.

The Importance of Preventing Bruxism

Your jaws are capable of exerting an immense amount of pressure and force, even when you are fast asleep. This unconscious clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth can lead to a variety of problems, including:

·         Damage to existing dental work

·         Teeth that become worn down and shorter

·         Jaw tension and pain

·         TMJ disorder

·         Facial tenderness

Fortunately, treatment for bruxism is most often not invasive or expensive. A custom oral appliance, often referred to as a nightguard, can be worn while you sleep to protect the surfaces of your teeth from excessive grinding. This nightguard is customized to fit your unique dentition, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that it will fit comfortably in your mouth without obstructing your breathing.

Schedule Your Next Visit

If you or someone in your family is suffering from the symptoms of bruxism or TMJ disorder, please do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule a consultation with our team. We genuinely look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile that is free of worn down teeth or aching jaw joints. Our Fort Smith, AR dental practice warmly welcomes patients from nearby communities in Sallisaw, Pocola, Alma, Greenwood, Van Buren, Poteau, Heavener, and beyond.

Enjoy Your Favorite Foods with Implant-Retained Dentures in Fort Smith, AR

For millions of Americans missing their teeth, traditional dentures are a perfectly reasonable solution that allows them to eat and speak with relative comfort and ease. There are some, however, who would prefer a more secure option that feels and looks more natural. As dental implants have become more common and more advanced, more patients are turning to implant-retained dentures as their tooth replacement option of choice.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

A dental implant is a tiny post that is shaped like a screw and placed in the bone of the jaw by a periodontal specialist or oral surgeon. This post serves as a sturdy anchor for a custom restoration like a crown, bridge, or denture. When combined with dentures, dental implants can dramatically improve chewing function and overall quality of life. Patients with implant-retained dentures can finally enjoy their favorite foods again, including everything from a juicy steak to corn on the cob and a fresh apple.

While traditional dentures replace the crown portion of your missing teeth, only dental implants replace the root portion as well. This helps to keep the bone tissue in the jaw strong and healthy, which in turn prevents the sunken facial appearance that is common in individuals who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. A consultation with our team will aid in determining your candidacy for dental implants as well as the treatment plan that best suits your unique needs.

Reclaim Your Smile and Your Bite

If you are considering dentures (or if you already wear them) and are curious about what is possible with dental implants, contact our office today to schedule your consultation with our team. We genuinely look forward to helping you achieve the stability and comfort you deserve with our comprehensive menu of restorative dentistry solutions. Our Fort Smith, AR dental practice warmly welcomes patients from nearby communities in Sallisaw, Pocola, Alma, Greenwood, Van Buren, Poteau, Heavener, and beyond.

Dr. Lopez Can Instantly Renew Your Smile with Lumineers in Fort Smith, AR

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to fix your smile? Lumineers offer a fast, affordable, and non-invasive cosmetic dental solution. Whether your smile imperfections are minor or severe, Lumineers can help. Created with state-of-the-art dental imaging technologies, Lumineers are custom designed to fit the unique shape of your teeth precisely. Your new Lumineers can be expertly color matched with the exact shade and luster of your natural teeth. To transform your smile, schedule a Lumineers consultation appointment with Dr. Lopez and New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez is an experienced cosmetic dentist, now proudly restoring smiles daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and the surrounding communities.

How Are Lumineers and Porcelain Veneers Different?

Lumineers are specially designed and fabricated to be ultra-thin and easily applied over your teeth. Traditional porcelain veneers are generally thicker, and thus require the irreversible removal of healthy tooth structure to be placed. This additional preparation frequently requires shots and anesthesia to minimize sensitivity and pain, and typically involves placement of temporary veneers between visits. However, the minimally invasive Lumineers technique doesn’t require any shots or temporaries for completion.

What Can Lumineers Fix?

·         Stained or discolored teeth

·         Unevenly spaced teeth

·         Chipped, cracked or broken teeth

·         Misaligned or crooked teeth

Fort Smith Lumineers Consultation Appointments

All Lumineers procedures are completely painless. They offer the most efficient way to permanently reshape and whiten your teeth. Once your Lumineers procedure is complete, there is no post treatment discomfort or sensitivity. You will look natural and feel comfortable from the moment they are placed. Your new Lumineers will also resist wear and remain resilient for at least 20 years. If you’re ready for a true smile makeover, schedule a Lumineers consultation appointment with Dr. Lopez and New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez is a highly qualified cosmetic dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and the neighboring areas.

Pediatric Dental Care 101: How to Protect Your Child’s Dental Health

Does your child need a dental checkup? Children have special needs when it comes to dental care. Starting as early as four months, your child’s baby teeth will begin to appear, and all twenty primary teeth will erupt by age three. You should bring your child in for a pediatric dental checkup by their first birthday to ensure their healthy tooth development. If you’re looking for a gentle and compassionate family dentist, make a pediatric dental care appointment for your child with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez is a highly qualified family dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and the surrounding communities.

Are “Baby Teeth” Really Important?

Absolutely. If a child doesn't receive pediatric dental care when they still have baby teeth, it can often affect their developing permanent teeth. Baby teeth play several important roles. They help children chew and eat properly, they provide space for the permanent teeth to erupt in the correct positions, and they allow the normal development of the jaw bone and supporting muscles. Baby teeth also affect your child’s ability to speak properly. While your child’s front four teeth may last until age seven, the back baby teeth aren’t fully replaced until age twelve. Therefore, it’s imperative that your child’s first teeth are protected and preserved throughout their younger years.

How Often Does Your Child Need a Pediatric Dental Checkup?

Your child should receive a pediatric dental checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. Some children may actually need more frequent dental visits because of an increased risk of tooth decay. Dr. Lopez will be able to determine how often your child will need pediatric dental care to maintain good oral health. But routine dental visits should help your child stay cavity-free through adulthood. Dr. Lopez can provide professional teeth cleanings to remove the harmful plaque buildup that irritates gums and causes decay. He can offer enamel strengthening fluoride treatments and protective dental sealants and instructions to improve your child's home oral care, ultimately leading to healthier teeth and gums.

Fort Smith Pediatric Dental Care Appointments

If your child hasn't seen a dentist this year, schedule their next pediatric dental care appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez proudly serves patients of all ages daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and the neighboring areas.

Reliable Teeth Whitening Solutions from Dr. Lopez in Fort Smith, AR

How bright is your smile? If you are dissatisfied with the color or brightness of your teeth, Dr. Lopez can help. Even if you take great care of your oral health, your teeth can discolor and stain naturally over time. Everyday beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can all wreak havoc on your enamel and cause your teeth to yellow or stain. But you don’t have to settle for dull yellow teeth. You can make a teeth whitening appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez is an experienced cosmetic dentist, offering highly reliable teeth whitening solutions. New Smile Dental proudly restores smiles daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and the surrounding communities.

What about Over- the- Counter Teeth Whitening Products?

Many over-the-counter products that claim to “whiten” your teeth are at best, misleading. There is a big difference between products that can whiten your teeth, and products that can actually bleach your teeth. Bleaching is performed when teeth are whitened beyond their natural color. This only applies to products that actually contain bleach (peroxides). Whitening, on the other hand, refers to the restoration of your tooth's surface color by removing shallow dirt and debris deposits. Therefore the over-the-counter products that claim to whiten your teeth, like teeth whitening toothpaste, cannot actually change your tooth’s color.  Other products, like teeth whitening strips, rinses, and gels may contain bleaching agents, however, only in heavily diluted concentrations. In most cases, it would take several weeks of daily use before you even began to see any changes in the color of your enamel. Either way, store bought products are not reliable choices for effective teeth whitening.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?

The fastest and most reliable way to whiten your teeth is to opt for professional teeth whitening from Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental. Dr. Lopez offers easy take-home custom-fitted teeth whitening trays with professional strength teeth bleaching agents, which can actually whiten your teeth by several shades in just a few days. Dr. Lopez will also ensure that your teeth and gums are protected from irritation and that teeth whitening treatment will be effective against your particular type of discoloration or staining.

Fort Smith Teeth Whitening Appointments

Make 2015 your brightest year yet! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental for the reliable teeth whitening results you deserve. Dr. Lopez is the leading Fort Smith cosmetic dentist. New Smile Dental delivers quality care daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and nearby areas.

Preserve Your Natural Smile, Make a Periodontal Therapy Appointment with Dr. Lopez Today

Almost 50% of all Americans over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammatory condition that slowly destroys the tissues that support and protect your teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. However, you can take action to stop the spread of periodontal disease and keep your natural teeth. By maintaining regularly scheduled dental cleanings with Dr. Lopez, you can prevent the disease from taking over your oral health. Make the periodontal therapy appointment you need to stay healthy with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez is a trusted family dentist, specializing in gum disease prevention and treatment. New Smile Dental delivers quality care daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and the surrounding communities.

Five Periodontal Disease Risk Factors

·         Plaque Build Up: If plaque is not removed through daily dental hygiene practices and regular professional dental cleanings, bacteria will multiply and eventually cause periodontal disease.

·         Organic Changes: Natural changes that occur in metabolism and hormone levels during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause, can make you more susceptible to developing periodontal disease.

·         Medical Conditions: Serious conditions that affect the body's ability to produce sugar, such as diabetes or kidney disease, may contribute to periodontal disease.

·         Dry Mouth: Medications that produce dry mouth may contribute to a reduction of protective saliva flow, and potentially lead to periodontal disease.

·         Behaviors: Nightly teeth grinding or teeth clenching may impair gum tissue and possibly contribute to the development of periodontal disease.

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

If you notice any of the following periodontal disease symptoms, you should make an immediate appointment for periodontal disease therapy:

·         Bleeding gums

·         Tender, red, or swollen gums

·         Persistent bad breath

·         Loosened or shifting teeth

Fort Smith Periodontal Therapy Appointments

Since many early signs of periodontal disease are mild, and if left undetected, may contribute to tooth loss, it is important to visit Dr. Lopez for a professional exam and dental cleaning to identify and stop the disease in its tracks. Make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental for the periodontal therapy you need today. Dr. Lopez is a highly qualified periodontal therapy dentist. New Smile Dental proudly restores smiles daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and neighboring areas.