Arkansas Family Dental Patient Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dental sealants and why would my child benefit from them?

Sealants are a thin plastic coating applied to the biting surface of back teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Without sealants, plaque remains in the pits and grooves of "hard to reach" teeth and eventually cause a cavity. Sealants cannot be seen when you talk or smile.

What is a crown and why do I need it?

A crown is a "cap" that covers a tooth and can bring back the natural shape, size, and chewing function of a compromised tooth. A crown is necessary when a tooth has a large filling and not enough tooth structure to effectively support it, to protect a compromised tooth (such as a tooth which has had a root canal) from breaking, or to restore a broken tooth.

What is a root canal and why do I need it?

During a root canal, we remove all of the decay and the nerve of the tooth. It is replaced with filler in the root of the tooth, and then is supported with a permanent filling material. Patients need root canals when they let a cavity get so deep that it infects the nerve of the tooth or if a tooth is broken and the pulp, or nerve, of the tooth is exposed. Once the nerve tissue is exposed to bacteria, it must be removed or it can cause an abscess and is usually very painful.

Why are my teeth worth saving?

When faced with a diseased tooth, most patients automatically think it has to be removed. With the procedures available now, this is no longer the only option. Even though this may seem like a quick, inexpensive option, actually, it is more expensive and time consuming in the long run. A missing tooth may cause drifting of other teeth and other future dental problems.

For more patient resources (Emergency Questions, Patient Forms, Post Op), please click on the links provided above!