Preventive Dentistry
Although Dr. Jeffus provides outstanding restorative and cosmetic care, his ultimate goal is to prevent dental problems before they require treatment. For optimal oral health, you should attend two appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist each year. At each visit, our hygienist will clean your teeth, examine your teeth and soft tissue, looking for signs of decay, oral cancer and any other concerns. We also provide sealants, which can prevent cavity-causing bacteria from accumulating on your back teeth.
Periodontal Care
Gum disease occurs when bacteria accumulates in your gum tissue. As the condition progresses, you may eventually suffer from gum recession, tooth loss, and even jawbone degeneration. In the early stages of the disease, our office and our hygienist may simply recommend conscientious care at home, including an antibacterial mouthwash. If your gum disease has reached a more advanced stage, you may require a deep cleaning. During the procedure, the hygienist will remove pockets of bacteria and smooth any rough patches on your dental roots to deter the condition from recurring.
Root Canal Care
If infection spreads to a tooth’s roots, Dr. Jeffus will typically recommend root canal therapy to restore your oral health. During this treatment, he will clean all bacteria and debris from inside your tooth. He will also smooth and reshape your root canals. Then he will place a soft rubber compound in the tooth. Finally, he will complete the procedure by placing a custom-made dental crown. He uses gentle, precise techniques and effective anesthesia, so you should experience minimal discomfort during your procedure.
Tooth Extractions
In some cases, extractions may be the best treatment. If Dr. Jeffus needs to remove a damaged tooth, he will recommend a restorative treatment to replace that tooth and protect your smile. If you do not have room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth, the new molars can cause crowding and bite misalignment. Dr. Jeffus will evaluate these teeth by a thorough exam and xrays. In some cases, these teeth will need to be removed by an oral surgeon.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
Your jaw joints, or temporomandibular joints (TMJ), are in near-constant motion. As a result of the tremendous stress on your TMJ, the cushioning disc inside may slip out of place. Alternatively, the surrounding tissues may become irritated and inflamed. If you suffer from TMJ disorder, you may experience chronic headaches, jaw pain, and other symptoms. Dr. Jeffus can treat this condition with a custom-made night guard. The device will realign your jaw while you sleep, alleviating the pressure on your joints.
Are you interested in a general dentistry procedure with Jeffus Family Dental?
Call our office located in Pontotoc, MS at (662) 489-4731 to learn more or schedule an appointment!