Our dentists at Dr. Big Smilez are experts in restorative dental care and will get you out of pain quickly
We can help you get your smile back after tooth loss, gum disease, dental injuries, or extensive decay
We offer gentle, pain-free treatment using the latest tools and dental technology
Our three convenient locations in Alton, Bryan, and La Homa make it easy to get the care you need
If you notice bleeding when you brush and floss or inflamed gums, these are signs of the first stage of gum disease and may indicate that you need periodontal care. Scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning) is the first step of periodontal treatment. During this procedure, we will use special dental tools to remove plaque and tartar from between your teeth and smooth the roots of your teeth to eliminate bacteria buildup. Along with antibiotics, this is often enough to eliminate minor cases of gum disease.
Periodontal (gum) disease is mostly caused by improper oral hygiene, though other factors, such as genetics, can also play a role. As plaque and tartar build up between your teeth and gums, the bacteria within the plaque and tartar will attack your gums, causing inflammation. Eventually, this will result in permanent damage to your gums and teeth if it’s left untreated.
Dental fillings are the best way to restore your tooth if you have a cavity. One of our dentists will clean and numb your mouth, then trim away damaged enamel. Then, the filling material will be applied directly to your tooth to strengthen its structure. This eliminates the decay and restores the shape and function of your tooth.
Dental crowns are a good option if you have an extensive cavity or a damaged tooth. A crown is designed to look just like your natural tooth and it is permanently attached to your remaining tooth structure after it has been trimmed. Essentially, the crown will completely replace your tooth, covering it up and preventing any further damage. This also restores the function of your bite and the beauty of your smile.
A root canal is a dental treatment used to restore an infected tooth. When the outer layers of your tooth are damaged, the interior “pulp” is exposed and vulnerable, and will become infected if bacteria finds its way in. Without treatment, bacteria will damage the pulp of your tooth until it dies from the inside out. A root canal is used to remove the infected material, then seal and cover your tooth to prevent further damage.
A serious toothache is the most obvious sign of an infected tooth. Your tooth may also feel more sensitive to temperature and pressure, and you may notice inflammation in the gums or discoloration of the tooth or the surrounding area. If you notice any of these symptoms, call Dr. Big Smilez as soon as you can to get the treatment you need. The sooner you get a root canal, the better the outcome will be for your dental health.
Partial dentures are ideal for restoring your smile if you’re just missing a few teeth. They consist of a metal-and-plastic framework that holds your false teeth in place using metal clips, which attach to your remaining healthy teeth.
Full dentures may be a good option if you are missing most or all of your teeth. They are affordable and allow you to restore your smile quickly. All of your remaining teeth must be extracted before you have them built, so they’re only recommended for patients with serious oral health issues.
If you believe you have a cavity or an infected tooth, you may need a filling or a dental crown, and root canal therapy may be required depending on the extent of your issue. If you notice issues like tooth sensitivity, pain in your tooth, or visible discoloration or holes in your tooth, come to Dr. Big Smilez for a consultation right away. Small cavities can typically be treated with a filling and larger ones will need to be covered with a dental crown.