Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Jackson, MS

How can I tell if I need a root canal?

There are a few key symptoms that point to an infection, which is treatable with root canals. These include:

• Tender or swollen gums near a painful tooth.
• One of your teeth looks darker and more discolored than the rest.
• A pimple-like bump on your gums near your affected tooth.
• Severe toothache that won’t seem to go away.
• Pain while chewing or biting down.
• A crack or untreated dental damage.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have in the recent past and never received treatment for them, call our office right away.

Is there a difference in quality between traditional and CEREC dental crowns?

Many patients are hesitant to trust the latest advancements, believing that the convenience and quality of CEREC in-house milling and digitally designed crowns are too good to be true. The thing is, they’re not! This advanced technology allows our dentists to be able to craft beautiful, natural-looking restorations that are indistinguishable in quality from traditional dental crowns, all within a single appointment. Because there’s no need to place a temporary or rely on a third-party laboratory, your treatment will have minimal impact on your life without sacrificing the longevity, beauty, and quality of your restoration.

Would it be easier to have my tooth extracted instead of getting a root canal?

Although it may sound like the easiest solution to getting rid of toothaches is to remove the tooth itself, this isn’t always the most effective way to improve your oral health in the long-run. Root canal treatment allows Drs. Malley and Abernathy to preserve your natural tooth structure, and in many cases, this procedure allows our patients to continue enjoying their treated tooth for the rest of their lives. However, opting to extract a tooth instead will require future dental treatments, like a dental bridge, denture, or implant restoration to replace your now-missing tooth.

Our team typically only recommends extraction if we believe there’s no other way to preserve your natural tooth because we want you to enjoy a full and healthy smile for your entire life, if possible!

Do you accept patients with dental emergencies?

Yes! Our team is happy to provide same-day emergency dentistry for our patients in pain. Just give us a call and we’ll schedule you right away. Our team can also provide you with first aid guidance over the phone.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

We typically recommend dental implants in Jackson for our patients who are missing any number of teeth and are committed to maintaining good dental hygiene moving forward. To learn whether you qualify for this treatment, schedule a consultation today!

When should my child start visiting the dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends bringing your child in for their first checkup by the time their first tooth grows in, or by their first birthday. These initial appointments will primarily consist of brief oral examinations and as a way for them to feel more comfortable at the dentist’s office. That way, whenever they have all of their teeth, a cleaning isn’t so scary. Our team is also here for you as a parent during these appointments, ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have about their oral development.