General Dentistry in Big Spring, TX

Dental Cleanings & Exams

At Ward Family Dental, PC, our team emphasizes the importance of dental cleanings and exams to maintain your oral health and prevent conditions like tooth decay and gum disease. Each visit includes thorough plaque and tartar removal, flossing, tooth polishing for a bright smile, and an extensive evaluation for any signs of dental problems. We may also use dental X-rays to provide a more detailed assessment. Regular check-ups, typically recommended every six months, are crucial for sustaining good oral health and catching potential issues early. For specific needs or dental emergencies, more frequent visits can be arranged. Contact us to schedule your next preventative care appointment.

Children’s Dentistry

Ward Family Dental, PC provides pediatric dentistry and welcomes children five years and up. Younger children are usually best served by a pediatric dental specialist. Our team, sensitive to the unique challenges young patients may face, is skilled in making dental visits comfortable and positive, promoting a lifetime of healthy smiles. We emphasize the importance of regular check-ups, recommending visits every six months for exams and cleanings to detect and prevent issues like tooth decay early. Beyond professional care, we advocate for establishing good oral hygiene practices at home, including proper brushing, flossing, and a balanced diet. For guidance on your child’s oral health and to foster good dental habits, connect with us. 

NTI Headache Prevention Treatment

Suffering from chronic headaches and migraines? At Ward Family Dental, PC, we provide NTI-tss therapy, an FDA-approved, non-surgical solution aimed at reducing and preventing headaches by addressing bruxism, TMJ, and other related factors. The NTI device is a custom-fitted night guard that covers your upper front teeth, effectively minimizing intense nighttime clenching by preventing contact between your canines and back teeth. This not only reduces clenching activity but significantly lowers the chance of migraines by stopping hyperactive nerve responses, helping you achieve a healthier and more comfortable quality of life.

Oral Hygiene

During your visits, our team will assess your oral hygiene and help develop a routine tailored to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Good dental hygiene at home is essential to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, contributing to a healthy, beautiful smile. While we strive to improve your oral health in our office, maintaining consistent oral hygiene practices at home is crucial. This includes adopting daily habits that support a bright, healthy smile. For further guidance on enhancing your oral health and to schedule your next appointment, we encourage you to reach out to our office. 

Our dentist and team recommend that you follow these basic steps to help your smile stay in optimal health:

• Brush your teeth after each meal or at least twice a day. We encourage you to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that includes fluoride.
• Floss at least once every day. The most important time to floss is just before you go to sleep at night.
• Eat a balanced diet. Limiting your intake of very sugary and acidic foods can help to prevent tooth decay.
• Maintain your regular visits with our dentist every six months. During these visits, we will provide professional teeth cleaning and a thorough dental exam to make certain we provide any needed preventive or restorative treatments.

Oral Cancer Screening

During regular dental exams, our team conducts oral cancer screenings as a preventative measure. These screenings aim to detect cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, sinuses, and palates early on, where treatment is most effective. Unfortunately, oral cancer often reaches advanced stages before being discovered, making screenings critical. Our approach includes thorough visual inspections and the use of advanced technology to identify any abnormal tissues as soon as possible. By integrating these screenings into routine cleanings and exams, we are committed to detecting and addressing oral cancers and abnormalities at their earliest stages, ensuring the best possible health outcomes.

The following are common symptoms of oral cancer:

• A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught at the back of the throat
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• A persistent or lasting sore on the face, neck, or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks
• Unexplained loss of feeling, pain, or numbness in the face, neck, or mouth
• Ear pain
• Lumps, bumps, or rough spots on the gums, lips, or other parts of the mouth
• Red, white, or speckled red-and-white patches in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing
• A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together

Sedation Dentistry

Prioritizing comfort during dental treatments, sedation dentistry is offered to alleviate anxiety and fear, facilitating a seamless experience for those apprehensive about dental procedures. Available options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation, addressing various patient concerns and ensuring a relaxed visit. This approach is especially beneficial for individuals with previous negative dental experiences, a high degree of nervousness, difficulties with anesthesia, or a sensitive gag reflex. Safe and closely monitored, sedation dentistry requires patients, in some cases, to arrange transportation post-appointment. These methods significantly enhance patient ease, making for a more pleasant dental visit.

Nitrous Oxide

Ward Family Dental, PC offers nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, to ease patient anxiety during dental treatments. By inhaling this nitrogen-oxygen mixture, patients experiencing nervousness or dental phobia can relax and feel a sense of euphoria, allowing for smooth procedures. Nitrous oxide is safe; its effects are quickly reversible, enabling you to drive afterward. Ideal for those unsettled by new treatments or the dental environment, this option assists in creating a more serene experience. Those with dental anxiety are encouraged to discuss utilizing nitrous oxide to help achieve a comfortable state during visits.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is a recommended solution for nervous patients and patients who are getting a long dental treatment. This method involves taking prescribed medication before the appointment, enabling you to feel fully at ease by the time your treatment begins. Despite being conscious, you’ll be significantly more relaxed throughout the procedure, with many patients experiencing a degree of amnesia about the visit. Oral sedation is straightforward, cost-effective, and requires adherence to pre-appointment instructions, including arranging transportation, as you will not be in a state to drive and you will need someone to look after you at home. The primary goal is to ensure a stress-free, comfortable dental visit, remembering little discomfort or anxiety.