Porter Dental Health Clinic, P.A.

Products And Services

• General Dentistry

  Drs. Lance Porter and Will Warren, and the Porter Dental Health Clinic team are completely capable of dealing with any oral health issue that arises in your mouth. However, we are big advocates of preventing oral health issues before they happen in the first place! Preventing dental disease with general dentistry services can save you valuable time and money in the long run — it can also help you avoid pain and other unpleasantness associated with tooth decay, gum disease and similar problems. Trusted with providing excellence in oral health Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Even if you are diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth in your everyday life, you still need to schedule regular hygiene visits with our team. During these visits, we can target hard-to-reach spots in your mouth with special instruments and techniques, and offer tips to optimize your at-home hygiene habits. Dental Sealants Dental sealants are a great way to prevent tooth decay, particularly in young children. These tiny pieces of plastic are fitted over the grooves and crevices on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to physically block out bacteria and particles of food from accumulating. Digital X-rays Digital X-rays are a safe, quick, convenient and non-obtrusive way to look for problems in the areas between the teeth and under the gumline, which the naked eye can’t see. Oral Cancer Screenings Oral cancer screenings are exams performed to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. The earlier mouth cancer is detected, the better the chances of curing it. Periodontal Treatment Gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Medical therapy and deep cleanings can stop the early stages of gum disease from advancing. Root Canals Root canal therapy rehabilitates teeth that have become infected and cause significant pain. During treatment, infected or diseased tissue is removed from inside the tooth, and cleaned and sealed off to prevent further infection. TMJ/TMD Treatment Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a problem affecting the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMD can limit the jaw’s range of motion and cause pain and other complications. Tooth Extractions Although we take great measures to save weak or damaged teeth, some teeth are better off being extracted. Numbing medication is used to prevent any pain or discomfort during the extraction process. Wisdom Teeth Removal Some people simply don’t have enough room in the jaw for their wisdom teeth (i.e., the last molars) to grow into. In these cases, our team extracts the wisdom tooth during an in-office procedure. More complicated extractions may require an oral surgeon. Contact Us to Schedule a Dental Appointment For more information about general dentistry services, or to schedule an exam and cleaning with our hygienists, please call 501-624-2778 or email our office today.

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• Restorative Dentistry

  Nobody likes to think about developing dental disease or damaging a tooth. But when it happens, it’s reassuring to know that an experienced, compassionate dentist like Dr. Lance Porter or Dr. Will Warren is only a phone call or email away. Restoring your smile to its optimal form is what he does best! Using leading-edge techniques and materials, Drs. Porter and Warren can repair, recreate or even replace a damaged, diseased or missing tooth. We will work quickly to relieve any pain you are experiencing and restore your teeth to their normal function. Our dental team will go to great lengths to make your treatment experience relaxing, comfortable and as stress-free as possible. Trusted with providing excellence in oral health Tooth-Colored Fillings Fillings repair teeth that have developed areas of the decay. The restorations fill the space left over after diseased tooth material has been removed. Metal and amalgam fillings have become outdated and newer, tooth-colored fillings have fallen into favor. Tooth-colored fillings match the surrounding tooth structure so there is no distinguishing between restoration and tooth. The result is a complete, healthy-looking tooth that can chew and bite normally. Unlike other dental restorations, tooth-colored fillings can usually be applied during a single office visit. The decayed tooth material is carefully removed and the composite resin filling material applied directly to the tooth. The dentist shapes and molds it as needed to recreate the appearance of an attractive, healthy tooth. Dental Implants Dental implants are the most like natural, healthy teeth in terms of look, feel and function. An implant replaces the entire tooth structure, from root to crown. A titanium screw or post is placed in the jawbone and topped with a customized crown to recreate the look of a beautiful tooth. Since implants are supported and retained by the jawbone, they help keep the bone healthy and stimulated. They are strong and can withstand the normal forces of chewing and biting. What’s more: as long as an implant is properly cared for, it can last virtually indefinitely. Dentures Dentures recreate the appearance of a complete, healthy smile. The appliances are constructed from materials that resemble teeth and gum tissues. Dentures fit over the contours of the natural gumline and are held in place by the muscles of the mouth. A complete denture appliance replaces all of the teeth in the upper or lower dental arch; a partial denture appliance replaces one or several teeth. Some patients opt to have their dentures secured to several implant posts placed throughout the jaw to improve comfort and stability. The dentures clip onto several implant posts placed throughout the mouth, so they do not slip, slide or shift around when eating or speaking. Contact Our Restorative Dentist If a broken, decayed, damaged or missing tooth is interfering with the health and beauty of your smile, Drs. Porter and Warren can help. Schedule an appointment to discuss your individual needs and find a treatment solution that suits you. You can request an appointment by calling our team at 501-624-2778 or sending us an email today.

  Link: Restorative Dentistry

• Preventative Care

  At Porter Dental Health Clinic, we strive to keep our patients’ teeth healthy and problem-free. We are fully capable of dealing with oral health issues, but we strive first and foremost to prevent the issues from happening in the first place. We want to save you time, pain, and money by addressing issues before they become real problems. Preventative dental care, when done right, can stop all sorts of oral health problems in their tracks, including cavities, gum disease, or enamel wear. There are several forms of preventative dental care. Some of the ones we focus on at our practice are: Routine oral exams. Cleanings. X-rays. Brushing. Flossing. Flouride treatments. The best way to prevent dental decay or disease is through regular brushing and flossing. We encourage all our patients to develop the habit of flossing at least once a day and brushing twice a day. Doing so can save you pain and discomfort in the future. Therapeutic Dental Care Oral Cancer Screening Hot Springs AR It is not too late to have a healthy, beautiful smile! We are ready to help restore your oral health with our therapeutic approach to oral health. We treat a wide number of health issues that center around your mouth. Therapeutic care at our office is designed to bring you back to full health, so you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy mouth. We can provide a number of services designed to restore your oral health. This includes replacing missing teeth, cleaning out tooth infections, helping sleep apnea sufferers rest well at night, and treating the debilitating symptoms of TMD. When your oral health is poor for whatever reason, it affects the quality of your life. You are less likely to smile and enjoy what is going on around you, from family time to your career. We want to help by providing the compassionate care that you need to get back to living life your way! Whatever oral issue you are experiencing, Porter Dental Clinic is here to help you. Talk to us about your health, so we can help you live your best life! Call our office today!

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• Sleep Apnea Treatment

  Do you or a loved one snore quite a bit? Snoring is fairly common, but it can sometimes indicate another health issue. Snoring can sometimes be an indicator of sleep apnea. When someone with sleep apnea stops breathing during sleep, they’ll jolt awake each time their breathing stops. This makes for a rough night’s sleep. Thankfully, there are treatment methods available to help you rest easily through the night. How do I know if I have sleep apnea? Sleep Apnea Treatment Hot Springs AR Snoring is only one common indicator, but there are others that sleep apnea sufferers experience. You may be experiencing sleep apnea if you have several of the following symptoms: Waking up with a dry or sore throat. Daytime exhaustion. Loud breathing when sleeping. Headaches in the morning. Depression. Irritability. Mood Swings. Lack of energy during the day. Waking with a coughing or gasping sensation. Experiencing some or all of these symptoms could indicate you have sleep apnea. We will send you to a sleep specialist who can properly diagnose sleep apnea. The specialist can then send you back to us for treatment. How to Treat Sleep Apnea There are two methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea, using either a CPAP machine or oral appliances. At Porter Dental Health Clinic, we use the oral appliances solution. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the throat falls over the back of the throat. This causes you to stop breathing. Oral appliances are a type of mouthguard patients with sleep apnea wear at night to maintain an open airway. The appliance gives support to the jaw, helping it stay in a more forward position when the patient is relaxed and sleeping. With the jaw in a forward position, the upper airway remains open. This increases the likelihood that a patient will sleep through the night. If you believe sleep apnea is the cause of your restlessness or any of the above-listed symptoms, give us a call. We’d love to set up a consultation appointment and answer any of your questions!

  Link: Sleep Apnea Treatment

• Emergency Dentistry

  Emergencies are rarely convenient. In fact, they typically aren’t. That’s what makes them emergencies. When you or a loved one experiences trauma that needs to be addressed right away, don’t hesitate to come see us. We know what it’s like to need help with a dental emergency. Don’t let the time of day or the fact that you might not be one of our current patients prevent you from getting an emergency taken care of. We are here for you. The sooner emergencies are taken care of, the more likely that you or your loved one can avoid further damage. There are a few dental emergencies that we commonly see. These include dental trauma, dental avulsion, dental abscess, or pulpitis. Dental Trauma Dental trauma refers to injuries of the teeth or mouth, including the tongue, gums, or lips. This most often occurs do to blunt force being applied in the mouth area. Injuries such as a broken tooth need to be addressed quickly. TMJ Treatment Hot Springs AR Dental Avulsion This is the medical term given to describe when a tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth. When this happens, call us immediately. Dental Abscess An abscess is a buildup of pus inside a tooth caused by an infection. If not taken care of quickly, this can lead to a worse infection and decay of the tooth. Pulpitis Pulpitis is inflammation of the tissues and nerves at the core of a tooth. This can spread to the surrounding gums and tissues near the tooth and lead to a more severe infection. Give Porter Dental Health Clinic a call today with any questions or concerns about dental emergencies. We’re always here to help!

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• Cosmetic Dentistry

  One of the most gratifying aspects of being part of the Porter Dental Health Clinic team is making patients’ smiles sparkle. Cosmetic dentistry materials and techniques have evolved considerably over the years, and now Drs. Porter and Warren have more options than ever to make over your smile — enhancing what you love and addressing what you don’t. Ultimately, attaining a dazzling white smile can give you more confidence and help you feel completely comfortable in your own skin. If you are interested in transforming a dull or imperfect smile, Drs. Porter and Warren would be happy to speak with you about the wide range of available treatment options. One of the most gratifying aspects of being part of the Porter Dental Health Clinic team is making patients’ smiles sparkle. Cosmetic dentistry materials and techniques have evolved considerably over the years, and now Drs. Porter and Warren have more options than ever to make over your smile — enhancing what you love and addressing what you don’t. Ultimately, attaining a dazzling white smile can give you more confidence and help you feel completely comfortable in your own skin. If you are interested in transforming a dull or imperfect smile, Drs. Porter and Warren would be happy to speak with you about the wide range of available treatment options. Trusted with providing excellence in oral health Teeth Whitening Professional teeth whitening is a popular way to treat tooth stains and discoloration and brighten the color of your teeth so you can enjoy a pearly white smile. We offer Opalescence Boost In Office Whitening system. In-office whitening can dramatically brighten your smile in a single office appointment, whereas take-home kits allow you to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home or while on the road. Porcelain Veneers Cosmetic Dentistry Hot Springs AR Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that bond to the front surface of your teeth to hide imperfections and flaws. We can use veneers to accomplish the following: Conceal an abnormally shaped tooth Mask small spaces between the front teeth Cover up stubborn stains or discoloration Camouflage tiny chips or cracks Hide uneven tooth edges Porcelain veneers are customized to blend in with the surrounding natural teeth for a flawless finish. The porcelain material mimics the exact look and shine of natural tooth enamel. Veneers are stain-resistant and can last for many years with the proper care and maintenance. Dental Crowns Dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations placed over damaged or diseased teeth. They restore a natural appearance and chewing function to the tooth, and help protect the tooth from further damage. Crowns can prevent a tooth from becoming weaker and falling out or needing extraction. Like veneers, crowns are completely customized to match the surrounding teeth. They are very strong and can last for years with the proper care. Inlays and Onlays Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to replace small areas of dental decay or damage and restore a tooth to its natural strength. They are often recommended for teeth with too much decay or damage for a filling but not enough to need a crown. Instead of composite filling material, which is applied in the office and molded to fill the space left by tooth decay, inlays and onlays are single solid pieces of material (usually porcelain) constructed in a dental laboratory. Inlays fit within the cusps, or top edges, of the tooth; onlays extend over one or more cusps of the tooth. The restorations are color matched to blend in with the rest of the tooth. Schedule a Cosmetic Dental Consultation Dr. Porter is a talented cosmetic dentist who can address nearly any aesthetic concern you may have about your smile. After learning what you hope to achieve from treatment, he will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals. To schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Porter, please give our team a call at 501-624-2778 or send us an email today.

  Link: Cosmetic Dentistry

• Spark Aligners

  What’s the first step to achieving straighter teeth? Seeing the difference Spark clear aligners can make! Check out your future smile and treatment plan designed by Dr. Porter and Dr. Warren alongside a team of dedicated orthodontic speciallists after your 3D scan. This will give you a personalized treatment simulation! Spark aligners straighten teeth by applying gentle, continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into the desired position. The aligners are custom-made and fit snugly over the teeth. Trusted with providing excellence in oral health How they work Spark Aligners A digital scan will be taken of your teeth, the scan will then be used to create a 3D model of your teeth. Dr Porter and Dr Warren alongside a team of orthodontist will use the 3D model to create a customized treatment plan. The treatment plan includes a series of custom-made aligners which you will wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks. The aligners gradually move your teeth into the desired position. How they compare to other aligners Spark aligners are similar to other clear aligners, but they use advanced sustained force retention to move teeth faster and more predictably. Spark aligners are designed to be more comfortable than traditional braces or other clear aligners. They are made from a smooth plastic that is designed to be comfortable and not rub against the gums.

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• Comprehensive Dentistry

  Comprehensive dental care is about much more than just the condition of your teeth. It considers every aspect of your oral health, your overall health and your general wellbeing. As advocates of comprehensive dentistry, Porter Dental Health Clinic takes the time to get to know you as an individual, including your lifestyle, general diet, medications and medical history. All of these factors help us tailor a treatment plan that satisfies all of your unique needs. As a full-service dental team, we can provide preventative, restorative and/or cosmetic treatments customized to your goals. Trusted with providing excellence in oral health Preventative Dentistry Services Our dental team is dedicated to preventing serious oral health issues before they start. Regular dental exams are a critical piece of preventative dentistry. At every exam, we do a complete check for any signs of emerging problems, including signs of cavities, gum disease, lesions or other issues. If we discover something troubling, we can immediately address it and decide how to proceed. Another big part of preventative dentistry is regular dental cleanings. During a professional cleaning, our hygienists use special techniques and instruments to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Our hygienists also use cleanings as an opportunity to review at-home oral hygiene practices and advise you on caring for your teeth and avoiding certain foods to keep your mouth healthy. As we clean and examine your mouth, we can recommend a variety of services that will help you enjoy a complete set of teeth and a healthy smile for many years to come. Restorative Dentistry Services Comprehensive dental care Hot Springs AR If you do develop tooth decay or damage, Porter Dental Health Clinic offers a full range of services to treat the problem and rehabilitate to your mouth. Ideally we want to accomplish this as quickly and minimally invasively as possible. Porter Dental Health Clinic repairs decayed or damaged teeth with tooth-colored fillings, inlays and/or onlays. More extensive decay or damage is remedied with the placement of a dental crown. When a damaged or decayed tooth cannot be saved, tooth extraction may be the best option. Missing or extracted teeth are replaced with dental bridges or dental implants. For widespread tooth loss, dentures or implant-supported dentures are an excellent way to restore a complete smile. Drs. Porter and Warren always consider the impact of a new restoration and how it will affect the rest of the teeth in the mouth. Cosmetic Dentistry Services With some of our patients, we find that rejuvenating the appearance of their smiles greatly improves not only how they look but also how they feel. In addition to preventative and restorative dentistry services, Dr. Porter offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments and procedures. Imperfect or abnormal teeth can be hidden by beautiful, lifelike porcelain veneers. Stained or discolored teeth can be bleached to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Oral Health: The Mouth-Body Connection Another crucial part of comprehensive dentistry is looking at your oral health in the context of you as a whole person. How does your oral health influence your overall health — and how does your overall health influence your oral health? For example, does your history of diabetes increase your risk of gum disease and indicate you need more frequent exams and cleanings? Or, as a growing body of evidence suggests, does your history of gum disease indicate that you may be at risk of problems like heart disease and should consult with other members of your medical team? How to Schedule a Dental Consultation Drs. Porter and Warren are devoted to helping patients achieve a healthy smile for life. To discuss your unique dental needs or schedule your next exam and cleaning, please call or email our office today. We look forward to assisting you! Schedule a Dental Consultation Dr. Porter and Dr. Will, along with their team are are highly qualified and trusted in this community. With over 200 5-star reviews online, our competence and credibility can’t be doubted. So don’t wait to call. Make an appointment today!

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• Family & Pediatric Dentistry

  The importance of family is one of the foundational cornerstones of Porter Dental Health Clinic. In fact, Dr. Lance Porter practiced alongside his father at our practice before eventually buying the practice and taking over as the owner. Our entire team believes in making patients feel like members of our family from the moment they walk in the door until the moment they leave. We take great pride in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for patients of all ages, including children. We also believe in providing great value to our patients; we believe everyone should be able to achieve their best smile. To this end, we are a pay-per-service practice that prides itself on offering quality dental care at affordable prices. Trusted with providing excellence in oral health Patient Education We feel a duty and responsibility to properly educate patients of all ages — particularly our youngest patients — about good oral health. Children are very impressionable and we want them to form positive impressions of dental care from a young age. We believe that by treating them gently and patiently, and explaining dental concepts in language they can understand, we are setting them up for a lifetime of healthy dental habits. Children who have positive associations with dental care may be more likely to stay on top of their dental health for the rest of their lives. Pediatric Dentistry Services Family Dentistry Hot Springs AR We offer a wide range of dental services for children, including the following: Routine Hygiene Visits Routine dental checkups and cleanings are essential. They help keep the teeth and gums clean and detect any problems in their early stages, when they are more easily treatable with less invasive means. Catching dental problems early can also save our patients unnecessary time, money and discomfort. Sealants Thin plastic sealants are applied to the back teeth to help keep them free of cavities. The plastic coating blocks food particles and bacteria from accumulating in the nooks and crannies of the chewing surfaces. They can last for years. Fluoride Treatments Professional fluoride treatments can help prevent tooth decay and maintain healthy, strong tooth enamel. Restorative Services Sometimes despite our best efforts, children’s teeth can become damaged or develop small cavities. In those cases, Drs. Porter and Warren are trained to restore the child’s tooth to optimal form, function and strength. Emergency Services Emergencies happen, and when they do, you can trust Drs. Porter and Warren, and our team to address them right away. We will accommodate you as best we can, whether it be early in the morning or after the office has closed. If you or your child experiences a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call us immediately. How to Schedule a Dental Appointment Drs. Porter and Warren, and our team are proud to be the practice of choice for families from Hot Springs and all surrounding communities, and we want to help every member of your family enjoy a healthy smile for life. Call or email us today to request an appointment.

  Link: Family & Pediatric Dentistry