General Dentistry in Crossville, TN

Periodontal therapy treats gum disease by removing bacteria below the gumline, reducing inflammation, and helping gum tissue reattach to tooth surfaces for improved health. This specialized treatment becomes necessary when regular cleanings cannot address deeper infection that causes bleeding, recession, and bone loss.

We offer:

• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) with local anesthetic for comfort
• Laser bacterial reduction (LBR) that targets harmful bacteria without damaging tissue
• Piezo ultrasonic scaling that’s gentler than traditional tools
• Soft tissue management programs tailored to your specific condition

Gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory problems, making treatment essential for overall wellness. Most periodontal therapy patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities immediately, though some sensitivity may persist for 1-2 days.

Many patients begin periodontal therapy after noticing bleeding gums when brushing, persistent bad breath, or shifting teeth—all signs that shouldn’t be ignored, especially for those with a history of smoking or diabetes.

Fluoride treatment strengthens tooth enamel, lowers risk of cavities, and reduces tooth sensitivity in aging teeth, particularly around worn areas or exposed roots. This mineral-based therapy is especially beneficial for adults over 60 who often experience receding gums and enamel wear that increases vulnerability to decay.

After treatment:

• Wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking
• Avoid very hot liquids and alcohol-based rinses for 24 hours
• Expect reduced sensitivity within 1-2 days

Regular fluoride application is particularly effective for reducing sensitivity and preventing root surface cavities common in older adults. Most dental insurance plans cover fluoride treatment for children, but coverage for adults varies—our team can verify your specific benefits.

Our Crossville patients with receding gums or exposed root surfaces often benefit from targeted fluoride varnishes that protect these vulnerable areas and improve comfort while enjoying hot, cold, or sweet foods.

Oral cancer screening involves visual examination of all oral tissues, palpation of the neck and jaw, and light-based detection to identify abnormal cells before they become visible to the naked eye.

Our Oral ID technology uses:

• Fluorescence visualization to reveal suspicious tissue changes
• Non-invasive light that shows abnormalities invisible to the eye
• Quick, painless scanning of all mouth tissues

Adults over 50, especially those with a history of tobacco or alcohol use, face higher risk factors, though oral cancer increasingly affects younger non-smokers due to HPV. The screening takes just 2-3 minutes and is completely painless, making it an essential part of every complete exam.

Oral cancer rates are higher among aging adults in Tennessee, making regular screenings crucial for early detection when treatment success rates are highest.

Blood pressure monitoring protects patient safety, alerts us to hidden health issues, and ensures dental treatment can proceed without complications. Many dental medications and anesthetics can affect blood pressure, making this simple check an important safety measure.

Extremely high blood pressure may require treatment postponement for non-emergency procedures, as stress hormones released during dental work can potentially increase cardiovascular risk. In such cases, we work with your physician to ensure your blood pressure is well-controlled before proceeding.

This monitoring is especially important for:

• Patients on blood pressure medications
• Those with a history of cardiovascular disease
• Patients experiencing dental anxiety
• Adults over 60, who may have undiagnosed hypertension

Our whole-health approach often identifies potential health concerns before patients are aware of them, with many of our Crossville patients first learning about hypertension through routine dental visits.

Composite fillings blend naturally with your teeth, preserve more healthy enamel than metal fillings, and are mercury-free for peace of mind. These tooth-colored restorations are made from a durable mixture of plastic and glass particles that bonds directly to tooth structure.

Unlike traditional silver fillings:

• Composites require less tooth removal
• Bond directly to strengthen remaining tooth structure
• Match your natural tooth color precisely
• Contain no mercury or metals

With proper care, composite fillings typically last 7-10 years, though they may need replacement sooner in areas with heavy chewing forces. You can eat normally once the anesthetic wears off, typically within 1-2 hours after placement.

Patients in Lake Tansi and surranding areas particularly appreciate how natural our composite fillings look in visible front teeth, allowing them to smile confidently during social activities and family photos.

Root canals remove infection from inside teeth, preserve natural tooth structure, and eliminate dental pain that often accompanies severe decay or injury. This procedure becomes necessary when decay or trauma allows bacteria to reach the tooth’s innermost tissues, causing inflammation and often significant pain.

Contrary to outdated perceptions:

• Modern root canals are comfortable with proper anesthesia
• Most patients report they’re no more painful than having a filling
• Treatment relieves pain rather than causing it

Treatment times vary from 60-90 minutes for front teeth to 90-120 minutes for molars with more complex root systems. After treatment, mild discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and most patients return to normal activities the following day.

Crown placement is typically recommended after root canal therapy, especially for back teeth that endure stronger chewing forces. Our Crossville patients are often surprised by how painless and straightforward modern root canal therapy can be with our techniques and focus on comfort.

Tooth extractions relieve severe pain, remove infected or damaged teeth, and prevent future alignment issues when teeth cannot be saved through other means. Extractions become necessary when a tooth is severely damaged by decay, fractured beyond repair, or causing crowding issues.

Simple extractions remove visible teeth using local anesthetic, while surgical extractions may be needed for impacted wisdom teeth or those with complex root structures.

We offer nitrous oxide for anxious patients and provide complete aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.

We offer wisdom tooth removal for older teens and adults in Crossville and beyond, allowing families to receive this care locally without traveling to oral surgery specialists in larger cities.

Emergency dental care addresses unexpected pain, trauma, or dental failures requiring immediate attention to relieve discomfort and prevent further damage. We reserve time in our schedule specifically for same-day emergency appointments.

Before arriving at our office:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if appropriate
• Apply cold compresses for swelling
• Save any broken pieces of teeth or restorations
• Avoid placing aspirin directly on gums or teeth

Many dental emergencies can be addressed the same day, including broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and severe toothaches. Temporary repairs for broken dentures or lost crowns can often be completed in a single visit while more permanent solutions are prepared.

Call our Crossville office right away if you’re experiencing dental pain or trauma – same-day care is available for both new and existing patients to provide fast relief when you need it most.