- Dental ExaminationYou should visit the dentist at least twice a year. A dental exam can reveal early signs of decay and disease that you may not see or feel. Catching these conditions early can help control them before them get worse and harder to treat. Additionally, getting a cleaning by a trained professional will remove plaque in areas you may have missed or cannot reach.
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningOral cancer screening: The face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums will be checked for any signs of oral cancer.
- Teeth CleaningRoutine dental cleanings are important to maintaining good oral hygiene. Professional cleaning by a hygienist can remove mineralized plaque that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach. It is recommended you go in for a cleaning once every six months.
- Dental SealantsKim grew up in Washington, OK and became a dental assistant at Herndon Family Dentistry a couple of years after graduating high school. She was a dental assistant for over five years and then attended college and hygiene school at Rose State College. She graduated from the Rose State College of Hygiene in 2002 and she has worked here since then. That's a combined time of 30 years at our office! (Longevity is a theme around here!) Kim enjoys camping with her husband and son, everything sports, especially OU football, and spending time with friends and family. She is really kind and truly cares for everyone she sees. We are so grateful for Kim and all she does. Views on Dentistry "As a hygienist, I enjoy the preventative aspects of dentistry such as routine prophys and sealants. I also like scaling and root planing for patients that need periodontal therapy for periodontal disease. As a hygienist, I appreciate the relationships we make with the patients we see regularly. This really makes my job enjoyable! I feel that we help people by not only providing them with excellent dental care, but by helping them to gain the self confidence that a beautiful smile can give."
- FillingsWhen treating a cavity, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill it with another substance. This procedure is called a filling. There are multiple options for the material to be used in the filling, the most common of which are composite fillings and amalgam fillings.
- Resin CompositeThere are two types of veneers that are commonly used. Porcelain veneers are more durable, and resist stains better. The properties of the material also helps to create a very natural tooth look. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers are not made in a laboratory, but instead directly applied to the teeth. They typically have a shorter life span, and are less expensive.
- VeneersDental veneers are thin custom made shells that cover the front surface of your tooth to improve their appearance. They are made of tooth colored materials and can be used to improve the color of teeth that have been worn down or stained. Alternatively, they can be used to improve the shape or size of the tooth.
- CrownsCompared to fillings which just cover a small portion of a tooth, a crown (or cap) encases the entire visible portion of a tooth. In effect, the crown acts as the tooth's new outer surface.A dental crown is used when a tooth is broken or decayed to such an extent that fillings aren't able to repair the problem. The crown is able to provide a protective shell around the damaged or decayed tooth to strengthen it, as well as to improve the appearance of the tooth. They can also help restore a tooth to it's original shape, are used commonly for teeth that have been broken. While crowns come in different materials, the most common crowns typically have some mixture of porcelain in them to give them a look and feel similar to a natural tooth.
- BridgesA dental bridge is a false tooth that is used to fill the gap created by missing tooth or teeth. A gap between your teeth can be potentially dangerous to your dental health, as it can cause your teeth to shift resulting in a change in your bite...
- Restorative DentistryDr. Herndon was raised in Oklahoma City and did his undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 1985. He is a current member of the American Dental Association and the Oklahoma Dental Association. He is also a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He loves to travel all over the country to discover the latest dental techniques and ideas. He enjoys doing all types of dental procedures but has a special interest in dental implants and complex restorative dentistry. He graduated in 2008 from the Center For Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry's prestigious Advanced Restorative Series and then in 2009 completed their Masters Series. He has in the past served on their faculty at their national headquarters in Dallas, TX. When not doing dentistry, Dr. Herndon loves spending time with his wife Marcie and his two sons Noel and Matthew and daughter Anna. He also enjoys golfing, running, bicycling and other outdoor activities. In addition to these fun facts about Dr. Herndon, he has also been in practice for over 32 years now at the same location in Purcell.
- Root Canal TreatmentRoot canal therapy is treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has been infected due to a deep cavity or cracked tooth. The treatment involves removing the pulp and the nerves of the tooth, and cleaning the infected area. A tooth's pulp and nerve is not important to a tooth's health and function after the tooth has fully emerged from the gums. If the treatment is not performed, pus builds up at the root tip and the infection of the pulp can spread to the surrounding bone. The results in pain and swelling, and your tooth would likely have to be removed.
- DenturesRegardless of the cause of your bad breath, good oral hygiene and regular checkups to the dentist will help reduce it. Brushing and flossing will eliminate particles of food stuck between your teeth which emit odors. It will also help prevent or treat periodontal disease (gum disease), caused by plaque buildup on your teeth, which can lead to bad breath. Dentures should be properly cleaned and soaked overnight in antibacterial solution (unless otherwise advised by your dentist). Finally, make sure to brush your tongue regularly to eliminate any residue.
- Dental ImplantsDental implants are becoming an increasingly popular method for replacing missing teeth. In this procedure, titanium supports are surgically fused with your jawbone, and act as an anchor for naturally looking false teeth. Dental implants are...
- Tooth ExtractionsA dental extraction is the procedure to remove a tooth from your mouth. A dental extraction is most commonly required if one of your teeth is damaged beyond practical repair. The most common reasons for tooth extractions include...
- OrthodonticsWe proudly offer Invisalign and "Tip Edge" metal bracket orthodontics to our patients. We will happily work out a payment plan and work with your budget to straighten your teeth with these proven systems.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsWe offer a wide variety of orthodontics at Herndon Family Dentistry. We are an Invisalign provider as well as Tip Edge medal bracket braces. Call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Herndon to discuss your options!
- BracesI had a wonderful experience! Love that they were so helpful and willing to help me understand what what I need to get my braces. They have done everything they could to make me feel comfortable for me and my kids.
- Teeth WhiteningOur teeth can discolor through the years as our enamel wears down. The wearing down of enamel allows dentin, a yellow color substance that makes the core of our teeth, to show through. This is what gives our teeth a yellowish tint. Teeth whitening helps restore teeth to a shiny white color through the use of bleach.
- Cosmetic DentistryAt Herndon Family Dentistry, we know how important having a great smile is to looking and feeling good. That's why Dr. James Herndon and the entire team is committed to providing the highest quality family and cosmetic dentistry. Leveraging today's latest technology, Dr. Herndon can create results that change how you look and feel. Whether you need a routine check-up or more advanced procedures like a total smile makeover, Herndon Family Dentistry offers a wide variety of procedures to uniquely fit your needs. In addition, our friendly staff ensures your visit to the dentist is affordable and comfortable. If you are searching for a family or comprehensive restorative dentist – look no further. Contact us today at (405) 527-7070.
- General DentistryAcademy of General Dentistry is second largest dental association in the U.S. It's website made for the general public, Know Your Teeth, contains a variety of dental information, including a comprehensive glossary of dental terms.