She graduated with her DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry in Memphis in 1999 before beginning an associateship in Little Rock. In 2002, she purchased an existing practice.
Dr. Nichols has been married to her husband, Don, since 1998. They have a son and triplet daughters. She enjoys volunteering at Harmony Clinic each month and Arkansas Mission of Mercy every year. Dr. Nichols also visits Guatemala for yearly medical and dental care trips.
Dr. Mascagni received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville before attending the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. Upon graduating, she joined Dr. Tina Nichols Little Rock practice.
Dr. Mascagni has two children: her son, Paxton, and daughter, Avery. She enjoys cooking, hiking, vacationing, and spending time with family and friends. Her other hobbies include painting, drawing, and decorating.
Dr. Pollard is from Conway, Arkansas. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a Minor in Psychology from Hendrix College and attended the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. After graduating as a Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Pollard joined Dr. Nichols and Dr. Mascagni at Arkansas Family Dental.
Dr. Joshua Ludford was raised in Conway, AR before attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry in 2016 with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery.
Dr. Ludford enjoys attending yearly dental conventions to stay informed about progressive techniques, the latest products, and the newest equipment. He is a current member of the Central District Dental Society, Arkansas State Dental Association, and American Dental Association. His focus is treating his patients like family with compassion, respect, and comfort. During his free time, Dr Ludford loves the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Atkins was raised in Conway, Arkansas. She attended the University of Central Arkansas where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and graduated from the Schedler Honors College in 2014. She then attended the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, graduating with her Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 2018. She is passionate about dentistry and strives to make even the most anxious patients feel comfortable.
Dr. Card was born and raised in Magnolia, Arkansas. She received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Louisiana Tech University in 2015. She is a Phi Mu alumna and was the drum major of the Louisiana Tech Band of Pride for three years. From there she attended the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry in Memphis, TN. Dr. Card joined Arkansas Family Dental in 2021.
Dr. Card loves music and enjoys going to concerts and spending time outdoors with her wife Courtney and their dog, Nico. She loves cooking, drawing, and playing the piano. She is excited to be in central Arkansas with close proximity to many friends and family in the area.
Dr. Card is a current member of the Arkansas State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Her focus is to take the time to treat her patients with compassion and dignity while providing the highest quality of treatment.
As our community continues to feel the increased impact of coronavirus, we feel it is important to let our patients know the measures we are taking to help keep our valued patients and staff safe and healthy. Please be assured that we are doing our part in taking care of the people we serve and are implementing certain protocols based on the recommendations of the CDC.
We have always held cleanliness and sanitation to a high standard within our clinic. As a precaution, we have implemented a more stringent process of cleaning and disinfecting in order to maintain a healthy environment.
We have removed magazines, reading materials, toys, and other objects that may be touched by others that cannot be easily disinfected. We have implemented a sanitizing station in the lobby for all patients and incoming personnel to disinfect their hands before heading back to the treatment area.
Thank you in advance for your patience as we navigate this challenging situation. It is our top priority to maintain the highest level of care for our patients and keeping you safe. while maintaining our focus where it belongs: Our Valued Patients.
Once your tooth develops irreparable damage, dental extraction is the best choice. Following guidelines for pre-op and post-op care after a dental extraction will keep you healthy and make replacement easier.
After doing an examination with X-rays, the dental extraction process will begin. If you have an impacted tooth, the dentist may need to cut the surrounding gum tissue to allow full access to the tooth needing extraction.
If necessary, the tooth itself will need to be cut into smaller pieces to allow easier extraction. Once the tooth is fully exposed, your dentist uses dental forceps to remove the tooth. Following extraction, gauze is used to apply pressure on the open area in the gums. If needed, the dentist will use sutures to close the area before applying the gauze.
After you have fully healed from a dental extraction, you can explore replacement options and costs with your dentist. Replacement options for back teeth and front teeth are available for all budgets. Choosing a replacement will help prevent further dental issues down the road. A missing tooth or teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment. It also makes your gums more vulnerable to damage, because the tissue is exposed to abrasion caused by everyday activities like eating.
Bridges are an easy answer to a missing tooth or teeth after dental extraction. It is created by using many crowns, which are permanently bonded together, and attached to your existing teeth. A bridge gets its namesake from how it works it bridges the gap left in your teeth from a missing tooth or teeth, while also keeping your remaining teeth in position and protecting your gums. Bridges are created from various materials, including porcelain, metal, and gold. A bridge is an excellent missing back teeth solution.
Full dentures, unlike bridges, are removable. They are prosthetic teeth substitutes for people who have had complete removal of their natural teeth. Dentures can be used to replace top, bottom, or both sets of teeth. Dentures are secured using one of two methods: denture adhesives or dental implants. Fit is also important when selecting dentures. If the fit of your dentures is done well, wearing them daily will feel comfortable and more natural. Choosing full dentures is the best economical choice for people who need a solution for large-scale replacements.
Partial dentures are created to function the same as a bridge. However, unlike a bridge, they are removable. The partial denture is created using a synthetic material, often acrylic, that resembles your natural gum line, which is held using attachments. Attachments are fitted to the surrounding natural teeth using either metal or acrylic. Dentures, full or partial, will improve the function of the mouth. While crowns and bridges feel more natural, partial dentures are an excellent cost-conscious replacement option.
Mini dental implants (MDI) are small dental implants that consist of a single titanium post, which has a ball and socket that inserts the tooth into position. These implants are almost exclusively used to fix artificial teeth in place and are done in a much shorter time than regular implants. Mini dental implants are a great option for anyone who wants a more permanent replacement after dental extraction.
Dental implants are done by placing a titanium post into the jawbone and allowing it to heal for around 12 weeks. The titanium post becomes the new anchor, or root, that the artificial tooth will then use. After the new anchor heals, a metal connector is attached to hold the artificial tooth in place. Dental implants offer a permanent and natural-feeling solution for a replacement after a dental extraction. When cared for properly, dental implants will last a lifetime.
Did you know that over 26 percent of American adults have untreated tooth decay? Among adults over the age of 29, 46 percent have signs of gum disease (gingivitis). About nine percent suffer from the effects of severe gingivitis.
You can avoid being one of these statistics. Following the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines can reduce your risk. If you do develop a severe buildup of plaque, you may need a deep cleaning.
The cementum covers the root of the tooth, which acts as an anchor in the gum and jawbone. The dentin is the softer layer that lies below the enamel. The pulp describes the center of the tooth that contains the blood vessels and nerves.
When food particles and liquids stay on the teeth after you eat, plaque can start forming. This is a colorless, gunky film that sticks on and between your teeth. It contains bacteria that when combined with sugar, makes an acid.
Each time you eat or drink a sugary item it starts an acid attack on your teeth that lasts 20 minutes. Thus, if you like to spend your morning sipping coffee with sugar, each drink resets the clock. Drinking with a straw and reducing the liquid washing over your teeth can help.
Many alcoholic beverages have sugar or are highly acidic. Remember that sugar combined with bacteria creates acid that damages your tooth enamel. If you take medications that dry your mouth, you need to drink plenty of water. You may also chew sugarless gum.
Dentists provide the following guidelines for how to remove plaque from teeth. As described, properly brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Its key that every surface of all teeth is thoroughly cleaned.
Electric toothbrushes provide an excellent tool for removing excess plaque from teeth. They work even better than a manual toothbrush. Using fluoride toothpaste will help repair any damage that has developed on the enamel.
Many people skip flossing. Did you know that no matter how well you brush your teeth, tartar can still build up between them? Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from between teeth, so dont skip this step.
The ADA recommends that everyone see a dentist at least once a year. If you have other risk factors, such as periodontitis, you may need visits twice a year or more. This allows the hygienist to remove plaque and tartar and check your gums.
This procedure cleans beneath and between the gums. It also focuses on the base of the tooth, and around the tooth roots. They use a vertical, circular, and/or horizontal motion to scrape the teeth clean.
The dental professional's deep cleaning removes all plaque and tartar buildup. Planing removes all the cementum and sometimes a thin layer of the dentin. The amount removed depends on how much buildup and infection is present.
Our highly qualified professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to provide the best care. We also focus on making this a comfortable dental experience. Patients may watch TV or listen to the radio or music during treatments.