As the year winds down, many people focus on wrapping up work projects, holiday shopping, and preparing for a fresh start in the new year. Amid all the hustle, your dental health can sometimes take a back seat. That’s why we’ve compiled a year-end list of dental health tips to keep you on the top of your dental game. Failing to address minor issues now can lead to tooth pain or more serious dental problems as 2026 begins. Taking proactive steps in your oral care this December ensures a healthier, pain-free start to the new year.
Why Tooth Pain Feels Worse in Cold Weather: Winter Sensitivity Explained
Tooth pain can be uncomfortable any time of year, but many patients notice it intensifies during the colder months. If you’ve felt sharper dental discomfort or an increased winter sensitivity when stepping outside on a chilly day or sipping a hot or cold drink in winter, you’re not alone. Understanding why tooth pain feels worse in cold weather can help you manage your symptoms and maintain your oral health through the season.
Apicoectomy FAQ: All You Need to Know
When a tooth doesn’t heal properly after a root canal, your dentist may recommend an apicoectomy. While the term might sound intimidating at first, this specialized endodontic procedure is actually a common and highly effective way to save your natural tooth and prevent further infection from developing. An apicoectomy is often considered when a traditional root canal has already been performed but healing has not progressed as expected, or when persistent inflammation or infection remains at the tip of the tooth’s root.
If you’ve been informed that an apicoectomy might be necessary, it’s normal to have questions about what the procedure involves, how it works, and what to expect during recovery. Understanding the details can help ease any anxiety and prepare you for a smoother, more informed experience. This FAQ will provide a comprehensive overview, addressing the most common questions patients have about an apicoectomy and helping you feel confident in your treatment decisions.
What to Do When a Tooth Gets Knocked Out: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Whether it's from a sports accident, fall, or sudden impact, when a tooth gets knocked out, quick thinking and fast action can mean the difference between saving or losing it. In this blog, we'll learn about...
Is It Just Tooth Sensitivity or Something More Serious?
A sip of ice water. A hot cup of coffee. A sudden burst of pain in your tooth when you bite into something sweet. These might all point to the same common issue: tooth sensitivity. But what if it’s not just that? At James A. Penney, DDS, we help patients figure out...
Handling a Traumatic Dental Injury: Immediate Steps to Take
Dental emergencies can happen without warning, whether from a fall, a sports accident, or a sudden impact to the face. In those moments, knowing how to respond can make all the difference between saving and losing a tooth. At James A. Penney, DDS, we frequently treat...
Endodontic Retreatment: When a Root Canal Needs Repair
What Is Endodontic Retreatment? Endodontic retreatment is a dental procedure performed when a previously treated root canal fails to heal properly or becomes reinfected. It is not uncommon for a tooth to need additional care even years after the original treatment....
How Cracked Teeth Can Lead to Bigger Dental Problems
Dealing with a cracked tooth might seem like a small issue at first, but without prompt treatment, it can quickly escalate into much bigger dental problems. Cracks can invite infection, weaken your tooth structure, and even lead to tooth loss. Knowing the signs and...
How to Tell If You Have a Cavity Signs and Symptoms
A common oral health issue that many individuals face is the development of cavities. A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth erode the enamel, or the hard outer layer of the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can...
What is an Endodontist Specialist? Dr. James A. Penney III Explains
If your dental provider refers you to an endodontist, or if you’re looking at your available treatment options, you may be curious to learn more about these specialists. Dr. James A. Penney III is an experienced endodontist who has been providing care in central...
Love Your Teeth This Valentine’s Day: Tips for a Healthier Smile
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and we believe that taking care of your teeth is an important way of showing yourself love and care. Oral health is connected to our overall health, so maintaining a healthy smile benefits more than just your appearance. Dr....
Is It Time for a Root Canal? New Year’s Checklist for When to See an Endodontist
The start of a new year is a great time to check-in with your oral health provider to make sure you’re heading into the year with a healthy smile. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, pain, or discomfort this could be a sign of decay, damage, or disease. It’s...
How to Protect your Teeth from the Harsh Effects of Winter Weather
As we head into the winter season, the cold, dry weather brings additional challenges when it comes to protecting and maintaining oral health. Dr. James A. Penney is an experienced endodontist who has been providing expert dental care for over 20 years. Endodontists...
Tooth Sensitivity in the Winter: Causes and Solutions
Winter weather typically brings in cold, dry air that can cause your teeth to hurt. Tooth sensitivity can be momentary which does not usually signify a problem. However, persistent tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures could be a sign of damage or decay. Our...
Maintaining Oral Hygiene in Winter: Tips for Patients with Dental Work
Maintaining oral hygiene is important year-round, but the winter season can bring additional risks to oral health. Colder weather, holiday meals, and treats can impact the health of your teeth–especially for those who have already had dental work done. As the winter...
Winter Oral Health: Why Root Canals are More Important Than Ever
Winter months are known for bringing in colder, dryer weather. This can lead to added tooth sensitivity or dental concerns. The colder outdoor air and heated indoor air can cause the soft tissue in the mouth to dry out and cause the muscles in the mouth and jaw to...
Signs You Might Have a Cracked Tooth and What to Do About It
The symptoms and severity of a cracked tooth can vary and even come and go. If you are experiencing tooth pain after an injury to the mouth or biting down on hard food, you might have a cracked tooth. There are different types of cracked teeth with various treatment...
Most Common Injuries to Teeth in Athletes: Protective Gear and Best Practices
Due to the physical contact, impact, and accidents that can happen in many sports, injuries to the teeth can be common without the use of proper protection. When a tooth injury occurs, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible–this increases the chances...
Different Types of Cracked Teeth: From Craze Lines to Split Teeth
Cracked teeth can vary in severity–from superficial cracks like craze lines to cracks that can lead to infection of the tooth pulp or damage to the root. Cracked teeth can be hard to diagnose, as symptoms may come and go. But if you’re experiencing pain or...
How Diet and Nutrition Affect Tooth Health and Risk of Cracks
Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on maintaining tooth health by treating the inner structures of the tooth, and Dr. James A. Penney and his trusted team have been saving smiles in Little Rock for 20 years! If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity,...
What is an Avulsed Tooth?
An avulsed tooth is a tooth that has been knocked out of place. This can happen when a tooth is knocked out of its socket, or even out of your mouth, typically as the result of a fall or an accident that leads to blunt impact or trauma to the mouth. If you experience...
Why Saving Your Natural Tooth is Best!
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it could be a sign of damage, disease, or decay. It’s important to seek dental care as soon as you can to prevent long-term or more severe consequences and to hopefully save your natural tooth. Dr. James A. Penney is an experienced...
The Impact of Cracked Teeth on Oral Health: Long-term Consequences
Taking care of your teeth can start with practicing good oral hygiene and visiting a dental provider regularly. Dr. James A. Penney III has been providing quality endodontic care in Little Rock for nearly 20 years. If you believe you may have a cracked tooth or are...
Pain Management During and After an Apicoectomy
Tooth pain and sensitivity can often be a sign of damage, infection, or disease. In some cases, an apicoectomy can provide much needed relief to those experiencing tooth pain. With a skilled provider like James A. Penney III, DDS, the root of the tooth can be treated,...
Always Ask Your Dentist About Endodontic Options | Tooth Saving Tips
Got tooth problems? Replacing your tooth with a new, artificial tooth might sound like a great alternative. However, an artificial tooth will not serve your overall health the same way a natural tooth will. It also creates a higher chance of more dental problems as...
Endodontics Tips | How to Avoid Infection Post Surgery
Endodontics Tips | How to Avoid Infection Post Surgery Today, root canals are quick and painless. If they are performed correctly, you can return to your normal schedule as soon as you leave the clinic. The best way to prevent your tooth from becoming infected again...
5 Things You Might Not Know About the Field of Endodontistry
Many people don’t realize that endodontistry goes far beyond routine root canals. It focuses on preserving natural teeth through specialized procedures like endodontic treatment, which involves treating the pulp and root structure to save a damaged tooth. Here are a...
Why Choose James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics?
Looking for an endodontist in Little Rock? Consider James A. Penney III, DDS, PA Endodontics. Dr. Penney highly recommended by his patients. Dr. Penney has a 4.8 star rating from over 50 reviews on our Facebook page. Check out what our patients are saying about their...
What is Endodontic Retreatment?
So, you’ve undergone root canal treatment and your tooth is still hurting, what’s going on? It’s rare, but every once and awhile a root infection can throw us a curveball—or a curved root—and the infection will not properly heal. In this case, we have to re-treat the...
What Does It Take To Become An Endodontist?
The field of endodontics isn’t for everyone who goes through dental school. The skilled endodontists who choose this profession are driven, detail oriented, have a passion for diagnostics, and good dental-chair side manner. If you are looking for a qualified...
What Makes Our Endodontics Office Different Than A Regular Dentist?
James A. Penney III, DDS, PA, Endodontics specializes in root canal treatment and other forms of comprehensive endodontic surgery. We are different from a regular dentist because we see patients who have been referred to us by their general dentist. Our patients don’t...
What Is An Endodontist? | Why You Need An Endodontist in Little Rock
All endodontists are dentists, but less than three percent of dentists have the training and licensure to be an endodontist. Just like ENTs and Podiatrists are doctors who have undergone extra schooling to specialize in their field, endodontists are dentists who have...
Tooth Saving Tips for Traumatic Injuries
Here are a few tooth-saving tips to keep in your knowledge bank. When an accident occurs, you will spend much less time wondering what to do. Once you get to the dentist, endodontist, or emergency service, they will be able to give you more information regarding your...
ASMR Videos If They Were Made For Endodontists
ASMR videos can be super relaxing. The key is to find the right sounds. Endodontists spend their whole career saving teeth. Here are a few ideas for ASMR videos that an endodontist would appreciate. What healthy dental habits do you enjoy? 1. A clever thinker opening...
Tips For Practicing Self-Care In The Morning | Endodontics
Here are some tips to have a good morning every morning. Why are endodontists concerned with your morning self-care routine? A good morning routine includes a good dental hygiene routine. When you’ve got your morning organized, you’ll be more likely to remember and...
Did You Know? We Have a Full Collection of the Colleagues For Excellence Newsletter Available on Our Website
Continued education is very important for endodontists in central Arkansas. As technology advances and new studies are done, we learn more about how to best treat our patients. There is always something more to learn in the field of dentistry. That is why we take...
How Endodontics Can Improve Your Quality Of Life
There are many reasons to take good care of your teeth. At James A. Penney III, DDS, PA, Endodontics, we are in the business of saving teeth. We’d like to see you live out the rest of your days with healthy, natural teeth. This is because we know that oral health is...
4 Tips For Creating a Good Dental Hygiene Routine
At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA. Endodontics, we offer comprehensive endodontics. We’ve seen it all. The consequences of not practicing proper dental hygiene are painful and expensive. Your first line of defense against decay is your dental hygiene routine. Here are...
New Year, No More Pain!
It is time to get honest with your dentist before your toothache gets worse. As the new year rolls in we all take a good look at our lives. Many will get gym memberships and promise to eat better. What about your dental health? Start this year with a plan to stop...
Is Your Toothbrush Causing Decay on Your Teeth?
Are you using the wrong toothbrush? Taking care of your teeth is essential to keeping your natural teeth healthy and avoid a root canal. Using the wrong kind of toothbrush could result in the wearing down of your enamel, exposing your teeth to decay. At James A....
Fall Flat On Your Face? We Can Help
At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA, Endodontics we offer comprehensive endodontics. Our services make us a top choice for patients with traumatic dental injuries. We can handle a wide variety of treatments. Even if your injury seems hopeless, Dr. Penney’s diagnostics...
What to Look for When Choosing an Endodontist
To an endodontist who has been in practice as long as Dr. James A. Penney has, root canals seem pretty routine. A good endodontist knows that, while the procedure has been done before, every tooth is different. That is why comprehensive endodontics is important, even...
If Enamel is So Strong, Why Are Teeth High-Maintenance?
When faced with the prospect of getting a root canal, many patients express dread and disappointment in their own teeth. You live a healthy lifestyle, brush twice daily, and floss once a day. How did your teeth still manage to get in bad shape? While there is no...
Do I Need an Endodontist For My Root Canal?
If you went to your general dentist with a toothache and are now being recommended to an endodontist, you are probably wondering: Why do I need to see a specialist? Why should you see an endodontist for your root canal? Because a healthy smile is a natural smile. Even...
Dental Care Travel Tips
Got a big trip coming up? The last thing you want to worry about during a fun vacation is your dental care. Take the right steps, and pack the right things and you’ll return home from your vacation stress-free and cavity-free. At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA...
What’s So Great About Operating Microscopes in Endodontics?
When you choose your endodontist in Little Rock, it’s important to know what kinds of technology they are using. At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics we offer our patients the highest quality of endodontic technology. The Operating Microscope is just one of...
4 Things To Know About Your First Visit to James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics
Visiting our office in Little Rock for the first time? The team at James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics looks forward to meeting you. We want your visit to go as smooth as possible so here are 4 things you should know before you stop by. If you have any...
What You Need to Know About Fluoride
If you’ve had more than one cavity filled, your dentist has probably recommended using a toothpaste with fluoride to help strengthen your enamel. Fluoride is a real blessing for those who are more prone to cavities. Is there fluoride in central Arkansas water system?...
6 Songs Perfect for Brushing Your Teeth To
Here is a list of songs that are two minutes long. Because that’s how long we recommend you brush your teeth for. At James A Penney II DDS we want to set you up for success in your dental health. Keeping your teeth healthy and natural from root to surface starts with...
True or False: Your Dental Health is Hereditary
True. Unfortunately, many of us have been passed down genes that make us prone to cavities. Good news: once you’ve identified the pattern, there is plenty you can do about it. If you know you are prone to cavities. Take extra steps. Your dentist might have special...
4 Things You Should Know Before Choosing Your Endodontist
Finding the right endodontist in Arkansas can be tricky. It’s important to do some research and ask your dentist for recommendations. Here are a few questions you should ask about an endodontist practice before making a decision. To help you better understand how to...
3 Things You Should Know About Becoming an Endodontist
Ever considered going into a specialty in the dentistry field? After a student completes dental school, they have the option of going into a specialty. That’s what James A. Penny, of James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics, did. After earning his DDS and finishing...
5 Things People With Sensitive Teeth Are Familiar With
Tooth sensitivity is the worst. It can really ruin a good ice cream social. Even a crisp winter breeze can send your teeth into ouch mode. At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics we often help treat patients who suffer from painful tooth sensitivity. Endodontic...
7 Habits for Healthy Teeth
At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics, we know how important it is for you to keep your natural teeth healthy. If your tooth is in serious trouble, we can help restore it to it’s original health. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to develop healthy...
4 Kinds of Tooth Pains You Shouldn’t Ignore
Pain has a way of catching our attention. It doesn’t matter what your day looks like, a bad toothache can stop you in your tracks. Pain management will get you through the day but, ultimately, you need to get to the root of your problem before it gets worse. Here are...
4 Reasons to Appreciate Your Smile
Do you realize how important your smile is? Most of us find ourselves smiling all the time without even thinking about it. Here are a few reasons why you should appreciate your smile. At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics we know the importance of a smile....
Nervous About Your Root Canal?
If something is “about as fun as a root canal,” you are probably not looking forward to it. So when your dentist recommends endodontic treatment, we understand your concerns. Due to dental history and the nature of drilling inside a tooth, root canals have a bad...
Broken Tooth?
Teeth can fracture and break just like other bones in your body. How do teeth break? There are 5 classifications of a broken or fractured tooth. Crazed lines, Fractured Cusp, Treatable Cracked Tooth, Split Tooth and Vertical Root Fracture. Learn more about...
6 Interesting Tooth Facts
You don’t go through an extra two years of dental school to become an endodontist if you don’t find teeth fascinating. Here are a few fun facts about teeth that we have collected over the years. Trying to get your kids more interested in dental care? These interesting...
Should You Save the Tooth?
If you are considering Endodontic therapy for a damaged tooth, you’ve probably had to ask yourself the following question: Should I save the tooth or replace the tooth with an artificial one? At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics we are a little biased. We have...
Habits for Healthy Teeth
At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics our goal is to help you keep and enjoy your natural smile. Developing healthy habits for teeth is a great way to prevent long-term dental problems. Here are a few healthy habits that are easy to remember and good for your...
What is an Endodontist?
Has your dentist recommended seeing an Endodontist for your root canal or difficult tooth pain diagnosis? Your first question might be: what is an Endodontists? The world of endodontistry has everything to do with what goes on inside your tooth. It is a small...
3 Reasons to Consider Endodontic Therapy
Considering endodontic therapy? Here are a few reasons why you should let us help you. 1. Pain Diagnosis Has your dentist recommended seeing an endodontist to help diagnose the cause of your toothache? Some of us have more miserable toothache stories to tell than...
How to Find the Right Endodontist Near You
If your root canal requires extra treatment or has special circumstances, your dentist might recommend seeing an endodontist. Endodontists specialize in performing root canals and diagnosing difficult-to-treat pain. They work from the inside of an injured tooth to...
3 Things Your Endodontist Wants You to Know Before You Visit
You’ve talked with your dentist about your condition and have chosen an endodontist to work with. You are ready for your visit, but you still have a few questions. Not sure what questions to ask? Here are a few extra things your endodontist wants you to know before...
Cool Toothbrushes To Keep Dental Hygiene Interesting
Brushing your teeth doesn’t have to be boring! The toothbrush has been around forever. So, naturally, designers and engineers have tried to come up with new kinds of toothbrushes for us to use. While these toothbrushes are cool, some of them are still waiting to be...
Comprehensive Endodontics | What We Do Here At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics
What makes James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics “comprehensive?” We perform several different procedures for the inside of your tooth. The “one size fits all” approach has no place in the world of endodontics. A root canal might seem straightforward — and for the...
Traumatic Injuries | What to Do When You Get Your Tooth Knocked Out
If you have kids, are involved in any kind of sport, or just seem to end up in fistfights more often than most, you need to be ready for when a tooth gets knocked out. It is a common traumatic injury that can usually be treated successfully depending on the steps you...
How Is An Endodontist Different From an Oral Surgeon?
Your Little Rock Endodontist (a Root Canal Specialist 🙂 ) At James A. Penney II, DDS, PA Endodontics we want to make sure all our patients are well educated in the options they have for dental treatment. As an endodontist, Dr. Penney specializes in the root cause of...
What is an Apicoectomy?
Little Rock Endodontist - Tips and Education Surgery can be an alarming word. So if your dentist has recommended endodontic surgery, you probably have a few questions. An apicoectomy is also known as a root-end resection. It’s a little more advanced than a root canal...
5 Ways To Avoid Tooth Infection
Dental Health Tips - Little Rock Endodontist James A. Penney III, DDS A tooth infection is a pocket of pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. Abscesses can occur in different regions of the tooth depending on the cause of the infection. A periapical abscess...
Can An Endodontist Fix A Cracked Root?
Little Rock Endondontist Help and Tips Once the crack has reached the root of your tooth, the odds of an endodontist being able to save it go down. A split tooth is a tooth with a crack that runs deep enough to separate the tooth into segments. This is often caused...
Make the Most of Your Dental Hygiene Routine
Endodontic Tips and Help - Little Rock, AR Do you have a good dental hygiene routine? At James A. Penney, III, DDS we know that the best way to fight tooth decay and save every tooth is to be proactive when it comes to dental hygiene. Do you have the right dental...
Everything You Need To Know About Having A Cracked Tooth
At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA, Endodontics we are in the business of saving teeth. Many teeth are in jeopardy due to cracks. Cracks can be caused by trauma or because the enamel has been weakened over the years. When you get a toothache, see your dentist right...
Endodontists, Tooth Extractions and Tooth Implants
If you experience traumatic injury to your teeth, it can lead to cracks and severe damage that lead to tooth loss. However, if you seek immediate emergency attention from an endodontist, you can greatly increase the odds of saving your teeth. Here we look at how...
Why Your Dentist Sends You to an Endodontist
If your dentist refers you to a Little Rock endodontist, they are sending you to a specialist who can increase the odds of saving your teeth. Endodontists receive advanced training providing expertise on issues that affect the inside of your teeth. Here’s why your...




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