Robert H. Thornton, DMD, PLLC

10/24/2025

A scalloped tongue can be more than just a cosmetic finding — it can be a sign that your tongue doesn’t have enough room to rest comfortably within your mouth.

When the tongue is crowded or compressed, it may indicate limited tongue space and/or a small airway — both of which can affect breathing, sleep, and overall health.

Your tongue’s shape can tell an important story about your airway function and oral posture. 👅✨

Learn more about how tongue space and airway health are connected at thebreatheinstitute.com

10/13/2025

As the fall season kicks into high gear, I’m reminded how much I love this time of year, the crisp air, the excitement of football, and the energy that comes from both the community and the patients I’m honored to serve.

Since 2000, I’ve had the privilege of helping patients throughout Tupelo and beyond experience better oral health and overall wellness through the principles of Bioesthetic Dentistry. Every day, I’m humbled to see how improving someone’s smile or relieving long-term pain can truly change a life.

This season, between cheering on my favorite teams, I’ve also been connecting with colleagues who share my commitment to advancing dentistry. Whether I’m learning from other leaders or mentoring the next generation, I’m grateful to be part of a profession that never stops growing. Continuing education and collaboration help me bring my patients the very best, from minimally invasive care to innovative therapies that support whole-body health.

Here at my practice, we focus on understanding each patient’s unique needs and creating personalized, biologically sound solutions for lasting wellness:

✅ Minimally-Invasive Bioesthetic Dentistry – grounded in natural principles for optimal function and beauty
✅ TMJ/TMD Therapy & Facial Pain Relief – non-invasive, MAGO-guided therapy for long-term relief
✅ Sleep & Airway Health – certified in the VIVOS® System for adults and children
✅ Myofunctional & Tongue-Tie Laser Therapy – gentle, effective treatment for all ages
✅ Biomimetic Dentistry – biologic alternatives to traditional crowns
✅ General, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry – from prevention to full smile makeovers
✅ Dental Implants, Crowns, Bridges & Dentures – precise, natural-looking restorations

Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for a fresh start in your dental care, my team and I would love to welcome you.

Every patient’s story inspires me, and it’s an honor to play a role in helping you achieve comfort, confidence, and health that lasts a lifetime.

Sincerely,
Dr. Robert H. Thornton, DMD
Call my office at (662) 842-8514, I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Learn more about my background and credentials:
https://rhtdmd.com/about/meet-dr-thornton/

09/22/2025

As a dentist, some of the most meaningful moments of my career come from helping babies and their families through the challenges of tongue and lip ties. These tiny tissues, called tethered oral tissues, can create big struggles. Nursing difficulties, reflux, colic, restless sleep, and even long-term growth and breathing challenges often trace back to these restrictions.

I know how overwhelming it can be as a parent to watch your little one struggle. That’s why I approach every family with compassion, patience, and the belief that things can get better. My goal is always to give your child relief and give you hope.

Using the advanced LightScalpel® laser, I perform gentle frenectomies that take just minutes and heal quickly. But the real joy for me comes later, when I hear the stories of thriving babies and grateful parents. These testimonials humble me and remind me every day why I do this work. 🌟

Take Baby Rylee, for example. Her mom Cayla shared how they struggled with weight gain, reflux, hiccups, and constant waking every two hours. After her tongue and lip ties were released, everything changed: “She sleeps 10–12 hours now!” Cayla wrote. Stories like Rylee’s remind me how powerful such a small procedure can be.

Or Baby Alice. Her mom Mandy described painful nursing, fussiness, and endless hiccups. Alice’s evaluation revealed multiple ties, and after a quick laser release and follow-up therapy, Mandy said, “We’re six weeks post revisions and doing great!” She felt validated as a mother for trusting her instincts, and I felt honored to be part of their journey. 💕

Then there’s sweet Maverick. His parents Emily and Chris were at their wits’ end with latching issues, reflux, and colic. After his release, Emily shared, “The procedure was 10 minutes or less and recovery was very simple!” Today, Maverick is feeding and thriving, and so are his parents.

Each of these families teaches me something new about courage, perseverance, and love. Every time a parent trusts me with their baby’s care, I feel humbled. These little ones may not remember me, but the difference in their lives is something I’ll never forget.
My role is not just to perform a procedure but to walk alongside families, answering questions, providing guidance, and offering reassurance that they’re not alone. From pre-procedure counseling to aftercare support and myofunctional therapy, my team and I are committed to long-term success.

To every parent who has shared their story: thank you. Your words encourage other families to seek help and remind me that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

If your baby is struggling with nursing, reflux, or restless sleep, trust your instincts. I’d be honored to support you and your little one on the path to comfort, health, and thriving, call my office at (662) 842-8514. 🌱✨

With my deepest gratitude,
Dr. Robert H. Thornton, DMD

Learn more about my background and credentials:
https://rhtdmd.com/about/meet-dr-thornton/

Understanding Tongue & Lip Ties:
https://rhtdmd.com/dental-services/tongue-tie-lip-tie-frenectomy/

09/17/2025

Unlock the potential of yourDental Practice with our comprehensive curriculum! 📚 Designed to teach you everything about structuring your practice for long-term success. We build a solid foundation step by step, with personalized coaching tailored to your needs. Start with a thorough exam and diagnosis, then get a custom program to solve your challenges and hit your goals. Thrive today and tomorrow!

09/09/2025

08/21/2025

08/06/2025

💙 Living Without TMJ Pain Is Possible — I’d Be Honored to Help You Get There 💙

If you’ve been living with jaw pain, headaches, facial discomfort, or that constant neck and shoulder tightness, I want you to know, I see you. I hear you. And I understand you in a very real way.

TMJ disorder isn’t “just a little jaw problem.” It can touch every part of your day. It can make eating uncomfortable, rob you of restful sleep, affect your focus at work, and take away the joy from the simple moments you love. For many of my patients, the frustration is made worse when no one seems to have answers.

This is personal for me. Many of my own family members, and even I myself, have experienced TMJ and airway issues. Early in my dental career, I knew I wanted to help people facing these complex challenges. But I also knew I needed the most advanced training possible to truly make a difference.

That’s why in 2008, I began a 4-year journey with The OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry, a world leader in understanding and treating the chewing system, jaw joints, and bite. I completed all four levels of training, becoming a Level 4 Graduate, and in 2022, I was deeply honored to join the OBI Board of Directors, serving alongside some of the finest colleagues I know. This experience has been life-changing, not only for me, but for the patients whose lives I’ve had the privilege to help restore.

One of the most effective tools I use is MAGO Therapy, short for Maxillary Anterior Guided Orthotic. It’s not just a splint. It’s a precisely designed and carefully adjusted device worn over the teeth, allowing your jaw joints to gently find their healthiest, most stable position.

Here’s how it works:
✅ We start with a detailed evaluation to understand exactly what’s happening in your jaw and muscles.
✅ Your MAGO device is fitted and then adjusted weekly with extreme precision.
✅ Over time, the tension eases, muscles relax, and your jaw can naturally settle into a healthy position.
✅ This phase often brings significant relief in 4–12 weeks, sometimes faster.

What makes MAGO Therapy different is that it’s scientifically proven to help TMJ problems. And it’s completely non-surgical and minimally invasive, so you stay comfortable while we work toward lasting change. Once your jaw is stable, we can address any underlying bite or tooth structure issues to protect your results for years to come.

I never take for granted the trust patients place in me, especially when they’ve already been on a long, exhausting journey trying to find answers. It’s a privilege to walk alongside you, to listen to your story, and to create a plan that helps you get back to living fully.

If TMJ pain has been limiting your life, I’d be grateful for the opportunity to help you find relief, so you can laugh, eat, sleep, and enjoy your days without pain holding you back. 💛

Contact us for TMJ & Facial Pain Relief Today!
I am honored to be Tupelo’s trusted TMJ Dentist. If your symptoms aren’t going away or are seriously impacting your comfort or daily life, it’s important that you seek professional help from a TMJ Specialist. I invite you to contact my office at (662) 842-8514 to schedule a consultation.

Sincerely,
Dr. Robert H. Thornton, DMD

https://rhtdmd.com/

Learn more about my background and why I became a Dentist https://rhtdmd.com/about/meet-dr-thornton/

07/15/2025

🌞 Summer Smiles Can Come with Surprises! 😬 We’re Here When the Unexpected Happens 🦷✨

Whether it’s a cracked tooth from a poolside snack or your child taking a tumble at baseball practice, dental emergencies don’t take a summer vacation! That’s why my team and I want you to know we’re here, ready to help when you need us most 💙👨‍⚕️📆

My team and I want you to know that when you’re facing a dental emergency, we want to be there for you. Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly—a chipped tooth from biting down wrong, your child taking a hit during a sports event, or sudden pain that just won’t stop.

We understand how urgent these moments can feel, and we’ll do all we can to accommodate your needs and get you in to see us. At the end of this message, I have published our office schedule through the end of the year so if something happens, please contact us, we would love to try and help!

Facebook friends: please share this post for us if you know someone in the Tupelo, MS area and need a caring dental team to tend to an emergency.

What is a Dental Emergency?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s important to call us immediately:
• Pain or a lost filling
• A broken or cracked tooth
• Swollen or painful jaw
• Bleeding gums or gum pain
• Missing teeth from trauma or injury
• Dry socket from a dental extraction

When Should I See a Dentist for Tooth Pain?
I often hear patients ask, “When should I call you about tooth pain?” My answer is simple—don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. If you notice discomfort in your gums, a single tooth, or multiple teeth, please call us right away. We’ll work to identify the cause and relieve your pain as soon as possible.

We do our best to reserve space in our schedule to handle dental emergencies for our current patients and, whenever possible, for new patients as well. Our goal is to provide you with prompt, compassionate care when you need it most.

If you are a new patient to us with a dental emergency, I want to share with you all that we have to offer. We would love to be able to solve your dental emergency and have the opportunity to earn your trust and become your forever dental team.

We’re proud to provide a full range of dental services to children, adults, and seniors in the Tupelo, MS area and throughout Northern Mississippi.

Our services include:
• General & Family Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry, including Porcelain Veneers, Composite Dental Veneers, Cosmetic Contouring, Smile Design, Teeth Whitening, and SureSmile Clear Aligners
• Minimally-Invasive Bioesthetic Dentistry
• TMJ/TMD Therapy and Facial Pain Relief
• Airway and Breathing Disorder Therapies
• Sleep Apnea Therapy with the VIVOS® System
• Myofunctional Therapy and Tongue-Tie Laser Therapy
• Minimally-Invasive Biomimetic Dentistry – an excellent biologic alternative to traditional crowns
• Dental Implants
• Crowns, Bridges, & Dentures

If you’re facing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call us.

We’re here to provide the care you need to get back to feeling your best.

My team and I are ready to assist you and ensure your oral health stays on track, even in life’s unexpected moments.

Sincerely,
Robert H. Thornton, DMD

Call us (662) 842-8514
https://rhtdmd.com/