The doctors and hygienists at Riverside Dental Associates offer a wide variety of services to best meet the needs of our patients. These services include crowns, bridges, dentures, most root canals, treatment of periodontal disease, the restoration of implants and a variety of cosmetic procedures including composite or white fillings, tooth whitening and veneers. We have included a list of some of our more common procedures with some information about each of procedure.

I. Cleanings and Prevention

1. Dental Exams: A comprehensive exam will be performed by one of our dentists at your initial visit. At your oral health recall (6 month cleaning) the dentist and the hygienist will examine your x-rays, perform an oral cancer screening, check for gum disease, check for tooth decay (cavities) and check your existing restorations.

2. Professional Dental Cleaning: Your dental cleanings will be performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. This appointment will include a dental exam and the following. Removal of calculus (tarter or hardened plaque) that can only be removed with special instruments. Removal of plaque which is a sticky film that harbors bacteria that leads to gum disease and tooth decay. Finally, tooth polishing removes stain and plaque that was not otherwise removed.

3. Dental X-rays: Radiographs (x-rays) are an essential diagnostic tool that show information not visible during a regular exam. We use this information to safely and accurately diagnose hidden abnormalities. Without x-rays, problems may go undetected. Our state of the art digital x-ray equipment allows us to take radiographs using lower amounts of radiation which is safer for our patients.

4. Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is an effective agent that is used to help prevent tooth decay. The frequency of fluoride treatments depends on a variety of factors including age, diet and how caries prone the patient is. The benefits of fluoride have been known for over fifty years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.

5. Sealants: A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any areas with deep grooves. Most dental decay starts in these areas of teeth because the grooves are harder to clean. Sealants are meant to protect teeth by filling in these grooves and making these areas easier to clean. Sealants are an excellent aid in helping to prevent cavities. We offer sealants to our younger patients and some caries prone adults.

II. Restoration:

1. Fillings: Fillings are used to repair teeth that are affected by decay, cracks, fractures, esthetic concerns, etc. The decay or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and replaced with a filling material. There are many types of filling materials each with there own advantages and disadvantages. These include a variety of composite fillings (white fillings) and amalgam (silver fillings). On a case by case basis we will decide with the patient which material is the best option for restoring their teeth. Although very durable, dental fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced.

2. Crowns: A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns are used to restore teeth that cannot be restored with a filling or other restorations. There are a variety of crowns and depending on functional and esthetic concerns an appropriate option will be chosen. As with all restorations with time and normal wear crowns may need replacement.

   

3. Veneers: Veneers are a thin porcelain facing that is bonded to the front of teeth. Veneers are a very cosmetic restoration used to provide an esthetic appearance to misaligned, discolored and some cracked teeth.

4. Fixed Bridges: A dental bridge is a non removable appliance that is used to replace missing teeth. A bridge uses the teeth next to a space to support the appliance that is replacing the missing tooth or teeth. Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however may need replacement or recementation due to normal wear.

5. Complete and Partial Dentures: A denture is a removable appliance used to replace missing teeth. They are made to resemble your natural teeth and enhance your smile. A complete denture is used if a patient is missing all of their teeth. A partial denture is used when a patient has some of their natural teeth left. These teeth are used to help retain the denture and the partial denture helps keep these teeth from moving. There is usually a learning curve when first using a removable appliance, but with time can be a very functional and esthetic replacement of missing teeth. With time and normal wear dentures may need adjustments, repair or replacement.

III. Implants: Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They are a non removable restoration that replaces missing teeth and usually does not involve adjacent teeth. Implants can also be used to support and add stability to dentures. Dental implants are artificial roots that are placed in the bone by a dentist, usually an oral surgeon or periodontist. We coordinate with the surgeon or periodontist where the implants will be placed and after the placement you will return to our office to attach the tooth or denture to the implant.

IV. Root Canal Therapy: Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is effected by decay, infection or trauma. The pulp (living material inside the tooth), bacteria and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with a medicated filling material. In most instances after a root canal treatment the tooth will require a crown to give the tooth added stability. Root canals are a predictable way to fix a tooth that would otherwise require extraction. We do most root canals in our office, but for a variety of reasons there are cases that are referred to an endodontist (root canal specialist).

V: Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that starts with inflammation of the gums due to accumulation of plaque and calculus. In time this inflammation leads to bacterial infection of the supporting tissues of the tooth. With time this can lead to the loss of bone around teeth which will lead to loosening of teeth and if untreated tooth loss. We will diagnose, treat and maintain our patients with periodontal issues. This is a disease process that cannot be cured, but with diligent in office and home care can be stabilized. There are some severe cases that may require a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist).

VI: Extractions: We do everything in our power to maintain your natural teeth. For a variety of reasons sometimes teeth need to be extracted. We perform extractions in our office with local anesthetic. If sedation or general anesthesia is required or complicated extractions are expected a referral to an oral surgeon would be necessary.