Here at Riverside Dental, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule can feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily will keep many oral health problems away; however, it’s not a complete guarantee. Scheduling regular cleanings at Riverside Dental is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.
At Riverside Dental, an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional X-rays to catch cavities, and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.
Our dentists will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office at (316) 262-5273 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.
Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agree that a child’s first dental appointment should happen as early as six months of age. This is when the first baby teeth usually begin to show. Our dentists will be able to assess the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations for things like navigating teething periods, reducing the risk of decay, and good cleaning techniques.
At Riverside Dental, we have a few different types of sedation that we offer.
- Inhaled Minimal Sedation: The patient inhales nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), which helps to relieve anxiety and discomfort. After the procedure, you will breath oxygen for five minutes before leaving our office so that you will be able to drive home.
- Oral Sedation: The patient takes a prescribed pill, such as Valium, before the procedure, which helps to calm them and reduce their level of consciousness. You would need someone to drive you to and from you appointment.
- IV Moderate Sedation: Medication is delivered through an IV to help the patient relax and become drowsy. This is performed by an outside company, Special Anesthesia Services, who comes to our office the day of your appointment.
Our dentists recommends at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation for the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush as often. Other factors like gum disease might require changing toothbrushes more often. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water, then store it upright somewhere it can dry between uses. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up continually in our mouths. When this buildup is not treated in early stages, it can result in gum disease. Risk factors that increase susceptibility to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause permanent damage in the form of bone and tooth loss. Our dentists recommend brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling regular dental appointments as the best way to fight gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:
- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth and/or loss of teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gumline
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at (316) 262-5273 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.
Here at Riverside Dental, we accept most insurance and PPO plans, but check with us to make sure yours is included. Call our office at (316) 262-5273 for more information about insurance. Make sure you have your insurance information handy when you call. Also, plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.
For your convenience here at Riverside Dental, we accept cash, check, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, AmEx, and Discover. If none of these payment methods suits your needs, we also provide payment plans through our office or third-party financing through Care Credit. We also provide discounts for those able to pay in full at the time of service. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods, please give us a call at (316) 262-5273 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.