Family Dentistry
At Rivertown Dental, we provide quality dental care to thousands of individuals and families in the Coulee Region. Your patient experience is our top priority. From our modern equipment and methods, to the warm and welcoming environment, your comfort matters.
Our goal is to provide a warm, welcoming and comfortable experience for you.
Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Cleanings should be performed every three to six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing and polishing.
Scaling and root planing is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces with a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. Both electric and manual scaling methods can be combined to achieve the best results. Polishing completes the cleaning, making the surface of the teeth smooth and minimizing future plaque build-up.
Periodontal (Gum) Treatment
It’s estimated that more than half of U.S. adults have gingivitis. Gingivitis, in some cases, can lead to periodontitis (gum disease) and host of other health problems.
Gum disease can cause bleeding, swelling, bad breath, pain, receding gums and tooth loss. But it doesn’t always stop there. Your oral health is the beginning point for your whole body’s health and wellness. It is imperative that we stop problems before they even start!
Gum disease causes a buildup of bacteria in deep pockets between the teeth and gums. That bacteria can transfer to your bloodstream when gums bleed, putting you at a much higher risk to develop the following health problems:
- Stroke
- Respiratory Disease
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Ulcers
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Pre-Term Births
Periodontal treatment typically involves containing the infection through deep cleaning like scaling and root planing, clearing buildup at the root of the teeth. The dentist may also suggest specific toothpastes and mouth rinses. We may also prescribe antibiotics to fight infections. Surgery is required for the most severe cases.
We examine you for gum health at every 6-month check-up. If you have been experiencing any symptoms like bad breath, bleeding or tender gums, please let us know. We will decide what is the best form of treatment to restore your gums to optimum health.
Night Guards
Teeth clenching and grinding can damage teeth and be harmful to one’s long-term oral health. Night guards are recommended to protect patients who clench or grind their teeth during the night. These custom-designed appliances are made of flexible plastic and are molded to comfortably fit the shape of your teeth.
Custom-made oral appliances can also be used as part of treatment for conditions like sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. In general, plastic appliances can be used to correct a variety of problems.
If you clench or grind your teeth in the night or are experiencing any concerns about your mouth, teeth, or jaw, call us today. Let us help you determine if night guards are right for you.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and is used to describe dysfunction or disorders related to the joint. “Temporo,” refers to the temple area of the skull; “mandibular,” refers to the lower jaw; and “joint” is essentially where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by trauma, misalignment of the teeth, or excess muscle tension. The two bones that meet at the jaw are buffered by cartilage and five different muscles, so TMJ can cause a variety of troubles.
Common TMJ symptoms:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Pain in the jaw muscles
- Soreness in the area, sometimes extending to the face
Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, and more. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If TMJ is left untreated and reaches extremes, surgery may be required to repair the badly damaged joint.
