Preventive Dentistry Riverdale

Dental Checkups & Cleanings

Every six months, our team will conduct a dental checkup and cleaning. After taking digital X-rays (if required), we will use our intraoral camera to check for signs of decay, damage, and infection. This close examination will guide our decision as to whether you require additional treatment to stop cavities and gum disease before they start. One of our hygienists will also clean your teeth to remove surface stains as well as plaque and tartar build-up, leaving you with a healthier smile to enjoy.

Dental Sealants

Teeth located toward the back of the mouth are designed differently than those found in more visible areas of your smile. Consisting of pits and grooves that help with chewing, molars can be primary targets for cavity-causing bacteria. Fortunately, with dental sealants, our team can prevent plaque and food debris from penetrating the enamel, giving your teeth greater protection. The thin layer of clear composite resin acts as a barrier, safeguarding your smile for up to 10 years.

Nightguards for Bruxism

If you currently suffer from jaw pain and enamel erosion, you may unknowingly grind your teeth. Also known as bruxism, this common problem typically occurs while you’re asleep and can cause significant damage over time. With a custom-made nightguard provided by our team, you can rest easier and better protect your smile. The appliance is crafted using impressions of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit once it is placed over your upper arch. When worn throughout the night, it guards against the effects of teeth grinding and clenching.

TMJ/TMD Treatment

Chronic pain that forms throughout the jaw, head, neck, and face can usually be attributed to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or TMD. Occurring when these joints are overworked and inflamed, it can make it difficult to eat certain foods and even open your mouth. With TMJ/TMD treatment, though, we can address the underlying cause and improve the movement and health of your jaw joints so that you experience a better quality of life each day.

Mouthguards/ Sportsguards

At My Riverdale Dentist, we recommend all athletes wear a customized mouthguard/sportsguard before taking to the field, court, or track. Offering greater protection and comfort than anything you might find in a local sporting goods store, our mouthguards make it easy for you or your child to breathe and effectively safeguard teeth and gums from possible injury. Instead of worrying about a sudden trip to the emergency dentist’s office, you can spend more time playing the game you love.

Oral Cancer Screening

The dental checkups we provide in our Riverdale office don’t just involve checking for cavities and damaged teeth. They also involve oral cancer screenings – a service that can actually save your life. With one person dying every hour from this disease, our team aims to provide early detection so that more lives can be saved. We’ll check for any oral sores, growths, or abnormalities and recommend further treatment if we find anything concerning during your checkup.

Fluoride Treatment

Even if you use fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water, it may not be enough to adequately protect your smile from cavity-causing bacteria. In this case, our team might recommend additional fluoride treatment, which can be administered during a regular dental checkup. Known for its ability to reduce the risk of dental decay, this clear application along the surfaces of your teeth will help strengthen tooth enamel to give your smile the protection it needs between appointments.