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If you have been recommended for dental implants, you may wonder if they will ever have to bereplaced. Implants are a permanent restorative solution for patients seeking that perfect smile.Dentalimplants look and feel natural in the mouth,and last upwards of 25 yearsif they are cared for properly.

At our practice, dental implants are one of the most common restorative options performed. Manypatients are leaning towards this permanent option to give them a durable smile that will last for years.Dental implants can last your entire life, and they are one of the most reliable tooth restoration optionsavailable to patients.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Implants have a 95% success rate, andwe encourage patients to use good oral hygiene habits to keepthe implants clean and free of plaque. This helps the implants to last, and prevents infection which canmake them unstable in the mouth. Implants moving or needing replacement is rare. If an implant shiftsout of place this could indicate the bone tissue is not providing enough support, and you should contactourdental office immediately.

Tips to Ensure your Dental Implants Last a Lifetime

Here are some helpful tips that you can start using to get the most out of your dental implants:

  • Floss daily using an implant specific floss or wax free floss to help keep the area clean and freeof plaque. A Waterpik Water Flosser can be used to assist in removing plaque around theimplants.
  • Use a low abrasive tooth brush such as a soft type brush on your implants.
  • Avoid any products, foods, or drinks containing any ingredients that may stain your teeth.
  • Anti-microbial rinses can be used to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
  • Avoid products thatcontain stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, or baking soda. Theseingredients can make the implants prone to corrosion.

Interested in Dental Implants?

Caring for your implants at home is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Practicing good oral hygienehabits at home will ensure your implants last for years and never need to be replaced. Our friendly teamis here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. We are always available to answerquestions and help you every step of the way.

If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants and how they may benefit you, contactus to schedule your consultation as soon as possible.

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Professional whitening is effective at removing years of stains and discolorationfrom the teeth. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence or are going tobe attending a wedding, reunion or another big event, a bright and white smileis sure to improve your appearance. Expert whitening is performed in our officeor provided to you using a professional-grade take-home kit. Whitening resultscan last for months to one or more years, and maintaining your results is key toensuring that you’ll always have a gorgeous smile.

Why Should I Whiten My Teeth?

There are many factors that come into play when it comes to the whiteness andbrightness of your smile. If you’re a smoker, drink a lot of coffee, tea or cola oryou’re taking certain medications, you’ll notice that your teeth aren’t as white asthey used to be. Likewise, just the act of aging can have a serious impact on theway that your smile looks. By professionally whitening your teeth, you canexpect dramatic results that help to increase your self-esteem and confidence.

How Often Should Teeth Whitening Be Done?

It is best to avoid whitening your teeth too often. Over-whitening your teeth canlead to issues with hypersensitivity or even cause the teeth to look translucent.It is often recommended thatyou only whiten your teeth, whether at home orprofessionally, once a year. This prevents issues involving sensitivity and helpsin creating a natural-looking smile. The benefit of utilizing professional whiteningis that results typically last for aboutone year. This simply means that you won’tfeel the need to touch-up or go with another whitening system because of howdrastic the change is when using a professional whitening option.

How Can I Maintain My Results?

The best way to prevent the need for touch-ups is to avoid future staining anddiscoloration of the teeth. If you’re a smoker, now is the best time to quit and agreat way to extend the length of your results. Try to avoid drinking too manydark liquids, like coffee and cola, and opt for waterinstead. You may want toconsider using a whitening toothpaste so help clear away stains anddiscoloration before they are able to get worse. Be sure to speak with theexperts about whitening and always discuss when the last time you whitenedyour teeth actually was before retreatment.

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Cavities are always something we try to avoid with brushing and flossing each day. You may notice youget cavities frequently and others don’t. This doesn’t seem fair,but there are other factors that play intokeeping your teeth free of decay that you may not realize. There are ways to reduce your risk for cavitiesoutside of brushing and flossing regularly.

Why Are Some Prone to Cavities More Than Others?

  • Diet – Reducing the amount of sugar you eat or drink can help prevent cavities. Your chance ofgetting cavities increases if you eat or drink foods with a high amount of sugar.
  • Gum Recession – If you suffer from gum disease and your gums are receding,the root of thetooth is exposed. Bacteria can reach the root area of the tooth and cavitiescan develop moreeasily.
  • Dry Mouth – If you tendtohave a dry mouth your risk for decay increases. We need saliva towash away bacteria in our mouths.
  • Genetics – Unfortunatelysome people are born with a tendency to develop cavities morefrequently than others. This is because some people are more susceptible to a certain type ofcavity causing bacteria.

How Can I Reduce My Risk for Cavities?

There are things you can do to help reduce your risk for cavities. This doesn’t mean you will never have acavity again, but it does mean you are changing your habits,and putting forth a good effort to try andprevent decay from developing.

 

  • Regular Visits to Your Dentist – Make sure you attend your regular visits to your dentist. Theseexams help to identify potential cavities,and allow the dentist to get in front of issues beforethey become worse.
  • Reduce SugarsinYourDiet – Try and stay away from foods or drinks that are high in sugar.
  • Keep Up With Oral Hygiene – Stay on top of your oral hygiene with brushing and flossing atleast twice a day. This will help prevent plaque buildup that causes decay.
  • Use a Toothpaste With Fluoride – Using a toothpaste that containsfluoridecan help preventtooth decay.Use Mouthwash–Mouthwash can help rinse away bacteria,and if the wash contains fluoridethis can help prevent cavities.

Knowing what you can do to help prevent cavities can help you avoid many trips to the dentist. Takingcare of our teeth is very important,and can help avoid dental issues. Always practice good oral hygienehabits to keep your teeth and mouth feeling great.

 

At our office we discuss what patients are doing at home to help prevent decay. Our staff provides tipsand tricks tohelp our patients keep their teeth looking great. Taking care of your teeth and gums isimportant, and can avoid serious issues from developing. If you have not been to our office for yourregular dental exam, we encourage you to schedule your appointment.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment ?

If you are looking for a dentist near you for your regular dental exam, we’re here to help. Our office hasstate of the art technology and equipment, and we always provide the highest level of service to all ofour patients.

 

To schedule your appointment with us, contact us today, and our friendly staff will be happy to assistyou.

wisdom teeth recovery

Wisdom teeth were used by our ancestors to help chew rough or coarse food. Today, we no longer need these teeth to chew our food and, in most cases, wisdom teeth can cause developmental issues when they decide to erupt. Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, but some people may not get their wisdom teeth until the age of 25.

Over time our jaws have shrunk, and this may have led to the common issues we experience with wisdom teeth. Some wisdom teeth are blocked and have trouble erupting. In other cases, wisdom teeth do not develop completely. This allows bacteria to collect around the area and can cause an infection. Other problems caused by wisdom teeth include overcrowding or damage to the surrounding teeth. There are some people who have no problems at all with their wisdom teeth, and they can erupt properly, and do not require extraction.

At Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we monitor wisdom teeth development in our younger patients to ensure we get in front of any issues early on. Our team has years of experience in wisdom teeth removal, and we have helped patients of all ages. Our team can help you avoid future complications, and keep your teeth and mouth feeling great.

How Do I Know if I Have an Issue With My Wisdom Teeth?

Attending your regular dental exam appointments are extremely important to help monitor wisdom teeth development. Our team can watch your wisdom teeth and get in front of developmental issues such as impaction or overcrowding. We typically recommend wisdom teeth removal at a younger age to avoid future complications.

There are signs you can look out for that may indicate you need your wisdom teeth removed. If you experience any of the following signs, we encourage you to contact our office right away.

  • Pain in the back of your mouth, on your tongue, or cheek area
  • Swollen, inflamed, or tender gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Jaw pain, swelling, or stiffness
  • Headaches or earaches
  • Sinus issues
  • Crooked teeth
  • Overcrowding
  • Infections
  • Cavities
  • Cysts around your wisdom teeth
  • Bad breath that does not go away
  • Trouble chewing

It is important to always address any pain or symptoms of wisdom teeth problems. If wisdom teeth issues are not treated promptly, they can lead to further complications or infection. Let our team help rid you of pain and get you on the road to recovery.

Are You Experiencing Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?

If you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate you have an issue with your wisdom teeth, we recommend contacting our office. Your oral health is our priority and our team can help provide the proper treatment. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and we have years of experience in wisdom teeth removal. Let Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry help you take that first step towards feeling healthier, by calling us today.

To schedule your wisdom teeth consultation, contact Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

dental crowns

If your child is prone to cavities, you may wonder if there is anything dentists can do to save their teeth. Cavities are very common in children, and many children are prone to cavities while others are not. If a child has a small cavity, we may choose to just monitor the tooth, or recommend a dental filling. If the tooth has severe decay, a crown may be recommended in order to save the tooth. Dental crowns can protect a severely damaged or decayed tooth, and preserve the tooth underneath.

Why Would My Child Need a Dental Crown?

Primary teeth are very important in a child’s development. They help with growth and development, speech, and eating. It is important to try and keep a child’s primary teeth for as long as you can to protect and maintain their oral health. Primary teeth serve as placeholders for adult teeth. If a child does not have their primary teeth, this can cause orthodontic issues. The adult teeth may not erupt properly or will erupt in the wrong direction. If your child has a cavity, placing a crown on the tooth can leave the primary tooth intact, but protect the tooth from further damage.

How Does a Crown Procedure Work?

Crowns can be placed in one dental visit making this ideal for children. During the procedure, the primary tooth is cleaned and prepared. We use local anesthesia along with Nitrous oxide or laughing gas to keep your child calm and comfortable. Once the tooth is prepped and ready, the crown is gently affixed on top of the tooth. Recovery is minimal, and we recommend waiting a few hours after the procedure to eat or drink. This allows the numb feeling to wear off. Your child’s bite may feel odd, but after a few days, they will adjust to the new crown.

Dental crowns are very durable and should last until the primary tooth is lost. Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home can help keep your crown feeling and looking great. We encourage regular visits to our office to give our doctors the ability to monitor the crown and check for additional decay. Dental cleanings and exams help to keep track of a child’s oral development and can help address cavities or other concerns as your child grows.

Ready To Find Out More About Dental Crowns?

At Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, your child’s health is our priority. Our doctors have years of experience in pediatric dentistry and love to work with children. We create a calm and relaxing environment and always ensure your child has a positive experience. Let our team at Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provide quality dental care you can trust.

If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, or they are due for their exam and cleaning, contact Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

dental cleaning

Taking care of our teeth is important and can help avoid problems or unnecessary visits to the dentist’s office later in life. We recommend patients visit our office for their cleaning and exam at least twice a year. These appointments are crucial and can help maintain your oral health and detect issues before they become serious. Bacteria and plaque build-up over time and your toothbrush at home can only remove so much. Dental cleanings are easy and the typical dental cleaning and exam only take approximately 30-45 minutes. This depends on the condition of your teeth and if any problems are identified.

 

At Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry prevention is extremely important. We help our patients review their oral hygiene routine at home and recommend changes to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. Many patients avoid visiting the dentist due to anxiety or fear. At Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry we create a calm and relaxing experience and can help you get the dental care you need. Our doctors have years of experience and love to help patients achieve the perfect smile.

What Can I Expect During My Appointment?

When you visit our office, we create a calm and welcoming environment. Our treatment rooms are updated with the latest technology and equipment. During the visit, we thoroughly clean each patient’s teeth using special dental tools to remove any plaque or tarter. Our team will examine the condition of both your teeth and gums to ensure everything looks healthy. We take x-rays and create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our team will perform an oral cancer screening by checking your mouth, throat, neck, and tongue for any areas of concern. Our doctor will meet with each patient to discuss any areas of concern and follow-up visits.

Why Are Dental Cleanings and Exams Important?

Getting comfortable visiting the dentist and attending your regular cleaning and exam appointments can help set the stage for the future. Dental exams allow our doctors to get in front of any issues early on, and this can help prevent serious issues from developing in the future. During your exam, we can detect broken fillings, cavities, or other oral concerns. Our team can remove plaque and tartar that brushing at home cannot reach. We recommend patients brush and floss daily at home to help keep their teeth and gums looking and feeling great. If you ever notice any pain or discomfort, we encourage you to contact our office right away, and we will ensure you are seen as soon as possible.

Are You Due for Your Regular Dental Cleaning and Exam?

If you are ready to schedule your dental cleaning and exam, we encourage you to contact us. Let our team help you care for your teeth and keep your smile looking its best. We provide exceptional service and quality dental care you can trust.

 

To schedule your appointment and join our dental family, contact Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

dental bonding

Dental bonding can help to restore your smile and repair many cosmetic issues that bother you. Dental bonding is quick, durable, and can be less expensive compared to other cosmetic options. Dental bonding is a great solution for patients that want to change the length of a tooth, fix a chipped tooth, or close gaps between teeth. The procedure can be completed in one appointment and no anesthesia is required. Dental bonding does last, and the lifespan for dental bonding is between 5-10 years. The composite material can wear down over time depending on the wear and tear on the tooth.

How Does the Dental Bonding Process Work?

Dental bonding typically only requires one visit to our office and does not require any tooth enamel to be removed. During the bonding process, we gently etch your tooth using a mild acid solution. This helps to make the surface of the tooth rough and allows the composite material to properly bond to the tooth. The bonding is a tooth-colored material and this is applied to the area. Ultraviolet light is used to help cure the bonding. Once the bonding material is cured the tooth is polished and shaped to match the surrounding teeth. On average, bonding treatment can take between 30-60 minutes, and this depends on the severity of the correction, and the number of teeth needing treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?

  • Dental bonding is affordable compared to other cosmetic treatments.
  • Treatment is less invasive with no local anesthesia.
  • Can be done in one appointment.
  • Can repair chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth.
  • Can close gaps between teeth.
  • Changes the shape of your teeth and provides a uniform smile.
  • Is an alternative to amalgam fillings.
  • Is tooth-colored material and blends in with your natural teeth.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Bonding?

If you are interested in learning more about dental bonding and how this treatment may benefit you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. At Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we strive to provide quality dental care our patients can trust. We provide a calm environment where patients can relax during their dental treatment. Patients are treated like family, and we always ensure you have a positive experience. Let our dental team help you achieve the smile of your dreams with our dental bonding treatment.

 

To schedule your appointment contact Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

types of veneers

If you have chipped, cracked, stained, or uneven teeth and are embarrassed to speak around others, veneers can transform your smile. Veneers can make your teeth look natural and the process is easy and minimally invasive. The veneers are bonded to your teeth using a cement material and little preparation is required. The two common types of veneers used today are porcelain and composite veneers. Both materials can correct imperfections and match the shade of your natural teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are durable and made out of ceramic. This material is easily customized to fit your teeth and is great for correcting chips, gaps, or uneven teeth. The thin shells of porcelain are applied to the outer surface of your teeth, and the process typically only requires two office visits.


During the veneer procedure, we gently prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel. This helps the material to bond to your teeth. Our team will take impressions of your teeth and these are sent out to a lab. We can place temporary veneers while we wait for your permanent veneers to be fabricated. When you return for your second appointment, we will bond the veneers to your teeth and restore your smile.


Porcelain veneers tend to be more durable and last longer compared to composite veneers. On average, porcelain veneers last between 10-15 years and have less risk for breaking or chipping. We do recommend patients be careful with their porcelain veneers. If a veneer is damaged, the entire veneer must be replaced. Porcelain veneers look natural and are stain-resistant. They do tend to cost more compared to composite veneers, and this is because both placement and the overall process are more time-consuming.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are similar to porcelain veneers and also help to correct gaps, chips, or uneven length. The overall process for composite veneers is a lot faster, and can be completed in just one appointment. Composite veneers are durable, but not as durable as porcelain veneers, and may not last as long. On average, composite veneers can last between 4-8 years and cost less compared to porcelain veneers.

 

If your composite veneers are damaged the composite material is easier to fix compared to porcelain veneers. During the composite veneer process, we prepare your teeth by cleaning the surface to ensure the veneer can bond properly to the tooth. The composite resin material is added to your teeth, and the area is cured. We then polish the teeth leaving you with a brand-new smile.

Which Type of Veneer Is Best for Me?

When choosing the best type of veneer, we will begin with a detailed consultation to examine your teeth. The veneer used will depend on the severity of the correction required and the work that is needed to restore your smile. Our team will educate you on the different types of veneers and the benefits of each to help you make the best decision.

What Are the Benefits of Veneers?

  • Veneers look and feel natural and comfortable.
  • There is little preparation required for veneers.
  • Veneers can be placed in only two appointments.
  • Veneers can help correct cracks, chips, or uneven teeth.
  • Veneers can close gaps between teeth.
  • Veneers are durable and stain-resistant.
  • Confidence is increased and self-esteem restored.
  • Veneers are low maintenance.
  • Veneers cost less compared to other cosmetic treatments.

Ready To Find Out More About Dental Veneers?

If you have cracked, chipped, or an uneven smile and are looking for a solution, then veneers may be what you are looking for. Veneers are cost-efficient compared to other solutions and require little preparation. Our team at Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and help you achieve the smile you have always wanted with our cosmetic services.

 

At Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we create a welcoming and friendly environment for our patients, and our treatment rooms are equipped with the latest technology. Let our team help you feel comfortable talking and smiling around others again with our cosmetic services.

 

To schedule your smile consultation with us, contact Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

veneers

Veneers can help patients correct chips, cracks, uneven, or stained teeth and restore a smile quickly. Dental veneers are made out of either porcelain or composite, and both materials are the color of our natural teeth. Dental veneers are used to cover the front surface of your teeth and require little preparation.

 

Our doctors have years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, and Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers many cosmetic services to help rejuvenate your smile. Our skill and attention to detail can help restore your confidence and achieve the perfect smile.

 

Many patients wonder how much veneers generally cost so they can plan ahead when choosing a treatment plan. Porcelain veneers are the most durable type of veneer and tend to cost more compared to composite veneers. On average porcelain veneers can cost between $900-$2,500 per tooth. On the other hand, composite veneers are easier to place but do cost less compared to porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are not as durable and can cost between $250-$1,500 per tooth.

 

During our detailed consultation process, our doctor will take a look at your teeth and mouth and determine which type of veneer is best. We encourage our patients to ask questions, and we will help you understand the benefits of each type of veneer.

What Can I Expect During the Veneers Process?

If you decide to move forward with veneers the process is quick and minimally invasive. Porcelain veneers require some preparation during the first appointment to ensure the veneer can bond properly to the tooth. Impressions are taken and sent out, and we require the patient to return for a second appointment to have their veneers placed. Temporary veneers may be used while the patient waits for their permanent veneers.

 

The process for composite veneers is similar, but this option can be done in just one appointment. The tooth is prepared and the composite material is bonded to the tooth that same day. The area is cured and polished, and your smile is restored.

 

 

Both types of veneers can give patients a beautiful natural-looking smile. Let our team at Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry help you correct those areas that bother you, and allow you to feel comfortable around others again. We love helping our patients and welcome you to join our dental family.

What Are the Benefits of Veneers?

  • Little preparation is required.
  • Veneers look and feel natural.
  • Veneers can correct chips, cracks, or uneven teeth.
  • Can close gaps between teeth.
  • Durable and stain-resistant.
  • Low maintenance and cost-effective.
  • Can be placed in only two appointments.

Contact Us Today to Transform your Smile!

If you are ready to take that first step towards a new smile, Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help. We would love to provide you with more information about veneers, and how they may benefit you. Our team is committed to providing the very best care for all of our patients. Let us know how we can help you brighten your smile!

 

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and our team will be happy to assist you.

a dental restoration

If you have teeth that are decayed, injured, or missing you may require a dental restoration. Common types of dental restorations include crowns, fillings, implants, dentures, and bridges. Never hesitate to call the dentist if you have an issue with your tooth. In many cases our team can save your tooth with a restoration before the tooth damage progresses. It is always important to address any issues with your teeth promptly, or more serious complications may develop.

What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are various ways your dentist can help restore your teeth. If you are missing parts of your tooth, have an injury, or decay, restorations can help restore your tooth and prevent further damage. If you have a portion of your tooth missing due to decay, or have an old restoration that is in need of replacement, dental restorations can help fix these issues. 

Following a good oral hygiene routine at home can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy and prevent decay. We recommend attending your regular exams twice a year to ensure your teeth and mouth look healthy. During your regular visits our doctor will check for cavities, and make sure we don’t see any serious issues.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Restorations?

  • Fillings: Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration and can help save teeth from decay. There are many filling types from tooth colored composite fillings, to silver amalgam, and composite fillings. Depending on the size of the cavity and location, will determine what type of filling material is used.
  • Crowns: Crowns are a cap that is placed over a tooth. Crowns restore the shape and size of a tooth, and are matched to blend in with your natural teeth. Crown are used with dental implants, or after a root canal to restore the functionality of a tooth.
  • Bridges: Bridges are false teeth and help to bridge the gap for missing teeth. Bridges are used along side crowns, and cement is used to permanently secure the bridge into place.
  • Dental Implants: Dental Implants are similar to a screw that is placed into the jaw. Implants are posts that are made of titanium and attached to a connector or abutment. The implant is then covered with a crown. Implants are permanent and are highly durable, lasting upwards of 15 years.
  • Dentures: Dentures are made of acrylic resin combined with metal and are a removable replacement for missing teeth. If you still have some of your natural teeth, partial dentures can be used to help bridge the gap and give a natural look.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations provide many benefits and help restore your smile. If you are missing teeth or have decay, and are looking to get that perfect smile back, contact Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to help. Dental restorations can help you speak and eat easier, and give you a smile that restores your confidence.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Restorations?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental restorations contact Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Our doctors have years of experience in dental restorations, and love to help patients get the smile of their dreams. Your oral health is important to us, and we make our patients a priority, and always have your best interests in mind. Let our team get you on the road to a great smile!

To schedule your appointment with us contact Rivers Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.