The first line of defense against oral health problems

In general dentistry, Dr. Rider is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide variety of conditions, disorders, and diseases affecting the teeth, gums, and maxillofacial (jaw and face) parts of the body. Even though general dentists primarily provide preventative care and minor restorative therapy, they can often perform a wide array of other dental procedures, including some minor cosmetic treatments.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients visit their general dentist at least once every six months to ensure proper oral health and functionality. Your child should start going to the dentist when their first tooth erupts. If their first tooth does not erupt by age one, bring them into the dental office. It would be best if you came in for regular oral health check-ups and maintenance to help prevent the development of serious dental problems that may require more extensive and costly treatments. General dentists are highly educated and trained in multiple facets of dentistry, providing various services for you and your family.

dental chair girl Rider Family Dentistry Dentist in Cherokee, IA

Services:

  • Crowns and bridges – To replace one or more teeth, Dr. Rider may recommend a crown or bridge. A dental crown is a porcelain cap that is placed over a broken or decayed tooth. Porcelain is an ideal material because it is durable and stain-resistant. Bridges are also made of porcelain. You can think of a bridge as a set of crowns attached together to fill the gap of one or more missing teeth. 
  • Dentures – If you are missing many teeth on both the top and bottom sets of teeth, dentures may be right for you. This dental treatment replaces the gums and teeth. 
  • Dental implants – Unlike other restorative dentistry options that only replace the part of the tooth you can see, a dental implant replaces the entire tooth. This includes replacing the root under the gums with a titanium post. This option can help patients missing one or a full set of teeth. 
  • Gum disease (Periodontal) treatment – Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, also called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria begin to eat away at the gums. This disease can put your gums, tooth, and bone at risk of disengaging from the bacteria. 
  • Orthodontics – For a straight, beautiful smile, look no further than Rider Family Dentistry. We are here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams with orthodontics. 
  • Root canal therapy – If the middle of the tooth, called the root or the pulp, becomes injured, you may need a root canal. Dr. Rider will clean out the bacteria and decay from the root and replace it with a composite resin in this procedure. This will make the tooth stronger and healthier. 
  • Teeth cleanings – Dr. Rider can help you achieve the white smile of your dreams. Professional teeth whitening from Rider Family Dentistry is often safer and more effective than in-store whitening products. 
  • Bonding – This can repair a chipped or misaligned tooth. In this procedure, Dr. Rider will place a dental resin on your tooth to help shape it to your liking. 
  • Dental fillings – If you have a cavity, a dental filling may be right for you. For a dental filling, Dr. Rider will clear out the decay on your tooth and then fill the area with a composite resin. This will help prevent the decay from spreading across your tooth. 

General dentists who do not perform a particular treatment will provide you with a specialist referral. At Rider Family Dentistry, we take pride in helping our patients maintain healthy smiles. For more information about general dentistry or to make an appointment, call our office today. We look forward to hearing from you.