General Dentistry

To build and maintain a beautiful smile for life, you need a dental care “home.” Dr. Nichols and his entire dental team ensure you of continued, state-of-the-art care by giving you access to a variety of general treatments.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease (also called gum disease or gingivitis) refers to the infection of the supportive tissues of the mouth due to toxic bacteria found in plaque. Many individuals suffer from some degree of gum disease, and if left untreated, gum disease can cause breakdown of the soft tissue in the mouth, leading to both tooth loss and to other significant health problems. At River Oak Dental, our hygiene team is exceptionally skilled in the area of periodontal therapy. Your periodontal therapy may include gentle removal of plaque and bacteria from beneath the gum line or perhaps a more advanced treatment designed to restore and maintain your gum health. Since diseases like diabetes and heart-related illnesses have been linked to gum disease, treatment and maintenance of your gums is vitally important. Dr. Nichols and his team can help protect your health through periodontal therapy.

Fillings

Fillings are a very important part of maintaining your dental health. Even with excellent home care habits, many patients will experience one or more cavities caused by caries, a common bacteria that can linger in the natural crevices and spaces between your teeth. After your dentist removes the bacteria, a dental filling protects the remaining natural tooth and restores the shape of your tooth. For decades a silver-amalgam material – durable, and easy to shape and place – has been the material of choice. We also have a tooth-colored filling, made from a durable resin material that can be shaded to match your natural tooth color. We can help you choose the filling material that is right for you.

Nightguards

Many individuals suffer from a condition known as bruxism – the clenching or grinding of your teeth, especially during sleep. This clenching and grinding can cause excessive wear and cracking of your teeth, muscle pain, and other damage to the supportive structures of your mouth. A custom-fitted nightguard from Dr. Nichols can give you comfortable relief while you sleep. This nightguard fits over your teeth, much like a sports mouthguard, preventing your teeth from contacting each other and holding your jaw in a comfortable position. You may find that you sleep better than you have in years!

Preventive Care for Your Smile

It should be no secret that the best defense against dental problems is to prevent them before they even occur. Each preventive hygiene visit to River Oak Dental is designed to be comprehensive, with a series of evaluations to ensure your long-term dental health. The dentists and dental team members will vigilantly evaluate any areas of concern that may signify developing problems, such as periodontal disease or oral cancer. They will also educate you about the best home-care tools and techniques to assist with maintaining good oral health between visits. It is our goal at River Oak Dental to provide a comfortable experience for you, using the safest, least invasive, and most current dental techniques.

Nitrous & Oral Sedation

Nitrous Oxide (also called “laughing gas”) and gentle oral sedation are options available for anxious patients to help them during complex dental procedures or even through routine dental care. Nitrous oxide is administered in the chair before receiving treatment. It helps patients relax, while still allowing them to interact with the doctor, and its effects wear off before leaving the office. Oral sedation involves taking a pill prior to receiving treatment. You will not necessarily fall asleep during your visit, but you will most likely not remember any details about your treatment either. With oral conscious sedation, be prepared to have a friend or family member drive you home.