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George Rivera, DDS
A Great Dentist
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Haven’t Been to the Dentist in Years? Here’s What to Expect

June 17, 2024
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Posted By: Dr. George Rivera
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At George Rivera, DDS, we recognize that all kinds of challenges, including hectic schedules, financial constraints, and dental anxiety, can become obstacles to regular dental visits. Despite these factors’ individual and collective impact on your day-to-day, maintaining your oral health must remain a priority.

Whether you’re self-conscious about your smile or a bit embarrassed by the time since your last dental visit, our caring team at George Rivera, DDS, is here to help. We will welcome you with compassion and empathy and help guide you back to optimal oral health with comprehensive dental cleanings and dental exams in Oakbrook Terrace.

What are our main objectives as we help get you back on the road to a healthy and beautiful smile? Let's take a look!

Preventing and Preemptively Treating Gum Disease

Neglecting dental visits can lead to the buildup of a sticky bacterial film called “plaque” along your gumline and on your teeth. Left untreated, plaque hardens into “tartar,”  a harmful substance that at-home methods cannot treat, and leads to gum disease. What exactly does gum disease signify?

Early-stage gum disease, or gingivitis, presents as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, whose effects can include infection and tooth loss. At George Rivera, DDS, we proactively combat gum disease with preventive care, including professional teeth cleanings (and deep cleaning below the gumline, also known as “scaling and root planing”) to ensure your gums remain healthy.

Quick and Painless Cavity Treatment

Cavities form when plaque erodes tooth enamel. If neglected, cavities enlarge over time, gradually exposing the tooth's interior and leading to pain and infection. Regular and consistent dental care is vital to cavity prevention. Here at George Rivera, DDS, our thorough examinations, professional cleanings, and fillings help to address cavities early, preventing further decay and protecting your smile.

Tooth Infection Prevention

Ignoring dental health can lead to infections in a tooth's pulp. This often results in swelling, abscesses (pockets of pus around a tooth), and severe pain. At George Rivera, DDS, we treat tooth infections with restorative procedures, including root canals, that eliminate infection, alleviate pain, and save as much of the natural tooth as possible.

Among the best ways to ensure that any of these issues, along with many others, are detected and treated well before they become major problems is regular checkups with an experienced and highly skilled dentist in Oakbrook Terrace!

Contact George Rivera, DDS Today for Dental Cleanings and Dental Exams in Oakbrook Terrace, IL!

We understand returning to the dentist after a long absence can be intimidating. If you're looking for a dentist in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, to help you prioritize your oral health and safeguard against the consequences of neglect and procrastination, contact Dr. Rivera and the friendly and caring George Rivera, DDS team via phone, email, or our easy-to-use website to schedule a cleaning, exam, and consultation!

If you have difficulty using our website, please email us or call us at (630) 592-4949
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