General & Family Dentistry in Richmond, VA | James River Family Dentistry

We offer general and family dentistry for all ages, and it is our privilege to take care of your little ones. Dr. Guthrie highly recommends your children visit our dentist office in Richmond regularly for checkups to make sure their dental health is on track. We offer several general and family dentistry services to help prevent decay in molars, such as dental sealants and fluoride. When caught early on, many dental conditions can be treated using minimally invasive solutions.

Dental checkups are a necessary step to maintain the health of your teeth, gums and mouth and are just one of the general and family dentistry services we offer here at James River Family Dentistry in Richmond, VA. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits; however, the frequency depends on your individual smile needs. Preventative dental care and dental cleanings are important because they give Dr. Guthrie the chance to check for periodontal disease, removal of plaque or tartar and polishing for stain removal. It is important to visit Dr. Guthrie regularly so any dental conditions such as gingivitis can be detected and diagnosed early. Early detection can mitigate the progression of a disease and even reverse it.

Keeping your gums healthy takes more than brushing and flossing at home. As part of your regular general and family dentistry visits, Dr. Guthrie will monitor your gum health, removing buildup that can lead to gum disease and catch changes before they become more serious. If you have a history of periodontal disease, ongoing periodontal maintenance can be especially important for protecting the health of your gums and the tissues that support your teeth.

Bruxism or grinding your teeth at night are common habits that can form due to stress or an inherent misalignment of teeth. This bad habit can contribute to headaches and pain within the temporomandibular joint in your jaw. As part of general and family dentistry services, Dr. Guthrie can use an advanced intraoral camera to diagnose and show patients any significant tooth damage caused by teeth grinding. A night guard creates a barrier between your upper and lower rows of teeth, custom-made for maximum comfort and protects your teeth from the wear and tear of grinding, as well as decreasing the joint and muscle pain often associated with TMJ issues.

Most babies and toddlers suck on their thumbs or fingers at some point in their young lives. However, prolonged thumb and finger sucking can cause serious issues as their teeth and mouths develop. Most children stop the behavior on their own around two to four years old. However, some children have a hard time stopping without assistance from a professional like Dr. Guthrie. If your child is older than four or five and still sucking their thumb or finger, we can help!

Silver diamine fluoride is a solution that is designed to safeguard your teeth by stopping the progression of minor cavities. It is composed of silver and fluoride, which work together to help strengthen your tooth enamel, preventing further decay. This powerful combination makes SDF an effective tool to fight against tooth decay and cavities.