General Dentistry

It is our privilege to take care of your little ones. We offer general dentistry for all ages, including children. It is imperative that your children come to the dentist regularly for checkups to make sure their dental health is on track. We offer dental sealants to help prevent decay in molars. When caught early, almost any dental condition can be treated with the most minimally invasive procedures.

A dental checkup is necessary to maintain the health of your teeth, gums and mouth and is one of the general dentistry services we offer here at James River Family Dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits every 6 months or twice a year. A dental cleaning is important to check for periodontal disease, removal of plaque or tartar and polishing for stain removal. It is important to see a dentist 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.

A good oral hygiene routine at home is the best way to maintain the health of your gums between dental visits. Healthy gums are important to maintain the support around your teeth. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria found in plaque that releases toxins, which are irritating to your gums. The good news is, when caught early, gum disease can be reversed.

Bruxing or grinding your teeth at night are common habits that form possibly due to stress or an inherent misalignment of teeth, and can contribute to headaches and pain within the temporomandibular joint. Dr. Guthrie can use the intraoral camera to diagnose and show patients any significant tooth damage caused by a bruxing habit. A night guard can be custom-made to protect your teeth from the wear and tear of grinding, and decrease the joint and muscle pain often associated with TMJ.

Most babies and toddlers suck on their thumbs or fingers at some point. However, prolonged thumb and finger sucking can cause serious dental problems. Most children stop the behavior on their own around two to four years old. Children who continue this behavior past the age of four or five may require the help of a dental professional to stop.

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