Why are regular dental exams and cleanings important for your smile?

It can be easy to put off regular dental appointments with today’s busy schedules, especially if you’re not experiencing any pain. However, routine dental exams and cleanings are one of the easiest, fastest, and most affordable ways to prevent minor oral health issues from becoming major problems. At Riverside Dental Clinic in Drumheller, Alberta, we make it easy and convenient to get the dental care you need to maintain a healthy smile. 

The problem with plaque 

Dental plaque is a fact of life. Everyone has it, even the most diligent brushers and flossers. Plaque is a sticky film that develops when your oral bacteria mix with the foods you eat – particularly sugary or starchy foods – and is an important contributor to several oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease. While regular brushing and flossing are very helpful in getting rid of plaque, it is tough to remove all of the plaque in your mouth (particularly in hard-to-reach areas like the back of your mouth) before it hardens into tartar. Once tartar develops, it cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. That’s where professional dental cleanings come in! Our dental team removes any built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth with a gentle touch and specially designed tools, providing a clean slate for optimal oral health. 

Regular dental exams: An essential component of your oral health routine

At Riverside Dental Clinic, we have carefully designed our routine dental exams to include the steps that are key to ensuring your smile stays healthy. During your exam, we will take x-rays as needed to evaluate the structures in your mouth that are invisible to the naked eye. Our dentist will also perform an in-depth oral examination to look for signs of issues such as:

• Cavities
• Uneven wear and tear
• Misalignment
• Gum disease
• Oral cancer
• Dental restorations that are wearing out or need to be replaced

By coming in for dental visits on a routine basis, these types of oral health problems can be caught at an early stage when they are easiest to address. Because most oral health conditions are progressive, waiting too long between dental visits can result in unnecessary pain, costs, and time in the dental chair to restore your oral health. 

Schedule your check-up today!

At Riverside Dental Clinic, we strive to make every patient feel at home in our comfortable and relaxing dental office. To schedule your check-up, call (833) 575-1855 today! 

Dr. Ken Poznikoff, General Dentist

With over 38 years of experience, Dr. Ken Poznikoff is a highly skilled General Dentist and the owner of Riverside Dental Clinic. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree as well as degrees in Science and Pharmacy. Dr. Poznikoff is committed to advanced dental education and has completed extensive training in orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, sleep disordered breathing, sedation dentistry, dentures and restorative dentistry. He holds hospital privileges at the Drumheller Regional Health Complex, providing surgical care under general anesthesia. Dedicated to long-term patient relationships, Dr. Poznikoff’s expertise and compassionate care makes him a trusted dental professional in the Drumheller community.

Dr. Claude Boutin, Orthodontist

Dr. Claude Boutin is a Board-Certified Orthodontist with over 35 years of specialized orthodontic care in Calgary and at Riverside Dental Clinic. A University of Alberta graduate, he pursued advanced orthodontic training at the University of Toronto. Dr. Boutin is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and an active member of multiple orthodontic associations. Known for staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements, Dr. Boutin frequently attends national conferences and lectures at prestigious meetings. His dedication to excellence and his involvement in the community solidifies his reputation as a leading orthodontic specialist.

Dr. Ben Thomas, Periodontist

Dr. Ben Thomas is a distinguished Periodontist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery, a Master of Public Health, and a Specialty Certificate in Periodontics from the University of North Carolina. With IV Sedation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications, Dr. Thomas provides comprehensive periodontal care, including implant placement, gum grafting, and periodontal regeneration. A fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a member of several prestigious periodontal organizations, Dr. Thomas stays at the forefront of periodontal advancements. His dedication to patient care and extensive expertise makes him a trusted professional at Riverside Dental Clinic.

Dr. Scott Townsend, General Dentist

Dr. Scott Townsend is a General Dentist with 19 years of experience. A former hockey player in the Western Hockey League, Dr. Townsend brings the same dedication and teamwork to his dental practice. He holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Alberta and is a member of the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta, The Alberta Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association. Dr. Townsend specializes in oral surgery including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and periodontal treatments. His compassionate approach and commitment to ongoing education ensure that patients receive personalized surgical care at Riverside Dental Clinic.

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