Quality Dentistry for Your Family in Downtown Jeffersonville

Jeffersonville family dentist, Dr. Richard handles oral health issues at all stages of life. Adults have different oral needs from children, and as a highly qualified and experienced dentist, Andrew G. Richard, DDS, offers comprehensive dental care for everyone, ages three and older. Our family dentist is dedicated to providing gentle, comprehensive care that will last a lifetime for the unique needs of adults, children, teens, and seniors.

Visit our Jeffersonville family dental practice on Court Avenue, right across the street from the Post Office for expert care delivered with warmth and enthusiasm. Call us today!

CALL US: (812) 283-8000 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

How is Family Dental Care Different?

Consulting different dentists for every member of your family can be time-consuming and inconvenient. It’s easier to work with one highly experienced team that can book appointments for your whole family efficiently, saving you money, time, and effort.

As family care specialists, we will keep a record of every member of your family, including their past treatments and overall health. When we have access to all updated information, we can identify any issues that need special attention and provide preventive services and support optimal oral health. Our team is dedicated and diligent in diagnosing and treating all your oral health needs, so you can get everything done in one office.

Visiting a family dentist with your children can help them understand the importance of regular visits and how to maintain proper dental hygiene. This preventive experience will help them avoid future dental problems and teach them how to take good care of their dental health.

Some of our family services include:

The Importance of Routine Exams & Cleanings

Regular dental exams and cleanings are vital for your family’s oral health. A professional exam can evaluate the risk of future problems so we can help plan for early intervention. During your visit, we will clean your teeth while checking for gum disease and cavities. An exam may also include X-rays or digital imaging to identify problems that may not be causing any symptoms yet, such as small areas of tooth decay or impacted teeth. We will discuss your dental hygiene habits and demonstrate how to brush and floss properly, and then schedule any needed future treatments.

Regular oral exams and cleaning can help protect both your dental health and overall general health. For example, symptoms and signs of diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or heart disease can present in your oral health. If there are any concerns, we can offer the best way to contain and improve your oral health to support your overall well-being.

When to Get an Exam and Cleaning

Having a dental exam and cleaning done every six months can help maintain oral hygiene and prevent many problems. We recommend that your child's first dental visit should occur within six months of their first tooth appearing.

For adults, whether you have all your natural teeth or many restorations, it is necessary to visit our office regularly. Preventive education helps prevent issues like bad breath and periodontal disease.

With adequate knowledge of proper dental care, you can avoid or control the effects of:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Cavities
• Enamel loss

Adults, children, teens, and seniors can benefit from preventive education. Children benefit more since, with ideal care, their developing adult teeth grow in healthy and strong. Topical fluoride and dental sealant treatments help to prevent tooth decay for children, and adults can understand the best way to maintain their natural teeth.

The Connection Between Dental Health and Overall Wellness

With comprehensive knowledge of proper dental hygiene, it’s possible to reduce the risk of getting periodontitis, cavities, gingivitis, and other oral issues. This can also lower the risk of secondary problems brought about by poor dental health. Examples of health problems related to poor dental health include:

Although preventive education may not eliminate your need for root canals, dental canals, or fillings, it can profoundly reduce the need for more extensive treatments.

Benefits of Fluoride & Sealants

Fluoride is a natural mineral that fights dental decay. This treatment strengthens the enamel, boosting its resistance to food acids that cause tooth decay and helps rebuilds weak enamel.

The mineral is available in certain foods such as shellfish, potatoes, and grapes, and fluoridated water. Other sources of fluoride include intake from dietary supplements and dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses.

Dietary fluoride supplements are mostly available by prescription and are recommended for use by children living in areas that have low water fluoride concentrations. Supplements are rarely prescribed for adults.

Sealants protect the surface of the teeth from bacteria and acidic erosion. They work better on the back teeth that are more prone to bacteria build-up in the deep crevices. Sealants are easy to apply and can provide long-lasting protection, especially for children learning to brush and floss. 

Emergency Dental Care in Jeffersonville, IN

Dental emergencies include infections and fractures that cause sudden or chronic pain. Toothache and sudden sensitivity that doesn't go away may require urgent medical care.

Some of our emergency services include:

• Assessment of trauma
• Emergency X-rays and exams
• Dental extractions
• Emergency root canals
• Crowns

The main goal of emergency dental care is to manage your pain issues and develop a treatment plan to correct and protect damaged teeth and surrounding tissues and bone to prevent further complications. An emergency is mainly determined by the level of discomfort or pain you are experiencing. An emergency can also be a problem that, if not corrected immediately, can cause secondary complications.

You can help prevent emergencies by maintaining routine oral check-ups and using protective gear while participating in sports activities.

Advanced Gum Disease Treatment for Optimal Oral Health

Mild gum disease is called gingivitis. If not treated, the infection can spread below your gums into the bone. Periodontitis and gingivitis can increase the risk of diseases like diabetes, cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Call our practice immediately if you identify with any of these warning signs:

• Loose teeth
• Tender, swollen or bleeding gums
• Pus from the gums
• Bad breath
• Receding gums

Gingivitis can be reversed with regular professional cleanings and diligent flossing and brushing at home. Keeping on track with your oral health care will help you and your family members avoid costly and more complex treatments in the future.

Preserve Your Family’s Oral Health

As your family dentist, Dr. Richard is committed to treating adults, children, seniors, and teens with the most modern and effective treatments available. Don’t wait until a problem arises, visit our experienced and friendly team regularly for comprehensive oral health care. Call us today and schedule an appointment for your family!

CALL US: (812) 283-8000 REQUEST APPOINTMENT