Cleaning & Preventive

SERVICES

Welcome to Dental Rivera, where our dedicated dental professionals provide exceptional dental care tailored to your needs. We offer a comprehensive range of services, from routine dental checkups to advanced dental implants, all delivered with expertise and compassion. Our team of dental specialists is committed to ensuring that you receive the highest quality care at an affordable price. Whether you're seeking preventive care or specialized treatments, Dental Rivera is your trusted partner in achieving optimal oral health. For the best care, trust Dentist Pico Rivera to meet all your dental needs.

Dental implants

Dental Checkups

What are dental exams & dental checkups? 


Getting a dental checkup in Pico Rivera has never been easier. Your dentist at Dental Rivera can help you find and solve problems with your oral health before they lead to pain, swelling, infection, and further complications. Did you know that your mouth plays a big role in your overall health? Studies have shown links between poor oral health and increased chronic health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, etc. That is why at Dental Rivera, your oral and systemic health is our number one priority. Dental checkups are generally recommended every 6 months. During your routine dental checkup, your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, including checking your teeth and x-rays for cavities, conducting an oral cancer screening, addressing the health of your gums, examining the jaw joints and muscles, and ultimately addressing any of your concerns. If you're considering dental implants, a checkup is an ideal time to discuss your options and assess your suitability for the procedure.


We also offer emergency exams for those with acute problems and pain that need to be addressed immediately. Please ask your Dental Rivera specialist about which exam best suits you for your visit today, and inquire about how dental implants could be part of your treatment plan!

Digital X-rays

  • What are dental x-rays?

    Your dental office in Pico Rivera offers 100% digital x-rays. Dental x-rays allow us the dentist to see what their eyes cannot. Think of our x-rays as a pair of superman glasses that allow us take a true look inside of your teeth and oral structures. 

  • Are x-rays safe?

    Digital dental x-rays use very low dose radiation to ensure the safest of x-rays. Digital dental x-rays are not medical grade x-rays that have much higher radiation exposure. We employ a method known as ALARA which stands for as “As Low as Reasonably Achievable.” ALARA means that our office only take the x-rays necessary to provide our patients with the most accurate understanding of their oral health. In addition, we use protective equipment to ensure maximum patient safety. X-rays help your dentist and dental hygienist detect things that are not visible to the eye. Below the surface there is far more than meets the eye. 

  • What is a panoramic x-ray?

    A panoramic x-ray utilizes very low dow radiation to capture the entire mouth and hard structures in a single picture. Panoramic x-rays are used very frequently by dentists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists. This type of image is used to monitor growth and development in growing patients, evaluation of extra or missing teeth, identifying pathology, assessment of periodontal health, and many other indications. Panoramic x-rays can be an adjunct service in treatment planning for braces, extractions, dentures and implants.

Dental Cleaning

  • What is a dental cleaning/prophylaxis?

    Wanting to have a clean mouth in Pico Rivera is simple. At Dental Rivera, we offer all forms of dental cleanings. From prophylaxis cleanings to deep cleanings, we have you covered. Most insurances fully cover prophylaxis cleanings. Our dentists and hygienists at Dental Rivera want to help you attain the best oral health possible and getting your teeth cleaned is one step towards reaching that goal. 

  • Prophylaxis Cleaning or general cleaning

    At Dental Rivera, we offer dental prophylaxis for both children, adults and those with special needs. Prophylaxis cleaning can be completed by your Dental Rivera hygienist or dentist on the day of your dental exam. A dental prophylaxis is indicated for a patient free of gum disease and is a great way to continue maintaining a healthy mouth. Instruments such as an ultrasonic water scaler,  hand scalers and  polishing angles are used to remove plaque, calculus, and stains. In children this may be accomplished with a toothbrush as well.



Deep Cleaning

What is a deep cleaning/SRP?


Ever heard of the term “deep cleaning? A "deep cleaning" is needed for a patient with gum and bone disease, also known as periodontitis.  Gum disease not only affects the inflammation of the gums, but also in more severe cases, gum disease affects the bone and the ligaments that hold the teeth in place. The greater the gum disease, the more it has essentially "eaten away" at the bone and the ligaments holding the teeth. The teeth will become looser in your mouth. Thus, if your dental professional has deemed you as a good candidate for a deep cleaning, it is important to do this procedure. The dental professional will use ultrasonic scalers and handscalers to gently clean below the gum surface and remove calculus and tartar, which are aiding in the gum disease. Once the calculus and tartar is removed, you are one step closer to a healthier and happy mouth. Additionally, studies have shown that the bacteria in your gums from gum disease can travel to your heart, lungs, cause Alzheimer's, and contribute to many other systemic issues.  Most patients report no pain during or after this procedure. Our highly trained dental staff are both gentle and very knowledgeable in providing adjunctive therapies, such as placing numbing gel prior to the injection, in order to help make this experience as pleasant as it possibly can be. 


If you’re considering dental implants, addressing gum disease through a deep cleaning is crucial, as healthy gums are essential for successful implant placement. Additionally, studies have shown that the bacteria in your gums from gum disease can travel to your heart, lungs, cause Alzheimer’s, and contribute to many other systemic issues. Most patients report no pain during or after this procedure. Our highly trained dental staff are both gentle and very knowledgeable in providing adjunctive therapies, such as placing numbing gel prior to the injection, to help make this experience as pleasant as possible.


If you’re considering dental implants, addressing gum disease through deep cleaning is crucial, as healthy gums are essential for successful implant placement. At Dental Rivera, we’re committed to providing the best care using the best dental technology in Pico Rivera, ensuring you have a comfortable and effective treatment experience.

Sedation Dentistry 

At Dental Rivera we know that not every patient can tolerate treatment in the chair. That’s why we offer different forms of sedation to help you or your loved one get the treatment they need in the most comfortable way possible.


Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) - One of the safest and most effective forms of sedation. Laughing gas which is given with oxygen, is delivered through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. 


Oral sedation - Medications given orally to help reduce the patient’s anxiety and memory of the procedure. Think of this as a twilight sedation. 


IV Sedation/ General Anesthesia (Sleep Dentistry) - Medications are given through an IV to help put the patient to sleep or induce a deep state of relaxation. 


We pride ourselves on utilizing the best dental technology in Pico Rivera to ensure every patient experiences optimal comfort and care.

Periodontal maintenance

What is periodontal maintenance?


Once your deep cleaning is completed, a perio maintenance is needed in order to maintain the gums and stop active disease from recurring. Depending on the severity of gum disease the patient has, a perio maintenance ranges from being needed every 3-6 months. The dental professional will use instruments to make sure the teeth are clean above and below the gums, with the goal of healing the periodontal tissue. Most patients report little to no pain during this procedure.

Gross debridement 

What is a gross debridement?


In certain cases when it has been many years since a person has seen a dentist, there may be too much buildup to accurately diagnose the patient’s dental needs. As a result, a gross debridement will allow the dentist to remove the significant build up and accurately diagnose the type of cleaning and treatment the patient will require from both a restorative and hygiene standpoint. Most patients report little to no pain during this procedure.

Sealants

What are sealants?


Please consult your Dental Rivera dentist about sealants for yourself and your children. Sealants are a preventive measure recommended for patients that have teeth anatomy that consists of deep pits and grooves. Deep pits and grooves allows for food to stick inside and ultimately turn into cavities. Thus a sealant, which is a protective coating that is carefully painted into the pits and grooves of teeth, allows for food to not get stuck onto the surfaces of the teeth, ultimately preventing cavities from starting in the first place. Sealants have been one of the greatest advents in dentistry and have helped prevent cavities in both children and adults for years. Sealants do not require injections or drills and are not painful. Sealants are generally covered by your dental insurance under the category of prevention. When compared to restorations, sealants are far more affordable.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to restore decayed, missing, or broken tooth structure. There are many options when it comes to dental fillings. Amalgam fillings (mostly known as silver fillings) were once the gold standard for fixing decayed/rotten teeth. Here at Dental Rivera, we only place white composite fillings. As technology has progressed, so have our ability to restore teeth with natural-colored fillings. If you notice a dark hole in your tooth where food is getting stuck, you may need a filling. During the filling procedure, the dentist will numb the area to ensure no discomfort while the decay is being cleaned out of your tooth and the filling is being placed. Once the filling is placed, the dental team will ensure that your new restoration is smooth and inline with your previous bite. If there is an exposure of the nerve or there is not enough tooth structure to bond in a proper filling, then further treatment may be indicated. Patients generally report little to no pain with dental fillings, however some sensitivity post-operatively lasting days to weeks can be experienced. The cost of dental fillings varies by insurance and coverage, however most dental plans do cover dental fillings under the restorative category of your plan. 

INLAY/ONLAY

In some cases where the cavity is too big or a large area of the tooth or filling is broken, a filling will not be sufficient due to the large surface area. In this case, the dental provider may recommend an inlay or onlay. Inlay/onlays are indirect fillings made in specialized laboratories that fit into and on the tooth. They are more conservative than a dental crown and take two appointments from start to finish.



Dental Crowns

  • What are crowns?

    Dental crowns, also referred to as caps, are indicated when there is not enough tooth structure to restore with a filling. Think of this restoration as a helmet that completely encircles the tooth and protects it. Some indications for a dental crown are root canal treated teeth, fractured teeth, teeth with large restorations that may have recurrent decay, or teeth requiring crowns for esthetics.  Dental crowns, which are also created in specialized dental laboratories, are cemented onto the tooth and do not come off. Dental crowns can be used to make your smile more esthetically beautiful and can also be used to restore missing teeth, such as through implants and bridges.

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    When a tooth has a cavity underneath a filling this is known as recurrent decay. Remember the bacteria don’t eat away your fillings, they instead eat away at your the tooth. In many circumstances, once the previous restoration and recurrent decay are excavated, the tooth may not be repairable with another filling. Instead, a dental cap is indicated to restore the tooth to full form and function. 


    Esthetic crowns are used when a tooth needs to be changed in size, color, shape and/or form. Often times esthetic crowns are used to close gaps, straighten crooked teeth (without the use of braces), change the color of a previously traumatized or root canal treated tooth, or completely change a patient’s smile. 


    When a crown is required, the dentist will numb the tooth as seen with dental fillings, remove the decay and prepare the tooth to the proper dimensions required to perfectly adapt a dental cap to the tooth. Depending on each case, once the tooth is prepared, an impression will be made in order for the custom crown to be created. Once a proper impression is obtained, a temporary crown will be placed to maintain the patient’s tooth until the final restoration can be cemented into place. Most patient’s report zero to minor discomfort after the crown procedure.

  • Are dental crowns covered by my insurance?

    Most plans cover a portion of dental crowns under the category of major restorative. Dental crowns are generally priced based on the type of material used. Crowns can be made with various metals ranging from semi-noble to high-noble metals, porcelain, ceramic, zirconia or a combination of materials. Please ask your Dental Rivera dentist which crown is best for you. 

Veneers

  • What are veneers?

    Dental veneers are tooth-colored shells that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth in order to create an esthetic smile. Veneers are great for hiding imperfections in teeth ranging from gaps, staining, discoloration, poorly shaped teeth, small teeth, chips and/or cracks. Veneers are less prone to staining and discoloration when compared to natural tooth structure. Dental veneers are amongst the least invasive treatment options when considering a smile makeover. 

  • What is the process for getting veneers?

    First you will have a consultation with your Dental Rivera dentist. Your dentist will carefully examine your smile from outside moving inward to decide if you are a good candidate for veneers. Depending on the health of your teeth and their supporting structures, your dentist will help you make the best choice for your smile reconstruction and restoration. Once we have determined if you are a candidate for veneers, the process is very similar to dental caps and fillings, except less invasive. Prior to embarking on the veneer journey, you will take initial molds of your teeth for the lab to create your future smile. Once the temporary smile design returns from the laboratory you will return for the preparation process. During the veneer preparation process, a very minimal layer of enamel is gently shaven away from the teeth in order to allow adequate dimensions for this esthetic restoration. The dental team will then take an impression and cement temporary veneers to test drive your new smile before the permanent veneers are cemented. Most patients report little to no discomfort after this appointment due to its minimal invasive nature. 


    There are different types of dental veneers available to patients, please consult your Dental Rivera specialist to decide which veneers are best for you. Veneers can be used for a smile makeover and make a huge change in your life. Most people report being very happy once their final veneers are placed and a boost in their confidence. Whether you are a candidate for veneers or not, we are committed to helping you on your smile makeover journey.

Root Canals

What is root canal treatment?


The root canal procedure is used to relieve pain, swelling and/or infection associated with an infected and/or traumatized tooth. The root canal procedure is aimed at helping preserve a person’s natural tooth. Generally, a root canal is needed when the decay is very large and the bacteria has invaded the nerve of the tooth, causing inflammation and infection of the canal system and external structures.

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    During the root canal procedure the patient is anesthetized (numbed) in the appropriate area and the infected nerve/inflamed tissue is carefully and completely removed from the tooth’s canal system. This includes the pulp chamber (the upper part of the nerve) and the root canals (the nerve spaces inside of the roots). The whole internal system is then cleaned and disinfected. Once disinfected, the root canal system is sealed off with a special filling material (gutta percha) to prevent reinfection. When the root canal is completed, a temporary restoration is placed until a final restoration is placed. Most often times root canal treated teeth are restored with a dental crown to protect the tooth and canal system.

  • Do root canals hurt?

    Many people are afraid of the procedure because they think it will hurt a great deal. The truth is, over 41,000 root canals are completed on a daily basis in the U.S. alone and most people report little to no pain. Our ability to manage pain and infection has greatly improved over time and your dentist at Dental Rivera will do everything in their power to ensure the most comfortable root canal experience. Most patients often report feeling better shortly after the procedure because the root canal treatment eliminates the source of infection. Root canals are safe procedures when done properly and effective in helping out patients. According to the American Academy of Endodontics, root canal therapy can have up to a 98% success rate which is greater than many other dental an&/or medical procedures. 

Dental bridges

What is a dental bridge?


Dental bridges are used in situations where there are one or more missing teeth between two teeth. In many instances a dental bridge can be used to fill in the space between the teeth with fake teeth. The present teeth are capped and the fake teeth known as pontics are attached to the capped teeth and occupy the space. The bridge does not come in and out. It stays in the mouth and allows for better form, function, and esthetics. 

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    Another indication for a bridge is when a person never had the tooth in the first place. The requirements for a bridge are different that those for an implant. Generally speaking, a bridge requires two or more healthy teeth with or without restorations to serve as the anchor teeth for the pontics. The dental bridge can help decrease the amount of force placed on neighboring teeth by spreading the impact of chewing across a larger surface area. Dental bridges can be highly esthetic, eliminate the need for implant surgery, prevent shifting of teeth around, above &/or below the space where teeth are missing. Depending on the position dental bridges can also help improve speech. Dental bridges have been used successfully for many years. The average lifespan for a dental bridge is around 10 years. Depending on how well you care for and maintain this type of restoration, many patients have had bridges for over 20 years. 


    Similar to crowns/caps, the procedure for a dental bridge involves numbing the area, preparing the teeth, taking an impression, placing a temporary bridge and finally delivering the permanent restoration once it has been completed by the lab. Most dental insurances will cover at least a portion of a dental bridge. Please check with our highly trained treatment coordinators about your insurance benefits. 

Tooth extraction 

  • What is a Tooth extraction?

    Tooth extraction, as its name suggests, is the removal of a tooth that can no longer be saved. Our number one priority as dentists are to save and maintain as much of your dentition as possible. However, in certain situations, an extraction is the best long term treatment plan since unfortunately not all teeth can be saved with crowns and root canals. Once a tooth needs to be extracted, the patient and the dental professional must decide together how they would like to restore the missing tooth. Implants, bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures are all treatment options. In most cases, your dentist will recommend bone graft to fill the area of where the tooth once was inhabiting. Bone graft is added in order to give volume and and density to the socket. Bone graft can be taken from your own body, from a human tissue bank, synthetic, or from an animal. Bone graft is necessary if an implant is planned to be placed where the tooth once was, rebuild the jaw for dentures, or add bone due to gum disease related bone loss. 

  • Types of extractions

    There are two types of extractions 


    1. Simple extractions - During a simple extraction, the tooth to be extracted will be numbed along with supporting structures and the tooth will be loosened until it can be removed with a pair of forceps. Depending on the extraction site, stitches may or may not be indicated. 
    2. Surgical extraction - When a tooth cannot easily be accessed due to being severely broken down or unerupted (cannot be fully visualized in the mouth) through the gums then a surgical extraction will be indicated. A surgical extraction is more complex than a simple extraction. The patient is numbed, the supporting structures are manipulated as necessary in order to give adequate access to the tooth. Once access is obtained, the tooth may be cut into smaller pieces to make complete removal possible. Sometimes this may include the removal of overlying bone that interferes with accessing the tooth. Once extraction is complete, the dentist will re-approximate the surrounding tissues and place stitches to keep everything in place so proper healing can begin. 

     

    Wisdom tooth extraction, also known as third molar extraction, is very common and is generally indicated in patients that do no have adequate space for these molars to properly erupt into the arch. Many times these teeth cause pain, swelling, infection and if not treated can lead to negative affects on the adjacent teeth and structures. At Dental Rivera we like to take a proactive approach whenever possible and not wait until you’re in pain before we have your wisdom teeth evaluated and treated. Your dentist will evaluate from your first visit and provide you with their professional recommendation. 

  • Recovery after extraction

    Most patients report mild to moderate pain and discomfort associated with the simple extraction of a tooth or multiple teeth. This often times will be managed with over the counter medications to manage pain and swelling. Recovery is generally a few days. Post-operative pain associated with surgical extractions may require more medical management and prescription medications may be indicated. Your dentist at Dental Rivera will always due their best to make the procedure and post-operative healing as comfortable for you as possible. It is very important to share any and all health conditions with your dental professional as well as any prescription or non-prescription medications you are taking. 

Dentures

What are dentures?


Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding structures. There are two types of dentures, partial and complete. 


a) Partial dentures help replace teeth with the presence of some remaining natural teeth. There are several partial dentures on the market such as metal dentures or valplast partial dentures that are non-metal and flexible. 


b) Complete dentures are used when there are no teeth in the mouth.  1) Immediate dentures - dentures made in advance and placed when the remaining teeth are removed. Therefore you will have no time spent without teeth. A few months after an immediate denture is delivered, a permanent denture will need to be made since the tissues have changed and the swelling has subsided. 2) Conventional dentures - made after the teeth have been extracted and all tissue has healed, allows for a better fit of the denture and less relines that are commonly needed with immediate dentures. 

Orthodontics/Invisalign

Want straighter teeth?


Is it hard for you to floss and clean your teeth because they are so overlapped? Does your bite feel off? Straight and aligned teeth allow for better hygiene and maintenance than a mouth full of crooked and crowded teeth. Not to mention the impact it has on one's self esteem. At Dental Rivera, we know your smile is part of your identity. Our orthodontist can enhance your smile and make you a better version of you. We offer different forms of orthodontics (braces) to help you accomplish this mutual goal and can see patients from age 7-70. From traditional braces, to ceramic brackets and Invisalign/ clear aligners, we have you covered. Our board certified specialist is well versed in creating a treatment plan to help you achieve your orthodontic goals in a realistic time frame. Please schedule your free orthodontic consultation with our specialist and let us know how we can make your smile better today!

Implants

Are you missing a tooth and wondering how to replace it?


Implants are the best treatment plan and have a very high success rate. Dental implants allow us to replace teeth that were lost in the most natural and functional method possible. Without having to prepare surrounding teeth for bridges or partial dentures - implants can stand alone and function similar to your natural teeth. Please ask your Dental Rivera dentist if you are a candidate for  dental implants. Our implant specialists (oral surgeons and periodontists) perform this procedure for many patients with great results and enable them to restore toothless areas with the most natural feeling replacements available. The implant procedure is very straightforward where the prosthesis is set in the bone and restored with a crown, bridge, or an over denture in order to replace single or multiple spans of teeth.


At Dental Rivera, we are committed to using the best dental technology in Pico Rivera to ensure you receive exceptional care.

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