Preventive & Comprehensive Oklahoma City - OKC

Although we perform a large number of cosmetic and restorative procedures, our practice emphasizes the importance of preventative measures. By helping you maintain proper dental hygiene and by treating problems in their earliest stages, we can reduce the number of cosmetic and restorative procedures you will require in the future.

Gum Disease Prevention & Treatment
Gum disease is a serious problem that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and even pose major threats to your overall health. It is caused when a large amount of toxic bacteria (found in plaque) begins to attack your mouth's soft tissues. In its early stages, the problem is called gingivitis and is often characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gums. At this stage of the disease, we can often help you reverse the damage and save your teeth. Once the disease has progressed too far, we may be able to suggest cosmetic and restorative procedures to restore balance and beauty to your smile.

Periodontal therapy
Periodontal disease (also called gum disease or gingivitis) refers to an infection of the supportive tissues of the mouth due to toxic bacteria found in plaque. Many individuals suffer from some degree of gum disease, and if left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, break down of the soft tissue in the mouth, and other significant health problems. Dr. Rykard focuses on preventive dentistry and assesses your periodontal health. If needed, he will direct the appropriate therapy to restore your oral health.

Scaling and Root Planing
Your regular tooth brushing and flossing removes the plaque that is above the gum line of your tooth. Scaling and root planing is a hygiene therapy provided by licensed dental hygienists for patients who have tartar, calculus, and bacteria buried below the gum line around teeth. This is a non-surgical therapy for the treatment of gum disease. The average pocket depth is less than 3mm. The technique is most often used when the gum pockets on your tooth have a measurement that is greater than 3mm. When tartar and calculus attach to your tooth below the gum line, they pull the gum tissue away from the tooth creating a deep pocket. The tartar and calculus must be removed so that the gum can heal and pocket depth can be reduced. If not treated, the tartar and bacteria cause gum disease and deteriorate your bone, tissue and result in the loss of teeth.

Prophy (Dental Hygiene Cleaning)
This is dental terminology for your dental hygiene cleaning. During this time, the plaque and tartar on your teeth above the gum line will be removed and an oral examination will be performed on your teeth, gums, and soft tissue. Polishing the surfaces of your teeth smooth's out areas where plaque can collect and removes stains, making it hard for plaque to build up in the future.

Oral Cancer Screening
As a comprehensive dental practice, Dr. Rykard offers routine oral cancer screening to you as a patient. As a dentist, he is the only "medical professional" in a position to routinely evaluate and detect abnormalities early. Dr. Rykard is dedicated to providing this potentially life-saving procedure for you.

Sealants
Dental sealants are plastic coatings or barriers that protect the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. Usually, sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often. Applying a sealant to your teeth may prevent cavities and the need for fillings, which must be replaced every six-to-eight years. Children especially benefit from sealants.

Endodontic Therapy Root Canals
For your convenience, Dr. Rykard performs most endodontic therapy (root canals) in his office. Root canals are used to save teeth that have become badly infected or broken down. During the procedure, Dr. Rykard will drill a hole into your tooth, reshape or remove your tooth's diseased pulp, and seal the tooth with a crown. Most patients find the procedure to be relatively painless, with only mild post-operative discomfort.

Tooth Extraction
When a problem with a tooth cannot be corrected through a dental procedure, it may be necessary to remove the tooth. For example, a tooth's roots may be so damaged that the tooth cannot be saved, or wisdom teeth may be impacted in the jaw, requiring removal. When performing an extraction, Dr. Rykard will use a local anesthetic to minimize your discomfort during the procedure. He may suggest that an implant, bridge, or denture be used to close the gap caused by the missing tooth. For more information about tooth extraction, contact our practice.

Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to protect tooth enamel from decay. Though children may receive some fluoride by drinking tap water, their vulnerable teeth require even larger amounts. In order to protect your child's teeth from decay, our practice offers fluoride treatments. Immediately following a cleaning, we will use a tray to administer fluoride directly to your child's teeth. Please contact our office for more information about this quick, painless, and very effective procedure.

Nightguard
Do you grind your teeth at night when you sleep? Do you wake up with broken and chipped teeth, but don't remember doing it? Do you often wake up with headaches and/or sore jaws? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need a nightguard to protect your teeth, muscles, and joints at night. A night guard appliance is a device custom fitted to the shape & placement of your teeth. Based on your needs, the device may be soft or firm and will fit directly over your lower or upper teeth. Wearing this while you sleep will help to alleviate grinding, resulting in more relaxed muscles, the prevention of wear on your teeth, and a better night's sleep.