Preventive & General Dentistry in Mankato

By providing comprehensive exams, Dr. Pooley is able to identify and diagnose the best treatment for you. Our skilled team works together to ensure your regular six-month visit is worthwhile and efficient.

During a typical exam, your Mankato dentist will discuss your medical history and any concerns you may have. Next, he will examine your mouth and may prescribe digital x-rays. Once completed, Dr. Pooley will discuss his findings and may recommend a cleaning with our dental hygienists.

If further treatment is required, we create a custom-made treatment plan and discuss your financial options.

Gum disease (Periodontal Disease) is responsible for about 70 percent of adult tooth loss. Swollen, inflamed gums surrounding the teeth characterize this disease. Plaque from food, saliva, and bacteria gathers and can cause these complications.

Gum disease is diagnosed through a process that measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth. Pockets greater than 3 millimeters in depth are considered unhealthy and will generally require treatment. Dr. Pooley or our dental hygienists carefully remove any plaque or bacteria and clean your teeth and gums. Regular six-month visits allow us to prevent gum disease by keeping your teeth free of harmful bacteria and your gums clean.

If gum disease is left untreated it can lead to overall health risks such as heart disease, respiratory infections, and more.

At River Valley Dental, we are committed to caring for your child’s smile. Our experienced team is able to offer first-class advice to help you instill good hygiene habits. Because tooth decay can happen as soon as teeth are present, we recommend scheduling your child’s first appointment before their first birthday. Although this may seem early, the dentist can explain how the child’s teeth should be cleaned at home, how diet and eating habits affect teeth, and examine for tooth decay.

Dr. Pooley also offers a practical treatment using sealants. A sealant is a clear or white plastic material that is applied to the pits and fissures (depressions and grooves) of the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth (premolars and molars), where decay occurs most often. These areas are difficult to keep clean as toothbrush bristles do not reach into them. The sealant forms a thin covering that keeps plaque and food out and decreases the risk of tooth decay. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface should be protected from decay.

When a tooth is severely decayed or fractured, extracting it could be the best option to prevent infection. Before the procedure, anesthetic will be used to numb the area and nitrous oxide may be offered to help ease any anxiety. You will feel pressure, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.

You will be given post-operative instructions before you leave, explaining how to control bleeding, relieve pain, minimize swelling, and prevent dry socket… This text opens the Colgate Dry Socket page in a new tab ….

It is often recommended to replace an extracted tooth to preserve the jawbone and stabilize your bite. There are a variety of options for tooth replacement. Some of these options include placing a bridge or dental implant or using a removable prosthesis, such as a partial denture.