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Laser Beams Will Fix Your Smile | Dentist in Riverside

It’s something you’d probably think about in a sci-fi movie, but dental lasers are actual treatment options for your Riverside periodontist. While we may not have thought about anything but a drill when we think about the dentist, lasers have been used in dentistry since the early 1990’s for a variety of treatments.

But what can lasers be used for when it comes to our smile? Well, laser dentistry can relieve and cure several conditions because it focuses energy into an intense beam of light energy. When accurately aimed, this burst of energy can assist the dentist in a variety of ways. Here’s where the science fiction heads will find some interest – the Periolase can be used to remove diseased or infected tissue around teeth quickly and safely. Similar to removing tissue, in some cases the Solea laser can be used to reshape gum and bone tissue, and the heat from lasers are occasionally used to seal tissue to help promote healing. So, is laser dentistry right for you?

While using lasers is not suitable for all dental procedures, the dental laser has a number of advantages for both patient and dentist. The laser is painless, so there is no need for anesthesia. It’s quieter than the drill, allowing the patient to enjoy a more relaxed experience. And the bacteria-killing nature of the laser and its more precise use can lead to better results and shorter healing times.

When used by a trained periodontist, the dental laser is a fantastic technical advancement that both patients and dentist can appreciate. Therefore, make sure to call Dr. Gerald Middleton to discuss which treatment options are right for you.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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Dr. Middleton Releases Statement in Response to COVID-19

In response to the growing danger of the coronavirus and mandatory state-wide shutdown of non-essential businesses, Dr. Middleton released the following statement:

I hope all of you are able to stay safe and healthy. As most of you know, we have had to make the difficult decision to close our office to keep us, our team, and the community safe from this very nasty virus. As of now, we are officially closed until April 13th but that date most likely will change.

Unfortunately, there is no way to no when it will be safe for us to go back to our regular routines. This may have many of you wondering what that means for you and your ever-important oral health.

If you are having discomfort, pain or swelling, please call me personally on my cell phone. The number can be found on our website or within the answering message when you call our office. I am here to treat emergency needs only and I am happy to advise you as to how we can manage any discomforts that you may have.

Due to the limited availability of dental care, it is more important than ever to practice good oral hygiene habits at home with brushing, flossing, and all the other things that Megan, Lori, and Rachel have been preaching for years.

These are extremely difficult times. We are all in this together. I have been in constant contact with my team of wonderful talented professionals. I know that this is hard for my team and myself to be at home knowing that so many of you are in need. We want you to know that we are ready to get back to work as soon as it is safe to do so.

At that time we plan to increase our hours of work if necessary to meet the ever-increasing need of you our dental family. I want you to know that on behalf of myself and my team, we are thinking about you and hope all of you remain safe and healthy. And please call text or email me with any questions, concerns or problems. I would love to hear from you.

-Dr. Middleton

The video in its entirety can be viewed on the Gerald Middleton DDS Facebook page here.

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Eat Right Bite by Bite | Riverside Dentist

We are proud to join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics during March in celebrating National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is “Eat Right Bite by Bite” and encourages consumers to remember to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy on their plates every day. Not only will your body thrive off of the goodness, but so will your smile. Here are a few ways to “Eat Right Bite by Bite” from the food and nutrition experts:

Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange varieties. Add fresh, dried, frozen or canned fruits to meals and snacks.

Make at least half your grains whole. Choose 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice.

Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk. Fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories. For those who are lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk or a calcium-fortified soy beverage.

Vary your protein choices. Eat a variety of foods from the protein food group each week, keeping meat and poultry portions small and lean. Choose seafood as the protein at least twice a week.

Cut back on sodium and empty calories. Choose low sodium foods and season those foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Switch from solid fats to healthy oils. Replace sugary drinks with water and choose fruit for dessert.

Enjoy your foods but eat less. Use a smaller plate, bowl and glass. Cook more often at home for more control and choose lower calorie foods when eating out.

Be physically active. Adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity every week. Choose activities that you enjoy.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.