Are silver fillings, fluoride or x-rays a danger to my health? What are the alternatives?
Let me say first of all that the best dentistry is NO dentistry!! Perfection is a tooth without decay or disease. The best we know how to restore them is, at best, a distant second compared to God’s handiwork. So, we focus on prevention with regular maintenance appointments, dietary and supplement coaching and particular attention to homecare regimens that are proven in the literature.

When we must restore teeth, we use the longest-lasting, most biocompatible restorative materials currently known to the profession. “Amalgam,” by definition, is a mixture of a metal with mercury. Silver amalgam is a common restorative material in dental practices in the U.S. We don’t feel that mercury is a good idea in anyone’s mouth. The literature gave me enough concern about mercury in fillings that I chose to discontinue its use on June 1, 1980. We simply don’t offer it in this practice, because we don’t see it as a health service. In addition, silver amalgam has very low crushing strength, so that after a few years it begins to expand in the center of the tooth, and ultimately causes cracks in the surrounding tooth structure, resulting in broken, cracked and sensitive teeth.

Fluoride is judiciously used topically with people that seem to be caries-prone. Sometimes people can become more caries-prone when taking certain medications that dry the mouth. Dietary habits with hidden sugars can also cause decay. We do not advocate the systemic use of fluoride, simply because it is a VERY active ion and attaches to many chemical reactions in the body that may not necessarily be beneficial to your systemic health.

X-rays are a necessary modality to see disease processes within the teeth, in bone and beneath the surface of the gums. We are acutely aware of people’s concerns about radiation. For that reason, we made a considerable capital investment two years ago to convert to all-digital x-ray equipment, thereby reducing radiation exposure up to 85%-90%. The use of digital also has a positive environmental impact, as we no longer require the use of darkroom chemicals to process film.

My gums bleed after I brush. If my gums bleed when I brush, is that considered normal?
Would you think it was normal for your hands to bleed when you washed them? Of course not!! If the gums are bleeding, they need some personal and professional help to grow new skin back on them. That way, the skin keeps the blood in and the bacteria out!! Our dental hygiene department’s goal in life is to have their patients in the maximum health and comfort that is personally attainable. The key is to teach their patients how to maintain that level with a personalized program of homecare and regular professional maintenance. Is this something to be concerned about?

I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
Sometimes the use of mild tranquilizers taken by mouth will help immensely. In cases of the need for extensive work coupled with time limitations and anxiety a factor, we have a licensed anesthesiologist that can perform a variety of services to make the delivery of the needed dentistry much more manageable and pleasant. Call to inquire.

I want my front teeth to look better but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?
It all depends. For teeth that are structurally sound without many old fillings, Invisalign is an excellent alternative to metal braces if significant crowding is the issue. If the teeth are extensively filled, then all porcelain veneers or crowns are a means for an instant “makeover.” A consultation would be in order to examine alternatives that suit your unique circumstances.

What is Invisalign? Invisalign is an esthetic orthodontic technique that corrects malocclusion using a series of custom-made, computer-generated, nearly invisible, comfortable and removable Aligners. It is particularly suitable for adults who need or want orthodontics, but do not want to wear the traditional metal “braces.” We find it particularly suitable for minor corrections before doing an esthetic case, as it can enhance the results significantly. The aligners must be worn 22 hours a day, and some cases may not be suitable for their use, due to the length of time required versus conventional treatment. Best way to see if you are a candidate is to be examined first by a dentist who is a certified Invisalign provider. Dr. Risbrudt is certified in both basic and advanced Invisalign techniques.

How does Dr. Risbrudt keep up to date with all the current techniques and materials?
The state of California requires 50 hours of continuing education per two-year licensure renewal period for dentists. Dr. Risbrudt belongs to four professional study clubs, at least 6 or more professional organizations and the visiting faculty of the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, averaging 135 hours per year in continuing education, both in lecture and hands-on formats. He has invested over $1.5 million in continuing education over his 40 year career.

Do you accept referrals?
We are almost exclusively a referral practice, built upon the kind referrals of our existing clients. If you have read this far into this website, you are merely a stranger who is not a friend yet!

Crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays and partials. Where can I learn more about these procedures?
See our links to the ADA, AACD, AGD, etc. on our links page for more detailed information on specific procedures.