We proudly serve Riverdale,
Blue Island, and Dolton, IL!
At Ivanhoe Dental, our experienced staff provides a comfortable, convenient location where you can access dental services for the entire family. We take pride in the personalized touch offered to every patient that walks through the door.
What makes our Riverdale, IL dental office unique? Our dentists are not only trained in the latest dental treatments, but we use state-of-the-art technology to offer quality services for every patient. Our dentists are Dr. Patterson, Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Salem, Dr. Shah, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Herard-Exorphe. Together, they provide a full range of services that cover all of your dental needs. Call today if you are looking for quality dental treatments from a team you can trust.
Streamline the process for your first appointment with us!
You can now download our patient forms below to print
and fill them out at home, then bring your completed
forms with you to your first appointment.
We accept most major dental insurance plans, and our helpful staff can assist with filing your claim to maximize available insurance coverage. Most insurance plans cover preventive services, such as exams, cleanings, and early intervention treatments. It is also common for insurance providers to pay a portion of major dental treatments that might be required to protect dental health.
If you don’t have dental insurance coverage, you can choose from cash, check, or credit card payment options. Talk to us about possible discounts for payment in full at the time of service.
Financing is available through the CareCredit program: a national patient payment service. In most cases, 100% of the dental services can be financed with no upfront costs, money down, interest charges, or pre-payment fees. Talk to our staff for information about applying for the financing options available through CareCredit.
How often should I visit the dentist?
You should visit the dentist at least twice a year. A dental exam can reveal early signs of decay and disease that you may not see or feel. Catching these conditions early can help control them before them get worse and harder to treat. Additionally, getting a cleaning by a trained professional will remove plaque in areas you may have missed or cannot reach.
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
You should brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. You should floss once a day as well.
What is the proper way to brush my teeth?
Always use a soft tooth brush. Medium, hard or firm toothbrushes cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Always brush in big, gentle circles. Scrubbing sideways or up and down will cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Always brush and floss gently. Applying too much muscle pressure will cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Slow down!! Everyone in America is in a big hurry. Slow down and be thorough. Make sure you spend time on each side of each tooth. Slow down when you floss also. Snapping the floss between the teeth quickly does absolutely nothing for you. Slow down and rub the whole side of each tooth above and below the gums, gently.
What is the proper way to floss?
The following guidelines are important to flossing correctly.
1. Take 18″ of floss and wind it around the middle finger of each hand .You can use these fingers to take up floss as it becomes dirty. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the floss leaving 1-2 inches in between for cleaning.
2. Gently move the floss up and down the spaces of your teeth. Never snap the floss down onto your gums, as it can cause damage.
3. As you move the floss down into the space between two teeth, slide it up and down against the surface of one tooth. Gently clean at the gumline as well.
4. Repeat this process for all of your teeth.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a sticky, clear film which forms every day on teeth from food debris and bacteria. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular dental check ups, along with brushing and flossing every day, can help prevent plaque buildup on teeth. In addition, avoiding sugary snacks and eating a balanced diet can help control plaque.
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. Typically, periodontal disease occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens, often due to poor brushing habits. The gums can become swollen and red in the early stage of the disease, called gingivitis. As the disease advances, periodontal disease can lead to sore and bleeding gums, pain while chewing, as well as tooth loss.
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
The following are signs of periodontal (gum) disease, and you should contact your dentist if you experience any of these:
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing, flossing, and visiting you dentist regularly. Also make sure to eat a healthy diet to get the required vitamins and minerals necessary for your teeth.
Why do our teeth turn yellow?
While our teeth start out pearly white, they can discolor through the years as our enamel wears down. The wearing down of enamel allows dentin, a yellow color substance that makes the core of our teeth, to show through. This is what gives our teeth a yellowish tint.
What are the different types of teeth whitening options?
Below are the three most popular teeth whitening options available today.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening works by producing a significant color change in your teeth in short amount of time, usually within an hour. The procedure is done at the dentist’s office applying a high-concentration peroxide gel on the teeth after they have been protected with a special shield.
Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits
These whitening kits are purchased from your doctor for use at home. The strength of the gel used in these kits is lower than that used for in-office bleaching, and thus the gel can be applied for longer periods of time. Usually the trays are worn a couple hours a day or overnight for a few days or weeks depending on the product.
Over the Counter Whitening
Over the counter teeth whitening kits are store-bought and use a lower concentration gel than both in-office bleaching and take-home kits purchased from your doctor. While they are less expensive, they typically are less effective than methods that can be performed by your dentist because of the low concentration gel. Additionally, over the counter trays are not custom fit for your teeth, which can result in irritation to your gums while wearing the trays.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening usually lasts from one to three years before darkening of the teeth is noticed. Additionally, once your teeth have been initially whitened, typically only “touch ups” are required to maintain the whiteness.
What can I do about bad breath?
Bad breath is caused by a variety of factors, including the types of food you ingest, periodontal disease, dry mouth, and other causes. Going to your dentist will help you determine the cause of your bad breath, so that you can take steps to eliminate it.
Regardless of the cause of your bad breath, good oral hygiene and regular checkups to the dentist will help reduce it. Brushing and flossing will eliminate particles of food stuck between your teeth which emit odors. It will also help prevent or treat periodontal (gum) disease, caused by plaque buildup on your teeth, which can lead to bad breath. Dentures should be properly cleaned and soaked overnight in antibacterial solution (unless otherwise advised by your dentist). Finally, make sure to brush your tongue regularly to eliminate any residue.
