.jpeg)
Routine cleanings and exams aren’t just about your teeth. They’re your first line of defense against a long list of problems that are far easier to prevent than to treat:
Dr. Kriston has seen patients go from a small cavity to a root canal situation in just six months. Regular dental care is the simplest, most cost-effective investment you can make in your long-term health.
.jpeg)
A prophylaxis is a preventive procedure performed when the gums are healthy or when gingivitis (the first, reversible stage of gum disease) is present in localized areas. The goal is to remove the plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the tooth surfaces before they can cause irreversible damage.
Plaque is the soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. If it isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it mineralizes into tartar (also called calculus) — a hard deposit that bonds to the tooth and can only be removed by a dental professional. Our hygienists use a Cavitron ultrasonic scaler when needed to gently break up heavier tartar deposits, followed by hand instruments for precise cleaning and a thorough polish.
Gingivitis is reversible. When the bacteria and tartar causing the inflammation are removed, the gums heal. The redness subsides, the swelling goes down, and the tissue tightens back around the teeth. That’s the power of a prophylaxis — it stops the disease process before permanent damage occurs.
When gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis — when the connective tissue fibers that hold the teeth have begun to detach from the roots, when tartar has accumulated below the gum line on the root surfaces, and when bone loss has started — a standard prophylaxis isn’t enough. This is when scaling and root planing (SRP) is needed.
SRP goes deeper than a prophylaxis, removing bacterial deposits from the root surfaces within the periodontal pockets. It’s a treatment, not a preventive procedure, and it’s the foundation of non-surgical periodontal therapy.
If Dr. Kriston recommends SRP, it’s because the disease has moved beyond what a regular cleaning can address. It’s not an upsell — it’s a clinical necessity based on what the examination reveals.
.jpeg)
The honest answer: it depends on you. Six months is the minimum Dr. Kriston recommends for any patient, but the right interval is determined by your individual risk factors — not an arbitrary calendar.
Factors that influence your recommended interval:
Gum health. Patients with healthy gums and no history of periodontal disease are typically seen every six months. Patients with active or past periodontal disease, bone loss, and exposed root surfaces — who face a much more difficult daily hygiene challenge — are seen every three to four months for periodontal maintenance.
Home care effectiveness. How effectively are you removing plaque before it turns into tartar? Some patients are meticulous; others struggle with areas that are hard to reach. Dr. Kriston evaluates your home care results at every visit.
Diet. Diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates accelerate plaque formation and increase cavity risk.
Medications and medical conditions. Some medications decrease saliva flow (increasing cavity and gum disease risk) or increase grinding. Medical conditions like acid reflux introduce acid into the mouth that erodes enamel. Conditions that affect dexterity can make effective brushing and flossing difficult.
Stress. Stress contributes to dental problems in multiple ways: increased plaque buildup, increased tooth grinding, greater stress on existing restorations, and an increased risk of tooth fractures. Patients going through high-stress periods may benefit from more frequent visits.
Genetic predisposition. If parents or grandparents lost teeth to gum disease at an early age, there’s a higher likelihood of susceptibility to periodontal disease.
Sometimes a new patient who hasn’t been to a dentist in a while has gingivitis throughout the mouth but no bone loss yet. In these cases, Dr. Kriston may recommend a cleaning at three to four months to get the gums healthy before transitioning to a six-month interval.
A comprehensive exam is the most thorough evaluation we do. It establishes a complete baseline of your oral health and is performed at your first visit or whenever a complete reassessment is warranted:
Depending on the patient’s interest, a cosmetic smile consultation can be included in the same visit — or scheduled separately.
At each periodic exam, Dr. Kriston checks for changes since your last visit:
Bitewing X-rays are typically taken once a year, and a full mouth X-ray series every five years, unless a specific condition requires more frequent imaging.
The intraoral camera is used at every checkup. Dr. Kriston regularly shows patients the level of tartar buildup behind the lower front teeth — an area notorious for rapid accumulation — so they can see for themselves why the cleaning matters.
Routine cleanings and exams at our office benefit from the same advanced technology we use for our most complex cases:
AI-assisted cavity detection. Our digital X-ray software uses artificial intelligence to flag potential areas of decay, providing a second layer of analysis beyond Dr. Kriston’s visual examination. This catches cavities earlier — when they’re smaller, easier to treat, and less expensive to fix.
Intraoral cameras. Every treatment room has a Carestream CS 1500 intraoral camera. These magnified images let you see exactly what Dr. Kriston sees — cracks, buildup, early decay, changes in your gum tissue. All images are stored in your digital chart for year-over-year comparison.
Dexis digital X-rays. Up to 80% less radiation than traditional film, with instant display and the ability to enhance, magnify, and compare images over time.
Cavitron ultrasonic scaler. For efficient, comfortable removal of heavier tartar deposits during cleanings.
Some patients come to us specifically for cosmetic dentistry — a smile makeover, veneers, a full mouth reconstruction, or implant-supported dentures — and then return to their general dentist for ongoing maintenance care. That’s perfectly fine. You’re welcome to receive your maintenance care with us, but we’re equally happy if you choose to return to your general dentist for your routine visits. What matters is that you’re getting consistent, quality care.
If you haven’t been to a dentist in years — whether it’s been two years or twenty — we want you to know something important:
We will never, ever judge you for the condition of your teeth.
Everyone goes through periods in life where circumstances are out of their control. Financial pressures, health challenges, family obligations, dental anxiety, career demands — life happens, and sometimes dental care falls to the bottom of the list. We understand that, and we want you to know you will not be lectured on what you should have done.
Instead, we focus entirely on the positives and the future: what we can do for you now, how we can help, and all the benefits you’ll experience now that you’re here.
For patients who are self-conscious about discussing their dental situation, all of our treatment rooms are private with doors that fully close. We also have a private conference room for any conversation you’d prefer to have away from the clinical setting. Not all dental offices are designed this way — the open-bay treatment layout with no doors has been popular in dental office design for a long time, as well as in large chain clinics. At our office, every conversation is private.
If dental anxiety is what’s been keeping you away, oral conscious sedation is available to make your first visit back completely comfortable.
We don’t hand you a generic pamphlet about brushing and flossing. Dr. Kriston and his hygiene team create a tailored home care plan for your specific mouth — identifying problem areas, recommending specific tools and techniques for each area, and adjusting the plan at every visit based on what we see. We recommend the latest technology for home care, including ultrasonic toothbrushes and oral irrigation.
Sonicare Replacement Heads at Every Visit
We provide a Sonicare replacement brush head at every cleaning and periodontal maintenance visit. It’s a small detail, but it reflects our commitment to keeping you equipped with the best tools for daily home care. If you aren’t using a Sonicare yet, we’ll get you started.
Implant Maintenance Expertise
If you have dental implants, our team uses specialized instruments designed specifically for implant surfaces — instruments that clean effectively without scratching the implant components. Dr. Kriston has training in the maintenance and care of dental implants, including managing the occlusal forces on implant restorations, recognizing the early signs of implant complications, understanding the risk factors for implant failure (including medication changes), and knowing how to intervene before a problem becomes serious.
With specialized training in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kriston can handle cosmetic emergencies that arise between visits — a chipped front tooth, a broken veneer, a lost crown in the smile zone — with the same level of aesthetic precision that defines his cosmetic work.
Private Treatment Rooms
Every treatment room in our office has a door that closes completely. Every conversation between you and Dr. Kriston is private. This is by design — not every dental office offers this, and for patients who value discretion, it makes a meaningful difference.
.jpeg)
We see patients 13 years and older. For children younger than 13, we recommend care with a pediatric dentist.
This isn’t a limitation — it’s a philosophy. Children’s dental care involves specialized knowledge in dental development, prevention, interceptive orthodontics (including arch development and space maintenance), and an environment designed to feel special for kids. Pediatric dentists receive additional years of training specifically for this purpose. Just as pediatric doctors oversee the health and well-being of children with specialized training, pediatric dentists can offer so much with their focused expertise.
We’re happy to recommend pediatric dentists in the Danville area for your younger family members.
.svg)
By far the best dentist I’ve had! Extremely thoughtful in his work, taking time to explain the reasoning behind decisions and will even show you the details of what is going on with your teeth through a micro camera. I had a few significant issues with my teeth, and Michael was the first of four dentists I had seen to provide a thoughtful long term solution in the least invasive way possible. He is truly concerned with the health and function of your teeth and gums, and is extremely skilled to implement great solutions. Would highly recommend.
I had my first visit with Dr. Kriston and had the best experience in a dental office, by far. I was looking for a dentist to revamp my smile and a friend recommended Dr. Kriston. Dr. Kriston spent a lot of time listening to my vision and together we came up with a plan for my smile that I'm very happy with. Everyone in the office was friendly, helpful and welcoming. My bar was set high and Dr. Kriston went well above it with his knowledge, recommendations and real understanding of my situation.
The office is beautiful, modern and spotless. They have relaxing music playing throughout that right away made me feel calm. The front receptionist is very attentive and supportive; she answered all my questions and clearly explained the cost and my insurance. I qualified for an interest free payment plan and was able to afford my dream smile.
I just had to write this review because I'm so happy I found Dr. Kriston. I've been self conscious about my teeth for years and I just couldn't find a dentist I felt this good about. I highly recommend Dr. Kriston.
Clean, professional, and easy to use. Velora gave my agency the polished online presence it needed."
Clean, professional, and easy to use. Velora gave my agency the polished online presence it needed."
Clean, professional, and easy to use. Velora gave my agency the polished online presence it needed."
Clean, professional, and easy to use. Velora gave my agency the polished online presence it needed."
By far the best dentist I’ve had! Extremely thoughtful in his work, taking time to explain the reasoning behind decisions and will even show you the details of what is going on with your teeth through a micro camera. I had a few significant issues with my teeth, and Michael was the first of four dentists I had seen to provide a thoughtful long term solution in the least invasive way possible. He is truly concerned with the health and function of your teeth and gums, and is extremely skilled to implement great solutions. Would highly recommend.
I had my first visit with Dr. Kriston and had the best experience in a dental office, by far. I was looking for a dentist to revamp my smile and a friend recommended Dr. Kriston. Dr. Kriston spent a lot of time listening to my vision and together we came up with a plan for my smile that I'm very happy with. Everyone in the office was friendly, helpful and welcoming. My bar was set high and Dr. Kriston went well above it with his knowledge, recommendations and real understanding of my situation.
The office is beautiful, modern and spotless. They have relaxing music playing throughout that right away made me feel calm. The front receptionist is very attentive and supportive; she answered all my questions and clearly explained the cost and my insurance. I qualified for an interest free payment plan and was able to afford my dream smile.
I just had to write this review because I'm so happy I found Dr. Kriston. I've been self conscious about my teeth for years and I just couldn't find a dentist I felt this good about. I highly recommend Dr. Kriston.
By far the best dentist I’ve had! Extremely thoughtful in his work, taking time to explain the reasoning behind decisions and will even show you the details of what is going on with your teeth through a micro camera. I had a few significant issues with my teeth, and Michael was the first of four dentists I had seen to provide a thoughtful long term solution in the least invasive way possible. He is truly concerned with the health and function of your teeth and gums, and is extremely skilled to implement great solutions. Would highly recommend.
I had my first visit with Dr. Kriston and had the best experience in a dental office, by far. I was looking for a dentist to revamp my smile and a friend recommended Dr. Kriston. Dr. Kriston spent a lot of time listening to my vision and together we came up with a plan for my smile that I'm very happy with. Everyone in the office was friendly, helpful and welcoming. My bar was set high and Dr. Kriston went well above it with his knowledge, recommendations and real understanding of my situation.
The office is beautiful, modern and spotless. They have relaxing music playing throughout that right away made me feel calm. The front receptionist is very attentive and supportive; she answered all my questions and clearly explained the cost and my insurance. I qualified for an interest free payment plan and was able to afford my dream smile.
I just had to write this review because I'm so happy I found Dr. Kriston. I've been self conscious about my teeth for years and I just couldn't find a dentist I felt this good about. I highly recommend Dr. Kriston.
By far the best dentist I’ve had! Extremely thoughtful in his work, taking time to explain the reasoning behind decisions and will even show you the details of what is going on with your teeth through a micro camera. I had a few significant issues with my teeth, and Michael was the first of four dentists I had seen to provide a thoughtful long term solution in the least invasive way possible. He is truly concerned with the health and function of your teeth and gums, and is extremely skilled to implement great solutions. Would highly recommend.
I had my first visit with Dr. Kriston and had the best experience in a dental office, by far. I was looking for a dentist to revamp my smile and a friend recommended Dr. Kriston. Dr. Kriston spent a lot of time listening to my vision and together we came up with a plan for my smile that I'm very happy with. Everyone in the office was friendly, helpful and welcoming. My bar was set high and Dr. Kriston went well above it with his knowledge, recommendations and real understanding of my situation.
The office is beautiful, modern and spotless. They have relaxing music playing throughout that right away made me feel calm. The front receptionist is very attentive and supportive; she answered all my questions and clearly explained the cost and my insurance. I qualified for an interest free payment plan and was able to afford my dream smile.
I just had to write this review because I'm so happy I found Dr. Kriston. I've been self conscious about my teeth for years and I just couldn't find a dentist I felt this good about. I highly recommend Dr. Kriston.
.jpeg)
