Richard Riggs, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care at his clinic in Richardson, TX. He is a registered provider with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B, and is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com. General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. He serves all ages.
Dr. Riggs is currently welcoming new patients. He earned his degree from the University of Texas, Dental Branch, and brings a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine to his practice. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Richard Riggs, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Richardson, TX. He is accepting new patients and can be reached at (972) 437-9177 to schedule an appointment. Consultations are primarily offered in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Riggs is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Riggs provides comprehensive general dentistry care, emphasizing preventative measures and proactive disease management. He collaborates closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans, addressing their specific oral health needs while integrating oral health with overall systemic well-being. His approach prioritizes clear communication and evidence-based strategies to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
By working together, you and Dr. Riggs can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Riggs offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: Burning mouth syndrome is characterized by a chronic burning pain in the mouth, and your dentist plays a key role in ruling out other oral health issues and providing relief.
- Grinding of Teeth: Grinding your teeth can wear them down and cause damage. Your dentist can identify the cause and recommend treatments like a nightguard to prevent further problems.
- Lockjaw: Though dentists don't treat lockjaw, a routine dental examination may reveal an oral wound that could make you more vulnerable to this bacterial infection, prompting needed medical care.
- Malocclusion (Bad Bite): A bad bite, known as malocclusion, can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and even your jaw joint; your dentist can diagnose and create a treatment plan.
- Tooth Demineralization: When your teeth lose minerals, a process called demineralization, they become vulnerable to decay; regular checkups with your general dentist help detect and reverse early stages of demineralization.
- Anodontia: If you have anodontia, it means you were born without teeth, and a dentist can help find solutions.
- Pericoronitis: Pericoronitis is an infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth, typically a wisdom tooth, and your dentist can help treat the infection and manage pain.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Riggs offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Removable Appliances: Removable appliances can improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably, while also improving your overall oral health.
- Broken Dental Appliance: If your dentures, crown, bridge, or other dental appliance is broken, a dentist can fix it or create a new one to maintain your oral health.
- Endodontic Treatment: When a tooth's nerve is damaged or infected, endodontic treatment is a way to eliminate the infection, saving the tooth from needing to be pulled.
- Denture Repair: Denture repair fixes broken or damaged dentures, restoring their proper fit and function.
- Same-Day Dental Crowns: If you need a crown to repair a damaged tooth, same-day crowns provide a faster, more convenient way to restore your smile's function and appearance.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Expect a thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth and gums to remove bacteria and reduce inflammation during non-surgical gum treatment.
- Porcelain Bridge: If you have a missing tooth or teeth, a porcelain bridge can fill the gap, preventing other teeth from shifting and improving your oral health.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Riggs is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from a dentist, a patient experienced significant reduction in the burning pain associated with Burning Mouth Syndrome, improving their overall quality of life. The patient felt empowered by understanding their condition and the steps taken to manage it effectively.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient experienced significant relief from the discomfort and damage caused by teeth grinding, finding lasting peace in their bite.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
670 W Arapaho Rd Ste 5, Richardson, TX, 75080
Phone: (972) 437-9177
View on Map
- University of Texas / Dental Branch (Medical School)
- University of Texas / Austin Campus (Undergraduate School) - 1973
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Riggs:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care isn't just about teeth; it's essential for maintaining your overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Riggs can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge that looks and feels like a natural tooth, and they can help preserve the jawbone.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity can be caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root or worn-down enamel. Dr. Riggs can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of a damaged tooth. A crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, used when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, to provide strength and protection.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Riggs, can perform many root canals. For more complex cases, a referral to an endodontist may be necessary to ensure the best possible outcome. Many root canals can be performed right here in the office by Dr. Riggs.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Riggs will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum tissue change, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. Dr. Riggs can reline existing dentures to reshape them for a better fit, or create new ones if the current ones are significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
670 W Arapaho Rd Ste 5
Richardson TX 75080
Phone: (972) 437-9177
Richard Riggs, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1194720664
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Richard Riggs are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.