Ricki Finstad, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Houston, TX. He is a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, registered with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). 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 and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (713) 468-7676 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Finstad has been in private practice since 1977, bringing over 45 years of dedicated experience to his patients. He earned his degree from University Of Texas Health San Antonio School Of Dentistry in 1977, graduating in the top 3% of his class. He began Ricki L. Finstad D.D.S., Inc. as a family practice, and it remains as such today. Many patients have been a part of his practice for over 30 years, and are like family. His calming demeanor, relaxed office atmosphere, and conscientious approach have put numerous nervous patients at ease. He is known for performing his own patient cleanings, ensuring patients always see him when they visit. Dr. Finstad offers consultations in Spanish and is dedicated to performing quality dentistry with a staff that is efficient, helpful, and caring. His philosophy is simple: be open and clear with patients about their diagnosis and treatment, and provide the type of treatment he would approve of on himself, his family, and his staff. He has been serving Spring Branch, Spring Valley, Memorial and greater Houston for over thirty years.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Finstad is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Finstad provides comprehensive general dentistry care, prioritizing preventative measures and the early detection of oral health issues. He emphasizes patient education and clear communication, tailoring treatment plans to address individual needs while maintaining a focus on the connection between oral and overall systemic health. His collaborative approach ensures patients receive integrated care, maximizing their oral well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Finstad can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Finstad offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Cavity: Your dentist diagnoses and treats cavities, which are holes in your teeth caused by bacteria and acids breaking down the enamel.
- Chipped Tooth: A chipped tooth is a break or fracture in the tooth's enamel, and your general dentist can repair it with bonding, a filling, or a crown.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a common gum problem characterized by inflamed gums, and your dentist provides treatments and guidance on prevention to keep your gums healthy.
- Grinding of Teeth: Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? You might be grinding your teeth at night, a problem your dentist can help manage to protect your teeth and alleviate discomfort.
- Gum Disease: Ignoring gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health problems; your dentist can diagnose and treat it through cleanings, scaling, and other procedures.
- Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is a pus-filled pocket caused by a bacterial infection, and your general dentist is the expert to diagnose and treat this painful condition.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is a gradual process of erosion of the tooth surface that can lead to pain and infection, which your dentist can repair and prevent from worsening.
- Tooth Demineralization: Tooth demineralization is the process where acid wears away the minerals in your tooth enamel, leaving it vulnerable to decay; your dentist will diagnose and develop a treatment plan to restore your teeth's health.
- Tooth Discoloration: If your teeth are looking yellowed, brown, or otherwise discolored, a general dentist can diagnose the reason and suggest options to brighten your smile.
- Tooth Loss: If you've lost teeth, a general dentist can create a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile and improve your oral function with options such as bridges or dentures.
- Toothache: Toothaches are a sign of a problem with your tooth, such as decay or an abscess, and your dentist can help relieve the pain and fix the underlying issue.
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. Finstad offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are used to reshape and enhance the look of teeth, providing a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for cosmetic dental concerns.
- Dental Bridge: This procedure involves attaching artificial teeth to existing teeth or implants, closing the space left by missing teeth.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: If a tooth is severely damaged or infected, a simple extraction removes it to prevent further issues and improve oral health.
- Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Non-surgical methods like deep cleaning can help save your teeth and gums from the damage caused by gum disease, before surgery becomes necessary.
- Denture Repair: Denture repair fixes broken or damaged dentures, restoring their proper fit and function.
- Teeth Scaling: During a teeth scaling, your dentist uses special tools to scrape away hardened plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, improving your gum health.
- Lower Dentures: If you've lost lower teeth, lower dentures provide a full or partial set of artificial teeth to improve your smile and oral function.
- Dental Onlay: Dental onlays are used to repair teeth with extensive decay or fractures, offering a stronger, more long-lasting solution compared to a traditional filling.
- Dental Inlays: Dental inlays are a type of filling that's created in a lab to perfectly fit your tooth, offering a more precise and long-lasting repair.
- Root Planing: This procedure, often done along with scaling, targets the root surfaces of your teeth to get rid of harmful bacteria and improve gum health.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are a common treatment for small to medium-sized cavities, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Root Canal: Root canal therapy is a treatment that addresses the inner portion of a tooth to save it from extraction when it's severely damaged or infected.
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. Finstad 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 treatment plan, a patient successfully managed a cavity, restoring their smile and oral health. Their dentist's guidance helped them prevent further dental issues and maintain a healthy, confident smile.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, the patient felt confident that their chipped tooth would be restored to its full function and appearance. The patient was relieved to have a safe, effective solution for their dental issue.
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
1345 Campbell Rd Ste 110, Houston, TX, 77055
Phone: (713) 468-7676
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- University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (Medical School) - 1977
- University of Houston (Undergraduate School) - 1973
- Concordia College (Undergraduate School) - 1971
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Finstad:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is directly linked to your overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is crucial for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also 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. Finstad can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- 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 more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth, providing a secure foundation for a crown or bridge that looks and feels natural, and helping to preserve the jawbone.
- 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. Finstad 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 changes can cause dentures to loosen. Dr. Finstad can perform a relining procedure to reshape the denture for a better fit, or create a new denture if necessary. A proper fit is essential for comfortable eating and speaking.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months, even if nothing is hurting. These visits are crucial for prevention, as they allow the dental team to remove tartar buildup and catch problems like small cavities or early gum disease before they become painful or expensive to treat.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitive teeth are often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root or worn-down enamel. Dr. Finstad can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
1345 Campbell Rd Ste 110
Houston TX 77055
Phone: (713) 468-7676
Ricki Finstad, 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): 1053579185
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. Ricki Finstad 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.