Lloyd K. Ritchie, Jr., DDS

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Lloyd K. Ritchie, Jr., DDS
9320 N. Palafox St.,
Pensacola, FL 32534
Tel: 850-494-2292

Thanks for checking out our website! Looking for a dentist? We would love to meet with you to discuss how we can help you achieve and maintain your dental health for a lifetime.

Our emphasis is providing modern, up-to-date dental care in a caring, gentle atmosphere. When you are in our office, it is our intention that you feel as if you are among family. We strive to treat each and every one of our patients as if they were our own mother, father, sister, or brother.

Take a look around! If you have any questions or if it is time to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 850-494-2292. Our office hours are currently Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. We accept most dental insurance plans and are providers for Delta Dental, Unicare 100, and Dental Wellness Partners.

Among the many services we offer to our patients:

“Gum” treatment – Without healthy gums, even the best dentistry will fail. We teach you how to care for your teeth and gums, provide preventative treatments as well as non surgical therapies. Many people do not realize that the medical research is indicating a stronger connection between overall health and the health of one’s mouth. Serious health problems are connected (or worsened by) poor dental health – including heart disease, lung infections, chronic sinus infections, diabetes, premature births, and low birth weight babies.

Single tooth restorations – small cavities can usually be treated with simple “fillings” – either silver or tooth colored in most cases. When the damage is more extensive, a crown may be recommended in order to better protect the remaining tooth. Most teeth can be restored with either a cast gold, porcelain fused to metal, or full porcelain crowns. Factors such as where the tooth is in the mouth, problems with the patient's bite, and the patient's preference will determine the best option in each unique situation.

Endodontic (“root canal”) treatment – When the living tissue inside a tooth dies – usually due to deep decay or trauma – it must be removed. Root canals have a bad reputation, but it is unwarranted. A root canal procedure simply removes the dead or dying tissue and fills the inside of the tooth with a special filling material to seal it against reinfection. In most situations, a back tooth will need a crown after a root canal in order to prevent in from breaking in the future.

Dr. Ritchie performs most root canals in the teeth closer to the front of the mouth. More complex situations are referred to the endodontist (root canal specialist) for treatment.

Extractions – In office treatments include simple extractions, surgical extractions, uncomplicated wisdom tooth extractions, and surgeries necessary to make dentures more comfortable. As with root canals, more complex situations will require a referral to an oral surgeon.

Tooth replacement – Following extractions, it is advisable to have missing teeth replaced. This is important to restore the missing function and to keep adjacent remaining teeth in their places. There are several ways to replace teeth:

Partial and complete dentures – these appliances are removable. They can be worn during the day to assist with speaking and eating, but should be removed at night. They also must be removed to clean them and any remaining natural teeth.

Bridges – bridges span the space between two or more natural teeth. They are cemented in place and cannot be removed so they usually feel “natural” more quickly than removable appliances.

Implants – in many situations, implants are the ideal tooth replacement. We work with either an oral surgeon or periodontist to place the implant itself. This is a small metal cylinder which replaces the root portion of the tooth. During the healing phase, the jaw bone will attach to the metal cylinder. After healing, a crown can be placed on the implant.

Mini Implants - A special implant system is now available to stabilize lower dentures. These implants are much smaller than the conventional type of implants. They are placed by Dr. Ritchie in the office. In most instances, mini implants can be placed to stabilize an existing denture without requiring a new denture to be made. The dentures are usually stabilized at the same appointment as implant placement. More details on this exciting development are available by clicking the "Mini Implant" link.

Cosmetic Dentistry – there is a wide variety of techniques now available to improve the appearance of your smile.

To lighten your teeth - We offer several different techniques of tooth whitening including Professional strength White Strips, take home trays to be used daily, and a new technique for difficult situations called “Deep Bleaching”. This technique utilizes a combination of in office bleaching and trays to be used at home.

To change the appearance of your smile – The appearance of your teeth can be improved with simple bonding, composite resin veneers, porcelain veneers (Lumineers), or porcelain crowns. The option best for you will depend on your specific situation and the appearance you are trying to achieve. Please ask at your next appointment what treatment options are available to you.