Finding a dentist your whole family trusts can be a challenge. At Ravenwood Dental, Dr. Ariba Memon makes dental care comfortable, fun, and convenient for patients of all ages. Whether you’re bringing your toddler for their first checkup or scheduling your own preventive care, you’ll get the same personalized attention at every visit.
Dr. Ariba believes dental visits should be positive experiences, not something to dread. She takes time to get to know each family member, explain treatments in simple terms, and make sure everyone feels at ease in the chair. Her gentle approach helps even the most nervous patients relax.
Our team includes experienced dental hygienists and assistants who are experts in working with patients of all ages. We collaborate on every treatment plan to ensure you and your family receive the highest standard of care.
Welcome, New Families!
We are currently accepting new patients of all ages. To make your family’s first visit easy and affordable, we offer:
- Comprehensive New Patient Exam: Includes a thorough oral exam, necessary X-rays, and a personalized consultation with Dr. Memon.
- Flexible Financing Available: We offer third‑party financing options that allow you to split your treatment costs into manageable monthly payments. Ask our front desk team for details.
- Most Insurance Plans Accepted: We file claims on your behalf and maximize your benefits. Call us to verify your coverage before your first visit.
- Free Second Opinions: Unsure about a recommended treatment? Bring in your treatment plan, and we will provide a complimentary second opinion with no obligation.
Why Families Choose Ravenwood Dental
We’re not a high-volume practice rushing patients through appointments. Dr. Ariba gives each person the time and attention they deserve. She listens to your concerns, answers your questions thoroughly, and develops treatment plans tailored to your family’s needs and budget.
Having one dental home for your entire family makes life simpler. Instead of taking your kids to a pediatric dentist and going elsewhere yourself, everyone can get care in the same comfortable general dentistry. We keep detailed records for each family member and coordinate care when needed. You build a relationship with a dentist who knows your family’s dental history and can spot patterns or concerns early.
- Affordable Care: We offer third‑party financing with flexible monthly payment plans, so your family can get the care they need without financial stress. Ask about our in‑office membership plan for patients without insurance.
- We Work With Your Insurance: Our team verifies your benefits before your appointment and explains any out‑of‑pocket costs upfront. No surprises or hidden fees.
Our St. John office is conveniently located on Wicker Avenue, making it easy for families throughout northwest Indiana to access quality dental care.
Dental Care for Young Children
Starting dental visits early sets kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Ariba has a special gift for working with children. She makes their first visits fun and stress-free, so they develop positive associations with the dentist from the very beginning.
We recommend bringing children in by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. These early visits let us check that teeth are developing properly and give parents guidance on caring for baby teeth. We also teach kids proper brushing techniques using language and demonstrations they understand.
During pediatric appointments, Dr. Ariba gently examines your child’s teeth and gums, checks for early signs of cavities, and makes sure their bite is developing correctly. We keep visits short and positive, especially for very young children who may have limited patience.
Fluoride treatments help strengthen developing tooth enamel and protect against cavities. We apply a flavored fluoride gel or varnish that takes just a minute or two. Dental sealants are another great preventive tool for kids. These thin protective coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of back molars, where cavities most often form. Sealants create a smooth barrier that keeps food and bacteria from settling into the grooves of teeth.
For children and teens who play sports, we create custom mouthguards that fit perfectly and provide real protection. Store-bought mouthguards often fit poorly and can be uncomfortable. Our custom guards protect teeth, gums, and jaws from sports injuries while staying securely in place during games and practices.
Tips for Parents: Setting Your Child Up for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Dr. Memon knows that starting early makes all the difference. Here are her top recommendations for new parents:
- First Visit by Age One: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. These early visits focus on prevention and building comfort.
- Managing Teething Discomfort: Use chilled (not frozen) teething rings, and gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger. Ask us about fluoride varnish to strengthen emerging teeth.
- Breaking Thumb‑Sucking Habits: Prolonged thumb‑sucking can affect jaw development. We offer gentle, positive strategies to help your child stop the habit without stress.
- Fluoride & Sealants: These preventive treatments dramatically reduce the risk of cavities in children. Ask about sealants for your child’s back molars as soon as they come in.
Dental Care for Teens
The teenage years bring unique dental challenges. Between braces, wisdom teeth, and learning to take responsibility for their own oral health, teens need guidance and support.
Dr. Ariba connects well with teenage patients. She treats them with respect, explains things clearly without talking down to them, and helps them understand why good dental habits matter now and in the future. Many teens struggle to brush and floss consistently, especially when wearing braces. We provide tips and tools to make oral hygiene easier and more effective.
Regular cleanings and checkups during the teen years help us monitor wisdom teeth development, check for cavities, and ensure orthodontic treatment is progressing as planned. We also discuss how diet, particularly sugary drinks and snacks, affects dental health.
Preventive Care for Adults
Even if you brush and floss diligently at home, you still need professional cleanings and checkups twice a year. These visits allow us to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing can’t eliminate. Tartar buildup leads to cavities and gum disease if left unchecked.
During adult checkups, Dr. Ariba thoroughly examines your teeth and gums. She looks for signs of decay, gum disease, worn enamel, cracked teeth, and other issues that develop over time. Early detection means simpler, less expensive treatments.
We also screen for oral cancer during routine exams. This quick, painless check can literally save your life by catching abnormalities early when treatment is most effective.
Many adults deal with teeth grinding (bruxism), especially during sleep. Grinding wears down enamel, causes jaw pain, and can crack teeth. If we notice signs of grinding, we can create a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. We also offer restorative treatments to repair worn-down teeth, such as dental crowns.
Same‑Day Emergency Appointments Available! Toothache? Broken tooth? Lost filling? Call us immediately. We reserve time in our schedule for dental emergencies and will see you as quickly as possible.
Dental Care for Seniors
As we age, our dental needs change. Seniors often face challenges like receding gums, dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, and wear from decades of use. Medications can affect oral health, too. Dr. Ariba understands these unique concerns and provides specialized care that addresses them.
Regular checkups become even more important in your senior years. We monitor for gum disease, which becomes more common with age and has been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. We also watch for tooth decay around old fillings and at the gumline where gums have receded.
Missing teeth affect your ability to eat comfortably and can change the shape of your face as bone loss occurs. We offer several solutions for replacing missing teeth, from bridges to dentures and implants.
Dry mouth is a common issue for seniors, often caused by medications. It increases the risk of cavities because saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. We can recommend products and strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
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Restorative Treatments for All Ages
Despite our best preventive efforts, dental problems sometimes happen. When they do, we’re equipped to fix them with treatments that restore both function and appearance.
Tooth-colored fillings repair cavities while blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. Unlike old silver fillings, composite fillings are mercury-free and nearly invisible. Dental crowns cover and protect damaged teeth, restoring their strength and shape. We use high-quality materials that look natural and last for years.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, bridges can fill the gaps. A bridge consists of artificial teeth anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth. This restores your ability to chew properly and prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
Root canal therapy saves infected teeth that would otherwise need extraction. Despite their scary reputation, root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The procedure removes infected tissue, stops pain, and keeps your natural tooth.
Care for Anxious Patients
We know that many people feel nervous about dental visits. Whether it’s because of past bad experiences, fear of pain, or general anxiety, Dr. Ariba and our team are trained to help you feel calm and comfortable.
Dr. Ariba takes a gentle, patient approach. She explains every step before she does it and never rushes you. If you need a break during treatment, just let her know. We also offer sedation options for patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures.
Our goal is to change how you feel about going to the dentist. Many anxious patients are surprised by how relaxed they feel during appointments at Ravenwood Dental.
Building Healthy Habits at Home
Professional dental care is important, but what you do at home matters just as much. We provide personalized guidance to help your family maintain healthy teeth between visits. For example:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time
- Use a soft-bristled brush and replace it every three to four months
- Floss once a day to remove plaque and food from between teeth where brushing can’t reach
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which feed bacteria that cause cavities
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
For kids, make brushing fun. Let them pick a toothbrush in their favorite color, play a two-minute song while they brush, or use a reward chart. The goal is building habits that will last a lifetime.
Your Family Dental Home in St. John
At Ravenwood Dental, we’re proud to serve families throughout St. John and the surrounding northwest Indiana communities. Dr. Ariba Memon and our team are committed to providing exceptional dental care in a welcoming environment where patients of all ages feel comfortable.
Whether you need routine preventive care, treatment for a dental problem, or guidance on your child’s oral health, we’re here to help. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality dental care affordable for your family.
Ready to schedule your family’s dental appointments? Call Ravenwood Dental at 219-600-8737 today or request an appointment online. We look forward to welcoming your family and helping you maintain healthy smiles.