General Dentistry

The purpose of a Professional Dental Exam is to detect Oral Disease. For most patients that includes looking for Tooth Decay, Periodontal (Gum) Disease, and Oral Cancer.

We visually look at the condition of your teeth and gums: noting any restorations and their condition (clinically sound vs need for replacement), look for visual signs of decay, assess the condition of the Periodontal Tissue (bone loss, recession, color, puffiness.) We also visually look for signs of Oral Cancer *.

*Oral cancer is diagnosed on 35,000 Americans yearly. The key to survival is early detection and treatment. 25% of people diagnosed are in the “low Risk” demographic.

We perform a visual exam early, looking for lumps, bumps, and sores that are present longer than 2 weeks.

One of the greatest innovations of modern dentistry has been Digital Radiographs. They provide high-quality images for instant viewing on a monitor with minimal exposure to radiation. Digital radiographs of any kind reduce exposure by 90% over traditional film radiographs. 

You should expect to have a complete set of Radiographs taken at your initial examination unless you have current sets available for the visit. We will further explain this pre-requisite when you call.

No matter how often you brush, floss, plaque and tarter deposits still build up on your teeth. Professional teeth cleaning is the most effective way to remove these deposits and prevent them from causing more serious problems. Plaque and Tarter harbor the bacteria known to cause Tooth Decay and Periodontal Disease.

In our office we provide 2 types of treatment for conditions of the gums:

Prophylaxis: A Preventive Dental Procedure to remove Plaque, Tarter, and Stain to prevent Dental Disease. This is the type of routine treatment most patients will experience. This is conservative treatment for Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).

Upon completion of the exam, if there are no problems with bone loss, minimal tarter deposits, or other signs of Gum disease; a Prophylaxis may be provided at the first visit.

This includes removing Plaque and Tarter using hand instruments and/or ultrasonic cleaner, followed by polishing with a flavored pumice like prophy paste to remove stain.

These patients are placed on a 6-month recall program.

Conservative stage 1 treatment for patients with Periodontal Disease. The presence of early bone loss and bleeding of the gums are signs we look for. 

This treatment while similar in process to Prophylaxis; it is performed in a series of 2 or 4 appointments (4 quadrants are treated). Some type of Local Anesthetic will be used to minimize discomfort. Scaling with a combo use of ultrasonic/hand instruments followed by polishing.

Periodontal Scaling patients are placed on a 3–4-month recall program to control the disease. This is called Periodontal Maintenance.

We cannot cure Periodontal Disease; we can only control it with treatment, proper maintenance, and patient compliance for home care and recall visits.

For teeth that have damage to over 50% of the surface, we will recommend a crown for long term durability. The crown covers the whole tooth and reinforces the tooth structure for strength and durability. We use a combination of Gold, Porcelain Fused to Metal, Ceramic/Zirconia. 

The procedure is a 2 stepped process: Preparation of tooth, Impression, Make a Temporary Crown. Two weeks later Cementation of Final crown.

Our office strives to serve the whole family. Many children do great in the general office setting. We recommend children have their first exam around the age 2 ½-3. The first visit is just a visual look and counting of teeth to allow the child to get used to seeing a dental professional.

For children with extensive dental issues, I have several Pediatric Dentists that I refer to.

FYI TO PARENTS: California State Law requires any child attending Public School to have an initial dental evaluation before the end of kindergarten.