Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Care in Redwood City CA

Most patients should plan to have a dental check-up two times a year or every six months.

Yes, we always make accommodations for dental emergencies.

Cavities often cause sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures and to sweets. Swollen and puffy gum tissue that bleeds when stimulated and is tender to the touch can be indicators of gum disease. Dental disease is often not symptomatic in the early stages when it is best to be treated. Regular check ups allow for early detection and easier more affordable treatment.

Regular tooth brushing with a soft bristled brush, emphasizing brushing the gums at least twice a day, daily flossing, and using a gingival stimulator are all valuable habits to keep plaque off the teeth and the gingival tissue healthy. A healthy diet with minimal sugar intake can help prevent decay and keep the oral tissues healthy.

Dental fillings which are placed directly into the teeth are most commonly either dental amalgam or dental composite. Dental composite is tooth colored and is placed with a process that bonds the material to the tooth. This has become the more commonly used material in modern dentistry.

Call your dental provider. If painful, take what you would take for a headache. Save any pieces that you might have from a broken tooth.

All dental treatments have some risks. Most situations the benefits of treatment far outweigh the risk. Consent forms will explain these potential risks.

We offer a spa-like environment and attitude to help reduce anxiety. We have incorporated some special touches to our services, such as aroma therapy, that make your visit more relaxing and pampered. We also offer nitrous oxide to relieve anxiety.

Fluoride reduces tooth decay significantly and is the most cost effective treatment.

Dental implants do not require treatment of other remaining teeth in the mouth, and they look and function like a natural tooth, and can be cleaned like a natural tooth.

Yes, pregnant women should see their dentist regularly during their pregnancy which can help assure a healthier pregnancy.

Professionally made whitening trays can be made for home whitening. In office whitening can produce the quickest and most predictable results.

Bad breath can come from foods that you eat, from your stomach, or from nasal drainage. Often taking chlorophyl can solve food or stomach related bad breath. Treating sinus congestion can eliminate the postnasal drainage. Bad breath can also come from dental disease, infected teeth and gums. Regular dental care is the best prevention.

An orthodontist is a dentist that limits their practice to orthodontic procedures which is treatment of the occlusion (the bite).

Natural remedies may temporarily reduce symptoms and usually do not treat the actual disease.

Local anesthetic is used to deaden the tooth and make the procedure comfortable.

Local anesthetic, oral pain medication, and various levels of sedation.

We offer nitrous oxide.

If you are consuming something with sugar frequently that may be the reason or it may be that your technique of brushing and flossing is not as effective as it should be.

We start by getting to know you as an individual. We do a comprehensive clinical exam and update records including X-rays, photos, and digital imaging of your teeth.

Yes and it is very important to have regular dental care to make sure that the child has the opportunity for comprehensive health.

When a child is first born, the parents should have an appointment to learn about caring for the child. We recommend that the child start to accompany the parent to their regular periodic exam around 3 years of age.