Routine Dental Procedures Livermore, CA
Routine dental procedures are basic treatments typically done at least twice a year or as necessary. These procedures greatly enhance your oral health and prevent many diseases from developing. Routine procedures account for many preventative treatments, from professional cleanings to supplemental fluoride treatments.
Routine dental procedures are available at Livermore Dental Spa in Livermore and the surrounding area. We can help you prevent dental issues while protecting and maintaining a healthy oral cavity through various dental health procedures. Call us today at (925) 344-3993 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Dental Check-up
Most routine dental visits involve basic teeth cleanings. During these visits, the dental hygienist uses various metal and ultrasonic tools to scrape off any plaque and tartar buildup on the patient's teeth and gum line. The hygienist will spend time working on one tooth at a time and may even floss between teeth. During this time, a patient wears a plastic or paper cloth over the chest. The patient may also wear eye shields.
Once the hygienist has finished the cleaning, the dentist will do a thorough exam. During this exam, the dentist looks for any pockets or gaps between the patient's teeth and gums. Occasionally, patients may get X-rays after a basic cleaning to identify any difficult-to-see or developing problems.
“The hygienist will spend time working on one tooth at a time and may even floss between teeth.”
Deep Cleanings
Deep cleanings are primarily done to treat or prevent gum disease in a procedure commonly known as scaling and root planing. When plaque is left untreated, the buildup of bacteria can infect and inflame the gums, causing gum disease and, in severe cases, periodontal disease. Routine dental cleanings twice yearly and a deep cleaning can help prevent plaque buildup and, hence, gum disease.
A deep cleaning consists of two parts: scaling and planing. During scaling, we use a special scraping tool to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and the gumline. During planing, we smooth out the tooth's roots so that the gums can reattach naturally to the teeth. In many cases, the patient is put under a local anesthetic to keep them comfortable during the procedure. They will also be given after-care instructions.
“Routine dental cleanings twice yearly and a deep cleaning can help prevent plaque buildup and, hence, gum disease.”
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral our bodies make that helps protect the teeth from harmful bacteria. Fluoride treatments have long been used to help build stronger teeth and prevent many oral diseases from progressing due to plaque. Patients who are more susceptible to or have a higher risk of developing cavities or other oral conditions are recommended to seek fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months, depending on their age and oral health status. Among those at risk are patients who do not routinely visit the dentist for their six-month professional cleaning.
The Mayo Clinic lists recommended dosage by age as:
- Birth to 3 years of age: 0.1 to 1.5 milligrams (mg)
- 4 to 6 years of age: 1 to 2.5 mg
- 7 to 10 years of age: 1.5 to 2.5 mg
- Adolescents and adults: 1.5 to 4 mg
Fluoride treatments come in many forms, including oral tablets, gels, pastes, and solutions. We generally provide fluoride treatments in the form of a foam, gel, or solution, depending on the patient's age and treatment type.
“Fluoride treatments have long been used to help build stronger teeth and prevent many oral diseases from progressing due to plaque.”
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Dental Sealants and Teeth Whitening
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay. The sealant's coating consists of dental materials that quickly bond to the natural grooves and texture in the teeth, making them feel like another layer of enamel. Sealants are primarily used for children as a preventative measure to protect their teeth against harmful cavity-causing bacteria.
Teeth whitening is often a cosmetic procedure to brighten the teeth but, in some cases, can be a routine procedure that maintains the teeth's health. A professional tooth whitening procedure involves medical-grade materials and solutions that protect the teeth as opposed to over-the-counter kits that may deteriorate natural tooth enamel. Treatments also provide results up to eight shades brighter for up to three years after the last treatment. However, tooth whitening is not for everyone; our team will properly assess patients to determine whether they could be a candidate.
“Sealants are primarily used for children as a preventative measure to protect their teeth against harmful cavity-causing bacteria.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What happens during a dental check-up?
Q. Can dental bonding improve the look and function of my teeth?
Q. What are fluoride treatments?
Q. What are dental sealants and tooth whitening treatments?
People Also Ask
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. Why might I need dental crowns, dental bridges, or root canals?
Q. What is the power of dentist-provided fluoride?
Dental Bonding
Practitioners use dental bonding to restore or improve a patient's smile. The dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the patient's tooth. This material is hardened by a special light that causes it to "bond" to the teeth. Dental bonding can enhance the smile and improve tooth function. It tends to be easier and more affordable than most other cosmetic dental procedures.
Some of the circumstances in which a dentist may employ dental bonding include:
- Repairing chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth
- Protect tooth root that has been exposed as a result of receding gums
- Lessen the appearance of discoloration on teeth
- Close spaces between teeth or make teeth appear longer
- Change the shape of teeth to make them more aesthetically pleasing
This is not an exhaustive list of uses for dental bonding. Speaking with a dental professional will help you determine if bonding is the best way to treat your dental issue.
“Dental bonding can enhance the smile and improve tooth function.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens after a deep cleaning?
A. It is common for patients to feel some soreness in the gums and teeth after a deep cleaning as a result of the tools and pressure put on them. We recommend avoiding any food or drink for a few hours after the procedure and use a special rinse for the first few days. Tenderness should dissipate within the first few hours.
Q. How often should I get routine dental procedures done?
A. Every routine dental procedure differs in its duration and dosage depending on the patient's age and case. For instance, routine cleanings are recommended for all patients every six months, while deep cleanings can be done every few years. During a patient's first visit, we curate a custom treatment plan that entails all of the patient's recommended and required treatments and their durations, which are subject to change.
Q. Which procedures require anesthesia?
A. Topical or local anesthesia is generally administered in one area of the mouth when using dental tools or drills to provide painless treatment. This can be for fillings, root canals, and deep cleanings. General anesthesia, or sedation, is used for more extensive procedures such as extractions, which are not routinely performed.
Q. Can anybody request routine procedures such as teeth whitening or sealants?
A. Typically, we would recommend procedures such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, sealants, and crowns. In some cases, we find signs of progressing decay that may require a procedure. A patient may also request a procedure, and we can conduct a proper examination to determine whether that would be appropriate.
Q. How long do dental sealants and crowns last?
A. Sealants and crowns are both artificial materials that are subject to wear and tear. Dental sealants can last up to 9 years with proper care and maintenance, and crowns can last up to 15 years. These materials have been refined many times to be as durable as they are today, but they require adequate and thorough cleaning to properly maintain them.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Keeping up with your routine dental treatments may prevent any serious issues before they happen. We at Livermore Dental Spa may be able to help. Call us today at 925-344-3993 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
- Livermore Dental Spa was established in 2023.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Alameda County, Contra Costa County and San Joaquin County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Livermore, Alameda, Pleasanton, Dublin, Ulmar, Tracy, San Ramon, Danville, Mountain House and Castro Valley
- CA (License #101519). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1679095681). View NPI Registry Information
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