South San Francisco, CA 94080 Tel: 650.583.5992
Fax: 650.244.9414
Early detection is the key to avoiding costly and painful dental treatment. Prevention begins with the control of plaque and calculus, the main cause of decay and periodontal disease. In fact, the major cause of tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease, which is known as the silent killer of teeth because most patients feel no symptoms until it's too late. With regular dental visits, we can treat gum disease at an early stage, before it gets out of hand.
We offer a full range of convenient, comfortable procedures designed to give cosmetic dentistry patients in our practice the confidence that comes along with a gorgeous, new smile.
and services like Extractions, Dentures, Partials, Night Guards and Snore Guards.
Digital Radiography - All five of our rooms have monitors for patients to see their radiographs in seconds from the moment we take the radiograph. We are delighted to offer the future of dental imaging that brings your teeth to an immediate visual right there in front of you. With this technology, radiation levels in every radiograph are cut down to by almost 75% from traditional radiograph methods. Another benefit is the absence of the chemicals once necessary to develop a traditional dental radiograph.
Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays. Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts.
- Bone loss.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Poor tooth and root positions.
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
Are dental x-rays safe?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. Digital x-rays produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to traditional dental x-rays. Not only are digital x-rays better for the health and safety of the patient, they are faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental office. Also, since the digital image is captured electronically, there is no need to develop the x-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into the environment.
Even though digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered very safe, dentists still take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation. These precautions include only taking those x-rays that are necessary, and using lead apron shields to protect the body.
Intraoral imaging - We offer the capability to see a potential problem area in the mouth also in one of our multiple patient monitors.
OraVerse™ - Our dental team strives to make sure your visit with us is as comfortable as possible. We make that commitment a goal the moment you walk through door and extends long after you leave. We offer OraVerse™ as the first and only product of its kind to rapidly reverse the effects of your local dental anesthetic. It is scientifically proven to accelerate the return of normal sensation and function following routine dental procedures. With its administration, patients can talk, smile and drink normally in about half the time with OraVerse™. That's time patients can put back in their day doing what they want to do, without limitations.
Your comfort is of the utmost importance. Dr. Avalos takes special care to make your dental experience a pleasant one. Tempur pedic pillows are available at each visit. Nitrous oxide is also available and you have a choice of listening to music or watching a movie while your teeth are being restored. All you have to do is ask!
Periodontal Disease
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gum – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.