Preventive Dentistry – Los Gatos, CA

Your First Visit

Our team is looking forward to meeting you! During your first appointment at Los Gatos Dental Group, our goal will be to introduce you to our state-of-the-art facility, as well as learn everything we can about you and your unique smile. Here are the steps we’ll take:

• One of our team members will take you on a tour of the dental office, taking care to point out all of our advanced technology, the sterilization area, continuing education room, consultation room, and of course, the restrooms. We hope to help you feel familiarized and right at home very soon.
• Digital panoramic X-rays and other images are captured so our team can fully view your oral health needs. This process is smooth, quick, and safe – in fact, digital X-ray systems emit up to 90% less radiation than their traditional alternatives. Intraoral pictures of your teeth are taken using a small camera which goes into the mouth.
• One of our dentists will then arrive, introduce themselves, and begin your comprehensive exam, which includes an oral cancer screening using VELscope, microscopic periodontal screening, a review of your bite, and a thorough tooth-by-tooth evaluation.
• Our team will then review the results. If the needed treatment is simple enough, we can take you directly into the consultation room and discuss your options, as well as any financial guidance you need. If the situation is more complex, we can schedule an additional consultation appointment.

Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings

The truth is, even people who diligently care for their smiles at home fall victim to dental problems that go unnoticed. That’s why attending regular appointments at our Los Gatos dental office is so important! We generally recommend scheduling two checkups and cleanings a year. People with gum disease or those who are at high risk for developing cavities may benefit from more frequent visits.

When providing checkups, our dentists and team members take care to be as thorough and precise as possible. We want to create a full picture of your oral health and any potential areas of concern, even if they’re at the earliest stages. This allows us to work with you and create a personalized plan of action that meets your dental needs and exceeds your expectations. Additionally, an in-depth cleaning from one of our talented hygienists will remove dangerous plaque and tartar from your smile, leaving it refreshed.

Learn More About Cleanings and Checkups

Periodontal Treatment

The most common cause of tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease (gum disease), a common and dangerous health condition that can develop quietly and painlessly. At Los Gatos Dental Group, we take every precaution to diagnose these cases as early as possible. The correlation between periodontal disease and things like stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes is well documented, and the list of medical conditions linked to gum disease grows every year. If caught early, professional cleanings may be enough to reverse any ill effects, while moderate to severe cases require more involved care. We offer several therapy options, including an in-depth cleaning known as root scaling and planing, antibiotic therapy, and treatment with our state-of-the-art soft tissue laser.

Learn More About Periodontal Treatment

Oral Cancer Screening

Our team conducts routine oral cancer screenings at each of your checkups and cleanings. The process is short, sweet, and to-the-point, only taking a couple of minutes. However, it could be the difference between life and death for some patients. During the screening, we’ll thoroughly look over your lips, oral tissues, throat, and tongue in search of any signs of the disease using our advanced VELscope technology. This will highlight any potentially cancerous areas, allowing us to spot even the earliest signs of oral cancer. 

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s developed in rocks and can be found in other natural items, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Many local water sources also add it to tap water because it has been shown to reduce cavity development by strengthening the enamel, or the outermost layer of teeth. If we notice that you or your child may not be receiving enough of this mineral, we can apply a fluoridated varnish to your teeth to help prevent decay.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are typically recommended for children because they’re still learning how to properly care for their smiles, but in certain cases, they can also benefit adults. They’re applied to the biting surface of molars in a liquidated form, and once they’re exposed to a UV light, they’ll harden. This will create an unnoticeable protective barrier over the deep pits and grooves in the molars to make brushing and flossing more effective, minimizing the risk of cavity development.

Children’s Dentistry

Protecting little ones’ smiles and providing them with positive first dental experiences is important, especially when it comes to them building healthy habits that they carry into adulthood! Our team is fun, friendly, and loves to educate children about their smiles. We also offer several kid-friendly treatments, including fluoride, dental sealants, checkups and cleanings, and sportsguards.

Athletic Mouthguards/ Sportsguards

If you or one of your family members plays on a local athletics team, consider investing in one of our custom sportsguards to help protect your jaw joints and teeth from impact. They’re made from a durable acrylic, and since they’re custom-fitted to your mouth, they aren’t difficult to breathe with when you run and jump on the court or field.