Why Choose Los Gatos Dental Group for Preventive Dentistry?
Two Highly Experienced Dentists
In-House Savings Plan Available
We See Patients of All Ages
Prevention is a crucial cornerstone of dentistry. After all, it’s much easier to stop a problem
before it’s had the chance to start. Here at Los Gatos Dental Group, our team provides
comprehensive exams, revitalizing cleanings, and other services designed to protect and strengthen oral
health. Early detection and minimally invasive treatments are key to providing excellent preventive
dentistry. We utilize many types of early detection systems and preventive treatments to help you avoid
a downward spiral of your oral health. We hope that, with our help, you enjoy a great smile for many
years to come! Please contact our dental office today if you have any questions about our dental office
or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Diercks, or Dr. Karamardian for preventive
dentistry in 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.
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.
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.