General dentistry is a broad type of dentistry that deals with the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and treatment of various conditions that can affect the oral and maxillofacial region. General dentists have undergone diverse training that allows them to tend to a variety of different dental issues. In fact, general dental services can be divided into three subtypes of dentistry including preventative dentistry, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry.
Preventative Dentistry: the vast majority of general dental services are aimed at preventing dental issues from ever occurring. Preventative dental services at Perry Woo DDS include professional teeth cleanings, dental x-rays, dental sealants, and dental consultations.
Restorative Dentistry: when dental issues do occur, restorative dental services are available to restore teeth that have become damaged, decayed, or even teeth that are missing. Restorative services at Perry Woo DDS include dental crowns and bridges, dental fillings, dental implants, dentures, inlays/onlays, and root canals.
Cosmetic Dentistry: similar to restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry restores damaged, decayed, or missing teeth while also focusing on their visual aesthetics. Cosmetic dental services at Perry Woo DDS include composite fillings, dental crowns and bridges, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening.
Did You Know?
Brushing our teeth allows us to clean the tops and sides of our teeth, while flossing is the only way we can clean the spaces between our teeth. While the tops and sides of our teeth represent about 60% of our tooth enamel, the spaces between our teeth account for another 40% of enamel that needs to be cared for. This is why is is so important to brush and floss everyday.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for general dental services?
Yes! Regardless of age or your current dental health, you are an ideal candidate for general dental services. In fact, because most general dentistry revolves around preventing dental issues, it is highly important that you seek regular dental treatment to restore or maintain your dental health.
How often do I need to visit Perry Woo DDS for general dental services?
The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least once every six months for a dental checkup. However, depending on your current medical and dental history, you may need to visit more frequently. For example, if you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or even pregnancy, you may need to visit Dr. Woo more often so he can carefully monitor your oral health.
How can I prepare for my general dental appointment at Perry Woo DDS?
To prepare for your general dental appointment, we recommend carefully monitoring your dental health in the weeks before your appointment. While monitoring your dental health, jot down notes about your concerns or things that you have noticed that seem out of the ordinary. Additionally, you may want to consider writing out a list of questions to ask Dr. Woo during your dental consultation. Some possible questions to ask during your dental consultation can include:
- Am I using the correct brushing/flossing technique?
- Am I using the right type of toothbrush?
- What kind of toothpaste should I be using?
- Do I need to use mouthwash and what kind?
- How is my current oral health?
- Is there anything I can do to improve my oral health?
Additionally if you are a new patient, we also recommend looking up directions ahead of time so that you don’t need to deal with the stress of getting lost. New patients should also aim to arrive about 15-20 minutes before their appointment time to fill out new patient paperwork.
What should I expect during my general dental appointment at Perry Woo DDS?
During your general dental appointment at Perry Woo DDS, you can expect to have dental x-rays taken, a dental consultation, and a professional teeth cleaning.
Dental X-rays:
Dental x-rays are an important diagnostic tool that allows Dr. Woo to evaluate your underlying bone structure and detect cavities that may not immediately be visible during a dental exam. They can also be used to detect and diagnose partially or fully impacted wisdom teeth. Dental x-rays are quick, easy, and painless. To obtain dental x-rays, dental assistant will ask you to hold certain poses and to possible bite down on plastic discs in order to position your mouth correctly. Although very little radiation is emitted by dental x-rays, you will be given a lead vest to protect yourself from unnecessary exposure.
Dental Consultation:
During the consultation phase of your appointment, Dr. Woo will ask you about your medical history, current medications, and if you have been having any dental symptoms. He will then perform an oral examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw. During this exam, he may test your teeth for signs of sensitivity, measure your gum pockets, check the function of your jaw, and perform an oral cancer screening. After the exam, he will discuss his findings, address any questions you have, and make recommendations for possible treatments if needed.
Teeth Cleaning:
Usually the final part of your dental appointment is a professional teeth cleaning. During a professional teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist uses a special dental tool called a scaler to gently scrape off and remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. Once the larger pieces are removed, the teeth are brushed with a gritty toothpaste and rinsed with water to remove any smaller pieces. Finally, a fluoride polished is brushed over the teeth to strengthen the enamel and make it harder for plaque to adhere to the teeth’s surface.
What can I expect after my general dental appointment?
After your general dental appointment, you can expect to make another appointment six months out to guarantee you maintain your oral health. If Dr. Woo has recommended restorative dental treatments, another appointment may also be made. In some cases, certain restorative treatments may be able to be completed directly after your teeth cleaning, however this depends on the type of restorative treatment needed.
To maintain your dental health in between dental appointments, it is highly important to exercise a daily dental routine of brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once a day. Additionally, you will want to avoid damaging your teeth with behaviors such as smoking, nail biting, ice chewing, using your teeth to open packages, and teeth grinding or clenching.
For the top dentist in Saratoga, CA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Perry Woo DDS today! Perry Woo DDS is proud to serve residents of Saratoga, Campbell, Los Gatos, Vasona Junction, Shannon, Rinconada, Cupertino, and Permanente.
