Dental Cleanings

Family Dentist in Gilroy, CA

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the crowns of teeth, gums, and implants. Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Prophylaxis is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease. The benefits include:

• Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
• A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
• Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.

Prophylaxis can be performed at our office. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers and implant patients. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Chan, Cyndi or Dayna can use to effectively halt its progression.

Tooth Fillings

Check our our Smile Gallery to see our previous work!  

Tooth colored fillings are known as composites, resins or bonded fillings.  These naturally tooth colored fillings are an alternative to veneers, and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged.

How does it work?

The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by Dr Chan. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.  The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

Since the resin used in tooth colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!  

The result is a beautiful smile!

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration

You can have your silver fillings (Amalgam Fillings) replaced with tooth colored restorations (composite, inlays, or onlays). Composite fillings take one appointment and Inlays & Onlays require two appointments.

How long does it take to do a tooth colored composite filling?

One Appointment 

•1. The old filling, any additional decay, and weakened tooth structure are removed.
•2. A conditioning gel followed by a bonding resin are placed.
•3. A high intensity blue light cures the bonding resin.
•4. The appropriate shade of composite resin is sculptured in multiple layers to achieve the color and contours of a natural tooth.
•5. Each layer of composite is cured by the blue light.
• 6. The filling is finished and polished to a high luster.

You are now ready to show your smile in its natural color.

What is the difference between a tooth colored composite filling and an inlay or onlay?

Tooth Colored Composite Fillings
•1. One appointment 
•2.  Permanent filling is light cured and hardened within the patient’s tooth in the office
•3.  Longevity is about five years, but can be longer dependent upon the materials used, the expertise of the dentist, and the patient’s care of the restored teeth. Current high quality bonding materials exhibit a 10-15 year life span, and in some cases even longer. Composites can easily be redone in a single office visit.
•4. Cost varies dependent upon the materials used and, if it pertains, limitations of insurance coverage.  Because an outside laboratory is not involved, the cost will be lower than an inlay or onlay.

Inlay & Onlay Fillings
•1. Two  appointments
•2. A permanent inlay or onlay is sent to and fabricated in a laboratory.  After it comes back to the dental office, it is light cured or cemented in place.
•3. Longevity is between 5 and 15 years, but some cases last up to 30 years.
•4. Cost varies dependent upon the materials used, (ie. porcelain, gold, or resin), if it pertains. the laboratory used and the limitations of insurance coverage.  Because an outside source, a laboratory is involved, the cost will be higher than tooth colored composite fillings.

Like natural teeth and other restorations, both tooth colored composite fillings and inlays and onlays can break and the tooth can still get cavities.  Good oral hygiene habits play a big part in maintaining oral health.