Our Services

Preventive dentistry involves caring for your teeth and gums to keep them healthy and prevent issues like cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and other oral health problems. It includes:

• Regular Dental Visits

  • Dental exams and professional teeth cleanings, typically recommended twice a year

  • Oral evaluations to check for any problems

  • X-rays to detect hidden issues

• At-Home Oral Care

  • Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste

  • Daily flossing

  • Using mouthwash

  • Proper nutrition and limiting sugar intake

• Preventive Treatments

  • Fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel

  • Dental sealants to protect against decay, especially for children

  • Oral hygiene education and counseling

Benefits of Preventive Dentistry

1. Early detection of dental problems

2. Reduced risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss

3. Cost-effective in the long run by avoiding expensive treatments

4. Improved overall health, as oral health is linked to systemic health

5. Maintenance of a healthy, attractive smile

Who Benefits from Preventive Dentistry?

1. Children developing adult teeth

2. Adults maintaining oral health

3. Seniors preserving natural teeth

4. Individuals with chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease

At Su Ping Mai, DMD, we understand that exceptional dental care transcends the mere act of maintaining oral health; it is an art form that reflects a commitment to excellence. Our sophisticated approach combines advanced techniques with a warm, inviting atmosphere, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention and the highest quality of care. The results speak for themselves—a radiant smile that complements your unique brilliance.

Restorative dentistry is a branch of dental care focused on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth to restore oral health, function, and appearance. Here's a comprehensive overview of restorative dentistry::

Fillings

Used to repair small cavities or minor tooth decay by removing the decayed portion and filling the hole with composite material

Crowns

Protective caps that fit over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, strength, and appearance

Bridges

Fixed appliances used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants

Dental Implants

Surgical insertion of titanium or zirconia posts into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots, topped with crowns to replace missing teeth

Inlays and Onlays

Custom-made indirect fillings used when a cavity is too large for a standard filling but not extensive enough for a full crown

Dentures

Removable prosthetic devices used to replace multiple missing teeth, available as full or partial dentures

Root Canal Therapy

Procedure to save a severely damaged or infected tooth by removing the infected pulp, disinfecting the root canal, and sealing it

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

1. Improved oral function (chewing, speaking)

2. Enhanced appearance and self-confidence

3. Prevention of further dental issues

4. Preservation of remaining natural teeth

5. Long-lasting results with proper care

Who Performs Restorative Dentistry?

General dentists, such as our own Dr. Su Ping Mai, typically perform most restorative procedures. However, complex cases may involve specialists.

Emergency dentistry refers to dental care provided for urgent oral health issues that require immediate attention to:

• Alleviate severe pain

• Control bleeding

• Prevent serious infections

• Save teeth from permanent damage or loss

Common Dental Emergencies

Some situations that typically require emergency dental care include:

1. Knocked-out tooth

2. Severe toothache

3. Broken or chipped tooth

4. Lost filling or crown

5. Dental abscess

6. Soft tissue injuries in the mouth

7. Jaw injuries

8. Post-dental surgery complications

Benefits of Emergency Dental Care

Seeking immediate care for dental emergencies offers several advantages:

• Rapid pain relief

• Prevention of further damage or complications

• Potentially saving natural teeth

• Avoiding more extensive and costly treatments later

What to Expect

During an emergency dental visit, you can typically expect:

1. A thorough examination of the problem

2. X-rays if necessary

3. Diagnosis of the issue

4. Immediate treatment to address pain and prevent further damage

5. Follow-up instructions or scheduling of additional appointments or referrals if needed

If you experience severe dental pain, injury, or any concerning oral health issue that can't wait for a regular appointment, seeking emergency dental care is advisable. You can all our office at (510) 483-5553 for emergency assistance.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Here are the key aspects of dental implants:

Definition and Structure

A dental implant typically consists of three parts:

1. The implant: A titanium or zirconia screw that is inserted into the jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root.

2. The abutment: A connector piece attached to the top of the implant.

3. The crown: An artificial tooth that is attached to the abutment

Purpose and Benefits

Dental implants are used to:

• Replace missing teeth

• Restore oral function (chewing, speaking)

• Improve aesthetic appearance

• Prevent bone loss in the jaw

• Maintain facial structure

• Provide a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement

Procedure

The dental implant process typically involves:

1. Surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone 

2. A healing period of 2-6 months for osseointegration (fusion of implant with bone)

3. Attachment of the abutment and final crown to the implant 

Advantages Over Other Tooth Replacement Options

Compared to dentures or bridges, dental implants offer:

• Better durability (can last a lifetime with proper care)

• More natural look and feel

• Improved chewing ability

• Preservation of jawbone structure

• No need to alter adjacent teeth

Candidacy

Ideal candidates for dental implants:

• Have good general and oral health

• Have adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant

• Have healthy gum tissues free of periodontal disease

• Are non-smokers or willing to quit 

Considerations

• The process can take several months to complete

• May require bone grafting if there's insufficient jawbone

• Generally more expensive than other tooth replacement options

• Requires surgical procedure

Dental implants have become a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, offering a long-term solution that closely mimics natural teeth in both function and appearance. We, at Su Ping Mai, DMD, can provide consultation tailored to your personal situation.

Cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a person's smile while also maintaining or improving oral health and function. It involves procedures that alter the shape, color, position, size, alignment, and overall appearance of teeth and gums. Some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures include:

• Teeth Whitening: Professional bleaching to remove stains and discoloration

• Dental Veneers: Thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve shape, color, or alignment

• Dental Implants: Artificial tooth roots used to replace missing teeth

• Dental Crowns: Protective caps that fit over damaged or weakened teeth

• Dental Bonding: Application of tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks, or gaps

• Invisalign: Clear aligners used to straighten teeth without traditional braces

• Gum Contouring: Reshaping the gum line to improve the appearance of the smile

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

• Improved appearance and self-confidence

• Enhanced oral function in some cases

• Long-lasting results with proper care

• Prevention of further dental issues in certain procedures

Come in for an exam to enhance your smile!