General Dentistry

Maintain optimal dental health Preventive dentistry options at Origin Dental

Dr. Tran and the team focus on preventive care to help our patients avoid dental issues.

We keep our patients well informed about their dental health to help them make the best decisions when it comes to their treatment.

As part of our commitment to preventive care, our checkups include comprehensive exams, digital x-rays, and thorough cleanings.

Why are regular six-month cleanings and oral exams so important?

Routine six-month cleanings and oral exams at Origin Dental are the most important part of a preventive dentistry routine for a number of different reasons: 

  • Regular appointments help our team of hygienists and Dr. Tran identify any potential oral health issues before they become bigger problems. For example, if a cavity begins to form, we can identify it and treat it before it requires a crown rather than just a filling.
  • We will address any issues and create a personalized treatment plan if we notice tooth decay or signs of gum disease.
  • Routine cleanings help prevent oral issues entirely. During regular hygiene appointments, your teeth will be cleaned and scaled to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar that build up in your mouth between cleanings.
  • Plaque and tartar can be nearly impossible to remove on your own once they begin to build up. Our professional tools can reach surfaces of your teeth where floss and brushing cannot.
  • Not only do cleanings help prevent issues like gum disease and tooth decay, but this process can also remove minor tooth stains and keep your smile looking great.
  • Regular oral exams allow us to check your mouth for signs of oral cancer.

What is gum disease and how can periodontal care from Origin Dental help?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and many patients don't realize they have this disease until it's too late. Some common symptoms of gum disease are red, swollen, and tender gums, bleeding gums, or gums that have pulled away from the teeth (recession). During regular checkups, Dr. Tran will check for signs of periodontal disease and offers deep cleanings for patients suffering from gum disease.

What can I expect during my regular checkups?

According the the American Dental Association, you should come in for dental checkups every 6 months. During these appointments, Dr. Tran examines your teeth and gums, and checks for any dental issues including cavities and periodontal disease. You’ll receive a thorough yet gentle cleaning to make sure you are on the right track toward optimal dental health. Seeing you every 6 months helps Dr. Tran understand the state of your oral health and treat minor dental issues before they become much larger and more costly problems. Contact our Sorrento Valley dental team and make an appointment today.

How do fluoride treatments help strengthen my teeth?

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that has the unique ability to strengthen your teeth by encouraging “remineralization.” This substance encourages calcium and phosphates to fill in gaps where your enamel has “demineralized” and become weak. 

Essentially, this helps strengthen teeth that have been affected by minor tooth decay, which causes “soft spots” in your enamel. Fluoride treatment, which uses a high concentration of fluoride that is painted onto your teeth, can help strengthen the teeth and strengthen soft spots, preventing them from progressing into cavities.

How do dental sealants help prevent tooth decay?

Dental sealants are another option for fighting back against tooth decay. They consist of a special type of clear, plastic resin, and they are usually applied to the rear teeth because rear molars typically have the highest risk of decay.

During treatment, a liquid resin is applied to your teeth by Dr. Tran. Then, it’s hardened with a special UV light, and it forms into a strong, clear protective barrier that prevents your enamel from contacting oral bacteria, acid, and food particles. This, in turn, prevents cavities from forming. Sealants can last up to 10 years and they are a great preventive treatment if you are cavity-prone.

Do you offer TMD/TMJ treatment?

Yes! We know that Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD, can be painful and it can have severely negative effects on your quality of life. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull, and TMD can turn simple activities like chewing or speaking into painful episodes. At Origin Dental, Dr. Tran offers treatment for TMD that will relieve pain and tension and help you enjoy your life again.

What is gum disease and how can periodontal care from Origin Dental help?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and many patients don't realize they have this disease until it's too late. Some common symptoms of gum disease are red, swollen, and tender gums, bleeding gums, or gums that have pulled away from the teeth (recession). During regular checkups, Dr. Tran will check for signs of periodontal disease and offers deep cleanings for patients suffering from gum disease.

What can I expect during my regular checkups?

According the the American Dental Association, you should come in for dental checkups every 6 months. During these appointments, Dr. Tran examines your teeth and gums, and checks for any dental issues including cavities and periodontal disease. You’ll receive a thorough yet gentle cleaning to make sure you are on the right track toward optimal dental health. Seeing you every 6 months helps Dr. Tran understand the state of your oral health and treat minor dental issues before they become much larger and more costly problems.

Do you offer TMD/TMJ treatment?

Yes! We know that Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD, can be painful and it can have severely negative effects on your quality of life. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull, and TMD can turn simple activities like chewing or speaking into painful episodes. At Origin Dental, Dr. Tran offers treatment for TMD that will relieve pain and tension and help you enjoy your life again.

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