Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentistry performed properly is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.
A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Dr. Chahal has completed many years of medical schooling in order to practice dentistry. After schooling, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means they work with children from infancy up through teenage years. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for:
- Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology, and surgery)
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
- Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
- Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)
Here at Oakdale Kids Dentist & Orthodontics, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule can feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily will keep many oral health problems away; however, it’s not a complete guarantee. Scheduling regular cleanings atOakdale Kids Dentist & Orthodontics is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.
At Oakdale Kids Dentist & Orthodontics, an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional X-rays to catch cavities, and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.
Dr.Chahal will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office at 209-322-3174 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.
Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agree that a child’s first dental appointment should happen as early as six months of age. This is when the first baby teeth usually begin to show. Dr.Chahal will be able to assess the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations for things like navigating teething periods, reducing the risk of decay, and good cleaning techniques.
Dr. Chahal recommends at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation for the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush as often. Other factors like gum disease might require changing toothbrushes more often. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water, then store it upright somewhere it can dry between uses. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up continually in our mouths. When this buildup is not treated in early stages, it can result in gum disease. Risk factors that increase susceptibility to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause permanent damage in the form of bone and tooth loss. Dr. Chahal recommends brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling regular dental appointments as the best way to fight gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:
- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth and/or loss of teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gumline
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at 209-322-3174 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.
Here at Oakdale Kids Dentist & Orthodontics, we accept most PPO plans, but no HMO plans. Check with us to make sure yours is included. Call our office at 209-322-3174 for more information about insurance. Make sure you have your insurance information handy when you call. Also, plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.
If you have no dental insurance, we offer in-house dental savings plans.
Call us at 209-322-3174 for more information on how we can help you get the dental treatment you deserve.
For your convenience here at Oakdale Kids Dentist & Orthodontics, we accept cash, check, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, AmEx, and Discover. If none of these payment methods suits your needs, we also provide payment plans through our office or third-party financing through Care Credit. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods, please give us a call at 209-322-3174 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.