Preventive and General Dentistry

You need preventive dentistry to maintain your teeth and gums long-term. The American Dental Association and most dentists recommend these visits every six months for thorough examinations and professional teeth cleanings.

These visits are part of your overall wellness and should always be coupled with excellent oral hygiene at home.

Lodi and Elk Grove Dentist: Why Dental Care Matters

Your toothbrush and floss are not meant to stand in for dental care but to complement these dental checkups and teeth cleanings. Without regular dental care, you’re at risk for tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and emergency tooth infections.

Checkups help your dentist spot emerging problems before they cost you time, money, and pain. At the same time, teeth cleanings rid your teeth of the ingredients that cause oral health problems.

Remember, gum disease is a serious dental health complication that can cause:

• Tooth loss
• Chronic bad breath
• Heart and lung problems
• Autoimmune issues
• Specific types of dementia

Strong clinical evidence and studies tell us that gum disease requires a diagnosis and treatment sooner rather than later.

Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup Today

Call us today at (916) 714-6644 to schedule your next or first appointment with our dental team. You can also contact us with questions about our treatments and services.

Yes, in most cases, your dentist can tell if you smoke or use tobacco—this includes vaping.

When you smoke, there are telltale signs, which can include all or some of the following:

• Receding Gums or Inflammation
• Oral Lesions or Irritation
• Bad Breath and Dry Mouth
• Tooth Stains
• Increased Plaque or Tartar
• New Tooth Decay
• Slow Healing

Smoking indeed disrupts saliva production, leading to dry mouth, plaque buildup, decay, and even gum disease. Smoking also increases your risk of developing oral cancer.

If you smoke, please don’t try to hide the habit from your dentist. Of course, we want you to quit for your own health and wellness, but when your dentist or doctor knows you use tobacco, they can be on the lookout for all the known consequences.

Remember, tobacco use is difficult to hide—even if you rinse thoroughly and chew gum before your visit—because your dentist knows what to look for!

Is It Time for Your Next Checkup and Teeth Cleaning?

If you smoke, we recommend speaking with your doctor about cessation treatment. Also, if it’s time for your next checkup and teeth cleaning in Lodi or Elk Grove, contact a dental team member today.

We accept third-party financing through CareCredit and LendingClub.

At Oak Tree Dentistry, your smile is our passion, and so is your comfort!

We’re pleased to offer three levels of dental sedation in Lodi and Elk Grove to meet your needs.

Types of Sedation Dentistry We Offer

Our team monitors you closely during dental sedation, and we take a health history to ensure your candidacy.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a safe gas administered through a nasal cannula during your procedure. You feel detached and melancholy with nitrous, but you’re still aware. This sedation method means you’ll feel less anxious during your procedure, but there are no lingering effects. You can drive yourself home or back to work.  

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a pill given before treatment. With this sedation method, you’ll feel completely relaxed and may not recall the finer details of your treatment. You’ll need a friend or loved one to drive you. We also recommend resting for the day and not making any life-altering decisions.

IV Sedation

As with oral sedation, you should have transportation and rest for the remainder of the day following your procedure. IV sedation is delivered directly into the bloodstream. You’ll be minimally conscious but mostly unaware of what’s happening. It’s doubtful you’ll remember your procedure.

Contact Your Elk Grove or Lodi Dentist Today

Contact a dental team member today if you want more information about sedation dentistry.