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Family Dentistry in Rockridge
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Leslie Hata, DDS
5277 College Avenue
Suite 106-107
Oakland, CA 94618
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Common Questions
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You may find answers to some common questions about our office and the services we provide.
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Cosmetic Procedures
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Do you do “tooth colored” fillings? Yes. These can be either of a tooth colored resin or porcelain, if required.
We also place all porcelain crowns and veneers. Please see "Images of Completed Cases" page.
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X-Ray
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When do we take xrays? This is different with every patient and situation. If we see you regularly then we may only take them every 1 to 2 years. We are very concerned about limiting your exposure. X-rays are taken because we cannot “see” between your teeth and underneath the gums. We use a digital xray system which allows you and the doctor to see the images almost immediately. The images are viewed on a large color monitor for discussion. X-ray exposure to you is also reduced significantly.
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Instrument Sterilization
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We use a state of the art computer controlled steam sterilizer. Any item that is not sterilized is a “one use” or disposable item.
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What is bleaching?
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What is bleaching? Bleaching is a technique to whiten your teeth. We use 2
different methods or a combination of these methods. An at home bleaching kit, or
an in office bleach. The home bleaching method requires more patience and about 1
week. What you do is have a custom mouth tray made and wear this tray in
combination with the bleaching gel for 1 hour daily/4 weeks. The in office method
requires approximately 1 1/2 hours. We place a special bleaching solution on your
teeth. Results for both methods depend on the starting color of your teeth and
other factors. Cost is between $250-$450.
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Unhealthy gums
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Overview
Gum Disease
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Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an
infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the
teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. In fact,
after age 35, about three out of four adults are affected by
some form of gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of
bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These
bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums. In the
early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums
can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage,
the disease is still reversible and can usually be
eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
Because gum disease is usually painless, however, you
may not know you have it. In the more advanced stages
of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone
that support the teeth can become seriously damaged.
The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be
removed by a dentist.
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What to look for
Signs and Symptoms
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Signs of gum disease
If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease,
see your dentist immediately:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
- Red, swollen, tender gums or
gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
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Bad breath that doesn't go away.
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Pus between your teeth and gums.
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Loose teeth
a change in the way your teeth fit when
you bite.
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A change in the fit of partial dentures.
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Healthy gums!
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Prevention methods
Preventing Gum Disease
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The good news is that you can help prevent gum disease
by taking good care of your teeth every day and having
regular dental checkups. Here's how to keep your teeth
and gums healthy:
Brush your teeth well twice a day.
This removes the film of bacteria from the teeth. Be
sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is in good
condition. Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing
fluoride strengthen the teeth and help prevent
decay. Choose products that bear the American
Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, a symbol of
a product's safety and effectiveness. The ADA
reviews all advertising claims for any product
bearing the Seal. The Seal on a product is an
assurance for consumers and dentists against
misleading or untrue statements concerning a
product and its use, safety and effectiveness.
Clean between your teeth every day.
Cleaning between your teeth with floss or
interdental cleaners removes bacteria and food
particles from between the teeth, where a
toothbrush can't reach. Early gum disease can
often be reversed by daily brushing and flossing. If
you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist how
to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums.
Eat a balanced diet.
Choose a variety of foods from the basic food
groups, such as breads, cereals and other grain
products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry and fish;
and dairy products, such as milk, cheese and
yogurt. Limit between-meal snacks.
Visit your dentist regularly.
It is important to have regular dental checkups, and
professional cleaning is essential to prevent
periodontal diseases.
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Dental Unit Water
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About Dental Unit Waterlines
Q.What are biofilms?
A.Biofilms are microscopic communities that consist primarily of naturally occurring
water bacteria and fungi. They form thin layers on virtually all surfaces, including dental
water delivery systems. These common microbes or germs accumulate inside things like
showerheads, faucets and fountains, and in the thin tubes used to deliver water in dental
treatment.
Q. Will biofilms harm me?
A. Scientific reports have not linked illness to water passing through dental waterlines. In our environment, we are exposed to countless germs or bacteria. Yet, exposure to these common
microbes does not mean that an individual will get an infection or a disease. However, when a person’s immune system is compromised because of age, smoking, heavy drinking, being a
transplant or cancer patient or because of HIV infection, he or she may have more difficulty fighting off the invading germs. This is why the ADA encourages patients who may have weakened
immune systems to inform their dentist at the beginning of any treatment. That way, the patient and dentist together can make the right treatment decisions.
Q. What has been done to prevent me from being exposed to someone else’s saliva during dental treatment?
A. The ADA recommends that dentists follow the infection control guidelines of the ADA and CDC. These recommendations include the sterilization of dental instruments and the flushing of
waterlines between patients. Additionally, the recommendations call for the installation and maintenance of anti-retraction devices, where appropriate. All these measures should help prevent
exposure to someone else’s saliva.
Q. What is the ADA goal for dental unit water?
A. In 1995, the ADA set a goal for water quality. It called for equipment to be available by the year 2000 that can provide unfiltered water with no more than 200 CFU/ml (colony-forming units
per milliliter). That's the same standard as for kidney dialysis machines, and it's a goal that manufacturers are working toward. The Food and Drug Administration has recently cleared a number
of new products to improve water quality and time is needed to evaluate their effectiveness. The Association encourages manufacturers of new products to submit those products to the ADA Seal
of Acceptance program for evaluation.
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Q. Is the water in my dentist’s office safe?
A. Scientific reports have not linked illness with water passing through dental waterlines. However, patients should feel free to ask their dentist about the quality of their dental treatment water or
any other aspect of their practice. To help reduce the number of microorganisms in treatment water, the Association recommends that dentists follow the infection control guidelines of the CDC
and ADA. This is in addition to other precautions that your dentist may have in place.
Q. How soon will dentists have devices meeting this new (200 CFU/mL) goal in their offices?
A. The current trend is toward dental units with features to enhance water quality. The FDA has recently cleared a number of new products to improve water quality and time is needed to evaluate
their effectiveness. That's why the ADA is continuing its leadership in education and research in this area. The ADA strongly urges manufacturers to submit their devices for dental unit waterline
use to the ADA Seal of Acceptance Program for scientific evaluation, which allows dentists to choose products with even greater confidence.
Q.Does the ADA oppose government regulations on this issue--even if legislators adopt the ADA's own goal?
A.Yes. The ADA favors a voluntary goal and strongly opposes any effort to turn a scientific goal into a legal dictate. The dental profession has an excellent, proactive record on this and
other safety issues. In fact, the dental profession has led the way when it comes to improving water quality. Because of the ADA statement issued in 1995, the research and dental
industries have responded very positively to this issue. The number of products (approximately 25) cleared by the FDA for improving water quality reflects this response.
Q. What should patients know about waterlines?
A. Patients should always feel free to ask their dentist about water quality or any other aspect of their practice. Patients also should inform their dentist of any health problems and medications
they might be taking so the patient and dentist can make the right treatment decisions.
Both dentists and patients should also feel free to visit the ADA website at www.ada.org for more information.
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1/31/2000
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