How do I know when it is time to come in for a checkup?
We recommend you come in twice a year for a full-mouth checkup and thorough cleaning. These two convenient appointments may be all you’ll need to keep your smile clean and healthy. However, they also allow us to find problems in the earliest stages so that we can treat them quickly, efficiently, and conservatively. Occasionally, a patient may need a more frequent recall schedule, such as every three or four months. This ensures that oral health is maintained and that a patient reaches a consistent level of good oral health. Before you leave our office, schedule your next appointment at the front desk. We’ll remind you of your appointment as the time draws near.
Red, swollen, bleeding gums may be signs of periodontal disease, the primary reason that adult Americans lose teeth. Also called gum disease, periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for stroke, heart disease, low-weight births, and complications for diabetics. We can consult with you on the proper toothbrush and pressure for safe, effective daily care. We may also recommend a deep hygiene treatment to stop the disease and return your gums to good health. Untreated, gum disease can escalate to create a host of problems and significant oral damage, so call Berkeley Dental for a periodontal checkup today. We will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!
Since halitosis – the technical term for bad breath – can have many causes. It is important to investigate the reason for the condition. If you have not regularly had your teeth professionally cleaned, you may have untreated periodontal disease. Once we determine the reason for your halitosis, we may review your brushing and flossing techniques and suggest a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue.
Whitening your teeth can have a dramatic effect on your smile. We offer a variety of options to whiten teeth, including a combination of in-office and take-home systems. We believe this is the most effective method to safely whiten your teeth – and keep them white – without incurring additional expense.
Digital X-rays are good for patients. They cut the amount of radiation to your body by as much as 90 percent, when compared to traditional X-rays, In addition, digital X-rays increase the speed of diagnosis since digital images are faster to produce
Digital X-rays also enhance our ability to diagnose problems because they can be enlarged on a computer screen. They will also give you a visual of your problems and aid in our explanation of recommendations. Digital X-rays allow us to offer co-diagnosis, which is our philosophy of involving the patient in every step of the dental care decision-making process.
We offer bridgework, dentures, and dental implants to replace missing teeth. Learn more about these options on our services page, then call for a consultation. With X-rays, intraoral photos, and a thorough assessment of your dentition, we can help you decide which replacement option is best for you.
Yes. Most PPO dental plans are accepted and we are preferred providers for many insurance companies. We also file out-of-network claims as a courtesy. Please tell us about your dental insurance when you call to reserve your appointment. Dental insurance does not cover the complete cost of treatment and usually does not cover cosmetic dental procedures. After your consultation with Dr. Sharma, we can estimate your benefits and discuss payment options with you.
Investing in your smile transformation may be easier than you think. We want to help you achieve your goals, so we offer several payment options. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, and credit cards, as well as most dental insurance. We also offer CareCredit financing.
Yes! If you experience a dental emergency, simply call our office. We will try to accommodate you with an appointment as soon as possible, without neglecting our scheduled patients. Dr Sharma can be reached after hours on her cell phone for her established patients. For the after-hours number, call our main office line at 510-843-4450.
Before a child is born, teeth begin forming. In most cases, the two bottom, center teeth come in when a baby is about 6-8 months old. The four upper teeth will follow, and the rest will begin to come in, often in pairs on either side of the jaw, until a child is about 3 years old.