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Flossing cleans an extra 40% of your tooth surfaces than brushing alone!
We will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, gently removing plaque and tartar that may have built up. This includes flossing between your teeth and scraping off plaque that has accumulated beneath the gum line, using water or an ultrasonic cleaner. After your cleaning, your teeth will be polished and your smile will be left feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had dental x-rays taken, your dentist may recommend x-rays. Dental x-rays allow us to see beneath the surface, and find problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. With x-rays, we can make more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatment plans.
Your South San Francisco dentist will review your x-rays before taking an in-depth look at your teeth and gums. If we notice any areas of concern, we’ll take the time to explain our findings, and help you decide how to best address it. Our goal is to keep you informed and educated, so you can make the right oral health decision with confidence.
Based on what we uncover during your exam, you’ll work together with your dentist to create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to fit your unique needs, budget, and lifestyle. If we find your mouth to be healthy and in good shape, we’ll simply schedule your next regular checkup and cleaning!
No matter what kind of treatment you’re scheduling, our team is here for you. We can answer any insurance or financing questions you may have, and will do everything we can to ensure every visit is simple and stress-free.
Maintaining a healthy smile starts with consistent cleanings and strong daily habits—and our trusted 94080 dentist is here to help every step of the way. Regular professional cleanings are essential for preventing plaque buildup, reducing your risk of gum disease, and keeping your teeth looking their best. For most patients, our team recommends visiting every six months for a thorough exam and cleaning. These visits allow Dr. Tsoi to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that at-home brushing can miss, while also monitoring for early signs of dental issues.
In between appointments, your daily oral hygiene routine is just as critical. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste helps protect enamel and remove daily debris. Don’t forget to floss once a day—preferably at night—to eliminate food particles and bacteria from between the teeth and under the gumline. These simple but effective habits go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy. When you combine regular visits to our South SF dentist with a strong at-home routine, you're setting yourself up for long-term oral health success. Book your next cleaning today and give your smile the care it deserves!
Our 94080 dentist uses digital x-rays to provide fast, comfortable, and incredibly precise imaging. Digital x-rays offer a clearer view of your teeth, gums, and bone structure, helping us detect issues early and create more accurate treatment plans. Best of all, they emit significantly less radiation than traditional film x-rays—making them a safer option for patients of all ages.
Dr. Tsoi may recommend digital x-rays once or twice a year during routine checkups. However, additional imaging may be needed if you experience a dental emergency, develop new symptoms, or if we need a closer look at a specific area of concern. The process is quick and completely painless, allowing us to view high-resolution images almost instantly. With digital x-rays, our South SF dentist can more effectively monitor changes in your dental health and ensure timely intervention when needed. It's just one of the many advanced tools we use to deliver top-quality care in a safe and comfortable setting.
Fluoride treatments are a quick and effective way to boost your oral health—and Dr. Tsoi makes it easy to include this service during your routine preventive visits. After your professional cleaning, our 94080 dentist will apply a fluoride-rich gel or varnish directly to your teeth. It stays in place for a few minutes, allowing the fluoride to fully absorb and begin strengthening your enamel. This process helps protect your teeth through remineralization—a natural repair process where fluoride attracts essential minerals like calcium and phosphate to your enamel. This not only restores hardness but also increases your teeth’s resistance to acid attacks caused by bacteria and food.
Whether you're more cavity-prone or just want an added layer of protection, fluoride treatments are a simple, non-invasive option our South SF dentist may recommend. Especially helpful for kids, teens, and patients with early signs of enamel wear, these treatments are a smart addition to your preventive care routine.
Dental sealants offer a highly effective way to protect your teeth from decay—and our 94080 dentist may recommend them for both kids and adults who are more prone to cavities. While sealants are most commonly applied to children’s molars, they’re also a great option for anyone who wants added defense against tooth decay.
The process is quick and painless. Dr. Tsoi will apply a thin layer of dental resin to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, which tend to have deeper grooves that trap plaque and food particles. These hard-to-clean areas are where decay often begins. After applying the resin, a special UV light is used to cure and harden the material, forming a strong, protective barrier over your enamel. Once in place, sealants block harmful bacteria and acids from settling into the tiny pits and fissures of your molars. When properly maintained, dental sealants can last several years and may significantly reduce your risk of cavities. If you’re looking for a long-lasting preventive option, ask our San Francisco dentist if sealants are right for you.
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications—including tooth loss. Our 94080 dentist is here to help you identify and treat periodontal concerns early. The first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is the only phase that can be completely reversed with professional deep cleanings and consistent at-home care. If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, our 94080 dentist will create a personalized treatment plan to manage the condition and stop it from progressing. Staying on top of your routine cleanings and exams is essential to keeping your gums healthy and preventing permanent damage.
For patients with more advanced gum disease (periodontitis), Dr. Tsoi may recommend more frequent deep cleanings—usually every three to four months. These visits may include procedures like scaling and root planing, which help remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces of the teeth.
While advanced gum disease can’t be reversed, proactive treatment can stop it from worsening and help you maintain your oral health. With expert periodontal care, you can preserve your natural teeth and keep your smile strong for years to come.
Oral cancer screenings are a critical part of your preventive dental care—and our 94080 dentist makes them a priority at every routine visit. Detecting oral cancer early can dramatically increase the chances of successful treatment and may even save your life. That’s why our team takes a proactive approach to identifying signs of oral cancer during your checkups. During your exam, Dr. Tsoi will thoroughly inspect your gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and other soft tissues. We’re on the lookout for any abnormalities such as unusual lumps, lesions, or discoloration. These subtle signs could indicate early stages of oral cancer, even if you’re not experiencing any pain or symptoms.
If anything suspicious is found, Dr. Tsoi may recommend a biopsy for further analysis by a specialist. While oral cancer is relatively uncommon, staying consistent with your oral health visits gives you the best chance for early detection and timely treatment. Maintaining a regular schedule of preventive care allows us to monitor your oral health closely and ensure peace of mind. Trust our San Francisco dentist to prioritize both your smile and your overall well-being with thorough, professional oral cancer screenings at every visit.
If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, you’re not alone—and Dr. Tsoi has a solution. This condition, known as bruxism, can lead to worn-down teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep. Fortunately, custom night guards offer a simple and effective way to protect your teeth and improve your quality of life. Our South SF dentist will begin by taking detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth to ensure a precise fit. These are then sent to a dental lab where your night guard is carefully crafted to match your unique bite. Made from durable yet comfortable material, the night guard forms a soft but strong barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the damage caused by grinding and clenching.
Wearing a night guard not only preserves your tooth enamel—it also helps reduce tension in your jaw, minimize headaches, and promote better sleep. Many patients who use a custom night guard report noticeable relief from chronic discomfort and a significant improvement in their oral health. Don’t let bruxism go untreated. Trust Dr. Tsoi to design a night guard that fits perfectly and helps protect your smile for the long term. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how a night guard from our 94080 dentist can safeguard your teeth and improve your nightly rest.
If you or your child participate in high-impact or contact sports, protecting your smile should be a top priority. Our 94080 dentist can provide custom-fitted sports guards that offer superior protection against the dental injuries commonly caused by collisions, falls, and flying objects. Sports mouth guards are similar to night guards in design, but they’re built to absorb shock and minimize damage during athletic activities. Whether you play football, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, gymnastics, or mountain biking, a properly fitted sports guard from Dr. Tsoi can help prevent chipped or broken teeth, soft tissue injuries, and even jaw trauma.
Unlike generic guards from a store, custom-made sports guards are tailored to fit your mouth precisely, making them more comfortable, secure, and effective. They won’t slip during play, and they allow for better breathing and speaking, so you can focus on your game. Don’t take chances with your oral health on the field or court. Talk to our South SF dentist about getting a personalized sports guard that keeps your smile safe while you stay active. Durable, comfortable, and built for performance, our custom guards are the smart choice for athletes of all ages.
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your entire body.
You should brush your teeth at least two times a day for two minutes at a time. Begin by holding your brush at a 45-degree angle relative to your teeth and gums. Clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth using small, circular strokes, spending about 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride, and is ADA-approved, and remember to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3-4 months.
Begin by gathering around 24 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around one index or middle finger, and wind the remaining few inches around the index finger of your other hand. Holding about a 1-inch section, keep it taught between your fingers and thumbs as you gently glide the floss between your teeth. Use a gentle rocking motion instead of trying to force the floss down, as it can slip and that force can damage your gums. When the floss is between your teeth, take it into the gum line following the c-shaped curve of the tooth to dislodge plaque and bacteria. Keep repeating this process for both sides of every tooth, keeping sure to wind a new 1-inch section each time to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Prophylactic cleanings are also referred to as “regular cleanings.” These are the cleanings you receive during your regular dental appointments, and are important to get every 6 months to help prevent decay and keep bad breath at bay. We will remove any buildup of plaque, tartar, or bacteria from your teeth and floss between them to ensure your smile stays healthy and free of debris.
Periodontal cleanings, also known as “deep cleanings,” are only required for patients with periodontal, or gum, disease. As the name suggests, these sessions are more thorough than regular cleanings. During your visit, your dentist or hygienist will carefully scrape away plaque and tartar that has built up between your teeth and gums, as well as taking care to smooth out the roots of your teeth, to eliminate pockets that can trap bacteria and perpetuate gum disease. Deep cleanings are an important part of every periodontal maintenance routine, and are meant to help those suffering from gum disease preserve their oral health.
For most patients, dental insurance policies fully cover routine preventive care like cleanings, exams, and x-rays. Even if preventive care is not 100% covered by your insurance plan, it will likely be at least partially covered. Some plans may even cover treatments that are considered optional, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments. For specific details about your insurance plan, get in touch with us today, and find out how we can help maximize your benefits.
The average person smiles about 40 times a day!
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