Dental words can sound confusing, so here is a short glossary from our team at Genuine Care Dental in Saratoga, CA. If you hear a word you do not know at your visit, ask us. Explaining is part of the job.
Plaque: a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
Tartar: plaque that has hardened. Only a professional dental cleaning can remove it.
Enamel: the hard outer layer that protects each tooth.
Bite: the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Decay: the breakdown of tooth structure caused by acids from bacteria.
Cavity: a hole in a tooth caused by decay.
Gingivitis: early gum disease, with red, swollen, or bleeding gums. It can usually be reversed.
Periodontitis: advanced gum disease that affects the tissue and bone that support your teeth.
Sealant: a thin protective coating placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Fluoride: a mineral that helps strengthen enamel.
Filling: material that repairs a tooth once decay is removed.
Crown: a cap that covers and protects a damaged tooth.
Bridge: replaces missing teeth by attaching to the teeth beside the gap.
Implant: a small post that replaces a tooth root, and an abutment is the connector that holds a crown or bridge.
Root canal: treatment that cleans the inside of an infected tooth.
X-ray: an image that shows what we cannot see by eye. See our dental checkups for more.
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Learning about your teeth is easier when you feel at ease, and our space is designed for that. We didn't want it to feel like a dental office, so we didn't build one. Warm wood, real plants, a couch you'd actually choose to sit on, and chairs picked for comfort as much as function, all so you forget where you actually are.
Dr. Rong and Mia lead the practice with an expert team that believes no question is too small to ask.
Ask away while wrapped in an anxiety blanket with a calming aroma. A neck pillow, lip balm, and dark sunglasses are yours to use, phones charge for free, and there are shows on the screens and a coffee bar.
“Too often I see patients go into an office and they're just seen as a set of teeth with no person behind them. I want to know not only what our patients need, but also what they want, in terms of their health, their looks, and how they feel.”
– Dr. Rong, owner
“I absolutely would recommend Genuine Care, and I have already done so many times.”
– Amy, patient
“Dr. Rong was very patient. He carefully explained the treatment, so I feel very confident and comfortable.”
– Raymond, patient
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