General Dentistry

Periodontal Disease and Laser Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease affects the gums and the support around your teeth. Bleeding, swelling, gum recession, persistent bad breath, or changes in tooth stability are reasons to arrange an examination. Your dentist evaluates gum measurements, plaque buildup, and relevant imaging to understand the condition and explain the care needed. Treatment and maintenance are individualized rather than based only on how your gums look.

Laser Periodontal Therapy is part of our general dentistry approach to managing gum disease. A dental laser may be used to target diseased tissue and bacteria as part of an appropriate periodontal treatment plan. Depending on your findings, care may also include professional cleaning, treatment below the gumline, and ongoing periodontal maintenance. We explain the role of the laser, what the appointment involves, and how home hygiene and follow-up fit into the plan.

Customized Mouth Guards and Physiologic Orthotics

Customized mouth guards and physiologic orthotics serve different needs. A protective mouth guard may be designed for tooth protection, while a physiologic orthotic is planned with attention to jaw position, muscles, and bite function. We evaluate the concern before recommending a device. The fit, purpose, and follow-up should be specific to you; a protective guard is not automatically the right treatment for a jaw problem. Patients with bite or muscle concerns can also explore our TMJ Management service.

Dr. Rana Alan and Dr. Nancy Nehawandian take time to answer questions, explain your options, and recommend next steps that support long-term oral health. With tools such as intraoral cameras, digital X-rays, and 3D imaging, we can show you what we see and help you make informed decisions about your care.

What Does General Dentistry Include?

General dentistry includes preventive exams, professional cleanings, cavity detection, gum health monitoring, and routine restorative treatments. Regular dental visits can help identify small concerns before they become painful or require more extensive treatment.

During a typical visit, we review your medical history, perform a thorough oral exam, and take digital X-rays when needed. We may also use 3D imaging to evaluate areas that require a closer look.

Our goal is to provide recommendations that fit your needs and lifestyle, whether that means monitoring early decay, treating a cavity, or restoring a damaged tooth. We also provide clear pricing information and follow-up reminders to help you stay on track with your care.

What Happens During a General Dentistry Checkup?

A dental checkup involves more than cleaning your teeth. We evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues to look for signs of decay, gum disease, wear, and other concerns.

We may use an iTero digital scanner or an intraoral camera to document changes and provide you with a clearer view of your oral health. If you experience jaw discomfort or TMJ-related symptoms, we can also evaluate your bite and discuss options such as TENS unit testing and bite stabilization.

Most routine visits include:

• A visual exam and gum health evaluation
• Digital X-rays or 3D imaging when indicated
• A professional cleaning and polish

When we find a concern, we explain what we see and discuss conservative treatment options designed to protect your comfort and oral function.

How We Detect Dental Problems Early

Finding dental problems early can make treatment simpler and help preserve more healthy tooth structure. We combine visual exams with digital X-rays and, when appropriate, CBCT scans that provide a three-dimensional view of more complex areas.

Oral microbiome and salivary testing may also help identify risk factors for tooth decay or gum disease before noticeable symptoms develop.

If we find early enamel damage, we may recommend Curodont Repair to support remineralization before a traditional filling becomes necessary. When restorative treatment is needed, we focus on approaches that preserve healthy tooth structure while restoring strength and function.

General Dentistry Services We Offer

Top Down Dental provides preventive and restorative services designed to maintain oral health and address common dental concerns.

Our general dentistry services include:

• Tooth-colored fillings and crown restorations
• Periodontal maintenance and gum therapy
• Customized Mouth Guards and Physiologic Orthotics
• Digital impressions for more comfortable treatment planning

We favor conservative care whenever a less invasive treatment can effectively address the problem. If treatment may affect other dental care, we explain your options and timing so you can plan accordingly.

How Dental Technology Improves Your Care

Dental technology can help us diagnose concerns more precisely and make treatment easier to understand.

Intraoral cameras allow you to see detailed images of your teeth and gums, while iTero scans create digital models that can help with evaluation and treatment planning. CBCT imaging provides three-dimensional detail when a standard X-ray does not provide enough information. See our full dental technology page for more on the tools we use.

For patients with TMD or bite concerns, TekScan can help us evaluate how pressure is distributed when the teeth come together. We also use laser dentistry, digital X-rays, Cervitec Plus, and other evidence-based tools and products when they can improve prevention, diagnosis, comfort, or treatment.

The technology is only part of the process. Our team uses these tools to support thoughtful recommendations and help you understand why a particular treatment may or may not be necessary.

General Dentistry in Los Gatos, CA

A healthy mouth plays an important role in overall well-being. At Top Down Dental, our approach to general dentistry reflects our belief that A Healthy Life Starts With a Healthy Mouth.

Whether you need a routine dental checkup, help with a toothache, or guidance on maintaining your family’s oral health, our team will listen to your concerns and create a clear plan.

Top Down Dental welcomes new patients from Los Gatos, San Jose, and surrounding Bay Area communities. Call today to schedule a visit and learn how preventive, thoughtful dental care can fit into your routine.