General Dentistry

At Vainer DDS we believe that a healthy smile begins with proactive care. Our preventive dentistry services are designed to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top condition, helping you avoid dental problems before they start. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and personalized care plans are all part of our commitment to your oral health.

We offer several preventive services to address your individual needs:

Professional Cleanings and Examinations: Regular check-ups to identify and address any potential issues, and remove plaque and tartar to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy.
Fluoride treatments: Strengthen your teeth, making them more resistant to decay.
Sealants: Provide a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, preventing cavities in those hard-to-clean areas.
Digital X-Rays: Advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Oral Cancer Screenings: A thorough examination of your mouth to check for abnormalities such as sores, red or white patches, lumps, or other changes that may indicate oral cancer or precancerous conditions.

We understand that each patient has unique oral health needs. Whether you need to manage teeth grinding, improve your flossing technique, incorporate mouthwash into your routine, or schedule more frequent check-ups, we will make sure you leave our office knowing the best ways to care for your mouth.

Call us today at (707) 462-1540 to schedule your bi-annual check-up and begin your journey to a healthier smile!

Regular dental check-ups every six months are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. During your routine appointment you will receive:

Oral Examination: A thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums is conducted to check for any signs of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. This step helps in early detection and prevention of potential problems.
X-rays: Dental X-rays are taken to provide a detailed view of your teeth and jaw structure. They help in identifying issues that are not visible during a standard examination, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, and impacted teeth.
Plaque and Tartar Removal: Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing. Using specialized dental tools, our hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line.
Teeth Polishing: After the plaque and tartar are removed, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and leave them looking and feeling shiny and smooth.
Flossing: Professional flossing is done to remove any remaining plaque or toothpaste from between your teeth. Our hygienist will also demonstrate proper flossing techniques to ensure you maintain good oral hygiene at home.
Oral Hygiene Education: You will be provided personalized tips and guidance on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home. This may include advice on brushing techniques, flossing, diet, and the use of additional dental care products.

Schedule your dental cleaning and exam with us today by calling (707) 462-1540.

When cavities occur, it’s essential to treat them promptly to prevent further damage to your teeth. At Vainer DDS we use high-quality, tooth-colored fillings to restore your teeth to their natural function and appearance. These fillings are made from a durable composite resin that blends seamlessly with your natural tooth color.

During the procedure, we will remove the decayed portion of the tooth, clean the affected area, and then fill the cavity with the composite material. This not only stops the progression of decay but also restores the strength and integrity of the tooth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.

Call us at (707) 462-1540 with any concerns or questions.

Service photos - General Dentistry - root canals v2

Root canal treatment is a procedure designed to save teeth that are severely infected or damaged, offering a pathway to relief and restoring dental health. Sometimes root canals are the only way to save teeth and avoid tooth removal.

The roots of your teeth extend below the gumline, securely attaching them to your jawbone. Inside these roots are sensitive tissues known as pulp, which alert us to pain and sensitivity. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment is often needed to preserve the tooth and relieve discomfort.

You may be a candidate for root canal treatment if you experience persistent pain when biting down on food, or if the pain continues even after you’ve stopped eating. Throbbing or lingering pain accompanied by swelling can indicate severe inflammation or infection of the tooth pulp.

Ignoring these symptoms could lead to more severe complications such as dental abscesses, which in some cases can be a medical emergency, and require immediate attention to prevent further spread of infection.

Give us a call at (707) 462-1540 with any concerns or questions.

Dental extractions are a process of completely removing the tooth from the jaw bone. Extractions typically happen as a very last step, due to the damage or decay of the tooth being beyond the means of repair. Extractions may also be required for orthodontic reasons such as removing impacted wisdom teeth or alleviating overcrowding.

Extractions can be categorized as either “simple” or “surgical”. Simple extractions are performed on visible teeth while surgical extractions are performed on teeth not in easy-to-reach or visible places, like impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that have broken at the gum line.

Whatever type of extraction you need, we’ll take you step by step through the process and ensure you are informed and made comfortable.

If you believe you may need an extraction or have been advised to do so, call us at (707) 462-1540 today. There may still be time to intervene and save your tooth.

Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, or another urgent dental issue, we’re here to provide prompt care to relieve your discomfort and preserve your oral health. Please contact us immediately to assess your treatment options.

Tips for common dental emergencies:

Lost Tooth:

If a tooth gets knocked out, it has a much better chance of being saved if we can reimplant it within 30 minutes to two hours of the incident.

Handle the tooth carefully by the crown (top part), not the root.
Avoid touching the root surface.
If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket.
If unable to reinsert, keep the tooth moist. Place it in milk (if available) or your own saliva in a clean container.
Do not rinse the tooth with water.
Get to our office as quickly as possible for immediate care.

Severe Tooth Pain:
Severe tooth pain can indicate an underlying issue such as an abscess or infection.

Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area.
Use floss to remove any food debris that may be causing discomfort.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage pain.
Contact us for an emergency appointment so we can diagnose and treat the cause of your pain.

Broken or Chipped Tooth:
If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, it’s important to seek dental care promptly to prevent further damage.

Save any broken pieces of the tooth.
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling if necessary.
Contact us immediately for an appointment so we can assess the damage and recommend appropriate treatment.

For emergencies call our office at (707) 462-1540. If an emergency occurs outside of our office hours, please follow the instructions listed on our answering machine to reach us.

Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and saves lives. According to the CDC, about 53,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer annually, and the five-year survival rate increases to 90% when detected early.

Our oral cancer screening is a quick and painless process conducted during your regular dental visit. We examine your entire mouth – lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat – for abnormalities such as sores, red or white patches, lumps, or other changes that may indicate oral cancer or precancerous conditions.

If necessary, further diagnostic tests may be recommended to confirm or rule out oral cancer.

Risk factors
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Being aware of these risk factors and scheduling regular screenings can aid in early detection and treatment.

Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco)
Heavy alcohol use
HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
Excessive sun exposure to the lips
Poor oral hygiene
Family history of oral cancer

Don’t wait! If you notice any changes or have any concerns please let us know. Early detection through regular oral cancer screenings is crucial. While these screenings typically take place during regular check-ups, patients at higher risk for oral cancer are advised to schedule more frequent visits with us.

Call us today at (707) 462-1540 to schedule your bi-annual check-up.

Prevention and protection are the cornerstones of early dental care. Dental sealants safeguard your teeth against cavities and decay, ensuring your smile stays healthy and vibrant for years to come.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, such as molars and premolars. These areas often have deep pits and grooves where food particles and bacteria can get stuck, making them more susceptible to cavities. Sealants act as a barrier, smoothing out these surfaces and effectively protecting your teeth from plaque and food debris.

They are particularly beneficial for children and teenagers who may not always maintain perfect oral hygiene habits. By providing an additional layer of protection in hard-to-reach areas, sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80 percent!

Applying dental sealants is a quick and comfortable process that can be conveniently done during your regular dental visit. After cleaning the designated teeth, we carefully apply the sealant, ensuring it reaches and seals all the nooks and crannies of the tooth, and securely bond it to the tooth by using a special curing light.

But sealants aren’t just for kids! Contact us today at (707) 462-1540 to determine if dental sealants are suitable for your needs.

Night guards, also known as dental splints, are custom-fitted molds worn over your teeth while you sleep. They act as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the damaging effects of bruxism (teeth grinding) and clenching. These habits can lead to tooth wear or fractures, jaw pain, headaches, and sleep disturbances.

You may benefit from wearing a night guard if you experience the following:

Frequent Headaches: Persistent morning headaches can be a sign of nighttime teeth grinding.
Jaw Pain or Soreness: Ongoing discomfort or soreness in your jaw upon waking may indicate clenching or grinding.
Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure can result from enamel wear due to grinding.
Worn or Chipped Teeth: Noticeable wear, chipping, or flattening of teeth edges are common signs of bruxism.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: Stiffness or pain when trying to open your mouth widely can be related to TMJ disorders from grinding or clenching.

Investing in a custom night guard not only protects your teeth and gums from the harmful effects of grinding and clenching but also helps you avoid the expense of future restorative treatments. Simply wear your night guard before bed or whenever you tend to clench your teeth and enjoy peace of mind knowing your smile is well-protected.

Call us today at (707) 462-1540 for a consultation.