Family and Children’s Dentistry
Serving patients from Los Gatos, San Jose, Saratoga and the surrounding areas
Dr. Lippi and his staff welcome patients of all ages, including those with families. We believe oral health is important, even for young children and the elderly. Dental cleanings and checkups should take place twice a year for every patient, sometimes more if there is a need.
Why should you have a family / pediatric dentist?
It is never too late to begin these routine visits and here are some of the benefits:
- Maintain a healthy mouth
- Identify problems early on to prevent the need for more extensive repairs later
- Lessen the likelihood of developing gum disease, which leads to tooth loss and other health-related diseases
- Help keep teeth white by removing stains during cleanings
- Early detection of oral cancer
Most dental insurance covers the cost of a cleaning, which means you will save money in the long run by potentially avoiding costly repairs.
Here is what you can expect during your visits
A dental hygienist will document the current state of your oral health. This is so that Dr. Lippi can monitor your oral health and development over time, identifying issues as they arise. Digital X-rays are sometimes part of your visit. X-rays allow us to see the roots of your teeth as well as bone structure.
Then, the dental hygienist will professionally clean your teeth. If any problems are identified, Dr. Lippi will address those with you and develop a treatment plan to fix these issues. After your checkup, it is important to maintain oral hygiene habits at home as well. We recommend you regularly brush and floss, which helps reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay and bone loss.
Dental visits for children
We recommend your child have their first dental checkup around the time that their first tooth erupts, or by one year of age. Parents often wonder, why the rush? Why can’t my child wait until all their teeth have erupted? Oral health begins even as an infant. During these visits with your child, Dr. Lippi can identify potential issues that may affect your child’s oral development. Addressing these concerns early may help prevent costly, more extensive treatments later on for your child.
If you believe your child may be apprehensive about their visit to the dentist, here are some tips to help ease their fears:
- Talk to your child about their upcoming visit or bring them with you to yours so that they can see what to expect.
- Play pretend with your child. Using their imagination can help going to the dentist seem fun.
- Be sure to take your child to the dentist during a time when they are likely to be compliant and in a good mood.
- Better yet, start them out going to the dentist at an early age to prevent fears from developing in the first place.
Is dental care important for the elderly?
It most certainly is! In fact later in life is when patients are likely to require more extensive dental treatments. As we age, our teeth become worn down and brittle. Arthritis tends to affect our joints, even the temporomandibular (jaw) joint.
These factors cause elderly patients to experience more issues such as:
- Uneven bite that leads to jaw joint disorders
- Cavities
- Tooth sensitivity
- Discolored teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Missing teeth
Regular dental checkups allow Dr. Lippi to keep an eye out for these potential issues that may arise. We encourage even our elderly patients to continue with their dental cleanings and checkups, as well as practicing good oral hygiene at home.
To schedule your next visit, contact Dr. Lippi’s office. We welcome patients from Los Gatos, San Jose, Saratoga and the surrounding areas.
I’ve Been Looking for a Doctor Like This
“I am so thankful to have found an office that is this amazing! I never write reviews but need to spread the word. Dr.Lippi’s office is professional, attentive and very caring. I felt at ease from my initial phone call to the minute I walked out the door. Great doctor, great staff!”
★★★★★ – Holly B.