We get it, it can be a bit too easy to put off your bi-annual dental exam and we don't blame you, life gets busy! But remember, skipping your appointments can cost even more time and money in the future. Coming in twice a year allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Our top-of-the-line panoramic imaging technology with 3D capabilities ensures that regular check-ups are quick and effective - plus, you'll never need to go to a separate office to get the imaging you need.

Once a year, we will also use our digital scanner to perform a dental health scan. This allows us to keep track of changes to your teeth and gums from year to year, such as wear and tear, borderline cavities, cracks, gum recession, and more. We will even email these images to you so you can review them at your convenience. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.

Regular teeth cleanings and hygiene appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. You’ll even be able to reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.

However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

X-rays are the only way we can diagnose cavities under the surface and in between teeth where we can't see with a visual exam. At Nest Dental we only use digital x-rays. They are safe, quick, comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create crisp, high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. In fact, the amount of radiation used is so low, that digital radiographs (or x-rays) are even safe for most pregnant women! We'll update your x-rays regularly as needed, but we may recommend additional imaging in the case of a dental emergency, or if we find an oral health issue that we need to investigate further.

Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. After your cleaning, we’ll apply a fluoride-rich varnish or gel; we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or so following your visit. Fluoride helps kickstart a process called “remineralization,” which restores essential minerals like calcium and phosphates to your teeth, keeping your enamel hard and resistant to acids, like those that cause tooth decay.

Dental sealants are a great way for patients to protect their teeth from decay. Dental sealants are often recommended for children, but can still be a great option for patients of all ages. Plus, dental sealants can provide protection for your teeth for years after being applied.

Applying dental sealants is a quick, non-invasive procedure that utilizes a dental resin that is applied to the molars. The uneven surface of molars, which are located in the rear of the mouth, are filled with grooves where plaque and bacteria can flourish. After application, the resin is cured with a UV light, causing it to harden into a powerful barrier between your teeth and the foods, drinks, acid, and bacteria that lead to decay.

Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful experiences, but we're here to help. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and keep calm. Then, give us a call to find out if you need immediate care. Dental emergencies can be anything from a knocked-out tooth or dental work to a persistent toothache. If you're unsure if what you're experiencing qualifies as a dental emergency, it's better to be safe than sorry, so get in touch with us right away so you can get the care you need when you need it.

Periodontal care, otherwise known as gum disease treatment, is an essential dental service focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This includes gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease). In Burlingame, periodontal care is offered by experienced professionals like Dr. Jennifer Chew at Nest Dental.

While the thought of oral surgery and periodontal care may seem daunting, laser dentistry has revolutionized the way in which these procedures are performed. Our soft-tissue laser utilizes a highly-focused beam of light to perform a wide variety of procedures to treat issues like canker sores, cold sores, and frenectomies, and can be used in place of more invasive methods for more comfort and faster recoveries. Laser therapy can also be used for cosmetic treatments, like correcting a gummy smile. Get in touch with us today to find out laser dentistry can benefit you!

Dental anxiety doesn't have to stop you from getting the care you need for your smile. We're happy to offer sedation options, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy painless, stress-free dental care, no matter the complexity of your treatment. If you're interested in our sedation options, get in touch with us today, and we'll find out what option will work best for you.

Oral cancer screenings are a vital part of preventive healthcare. At Nest Dental in Burlingame, Dr. Jennifer Chew provides comprehensive oral cancer screenings to help detect early signs of cancer, even before symptoms appear. This screening involves a thorough examination of your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to identify any abnormalities or changes that could indicate the presence of cancer.

Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. However, night guards can help patients alleviate symptoms of bruxism by creating a barrier between your teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Depending on the severity of the case, night guards can be made from several different materials with varying degrees of softness.

To get fitted for a night guard, you will receive digital scans of your teeth and gums that we will use to custom-craft a mold that will then be sent to the lab. Your night guard will be created to match your exact specifications and measurements for a perfect fit. Night guards ease tension in your jaw, alleviating the painful headaches and preventing dental damage caused by clenching and grinding. Night guards can keep your smile healthy and help you get the restful sleep you need.

Sports guards are worn over the teeth, and are specifically designed to protect your mouth from oral trauma caused by high-impact sports. Many sports put players at risk for dental injuries caused by collisions to the mouth, face, or head, but a custom-fitted sports guard can help protect you from chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth. Tailored to fit your unique smile, sports guards are both comfortable and durable, so you can play the sports you love without missing a beat.

A sports guard is essential if you’re an athlete who plays football, basketball, baseball, soccer, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, mountain biking, or if you participate in any other activities that put you at risk for injury due to falling, body contact, or flying objects.

At Nest Dental, we utilize Xeomin, a botulinum toxin, to treat a variety of needs. While botulinum toxin has traditionally been used to smooth wrinkles and reduce the appearance of fine lines to restore your youthful glow, there's even more that this injectable can do. Dentists can also administer botulinum toxin to soothe symptoms of TMJ/TMD, reduce a gummy smile, and alleviate myofascial pain. Because your dentist is an expert in facial anatomy, they are an ideal provider of botulinum toxin therapy. If you're experiencing pain in your face or jaw, or you are just ready to give your appearance a youthful boost, get in touch with us today to see if botulinum toxin therapy is right for you.