Diseases of the Oral Cavity
A removable bridge, more commonly known as a denture, is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, known formally as dental caries, has been a serious health problem for all nations since time immemorial. For centuries, tooth decay was thought to be the handiwork of an elusive and, in some cultures, evil tooth worm that gnawed holes into the white, highly mineralized enamel and left all those in its wake in pain. But superstition has yielded to science and its explanation that certain oral bacteria discharge mineral-eroding acid onto the enamel, starting the gradual process of decay. Over the last several decades, dental researchers have made tremendous progress in defining and learning to thwart the decay process. This work has involved the three-pronged strategy of discovery, innovation, and prevention – and produced one of the major public health success stories of the 20th century.
Tooth Loss to Prevention
- Few people were spared the ordeal of losing teeth, often early in life. The combination of tooth decay and periodontal diseases left 17 million people age 45 and older — about three out of 10 Americans — with none of their natural teeth. In fact, the most common cause of WWII draft rejection was too few teeth because of tooth decay. Until the 1970s, the cause of tooth decay continued to be a subject of debate, with some believing dietary deficiencies were the culprit and others focusing on oral bacteria. This uncertainty made effective prevention strategies difficult, if not impossible, to create. Moreover, brushing one's teeth each day was a fairly recent hygienic step forward in dental care, reportedly popularized by returning soldiers from World War II.
- The NIH completed the first water fluoridation study that established the benefits of fluoride in fighting tooth decay. Several years would pass before fluoride, the mainstay of modern prevention strategies, would become a common ingredient in water, toothpaste, and other products.
Meet Our Highly Trained Doctors
At our dental practice, your comfort and happiness matter to us. We’re dedicated to providing a friendly and stress-free environment for all of our patients.
Dr. Efraim Florendo
Dr. Efraim Florendo earned his Dental degree in 2000. His enthusiasm to expand his dental knowledge brought him to the field of Dental Research and he worked in San Francisco as a Dental Researcher for two years.
This vivified his passion for Dentistry and willed him to practice the Art and Science of Dentistry in various cities such as San Bruno, San Francisco, Sacramento, Vallejo, San Jose until he finally found his heart and decided to settle in the lovely and warm city of Modesto.
Dr. Alexandra Chang
Dr. Alexandra Chang, DDS, MS is a native of the San Francisco Bay area. She went to U.C. Davis for her undergraduate studies and attend U.C San Francisco for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After completing her studies in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at The Ohio State University, she returned to California.
She has been practicing orthodontics for over 10 years and loves working with young children and adults. On her free time, she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also likes to spend with her family and two japanese bobtail cats.
Patient Reviews
The staff is so nice/friendly and welcoming. I definitely recommend coming here if you want an excellent service! 🙂
I like coming here because it feels very welcoming. Ladies in the front are very nice. Dentist very professional and listen to your needs. Totally recommend!
Thank you for keeping up such high standards in this industry; not many people do these days. Your staff is wonderful, too. Everyone has always been so kind to me on each visit.
I went in 3 days ago and this girl named Alyin helped me and she made me feel so welcomed! Overall the staff there is very nice and made my appointment very pleasant.
I just want to say Aylin has been a great!!! She's full of positive energy and creates a welcoming environment. Fast and create a happy place for my family.
I highly recommend them. They have a very nice staff and quick appointments. Thanks for helping me !
