How Dentists Work with General Care Providers

At Steven K. Okamoto, DDS, Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto want patients to experience the most comprehensive care for their needs, which is why our team partners and cooperates with general care providers and specialists in the creation of your treatment plan, whenever needed. These partnerships are essential in improving systemic and dental health. The following are just some of the ways we work together with other professionals to care for our patients:

Oncologists for Pre-Cancer Dentistry

If you or a person you know is dealing with cancer, our dental office is able to work with your primary care physician and oncologist to assess your medical history and create an all-inclusive treatment plan. Drs. Michelle and Steve Okamoto provide beneficial care in protecting the health of your smile as you complete necessary therapies to combat the progression of your condition and ensure future wellness.

Steven K. Okamoto, DDS is dedicated to working with chemotherapy patients to maintain proper oral health during this time. Visit our dental office either before or during your chemotherapy treatment and we can establish contact with your medical team to maintain your dental health status under after your course of chemotherapy is complete.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Dental Appliances and Sleep Physicians

You may be looking to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. When providing OSA appliances, we consult your general care physician, determining whether such treatment is ideal for you, and collection information about current health standings that may inform how your treatment is completed at our office. 

Part of this cooperation includes your participation in a sleep study. While our office provides at-home sleep tests for determining the cause and severity of sleep disordered breathing, findings that can affect your overall health can and should be shared with your primary care physician. In cases of sleep apnea, overall health concerns like maintaining an optimal weight for your height and monitoring your blood pressure are all components that your general practitioner can provide assistance with during sleep apnea treatment through our dental office.

Existing Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions are intricately linked with your dental health, and vice versa. When diagnosing and treating these problems, your general physician and our dentists work together to determine the best course of treatment for you. One such circumstance is the correlation between gum disease and systemic health. Chronic gum disease can lead to serious heart problems, as the plaque present in soft tissue infections can build up in arteries when allowed into the blood stream. Patients exhibiting serious gum disease problems are treated by our office and often advised to have their general health carefully monitored to ensure they are not at-risk for secondary problems.

Cooperative Dental Medicine

If you are looking for comprehensive dental treatment that works in concert with your general care physician, contact Steven K. Okamoto, DDS and Michelle Okamoto, DDS today. Our team is eager to provide full care for residents in and around the Torrance area.

Profile on Renee Nishihira

October is dental hygiene month! With this focus on keeping your smile clean and healthy year-round, Drs. Okamoto are highlighting their skilled and compassionate dental hygienists. We want patients to get to know our team so they feel comfortable seeking care from our office. Learn more about this month’s recognized team member, Renee Nishihira, below:

Renee Nishihira, is our Lead Registered Dental Hygienist. She attended the University of Southern California, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.  Renee was raised and continues to reside in Torrance, making her an integral part of the community we serve. Renee began working with Dr. Steve and Dr. Michelle while attending college, managing the front office and assisting chair-side on Saturdays. 

Recently, Renee joined other team members at CDA Cares in Ventura, a volunteer dental program through the California Dental Association that provides cleanings, fillings, treatment of infection, and oral health education at no charge. When not serving patients, Renee enjoys spending time at the beach, traveling to new places and taking part in Crossfit. 

Renee’s Role in our Practice

Our practice strives to provide ideal dentistry in a comforting environment with an enthusiastic team that is ready to create the most enjoyable experience possible for our patients.  Renee’s role is to help patients maintain good oral hygiene by providing preventive and therapeutic treatment, as well as offering proper tools for effective oral hygiene habits.

Renee’s Thoughts on Patient Care and Emerging Trends in Dental Hygiene

“As the standard of dental treatment evolves, hygiene is made easier for patients.  For example, by replacing dental bridges with dental implants, patients are able to access the site more easily and effectively with oral hygiene aids, such as floss, reducing the accumulation of plaque.

I inform my patients about possible or existing infections and discuss what can happen if they ae not treated with appropriate dental procedures or improvements in oral hygiene habits. The most rewarding part about being a hygienist is having the opportunity to find ways to turn what is often thought of as a dreadful and feared experience into a more pleasant one that will keep my patients returning for their appointments in a timely manner -- resulting in better oral health.”

What Renee Loves about the Okamoto, DDS Team

“I could not ask for a better team of people to work with.  Everybody arrives each morning with a positive attitude ready to work together in making sure we provide a great dental experience for our patients.”

To learn more about our staff or to schedule your next dental cleaning with one of our outstanding dental hygienists, contact our office today!

What Can Patients Expect When They Visit our Office?

Visiting a dental practice should be a relaxing and beneficial experience. Our father-daughter dental team provides specialty, restorative, prosthetic, and implant dentistry services, during which patients can expect quality care that protects their comfort, understanding of their oral health, and optimal results.

How We Treat Patients

Dr. Okamoto has been providing dentistry to South Bay and Torrance for over 30 years. With that history and legacy in mind, we treat our patients and their families like they are our own. You can expect a helpful, experienced, and professional medical staff that serves you and your family. Our modern dental office creates a relaxing experience you can feel during your visit. Patients are at-ease with our multi lingual staff and many are long-term visitors, having come to Dr. Okamoto as teenagers as young as 14 years old; we love building and sustaining lasting relationships with all of our patients. 

We help our patients make the connection between oral and overall health to prevent infection and make sure they can maintain their whole body health. Patient comfort, preventive measures, and modern, quality services are our goal.

Our Philosophy for Patient Care

Drs. Steven and Michelle are committed recreating the natural beauty of your smile after damage or decay by providing a range of high quality and specialized services, paired with advanced dental technology. Patients in need of surgical treatment, such as the placement of implants, are cared for in our brand new and enhanced surgical suite. As a trusted and experienced dentist, Dr. Steven Okamoto is a leader in the field of sleep apnea and prosthodontics and welcomes patients dealing with any number of issues that can affect their dental health and wellness.

We believe in continuous education and the use of innovative dental technologies and techniques to provide the best services possible to our patients. With this in mind, our commitment to preventive dentistry and ensuring aesthetically pleasing smiles make up our patient-centered approach to dentistry.

We Welcome New Patients!

At our Torrance, CA dental office, our dentists are here to build long-lasting relationships that are maintained by quality, modern services to promote beautiful and healthy smiles. Trust our family to serve yours. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our Torrance dental practice for help in answering any questions or making our next visit.