General Dentistry Services in La Jolla, CA
General dentistry is the foundation of long-term oral health — focused on prevention, early detection, and conservative treatment. At Open Wide La Jolla Dentistry, Dr. Chad Dains (practicing since 2007) and our team help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums with clear recommendations, modern technology, and a comfort-first approach.
If you’re new to La Jolla, keeping up with routine visits, or getting back on track after a long gap, we’ll start with a thorough evaluation and build a plan that fits your needs and priorities. If you’re not sure what to expect, you can review your first visit details before scheduling.
What General Dentistry Includes
General dentistry includes routine services that help prevent dental problems and address issues early — often before they become more complex. Many visits include a combination of evaluation, preventive care, and a clear plan for next steps.
- Dental exams and digital X-rays (as needed)
- Teeth cleanings and gum health evaluation
- Diagnosis and conservative treatment planning
- Tooth-colored fillings and other restorative care when needed
- Ongoing maintenance plans tailored to your oral health history
Our modern dental office uses advanced technology to support meticulous, high-quality care at every visit.
Explore our comprehensive dental services:
Preventive and Restorative Care
General dentistry typically includes both preventive care (to help you avoid problems) and restorative care (to repair damage and protect function). Your visit starts with a clear evaluation, then we recommend the most conservative path forward.
Preventive dentistry
- Professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that home care can miss
- Gum health evaluation to catch inflammation early
- Oral cancer screening as part of routine exams
- Personalized guidance for brushing, flossing, and risk reduction
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) when needed for gum health
Restorative dentistry
- Dental fillings for cavities
- Dental crowns for damaged or weakened teeth
- Root canal therapy when infection threatens a tooth
- Dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants when teeth are missing
If you’re experiencing jaw tension, headaches, clenching/grinding, or sleep-related concerns, your exam can also help determine whether options like dental night guards may be appropriate. Depending on symptoms and goals, we may also discuss related care such as bruxism and migraine treatments, TMJ treatment, sleep apnea treatment, or stop snoring treatment when appropriate.
Comfort-First Care for Nervous Patients
Dental anxiety is common — especially if it has been years since your last visit. We can slow the pace, explain findings clearly, and build a step-by-step plan that prioritizes comfort and patient control. Many patients prefer starting with an evaluation and education first, then deciding on next steps once they feel informed.
FAQs
Q: What is general dentistry?
A: General dentistry focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and conservative treatment to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It often includes exams, cleanings, X-rays (as needed), and recommendations based on what’s found.
Q: What happens at a general dentistry appointment?
A: A typical visit includes a review of your dental history, an exam of your teeth and gums, and a discussion of findings. A professional cleaning may be included or scheduled depending on your needs and gum health. You’ll leave with clear next steps.
Q: Is general dentistry the same as preventive dentistry?
A: Preventive dentistry is a core part of general dentistry. General dentistry also includes restorative care such as fillings and crowns when treatment is needed to repair damage and protect function.
Q: Can you help if I’m nervous or haven’t been to the dentist in years?
A: Yes. Many patients restart care after a long gap. We can take a step-by-step approach, focus on comfort and education first, and prioritize what matters most so you feel informed and in control.
Visit Open Wide La Jolla Dentistry
Open Wide La Jolla Dentistry
7509 Draper Avenue, Suite B, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-8484
If you’re looking for a long-term dental home in La Jolla — or you want to get back on track with routine care — we’re here to help. If you’d like to see the space before your appointment, you can tour the office.