Dental Services San Luis Obispo, CA
Most people need a wide range of dental services during their lifetime. Dental emergencies can arise without warning and can leave lasting damage. Repairing cracked, broken, or infected teeth may require complex care. Many dental patients also wish to improve the appearance of their smile. Dental services can range from basic to specialized care, as well as a range of cosmetic procedures.
Dental services at Islay Hill Dentistry Co. in San Luis Obispo can help keep your mouth healthy. Our team offers general dentistry, including checkups and cleanings. We treat mouth injuries, tooth decay, and other common dental concerns. Call us today at (805) 316-4968 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Emergency Dental Services
During a dental emergency, each second counts. Do not delay in seeking care. Instead, contact a dental provider right away. Dental emergencies can include:
- Knocked out or loosened teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Abscessed teeth
- Severe mouth bleeding
- Lost or damaged oral appliances
- Severe dental pain
A qualified dental provider can determine how to handle the emergency. If the issue cannot wait until the next business day, the provider may schedule an after-hours appointment. In some cases, the provider may direct the patient to the nearest emergency room. If a patient needs hospital care, the provider can schedule a follow-up appointment. The dental team provides ongoing care to make sure the issue is resolved.
“A qualified dental provider can determine how to handle the emergency.”
Checkups and Routine Care
The American Dental Association recommends dental checkups every six months. During a checkup, dentists examine the teeth for signs of decay. They assess the patient's gum health and look for signs of oral cancer. Sometimes providers may take an X-ray or perform other imaging tests. Imaging tests can reveal problems lurking below the gumline.
Checkups typically include a thorough professional dental cleaning and keep mouths clean, fresh, and healthy. Biannual cleanings fight decay by removing plaque and tartar. These substances can trap bacteria against the tooth and gum line. Patients who skip their dental cleanings may be at risk for cavities or gum disease.
“Professional cleanings keep mouths clean, fresh, and healthy.”
Cosmetic Services
Many dental practices offer a range of cosmetic services, including teeth whitening, tooth replacements, and gum reshaping or contouring. Today, many patients are eager to achieve a brighter smile. Professional whitening treatments erase stubborn stains, including those embedded within tooth enamel. Patients who are not satisfied with over-the-counter treatments may opt for professional whitening.
Cosmetic dentistry services also include crowns, implants, bridges, and veneers. These treatments repair cracked, chipped, or worn-down teeth. Implants and bridges replace missing teeth altogether. These treatments can prevent long-term dental damage and restore the smile.
Gum reshaping can enhance a patient's appearance, too. This treatment alters the gums and produces a whole new smile. However, not every dental office is equipped to provide cosmetic services. Our dental team can provide a full list of the services that we offer.
“Cosmetic dentistry services also include crowns, implants, bridges, and veneers.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Services in San Luis Obispo, CA
Orthodontic Services
Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities of the teeth and jaws. It is most popularly associated with the teeth straightening method of braces. While some people mistakenly believe that braces only have cosmetic benefits, they also come with great functional and health advantages. For example, misaligned teeth can be more difficult to clean, making them more prone to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Additionally, malocclusion can make it challenging to chew correctly, leading to headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMJD), and shoulder or back pain. Aside from braces, other orthodontic devices include special fixed appliances, space maintainers, aligners, jaw repositioning appliances, lip and cheek bumpers, palatal expanders, retainers, and headgear.
“Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities of the teeth and jaws.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a dental emergency?
Q. What happens during a dental checkup?
Q. What is cosmetic dentistry?
Q. What technology does my dentist use?
Q. What are some orthodontic devices?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. What are some of the reasons one might need a tooth extraction?
Q. How can a dentist handle cleaning around sensitive teeth?
Q. What foods can cause cavities?
Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?
Dental Technology and Other Services
Today, dental providers frequently use technological tools. Due to a growing demand for telehealth, many dentists offer virtual visits and online patient portals. These services can streamline the treatment process and boost accessibility. Patient portals keep important information at your fingertips, and virtual visits cut down on travel time.
Some practices also feature on-site dental labs, including 3D printers. Patients might also encounter digital check-ins or intraoral cameras and televisions in each exam room. These services can speed up office appointments and make dental care more comfortable. Our office team can provide more details about dental tech.
“Patient portals keep important information at your fingertips, and virtual visits cut down on travel time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does it matter if my child knocks out a tooth?
A. Yes. Many people mistakenly believe that prematurely losing baby teeth is harmless. In reality, they act as placeholders for the permanent adult teeth, and premature loss can cause tooth crowding and other problems. If your child has lost a baby tooth, preserve the tooth by keeping it moist and get to a dentist right away.
Q. Do I still need to see a dentist if I do not have any signs of dental health problems?
A. Everyone should see a dentist. As mentioned earlier, many potential dental health problems can go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Only a dental professional can ensure that your oral cavity is in good condition and prevent any health problems from developing.
Q. How long do cosmetic dentistry services take?
A. The answer varies on a service-by-service basis. Additionally, some patients choose to take on several cosmetic dentistry procedures for a full "smile makeover." Generally speaking, the more services you choose to take on, the longer it will take.
Q. Is there an ideal age for orthodontic treatment?
A. It is never too late for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can help improve one's oral health and functionality. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first checkup with an orthodontist by no later than seven years old.
Q. Are digital dental X-rays safe?
A. Yes. Digital dental X-rays emit up to 80% less radiation than traditional X-rays and considerably less radiation than all other types of X-rays. Additionally, we will only recommend X-rays if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Dental services can vary, and each practice has its own approach to technology and patient care. Every general dentist can offer routine checkups and cleanings. If you need specialized care, look for a practice that offers specialized services and advanced techniques. If you are searching for a new dental provider, let Islay Hill Dentistry Co. in San Luis Obispo deliver the care you need. Call us at 805-316-4968 to learn more about our services and policies.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Islay Hill Dentistry Co. was established in 2019.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: San Luis Obispo County
- We serve patients from the following cities: San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Pismo Beach and Shell Beach
- CA (License #63695). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1356721807). View NPI Registry Information
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