If you have dental questions, La Jolla dentist Dr. Weston Spencer would be only too happy to provide you with the answers. With decades of combined experience, Drs. Weston Spencer and Lindy Rucks have created thousands of healthy, radiant smiles, and they would welcome the opportunity to do the same for you. The following page features answers to some of the most common dental questions asked by patients of our San Diego practice; however, you can get answers to your specific questions during a confidential, one-on-one consultation with one of our experienced dentists. Simply contact our restorative, general, and cosmetic dentistry practice, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Are You Accepting New Patients?
Yes! We always welcome new patients to our La Jolla dental office. We treat patients of all ages – from children to senior citizens – so all are welcome. If you are in the San Diego area we would love the opportunity to answer your dental questions and take care of you and your family for all of your cosmetic, restorative, and preventative dentistry needs.
Do You Do Pediatric Dentistry?
Yes. While our office does not focus on pediatric dentistry, we are happy and well equipped to provide dental care to children of all ages.
When Should My Child’s First Visit Be?
In the dentistry profession there is an expression – “first visit by first birthday.” This is a standard set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and pediatricians agree. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who are at risk of early childhood cavities should visit a dentist by the age of one. Ideally, once your child’s teeth erupt, you should visit a dentist. This will help your child form a healthy relationship with the dentist office environment and help you learn about your child’s oral health.
Why Should My Child Visit a Dentist So Early?
Forming healthy oral habits from a young age will set your child on a path towards strong oral health for the rest of their lives. Our primary teeth are valuable “placeholders” for the permanent teeth we’ll have throughout adulthood. During your child’s first visit we will discuss:
- How to care for an infant or toddler’s mouth
- Teething and milestones of development
- The link between diet and oral health
- Proper use of fluoride
- Oral habits, such as finger and thumb sucking
- Ways to prevent accidents that could potentially damage the face and teeth
After the initial visit, Dr. Weston Spencer will suggest a schedule of follow-up visits for routine oral exams. Dentists previously recommended biannual visits but more modern dental practices suggest visits based on each child’s individual needs and risks. This allows the dental team to be more proactive about your child’s oral health.
Do I Really Need X-Rays?
As part of our conservative dentistry principles, we want to take as few X-rays as possible. The number of radiographs taken is determined by your personal risk for tooth decay and other oral health problems. We take your health into consideration on all accounts and understand the concern regarding radiation exposure. In our La Jolla office, we use the latest in digital technology that lowers the radiation exposure to less than what you’d be exposed to just from your car to our office. X-rays are important to help diagnose tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. The radiographs show area of decay that may not be visible to the naked eye, especially small areas between teeth. They are also able to show abscess, which are an infection at the root of the tooth or between the gum and the tooth.
Do You Take My Insurance?
Navigating through insurance can be difficult. As a courtesy to our patients, we service any and all PPO insurance plans.
What Are Your Hours Of Operation?
Our La Jolla dental office is open four days a week to serve our patients and answer all of their dental questions.
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Get Further Answers to Your Dental Questions
For further answers to your specific dental questions, please contact our San Diego cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry practice today.