General Dentistry

General Dentistry at Beckstead Dental Group

Your Trusted Palo Alto Dentist for Comprehensive Care

A healthy smile starts with consistent, high-quality care from a team you can trust. At Beckstead Dental Group, Dr. Davis Beckstead and Dr. Mimi Salkola offer a full range of general dentistry services designed to protect your oral health, restore damaged teeth, and keep your smile looking and feeling its best. Whether you’re scheduling your first exam or returning for a routine visit, our goal is to make every appointment comfortable, thorough, and worthwhile.

What Is General Dentistry?

General dentistry covers the broad range of preventive, restorative, and maintenance services that form the foundation of oral health care. Think of it as the everyday side of dentistry, the regular cleanings, the fillings, the checkups that help you avoid bigger problems down the road. At Beckstead Dental Group, our approach to general dentistry is built on the belief that prevention is always better than treatment. When we do need to restore a tooth or address a specific concern, we do so using the most current techniques and materials available.

Our General Dentistry Services

We offer a comprehensive menu of general dentistry treatments to serve patients of all ages throughout Palo Alto and the surrounding communities.

1. Dental cleanings remove the plaque and tartar buildup that at-home brushing and flossing can’t fully address. Regular professional cleanings are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your teeth and gums over the long term.
2. Tooth-colored dental fillings restore teeth affected by decay. Our tooth-colored fillings are matched to the shade of your natural tooth, so the result blends in completely. We are also a mercury-safe and mercury-free practice, meaning we do not place amalgam (silver) fillings and follow careful protocols when removing existing ones.
3. Dental crowns protect teeth that are cracked, weakened, or significantly decayed. When a filling isn’t enough, a crown restores the full shape, function, and appearance of the tooth.
4. Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring a prosthetic tooth between two crowned teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are a reliable, time-tested solution that restore both function and aesthetics.
5. Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. They are especially popular for children and teenagers but can benefit adults as well.
6. Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and help teeth resist acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. A quick and painless in-office fluoride application can make a meaningful difference, particularly for patients who are prone to cavities.
7. Digital impressions allow us to capture precise, detailed scans of your teeth without the discomfort of traditional putty impressions. This technology makes the process faster and more accurate, whether we are designing a crown, bridge, or other restoration.
8. Enamel shaping is a subtle cosmetic procedure that removes small amounts of enamel to refine the size or contour of a tooth, smoothing out minor chips, overlaps, or irregularities for a more uniform smile.
9. Lingual frenectomies address a tight or restrictive lingual frenulum, the small band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue limits tongue movement, it can affect speech, swallowing, and oral development. A frenectomy is a quick, effective procedure that provides lasting relief.

FAQ: General Dentistry at Beckstead Dental Group

How often should I come in for a general dentistry visit?

Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning and exam every six months. However, depending on your oral health history, Dr. Beckstead or Dr. Salkola may recommend more frequent visits.

Are tooth-colored fillings as durable as silver fillings?

Yes. Modern composite resin fillings are highly durable and well-suited for most cavities. They also bond directly to the tooth, which helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

What does mercury-safe mean?

Mercury-safe dentistry means we follow strict protocols for removing old amalgam fillings to minimize your exposure to mercury vapor during the process. Mercury-free means we do not place any new amalgam restorations.

Is a lingual frenectomy painful?

The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, so patients are comfortable throughout. Recovery is typically quick, and most patients notice improved tongue mobility right away.

Can adults get dental sealants?

Absolutely. While sealants are commonly recommended for children, they can benefit adults who have deep grooves in their molars or who are at higher risk for decay.

Schedule Your General Dentistry Appointment

Whether you are overdue for a cleaning, curious about tooth-colored fillings, or looking for a new Palo Alto dentist for your whole family, Beckstead Dental Group is here for you. Our team takes the time to understand your needs and build a care plan that fits your life. Contact our office to schedule your next general dentistry visit and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.