Your smile deserves consistent, expert care—the kind that catches problems early and helps you feel confident every day. At Lake Merced Dentistry, we provide trusted general dentistry Daly City, CA, families count on for everything from routine checkups to addressing concerns before they become major issues. Our team understands that you’re busy juggling work, school runs, and life in general, so we make dental visits straightforward, comfortable, and worthwhile.
Whether you’re booking your first appointment with us or you’ve been coming for years, you’ll notice we treat everyone like neighbors, not numbers. We genuinely care about your oral health and work hard to create a practice where people actually look forward to their dental visits—or at least don’t dread them.
Why General Dentistry Matters More Than You Think
A lot of people assume dental visits are just about keeping teeth clean and cavity-free. And sure, that’s part of it. However, general dentistry in Daly City, CA, goes far beyond simply scraping off plaque and calling it a day. Regular visits help us identify early warning signs of gum disease, oral cancer, bite problems, and even issues related to your overall health, such as diabetes or heart disease. Your mouth tells us a lot about what’s happening in the rest of your body.
When you skip dental appointments or push them off because life gets hectic, small problems quietly turn into bigger, more expensive ones. A tiny cavity that could’ve been fixed with a simple filling suddenly needs a root canal. Gum inflammation that you didn’t even notice can develop into a painful periodontal disease. We’d rather catch things early when treatment is quick, affordable, and way less stressful for everyone involved.
What Happens During Your General Dentistry Visit
You may wonder what typically happens during a visit to our practice. Here’s the breakdown so you know exactly what to expect:
Comprehensive Dental Exam
One of our dentists—Dr. Jiahua Zhu, Dr. Semi Lim, Dr. Amrit Sethi, Dr. Zachary Hollander, or Dr. Anne Wang—examines your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. We check for cavities, cracks, worn enamel, and signs of gum disease. We also look at your bite alignment and jaw function because sometimes headaches or jaw pain trace back to dental issues that people don’t connect.
Digital X-Rays When Needed
We use digital X-rays that are faster, safer, and way more comfortable than the old-school film versions your parents probably remember. These images let us see what’s happening beneath the surface—between teeth, under fillings, and around roots where problems hide from the naked eye.
Professional Cleaning
Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can’t touch. They clean around the gumline, polish your teeth, and often apply fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel. You’ll leave with that fresh, smooth feeling that makes you want to smile at everyone.
Personalized Oral Health Advice
We don’t just clean your teeth and send you on your way. We discuss what we’re seeing, answer your questions honestly, and provide you with practical tips tailored to your specific situation—whether that’s managing dry mouth, improving your flossing technique, or selecting the right toothbrush for sensitive gums.
Preventive Care That Actually Prevents Problems
The primary goal of general dentistry is to maintain your smile’s health, thereby preventing the need for major dental work in the future. Prevention saves you time, money, and discomfort—and honestly, it just makes life easier. Nobody wants to deal with a dental emergency while on vacation or just before a big presentation at work.
We focus heavily on preventive care because we’ve seen firsthand how much suffering it prevents. Regular cleanings remove bacteria that cause gum disease. Fluoride treatments and sealants protect teeth from decay. Early detection of oral cancer literally saves lives. These aren’t dramatic exaggerations—they’re the reality of what consistent dental care accomplishes.
And here’s something people often overlook: your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and pregnancy issues. Taking care of your mouth isn’t vanity—it’s a vital part of maintaining your overall health.
General Dentistry for Every Stage of Life
Kids and Teens
Getting children comfortable with dental visits early sets them up for a lifetime of good oral health. We see kids for their first visit around age one or when their first tooth appears—whichever comes first. Our team knows how to make dental care fun and non-threatening for little ones, so they don’t develop anxiety around dentist appointments.
As kids grow, we monitor their tooth development, apply sealants to protect vulnerable molars, and teach them proper brushing and flossing techniques they’ll actually use. For teens, we address wisdom teeth concerns, discuss the impact of sports on dental health, and yes, we do talk about the effects of energy drinks on tooth enamel (spoiler: they’re not great).
Explore our family dentistry services to see how we care for every generation.
Adults
Adult dental care isn’t just about maintaining things—it’s about adapting as your needs change. Perhaps you’re experiencing gum recession, tooth sensitivity, or worn enamel due to grinding. Perhaps your old fillings need replacement, or you’re finally ready to address that chipped tooth you’ve been ignoring for years. We handle all of it with a practical, no-judgment approach that respects your time and budget.
We also offer cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry services when you’re ready to go beyond basic maintenance.
Seniors
Dental needs shift as we age, and we adjust our care accordingly. Dry mouth from medications, gum recession, and concerns about dentures or implants all require thoughtful attention. Our team provides gentle, thorough care that addresses age-related dental changes while keeping you comfortable throughout every appointment.
Making Dental Care Accessible and Affordable
We know dental insurance can be confusing, frustrating, or sometimes nonexistent. That’s why we offer a dental membership plan that provides quality care at predictable costs for patients without insurance. We want everyone in Daly City to have access to the dental care they need without financial stress or barriers.
Our team explains treatment costs upfront, discusses all your options, and never pressures you into procedures you’re not comfortable with or ready for. Your oral health matters, but so do your concerns and circumstances.
Trusted General Dentistry in Daly City, CA
Achieving and maintaining your best smile starts with finding a dental practice you trust and actually want to visit. At Lake Merced Dentistry, we’ve built our entire approach around providing general dentistry that Daly City, CA residents can rely on—consistent, personalized, and genuinely caring. We’re here for your routine cleanings, your dental emergencies, your kids’ first visits, and everything in between.
Ready to experience the difference? Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Whether you’re new to the area, switching practices, or simply due for a checkup, we’d be delighted to welcome you and your family. Your healthiest, happiest smile is waiting.