Accepting New Patients in Spokane, WA
General and Family Dentistry in Spokane, WA
Whether you need a root canal procedure in Spokane, WA, or your little one needs their first dental checkup, our team can help. Explore our general dentistry services to ensure your smile or any of your family members’ smile is effectively taken care of.
Search for a general dentist in Spokane, and you’ll find ads, big clinic chains, directory sites, and dozens of offices that all say they’re “the best.” It’s tough to know who will treat you well, explain things clearly, and still be there for your family years from now.
At Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Anibal López and our team care for patients of all ages, from a child’s first checkup to a root canal for a parent. We explain your options in plain English and discuss expected costs before treatment begins.
Below you’ll find what general dentistry is, the services we offer, and the questions to ask any dentist before you commit. If you’re ready now, call (509) 466-1200 or visit our general dentistry page.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is everyday dental care. This includes checkups, cleanings, and basic treatments that keep your mouth healthy and stop problems early. Think of your general dentist as your “primary care doctor” for your teeth and gums.
General and preventive dentistry covers:
- Prevention: Exams, X-rays, and cleanings that help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Fixing Common Problems: Fillings for cavities and treatment for infected or badly damaged teeth.
- Removing Teeth That Can’t Be Saved: When pulling a tooth is the healthiest choice.
- Guiding You to Other Care: If you need something more specialized, like a crown, an implant, or a smile upgrade, your general dentist helps you plan it.
It’s also family dentistry. One office can look after everyone in your household, so you don’t have to juggle different dentists for different people.
Dental Exams
As we welcome you into our Spokane dental office, we want you to feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your oral exam. At your initial dental examination, Dr. López will generally take x-rays of your mouth, complete a full evaluation, review your dental history, and most importantly, get to know you and your smile goals.
Teeth Cleanings
During your regular teeth cleaning appointments, we focus on the prevention of cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and other common dental problems. In order to do so, Dr. López and our dental hygienists work together to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gum line. Additionally, we complete each hygiene visit with teeth polishing to remove any stains and residue.
Tooth Extractions
For our patients who may be experiencing toothaches, decay, or have damaged teeth, tooth extraction may be necessary to prepare you for restorative treatment or to create room in your mouth due to overcrowding teeth. Depending if the tooth is visible to the eye or not, there are two ways Dr. López may extract your tooth or teeth. One can be by removing an adult tooth that is fully grown or by making an incision to extract a tooth underneath the gums.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is performed on patients whose teeth have decayed or are infected. Our root canal procedure aims to save your existing tooth and restore it as a healthy root. To do so, Dr. López will remove the infected pulp that has affected the tooth before cleaning, disinfecting, and shaping the root canal so he can place a filling to seal the space.
Which Type of Dental Office Is Right for You?
Large chains and discount clinics often offer convenient hours and low advertised prices. You may see a different dentist each time, and the plan for your care can feel less personal.
Specialist offices focus on one area, such as root canals or gum treatment. They’re a great fit when you need that specific skill, but you’ll still need a general dentist for regular care.
A family practice like Summit is your home base for checkups, cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. We also offer cosmetic and restorative treatment, so one team knows your full dental history.
The right choice depends on what you need, your budget, and what makes you feel comfortable. Whichever you pick, ask the questions above.
Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Dentist
- Pressure to decide right away. You should have time to think and ask questions.
- No clear price. If no one can tell you what treatment costs, be cautious.
- Only one option offered. There’s usually more than one way to fix a problem.
- No explanation. If you leave not understanding what was done or why, that’s a problem.
- Dismissing your fears. Good offices respect dental anxiety.
- Hard to reach in an emergency. Ask what the office does when something urgent happens.
- Prices that seem too good to be true. Ask what’s included and what isn’t.
What a Good Dental Visit Should Feel Like
You’re greeted warmly and don’t feel rushed. Your dentist asks about your health and what’s bothering you, then carefully examines your teeth and gums, usually with X-rays. Afterward, you get a plain-language explanation of what they found, what needs attention now, what can wait, and what it costs.
At Summit, that’s how it works. Dr. López gets to know you and your goals, lays out your choices, and answers every question. Many families have stayed with us for years, and some patients now bring their whole households.
Ready to Meet Your New Dentist in Spokane?
If you’re looking for a general dentist in Spokane you can trust with your whole family’s smiles, we’d love to meet you. Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serves Northside and Southside Spokane, Spokane Valley, Mead, and Nine Mile Falls.
Call our Spokane Dental office at (509) 466-1200 or request an appointment to book your visit.