General Dentistry
Hakala Family Dentistry has been providing general dental care in Denver since 1962 when Dr. Joe Hakala set up a practice at 15th and Lincoln. Dr. Joe practiced until just a few years ago, and working with him inspired Dr. Kate to become first a dental hygienist, and then a dentist. Our patients include multiple generations from the same families and children from age 2 to adults of 102.
General dentists provide routine care in all areas of dentistry, so you can think of a general dentist as a “primary care provider” for your mouth. We see you regularly and monitor any changes in your dental condition. If it becomes apparent that you need to see a dental specialist, we will refer you to one that we think will provide exceptional care. For instance, if a child needs orthodontics or an adult needs a root canal, we will refer you to a specially trained dentist who also takes your insurance and is in a convenient location.
Services provided by a general dentist in Denver or Glendale, Colorado would include:
- Preventive dental care
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Crowns and bridges
- Implant crowns and bridges
- Bite guards
- Treatment of gum disease
- Extractions
- Cosmetic bonding and ceramic veneers
- Tooth whitening
- Dentures and partial dentures
Preventive Dentistry Services for Patients of All Ages
We provide child dental cleanings in Denver on a regular basis so that we can check for cavities and monitor the position of your child’s teeth as they grow.
Digital x-rays are taken with your permission, and only if we think they are necessary. We can also place sealants to prevent decay on the chewing surface of your child’s permanent molars.
Adult dental cleaning appointments in Denver include a screening for gum (periodontal) disease, removal of tartar buildup and stain, and digital x-rays as needed. The official term for a routine dental cleaning is “prophylaxis.” One definition of prophylaxis is, “action taken to prevent disease,” and therefore, a dental prophylaxis is intended to prevent gum disease. We believe all patients should receive preventive care at least once a year, and ideally twice a year.
Individualized Recommendations for Minimal X-Rays
For our patients who are not “cavity prone” and have infrequent dental needs, we take x-rays less often than we do for our patients who have a history of ongoing dental concerns. Our x-rays are digital, so there is less radiation exposure, and they can be easily emailed or printed.
We follow recommendations from the American Dental Association.
Laser Cavity Detection
At Hakala Family Dentistry we check for cavities three ways:
- By looking at your teeth directly during an exam
- By reviewing the x-rays we have taken of your teeth
- By using a very small laser light called a DIAGNOdent to look for small cavities on the chewing surface of your teeth.
Call us now to schedule dental cleanings for you and your family.
