General Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL
At Airway Dental and More, our Jacksonville dentists believe excellent dental care goes beyond treating individual teeth. Our approach to general dentistry integrates comprehensive oral health with airway wellness, ensuring every aspect of your care supports your overall well-being. Dr. Neil K. Stevenson, DMD, combines traditional dental expertise with an airway-focused philosophy, looking beyond the surface to identify underlying issues that may affect your breathing, sleep quality, and long-term health.
Whether you need a routine cleaning, restorative work, or treatment for a dental concern, our Jacksonville practice provides personalized care that considers the bigger picture. We understand that the coordination between bone, teeth, and muscles is essential for proper function, and when one element is out of alignment, it can lead to compensation or problems that extend far beyond your mouth.
Comprehensive General Dentistry Services
Our general dentistry services are designed to maintain and restore your oral health while supporting optimal airway function. We offer a full range of treatments for patients of all ages, from children to adults, ensuring your family receives consistent, high-quality care in one convenient location.
Preventive Care
Regular dental cleanings and checkups form the foundation of good oral health. During your visit, we don’t just clean your teeth. We also assess your airway health, looking for signs of mouth breathing patterns, teeth grinding, tongue ties, or airway obstruction that could impact your sleep quality and overall wellness. Our preventive approach helps identify potential issues early, allowing us to address concerns before they develop into more serious problems.
Restorative Dentistry
When decay or damage affects your teeth, we provide restorative treatments that rebuild strength and function. Our services include fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, mouth guards, and extractions when necessary. We use advanced materials and techniques to ensure durable, comfortable results that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our laser technology allows us to perform many procedures with greater precision and less discomfort than traditional methods.
Periodontal Care
Healthy gums are essential for overall oral health. We provide comprehensive periodontal care, from treatment for gingivitis to advanced therapies for periodontal disease. Our approach includes deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR), probiotic and antibacterial therapies, and when needed, laser-assisted periodontal repair and guided tissue regeneration. For patients requiring gum or bone grafting, we offer procedures using either your own tissue or graft material to restore and reinforce the supporting structures of your teeth.
Pediatric General Dentistry
Dr. Stevenson is a general dentist who works with children of all ages. Our pediatric care emphasizes early intervention and airway health, addressing concerns like tongue ties, mouth breathing, and developmental issues that can affect your child’s growth, speech, and sleep quality. We create a comfortable, engaging environment where children feel at ease while receiving the care they need.
Advanced Technology for Precise Care
Our commitment to excellence in dental care includes investment in advanced technology that enhances diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. We utilize CBCT 3D imaging to gain detailed insights into your oral structures and airway, allowing us to create more effective treatment plans. Our laser technology—including Deka Lasers, Waterlase, and Diode Lasers—enables us to perform procedures like laser ablation, tissue removal, and pain therapy with less invasiveness and greater comfort.
Digital scanning and 3D printing allow us to create precise, custom solutions for your dental needs. Our airway assessment tools, including Pharyngometer and Rhinometer, help us evaluate airflow and identify restrictions that may be affecting your breathing and sleep. This comprehensive approach to diagnosis ensures we understand not just your dental health, but how it connects to your overall wellness.
The Airway-Focused Difference
What sets our general dentistry apart is our understanding that oral health affects far more than just your teeth and gums. Issues like improper jaw alignment, tongue ties, or airway obstruction can impact breathing, speech, swallowing, sleep quality, and even contribute to conditions like sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea.
During your dental appointments, we look for signs that might indicate these broader concerns. When we identify potential issues, we can incorporate treatments like myofunctional therapy, orthodontic interventions, or QuietNite laser therapy to address the underlying causes rather than just managing symptoms. This proactive approach helps prevent more serious problems from developing and supports better health outcomes for our patients.
Supporting Your Long-Term Health
Our general dentistry philosophy centers on building lasting relationships with our patients and providing care that supports lifelong health. We take time to educate you about your oral health, explain treatment options, and work together to create a plan that fits your needs and goals. Whether you’re addressing an immediate concern or maintaining your oral health through regular checkups, we’re committed to providing care that makes a meaningful difference in your life.
We also understand that accessing dental care should be straightforward. While we are out of network for all dental insurance coverage, we are able to process claims on your behalf for most plans. Our team is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits and navigate the insurance process seamlessly. We offer transparent pricing and work with you to ensure you receive the care you need within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Dentistry
What general dentistry services do you provide in Jacksonville?
At Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville, we offer comprehensive general dentistry services for the entire family. Our preventive care includes routine dental cleanings and exams, digital X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and oral cancer screenings. We provide restorative treatments such as tooth-colored composite fillings, dental crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions when necessary. Our emergency dental services handle urgent issues like severe toothaches, broken teeth, and dental infections. We also offer periodontal (gum) care including deep cleanings for gum disease. What distinguishes our practice is our holistic, airway-focused approach—we don’t just treat teeth in isolation but consider how your oral health connects to your overall wellness, breathing, sleep, and quality of life. We use biocompatible materials, take a minimally invasive approach when possible, and emphasize prevention and patient education. Whether you need a routine checkup or treatment for a dental problem, we provide comprehensive care in a comfortable, family-friendly environment.
How often should I visit the dentist for routine checkups in Jacksonville?
Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for routine cleanings and examinations, though some individuals may benefit from more or less frequent visits based on their oral health status. At Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville, we create personalized preventive care schedules tailored to your needs. Patients with excellent oral health and low cavity risk might maintain their health with annual visits, while those with gum disease, high cavity risk, or undergoing certain treatments may need cleanings every 3-4 months. During your routine visit, we perform a comprehensive examination checking for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, bite problems, and signs of teeth grinding or jaw issues. We also evaluate your airway and breathing patterns as part of our holistic approach. Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that you can’t eliminate with brushing and flossing alone. Regular visits allow us to catch problems early when they’re smaller, less expensive, and easier to treat. We’ll recommend the ideal checkup frequency based on your individual oral health needs and risk factors.
Do you accept dental insurance in Jacksonville, FL?
Yes, Airway Dental and More accepts most major dental insurance plans and we’re happy to work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits. We’re in-network with many insurance companies, and we also welcome out-of-network patients. Our Jacksonville team will verify your insurance coverage before your appointment and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs for any recommended treatments. We’ll submit claims on your behalf and handle communication with your insurance company to make the process as smooth as possible. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services like cleanings and exams at 100%, basic procedures like fillings at 70-80%, and major procedures like crowns at 50% after your deductible is met. Coverage for specialized services like orthodontics or sleep apnea appliances varies by plan. If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry—we offer affordable payment plans and financing options to make quality dental care accessible. We believe everyone deserves excellent dental care regardless of insurance status, and we’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your budget.
What should I do in a dental emergency in Jacksonville?
For dental emergencies, contact Airway Dental and More immediately, even outside regular business hours—our answering service will connect you with our on-call dentist. We prioritize emergency patients and strive to see you the same day. Common dental emergencies include severe toothache or abscess (rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain reliever), knocked-out tooth (handle by the crown not the root, rinse gently if dirty, try to reinsert in socket or keep in milk, and get to our Jacksonville office within 30 minutes for best chance of saving the tooth), broken or chipped tooth (save any pieces, rinse mouth with warm water, apply cold compress to reduce swelling), lost filling or crown (try to save the crown and call us—you can temporarily reattach with dental cement or toothpaste), soft tissue injuries or uncontrolled bleeding, or objects stuck between teeth. Don’t use aspirin directly on gums as it can burn tissue. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods if you have a toothache. Our team will provide phone guidance and schedule an emergency appointment to properly diagnose and treat your dental emergency.
How can I maintain good oral health between dental visits?
Maintaining excellent oral health at home is crucial for preventing dental problems and supporting overall wellness. At Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville, we educate our patients on effective home care techniques. Brush twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, making sure to clean all tooth surfaces and along the gum line. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach—this is essential for preventing gum disease and cavities between teeth. Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria. Eat a balanced, nutritious diet limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Stay well-hydrated to maintain healthy saliva flow. Don’t use tobacco products, which significantly increase your risk for gum disease and oral cancer. If you grind your teeth, wear a nightguard to protect them. Practice nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing, which can dry out your mouth and increase cavity risk. Most importantly, maintain your regular dental checkups so we can monitor your oral health and catch any problems early.
Experience Comprehensive Dental Care
If you’re looking for general dentistry that considers your complete health and well-being, we invite you to experience the Airway Dental & More difference. Our approach combines the best of traditional dental care with innovative airway-focused treatments, providing you and your family with comprehensive care that supports optimal health.
Contact Airway Dental & More by visiting our contact form to schedule an appointment. Whether you need a routine cleaning, restorative treatment, or have concerns about your oral health, we’re here to provide the personalized care you deserve.
