A family dentist in El Paso looks after everyone in the house, from a toddler's first visit to a grandparent's denture check. Keeping the whole family at one practice means one set of records, one office to call and, when you ask, appointments booked back to back so the family is done in one trip.
What a family dental practice does
Exams and X-rays:
the dentist checks each tooth, the gums, the bite and the soft tissues of the mouth, and takes X-rays when needed to see between teeth and below the gumline.
Professional cleanings:
a hygienist removes hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing at home cannot reach, then polishes the teeth.
Fillings:
tooth-colored composite fillings repair cavities so they match the rest of your smile.
Crowns and root canals:
for teeth that are cracked, badly decayed or infected.
Sealants and fluoride:
thin coatings on children's back teeth, and fluoride treatments that strengthen enamel.
Gum care:
deeper cleanings when the gums have pulled away from the teeth.
Dentures and extractions:
for older family members and for teeth that cannot be saved.
Why regular visits matter
Most dental problems are quiet at first. A small cavity, early gum disease or a cracked filling rarely hurts until it is bigger. Regular checkups find these early, when the fix is quicker and costs less. Ask your dentist how often each person in your family should come in; the right schedule depends on each person's teeth and gums.
A note on El Paso water
El Paso Water says it does not add fluoride to the water, and the fluoride that is there occurs naturally and changes from year to year. That makes it worth asking your family dentist about fluoride for children and for adults who get cavities often.
Booking for a family in El Paso
- Choose your best time on the form, such as weekday mornings, afternoons, evenings or Saturday, and say how many people need visits.
- Ask the office to book family members back to back.
- Have each person's insurance card ready. Children on Texas Medicaid or CHIP usually have a dental plan of their own; select "Medicaid / CHIP" on the form.
- Ask for Spanish-speaking staff if a family member prefers Spanish. In El Paso, 72.1% of households speak Spanish at home.
What a checkup costs
The national average for a routine dental exam is $203, with a range of $50 to $350, according to the CareCredit dental cost guide (2023 to 2024 data). Many insurance plans cover routine exams and cleanings at a high rate. Your El Paso practice will explain your costs before treatment. See the insurance and payment page for help with coverage.
Common questions
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
Many dentists like to see children by their first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Texas Health Steps also lists a schedule of dental checkups for children on Medicaid. Ask your dentist what suits your child.
Can the whole family come on the same day?
Ask when you book. Many practices can schedule family members back to back.
Do family dentists see adults and seniors too?
Yes. A family practice treats every age, including dentures and crowns for older patients.
What if I have not seen a dentist in years?
You are not alone, and a good dentist will simply help you start again. Book a new patient exam and the dentist will start with a full check and a plan.
Other services
Dental Implants
Single-tooth implants, implant bridges and implant-held dentures to replace missing teeth.
Braces and Invisalign
Metal braces, clear braces and clear aligners for teens and adults who want a straighter smile.
Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening and custom take-home trays, planned after a dental check.