General Dentistry in Gresham, OR

Cleanings, fillings, gum care, night guards and same-day emergency visits for teens and adults.

Request an appointment Call (503) 667-1184
Overview

General Dentistry Services in Gresham

General dentistry is the everyday care that keeps your teeth and gums healthy: checkups and cleanings, fillings, gum treatment, extractions, night guards, and urgent visits when something hurts. Our two general dentists, Dr. Kevin Shim, who has owned the practice since 2007, and Dr. Jodi Pak, see patients ages 12 and up.

Dr. Kevin Shim, DDS, examining a patient at Premier Dentistry in Gresham, OR
Your first visit

What Happens at Your First Visit

Your first visit is our new patient special: a comprehensive exam, full-mouth X-rays and a cleaning for $199. A routine checkup and cleaning takes 45 to 60 minutes; plan on longer the first time, while we get to know your teeth.

  • Health history. We go over your medical history and medications, and ask about anything that’s bothering you.
  • Exam and screening. Your dentist checks every tooth, your gums and your bite, and screens your mouth, tongue, jaw and neck for signs of oral cancer.
  • Digital X-rays. They show decay between teeth and bone loss below the gums that an exam can’t see.
  • Cleaning. A hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar above and below the gumline, then polishes your teeth.
  • Your plan. Before you leave, we explain what we found, what needs treatment and what can wait, and what it will cost.
Hallway of numbered treatment rooms at Premier Dentistry in Gresham, OR
Checkups

How Often to Come In

Most people do well with a checkup and cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease, cleanings every three to four months (periodontal maintenance) keep it under control after treatment. Your dentist will tell you which schedule fits your mouth. Without insurance, our Dental Savings Plan includes two exams and two cleanings a year.

Dental mirror, explorer and cotton pliers on an instrument tray
Treatment

When a Cleaning Isn’t Enough

If your exam turns up a problem, these are the usual next steps:

  • Fillings repair cavities with tooth-colored composite, often in a single visit with the tooth numbed.
  • Gum disease treatment starts with a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) below the gumline for gums that bleed, swell or recede. We refer advanced cases to a periodontist we trust.
  • Tooth extractions, simple or surgical and including wisdom teeth, are for teeth that can’t be saved, and we talk through replacing the tooth before it comes out.
Clear custom night guard beside its open storage case
Night guards and TMJ

Grinding, Clenching and Jaw Pain

Morning headaches, a sore jaw and worn or chipped teeth often point to grinding at night. A custom night guard, made from a digital scan of your teeth, absorbs the pressure while you sleep. When the jaw joint itself hurts or clicks, TMJ treatment starts with an exam of the joint, the muscles and your bite, and conservative care comes before anything more involved.

Black leather chairs in the waiting room at Premier Dentistry in Gresham, OR
Comfort

If Dental Visits Make You Nervous

Tell us when you book. We numb the area for any treatment that needs it, and laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is available to help you relax. Our sedation dentistry page explains the options.

Sheri W

5 out of 5 stars

I was terrified just getting a cleaning. Dr. Shim has been wonderful and has worked with me through my fear… I highly recommend them

Google review

Front desk coordinator smiling at the Premier Dentistry reception desk in Gresham, OR
Same-day care

Same-Day Help for Dental Emergencies

A toothache, a broken tooth, a lost filling or crown, or swelling in your face or gums: call us early in the day. We keep time open for emergencies Monday to Friday, tell you honestly whether we can see you today, and confirm the cost before we start. Our emergency dentist in Gresham page has first-aid steps for while you wait.

Looking for Something Else?

Whitening, veneers, bonding and clear aligners are under cosmetic dentistry. Crowns, bridges and same-day crowns are under restorative dentistry, and replacing missing teeth under dental implants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services are included in general dentistry?
General dentistry is the care that keeps teeth and gums healthy: exams, cleanings and X-rays, fillings, gum disease treatment, extractions, night guards and TMJ care, plus urgent visits when something hurts. We also offer cosmetic and restorative care, including whitening, veneers, crowns and implants.
What happens at a dental exam?
Your dentist checks every tooth, your gums and your bite, and screens your mouth, tongue, jaw and neck for signs of oral cancer. Digital X-rays show decay between teeth and bone loss below the gums that an exam can’t see. Before you leave, we explain what we found and what, if anything, needs treatment.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most patients should visit every 6 months for cleanings and exams. Patients with gum disease may need more frequent visits (every 3–4 months).
How much is a cleaning without insurance?
New patients pay $199 for their first visit: a comprehensive exam, full-mouth X-rays and a cleaning. After that, our basic Dental Savings Plan costs $539 a year for one person and includes two exams, two cleanings, yearly bitewing X-rays and fluoride, with 15% off fillings, crowns, extractions and most other treatment.
Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans and check your benefits before treatment. Without insurance, ask about our Dental Savings Plan, and see financing for payment plans on larger treatment.
Are you accepting new patients in Gresham?
Yes! We welcome new patients ages 12 and up. Call (503) 667-1184 or book online for your first appointment.
Do you offer sedation dentistry?
Yes! We offer relaxation services including laughing gas to help anxious patients feel comfortable during treatment.
What if I have a dental emergency?
We reserve time daily for emergency appointments. Call us as soon as possible and we’ll see you the same day if needed.

Treatments in this area of care

Appointments

Tell us what you need

Send the form with a good time to reach you and we call you back to get the visit booked - about a minute's work. If something hurts today, calling is faster.

  • Most insurance accepted
  • No insurance? Savings plan
  • Cost confirmed before treatment
(503) 667-1184 Book online

Calls are answered during office hours.

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