Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

With the onset of Covid-19 in 2020, safety and sterilization protocols have never been more essential to protect the health of our patients and team. At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, our goal is to keep everyone who visits us, including patients and staff members, safe from Covid-19 and other viruses.

What We Are Doing To Protect Our Patients

Our entire staff is vaccinated against Covid-19, and we strictly follow state mask policies. We've also implemented other safety protocols with air filtration to keep our office air purified and virus-free.

As always, we've followed the safety and sterilization guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which keep our treatment rooms and dental instruments sterilized and clean. We've also added additional cleaning and sterilization protocols to use throughout our dental office and waiting room during the day to keep patients and staff safe from transmittable viruses.

We will continue to monitor the pandemic and follow California rules and safety regulations regarding Covid-19.

Call Us To Ask Any Further Questions

If you have questions or concerns about visiting Cabrillo Family Dental Care or the safety protocols we have in place at our Pacifica dental office, we encourage you to call us at (650) 359-1646. Our friendly team members can answer any of your questions and help you schedule your next appointment.

Thank you for choosing Cabrillo Family Dental Care for your Pacifica, CA dentist office. We look forward to meeting you in person on your appointment day.

Our office is located at 669 Crespi Dr. #F, Pacifica, 94044. Contact us at (650) 359-1646 if you have any questions about your appointment.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment, especially if it is your first time at our dental office.

This will give you time to fill out the necessary paperwork beforehand.

What Is an Appointment At Your Office Like?

When you first arrive, our friendly and professional staff will greet you and get you started. You will fill out any necessary paperwork before the appointment begins.

If it has been a while since you have been to the dentist, your first appointment will be an exam, during which time the dentist will inspect the health of your jaw, gums, teeth, and throat to find issues, if there are any.

If you are coming to us for a specific treatment, the dentist or dental assistant will bring you in to prepare you for your appointment. The dentist and support staff will finish making the necessary preparations. This includes getting the required tools and equipment ready, preparing the patient by making them comfortable in the chair, and helping them relax.

During your appointment, your dentist will constantly ensure your comfort and ease. We always place patient care at the top of our priorities.

Afterward, you will have time to ask questions and communicate with your dentist about your oral health moving forward.

Pacifica Dental Office Near You

Cabrillo Family Dental Care proudly serves the greater Pacifica, CA area, providing the highest quality dental care. We always put our patients first.

If you have already scheduled an appointment, we thank you for choosing us to be your dentist.
If you haven't yet, contact us today to schedule a time to come in for a dental exam and cleaning.

Where Can I Find a Dentist Near Me in Pacifica, CA?

Our dental office is conveniently within walking distance of some local landmarks, including Pacifica State Beach, San Pedro Beach, and the Pacifica Skatepark. If you are coming in from another neighborhood or community, hop on the CA-1 and head towards Pacifica. Upon arrival in Pacifica, the CA-1 becomes Cabrillo Highway. Stay on Cabrillo Highway/CA-1 until you can see Pacifica State Beach. You'll arrive at a stoplight where Cabrillo Highway/CA-1 intersects with Crespi Dr.

For those coming into Pacifica heading Northbound on the CA-1, Pacifica State Beach will be on the left side of the road, and you'll also pass Pacifica State Park on the right. Keep going until you see Crespi Dr. and turn right.

For clients coming into Pacifica on the CA-1 Southbound, Crespi Dr. will be a left turn (if you pass the Pacifica Skatepark, you've gone too far!)

Turn onto Crespi Dr. after approximately two minutes; you'll see our office on the corner of Crespi Dr. and Ladera Way. You can't miss us!

Book an Appointment with Our staff

And come see us!

Our Full Address Is:

669 Crespi Dr. Suite F Pacifica, CA 94044

Parents often ask us when pediatric dentistry should really start. The short answer: sooner than you might think. Seeing a children’s dentist in Pacifica, CA, early helps establish healthy habits and catches small issues before they become big ones. This is why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child first visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth.

Why Early Dental Visits Matter

Early dental visits are less about treatment and more about prevention and familiarity. During these checkups, a pediatric dentist assesses whether teeth are coming in properly, looks for early signs of decay, and answers questions about brushing, fluoride, thumb-sucking, and pacifier use. Just as important, these appointments help your child get comfortable with pediatric dentistry in Pacifica, CA, reducing anxiety or fear in the future.

After the first visit, most children, like adults, benefit from a checkup every six months. However, depending on a child’s specific developmental needs or elevated cavity risk, more frequent visits may be recommended.

Gentle Pediatric Dentistry in Pacifica, CA

If you’re in Pacifica and want to learn more about the importance of early dental visits and ongoing pediatric care, contact Dr. Sarah Esmaili and the caring Cabrillo Family Dental Care team to schedule an appointment.

During a typical dental visit, your child will likely receive a gentle exam, a light cleaning, and, if deemed appropriate, fluoride treatment. The dentist will check how teeth are developing, look for early signs of decay, and explain what’s happening in kid-friendly language. Parents are encouraged to stay involved during these checkups and ask questions about brushing, diet, and oral habits.

Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable

Children’s early dental visits are intended to be calming, straightforward, and age-appropriate. At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, appointments with Dr. Sarah Esmaili, a top children’s dentist in Pacifica, CA, focus on comfort, education, and prevention, not confusing or overwhelming procedures.

To further help your child feel at ease, talk positively about the visit beforehand and avoid using words like “hurt.” Reading books about dentist visits or doing a pretend checkup at home can also help. The goal of pediatric dentistry in Pacifica, CA, is to make dental care feel routine, not scary, so children grow up confidently committed to their oral health.

Stress-Free Pediatric Dentistry in Pacifica, CA

If you’re in Pacifica and want to learn more about children’s dental visits and how to help your child feel comfortable, contact Dr. Sarah Esmaili and the caring team at Cabrillo Family Dental Care to schedule an appointment.

The confidence that having a smile you're proud of brings is priceless!

But what happens if there are things you don't like about your teeth? Maybe they're stained or discolored. Perhaps you have chipped or broken teeth. Or maybe it's crooked teeth that keep you from smiling.

Whatever the case is for you, cosmetic dentistry in Pacifica has a solution for your smile, and your team at Cabrillo Family Dental Care can help!

Some of the cosmetic dental services we offer are:

• Porcelain veneers and crowns for broken, chipped, or oddly shaped teeth
• Dental implants for tooth replacement
• Invisible braces with Invisalign for straightening crooked teeth
• Dental bonding for composite veneers
• Professional teeth whitening for a brighter smile

If you're considering making changes to the appearance of your smile, our dentists will meet with you to discuss your goals. Then, they'll perform an examination and use all the information gathered to create a customized treatment plan just for you.

Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include one or more cosmetic dental treatments because as we restore form and function to your teeth, we're also creating beautiful aesthetics for your smile.

Contact your Pacifica dentist at (650) 359-1646 to learn more about the possibilities for your smile.

Many people suffer from fractured, cracked, or missing teeth and failed fillings, tooth decay, and other problems affecting a tooth’s structural integrity. A dental crown is a cover that sits on top of a compromised tooth. Dental crowns help fix and support any weak and potentially painful teeth and are a great option for long-term protection, pain alleviation, and the restoration of the smile you’ve been missing.

In the case of a compromised tooth with damage to its structure, our dentists in Pacifica, CA, can treat and restore damage with the use of a dental crown.

Common Instances Where a Dental Crown May Be Necessary Include:

• To cover a severely worn-down tooth
• Treatment of a damaged tooth that has started decaying
• If a tooth has undergone a root canal and needs strengthening
• Restoration after a dental implant

Do You Need a Dental Crown?

If you have a troubled tooth and want to learn about your options, contact our dental office today.

Cabrillo Family Dental Care has been in business for over 60 years. We continually advance the education of our dentists and do our best to keep up to date on the latest dental practices and techniques, making our office an excellent option for dental crowns in Pacifica, CA.

A missing tooth is a challenge when it comes to eating, smiling, and talking with others.

The good news is that dental implants provide tooth replacement that is as close to a natural tooth as you can get. In addition, because an implant replaces both your root and your tooth, it protects both your dental health and your smile.

A dental implant is comprised of three essential parts that work together to create your new tooth. First, we surgically place the implant into your jawbone, where it fuses and integrates with it since it's made of biocompatible titanium. The implant acts just like your root and supports your new tooth.

An abutment securely connects the implant and crown. A porcelain crown takes the place of your tooth, and our dentists customize it to blend seamlessly into your smile.

Because an implant replaces your root, you no longer have to worry about the bone loss that often accompanies tooth loss.

Besides the look and feel of a natural tooth, another benefit of dental implants is that they provide excellent longevity with the proper care. Your implant is easy to brush and floss just like a natural tooth, and with booking a regular checkups at your Pacifica dentist every six months, your implant can potentially last for a lifetime.

If you'd like to learn more about how dental implants can benefit your smile and your dental health, we invite you to call Cabrillo Family Dental Care at (650) 359-1646 for more information.

Caring for your dentures keeps your oral health in check and extends the lifespan of your prosthetic.

Here are some tips for cleaning your dentures.

• Gently brush your denture with a denture brush and cleanser every day. Do not use toothpaste as it’s too abrasive and can damage the denture.
• Clean your mouth and dentures before and after wearing them. This reduces plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth and freshens your breath.
• Soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or lukewarm water to keep them moist. This helps retain their shape and strength.
• Thoroughly rinse your dentures before inserting them in your mouth, especially if you’re using a denture solution.
• Remove and rinse your dentures after eating meals. You can run water through your dentures to remove food particles and bacteria. Place a towel on the counter or fill the sink with water, so they don’t break if you accidentally drop them.

Do You Need Full and Partial Dentures in Pacifica, CA?

Your Pacifica dentist can help you reclaim your oral health and appearance with custom-made dentures. Please contact us to schedule your consultation at Cabrillo Family Dental Care.

We look forward to helping your reclaim your smile!

Our dental office has been serving Pacifica and the Half Moon Bay communities for over 60 years. However, at Cabrillo Family Dental Care, we've updated our technology and modernized our Pacifica dental office with patient comfort in mind.

Along with great amenities like neck pillows and televisions in treatment rooms, patients will enjoy state-of-the-art technology like 3-D imaging and digital impressions. These technologies streamline dental procedures and make dental visits more comfortable.

3-D imaging and printing allow our dentists to plan for dental implant surgeries and create surgical guides so they can place your dental implants with exact precision and achieve optimum results.

Digital impressions replace the messy and uncomfortable impressions we used in the past for dental crowns and other restorations.

Our dentists are committed to building relationships and creating great experiences for our patients. We know that advanced technology makes dental procedures more efficient, accurate, and comfortable for our patients, and patient comfort is our top priority.

We're always accepting new patients, and we invite you to come to Cabrillo Family Dental Care and see what sets us apart from other dental practices in the area.

Contact us at (650) 359-1646 to schedule your next dental appointment.

When it comes to discreet orthodontics, Invisalign clear braces are perhaps the most popular. For years, Invisalign has swept the dentistry world by storm with its innovative aligner technology and enhanced comfort. Teenagers and adults often desire an inconspicuous solution to rectify their smile, and Invisalign is often the first thing that comes to mind.

Dr. Ryan Henspetter is an Invisalign dentist in Pacifica, CA, who can help you achieve a straight, symmetrical smile. The aligner trays are customized to fit your unique oral anatomy and orthodontic needs.

Typically, patients wear a set of aligners and graduate to a new, tighter set every two weeks. The aligners gradually straighten your teeth into the proper position, correcting imperfections and aligning your bite.

We recommend wearing Invisalign aligners between 20-22 hours each day for the best possible results. You can remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth, so your smile doesn’t collect bacteria and stains.

Your dentist will recommend wearing a retainer to maintain your newly improved bite when your treatment is complete.

Are You Ready for Straight, Beautiful Teeth?

Invisalign in Pacifica, CA, starts with a visit to Cabrillo Family Dental Care. Please give us a call today to learn if Invisalign is the right choice for you!

For most healthy patients, two visits to the dentist every six months is sufficient for keeping their teeth clean and healthy. Patients managing gum disease may require additional teeth cleanings throughout the year to keep their condition under control and their gum disease at bay. Your Pacifica dentist and hygienist will make the recommendations for the teeth cleaning and checkup schedule that's right for you.

Since science has found clear connections between gum disease and other health issues in the body like heart disease or diabetes, preventive dental teeth cleanings and checkups have never been more critical. So now, when you visit your dentist to keep your mouth healthy, you are also keeping your body healthy.

Your dentist can detect problems like tooth decay and gum disease in their earliest stage when these conditions are easier and less expensive to treat.

During your teeth cleaning, we'll remove the plaque buildup that's easy to miss at home. Instead, it's plaque and bacteria buildup that cause concerns like tooth decay and gum disease.

Don't wait to schedule your appointment if it's time for your next preventive teeth cleaning and checkup. Contact Cabrillo Family Dental Care today at (650) 359-1646 to schedule your next dental visit.

Proper aftercare plays an important role in supporting healing after root canal treatment in Pacifica, CA. Once the procedure is complete, your tooth is cleaned and sealed, but it still needs time to recover fully.

What to Expect After Treatment

It’s normal to experience mild sensitivity or tenderness for a few days, especially when chewing. This typically improves as the surrounding tissues heal. Following your dentist’s instructions can help manage discomfort and support recovery.

Tips for Caring for Your Tooth

After your root canal, consider the following care tips:

• Avoid chewing on the treated side until your dentist places a permanent restoration, such as a crown.
• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing carefully.
• Take medications as directed if recommended by your dentist.
• Choose softer foods during the initial healing period.
• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and complete your treatment.

Root Canal Treatment in Pacifica, CA

A treated tooth can continue to function as part of your smile with proper care. At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, patients receive personalized guidance following root canal treatment in Pacifica, CA to support healing and long-term oral health.

Need to book a consultation with our team? You can give us a call at (650) 359-1646.

The length of root canal treatment in Pacifica, CA can vary depending on the condition of the tooth and the complexity of the case. In many situations, the procedure is completed in one appointment, while some cases may require two visits to ensure the tooth is properly treated and sealed.

What Affects Treatment Time?

Several factors can influence how long a root canal takes, including:

• The location of the tooth, as molars often have more canals than front teeth
• The severity of infection or damage to the tooth
• The number of canals that need to be cleaned and treated
• Whether additional procedures are needed before placing a final restoration

A typical appointment with our dental team may last between 60 to 90 minutes, though this can vary based on individual needs or the extent of infection.

What Happens After the Procedure?

After the root canal is completed, a follow-up visit may be recommended to place a permanent crown or restoration. This helps protect the tooth and restore normal function.

Root Canal Treatment in Pacifica, CA

At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan for root canal treatment in Pacifica, CA, ensuring the procedure is completed efficiently while supporting long-term oral health, book an appointment with us today.

Dental phobia is not uncommon, but it can be debilitating for your smile if it keeps you from visiting the dentist.

At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, we understand how you feel, and we're here to help you get the dental treatment you need to have the healthy smile we believe that everyone deserves.

We offer three types of dental sedation in Pacifica for patients who struggle with fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist. We're happy to help you determine which type of sedation would be right for your needs when visiting our dental office.

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the lowest level of sedation we offer. The gas is delivered through a mask you wear during your procedure, and it works fast to help you relax.

Nitrous oxide is safe for both adults and children, and we can use it during most procedures. Best of all, it doesn't leave you with troublesome side effects.

Oral conscious sedation delivers a deeper level of sedation through medication you take an hour before your treatment. This type of sedation requires you to arrange transportation to and from your appointment.

IV sedation is the deepest level of sedation we offer, and it's almost like sleeping through your dental appointment. Dr. Jen Kin is licensed to provide IV sedation at our Pacifica dental office, and it is ideal for patients with dental phobia or severe anxiety.

To learn more about dental sedation and which type may be right for your needs, contact Cabrillo Family Dental Care today.

Advances in dentistry have made tooth extractions more gentle and comfortable than ever before. At our Pacifica dental office, we only recommend tooth extractions as a last resort to protect the patient’s health.

Common reasons for needing a tooth extraction are:

• Severe tooth decay
• Severe tooth infection
• Traumatic damage
• Impaction
• Periodontal disease
• Overcrowding

At Cabrillo Family Dental Care, we use modern technology and techniques to make tooth extractions stress-free and comfortable. Our dental team is highly experienced and trained in efficient tooth removal and tooth replacement.

However, we ask that you please call us to schedule a consultation so we can assess your oral health and provide you with your best options.

Gentle Tooth Extraction in Pacifica, CA

Dr. Ryan Henspetter is an artistic cosmetic dentist in Pacifica, CA, who thrives on providing personalized, clinically-excellent results. If we must extract a tooth, we can restore your smile with tooth-replacement options. We offer bridges, dentures, and dental implants as solutions.

Let us help you attain a healthier, disease-free smile!

Please feel free to contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment. Our team will also be happy to answer any of your questions or address your concerns regarding treatment and costs.