What general dentistry covers
General dentistry is the routine care that maintains oral health day-to-day. It's preventive (catching problems before they grow) and restorative (fixing the issues found during exams). For most people, this is the only dentistry they ever need.
It also serves as the gateway to more specialized care. During a routine exam we may identify issues that need endodontic, periodontal, prosthodontic, or orthodontic treatment — and we coordinate those internally without sending you elsewhere.
Services we provide
Professional cleanings (prophylaxis)
Removal of plaque and tartar above the gum line using ultrasonic instruments and hand scaling, followed by polishing. Reaches areas that home brushing and flossing cannot. Recommended every 6 months for most patients.
Comprehensive exams
Visual and instrumental check of every tooth, gum assessment, oral cancer screening, bite evaluation, and review of any concerns you bring. Combined with X-rays (when indicated) to see what isn't visible to the eye.
Composite fillings
Tooth-colored restorations that repair cavities. The composite bonds to the tooth structure for a tight seal and looks natural. We use composite as the default for most cases.
Tooth whitening
In-office professional whitening for fast, supervised results, or take-home tray systems for gradual whitening. Done under dental supervision for safety. Whitening should not be done if there are untreated cavities or significant gum disease — those need to be addressed first.
Simple extractions
Removal of teeth that cannot be saved, are causing problems, or need to be removed for orthodontic reasons. Done under local anesthesia. Complex extractions (impacted wisdom teeth, severely broken-down teeth) are referred to oral surgery if needed.
Pit and fissure sealants
Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities. Used on the deep grooves of permanent molars when indicated for teens and adults.
Fluoride application
Topical fluoride to strengthen enamel and reduce cavity risk. Recommended according to each patient’s cavity risk.
Bite and TMJ assessment
Evaluation of how your teeth come together, signs of grinding (bruxism), or temporomandibular joint discomfort. Night guards prescribed when indicated to protect teeth from grinding damage.
Care for teens and adults
We see teens with permanent teeth and adults. For young children, we can help with a referral to a pediatric dentist.
Preventive care: the real value
The single most cost-effective dentistry is what you don't need yet. Every cavity caught at the enamel stage instead of the nerve stage saves you a root canal. Every gum issue caught in the gingivitis stage saves you from periodontitis. Every bite issue caught early saves you crowns and rehabilitation later.
- Brushing: 2 minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste. Electric brushes generally outperform manual.
- Flossing: daily — the only way to clean between teeth where most cavities and gum disease start.
- Diet: frequent sugar and acidic drinks (soda, juice, energy drinks, even sparkling water in excess) are bigger cavity drivers than total sugar quantity.
- Six-month check-ups: the simplest insurance policy in dentistry.
The most expensive dentistry is the dentistry you didn't do in time. A 30-minute cleaning every six months prevents most of the major work that brings patients in panicking years later. — Endodontics El Salvador
How much does a dental cleaning cost in El Salvador?
- Dental cleaning: from $35
- Composite filling: from $40
- Evaluation with X-ray included: $35
- Cash, card, bank transfer
The final price depends on what the evaluation finds. A filling varies with the size of the cavity, a cleaning with how much buildup there is. What we can tell you up front is where each one starts — and we do, before anything begins.
If the exam turns up something that needs a specialist — a root canal or gum treatment — it is handled in the same clinic, so you are not sent somewhere else.
For comparison, a routine cleaning runs $75–$200 in the United States without insurance.1
1 US prices: national averages without dental insurance, 2025–2026, compiled from the ADA Survey of Dental Fees, FAIR Health, Delta Dental and CareCredit. Endodontics El Salvador prices are the ones published on this site.
Why El Salvador for general dentistry?
Routine dental work in El Salvador costs a fraction of what it costs in the United States. For dental tourism patients, this opens several useful patterns:
- Annual deep-clean trip: combine your six-month check-up with a vacation to El Salvador. Round-trip costs frequently come out lower than equivalent care in the US.
- Deferred treatment: the evaluation defines which fillings, cleanings or other procedures are needed and how to schedule them. Include travel and follow-up when comparing the complete budget.
- Family visits: bringing teens with permanent teeth and adults together for routine care in a single trip is highly efficient.
- USD currency. All pricing in USD.
- English-speaking team. Communication is never a barrier.
What patients often ask us
How often should I get a dental check-up?
Every 6 months for most adults and teens. This catches cavities and gum issues early, when treatment is simpler and less expensive.
Patients with periodontal disease history or higher cavity risk may need check-ups every 3-4 months.
Do you see young children?
We see teens with permanent teeth and adults.
For young children, we can help with a referral to a pediatric dentist.
Are composite fillings better than amalgam?
Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are now the standard for most cases — they bond to tooth structure, look natural, and contain no mercury.
Amalgam (silver) fillings still have niche uses but most patients prefer composite. We typically place composite by default unless there's a specific reason not to.
Does professional whitening damage teeth?
Professional whitening done under dental supervision is safe for tooth enamel. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity for 24-72 hours after treatment, which resolves on its own.
Whitening should not be done if there are untreated cavities or significant gum disease — those need to be addressed first.
How much does general dentistry cost in El Salvador vs the US?
Routine procedures like cleanings, fillings, and whitening cost a fraction of US pricing in El Salvador.
If you will visit El Salvador from the US, contact us on WhatsApp before traveling to discuss your evaluation and available appointments. The procedures, number of visits and final quote are confirmed in person.
Schedule your check-up
Routine cleaning, exam, or specific concern — message us and we'll find a time that works.