About us
Our mission
Supporting gum health at every stage
Here, we believe periodontal care should feel manageable, not overwhelming. Gum disease is more common than most people realize, and it often starts quietly, with signs like bleeding when you brush or floss, gums that feel swollen, or ongoing tenderness. It develops when plaque builds up around the teeth and begins to affect the gums and the structures that support them over time. If left untreated, it can progress into more advanced concerns like gum recession or tooth loss, but there are effective treatment options at every stage.
Depending on what we see, care may involve a deeper cleaning or more advanced periodontal treatment, including laser options, all focused on improving gum health, reducing inflammation, and helping you maintain long-term stability. The important thing to know is that no matter where you’re starting from, we’re here to meet you there, talk you through everything clearly, and help you move forward with care that feels supportive and completely judgment-free.
Meet the periodontists behind the practice
Dr. Megan Smith
Dr. Smith was the kid who didn't describe people by their hair or eye color. She described them by their teeth. So it probably shouldn't surprise anyone that when she chipped her front tooth on the side of a pool in fourth grade and her dentist let her watch the repair up close, that was the moment everything clicked. Dentistry wasn't just interesting, it was the thing.
She went to college in Long Beach, earned her dental degree from Midwestern University in Arizona, and then did something most periodontists skip: she spent three years working as a general dentist in Orange County before pursuing her periodontal residency at the University of Washington. That detour turned out to be one of the best things about the way she practices. She understands what patients go through on the general dentistry side, she knows what referring doctors actually need from a specialist, and she sees your gum health as part of the bigger picture, not just its own isolated problem. She's been practicing for ten years, and that foundation shows.
Outside the office, she's usually outdoors, hanging out with her dog, catching live music, or spending time with her ten nieces and nephews. That same warmth is pretty hard to miss when you actually meet her.
A small team that makes a big difference
The people you'll meet
This isn't a big office with a rotating cast of faces. It's Shannon, Sarah, and Annel. The team here is truly our own small family. Small meaning they know who you are. Small means you're not starting from scratch every time you come in. And small means that when something feels off, someone notices right away.
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Your first visit
No surprises. No rush. No stress.
The most common question we hear from first-time patients is, “Is this going to hurt?” Honest answer: no. You’ll be numb. What you will have is a team that walks you through everything before it happens, checks in as it’s happening, and makes sure you leave with a clear picture of what comes next.
For patients who feel anxious or want extra comfort, we also offer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Oral sedation helps you feel calm and at ease while remaining awake and responsive, and nitrous provides gentle, immediate relief from anxiety. Sedation is tailored to each patient and procedure so your first visit can feel as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Patient Experience
The office is in Ocean Beach, and it feels like it. Windows open, breeze coming through, music on, team that's genuinely happy to see you. We take the time to explain your options clearly, we answer questions without making you feel like you're holding anyone up, and we stay in close contact with your general dentist so your care feels like one connected plan. Not a bunch of separate moving parts. Most patients leave saying they were surprised by how easy the whole thing was.
What to Bring
To help us get started on the right foot, please bring the following to your first appointment:
Advanced technology for precise treatment planning
We're not going to throw a bunch of equipment names at you and call it a day. Here's what we actually use, and what it means for your experience.
LANAP
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a laser-based approach to treating gum disease, and many people specifically seek us out because they've been researching it and want a straight answer about whether it's right for them. The short version: it targets diseased tissue with precision while leaving healthy tissue alone, and it typically means less discomfort and a faster recovery than traditional surgery. We're one of the few offices in San Diego where you can get a genuine, no-pressure evaluation of whether LANAP makes sense for your situation.
CBCT imaging
Our cone beam CT scanner gives us a detailed, three-dimensional view of your teeth, bone, and surrounding structures all right here in the office with a single scan. This level of detail helps us plan implant placement, evaluate bone, and guide surgical procedures with precision. Guided implant surgery allows us to position implants accurately and safely, reducing surprises and improving predictability, so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Soft Tissue Laser (Diode)
Our diode soft tissue laser lets us perform a range of procedures on gum tissue with less bleeding and a more comfortable healing process. It's used for everything from gum contouring to cold sore treatment, and it's one of the ways we're able to do more with less disruption to your day.
Sedation options
We understand that dental visits can feel stressful for some patients. That’s why we offer both oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax during procedures. Oral sedation helps you feel calm and at ease while remaining awake and responsive, and nitrous provides gentle, immediate relief from anxiety. Our team tailor sedation to each patient and procedure, so you can get the care you deserve.
Patient comforts
Pillows and blankets? Always ready. Windows open to catch the ocean breeze. Music softly playing. Chairs that actually feel good. None of it is by accident. Dr. Megan Smith designed this space so you can actually relax, your dental visits should feel calm, comfortable, and just a little bit like coming home.
Digital dentistry
Our intraoral scanner captures detailed digital impressions without the need for messy molds, and our in-office 3D printing allows us to create custom guides, restorations, and appliances on-site. Together, these tools help us plan treatments more accurately, streamline procedures, and deliver predictable results, all while keeping your experience smooth and efficient.
Giving back, one trip at a time
Care for a global community
We are proud of Dr. Smith’s volunteer work with Smile Outreach International, a nonprofit that brings dental care to communities around the world that would otherwise have little or no access to it. She's traveled with the organization to Tonga, Tanzania, Fiji, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, and she'll keep going. It's the same belief that shapes how she runs her practice: that good, clear, compassionate care should reach people who actually need it, wherever they are.
