Joan Dreher, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at her clinic in San Antonio, TX. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care, registered with The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Call (210) 408-7244 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Dreher was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree of Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin in 1986. Following graduation, she moved to San Antonio and worked at Santa Rosa Children's Hospital. In 1993, she graduated with honors from the dental school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. After completing a two-year General Practice Residency, which included advanced training in all types of dentistry and IV conscious sedation certification, she established a strong foundation in her practice. Dr. Dreher is a member of numerous professional dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the San Antonio Dental District Society, The Academy of General Dentistry, and The International College of Dentistry. She is also a Fellow of The American Association of Hospital Dentists. Her commitment to ongoing education is evident in her participation in numerous continuing education courses. Welcome! Our doors are always open to welcome new patients who are ready to receive the best in dental care. With our array of dental services, it's no surprise we are regularly expanding our family of patients. We are skilled at treating patients from all dental backgrounds and make every effort to ensure your appointment is as comfortable as possible. We provide superior care to get you onto the path of improved dental health. Dr. Dreher provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Dreher is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Dreher's approach to general dentistry emphasizes comprehensive, patient-centered care. She provides preventative care, diagnoses and treats dental diseases, manages tooth replacement needs, and performs oral cancer screenings. Recognizing the connection between oral and overall systemic health, she collaborates with primary care physicians to ensure a holistic approach to patient well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Dreher can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Advantage Plus PPO
- United Concordia
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Dreher offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: Your general dentist can help diagnose and manage burning mouth syndrome, a condition causing a persistent burning feeling in your mouth that's often difficult to pinpoint.
- Hypodontia: Having fewer than the usual number of adult teeth is called hypodontia. Your general dentist can assess your specific situation and recommend ways to fill those gaps, ensuring both function and aesthetics.
- Tooth Abscess: Severe toothache, swelling, and sensitivity to heat or cold could mean a tooth abscess, a dental emergency requiring immediate attention from your dentist.
- Orofacial Infection: Orofacial infections are infections affecting the mouth and face, and your dentist can diagnose and treat them with antibiotics or surgery.
- Misshapen Teeth: Crooked, overlapping, or oddly shaped teeth can be improved with the help of a general dentist who can provide guidance on orthodontic treatments or other corrective measures.
- Tooth Damage: From simple cosmetic fixes to more complex restorative procedures, a general dentist is equipped to handle a wide range of tooth damage scenarios.
- Dry Tooth Socket: When a tooth is pulled, a blood clot should form; if it doesn't (dry socket), your dentist can treat the pain and infection with medication and other procedures.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Dreher offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Dental Laser Procedure: A dental laser can help remove decayed tooth material, reshape gums, or treat cold sores with a minimally invasive approach.
- Limited Gum Surgery: For mild gum problems, limited gum surgery can help restore gum tissue health, improving your smile's appearance and preventing more extensive treatment.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction: If you have extensive tooth damage or decay, full mouth reconstruction rebuilds your smile and improves your bite.
- MDI Mini Dental Implant: For people who need a more secure fit for their dentures or want to replace missing teeth, MDI Mini Dental Implants offer a less invasive, potentially faster, and more affordable treatment option than standard implants.
- Air Abrasion: Instead of a drill, air abrasion uses a tiny spray of air and abrasive particles to prepare cavities for fillings, preserving more healthy tooth structure.
- Endodontic Retreatment: Endodontic retreatment is a procedure to redo a root canal that wasn't successful the first time, saving your tooth.
- Same-Day Dental Crowns: Same-day crowns allow you to get a durable, natural-looking crown in just one visit, saving you time and multiple appointments.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Dreher is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from a general dentist, a patient experienced significant relief from the persistent burning sensation in their mouth, improving their daily comfort and quality of life.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from their general dentist, a patient successfully managed their hypodontia, restoring both the function and aesthetics of their smile. This improved their confidence and daily life.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
16619 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78248
Phone: (210) 408-7244
View on Map
- University of Texas (Undergraduate School)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Dreher:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Dreher can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- What is an oral cancer screening and is it part of my check-up?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Dreher will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most patients benefit from a check-up and cleaning every six months, even if they aren't experiencing any pain. These visits are essential for preventing problems like tartar buildup and early cavities or gum disease, which can be costly to treat if left unaddressed.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of damage, while a crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is more severely damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- If I need a root canal, will I have to see a specialist?
- General dentists, like Dr. Dreher, can perform many root canals. However, for more complex cases, such as a difficult-to-reach molar, a referral to an endodontist may be necessary to ensure the best possible outcome. Dr. Dreher will evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, the jawbone and gums change shape, sometimes causing dentures to loosen. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be needed if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge that looks and feels natural, and can help preserve the jawbone. If you have sufficient jawbone health, implants may be a great option for you.
16619 Huebner Rd
San Antonio TX 78248
Phone: (210) 408-7244
Joan Dreher, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1073517694
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Joan Dreher are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.