Your Trusted Ortega Neighborhood Dentist
Ortega Boulevard Dental has been part of this neighborhood’s story since the 1950s. Patients come to us for comprehensive general dentistry, cleanings, fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, and dental implants, all handled in one office. We won’t recommend treatment you don’t need, and we’ll always walk you through the why behind what we do suggest. That’s our whole approach: honest, straightforward, and with no obligations.
Serving Jacksonville since the 1950s
Same-day CEREC crowns available.
4.9 Stars
1,300 + Reviews on Google
One dentist for most implant cases, start to finish
What’s Included in Our General Dentistry Services
Exams & Cleaning
Routine cleanings and checkups are the foundation of good oral health, and they’re often what catches a small problem before it turns into a bigger one. During your visit, we’ll walk you through exactly what we’re seeing, whether that’s a spot to watch or nothing at all.
Most patients do well with a cleaning every six months, though we may recommend more frequent visits if you have gum disease or other concerns.Â
Fillings
When a cavity needs treatment, fillings are typically the way to go. We remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the resulting space with composite resin to restore the tooth’s shape and function. It’s typically a single-visit procedure done under local anesthetic.
Catching a cavities early usually means smaller fillings and simpler visits.
Crowns
A crown is a cap that covers an entire tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and function when there’s too much damage or decay for a filling to fix. It’s typically used for large cavity treatment, a root canal, a cracked tooth, or when a tooth is structurally weakened and needs more protection than a filling can provide. The crown fits over the remaining tooth structure and is shaped to match your bite, so it functions like a natural tooth once it’s in place.
Dr. Hekkert has offered same-day CEREC crowns since 2003, so many patients can get theirs milled and placed in a single visit to Ortega Boulevard Dental, instead of waiting for a lab.
Implants
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth at the root, not just the crown. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time and acts as a stable anchor, then a custom crown is attached on top to restore the tooth’s look and function. It’s often the most durable option for replacing a missing tooth, since it supports itself rather than relying on neighboring teeth.
In most cases, Dr. Hekkert is able to place the implant and deliver the crown himself, so you’re not routinely sent elsewhere partway through treatment, though more complex cases may still call for a specialist.
Bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. It’s a solid, time-tested option for restoring your bite and keeping neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.
We’ll talk through whether a bridge or another option, like an implant, makes more sense for your specific situation.
Dentures
Whether you need a full or partial denture, we’ll take the time to make sure it fits well and feels natural in daily use. Ill-fitting dentures are a common frustration, and if that’s what’s brought you in, we’ll look at what’s causing the issue and talk through what can be adjusted or improved. Dentures are a well-established way to restore your smile and your ability to eat comfortably.Â
Fit can shift over time, so we’ll keep checking in and adjusting as needed.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is treatable, especially when it’s caught early. We offer deep cleanings, also called scaling and root planings (SRPs), to clear out any buildup below the gumline that a regular cleaning can’t reach. This helps gums heal and reattach to the tooth.
For more advanced cases involving bone loss, we’ll refer you to a periodontist who specializes in that level of care. Either way, we’ll explain exactly what stage we’re seeing and what a comfortable path forward looks like.
What your neighbors are saying
The staff and dentist (Dr. Hekkert) are incredibly kind, professional, and attentive. They explained everything clearly and really listened. Pricing was shown upfront, and not after the fact which I liked. My teeth look 20 years younger.
Erik Hekkert was an amazing dentist, very professional and his team was 100% excellent. I couldn’t ask for a better experience. I came in for a simple exam. I let them know my concerns on some of my teeth and I was able to get a same-day extraction on two of the main teeth I wanted out. This was a great experience and I definitely recommend this dentistry
My visit to the dentist today was pleasant as always. I’ve been a patient here for years and this practice is consistent in providing excellent service. The staff are always pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable regarding my dental needs.
Everyone at Ortega Boulevard Dental is so kind. They make going to the dentist a pleasant experience. You never have to wait long and they are extremely efficient! Dr. Hekkert and his team are great, …I would highly recommend going here!
Rated 4.9 stars by patients across Ortega and greater Jacksonville.
 What’s Included in Our General Dentistry Services
A neighborhood fixture since the 1950s
Ortega Boulevard Dental has been part of this community for over 70 years, not a practice that just opened up nearby.
Same-day crowns, done right
Dr. Hekkert has been placing same-day CEREC crowns since 2003, bringing that experience to Ortega Boulevard Dental patients today.
Comfort-focused technology
Digital X-rays, a CBCT 3-D X-ray machine, and a Single Anesthesia System that regulates injection flow and pressure for a more comfortable visit.
In-network with major PPOs
We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, and many more, with several financing paths for anything insurance doesn’t cover.
One doctor for implant and crown
In most cases, Dr. Hekkert places the implant and delivers the restorative crown himself, so you’re not routinely sent elsewhere mid-treatment.
No pressure, ever
We will never push you to get treatment you don’t need, and we will be honest about what we think is best for you. We’ll partner with you to make sure you are receiving the dental care you deserve.
We know dental anxiety is real, and we want you to be comfortable.
We offer a range of options to make treatment more comfortable, from numbing gel to sedation choices for patients who need a little extra ease, and we’ll talk through what fits your situation before anything happens. From the moment you walk in, the goal is to make sure the experience feels unhurried, comfortable, and never rushed. We’ll explain each step before it happens, answer questions honestly, and never push you into a decision before you’re ready.
Prescription-Strength Numbing Gel
A topical anesthetic applied to the gums before treatment, strong enough in some cases to make injections unnecessary for minor procedures.
The Wand
A computer-controlled anesthetic delivery system that regulates the flow and pressure of the injection automatically, making the process feel more gradual and comfortable than a traditional syringe.
Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas
A computer-controlled anesthetic delivery system that regulates the flow and pressure of the injection automatically, making the process feel more gradual and comfortable than a traditional syringe.
Financing and Insurance Options for General Dentistry at Ortega Boulevard Dental
Insurance typically covers all or part of routine general dentistry, from cleanings to fillings to crowns, and we’ll help make sense of costs for anything it doesn’t.Â
Ortega Boulevard Dental is in-network with PPO plans including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, and many more. Because we accept a range of fee schedules connected to different insurance partners, most PPO patients find we’re in network even if their specific carrier isn’t listed here. We are not able to accept Medicaid, Medicare, or HMO plans. For out-of-network PPO plans, we’re happy to see patients and bill on their behalf, though payment is due at the time of service.
For patients without insurance or with costs their plan doesn’t cover, we offer several financing paths: Sunbit, CareCredit, an in-house membership plan, and the Aetna Discount plan. We’ll walk you through what fits your situation so there are no surprises.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first visit will start with a conversation, not a rush into treatment. Here’s what you can expect, step by step
01. Initial Consultation
We’ll start by meeting with you, reviewing your dental history, and taking any necessary X-rays and digital images. From there, we’ll talk through what we’re seeing and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment, so we’re working from the same picture.
02. Treatment Plan
Once we know what’s going on, we’ll put together a plan that fits your needs and your budget. We’ll walk you through your options, including what’s necessary now and what can wait, and we won’t push you to spend more than you’re comfortable with.
03. Follow-up Visits
With a plan in place, we’ll talk through payment options, answer any remaining questions, and schedule your follow-up visits accordingly. There’s no obligation to move forward with anything on the spot.
Give Your Smile the Attention it Deserves
Whether you’re due for a cleaning, have a question about a treatment option, or just want to talk through what’s next for your smile, we’re here. No pressure or obligation. We’d love to have an honest conversation about what’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Dentistry
What's the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling repairs a small area of a tooth, while a crown covers and protects the entire tooth when the damage is more extensive. A general rule of thumb: if a good portion of the tooth’s structure is still healthy, a filling usually does the job. If the tooth is significantly weakened or cracked, a crown gives it the support a filling can’t. We’ll explain which situation applies to you and why, rather than defaulting to the more involved option.
What if I have dentures that don't fit well?
Ill-fitting dentures are a common frustration, whether that means slipping while you eat, rubbing against your gums, or just not feeling secure. There are usually a few ways to improve the fit, from adjustments to relining to, in some cases, starting fresh. We’ll take a look, explain what’s causing the issue, and walk through what can be done about it.
Can a bridge or an implant replace a missing tooth, and which is better?
Both replace a missing tooth, but they work differently. A bridge anchors a replacement tooth to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, while an implant places a titanium post directly into the jawbone to act as its own root. Which one makes more sense depends on the health of your surrounding teeth, your jawbone, and what you’re looking for long-term. We’ll walk through both options with you rather than steering you toward the more expensive one by default.
What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
Left untreated, gum disease can progress from irritated, bleeding gums to loosening teeth and eventual bone loss. Catching it early can help prevent the need for more extensive treatment, and in most cases we can treat it right here with a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more likely it is to need more involved care, including a referral to a periodontist for advanced cases.
Do you accept my insurance?
Ortega Boulevard Dental is in-network with most major PPO plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, and MetLife. We do not accept Medicaid, Medicare, or HMO plans. Give us a call and we can confirm your specific coverage.
Is dental anxiety something you can help with?
Yes. Ortega Boulevard Dental was built around making anxious patients feel safe and comfortable, from a calmer office environment to a range of comfort options like numbing gel and nitrous oxide.
Do you see children?
Ortega Boulevard Dental sees patients ages 12 and up. For younger children, we’re happy to point you toward a pediatric dentist in the area.