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General & Family Dentistry in Toms River, NJ
Sun Dental is an award-winning family dentist in Toms River, NJ. We provide general and family dentistry for children, adults and seniors, including exams, cleanings, fillings, sealants and root canal treatment. We treat patients of every age, from a child’s first visit to senior checkups.
Convenient care for the whole family
Member dentists
for 11 years including 2025
Care for healthy smiles
PPO plans & insurance accepted
Family Dentist in Toms River for Every Age
One dentist for the kids and another for the adults means two offices, two sets of forms and more time off work. Your family can visit Sun Dental! Book back-to-back visits and finish in one trip.
Our dentists have treated Ocean County families for decades. We can spot patterns, such as gum disease and cavity-prone teeth when we know your family’s dental history.
What Is General and Family Dentistry?
General and family dentistry is routine dental care for patients of every age. A general dentist examines your teeth, gums and mouth. He removes plaque and tartar and repairs cavities. A family dentist gives this care to children, adults and seniors in one office.
Family dentistry is not a separate specialty. The term describes a general practice serving the whole family. Sun Dental in Toms River, NJ offers family dentistry that covers exams, cleanings, digital X-rays, fillings, sealants, mouth guards, oral cancer screening and root canal treatment.
Everything your family's smile needs
From everyday preventive visits to restoring damaged teeth, our team offers personalized dental care for all ages.
Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings
A dental exam evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues, while a professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach on their own. The American Dental Association recommends this care at intervals based on individual risk factors, such as gum disease history, smoking, or dry mouth, rather than a fixed schedule for everyone.
Dental Fillings and Tooth Damage
Cavities don’t always cause pain when they first develop, which is why routine exams matter for catching decay early. A filling repairs the damaged portion of the tooth, restoring its shape and function. Filling materials include composite tooth-colored, amalgam, and glass ionomer options. The right material depends on the location and size of the repair.
Children's Dentistry
Children’s dental care tracks tooth development, prevents early decay and supports brushing and flossing habits. Do you need a kid’s dentist in Toms River? Book your children with the same team you can see. The ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months after the first tooth appears.
Oral Cancer Screening
Your dentist examines your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, the floor and roof of your mouth, and your throat and neck. The check takes a few minutes and causes no pain. We explain the details if we notice a sore or lump needing a closer look. Sun Dental includes oral cancer screening in adult dental checkups.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where deep grooves make brushing alone less effective. According to ADA and AAPD guidance, sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by up to 80 percent. They can help children and adults with cavity-prone teeth at routine dental visits.
Mouth Guards and Night Guards
A custom-fitted mouth guard protects teeth during contact sports, while a night guard helps manage the effects of nighttime grinding and clenching. These habits can wear down enamel and strain the jaw over time. Your dentist can help you choose the right guard for your needs and explain how to care for it.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, often from deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures. The pulp is the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. Treatment removes the affected pulp to help preserve the natural tooth rather than extract it.
Filling vs. Crown vs. Root Canal: How Your Dentist Decides
Your dentist chooses between a filling, a crown and a root canal based on two facts: how much healthy tooth remains, and extent of damage to the pulp.
| Treatment | Tooth Needs | Purpose of Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | Small to medium damage, limited to the enamel and dentin. | Removes the decay and fills the space. Most fillings take one visit. |
| Crown | A large filling or worn tooth leaves too little strong tooth for a filling. | Covers the whole tooth to hold the tooth together and prevent breaks. |
| Root Canal | Decay or an injury reaches the pulp and causes inflammation or infection. | Removes the damaged pulp, then cleans the inside of the tooth. Most teeth need a crown afterward. |
Lingering pain from hot or cold, pain when you bite, swelling, or a tooth turning darker can indicate other problems. Some damaged teeth cause no pain. Your dentist uses an exam and X-rays to decide rather than relying on symptoms.
Preserving your natural teeth matters. We save your natural tooth whenever possible. Dentists explain the replacement options if required.
When You May Need More Than Routine Dental Care
General dentistry is often where a dental problem is first identified, but the next step depends on what your dentist finds.
A damaged tooth may need a crown or another restorative treatment. Gum disease may require periodontal care. A tooth that cannot be predictably restored may need extraction. Missing teeth may lead to a discussion about bridges, dentures or dental implants. Sudden pain, swelling or dental trauma may require emergency care.
When another type of treatment is appropriate, your dentist can explain why and help you understand the next step.
Explore Related Dental Care in Toms River
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
There is no single schedule that is right for every patient.
The American Dental Association recommends basing your visit schedule on your own risk factors, such as gum disease history, smoking or dry mouth. Many people have routine dental visits about twice a year, but your dentist may recommend a different schedule depending on your oral health, cavity risk, gum health, medical history and previous dental treatment.
If you are not sure when you are due, Sun Dental can help determine an appropriate schedule after evaluating your dental health.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned? Get your teeth cleaned every 6 months if your gums are healthy. You often need cleaning every 3 to 4 months if you have experienced gum disease treatment.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Get your teeth cleaned every 6 months if your gums are healthy. You often need cleaning every 3 to 4 months if you have experienced gum disease treatment.
New Patient and Family Appointments in Toms River
If you are new to Sun Dental, you do not need to know exactly what treatment you need before making an appointment.
You can request an appointment online or call the office and explain whether you are looking for routine care or have a specific dental concern.
Before your visit, the team can let you know what information or records to bring and what to expect based on the type of appointment you are scheduling.
Meet the team behind your smile
Thomas Hada
DDS • Dentist in Toms River, NJ
Dr. Thomas Hada graduated from Toms River High School North in 1978. He attended Muhlenberg College and then graduated from Georgetown University with Honors in 1986. He attended a post-graduate dental residency in Hartford, CT. He completed a post-graduate dental residency in Hartford, CT. Dr. Hada was awarded Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1995 and Mastership in 2003.
Dr. Hada has two adult children. He is active in the Academy of General Dentistry Board of Directors at the state level. Photography, video production, and guitar are his artistic interests. Scuba and a variety of sports are his current physical pursuits.
Robert McTaggart
DMD • Dentist in Toms River, NJ
Dr. Robert McTaggart graduated from Rutgers University in 1992 and the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in 1998. He completed a residency at Hackensack University Medical Center. He is a member of the American Dental Association®, holds a Fellowship from the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, is a Diplomat in the National Dental Board of Anesthesia, and is an attending physician at Monmouth Medical Center with Operating Room privileges.
Dr. McTaggart is married, has a daughter, and lives in Red Bank. He is also an avid musician, golfer, and skier.
Leonard Giles
DMD • Dentist in Toms River, NJ
Dr. Leonard Giles graduated with a B.S. degree from Waynesburg University and obtained his dental degree in 1977 from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine). He is a member of the American Dental Association® and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He has achieved master’s status in the College of Sedation.
Dr. Giles is a long-time resident of Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. He has been the Chairperson of his town’s Local Board of Health for 10 years and serves as commissioner and Vice President of the Monmouth Regional Health Commission. Dr. Giles is also the President of the Jersey Shore Regional Health Commission. He is an avid skier, golfer, runner, and outdoor enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask about general & family dentistry.
At what age should my child have their first dental visit?
Kids should visit the dentist by age 1, or within 6 months after the first tooth appears. The ADA and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both recommend this timing. The dentist checks for early decay and shows you how to care for your baby’s teeth at home.
Are dental sealants only for children?
No. While sealants are most common in children and teens, adults with deep grooves in their molars or a history of cavities can benefit from them as well.
How do I know if I need a filling or a root canal?
A filling treats decay contained within the tooth’s enamel and dentin. If decay reaches the pulp and causes inflammation or infection, root canal treatment is needed instead. Your dentist determines this through an exam and X-rays.
Can my whole family be seen at the same office?
Yes. Sun Dental treats patients of all ages, and families can schedule appointments together at our Toms River office.
Do I need dental X-rays at every visit?
Not necessarily. Dental X-rays should be taken when they are appropriate for the patient’s age, dental history, symptoms, disease risk and current clinical findings.
What if my dentist finds a problem during a routine visit?
Your dentist will explain what was found and discuss the appropriate next step. Depending on the problem, that may involve a filling, restorative treatment, periodontal care, root canal treatment, oral surgery or another type of dental care.
Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes. Sun Dental accepts many major PPO plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, Principal and Assurant, plus insurance assignment. We estimate your benefits and out-of-pocket costs before treatment. Coverage varies by plan. Call (732) 341-9111 with questions before your visit.
Ready to Schedule a Dental Visit?
From a first checkup to ongoing family care, Sun Dental is here to help. Contact our Toms River office to request an appointment.