Dentist in La Jolla
Where Your Smile Meets Whole-Body Wellness
Previously the office of Edmund W. Jay DDS, Inc.
Comprehensive care that treats the whole you, not just your teeth. Your health, your comfort, your smile, all in one place.
Welcome to Emerald Isle Dental Studio!
The experience at a dental practice matters just as much as the care itself. For patients looking for a dentist in La Jolla, Emerald Isle Dental Studio offers thoughtful care from a nearby San Diego practice led by Dr. Geraldine O’Mara, DDS. Patients are seen one at a time, treated without judgment, and supported in making informed decisions about their oral health. Our practice provides routine cleanings, general dentistry, dental implants, clear aligners, and cosmetic dentistry.
We serve communities across San Diego, and we welcome adults, seniors, and children who are looking for a long-term dental home where they feel known, not just treated. Our dentist is known for her calm, non-judgmental, and genuinely patient-centered approach, which has helped many people finally get the dental care they’ve been putting off.
Our Mission
Dr. Geraldine O’Mara, DDS, founded our practice on a straightforward idea: your mouth is part of your body, and treating one without considering the other isn’t enough. Research continues to show that oral health is directly linked to heart health, diabetes management, respiratory conditions, and more. That’s why every patient here receives care that accounts for their full health picture, not just what’s happening in their mouth.
Our dentist takes time to understand your medical history, your lifestyle, and your goals before recommending any treatment. The result is dental care that’s thoughtful, conservative, and built to serve your long-term well-being. For patients across La Jolla, San Diego, and surrounding communities, this whole-body approach is exactly what’s been missing from their patient care experience.
Why Choose Us
Patients come to us for many reasons, with some needing complex restorative work, and others who haven’t seen a dentist in years. What they all have in common is that they leave feeling genuinely cared for. Here’s why.
One Patient at a Time Means You’re Never an Afterthought
Dr. O’Mara sees one patient at a time, with no divided attention, no rushed exams, and no feeling like you’re just the next name on the schedule. Every appointment gives you her full focus, which leads to more thorough care, better conversations, and a treatment plan shaped around your specific needs and oral health goals.
Dental Anxiety Is Treated as a Real Clinical Concern
Our dentist provides gentle care for patients who feel anxious about dental visits, and clearly explains what’s happening at every stage of your appointment. For patients who need more support, oral conscious sedation is available, a safe and effective option that keeps you comfortable and relaxed without putting you fully under, making dental care genuinely manageable for people who’ve struggled with it for years.
Two CEREC Mills, CBCT Imaging, and Same-Day Dental Services
The technology at our practice directly improves the quality and efficiency of your care. With two in-office CEREC mills, same-day crowns and bridges are a standard offering. CBCT 3D imaging provides a detailed view of your teeth, bone, and surrounding structures from head to neck, which is especially valuable for complex cases like dental implants, root canal treatment, and full mouth rehabilitation. Digital impressions eliminate traditional molds entirely, making procedures more comfortable and results more precise.
Treatment Recommendations You Can Trust
Dr. O’Mara recommends treatment with your long-term oral health in mind, and that commitment to doing right by her patients is the foundation every recommendation is built on. Her approach is conservative by design, meaning natural tooth structure is preserved whenever possible and every recommendation comes with a clear explanation of what it is, why it’s needed, and what your options are. You could be considering cosmetic dentistry, managing a dental emergency, or working through a longer-term care plan, and in any case you’ll always know exactly where you stand and why.
General Dentistry and Prosthodontic Specialty Care in One Place
Routine cleanings, teeth whitening, clear aligners, porcelain veneers, and smile makeover planning are all available here, and so is specialty-level prosthodontic care. With our associate prosthodontist as part of our team, complex cases including full mouth rehabilitation, sleep apnea treatment, and dental emergencies are handled in the same familiar space where you receive your general dentistry.
What this means practically is that your general dentist and prosthodontist are communicating directly, reviewing the same records, and building a unified plan for your care. There are no gaps in your treatment history and no need to re-explain your situation to a new provider. For patients across La Jolla and San Diego, that level of comprehensive, coordinated dental services in one consistent setting is genuinely hard to find.
Our Services
Porcelain Crowns and Bridges
Damaged or missing teeth can make everyday life harder than it needs to be, from chewing comfortably to smiling with confidence. At Emerald Isle Dental Studio, our porcelain crowns and bridges are designed to restore both the function and natural appearance of your teeth. We use tooth-colored porcelain materials that blend seamlessly with your smile, so your results look and feel completely natural.
Our dentist uses advanced CEREC technology to design and place your crown or bridge, often in a single appointment. There’s no need for messy molds or temporary restorations while you wait. We keep the process simple and efficient so you leave with a smile you feel good about.
Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental exams and cleanings are one of the best things you can do for your overall health, not just your smile. We look at the full picture during every visit, because we believe a healthy mouth supports a healthier body. Our team takes the time to catch small concerns early, before they have a chance to become bigger problems down the road.
Our dentist will never rush you through your appointment or leave you with unanswered questions. At Emerald Isle Dental Studio, your first visit typically includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a cleaning, plus real time to talk through your goals. We keep things calm, judgment-free, and focused entirely on you.
Root Canals
Root canals have a reputation that makes people nervous, but the truth is they’re one of the most effective ways to save a tooth and relieve pain. Root canals are part of our comprehensive care at the studio, designed to remove infection and protect your natural tooth for the long term. With advanced 3D CBCT imaging and a genuinely gentle approach, our dentist makes sure the process is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Emerald Isle Dental Studio is a place where you can ask every question and never feel rushed or judged. We take a conservative approach to treatment, which means we always try to preserve your natural tooth before considering other options. Oral conscious sedation is also available for patients who need a little extra help feeling at ease.
Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners are a comfortable, nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of traditional metal braces. The aligners are completely removable, so you can eat what you like, brush and floss with ease, and keep your treatment discreet. Patients who grind their teeth will also appreciate that the aligners double as thin nightguards, protecting your smile throughout the process.
At Emerald Isle Dental Studio, our dentist will explain every stage of the Invisalign treatment so you always know what to expect. We use specialized computer software to create a custom plan that moves your teeth into proper alignment gradually and precisely. Adults and teens alike will find a comfortable, tailored path to the smile they’ve been wanting.
Orthodontics
Straight teeth are easier to clean, more comfortable to live with, and better for your long-term oral health. Our approach to orthodontics centers on Invisalign clear aligners, a modern alternative to traditional metal braces that fits naturally into your everyday routine. The aligners are thin, flexible, and virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for both adults and teens across San Diego.
Our dentist will put together a treatment plan built specifically around your smile and your goals. Emerald Isle Dental Studio also offers Invisalign for Teens, with built-in compliance indicators and eruption tabs designed for still-developing molars. Once treatment wraps up, we’ll set you up with the right retainer to keep your results looking great.
Cosmetic Dentistry
A smile you feel good about can shift the way you carry yourself every day. Our cosmetic dentistry services cover a wide range of treatments, from teeth whitening and veneers to bonding and implant restorations, all tailored to your unique goals. Whatever you’re hoping to change, we’ll help you find the right approach for your smile and your life.
The process always starts with a real conversation, because getting the details right matters. Our dentist will review your oral health, lay out your options clearly, and even let you preview potential results through computer imaging or a trial smile before any work begins. At Emerald Isle Dental Studio, our goal is to make sure you feel informed, excited, and genuinely cared for every step of the way.
Meet Dr. Geraldine O’Mara
Dr. Geraldine O’Mara, DDS, brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and genuine warmth to every patient interaction. Her background includes advanced clinical training in complex medical and dental cases, which shaped her whole-body approach to patient care from early in her career. She is an active member of several leading dental associations and has completed rigorous continuing education focused on restorative and digital dentistry.
Her clinical interests include comprehensive care, same-day digital dentistry, root canals, pediatric patients, orthodontics, and implant restoration, and she is particularly passionate about helping patients who have felt dismissed or discouraged by past dental experiences. Patients describe Dr. O’Mara as empathetic, easy to talk to, and genuinely invested in their well-being.
Our Dentist in La Jolla Cares for Your Smile and Overall Health
Dentistry that accounts for your whole health, not just your teeth, is what sets Emerald Isle Dental Studio apart, and we look forward to showing you what that means for your smile. Personalized, whole-body dental care is available right here in San Diego, and Dr. Geraldine O’Mara, DDS, is ready to meet you. Reach our team at 858.270.0682 to schedule your visit with our dentist in La Jolla who puts your whole health first.
For a visual look at our work and our team, find us on Instagram and see firsthand why patients across San Diego trust us with their smiles. Stay connected and get to know our team better on Facebook, where we share dental tips, practice updates, and a behind-the-scenes look at the care we provide. See what our patients are saying by checking out our reviews on Google. Find us on Google Maps for directions on your first visit and experience what patient-centered dental care looks like in practice.
FAQs
What does whole-body dental care actually mean in practice?
It means your oral health is never evaluated in isolation. Dr. O’Mara considers your overall medical history, existing health conditions, and lifestyle when assessing your dental needs and building a treatment plan. Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea all have documented connections to oral health, and that context directly shapes the recommendations you receive from our dentist.
What is prosthodontics and why does it matter for my care?
Prosthodontics is one of nine ADA-recognized dental specialties, focused on restoring and replacing teeth in complex cases. Having a prosthodontist at our practice means patients with advanced needs, including full mouth rehabilitation, significant tooth loss, or bite issues, can receive specialty-level care without being referred elsewhere. Dr. O’Mara and our prosthodontist work together directly, with full visibility into your care, to make sure every aspect of your treatment is coordinated and consistent.
How does Invisalign differ from traditional orthodontic treatment?
Invisalign uses clear, removable polyurethane aligners to gradually shift teeth into position, making it a discreet alternative to metal braces. Unlike traditional braces, which are fixed to the teeth and adjusted over time, Invisalign treatment is mapped out entirely in advance using specialized computer software. The aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, supporting better oral hygiene throughout treatment.
What is oral conscious sedation and who is it right for?
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment that helps you feel deeply relaxed throughout your visit. You remain responsive and breathe on your own, but most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. It is a strong option for anyone with significant dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or a lengthy procedure ahead.
How do I know which cosmetic treatment is right for me?
Every smile is different, which is why our dentist takes a consultative approach before recommending any cosmetic treatment. Using computer imaging, 3D models, and temporary trial restorations, you can preview your results before committing to anything permanent. It is a process designed to make sure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. Whether your goal is a subtle refresh or a complete transformation, there is a path forward that fits your life and your smile.
