Convenient Access from Fauntleroy
From the ferry dock, Seahurst Smiles of Burien is about 16 minutes south on neighborhood streets, with no freeway required. Families who want a dentist near Fauntleroy will find Dr. Vincent Lam at our office in Burien, caring for toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents alike. Weekday appointments run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, so an early visit can happen before school or a morning sailing.
Leave the Fauntleroy ferry terminal at 4829 SW Barton St on Fauntleroy Way SW, turn onto SW Wildwood Pl and 45th Ave SW, then follow Marine View Dr SW south above the water. Cut east on SW 106th St and SW 107th St to 16th Ave SW, then continue south on Ambaum Blvd SW and finish via SW 144th St, SW 146th St and 18th Ave SW to 1800 SW 152nd St #202. The 6.1-mile drive uses surface streets only and has no tolls. Load it in Google Maps, and see our Arbor Heights and Highland Park pages if you know those streets better.
Family Dentistry Close to the Fauntleroy Shoreline
Fauntleroy is a Seattle neighborhood within West Seattle, in King County, named for the cove that curves along Lincoln Park. Life here revolves around the water: the Washington State Ferries terminal sends boats to Vashon Island and Southworth, and Lincoln Park sits just north with beaches, bluff trails and the heated saltwater Colman Pool. Inland, the densely wooded trails of Fauntleroy Park give kids a place to explore close to home.
Those outdoor habits shape the dental needs we see. Active kids take tumbles on trails and playgrounds, and parents want a dental office that answers the phone and gives clear guidance when a tooth gets bumped. We aim to be that office, with a small team that families come to recognize.
The ferry also shapes daily schedules. Near the terminal, street parking is limited and some blocks are permit-only, so many residents plan errands around sailing times and traffic. Our 8:00 AM start lets a parent fit a child's checkup in before school, and driving south toward Burien keeps you away from the ferry lines entirely.
Dental Care Priorities for Fauntleroy Families
Children's teeth need attention early. Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth coming in behind them, so a cavity in a young child is worth treating rather than waiting out. Early visits also let Dr. Lam spot bite problems or gum concerns while they are easier to manage.
For adults, the quieter risk is gum disease. Bleeding when you floss, gums that look red or puffy, and teeth that feel slightly loose are among the early signs of gum disease worth mentioning at a checkup. Our hygienist uses laser-assisted cleanings when the gums need more than routine care.
Technology keeps visits gentle for every age. Digital x-rays use less radiation than film, CariVu finds decay early without radiation at all, and intraoral cameras put a picture of each tooth on screen so kids and parents can see exactly what Dr. Lam sees.
Nerves are common at every age, not just among kids. Dr. Lam offers nitrous oxide, breathed through a small nose mask and gone within minutes after the visit, as well as oral conscious sedation, and the practice provides both to patients of all ages. Warm blankets, headrests and a beverage on arrival help the rest of the family settle in too.
New patients can have forms emailed or texted ahead, which saves time on the first morning. The visit itself starts with a greeting and an offered beverage, then digital x-rays, a full exam and a clear explanation of the results.
Services from a Dentist Near Fauntleroy
Pediatric Dentistry
We see infants, kids and teens, with a focus on prevention and teaching good habits at home. Gentle early visits help catch cavities, bite issues and gum concerns while they are small.
Preventative Dentistry
Cleanings, exams and screenings keep the whole family on track. Booking parents and kids in the same early window can save a second trip down Marine View Dr SW.
Emergency Dentistry
Knocked-out teeth, cracked teeth and soft-tissue injuries from a fall need quick guidance. Call us right away, and the team will explain how to protect the tooth on the way in.
Soft-Tissue Laser Dentistry
A soft-tissue laser lets Dr. Lam treat gum tissue with precision. It is one of the tools behind our laser-assisted gum care.
TMD Treatment
Jaw soreness, clicking or tension headaches can trace back to the jaw joint. An exam helps sort out the cause and what kind of treatment may help.
Meet Your Dentist
Dr. Lam found his way to dentistry as a college volunteer at San Diego dental clinics serving underserved communities, then shadowed his own childhood dentist and earned his x-ray license. You can read more about Dr. Vincent Lam on his profile page. His small team includes hygienist Karla, who holds a dental laser certification and has sedation dentistry training.
Insurance & Financing
CareCredit offers low or no-interest payment plans for treatment you would rather spread out. New patients without insurance and in the absence of periodontal disease can book the $99 Exam & X-Ray, which includes an oral health exam and all standard x-rays. If you have coverage, the office accepts most PPO plans even though Dr. Lam is out of network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Seahurst Smiles of Burien from Fauntleroy, and how do I get there?
The office is about 6.1 miles from the Fauntleroy ferry terminal, typically a 16-minute drive. Follow Marine View Dr SW south, then 16th Ave SW and Ambaum Blvd SW into Burien. Families searching for a dentist near Fauntleroy can make the whole trip on surface streets, with no freeway merges and no tolls.
Can parents and their teenagers both see Dr. Lam?
Yes, Dr. Lam treats patients of every age, from infants and toddlers through teens, parents and grandparents. Pediatric visits focus on prevention and on teaching brushing and flossing habits at home. Seeing the whole family in one office also makes it easier to line up appointments close together on the same morning.
Do bleeding gums when I floss mean I have gum disease?
Not always, but bleeding is one of the most common early signs and is worth checking. Red, puffy or tender gums and teeth that feel slightly loose are others. At an exam, Dr. Lam looks at the gums closely, and if disease is present, treatment can include scaling and root planing or laser periodontic therapy.
Can I spread the cost of dental treatment over several months?
Yes, through CareCredit, which offers low or no-interest payment plans for qualifying patients. Families often consider it for larger work such as crowns or implants, so treatment does not have to wait until the full amount is saved. Knowing the cost of each step up front makes it easier to decide how much to finance.
Is there a reduced-price first exam for new patients without insurance?
Yes, the $99 Exam & X-Ray is for new patients without insurance and in the absence of periodontal disease. It includes an oral health exam and all standard x-rays, giving you a clear picture of your teeth before deciding on any treatment. If gum disease is found, the team will explain the options that fit instead.
Schedule Your Visit from Fauntleroy
Call (206) 222-4109 to set up a checkup for yourself or your kids, or request an appointment online. Seahurst Smiles of Burien is a dentist near Fauntleroy that you can reach without touching a freeway. See the other neighborhoods we welcome on our areas we serve page, or visit the Dentist Burien, WA homepage.