Oakland Cosmetic Dentist

What is a Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentistry involves improving the appearance of a patient's teeth and smile. This can include procedures such as:

• Restorative dental filings
• Dental veneers
• Bonding to repair chipped or broken teeth
• Dental implants
• Teeth whitening

Selecting a Dentist

An increasing number of dentists are offering cosmetic dentistry. Some dentists offer some cosmetic procedures such as tooth whitening, but they may not offer other procedures such as dental implants. It is important when selecting a dentist that you find a dentist that has experience with the specific procedure in which you are interested.

Getting a Name

If you already have a dentist and you are getting regular check-ups and cleanings, ask him or her for a recommendation to a cosmetic dentist. If your dentist thinks that your teeth may require some restorative bone or gum work, you may be referred to a periodontist before you are recommended to a cosmetic dentist.

If you don't already have a dentist that you see regularly, your friends and business associates may be good sources of referrals.

Telephone referral services can also provide names of dentists who have registered with the service and have reported that they provide cosmetic dentistry procedures. Be sure to do your research on all dentists, even if you received their name from a "referral" service.

How to Prescreen

Start by reviewing the dentist's advertising or website to evaluate:

• His or her level of dental experience in cosmetic dentistry, particularly in the procedure in which you are interested
• How long he or she has been practicing dentistry

If the dentist does not have a website, you can call the office of the prospective cosmetic dentist and inquire about the dentist's experience as well as more general questions:

• Is the dentist taking new patients?
• What dental insurance program does the dentist accept? If you don't have dental insurance, ask about long-term finance and payment plans.
• How quickly could you get an appointment?
• What is the cost of an initial appointment?
• Is there public transportation nearby? Is there parking available?
• Can the dentist provide references?
• Can you see before and after photos of previous patients?
• What are the arrangements available for emergency care?

Oakland Cosmetic Dentists

You don't have to go to San Francisco for cosmetic dental services. Oakland cosmetic dentists provide a full range of cosmetic dental procedures and are conveniently located throughout the city. The following list provides general contact information about several of the dentists in Oakland that specialize in cosmetic dentistry:

• Eric M Yabu, DDA and Geraldine A Lim, DDS

4174 Park Blvd., in the Glenview area, Oakland 510-530-7000. On AC Transit V and 18 lines. Porcelain restorations, veneers and whitening services are provided. Sleep sedation, dental laser and restorative dentistry are available. Free cosmetic exam offered for new patients.

• Ernie Lavorini Dental Care, Ernie Lavorini, DDS

363 15th Street, close to Lake Merritt, Oakland 510-444-4334. Three blocks from the 12th Street BART station. Porcelain restorations, veneers and whitening services are provided. Implants, dentures, same day relines and repair are provided. A variety of payment options are available.

• Kenneth L Childers, DDS

6116 Merced Avenue, in the Montclair area, Oakland 510-339-2792. On AC Transit V and 18 lines. Porcelain restorations, veneers and whitening services are provided. Restoration in a single visit, sedation dentistry and dental crowns are available. Saturday and early morning appointments can be scheduled.

• Pacific Dental Group, Thomas Zavattero, DDS and Cynthia Cox, DDS

485 34th Street, Oakland 510-601-6500. Two blocks from AC Transit 1 and 15 lines. Porcelain restorations, veneers and whitening services are provided. Restoration can be completed in a single visit. TVs and headphones are available for comfort.