San Francisco Implant Dentist
From LoveToKnow SanFrancisco
A San Francisco implant dentist may be able to restore your smile and make it easier for you to enjoy the great food in San Francisco. Dental implants can solve many dental problems and restore missing teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant starts with a small titanium screw-like rod surgically placed into your jaw bone. This will serve as a replacement for the root portion of a missing tooth. Once this initial surgery has healed, your dentist can screw in the implant that is made to look like a natural tooth.
The implant can:
- Support one or more crowns
- Support one or two false teeth
- Improve the stability of loose dentures
Reasons to Get Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth due to injury or decay. Some people get implants to replace a dental bridge or dentures. They provide a permanent, secure base for replacement teeth. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
They can:
- Improve the look and function of your jaw
- Preserve your facial structure
- Make it easier to chew the terrific food in San Francisco like the great sourdough bread or walking crab cocktails from Fisherman's Wharf
- Enhance your appearance and self-esteem
The Implant Procedure
Your San Francisco implant dentist will require three to five visits over a six month period to complete the implant procedure.
Initial Visit
First your dentist will take x-rays and models of your teeth to determine if there is enough healthy bone and tissue for implant surgery. This is important because the jawbone and surrounding tissue need to actually grow into the implant.
The Surgical Procedure
The surgery to place the implants is done in your dentist's office. There usually is no discomfort during the surgery. Anesthesia and sedation eliminate any discomfort during the procedure. There may be some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, similar to what you might experience with a tooth extraction.
It could take anywhere from three to six months for the jawbone and tissue to grow around the implant. During this time, your dentist will provide you with a temporary replacement for your missing teeth.
After the surgery area is healed, your dentist will fit the permanent replacement teeth into your dental implants.
Long Term
Dental implants are very successful if you practice good oral hygiene with frequent brushing and flossing. Implants require cleaning just like natural teeth to avoid gum disease. You should see the dental hygienist regularly to keep the implant, your gums and all of your other teeth healthy.
Cost
Dental implants can be expensive. The cost depends on the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support the teeth being replaced. Fees could range from $1,500 to over $3,000 depending on the dental procedures required. You should discuss the cost with an implant dentist after the dentist has had a chance to review your particular dental needs. Be sure to check your dental insurance policy to see if some, or all, of the cost of implants is covered. Many dentists will offer a payment plan.
Selecting a Dentist
Getting implants is a long-term and costly procedure. Take the time to select the dentist that you will be happy with during and after the procedure is completed.
Getting a Name
If you already have a dentist, ask him or her for a recommendation to an implant specialist. They probably have already referred patients to an implant dentist and so they have have seen the quality of the work and have talked to their patient about the experience.
If you don't already have a dentist, the San Francisco Dental Society provides a listing of member dentists who specialize in prosthodontics, the specialty of implant, aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry.
How to Prescreen
Call the office of the prospective implant dentist and ask:
- If the dentist is taking new patients.
- The days and times during the day when the dentist sees new patients.
- If the dentist accepts your dental insurance program. If you don't have dental insurance, ask about payment plans.
- How long would it take you to get an initial appointment? What is the cost of an initial appointment?
- About nearby public transportation or parking.
- About references. Can the office give you the names and contact information of patients who have received implants and who have expressed willingness to give a reference for the dentist.
Some San Francisco Implant Dentists
Like most major metro areas, San Francisco has excellent dental services. The following list provides general information about several of the many excellent dentists in San Francisco that specialize in implant dentistry:
450 Sutter Street, Suite 1326, Between Stockton and Powell, San Francisco 415-513-4831 One block from Union Square. Five blocks from BART Close to MUNI and cable car. Sleep sedation available, digital x-ray, multi-lingual staff and complimentary consultation for new patients.
2310 Judah Street, Between 28th & 29th Avenue, San Francisco 415-564-0740 On the MUNI N line. Implant placement and restoration, advanced anesthetic techniques, digital x-ray, spa-like atmosphere. Saturday and evening appointments available.
2100 Webster St # 325, Corner of Webster and Sacramento, San Francisco - (415) 923-3034 In Pacific Heights on the MUNI line. An Assistant Professor of restorative and prosthodontic sciences at the University of the Pacific's Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Implant placement. Offers coordination and integration of multi-disciplinary expertise and treatment from dental specialists and oral surgeons
450 Sutter Street, Suite 1905, Between Stockton and Powell, San Francisco 415-391-7751 One block from Union Square. Five blocks from BART Close to MUNI and cable car. Painless procedures, digital x-ray, interest-free patient financing.
450 Sutter Street, Suite 1739, Between Stockton and Powell, San Francisco 415-362-6477 One block from Union Square. Five blocks from BART Close to MUNI and cable car. A Board Certified dental implant specialist and Board Certified periodontist. A founder of Smile Implants, a network of esthetic dental implant specialists. Painless procedures, digital x-ray, interest-free patient financing, spa-like office surroundings, free 20-minute implant consultation.
450 Sutter Street, Suite 2230, Between Stockton and Powell, San Francisco 415-395-9987 One block from Union Square. Five blocks from BART Close to MUNI and cable car. Director of San Francisco Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Center. Board Certified by both the Diplomate American board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and American Board of Dental Anesthesiology. Painless anesthesia, digital x-ray, interest-free patient financing, spa-like surroundings.
450 Sutter Street, Suite 1919, Between Stockton and Powell, San Francisco 415-781-4725 One block from Union Square. Five blocks from BART Close to MUNI and cable car. Single tooth or full mouth implants, sleep sedation available, digital x-ray.
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