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San Rafael Office |
San Francisco 450 Sutter #2018 San Francisco,C (415)392-1265
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Novato 1615 Hill Rd. Novato, CA (415)892-4637 |
Our Services
From receeding gums to gum disease, San Francisco & Marin Reconstructive Periodontics is equipped to handle all your periodontic needs. To help you understand your options, we've included descriptions of some of our leading services on this page.
- Dental Implants
- Graft
- Ceramic Dental Implants
Periodontist
A periodontist is a dental specialist in periodontal (gum) disease. Seen in conjunction with a regular dentist, a periodontist treats the various manifestations of gum problems. Additionally, they should be consulted if one is missing one or more teeth and are considering getting dental implants. They will be able to help determine whether or not this is an appropriate decision.
Implants
Before development of dental implants, dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures. Implants are so well-designed, they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. Diabetics and people with chronic bruxism (teeth clenching) are generally not favorable candidates. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene. In general, good candidates who have dental implants can expect high success rates with the procedure.
Types of implants
- Full upper replacements: The upper set of teeth is replaced with implants.
- Anterior replacement: Implants are used to replace the front teeth (also called incisors and cupids).
- Full lower replacement: The lower set of teeth is replaced with implants. Full lower replacement usually only uses six implants (near the front), which are used to anchor a denture. This obviates the need for denture adhesive.
- Posterior replacement: Implants are used to replace the bicuspids and molars (the back teeth).
Single tooth replacement
Steps for these procedures include:
- Missing tooth roots are replaced with implants, which are covered under the gum line.
- A healing period of six months allows implants to take.
- The implants are uncovered and extensions attached.
- Replacement teeth are affixed to the implants and extensions.

