Restorative Dentistry

Why is the 4-Step Tooth Implant Timeline Necessary?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

why does a tooth implant take several months? Daly City

Dental implants from Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City are state-of-the-art in tooth replacement.

The process for getting an implant takes two to six months, but don’t let that discourage you. Each stage of the procedure is important. It’s not a drawback; it is indicative of the permanent nature of an implant.

The Dental Implant Timeline

1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment

A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).

It all starts with a consultation. We’ll take X-rays and analyze your mouth and examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you don’t have adequate bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting.

2. Placement

The first step is to insert the titanium implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how fast and easy the procedure is. It usually takes one to two hours.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough for post-surgery discomfort. Most people can go back to work after the surgery.

3. Osseointegration

The key to implant placement is called osseointegration, which means the titanium post fusing with the bone. In most cases it takes three to six months for this to happen. Once it does, you’ve got a rock-solid foundation for the implant.,

4. Placing the Final Restoration

The final step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.

Teeth supported by dental implants from Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City are life-changing. We’ve placed them in patients from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay. We also offer complete cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Please call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015

 

ArticleID 8248

What are Possible Dental Implant Complications?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Implant dentures, Restorative Dentistry

risks of dental implants California

Dental implants from Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City are state-of-the-art, with a success rate in the area of ninety-eight percent. That number is a testament to implant technology. But like any medical or dental procedure, there are risks. In this post, we will consider possible complications of a dental implant.

  • Infection. Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic beforehand. Beginning the second day post-surgery, the implant site should also be rinsed with a salt water solution.
  • Slow healing. A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. We take preexisting conditions into account.
  • Sinus problems. Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of this proximity, an implant can perforate the floor of the sinus cavity. This is rare, and patients never experience it.
  • Implant failure. If an implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.
  • Nerve damage. Nerve damage occurs in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling or numbness at the implant site.

An informed patient makes the best decisions, and at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City we make sure every dental implant patient knows exactly what is involved. Patients from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay trust us with implants and other restorative dentistry procedures, and everything else pertaining to dental health. Call us for an appointment today!

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015

 

ArticleID 8296

Correcting Severe Dental Problems At Kenneth Hovden DDS

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

Correcting Severe Dental Problems in Daly City

Each restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedure performed at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City can address a specific issue. A porcelain veneer can correct the surface of a tooth that is discolored or has had enamel loss. Bonding can fill a small chip in an otherwise healthy tooth.

Some dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching totally transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures which remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade.

We live in an age where virtually any dental issue can be corrected. To find out what cosmetic and restorative dentistry from Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City can do for your, give us a call! Find out why people from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay trust us with their smiles. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015

 

ArticleID 950

Bridging The Gap

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Categories: Restorative Dentistry

cosmetic dental Daly City

Do you have a missing tooth that is detracting from your otherwise pleasant smile? At Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City we can fill the gap with a dental bridge, and help you get back your sensational smile!

A dental bridge could be the perfect answer for your missing tooth. A bridge not only restores your smile: it can help you chew and speak properly.

Traditional bridges are strong enough to replace a missing molar. In order to  get one, you need to have natural teeth on each side of the gap left by the missing tooth. These teeth are prepared by removing their  enamel so there is enough room for the crowns that are cemented on top of them. These two crowns support the artificial tooth.

A traditional dental bridge is just one of the tooth restorative dentistry options available at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City. People from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay also come to our practice for complete general dentistry. Call for an appointment today!

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015

 

ArticleID 7265

What’s The Difference Between An Inlay And An Onlay?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

tooth colored fillings Daly City

If you have tooth sensitivity or pain when you chew with your back teeth, the surfaces may be damaged. One option from Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City is the use of an inlay or onlay.

An inlay is like a filling and fills a small part of the tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps on the top of the tooth. In other words, an inlay fills a hole without changing the shape of the tooth, while an onlay builds up the tooth surface to restore its initial dimension.

The choice of an inlay or onlay depends on how much decay and tooth loss has developed. The inlay or onlay is permanently bonded to the tooth. Since the procedure requires removal of damaged tooth material, restoration fabrication at the lab, and the placement on the tooth, it will take a few appointments to complete the process.

Inlays and onlays shield the tooth from further weakening, provide natural function, and are durable and inconspicuous. They are among the restorative dentistry options at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City. People from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay also come to us for dental implants, and all their dental care needs. Call to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015

 

ArticleID 7075

Extraction Is Not The End Game

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

dental implants https://cosmeticimplantdentistryca.com/services.php

Have you had a tooth extracted? You may be left with a gap in your smile. Unsightly as that may be, there is  more than the issue of appearance. At Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City we can address that with a state-of-the-art dental implant.

Problems With Extracted Teeth

After a tooth is extracted, the bone surrounding the extraction site shrinks and recedes. This happens because there is no longer a tooth root requiring a blood supply, and the bone reacts accordingly.

People who have had numerous teeth extracted from the upper palate eventually develop a sunken-in look because they lose a significant portion of their jawbone. Another issue is that the missing tooth may cause the surrounding teeth to shift.

The Best Solution

Fortunately, there is a procedure that will prevent these issues. A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jaw bone where the tooth root used to be. An artificial tooth goes on top of the implant.

The result is a permanent, natural-looking restoration that gives you back your smile while retaining the healthy bone and gum tissue at the tooth site.

At Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City, we provide dental implants to restore extracted teeth while preventing additional dental problems. Patients from
San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay also come to our practice for general dentistry. Call to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015

 

ArticleID 8076

Can I Ignore a Cracked Tooth if it Doesn’t Hurt?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

cracked tooth repair Daly City

You may have heard that tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body. It is, but here’s a reminder from Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City: it isn’t indestructble, and if you crack a tooth you should have us look at it as soon as possible.

A tooth may become crackded as a result of trauma, or from biting down too hard on a solid object such as ice.

A cracked tooth may or may not be a dental emergency. It depends on the severity of the crack, and where it is in your mouth. If it’s a minor crack we still recommend seeing us right away, but you can safely wait until normal business hours.

If, on the other hand, the crack is severe then you should seek help right away. This is especially true if there is a piece of the tooth missing. A small crack can treated with a filling. Larger cracks may require a protective dental crown.

A tooth that is cracked all the way through is a more serious matter. It may even require an extraction, followed by an implant.

Never ignore a cracked tooth! Seeing us at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City is your first step in fixing it. Patients from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay have entrusted their smiles to us for years. We offer complete general dentistry, and special services like dental implants. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015

 

ArticleID 8291

If Only I Had Taken Care Of My Teeth…

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Categories: Dental Health, Oral health, Restorative Dentistry

caring dentist Daly City

Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is something we stress to all of our patients, at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City. Coupled with twice-a-year checkups and cleanings, it’s the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and your beautiful smile.

A good dental hygiene routine, something you do every single day without fail, is essential to your dental health. It’s related to your overall health, too. But we understand that some people, for whatever reason, let it slip. Some have even been known to skip brushing and flossing so often, you could say they never do it at all.

It’s Worth It!

In cases like that, some people may think their teeth are too far gone – that no amount of treatment can restore their dental health. If that sounds like you or someone you love, we’re here to tell you it isn’t so. There is always a way to make your teeth look and feel better.

That doesn’t mean it will be easy, but it will be worth it. In cases of neglected teeth, initial treatment begins with an inspection in our office. At that time we will identify the need for any fillings or extractions.

We’ll also look for signs of gum disease, which is common in cases of neglected teeth. If we find it we’ll begin a sequence of cleanings and treatments to revive your gum health.

There Is Always Hope

Once we have your mouth back in a healthy condition, we start looking at what needs to be done to fix any damage. It may not be a walk in the park, but it won’t be as bad as you might imagine. And it will definitely be worth it, in the long run.

Your biggest takeaway from this post should be this: even if you haven’t taken care of your teeth, there is always hope.

At Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City, we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. Our patients come from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay for restorative and general dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015

 

ArticleID 6686

6 Ways Dental Crowns Restore Smiles

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Categories: Dental crowns, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

cost of dental crowns San Francisco

Dental crowns have been around a long time, and they continue to play a critical role in cosmetic dentistry at Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City. A dental crown, often called a cap, covers the visible part of the tooth.

Dental crowns are used for many common dental problems:

  • An old crown that is damaged or ill-fitting
  • A broken tooth
  • A tooth with acute decay
  • A tooth that has had a root canal
  • A tooth that is too small or misshapen
  • A tooth that inhibits a proper bite

A dental crown serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. It protects a natural tooth from additional decay and damage while permitting normal function. Plus, a crown can save a tooth from extraction and ensuing bone loss.

Cosmetic dentistry patients who get a dental crown should not assume that the tooth is now invincible. Crowns need daily cleaning and flossing just like natural teeth. The remaining tooth structure just around the gumline could still become decayed and the soft tissue around the crown is susceptible to gum disease. Chewing hard foods or using your teeth as a tool can cause a crown to crack or break.

At Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City, we can advise you on caring for your new crown so that it will last as long as possible. We also provide dental implants, porcelain veneers, and other services. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015

 

ArticleID 4938

Smile Makeovers: First Things First

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

smile design Daly City

In this post, we will focus on something that happens occasionally when a patient requests cosmetic dentistry from a dentist like Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City.

Let me set the stage. The patient comes in for a consultation about a smile makeover. We’ll call him Mr. Jones. The dentist listens carefully as he explains the esthetic problems that he wants to remedy. Mr. Jones wants to fix two chipped teeth, get a dental implant for a tooth that is missing altogether, and whiten his whole smile. He describes what he envisions for his smile after undergoing treatment.

The dentist performs an examination of his entire mouth and takes x-rays. The dentist discovers some additional troubles. There are three teeth with moderate decay, one tooth with acute decay, gum disease, an old crown with a crack in it, and severe bone recession at the potential dental implant site where the tooth was extracted ten years ago.

The dentist explains that these issues need to be addressed before the smile redesign is performed. Mr. Jones says that the smile makeover is his first priority and plans to deal with the other problems sometime in the future.

How does the dentist advise Mr. Jones? The dentist will probably explain that the lasting success of a cosmetic dental procedure such as porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or tooth whitening is influenced by the condition of the mouth at the time of treatment. There must be a solid, healthy foundation, so to speak, on which to build the smile makeover.

First things first. It makes no sense to attach a veneer to a decayed tooth that may need a root canal. A dental implant may not integrate with the surrounding bone structure if placed at a site where there is bone recession. Tooth whitening will probably not produce favorable results where there is gum disease and exposed tooth roots.

Can Mr. Jones ever have his dream smile? Yes! There are treatments to correct all of the problems mentioned previously. But just like many other things in life, the order of operations is critical.

Find out what cosmetic dentistry can do for your smile by contacting Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City. We also provide general dentistry. Make an appointment today.

Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:

650-755-6000

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015