Dentist in Hillcrest, San Diego

A crown is usually recommended when a filling alone can no longer hold a tooth together.

• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Teeth with large, failing fillings
• Teeth treated with a root canal
• Badly worn or misshapen teeth
• Covering a dental implant

Many crowns take two visits. At the first, we shape the tooth, take impressions or scans, and place a temporary crown. At the second, we fit and adjust your permanent crown.

• Local anesthetic keeps the tooth numb
• A temporary crown protects the tooth in between
• Shade matching to your neighboring teeth
• Your bite is checked and adjusted before you leave
• Brushing, flossing, and checkups help it last

Learn more on our porcelain crowns page, or ask about crowns at your next checkup.

Dr. Keith plans every implant case with three-dimensional imaging so the post can be placed where the bone supports it best.

• Single implants topped with implant crowns
• Implant-supported bridges for several missing teeth
• Implant overdentures that snap into place
• All-on-4 full-arch implants
• Implants planned alongside an extraction

Implant treatment happens in stages over a few months, because the bone needs time to bond with the post.

• Consultation, exam, and 3D imaging
• Any needed groundwork, such as treating gum disease
• Placement of the implant post
• Healing, often three to six months
• Attaching your final crown, bridge, or denture

Sedation is available for implant surgery, and we are in-network with Delta Dental, bill most other PPO plans out-of-network, and offer Cherry and CareCredit financing.

Veneers change the shape, color, and length of the teeth that show when you smile.

• Deep stains that do not respond to whitening
• Chipped or worn front teeth
• Small gaps between teeth
• Teeth that look short or uneven
• Mild crowding in some cases

Good veneers start with planning. We talk through the look you want, check your bite and gum health, and choose a shade and shape that suit your face.

• A cosmetic consultation and photos
• Conservative preparation of the tooth surface
• Custom veneers made to your plan
• Bonding and a careful bite check
• Routine checkups to keep them looking good

Veneers are one part of cosmetic dentistry at our Hillcrest office, along with whitening, bonding, and smile makeovers.

The right bridge depends on how many teeth are missing and the health of the teeth around the space.

• Traditional bridges supported by crowns on neighboring teeth
• Implant-supported bridges that do not rely on natural teeth
• Bridges that replace one tooth or several in a row
• Porcelain shaded to match your smile
• Options compared side by side with implants

A bridge can serve you for many years with the right home care and regular visits.

• Brush twice a day around the bridge
• Clean under the false tooth with a floss threader or water flosser
• Keep up with checkups and cleanings
• Avoid chewing ice and other hard objects
• Call us right away if it feels loose

Not sure whether a bridge or an implant is the better fit? We will walk you through both at your consultation.

Some infections cause obvious pain, while others only show up on an X-ray. Call us if you notice any of these signs.

• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pain when you bite down
• Swelling or a pimple on the gums
• A tooth that has darkened
• A deep cavity or crack

Root canal therapy relieves the infection, but the tooth still needs protection afterward.

• Mild soreness for a few days is common
• Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help
• A crown often protects back teeth after treatment
• Normal brushing and flossing resume right away
• A follow-up visit confirms the area has healed

Saving your natural tooth is often simpler than replacing it, so do not wait if a tooth is bothering you.

Using three-dimensional imaging and computer-guided planning, we map out the safest approach before the procedure begins. Local anesthetic numbs the area, and sedation is available if you feel anxious.

• Imaging shows the roots and nearby structures
• Local anesthetic for every extraction
• Nitrous oxide, oral, or IV sedation if you prefer
• Wisdom tooth removal
• Planning for an implant or bridge afterward

You will leave with written aftercare instructions, and we are a phone call away if you have questions.

• Bite on gauze to control bleeding
• Rest and avoid strenuous activity for a day or two
• Skip straws and smoking while the site heals
• Stick with soft foods at first
• Call us if pain or swelling gets worse

A well-planned extraction sets you up for a comfortable recovery and a smooth path to replacing the tooth.

Composite fillings fix decay while keeping your smile looking natural.

• Shaded to match your natural teeth
• Bonded directly to the tooth
• Often needs less drilling than a metal filling
• Can replace older silver fillings
• Usually completed in a single visit

Most fillings are quick and comfortable.

• The area is numbed with local anesthetic
• The decay is removed
• Composite is placed in thin layers and hardened with a curing light
• The filling is shaped to fit your bite
• You can eat once the numbness wears off

Catching decay early keeps fillings small, which is one more reason to keep up with regular checkups and cleanings.