- Dental ExaminationAn oral exam is performed on both new and existing patients to determine their dental and health status. New patients receive a more comprehensive exam that includes x-rays and checks for gum and bone disease, systemic disorders and oral cancer. A more routine exam is done for existing patients to see if there have been any changes in health since their last visit. In order to look for gum disease, the gum tissue is measured with a small ruler to measure the pocket depth between the tooth and connective tissue. A measurement of over 4mm could indicate disease or infection. Gum disease can develop easier in deeper pockets due to the extent that plaque collects in these deep pockets. If the oral exam reveals the need for tooth scaling or root planing, these services are performed in lieu of or in addition to the routine cleaning.
- X-raysIt is recommended to have a full set of dental x-rays taken once a year during a regular dental checkup. Most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of x-rays taken once a year and should not be skipped out on. Dental x-rays will expose any problems that might be currently present and can be used to prevent problems that may occur in the near future. Tooth roots, jaw bone and sinuses are all visible with a quick x-ray which allows us to detect problems with the bone surrounding teeth and even allow us to see teeth that have not erupted such as permanent teeth in children or wisdom teeth in adults.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningDuring every dental checkup, we will visually check and feel around for any signs of oral cancer. We check for signs of visible lesions inside the mouth and gently feel around the jaw for any lumps or swelling that may be present. Many early signs of oral cancer can go unnoticed by people as they go about their daily lives but we want to make sure that your overall oral health is in as best condition as possible when you see us for a dental checkup.
- Teeth Cleaning
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental SealantsDental sealants effectively create a protective layer over a tooth's biting surface by sealing off tooth crevices making it impossible for plaque and bacteria to form. Dental sealants also make brushing these teeth much more effective which also keeps the cavities away.
- Space MaintainersSometimes after braces come off or instead of even using a set of braces, orthodontic appliances are used to straighten your teeth. The most common of these appliances is a retainer, or space maintainer.
- FillingsMetal fillings are virtually a thing of the past and at John W. Schulz, D.D.S. we have the technology to replace any unattractive metal fillings with natural looking tooth-colored fillings making them almost invisible to the naked eye. These composite fillings are structurally bonded to your teeth making them much less likely to fall out which was a regular problem with silver/amalgam fillings.
- Resin CompositeTooth-colored fillings, white fillings and composite resin fillings are all names for the high-strength, natural-looking fillings that can be placed today instead of silver or gold (also known as amalgam fillings). No matter what the name, John W. Schulz, D.D.S. will know just what you're talking about when referring to this natural-looking filling.
- VeneersWhen you look at your smile, do you wonder if it could be just a little (or a lot) more attractive? We want you to know about an affordable dental procedure that can fix crooked, discolored, uneven, and unsightly teeth. The solution is porcelain veneers! Dr. Schulz specializes in placing porcelain veneers over your existing teeth to instantly correct multiple problems at once. If you are already thinking about getting porcelain veneers or have any questions about porcelain veneers working in your specific situation, please call us at 415.731.9300 or request an appointment through our website. We will be happy to share everything we know and see if porcelain veneers can give you the smile you have been searching for.
- CrownsCrown lengthening is a surgical procedure that re-contours the gum tissue and often the underlying bone of a tooth. Crown lengthening is often for a tooth to be fitted with a crown. It provides necessary space between the supporting bone and crown, which prevents the new crown from damaging bone and gum tissue.
- BridgesA bridge is made up of two or more crowns and is attached using the teeth on either side of the gap. The anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth and hold the bridge in place. Dental bridges can use natural teeth or implants to be held in place.
- Dental BondingWe recommend coming in for a consultation first to see if dental bonding is adequate for your specific situation. To get started and to see if dental bonding is right for you, it's as easy as calling our office at 415.731.9300 or request an appointment through our website.
- Restorative DentistryOur team at John W. Schulz, D.D.S. is fully committed to every patient that comes into our office for general, cosmetic, pediatric or restorative dentistry. Our office is conveniently located San Francisco. Our entire team is dedicated in helping you keep your teeth and gums their healthiest and your entire smile looking its best! In our office, you become a part of our family and every time you come into our office, you'll know what it feels like to receive great personalized dentistry in a comfortable atmosphere and where everyone knows your name and dental history.
- PulpotomyStainless steel crowns, also known as 'silver crowns or caps', are a very common procedure used to restore 'baby teeth' (and occasionally permanent teeth) that have large caries or those that had a pulpotomy (baby root canal). Although most teeth can be filled with a white or silver filling material, stainless steel crowns are by far the most predictable and durable option to fix 'baby teeth' with large caries, large defects, or damaged enamel. This is particularly true in very young children that have caries at a young age, since it is preferred that the 'fixed' teeth last as long as possible.
- Root Canal TreatmentA root canal may be needed if the decay has reached the tooth's nerve. Essentially, a root canal involves cleaning out a tooth's infected root, then filling and sealing the canal..
- Deep CleaningRoot planing, also known as a "deep cleaning" is a dental procedure performed when periodontal (gum) disease is detected. Signs of periodontal disease severe enough to warrant a deep cleaning include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing and a shrinking or receding gumline.
- DenturesAt times, it is necessary for all teeth to be removed due to extensive periodontal disease and/or due to decay. An alternative for the replacement of all the teeth is a complete upper and/or lower denture. These dentures require support from your gum pad and many times require the use of dental adhesive. Throughout life, the dentures require constant adjustment and refitting, and can cause the jaw bone to melt away making the dentures loose and once again requiring continuous adjustment.
- Dental ImplantsThis patient was missing her two upper front teeth. Two implants were used to replace the two front teeth as seen here.
- Oral SurgeryThere are some things you need to do before and after oral surgery. We have provided pre and post surgery instructions for you to follow here.
- Flap SurgeryFlap surgery is a procedure where the gum flap is lifted away from the tooth. Diseased tissue and sometimes bone is removed. The rough surfaces of the tooth are then smoothed by root planing.
- Gum SurgeryDr. Schulz uses a soft tissue laser during many soft tissue (gum) procedures. Laser dentistry allows for virtually no discomfort and extremely fast healing times compared to traditional gum surgery tools.
- Tooth ExtractionsSometimes a decayed or damaged tooth may need to be extracted. While we perform tooth extractions, we are skilled in replacing your missing teeth. No matter how many failing or missing teeth you have John W. Schulz, D.D.S. has a solution. You don't need to be embarrassed by your missing teeth after our talented staff finds a solution suited to your needs and budget. There is a solution for everyone and many of our patients that have had their missing teeth replaced become more self-confident and more willing to show off their smile.
- Bone GraftingBone grafting is commonly performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to replace or augment bone in areas of tooth loss. Bone grafting to the jaws and facial structures may be necessary in a wide variety of scenarios.
- OrthodonticsThis patient had an upper front tooth that was malformed and much too small for the space that was present. The treatment consisted of the removal of this small "baby like" tooth and it was replaced with a dental implant and a cap. Orthodontics was used also to help create the right amount of space for the cap over the implant.
- Invisalign Orthodontics® uses a series of clear and custom-fit removable aligners; we are able to straighten your teeth in no time. In most cases, Invisalign
- Braces® treatment just as they would with regular metal braces. Every unique case has many different factors that can all affect total treatment cost so it's extremely difficult to put a price tag on custom treatment plans.
- Teeth WhiteningCoffee, soda and smoking are top causes of discolored teeth. Those who drink multiple cups a day or heavily smoke are at higher risk for yellow teeth. Here in San Francisco, John W. Schulz, D.D.S. creates whiter smiles fast and affordably with teeth whitening options for your smile. Capable of brightening your smile up to 9 shades whiter in less than an hour, we're always accepting new patients!
- Cosmetic DentistryDr. Schulz is the head practitioner at Stonestown Galleria Center For Cosmetic Dentistry And Dental Implants. A lifelong Californian and former faculty member of UCSF Dental School, Dr. Schulz is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley as well as the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry.
- General DentistryDr. Schulz has more than 25 years of experience in dentistry and dental techniques. He is a member of several local and national organizations, including the American and California Dental Associations, the Academy of General Dentistry and the San Francisco Dental Society.