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San Francisco Dentist Dr. Stella Kim, DDS

Friendly service and state-of-the-art dentistry with a gentle touch

Patients love SF Dental

Our patients love us! But don’t take our word for it: we have dozens of 5-star reviews on Yelp, Google, and ZocDoc.

In a city as tech-savvy as San Francisco, we’re proud that our patients regularly take the time to leave glowing reviews of Dr. Kim and the rest of the SF Dental team.

Best Dentists in San Francisco Expertise.com

A truly San Francisco approach to dentistry

At SF Dental, we believe that great dental health starts with great relationships. Our motto is “modern dentistry, classic values,” and we strive each day to make that the guiding principle of our work.

So what does that mean for you? Not only do we offer gentle, state-of-the-art dental care, but we do it with a warm, caring attitude.

That’s why our patients keep coming back — and keep telling their friends and family to come too! If you’re looking for a dentist in San Francisco, check us out!

Get to know SF Dental, the friendly San Francisco dental office

If you’re in or near San Francisco’s Parkside or Sunset districts, we’re close by. Drop in for a complimentary cup of coffee! Our friendly front-office staff will be happy to answer any questions and introduce you to Dr. Kim when she’s between patients.

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About Dr. Stella Kim

San Francisco dentist Stella Kim DDS is the owner of SF Dental and a graduate of the UCSF School of Dentistry. She has practiced in and around San Francisco throughout her dental career. Dr. Kim is a Preferred Invisalign Provider, holds advanced certifications in dental implants and receding gum treatment, and makes learning the latest in dental science a top priority.

Dr. Kim got into dentistry because she wanted to make a positive impact on people’s lives. One of her favorite aspects of being a dentist is the rapport that develops with patients over time. As patients come back in for their regular cleanings, she derives great satisfaction in seeing how her past treatments have improved their health and quality of life.

The Art of Gentle Dentistry

An important part of modern dental care is making sure you’re comfortable! After all, the best treatment in the world is worthless if patients avoid going to the dental office!

That’s why gentle dentistry is a core part of our practice philosophy. We’ve set up a page explaining some of the key things we do to ensure the gentlest touch possible:

Dental Health Tips

Check out Dr. Kim’s “Ask a Dentist” blog to get answers to common dental questions. Topics include teeth whitening, Invisalign, dental care for children, questions about implants, and many more.

The SF Dental Difference

Our practice philosophy is simple. We believe in:

Spending the time to make you comfortable and happy

Offering you a range of treatment options

Providing the most gentle dental care possible

Using the best tool for the job, whether it’s high-tech or tried-and-true

Engaging in lifelong learning in pursuit of excellence

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If this is your idea of what healthcare should be, then SF Dental just might be the right dental office for you!

Dental Emergencies

We do our best to accommodate emergency patients, both during and after regular business hours. Please call our office at 415-566-3305 as soon as possible. Don’t try to “sleep it off”: seeing a dentist as quickly as possible can be very important in minimizing long-term damage.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Common dental emergencies include, but are not limited to:

  • Having a tooth knocked out, loosened, or cracked
  • Injuries to the gums, tongue, or cheeks
  • Severe pain caused by a pre-existing dental condition

If you are facing any of these situations, or if there is something else bothering you, give us a call.

COVID-19 Information for Patients

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have installed new protective equipment and adopted safety procedures that affect all patient visits:

  • The office door will be locked. Please call us and we will let you in: 415-566-3305
  • You MUST wear a mask to your appointment or we cannot see you.

Please read our full COVID-19 information bulletin prior to your appointment:

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in these trying times. We look forward to see you, healthy and safe, at your next appointment!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Stella Kim’s answers to common questions we get at SF Dental

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Why do I have to come in every six months?

Patients with few dental problems are sometimes tempted to skip their regular cleanings. Don’t do it! People’s dental health needs change with age, and regular cleanings are a great way to make sure there aren’t any problems sneaking up on you unnoticed. Early detection often leads to a better outcome.

Plus, not only do regular cleanings lead to better health, they also save you money in the long run—routine exams and cleanings can help detect problems early so you can avoid expensive and unpleasant treatments like root canals.

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Is mouthwash really worth the effort?

It depends on your oral health. It is often beneficial to use mouthwash, but it might not be necessary in your specific case. Regardless, mouthwash is never a replacement for brushing and flossing. Check out our Ask a Dentist article on mouthwash to learn more.

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How often should I brush and floss?

Most people should brush and floss at least twice a day. If you have pre-existing periodontal issues, or if you’re undergoing orthodontic or Invisalign treatment, you may need to brush and floss more often.

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Do you take my insurance?

We work with many PPO dental insurance plans. Before coming to your appointment, please call us with your insurance information so we can help you look up your benefit level.

Please note, we will need your specific plan information, not just the provider, since most insurance companies offer many different plans. Some patients believe there must be a central insurance database where we can look them up, but unfortunately this is not the case.

We want to make sure your treatment estimates are as accurate as possible. Providing your insurance information well in advance of your appointment helps minimize unpleasant billing surprises down the road. For more information, check out our insurance and payment page.

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I don’t have dental insurance, should I get it?

It really depends on your personal needs. We offer competitive self-pay rates, and many of our patients go this route. If your dental health is generally good, insurance may not actually save you any money.

However, if you have a lot of recurring dental issues, insurance may be the better choice. Keep in mind that most plans have an exclusion period of six months or more after you sign up, so you need to prepare in advance. Make sure you look through the plan specifics before you buy.

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What can I do about bad breath?

Bad breath is often the sign of an underlying issue, and it can usually be eradicated or significantly improved through treatment. Check out our article on bad breath for more tips.

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I grind my teeth. Do I really need a night guard?

It is usually a good idea. Teeth grinding and/or clenching (officially called parafunctional habits) are a very common condition that can wear down your teeth and lead to fractures.

Your night guard needs to be carefully customized to your mouth in order for it to work properly. When they are well-made, patients usually find night guards quite comfortable and easy to use.

If you have concerns about grinding or clenching, or if your night guard isn’t very comfortable, let us know. Dr. Kim will be happy to go over treatment options with you during your appointment at SF Dental.