DENTAL IMPLANTS AT DENTAL CENTER OF ATHERTON

A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it naturally fuses (osseointegrates) over a few months. Once healed, an abutment is attached to connect the implant to a custom crown that matches your surrounding teeth in color, shape, and translucency. At our Atherton office, every case is digitally planned with 3D imaging to ensure precise placement and a natural bite, whether you are replacing one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch.

Most healthy adults are candidates. We look for adequate bone density, volume and healthy gums, and we assess your overall oral health before recommending treatment. If you’ve been missing teeth for some time and have experienced bone loss, our expert periondontist can often perform bone grafting to prepare the site for a stable, long-lasting implant. Even with health factors such as smoking or diabetes, candidacy is assessed individually to ensure safety and success. Dental implants have an excellent track record, with research showing a success rate of over 96% at five years, and outcomes continue to improve thanks to advanced training, technology, and techniques. At our Atherton office, we are proud to share that we have not had any implant failures on record.

Lack of bone doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Both vertical height and horizontal width are critical for implant stability. If either is insufficient, we can rebuild the area with advanced bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration, providing a strong foundation for your implant.

What kind of dental implants do you use?

We use only the highest-quality implant systems—Straumann and Astra—known worldwide for longevity and reliability. Unlike lower-cost alternatives, these authentic systems ensure lasting stability and full access to replacement parts, protecting your investment.

How long does the process take?

If a tooth needs to be extracted, the full process usually takes about 4-6 months from extraction to final crown. If the tooth is already missing, it can be closer to 2-3 months. To ensure the best outcome and long-term success, we allow healing time to ensure optimal integration and long-term success.

Can older adults get dental implants?

Absolutely. Age itself is not a limiting factor, your bone and gum health are more important. We’ve successfully placed implants for patients well into their 70s, 80s, and even in their 90s, helping them smile, function, and eat comfortably in their later years.

Where does the bone for grafting come from?

In most cases, we use freeze-dried donor bone, a safe, sterilized, and widely trusted material. It integrates predictably with your own bone and promotes natural healing.

Will people be able to tell I have an implant?

No, the implant itself is completely beneath the gum and bone, so it isn’t visible. The appearance of your tooth is determined by the restoration, the crown, which is crafted by your restorative dentist, typically Dr. Fong or Dr. Kostagianni at our office, or with your preferred dentist. Our periodontists work closely with them during planning and placement to ensure the final result is natural, functional, and aesthetically seamless. This collaborative approach helps create outcomes that blend perfectly with your smile.

How do I get started with dental implants?

Call our Atherton practice at 650-474-0551 or contact us online. Our Atherton office is just minutes from Stanford, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto, with easy access from El Camino Real or Middlefield Road. Patients also appreciate our private, calm setting and convenient parking.

We use only the highest-quality implant systems—Straumann and Astra—known worldwide for longevity and reliability. Unlike lower-cost alternatives, these authentic systems ensure lasting stability and full access to replacement parts, protecting your investment.

If a tooth needs to be extracted, the full process usually takes about 4-6 months from extraction to final crown. If the tooth is already missing, it can be closer to 2-3 months. To ensure the best outcome and long-term success, we allow healing time to ensure optimal integration and long-term success.

Absolutely. Age itself is not a limiting factor, your bone and gum health are more important. We’ve successfully placed implants for patients well into their 70s, 80s, and even in their 90s, helping them smile, function, and eat comfortably in their later years.

In most cases, we use freeze-dried donor bone, a safe, sterilized, and widely trusted material. It integrates predictably with your own bone and promotes natural healing.

No, the implant itself is completely beneath the gum and bone, so it isn’t visible. The appearance of your tooth is determined by the restoration, the crown, which is crafted by your restorative dentist, typically Dr. Fong or Dr. Kostagianni at our office, or with your preferred dentist. Our periodontists work closely with them during planning and placement to ensure the final result is natural, functional, and aesthetically seamless. This collaborative approach helps create outcomes that blend perfectly with your smile.

Call our Atherton practice at 650-474-0551 or contact us online. Our Atherton office is just minutes from Stanford, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto, with easy access from El Camino Real or Middlefield Road. Patients also appreciate our private, calm setting and convenient parking.