Dental Implants
Dental implants in Palo Alto for one tooth, several teeth or a full arch. Learn about candidacy, timeline, cost factors and care with Dr. Shawn Sharma.
Dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth when one is lost. An implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to act as a new root. Once it heals, it supports a crown, a bridge or a denture that looks and functions like your own teeth. Dr. Shawn Sharma plans every implant around your bite, your bone and your long term health. You receive an estimate before anything begins.
Implant options at our Palo Alto office
- Single tooth implants replace one tooth without reshaping the teeth next to it.
- Implant supported bridges replace several teeth in a row with fewer implants than teeth.
- Full arch implants replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw with a fixed or removable restoration.
- Mini implants can stabilize a removable denture in selected cases.
Why patients choose us for implants
- Your plan in one place. Dr. Sharma evaluates, plans and restores your implant here. When a case calls for a specialist surgeon, he coordinates that step for you.
- A clear estimate. You know the cost of each stage before treatment begins. Treatment can often be staged over time.
- Every option on the table. We compare implants with bridges and dentures honestly so you choose what is right for you.
- A practice that will be here. Palo Alto families have trusted this practice since 1958, which matters for a restoration you will rely on for many years.
What are the parts of a dental implant?
A typical implant restoration has three parts: the implant in the bone, an abutment that connects to it and the visible replacement tooth. The exact design depends on your situation.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Implant treatment begins with an evaluation of your gums, remaining teeth, bite and available bone. Health history, medications, smoking, past gum disease and nearby anatomy also shape the plan. Some patients have enough bone for an implant right away. Others benefit from bone grafting or a different approach. Implants are planned after facial growth is complete.
What does the implant process involve?
- Consultation and imaging. We examine the area, review your health history and take the imaging needed to plan implant position.
- Preparation. A tooth that cannot be saved may be removed. Bone grafting is added when the site needs more support.
- Implant placement. The implant is placed under local anesthesia. In selected cases this can happen the same day a tooth is removed.
- Healing. The implant bonds with the bone over a period of weeks to months.
- Final restoration. A custom crown, bridge or denture is made and attached to the implant.
How long does the process take?
From placement to your final tooth usually takes a few months, depending on healing and whether grafting is needed. Dr. Sharma will map out your timeline at your consultation.
Do dental implants hurt?
Implants are placed with local anesthesia, so the procedure itself should not be painful. Most patients report mild soreness for a few days that ordinary pain relievers manage well. You will receive clear aftercare instructions for your case.
Are implants better than bridges or dentures?
Not automatically. An implant replaces a missing tooth without preparing the teeth beside it and gives excellent stability. A dental bridge or denture may make more sense in other situations. Neighboring teeth, bone, gums, bite, cost and timing all matter.
What affects the cost of dental implants?
The number of implants, whether extractions or bone grafting are needed, the type of final restoration and your dental insurance all affect cost. You receive an estimate after your evaluation so there are no surprises. If you have a PPO plan, we file the claim for you.
How long do dental implants last?
Implants can function for many years, though they are not maintenance free and no implant is guaranteed for life. The crown or denture on an implant may eventually need repair or replacement. The tissues around an implant can also become inflamed, especially when plaque control is poor.
How do you care for a dental implant?
Daily plaque removal and regular professional maintenance keep implants healthy. Learn more about caring for dental implants.
Dental implant consultation in Palo Alto
Dr. Sharma will evaluate the area, review your imaging and discuss implants alongside every other reasonable option. Palo Alto Oral Health is at 2875 Middlefield Road in Midtown Palo Alto and sees patients from Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Los Altos and Stanford.
