Frequently asked questions.

Yes, we are welcoming new patients. You can request an appointment online or call (650) 321-9693. New patient forms are available to download before your visit.

Request an appointment online at any time or call us at (650) 321-9693. Our team will contact you to confirm a time.

We are at 2875 Middlefield Road, Suite 1, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the Midtown neighborhood. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Our practice has been part of Midtown Palo Alto since 1958, caring for three generations of local families.

The practice is led by Dr. Shawn Sharma, DDS, a Palo Alto native who studied at UC Berkeley and the University of the Pacific. He also serves as a team dentist for Stanford Sports Medicine.

Yes. Dr. Sharma serves as a team dentist with Stanford Sports Medicine, caring for Stanford’s student athletes. Palo Alto Oral Health is his independent private practice on Middlefield Road in Midtown Palo Alto, a short drive from the Stanford campus. We welcome new patients from the Stanford community and beyond.

Yes. Dr. Sharma can review your concerns, examine your oral health and explain his findings. Please arrange to send relevant records before your visit.

Yes. We care for young patients and help them build healthy habits from an early age.

Yes, most PPO plans can be used here. We file the claim for you and give you an estimate of your portion before treatment. Send your insurance details 48 hours before your visit so we can check your plan. Check your insurance

You can pay online at pay.balancecollect.com or in person at our office. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.

Yes. You will receive a treatment plan with our fees, your estimated insurance contribution and your estimated portion before any treatment begins.

Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning every six months. Patients with gum disease or other risk factors may need more frequent visits.

A comprehensive exam includes a review of your medical and dental history, an oral cancer screening, an examination of your teeth and gums, digital X rays if needed and a conversation about your plan. We explain every finding clearly.

Yes. Digital X rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film and provide clearer images.

Periodontal care is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, including deep cleanings, ongoing monitoring and home care guidance.

Research has linked untreated gum disease with inflammation elsewhere in the body and with conditions such as heart disease and diabetes complications. Treating gum disease supports your overall health as well as your smile.

Sealants are thin protective coatings on the chewing surfaces of back teeth that help prevent cavities. They are often recommended for children and teens. Some adults benefit too.

A quick, painless visual and physical examination of your mouth, throat and surrounding tissues, performed as part of your regular exam.

An implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After healing it supports a crown, bridge or denture.

Many adults in good general health with enough jawbone are candidates. An evaluation with imaging and a review of your health history will determine whether implants are right for you.

Implants can last many years, though no implant is guaranteed for life. Daily cleaning, regular professional maintenance and not smoking all help. The crown on an implant may eventually need repair or replacement.

Placement is done with local anesthesia, so the procedure itself should be comfortable. Soreness and mild swelling for a few days are common.

It depends on whether a tooth needs to be removed, whether grafting is needed and how quickly the bone heals. Many single implants take a few months from placement to final crown.

Not always. Grafting is recommended when there is not enough bone to support an implant in the right position. Imaging during your evaluation shows whether it is needed.

Cost depends on how many teeth are replaced, whether grafting or extractions are needed, the final restoration and your insurance. You will receive an estimate after your evaluation.

A bridge uses the teeth on either side of a gap as anchors, while an implant replaces the root and stands on its own. An implant avoids reshaping neighboring teeth; a bridge can make sense when those teeth already need crowns. Neither is best for everyone.

A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, relieving pain and saving the tooth. With modern anesthesia, most patients find it no more uncomfortable than a filling.

A crown restores the shape and strength of a damaged tooth, often after a root canal, to protect a cracked tooth or to restore a severely decayed tooth.

Custom restorations for a tooth with too much damage for a filling but not enough to need a full crown.

A procedure that removes excess gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of a tooth so a crown can fit well.

Complete dentures, partial dentures and implant supported dentures for greater stability.

Tooth colored resin applied and shaped to repair chips, cracks, gaps or discoloration, usually in a single visit.

Professional in office and take home whitening, customized to your teeth and far more effective than over the counter products.

Porcelain veneers can last many years with good care. Grinding, habits and hygiene all affect longevity. A nightguard may be recommended.

Habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep. It can cause wear, jaw pain and headaches. A custom nightguard can protect your teeth.

TMJ disorders affect the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, causing pain, clicking, headaches or difficulty chewing. Treatment may include a custom nightguard, physical therapy or other conservative approaches.

For selected patients we offer oral appliance therapy, a custom device worn during sleep that helps keep the airway open as an alternative to CPAP.