Dental Implants

Losing a tooth affects far more than the way your smile looks. It can change how you speak, what you eat, and even how you feel about yourself. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to settle for a smile that feels incomplete. Dental implants in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA offer the closest possible replacement for natural teeth, giving you back the function, beauty, and confidence you deserve.

As periodontists at Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics, we specialize in creating the strong foundation that makes implants so successful. Think of us as the architects and builders of your smile’s support system. Our expertise in gum and bone health allows us to design stable, long-lasting implant solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Whether you're missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can be life-changing—and we’re here to guide you through the entire process with clarity, comfort, and confidence.

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What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small, biocompatible titanium or zirconia posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. Once placed in the jawbone, they integrate naturally with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This fusion creates a durable anchor strong enough to support crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations.

You can think of an implant as a new “root” that holds your replacement tooth securely in place—no slipping, no shifting, no adhesives. It becomes a permanent part of your smile.

A complete implant restoration typically includes:

• Implant post: The root replacement was placed in the jawbone.
• Abutment: A connector piece that attaches the restoration to the implant.
• Crown or prosthesis: The visible portion that looks and functions like a natural tooth.

The result? A replacement tooth that looks, feels, and performs just like the one you lost.

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Why Periodontists Are the Experts in Implant Placement

While many dental professionals place implants, periodontists bring a deeper level of expertise to the table. Our specialty revolves around the gums, bone, and tissues that support your teeth—exactly the areas needed for successful implant therapy.

Periodontists are uniquely trained to:

• Evaluate bone health and density
• Perform bone grafting and regenerative procedures
• Diagnose and treat gum disease
• Position implants accurately for long-term stability
• Manage complex or high-risk implant cases

Imagine having the foundation of your house reinforced by a structural engineer instead of a general contractor—that’s essentially the difference a periodontist brings to dental implant care.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults with missing teeth are excellent candidates for implants. However, a successful result requires healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. As periodontists, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine your eligibility and recommend any preparatory care needed.

Ideal implant candidates typically:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Have healthy gum tissue
• Possess enough bone to support the implant
• Do not smoke or are willing to reduce/stop

Even if you’ve been told you’re not a candidate due to bone loss, don’t count implants out. Bone grafting and regenerative procedures often make implant placement possible.

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Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are widely considered the best tooth replacement option available today—and for good reason. They offer advantages that dentures and bridges simply cannot match.

1. They Look and Feel Natural
   Once restored, implants mimic natural teeth in appearance, function, and strength. Most patients forget they aren’t their real teeth.
2. They Prevent Bone Loss
   When you lose a tooth, the jawbone beneath it begins to shrink. Implants stimulate the bone just like natural roots, helping preserve facial structure and prevent premature aging.
3. They Are Long-Lasting
   Implants can last decades—or even a lifetime—with proper care. Their durability makes them a smart long-term investment.
4. They Don’t Rely on Neighboring Teeth
   Bridges require the reshaping of healthy teeth. Implants stand independently, protecting your natural smile.
5. They Restore Confidence
   Missing teeth can make you self-conscious about smiling or speaking. Implants help restore that confidence by giving you a complete, polished smile.
6. They Make Eating Easier
   Love apples? Steak? Toasted bread? Implants allow you to enjoy your favorite foods without hesitation.

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Types of Dental Implants We Offer

Every patient’s situation is unique, so we provide several implant options based on your needs.

• Single Tooth Implants
  Perfect for replacing one missing tooth with a natural-looking restoration.
• Implant Bridges
  A great solution when multiple adjacent teeth are missing—stronger and more stable than traditional bridges.
• Full-Arch Implant Solutions
  Modern solutions like All-on-4® or implant-supported dentures restore full arches with fewer implants.
• Immediate Implants
  In some cases, implants can be placed on the same day as a tooth extraction.

Whatever your situation, we tailor the treatment plan to you—not the other way around.

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What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process

We want you to feel fully informed, confident, and supported from start to finish. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Comprehensive Consultation & 3D Imaging
We start by evaluating your oral health, taking 3D scans, and reviewing your medical history. These digital images help us assess bone density, nerve locations, and the ideal placement for the implant.

2. Treatment Planning
We customize a treatment plan based on your needs. This ensures your implants are positioned for optimal strength, longevity, and aesthetics.

3. Implant Placement Procedure
The implant is placed into the jawbone using precise, minimally invasive techniques. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the process is—many describe it as easier than a tooth extraction.

4. Healing & Osseointegration
Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the jawbone. This natural integration is what gives implants their unmatched stability. During this time:

• A temporary tooth may be placed
• We monitor healing closely
• You’ll receive instructions for care and hygiene

5. Abutment Placement
Once healed, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant.

6. Final Restoration
Your dentist places a custom crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.

And just like that—your smile is whole again.

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Bone Grafting for Dental Implants

Not everyone has enough bone for implant placement right away. Bone loss is extremely common, especially when a tooth has been missing for months or years.

Periodontists specialize in rebuilding the bone needed to support implants through procedures like:

• Socket preservation
• Sinus lifts
• Ridge augmentation
• Guided bone regeneration

These treatments strengthen the foundation so your implant can last long-term.

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Caring for Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are low-maintenance, but they still require good oral hygiene to stay healthy.

Key tips for long-term success include:

• Brush twice daily
• Floss or use interdental brushes
• Maintain regular periodontal checkups
• Avoid smoking
• Wear a nightguard if you clench or grind

With the right care, your implants can last for decades—many for life.

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Common Questions Patients Ask

Do implants hurt?
Most patients report minimal discomfort. Modern techniques make the process surprisingly gentle.

How long does the treatment take?
The full process can take several months, but timelines vary based on healing and preparation needs.

Are implants worth it?
Absolutely. Their natural appearance, comfort, and durability make them the gold standard for tooth replacement.

What if I’m missing all my teeth?
Full-arch implant solutions can restore an entire smile with as few as four implants per arch.

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Why Choose a Periodontist for Implant Treatment?

Periodontists have advanced surgical training, extensive knowledge of bone and gum health, and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in implant placement. Choosing a specialist helps ensure:

• Greater predictability
• Higher success rates
• More precise implant positioning
• Access to advanced grafting procedures
• Better long-term outcomes

Your smile deserves expertise—and that’s exactly what a periodontist provides.

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Ready to Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants?

Dental implants are more than a tooth replacement—they’re a life upgrade. They allow you to eat with confidence, smile without hesitation, and enjoy a restored sense of self.

Whether you're missing one tooth or many, we're here at our multiple locations in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your smile.