Dental Implants
Permanent tooth replacement using a titanium post and a custom-matched crown. The closest thing to a natural tooth.
01
Overview
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth at the root. We place a small titanium post into your jawbone, let it integrate over a few months, then attach a custom crown on top. The result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth — and unlike a bridge, it doesn't require modifying neighboring teeth.
Implants are the gold-standard restoration for missing teeth and have a 95%+ long-term success rate.
02
Who it's for
Implants work for most adults who:
- Are missing one or more teeth (or have a tooth too damaged to save)
- Have enough jawbone to support a post (or are willing to do a bone graft first)
- Have healthy gums and good overall oral hygiene
- Don't smoke heavily (smoking lowers success rates)
Kids and teens whose jaws are still growing aren't candidates yet.
03
How it works
Implants take 3–6 months from start to finish — most of that is healing time, not chair time:
- Consultation & 3D imaging — we map your jaw with a CBCT scan and plan the implant position digitally.
- Implant placement — a 30–60 minute outpatient procedure under local anesthesia (sedation available). The titanium post is placed in the jawbone.
- Osseointegration — over 3–4 months, your bone fuses to the post.
- Crown placement — once integrated, we attach a custom porcelain crown matched to your other teeth.
If bone grafting is needed first, add another 3–6 months.
04
Recovery and aftercare
After the implant is placed, expect:
- Mild swelling and soreness for 2–3 days — manageable with ibuprofen
- Soft food diet for the first week
- Avoid the surgical site when brushing for the first few days, then resume gentle cleaning
Long-term, treat the implant like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss around it, and come in for cleanings every 6 months. With good care, implants can last 30 years or more.
05
Cost and insurance
A single dental implant in the Los Gatos area typically runs $3,500–$5,500 all-in (implant + abutment + crown). Bone grafts, if needed, add $300–$1,000.
Insurance coverage varies widely — some plans cover the crown but not the implant itself, others cover a percentage of the whole procedure. We'll verify your benefits before treatment and provide a written estimate of what you'll pay.
Financing options through CareCredit are available to spread payments over 12–24 months.
06
Questions, answered.
- 01How long does a dental implant last?
Dental implants are designed to be permanent. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the titanium post can last 30+ years — often a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacement every 15–20 years due to normal wear.
- 02Is the implant procedure painful?
The procedure itself is comfortable thanks to local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they feel during placement. Some soreness for 2–3 days afterward is normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Sedation is available if you have dental anxiety.
- 03How long does the whole process take?
From consultation to final crown, plan on 3 to 6 months. Most of that is healing time — the actual chair time is just a few hours total. If you need a bone graft first, the timeline extends another 3–6 months.
- 04What if I'm missing several teeth?
You don't need an implant for every tooth. We can place 2–6 implants to support a bridge or denture, restoring an entire arch with fewer surgical sites. We'll discuss the best approach during your consultation.