Dental Implants in Palo Alto

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts that serve as artificial tooth roots. Once we place them into your jawbone, they naturally fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, stable base for a custom crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthetic.

Implants are the closest thing to having your natural teeth back. They allow you to eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile confidently—without slipping or discomfort. 

And unlike traditional bridges or dentures, implants stimulate your jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss and preserve your facial structure over time.

If you’re exploring dental implants in Palo Alto, Dr. Qian offers a modern, patient-first approach that prioritizes comfort, aesthetics, and long-term results.

The Life-Changing Benefits of Implants

Dental implants do more than just fill a gap—they restore what missing teeth take away: stability, confidence, and freedom.

Here’s why so many patients choose implants as their long-term solution:

• Permanent tooth replacement that looks and feels completely natural

• No slipping, clicking, or adhesives like with removable dentures

• Preserves jawbone and facial structure, preventing bone loss and facial sagging

• Restores full chewing power so you can eat, speak, and smile comfortably

• Custom-crafted to match your smile for a seamless, natural appearance

• Built to last decades with good care and regular dental checkups

Dental implants offer a transformative way to rebuild your smile from the inside out—and give you the confidence to use it every day.

Call (650) 327-3172 or schedule your consultation online to explore your dental implant options.

Types of Dental Implants We Offer

At Mary Qian Dental Group, we offer a variety of implant options in Palo Alto tailored to your needs, whether you’re missing one tooth—or many.

Single Tooth Implants

Single-tooth implants are one of the most common and reliable solutions for replacing individual missing teeth. They’re made up of three parts:

• A titanium implant post, which is placed into your jawbone

• A custom abutment which connects the post to your crown

• A natural-looking dental crown that completes your smile

Unlike partial dentures, single implants are secure, durable, and don’t affect surrounding teeth. Once healed, they look and function just like your natural tooth—giving you strength, stability, and peace of mind.

Multiple Implants

If you’re missing two or more teeth, we can strategically place multiple implants to restore your bite and prevent further tooth loss. You may receive:

• A series of single implants placed side-by-side, or

• An implant-supported bridge that spans the gap

After your implants have healed, custom restorations are attached—bringing back full function and a seamless appearance.

Full-Arch Implants

For patients missing most or all of their natural teeth, full-arch implants (also called All-on-X implants) offer a strong, long-term solution.

We place 4–6 implants per arch, which act as anchors for a full set of prosthetic teeth. This option:

• Provides more stability than dentures

• Doesn’t require adhesives

• Helps preserve jawbone integrity

• Looks and feels like a natural, healthy smile

Full-arch implants can dramatically improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile—often with a much faster recovery and fewer surgeries than traditional options.

Our Personalized Dental Implant Process

Step 1: Consultation & 3D Planning

Your first visit is all about learning more—about your smile, your goals, and how implants can fit into your long-term oral health.

Dr. Qian will perform a thorough evaluation using digital imaging and clinical diagnostics to assess your bone structure, gum health, and overall readiness for implants. You’ll also talk through your medical history, lifestyle factors, and aesthetic goals.

From there, we’ll create a step-by-step treatment plan tailored just for you.

Not sure if implants are right for you? Learn more about who’s a candidate for dental implants.

Step 2: Implant Placement

Once your treatment plan is finalized, the next step is placing the dental implant(s) into your jawbone. Depending on your case, this may be done by Dr. Qian or in collaboration with a trusted local oral surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.

During the procedure, the small titanium post is gently inserted into the bone where your natural tooth once was. It will fuse with the surrounding bone tissue, forming a strong foundation for your new tooth.

This stage is typically performed with local anesthesia or light sedation—you’ll be comfortable the entire time.

If you have gum sensitivity or bone loss, your plan may also include periodontal care or bone grafting prior to placement. Dr. Qian will walk you through every step so you always feel informed and in control.

If you’re concerned about gum health, you can learn more about getting dental implants with gum disease and how we approach treatment safely and proactively.

Step 3: Healing & Temporary Tooth

After your implant is placed, your body begins the healing process—this is when the implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. It’s a vital step that creates long-term stability and allows your implant to function just like a natural tooth root.

Healing times vary depending on your individual case, but most patients feel back to normal within a few days, and complete healing typically occurs over a few months.

If needed, we’ll place a temporary restoration so you never have to go without a confident smile. You’ll be able to eat, speak, and live comfortably while your permanent crown or bridge is being created.

Want to know what recovery feels like? Here’s what to expect after dental implant surgery—from day one through full healing.

Step 4: Final Restoration & Smile Reveal

Once your implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, it’s time for the final step—the part you’ve been waiting for.

Dr. Qian will place a custom-designed crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthetic that’s crafted to match your natural teeth in shape, color, and fit. Using her cosmetic expertise and eye for detail, she ensures your restoration looks seamless, feels comfortable, and functions beautifully.

You’ll walk out with a fully restored smile—ready to eat, laugh, and live with renewed confidence.

Why Choose Dr. Mary Qian for Dental Implants in Palo Alto?

When it comes to dental implants, precision matters—but so does compassion. Dr. Mary Qian brings both.

With a unique blend of restorative expertise and cosmetic artistry, Dr. Qian ensures every implant functions flawlessly and looks beautifully natural. She takes time to understand your goals, explain every option, and design a treatment plan that fits your needs—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most healthy adults are excellent candidates for dental implants—especially if you’re looking for a permanent, natural-feeling solution to tooth loss.

How to Care for Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are built to last—but like natural teeth, they still need daily care to stay healthy and strong.

Here’s how to protect your investment and keep your smile in top shape:

• Brush and floss daily to remove plaque and keep your gums healthy

• Avoid chewing ice, biting nails, or using your teeth as tools

• Stay on top of your regular cleanings and checkups to monitor the health of your implant and surrounding tissue
  

A few smart habits go a long way. Knowing the dos and don’ts after dental implant surgery can help support healing and extend the life of your implant for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years or more—often a lifetime. Regular checkups, daily brushing and flossing, and avoiding habits like smoking or grinding all help protect your long-term results.

Is the implant procedure painful?

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. Local anesthesia or light sedation ensures you won’t feel pain during the process. You may have some soreness afterward, but it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter medication and ice packs.

What’s the recovery time?

Initial healing typically takes a few days, while full integration with the bone can take several months. During this time, you may wear a temporary restoration so you can eat, speak, and smile normally. 

Will my implant look natural?

Absolutely. Dr. Qian designs every crown, bridge, or full-arch restoration to match the color, shape, and contour of your natural teeth. Most patients can’t tell the difference between their implant and their real teeth—and no one else will either.

What does no one tell you about dental implants?

Most people focus on the final result—but what often goes unsaid is how transformational the journey can be. Beyond the functional benefits, many patients feel renewed confidence, comfort, and even youthfulness. That said, the healing process takes time and patience—your body needs time to fully integrate the implant before the final restoration.

What is the 3/2 rule for dental implants?

The “3/2 rule” is a guideline some dentists use when planning implants. It means the implant (root) should be at least two-thirds the length of the crown (the visible part). This helps ensure long-term stability, especially in areas with higher bite pressure. While it’s not a hard rule, it’s one of many factors Dr. Qian evaluates during treatment planning.

CAN DENTAL IMPLANTS GET INFECTED?

Dental implants can become infected, but it is a very rare complication. Known as “peri-implantitis,” a dental implant infection usually only occurs if the implant is not kept clean or cared for after surgery.

To avoid peri-implantitis and maintain a healthy implant, follow Dr. Qian’s instructions while recovering, and be sure to brush and floss regularly after your implant has healed.

WILL DENTAL IMPLANTS STOP BONE LOSS?

Yes. When your jaw is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting, bone loss will occur. Losing a tooth stops this process, causing the jaw bone to weaken.‍

When the dental implant post is bonded directly into the jaw bone, it acts as an artificial tooth root and transmits the force of chewing and biting through the root and into your jaw bone, keeping it healthy and strong.

CAN DENTAL IMPLANTS BE DONE IN ONE DAY?

There are a few types of dental implants that can be done in one day. The restoration Dr. Qian provides is a temporary appliance to keep your tooth healthy and functional until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. With your restoration, you can speak and eat normally throughout the healing process.‍

Dr. Qian will schedule a series of follow-up appointments to track your healing process and take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will help the lab create your custom-made restoration, which will be a more permanent, durable, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.

What is the downside to dental implants?

Dental implants are incredibly reliable, but they do require a surgical procedure and a healing period. Some downsides may include:

• A longer treatment timeline than other options

• Higher initial cost (though often more cost-effective long term)

• Not everyone is a candidate without pre-treatment

Dr. Qian always discusses every option with you so you can make an informed decision that feels right.

What are the dos and don’ts of an implant?

Do:

• Keep the site clean with gentle brushing and flossing

• Stick to soft foods during the initial healing phase

• Attend all follow-up appointments

Don’t:

• Smoke or use tobacco (it slows healing)

• Chew on hard items like ice or pens

• Skip your hygiene visits or ignore pain/swelling