Dental Implants in Cupertino, CA
Missing teeth affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Over time, the jawbone beneath a gap shrinks, neighboring teeth shift, and your bite changes. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that stops this process by anchoring a permanent restoration directly into the bone. At Cupertino Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Brian C. Lee is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who plans every implant case using CBCT 3D imaging and TRIOS 6 digital scanning for precise implant positioning before surgery begins.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant has three parts: a titanium post placed into the jawbone (the replacement root), an abutment that connects to the post above the gumline, and a custom crown, bridge, or prosthesis (the visible tooth). The post fuses with the bone over three to six months through osseointegration, creating a foundation as stable as a natural root. Dr. Lee is a Straumann Roxolid provider, reflecting significant experience with one of the most researched implant systems in the world.
Types of Dental Implants We Offer
Single tooth implants replace one missing tooth with one implant and one custom crown, preserving the healthy teeth on either side. Implant-supported bridges use two or more implants to replace several adjacent teeth. All-on-X full arch implants use four to six implants per arch to support a complete set of fixed teeth, eliminating removable dentures entirely.
Immediate Dental Implants: Extraction and Placement in One Visit
When appropriate, Dr. Lee places the implant at the same time the failing tooth is extracted. Immediate implant placement can reduce the amount of time you are without a tooth and may help maintain the natural architecture of the extraction site, including the bone and gum contours that shape your smile. Not every tooth qualifies: active infection or insufficient bone may require a staged approach with healing time between extraction and placement. Dr. Lee evaluates candidacy for immediate placement during your 3D imaging consultation, so you know your exact treatment timeline before committing.
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Do You Need Bone Grafting First?
When bone loss has occurred, bone grafting rebuilds the jaw to support implant placement. Dr. Lee performs socket preservation, ridge augmentation, and sinus lifts using advanced grafting techniques. In many cases, a graft can be placed at the time of extraction to preserve bone for a future implant.
The Dental Implant Process
Your treatment starts with a consultation where Dr. Lee takes a 3D scan of your jaw, evaluates bone volume and overall health, and develops a personalized plan. Your surgery is planned on the computer before it happens: guided surgery means smaller incisions, shorter procedures, less swelling, and predictable results. On surgery day, the implant is placed under IV sedation or nitrous oxide for your comfort. Once healed, your restorative dentist places the permanent crown or prosthesis.
Advanced Technology, Better Outcomes
From CBCT imaging that protects nerves and sinuses, to comfortable digital scans that replace goopy impression trays, to iCam4D photogrammetry for full arch precision, every implant at our practice is planned and placed digitally. Explore how each tool benefits your treatment on our advanced implant technology page.
Dental Implants in Cupertino and the South Bay
Dr. Brian Lee provides dental implant placement for patients in Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Altos, Saratoga, Mountain View, and Campbell. Call (408) 214-5670 to schedule your implant consultation.
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