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Patient Resources · Before & After

Dental Implants

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up — titanium fused to bone, topped with a porcelain crown that's indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Real patient cases from Dr. Martenson and Dr. Ma below.

— How a dental implant works

Three phases, one permanent result

The process is more straightforward than most patients expect. Here's what to expect from placement to final crown.

  1. Phase 01

    Placement

    A titanium post is precisely positioned in the jawbone where the tooth root used to be. Done in-office under local anesthetic — most patients are surprised by how routine it feels.

  2. Phase 02

    Osseointegration

    Over the next 3–6 months, bone naturally fuses around the implant — a process called osseointegration. This is what gives implants their long-term stability.

  3. Phase 03

    Restoration

    Once the implant has integrated, a custom-shaded porcelain crown, bridge, or denture is permanently attached. The result looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

— Patient case studies

Real dental implant transformations

01
Single-tooth implant restoration — afterAfter
Single-tooth implant restoration — beforeBefore

Single-tooth implant restoration

A single missing tooth replaced with an implant and porcelain crown — the kind of fix that's invisible to anyone but the patient and dentist.

  • Dental Implants
  • Porcelain Crown
02
Multi-tooth implant rehabilitation — afterAfter
Multi-tooth implant rehabilitation — beforeBefore

Multi-tooth implant rehabilitation

Multiple failing teeth replaced with coordinated implants and porcelain restorations — a transformation that restores chewing, speech, and confidence.

  • Dental Implants
  • Full Mouth Restoration
03
Implant-supported full restoration — afterAfter
Implant-supported full restoration — beforeBefore

Implant-supported full restoration

Years of wear addressed with a coordinated implant-based plan. A result that should last decades and preserve underlying bone health.

  • Dental Implants
  • Full Mouth Restoration
— Anatomy of a dental implant

Three parts working together

An implant isn't a single piece — it's a small system of three components, each engineered to last decades.

A

Titanium Implant

The post itself — biocompatible titanium that fuses with the jawbone over months. Acts as a permanent artificial tooth root.

B

Abutment

The small connector piece that sits on top of the implant and holds the visible crown. Hidden under the gumline.

C

Porcelain Crown

The visible part — custom-shaded to match surrounding teeth. The only piece anyone else sees.

— Why patients choose implants

What makes implants the gold standard

95%+Long-term success rate

When placed in healthy bone with good aftercare, dental implants have one of the highest success rates of any restorative procedure.

LifelongPotential lifespan

With proper maintenance, an implant can last a lifetime — unlike bridges and dentures, which typically need replacement every 10–15 years.

PreservesUnderlying bone

Implants stimulate the jawbone the way natural roots do — preventing the bone loss that follows missing teeth.

Natural feelBite and chew

Anchored directly to bone, implants restore close to 100% of natural chewing strength — bridges and dentures fall short here.

Wondering if implants are the right call for you?

Book a complimentary implant consultation. Dr. Martenson or Dr. Ma will evaluate the site, talk through realistic timelines and alternatives, and put together a plan that fits your goals and budget.

— Trusted in the East Bay —

2024 & 2025

Best Esthetic Dentist

Voted Best of the East Bay

2025

Best Dental Practice

Voted Best of the East Bay

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From 350+ verified patients

30 years

Serving the East Bay

Three decades of preventative, cosmetic & restorative care

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