The short answer
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jaw that acts like a tooth root, topped with a custom crown. At Pebble Beach Dental in Fair Oaks, implants are planned with an in-office i-CAT 3D CT scan, placed by implant-trained doctors, and designed to last a lifetime with good care.
- Consultation
- Free, incl. 3D CT scan
- First implant special
- $579*
- Typical timeline
- 3–6 months
- Lifespan
- Designed for life
- Sedation
- Available
- Financing
- 0% options
Why choose a dental implant over a bridge or partial?
When a tooth is lost, the bone that held it begins to shrink. A traditional bridge fills the gap but requires grinding down the healthy teeth on either side, and a removable partial rests on the gums without stopping bone loss. A dental implant is the only option that replaces the root itself, so it stimulates the jawbone the way a natural tooth does.
Because an implant stands on its own, your neighboring teeth stay untouched. You brush and floss it like a natural tooth, there is nothing to take out at night, and there is no adhesive or clasp to worry about.
How Pebble Beach Dental plans safer, more predictable implants
Precision matters with implants. Our in-office i-CAT 3D Imaging System shows your jaw in three dimensions — bone volume, nerve pathways, and sinus position — while delivering less radiation than a conventional 2D image. Every implant is planned on screen before we ever pick up an instrument.
That planning means less guesswork, smaller incisions, and a smoother recovery. It also lets us tell you up front whether you need a bone graft, so there are no surprises halfway through treatment.
- Fellowship-trained implant dentist (ICOI)
- In-office 3D CT scan — no outside imaging center
- Sedation options for anxious patients
- Implant warranty and long-term maintenance care
Single implants, implant bridges, and full-arch options
A single implant with a crown replaces one missing tooth. When several teeth in a row are missing, two implants can support a bridge of three or four teeth. If most or all teeth in an arch are missing or failing, our All-on-4® full-arch treatment anchors a complete set of fixed teeth on just four implants, often in a single day.
Not sure which you need? That is exactly what the free consultation is for — you do not need to know before you come in.
Hear from a real patient
Who dental implants are right for
- You are missing one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch
- A tooth is cracked, failing, or scheduled for extraction
- You are tired of a bridge or partial that shifts or traps food
- You want a replacement that protects your jawbone
- You are in good general health (diabetes and other conditions can often be managed)
60-second quiz
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
Question 1 of 3
What best describes your teeth today?
- 1Answer 3 questionsAbout your teeth and goals.
- 2See your matchThe option that usually fits.
- 3Claim your specialBook a free consult + 3D scan.
This quiz is educational, not a diagnosis. Your doctor confirms candidacy with an exam and 3D CT scan at your free consultation.
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Free consultation & 3D scan
An i-CAT 3D CT scan maps bone density, nerves and sinus so we can plan the exact implant angle. You leave with a written estimate.
- 2
Guided implant placement
The titanium implant is placed with 3D-guided precision under local anesthesia, with sedation if you prefer. Most patients return to work in a day or two.
- 3
Healing & integration
Over 3–6 months the implant fuses with your bone (osseointegration). You wear a comfortable temporary so you are never without a smile.
- 4
Your permanent crown
A custom crown is shaded and shaped to match your natural teeth and attached to the implant — then you eat, smile and floss normally.
Dental implant vs. traditional bridge
| Factor | Dental implant | Traditional bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Replaces the tooth root | Yes | No |
| Affects neighboring teeth | No | Yes — teeth are reshaped |
| Helps preserve jawbone | Yes | No |
| Expected lifespan | Designed to last a lifetime | Often 10–15 years |
| Cleaning | Brush & floss normally | Requires floss threaders |
Compare your options
Why patients choose Pebble Beach for implants
| Factor | Pebble Beach Dental | Many implant centers |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Free exam, 3D CT scan, plan and written estimate | Scan or consult fees vary |
| Who you see | The same local doctors from consult to final teeth | Often separate surgeon, restorative dentist and lab |
| Implant training | Dr. Atherly is a Fellow of the ICOI | Varies by provider |
| 3D imaging | In-office i-CAT 3D CT for precise planning | Sometimes referred to an outside imaging center |
| Options offered | Single implants, implant dentures and All-on-4® | Some centers focus on full-arch only |
| Care afterward | Cleanings and checkups in the same Fair Oaks office | Often a separate general dentist for follow-up |
| Payment | Promotional financing through CareCredit and Allegro Credit | Varies by provider |
Comparison reflects common practices across the industry, not any specific provider. Always ask what's included before you commit.
Cost & financing
How much does dental implants cost in Fair Oaks?
Your first single implant is $579 with our new-patient special (first implant only; not valid with other offers or insurance). The crown and any bone grafting are quoted separately at your free consultation, where you receive an exact written estimate. Most patients qualify for 0% financing through CareCredit or Allegro Credit, and we apply PPO benefits wherever they help.
Estimated monthly payment
$49/mo
$579 over 12 months, paid in full within the promotional period
Have dental insurance? Many PPO plans help with parts of implant treatment, such as extractions, grafting or the crown. We check your benefits before you start. Specials can't be combined with insurance.
Example only. Promotional financing through CareCredit and Allegro Credit is subject to credit approval; terms, rates and availability vary. Your exact cost comes from the written estimate at your free consultation.
Before & after
- The concern
- Failing teeth that made eating and smiling harder every year.
- The plan
- A 3D-scan-guided All-on-4® plan for a fixed full arch.
- The result
- Fixed, natural-looking teeth she can eat and smile with confidently.
- The concern
- Severely decayed, broken and missing teeth on both arches.
- The plan
- Upper and lower All-on-4® with fixed full-arch bridges.
- The result
- A complete, even smile that stays put — no removable dentures.
Dental Implants FAQs
Do dental implants hurt?
Placement is done under local anesthesia, and sedation is available. Most patients say it was easier than an extraction and manage soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers for a few days.
How long do dental implants last?
The titanium implant is designed to last a lifetime with good home care and regular checkups. The crown on top may need replacement after many years of normal wear, similar to a crown on a natural tooth.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There is no upper age limit. Bone health and general health matter more than age, and many of our implant patients are in their 70s and 80s.
What if I do not have enough bone?
Your 3D CT scan shows exactly how much bone you have. If needed, a bone graft can rebuild the site, or angled techniques like All-on-4® can avoid grafting altogether.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Many PPO plans now cover part of implant treatment or the crown. We check your benefits and apply them wherever possible (the $579 special cannot be combined with insurance).
How soon can I eat normally?
You will eat soft foods for the first week or two. Once your final crown is placed you can eat steak, apples and corn on the cob again.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. The implant consultation includes a 3D CT scan, full exam, custom plan and written estimate at no charge and with no obligation.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Michael Atherly, FICOI. Reference: American Academy of Implant Dentistry. This page is educational and not a substitute for an exam.