When I first started placing dental implants over 20 years ago, the process was very different from what we offer our patients today. Back then, we were essentially placing implants by feel—hoping for ideal placement between teeth, with very limited visibility or precision. We made it work with the tools we had, but dentists always wished for a better, more predictable way.
Fortunately, dental implant technology has transformed. Today, implants are safer, more accurate, and more successful than ever before. At Melko Dental, we’re proud to bring these advanced techniques to our patients right here in Sunnyvale, CA. If you’re considering replacing missing teeth, you’re in the right place—and in the right era.
From Guesswork to Guided Precision
Implants used to involve a lot of educated guesswork. Without advanced imaging, we had to rely heavily on clinical judgment, hoping to place implants in a location with enough bone and good support. That’s changed dramatically thanks to digital dentistry.
Now, we plan every implant case using precise digital tools that let us “see” the site before we even touch a scalpel. With the help of 3D scans and planning software, we know exactly where the implant should go, how deep it should be, and what size implant is best—before surgery even begins.
How We Use CBCT to Plan with Confidence
One of the most valuable tools we use at Melko Dental is the CBCT scanner, or cone beam computed tomography. This technology gives us a 3D image of your mouth, allowing us to evaluate the density, height, and width of the bone, and the proximity of neighboring structures—like nerves or sinuses.
With this data, we can digitally map the ideal location for your implant using specialized implant software. We choose the most stable and dense area for long-term success, and we can select the exact implant size and angle before we even begin. This means no guesswork, faster procedures, and better results.
What This Technology Means for Your Experience
All of this planning pays off for you as the patient. Surgeries are faster and more comfortable. There’s less swelling, less downtime, and far fewer surprises. Patients love knowing we’ve already mapped everything out digitally, and we love being able to deliver more predictable, long-term outcomes.
Plus, precise implant placement protects nearby teeth and prevents complications. That means less time in the chair—and more time enjoying your new smile.
It Starts with Bone and Ends with Commitment
One of the first things we evaluate when determining if a patient is a good candidate for implants is bone quality. We look at the height, width, and density of the bone in the area where the implant is needed. The healthier the bone, the more stable the implant will be.
The second piece is patient commitment. Implants require proper care at home—just like natural teeth. That means brushing, flossing, and keeping up with hygiene visits. With the right support and maintenance, implants can last for decades. But they do depend on the patient’s partnership in care.
Using Your Body’s Healing Power: What Is PRF?
One of the most exciting tools we use in implant dentistry is PRF, or Platelet-Rich Fibrin. This is a natural, regenerative technique that enhances healing using the patient’s own blood.
Here’s how it works: we take a small blood sample and spin it in a centrifuge. This separates out a layer rich in healing proteins, growth factors, and fibrin—a powerful natural material that promotes tissue regeneration. We can place this PRF directly into the implant site or extraction socket to support faster, healthier healing.
Creating the Best Environment for Healing
Why do we love PRF so much at Melko Dental? Because it reduces inflammation, speeds up recovery, and helps the body build more collagen—which is essential for both bone and soft tissue growth.
We use PRF when placing implants, especially if we’re rebuilding bone or soft tissue at the same time. It makes the outcome more predictable, and in many cases, it allows us to avoid using synthetic materials altogether. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have in regenerative dentistry.
Making Dental Implants Affordable in Sunnyvale
We understand that cost is one of the biggest concerns for patients considering dental implants. And yes, implants are an investment. But they’re also a lifelong solution—something that improves your bite, your health, and your confidence for decades to come.
Missing even one tooth affects more than just your smile. It can cause neighboring teeth to shift, lead to bone loss, and impact how you chew or speak. That’s why we work closely with patients to create customized financial plans, offer payment options, and in many cases, stage treatment over time to make care more manageable.
Long-Term Success Starts with the Right Planning
When done right, implants can last for 20 years or more. At Melko Dental, we’ve invested in the highest-quality implant materials and the best digital planning technology to set you up for success. But we also educate our patients to keep those implants healthy for life.
Implants can fail, but it’s rare—and usually preventable. In our experience, failure most often happens when patients skip hygiene visits or don’t maintain their oral health. We’ll partner with you to make sure your implant—and your entire smile—stays healthy.
Can I Get an Implant the Same Day My Tooth Is Removed?
Sometimes, yes! If the tooth being removed is not infected, and there is enough healthy bone, we can often place the implant the same day. This can reduce the number of visits and accelerate your overall treatment timeline.
But if there is infection, bone loss, or damaged tissue, we’ll need to rebuild the site first. That might mean adding bone grafting material, prescribing antibiotics, and giving the area time to heal—typically 3 to 4 months—before placing the implant. It’s all about creating the right foundation for success.
PRF and the Future of Regenerative Dentistry
For me personally, PRF is one of the most exciting innovations in dentistry. The ability to regenerate bone and soft tissue using a patient’s own biology is truly incredible. There’s science and technique involved—how the blood is drawn, how long it’s spun, how the material is handled. And I love staying on the cutting edge of this evolving field.
By embracing tools like PRF and 3D imaging, we’re giving our patients access to the very best that modern dentistry has to offer—right here in Sunnyvale.
Your Smile, Reimagined
Dental implants today are safer, more comfortable, and more successful than ever before. Thanks to advanced imaging, regenerative techniques like PRF, and a patient-centered approach, we can offer you an implant experience that’s efficient, effective, and long-lasting.
If you’re missing a tooth—or several—we’d love to help. Let’s talk about your options and see whether implants are right for you. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, answer all your questions, and build a treatment plan that fits your goals, your timeline, and your budget.
Call us today at (408) 720-1123 or Schedule Your Implant Consultation to get started. We can’t wait to help you smile with confidence.