The gap isn't
the problem.
Why the tooth
failed, is.
Most implants are placed into the same conditions that destroyed the original tooth. Dr. Khandaqji works in a different order: a comprehensive Stability Evaluation of your bite, bone, gums, and jaw joints, then, and only then, the implant.
What implants actually cost here.
A complete single implant, post, abutment, and crown, typically runs $4,500–$6,500 in the Walnut Creek area. Your number depends on bone volume, tooth position, and whether grafting is needed.
After your evaluation you get a fixed, itemized quote, nothing changes mid-treatment. Financing available; we verify and maximize your insurance benefits.
Typical Contra Costa County ranges · fixed quote after evaluation
Implant, bridge, or denture?
There's no universally right answer, only the right answer for your bite, bone, and budget. The honest trade-offs:
Dental implant
Longest lastingBest long-term value when bone and health allow. Feels and functions like a natural tooth.
Fixed bridge
Faster and cheaper upfront, but sacrifices two healthy neighbors and the bone beneath the gap.
Partial denture
Lowest cost, removable. A reasonable interim step, or when surgery isn't an option.
Diagnosis first. Then the implant.
Implants fail for the same reasons teeth fail, bite instability, gum disease, untreated grinding. We fix the cause before placing anything.
Stability Evaluation
Week 1CBCT 3D scan, digital impressions, bite analysis, gum and jaw-joint screening. You see everything we see, on your own images.
Stabilize & plan
Weeks 2–4Gum disease, bite issues, or grafting needs are handled first. Your implant position is planned digitally before surgery day.
Guided placement + PRF
Surgery dayPrecise, guided placement, typically under an hour per implant. PRF from your own blood accelerates healing and reduces swelling.
Final crown
Months 3–4Once the implant fuses with bone, your custom crown is placed, matched to your smile and your bite, designed to last.
"Beautiful dentistry begins with an accurate diagnosis."
Dr. Mohammad Khandaqji is one of a small number of AACD Accredited cosmetic dentists in the Bay Area, a credential earned through demonstrated clinical excellence, not membership. He holds an ICOI Fellowship in implant dentistry and has practiced in Walnut Creek for over 25 years.
Real patients.
Real results.
Every case below started the same way, with a Stability Evaluation that found the cause before treating the symptom.
Before
After
Severe decay, broken teeth, and advanced bone loss, restored with a stable full-arch implant solution. Her wish was to smile confidently in a Christmas photo with her children. She did.
Asked in every consultation.
Direct answers, the same ones you'd hear in the chair. Bring anything else to your evaluation.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Most patients report less discomfort than a tooth extraction. Placement is done under local anesthesia, and PRF healing meaningfully reduces post-operative swelling. Most people are back at work the next day.
How long does the whole process take?
Typically 3–4 months from evaluation to final crown, the implant needs about 12 weeks to fuse with your jawbone. If grafting is required first, add 3–4 months of healing before placement.
I was told I don't have enough bone. Is that final?
Often not. CBCT 3D imaging frequently reveals usable bone that 2D X-rays miss, and modern grafting rebuilds volume where it's genuinely lacking. A "no" from years ago is worth re-evaluating.
Will insurance cover any of it?
Many plans now cover a portion, commonly the crown, sometimes the surgery. We verify your benefits before treatment and document everything so you capture every dollar available. Financing covers the rest.
Why did my previous implant or crown fail?
Usually because the underlying cause, an unstable bite, grinding, gum inflammation, was never addressed. That's exactly why every case here starts with a Stability Evaluation instead of going straight to surgery.
One visit.
A complete answer.
The Stability Evaluation gives you a complete picture of your teeth, bite, bone, and gums, and a phased plan with fixed pricing before anything begins.