Implants Worth the Drive South
If you live in Novato and you are missing a tooth, the office that can place the implant, see it through healing, and finish the crown is a straight run south on Highway 101 to 1099 D Street in downtown San Rafael. An implant is a restoration you plan once and keep for years, so it is worth having one dentist who knows the whole case carry it from the first exam to the day you bite down on the finished tooth.
A missing tooth is more than a gap you can see. It changes how you chew, lets the neighboring teeth drift, and over time can thin the bone in your jaw. An implant addresses all three because it replaces the tooth at the root rather than only the visible crown. A small titanium post is set into the jaw, where it fuses with the bone to form a stable anchor, and a custom crown shaded to your other teeth is fitted on top. The finished tooth looks and works like the one you lost.
Who an Implant Is Right For
An implant tends to be a good fit if you are:
- Missing a single tooth, several teeth, or looking for a steadier option than a removable denture
- Wanting a replacement that stays put, with nothing to slip, click, or hold in with adhesive
- Tired of a gap that has started to affect your bite, your speech, or how you feel about your smile
- Hoping to keep the rest of your teeth from drifting and protect the jawbone from slow loss
If another office has told you there is not enough bone to work with, that is not always the final word. The honest answer comes from an evaluation, and that is where Dr. Steve begins before recommending anything.
What to Expect
- Consultation & digital exam We image the site with digital X-rays, go over your health, and lay out a plan and timeline so you know the steps before any treatment starts.
- Implant placement The titanium post is placed with local anesthetic. Most patients tell us it felt easier than they had braced for.
- Healing & integration Over several weeks to months the implant fuses with your jawbone, building the permanent foundation the crown will sit on.
- Your custom crown A precision crown, matched to the shade of your nearby teeth, is fitted to the post, returning full function and a natural look.
Why D Street Dental Group
Dr. Steve Truman
Dr. Steve earned his DDS from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and served as a clinical instructor training first-year dental students. Restorative work, implants, crowns, and full-mouth rebuilds, sits at the center of his practice. He plans each case carefully before treatment begins and walks you through it in plain language, so you leave understanding your own mouth better than when you arrived. For a Novato patient, it also means the same dentist follows the implant from placement to crown rather than a hand-off between strangers.
Cost & Membership
Implant cost depends on how many teeth you are replacing and whether any preparatory work is needed, so we give you a clear, itemized estimate before treatment starts. No surprises.
We are out of network for all dental insurance, though we still file your claim so your benefits apply, and out-of-network PPO plans often reimburse a good portion of covered services. If you do not carry coverage, our in-house "D is for Dental" membership takes 20% off implant treatment, with flexible in-office payment plans available. See membership plans →
Serving Novato
Novato is the largest city in northern Marin, sitting up Highway 101 above San Rafael, and getting to us means little more than pointing the car south on the freeway to 1099 D Street, Suite 206, on the second floor downtown. There is no winding through neighborhoods or hunting for shortcuts. Whether you are starting from Old Town Novato along Grant Avenue, the family streets off Novato Boulevard, or the shops around Vintage Oaks, the 101 carries you most of the way.
Because an implant runs across a few visits, from the placement to the healing checks to the final crown, that easy drive south matters. You are returning to the same office and the same dentist each time, with your case held in one record rather than scattered across offices closer to home. For parking, you will find street parking along D Street and the nearby blocks, plus several public lots a short walk away in downtown San Rafael.
Novato Implant Questions
Is it worth driving from Novato for dental implants?
Many Novato patients think so. It is a straight drive south on Highway 101 to our office at 1099 D Street in downtown San Rafael, and an implant is a long-term restoration you plan once and live with for years. Having Dr. Steve handle the placement, the healing, and the final crown in one practice is what makes the short trip down the freeway pay off.
How much do dental implants cost?
Implant cost depends on whether you need a single implant, multiple implants, or a full-arch restoration, plus any preparatory work. We give you a clear, itemized estimate before treatment begins. Members of our in-house D is for Dental plan save 20% on implant treatment. Call (415) 453-0744 for a consultation.
Are dental implants permanent?
Yes. A dental implant replaces the tooth root with a titanium post that fuses to your jawbone, creating a stable foundation. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, implants are designed to last for many years and are a durable tooth-replacement option.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates. Adequate jawbone and healthy gums help, and Dr. Steve evaluates this with a digital exam. Even if you have been told you lack enough bone, options may still exist. Schedule a consultation to find out.
Request Your Appointment
Tell us what you need and we'll reach out within one business day. Prefer to talk now? Call (415) 453-0744.
Ready to Replace That Tooth?
New patients from Novato are always welcome. We'll reach out within one business day.