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Your Trusted Dental Care Provider in Palo Alto, CA
At Cardinal Dental, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our practice offers a full scope of general and specialized dentistry, including cleanings, dental implants, emergency care, and advanced procedures like IV sedation and All-on-4 implants. With decades of combined experience, our team of skilled professionals prioritizes patient comfort, utilizing cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices to ensure optimal oral health.We serve adults and children, including post-cancer patients and individuals with special needs, through personalized treatment plans and compassionate care. Our affiliation with Stanford Hospital underscores our commitment to excellence, while our focus on preventive dentistry helps patients maintain healthy smiles for life. Whether addressing routine care or complex dental challenges, we strive to build lasting relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and clinical expertise.
Services
Dental Implants
Cleanings and Exams
Emergency Care
IV Sedation
All-on-4 Implants
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Root Canals
Gum Disease Treatment
Special Needs Dentistry
Fillings and Crowns
Highlights and features
- We offer a full scope of dentistry from cleanings to complex implants.
- Our team includes specialists in TMJ and special needs dentistry.
- IV sedation available for anxious or complex cases.
- Affiliated with Stanford Hospital for advanced care coordination.
- 20+ years of patient-centered care with 5-star reviews.
What people say
Excellent dental skills
Compassionate and kind
Smooth wisdom teeth removal
Superior skills and judgment
Friendly and caring staff
Services
Dental Implants
Dental implants restore missing teeth using titanium posts fused with the jawbone. Cardinal Dental uses Nobel Biocare and Straumann systems for durability. Implants prevent bone loss, support chewing function, and mimic natural teeth. Candidates require a 3D scan to assess bone density. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, offering a permanent alternative to bridges or dentures.
IV Sedation
IV sedation manages anxiety during dental procedures by administering medication intravenously. Patients remain awake but relaxed, with minimal memory of treatment. Ideal for complex or lengthy procedures, it requires fasting and a companion for post-appointment transport. Cardinal Dental's specialists ensure safe, personalized sedation to enhance comfort while maintaining patient cooperation during care.
All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 implants replace an entire arch of teeth using four strategically placed implants. This method reduces surgery time and bone grafting needs. Patients receive either overdentures or fixed prosthetics for stability and aesthetics. Cardinal Dental emphasizes long-term success by recommending additional implants in select cases to prevent future complications and ensure lasting functionality.
Special Needs Dentistry
Special needs dentistry provides tailored care for patients with physical, developmental, or medical challenges. Cardinal Dental offers multiple sedation options, including nitrous oxide and hospital-based general anesthesia. Our team collaborates with caregivers to create stress-free visits, ensuring accessibility and comfort for individuals requiring extra attention due to complex health conditions or disabilities.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction removes impacted or misaligned third molars to prevent infection, cysts, or crowding. Cardinal Dental performs extractions under local anesthesia or IV sedation. Post-operative care includes pain management and dietary guidelines to promote healing. Early removal before age 25 is recommended for optimal recovery, with Thursday or Friday appointments allowing weekend rest for healing.
People
Gary K. Roberts, DDS
Founder & Dentist
Dr. Roberts leads the TMJ clinic at Stanford and specializes in complex dental implants and oral surgery. With over 20 years at Cardinal Dental, he combines academic expertise with compassionate care for adults, children, and post-cancer patients.
Nathan Kalinowski, DMD
Dentist
Dr. Kalinowski co-leads Stanford's special needs dental clinic and focuses on sedation dentistry. His practice emphasizes accessible care for patients with medical complexities, using advanced techniques to ensure comfort and long-term oral health outcomes.
Mary Vongesone, RDH
Hygienist
Mary provides preventive care and personalized oral hygiene guidance. With expertise in periodontal therapy, she educates patients on maintaining gum health between visits, emphasizing the link between oral care and systemic wellness.
Cynthia Del Parto, RDA
Senior Clinical Administrator
Cynthia oversees clinical operations and patient coordination. With 15+ years in dental administration, she ensures seamless scheduling, insurance navigation, and patient communication to enhance the overall care experience.
Mauren Aguilar, RDH
Hygienist
Mauren specializes in preventive dentistry and patient education. She focuses on early detection of oral diseases, offering tailored strategies for home care and maintaining optimal oral health through regular cleanings.
Questions
Does Cardinal Dental accept my insurance?
We are out-of-network with all dental insurance plans but provide detailed receipts for potential reimbursement. Many patients use their benefits here successfully.
Can I schedule emergency dental care?
Yes, we offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies like pain, broken teeth, or infections. Call (650) 328-6684 immediately for urgent care.
What sedation options are available?
We offer nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and hospital-based general anesthesia to accommodate patient comfort needs for procedures ranging from cleanings to complex surgeries.
Do you treat patients with special needs?
Yes, we specialize in adaptive care for individuals with medical, physical, or developmental challenges using customized treatment plans and multiple sedation levels.
How do I prepare for IV sedation?
Fast for 8 hours beforehand, wear loose clothing, and arrange for a companion to drive you home. Avoid driving for 24 hours post-procedure.
What's the recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Swelling peaks in 3 days. Use ice packs, follow medication instructions, and stick to soft foods. Most patients return to normal activities within a week.