Meet Dentist Curtis Pontynen DDS

I spent my first 15 years as a dentist in Pioneer and gained practical experience in many aspects of dentistry. Since a trip to see a dental specialist usually meant a four hour round trip drive to Sacramento, I found myself involved in work I might have otherwise referred, including surgical extractions, periodontal treatment and surgery, endodontics, and challenging prosthetic dentistry including a little bit of implant dentistry. During my time in Amador county, I developed an interest in complex cases and comprehensive dental treatment. In the mid 1990’s, I became involved with the Foundation for Advanced Continuing Education (FACE). During the years that followed, I studied in depth the diagnosis, planning and treatment of full mouth reconstruction cases, TMJ involved cases and implant supported prosthetic dentistry. I think the perspective and experience I’ve gained treating complicated cases over the years really helps me do a better job with everyday dentistry.

In 1999, I made the decision to move to Saratoga to take over the practice of my mentor at FACE, Thomas Basta, DDS. We relocated to the San Jose area in the year 2000. For the last 25 years, I have been privileged to help a lot of patients who had complicated dental problems and who needed comprehensive treatment. Most of my work, however, is general restorative dentistry for adults and teenagers and implant supported prosthetic dentistry - rather than full mouth reconstruction cases. Implant dentistry has become a big part of what we do. I often work with an oral surgeon or a periodontal surgeon for placement of dental implants. My role in these cases is to provide case planning and treatment goals so I can control the restorative outcome. A team approach brings experience to the table from more than one perspective. I do place some implants and have completed some challenging comprehensive cases including implant placement for those cases.

For the last five years or so, my new area of interest has been “digital dentistry”. Much of my work now involves data collection in the form of intraoral optical scanning and cone beam cat scan (CBCT) data which can be used together in a virtual patient planning environment. I use this type of technology to design crowns and inlays as well as implant abutments and prosthetics. I think this capability and methodology is perhaps the most important development underway in dentistry. While learning to use these tools is challenging to say the least, I love this technology and love the opportunity to bring sophisticated analog dentistry and the digital work flow together to get ever better results for patients.

I practiced in Saratoga until 2022 when we moved the practice due to the sale and renovation of our building. We then shared space with a close friend who has a large office in San Jose until we acquired and merged with the dental practice of Dr. Leonard Brothers. As of September of 2025, we are in our new permanent location on South Bascom Avenue

I treat mostly adult patients ranging from those who see me once or twice a year and have no other needs to those who require major treatment. My first job is to help a patient understand their situation clearly and to understand their alternatives. I am happy to work with anyone who needs and wants my help.