Dental Implant Surgeon Torrance

MariaElena Rodriguez, DDS

Prosthodontist & Dental Implant Surgeon

Dr. MariaElena “Malena” Rodriguez has been providing advanced dental care to patients in Torrance for more than 20 years. As a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon, she brings extensive education, specialized training, and decades of clinical experience to the care she provides.

Dr. Rodriguez earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology from Loyola Marymount University before receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UCLA. She then continued her education through several advanced programs at UCLA, developing specialized expertise in complex restorative and prosthodontic care.

Her advanced education and training include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology, Loyola Marymount University
• Doctor of Dental Surgery, UCLA School of Dentistry
• Certificate in Advanced Prosthodontics, UCLA
• Certificate in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, UCLA
• Geriatric Fellowship, UCLA
• Certificate in Implant Dentistry, Loma Linda University

In addition to her extensive clinical training, Dr. Rodriguez has dedicated a significant part of her career to education. She served as a teaching assistant in Removable Prosthodontics at UCLA and later became a Clinical Instructor in the Section of Removable Prosthodontics. She also served as a Clinical Instructor for the Graduate Prosthodontics Residency Program and UCLA’s Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions program.

Dr. Rodriguez completed her advanced Maxillofacial Prosthodontic training at UCLA before entering private practice. After eight years in private practice, she further expanded her expertise by completing a two-year fellowship in implant dentistry at Loma Linda University.

Since 2004, Dr. Rodriguez has served as the Owner and Director of South Bay Prosthodontics in Torrance. She is also the Owner and Director of PermaDent, where she brings her extensive experience in prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, and dental implant treatment to patients seeking comprehensive care.

Her career has been defined by a commitment to advanced education, specialized training, and thoughtful, individualized care for patients with complex restorative and dental implant needs.

Dr. Rodriguez maintains active memberships in several respected professional organizations, including:

• American Dental Association
• American College of Prosthodontists
• Academy of Osseointegration
• American Academy of Periodontology
• California Dental Association
• Western Dental Society
• Kois Center

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Rodriguez is an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization that supports women’s educational opportunities and professional growth.

Perry R. Klokkevold, DDS, MS, FACD

Periodontist & Dental Implant Surgeon

Dr. Perry Klokkevold brings more than thirty years of experience to PermaDent. A Torrance native, he completed his dental degree at UCSF and pursued advanced training at UCLA in Hospital Dentistry, Periodontics, and Implant Surgery.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, recognized for his ethics and leadership.

Dr. Klokkevold has held leadership roles including:

• President, California Society of Periodontists
• Trustee, American Academy of Periodontology (District 6)
• Director, UCLA Periodontics and Implant Surgery Residency Program

He has written more than 70 research articles, 125 textbook chapters, and co-edited five editions of Clinical Periodontology and Implantology, one of dentistry’s most respected textbooks.

At our Torrance dental implant office, Dr. Klokkevold combines surgical precision with a compassionate chairside manner to help every patient achieve lasting oral health and confidence.

Dr. Linda Yang, DDS

Periodontist

With over thirty years of experience, Dr. Linda Yang is a leader in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. She began her career with a Hospital Dentistry Residency through the Veterans Administration, then earned her specialty certification in Periodontics in 1986.

Dr. Yang has lectured both nationally and internationally and has served as Director of the Periodontics Residency Program at USC. She also developed several key dental courses at the USC School of Dentistry. Her lifelong commitment to education and research continues to shape the next generation of dentists.

Lindsey Williams, DDS, MS

Periodontist & Dental Implant Surgeon

Dr. Lindsey Williams is a board-certified periodontist and implant surgeon serving patients throughout the South Bay. Known for her precision and patient-centered care, she is dedicated to helping every patient understand their treatment options and feel confident in their care.

Dr. Williams earned her DDS from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC and completed her specialty training in Periodontics and a Master’s in Dentistry at The Ohio State University.

Her advanced clinical skills include:

• Gum disease treatment
• Gum grafting
• Bone augmentation
• Sinus lifts
• Dental implant surgery

Dr. Williams is an active member of the AAP, ADA, and CDA, and continues to pursue advanced training to stay current with the latest surgical techniques. Her dedication and compassionate approach make her an integral part of our Torrance dental implant team.