Implants
by Dr. Mehryar Issac Ebrahimi, DDS | Beverly Wilshire Dental Group
What Dental Implants Are
A dental implant is a small titanium or ceramic post surgically placed into the jawbone, where it functions as an artificial tooth root. Over a period of healing, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation. Once healed, a custom-made crown, or in some cases a bridge or denture, is attached to complete the restoration. Because it's anchored directly in bone, an implant functions independently of neighboring teeth.
Who Needs Implants
Implants may be a good option for patients missing one or more teeth due to decay, injury, gum disease, or a prior extraction. Good candidates generally have adequate bone density and volume, healthy gums, and overall health that supports the healing process. Implants are used across a wide age range, generally once jaw growth is complete, and can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or support a full denture, depending on your needs.
The Implant Process
Initial Evaluation — Dr. Ebrahimi reviews your oral health, takes imaging of your jawbone, and discusses whether an implant is the right option for you.
Preparatory Treatment, if Needed — Some patients require a bone graft or other preparatory procedure before implant placement to ensure adequate bone support.
Implant Placement — The implant post is surgically placed by an Oral Surgeon into the jawbone under local anesthesia.
Healing and Osseointegration — Over a period of weeks to months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone, creating a stable foundation.
Restoration — Once healed, a custom abutment and crown (or bridge or denture) are attached to complete the restoration.
The full process often spans several months, though the exact timeline depends on individual healing and whether preparatory treatment is needed.
The Implant Crown
The crown attached to an implant is custom-designed to match the size, shape, and shade of your surrounding teeth, so the final result blends naturally with the rest of your smile. It's connected to the implant post via a small connector piece called an abutment. The crown restores full biting and chewing function and is cared for much like a natural tooth.
Bone Grafting
When a tooth has been missing for some time, or when bone loss has occurred due to gum disease or injury, the jawbone may not have enough volume or density to support an implant on its own. In these cases, Dr. Ebrahimi may recommend a bone graft, a procedure that adds or encourages the growth of bone in the area, to create a more stable foundation before implant placement. Healing from a bone graft typically takes several months before the implant itself can be placed.
Implant Alternatives
While implants offer a long-term, independent solution, they aren't the only option for replacing a missing tooth. A traditional bridge uses the neighboring teeth for support and doesn't require surgery, though it does involve preparing those adjacent teeth. A removable partial or complete denture is a non-surgical option that can replace one or several missing teeth, and in some cases, can be combined with a smaller number of implants for added stability. Dr. Ebrahimi can help you weigh these options against the benefits of a traditional implant based on your specific needs and goals.
Implant Maintenance
Once restored, an implant should be cared for much like a natural tooth: regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. While the implant itself does not decay, the surrounding gum tissue can still be affected by inadequate oral hygiene, so consistent care remains important. Periodic dental visits also allow Dr. Ebrahimi to monitor the health of the implant, the fit of the crown, and the condition of the surrounding bone and gum tissue over time.
Common Myths About Dental Implants
Myth: "Implants are only for older patients." Dental implants are used across a wide age range, generally once jaw growth is complete. Overall oral and bone health matter more than age itself.
Myth: "Getting an implant is extremely painful." The implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report the discomfort afterward is manageable, often comparable to that of a tooth extraction.
Myth: "Anyone can get an implant, regardless of bone health." Successful implant placement depends on adequate bone density and volume. Patients with significant bone loss may need a bone graft first, which is why imaging and evaluation are an important early step.
Myth: "Implants look and feel obviously artificial." When properly planned and restored, an implant-supported crown is designed to be indistinguishable from a natural tooth in both appearance and function.
Myth: "The entire implant process happens in one visit." Implant treatment typically occurs in stages, including placement, a healing period for osseointegration, and placement of the final restoration, often spanning several months in total.
Myth: "Implants require constant, special maintenance." Implants are cared for much like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. They do not decay, but the surrounding gum tissue still needs consistent care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for a dental implant? Good candidates generally have adequate bone density, healthy gums, and overall health that supports healing. Dr. Ebrahimi and his colleagues (Periodintist or Oral Surgeon), evaluate your specific situation, including imaging of the jawbone, to determine candidacy.
How long does the implant process take from start to finish? Timelines vary, but the process often spans several months to allow for proper healing and osseointegration between implant placement and attachment of the final restoration.
Will I need a bone graft before getting an implant? This depends on the amount of bone present in the area of the missing tooth. The specialist can determine whether a bone graft is necessary based on your imaging and evaluation.
What is the success rate of dental implants? Dental implants have a high success rate overall, though outcomes can be affected by factors such as bone health, oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medical conditions.
How do I care for an implant once it's restored? Implants should be brushed and flossed like natural teeth, along with regular dental checkups to monitor the health of the surrounding gum and bone tissue.
What's the difference between an implant and a bridge? An implant replaces a tooth independently, without involving neighboring teeth, while a traditional bridge relies on the teeth adjacent to the gap for support, requiring those teeth to be shaped and crowned.
Can I get an implant if I've been missing a tooth for a long time? Yes, though longer-term tooth loss can sometimes be associated with bone loss in that area. Dr. Ebrahimi can evaluate whether a bone graft or other preparatory step is needed before implant placement.
Considering a Dental Implant?
At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi begins the implant process with a thorough evaluation to determine whether an implant is the right solution for your missing tooth or teeth. If you've been considering replacing a missing tooth, we welcome the opportunity to discuss whether an implant is a good fit for you.
Dental Implants in Beverly Hills
Losing a tooth affects more than appearance, it can impact chewing, speech, and the long-term health of your jawbone and surrounding teeth. Dr. Ebrahimi, DDS of Beverly Wilshire Dental Group offers dental implants as a durable, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth, guiding patients through every step from initial evaluation to long-term maintenance.
They say it better than we do
My wife and I have been going to him for the past five years and refuse to go anywhere else. He takes his time and performs dentistry to perfection - no corners cut here. HIGHLY recommended. Thank you Dr. Ebrahimi!
Hunter Owen
Lea
Great experience at Beverly Wilshire Dental group! Very professional and honest. Dr. Mehyar Ebrahimi explained everything patiently, walked me through the entire process and answered all my questions and concerns.
Dina Alyasi
He's a really nice and helpful doctor. And always find the solution when I have any problem on my teeth. Highly recommend.