Dental Implants near Westwood CA

Dental Implants for Westwood Patients — Board-Certified Surgeons Minutes from UCLA

Westwood is defined by its proximity to UCLA, a community where academic standards and research-informed expectations shape nearly every decision, including healthcare. When Westwood residents, UCLA students, faculty, and staff seek dental implant treatment, they tend to look for the same things they value in every field: credentials, precision, and honest information. Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center, located at 12300 Wilshire Blvd #326, Los Angeles, CA 90025, is approximately two miles east of Westwood along Wilshire Boulevard. A short drive through the 90024 and into the 90025 puts Westwood patients at a board-certified surgical practice with in-house imaging technology and a team trained at the highest levels of the specialty.

Dental implants at Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center are performed by Dr. Jonathan R. Shadi and Dr. Saman Vahedi, both board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons whose training includes ties to UCLA and USC. For Westwood patients who understand the difference between a credential and a claim, those distinctions matter. Learn more about our surgeons and their academic and clinical backgrounds.

The Science of Dental Implants — What Westwood Patients Should Know

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial root. Once placed, it undergoes osseointegration, a biological process in which bone cells grow into and around the titanium surface, anchoring the implant permanently. A crown is then placed on top, restoring the tooth’s appearance and function. The implant does not rely on adjacent teeth for support, does not require adhesive, and does not need to be removed for cleaning.

Bone preservation is one of the most clinically significant advantages of implants over other tooth replacement options. When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported it begins to resorb in the absence of mechanical stimulation. An implant provides that stimulation, halting the resorption process that would otherwise continue under a bridge or denture. The National Library of Medicine documents dental implants as a well-established treatment modality in dentistry with clinical outcomes supported by decades of evidence.

Osseointegration
Bone cells grow into the titanium surface over three to six months, permanently anchoring the implant without cement, screws through adjacent teeth, or adhesive.
Bone Preservation
The implant provides mechanical stimulation to the jawbone, preventing the resorption that begins within months of tooth loss and continues progressively under conventional restorations.
Structural Independence
The implant is self-supporting and does not require reducing, crowning, or loading adjacent healthy teeth — a meaningful long-term advantage over bridges.
Long Clinical Track Record
Implant dentistry is supported by more than four decades of clinical research. Outcomes data from multicenter studies inform current surgical techniques and protocols.

Technology-Driven Planning for Westwood Implant Patients

We use Cone Beam 3D imaging for every implant case. This technology creates a precise three-dimensional map of the surgical site, showing bone density, width, height, root positions, and the exact location of nerves and sinus anatomy. We use this data to plan each implant’s position, angle, and depth before any surgical procedure begins, reducing variability and improving predictability.

If bone volume at the implant site is insufficient due to prior tooth loss or atrophy, bone grafting can rebuild the site prior to or concurrent with implant placement. When appropriate, we also use platelet-rich fibrin to support healing at the surgical site. After integration, your referring general dentist or prosthodontist places the final crown, and we coordinate with your provider throughout the process. Our complete post-operative care instructions are provided at every stage.

Insurance and Financing for Westwood Implant Patients

Westwood’s population includes UCLA employees, graduate students, and faculty who often carry comprehensive PPO dental plans through the UC Benefits program or other institutional providers. Many of these plans include some coverage for implant-related procedures when the treatment is medically indicated. We verify your specific benefits before any procedure and provide a detailed cost estimate before you commit to treatment.

For out-of-pocket costs, we offer flexible payment options through CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry. Our insurance and financing page outlines the full billing and coverage verification process for Westwood and Westside patients.

Our Surgeons — UCLA- and USC-Trained, Board-Certified, Serving Westwood

Dr. Jonathan R. Shadi completed his neuroscience degree at UCLA before earning his DDS from the USC School of Dentistry, where he graduated on the Dean’s List and received the John Ingle Research Award in 2009. Dr. Saman Vahedi also trained at UCLA for his undergraduate degree and USC for his dental education, then completed a hospital-based residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident in 2013 and 2014. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. For Westwood patients who value training pedigree, both surgeons carry the most rigorous credentials available in the specialty.

Learn more about our team’s clinical backgrounds and approach to implant surgery at Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center.

Frequently Asked Questions — Dental Implants near Westwood

How far is your office from Westwood Village?

We are approximately two miles east of Westwood Village on Wilshire Boulevard. The drive typically takes five to eight minutes from most parts of Westwood. Our address is 12300 Wilshire Blvd #326, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

Do you accept UC Benefits dental plans?

We work with a broad range of PPO dental plans. Coverage under UC Benefits plans depends on the specific plan tier and procedure. We contact your insurer before scheduling surgery to verify your benefits and provide a clear cost estimate. Contact our office with your insurance information to confirm participation before your appointment.

Is implant surgery painful?

Most patients report less discomfort than they expected. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, so the surgery itself is not painful. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and well-managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain management. Most patients return to normal activity within two to three days.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Clinical research documents high long-term implant survival rates in healthy patients with adequate bone, though specific rates vary by study, implant system, location in the mouth, and patient health factors. At your consultation, we discuss your specific risk profile and what the clinical literature says about expected outcomes for your situation.

What happens if an implant fails?

Implant failure, while uncommon, does occur in a small percentage of cases. It most often presents as failure to osseointegrate or as peri-implantitis developing years after placement due to poor oral hygiene or systemic factors. We discuss the specific risk factors that apply to your case at your consultation and build a follow-up plan into your care from the start.

Can I get an implant if I have diabetes or another systemic condition?

Many patients with well-controlled systemic conditions, including diabetes, are suitable implant candidates. Poorly controlled blood sugar does increase the risk of complications, so we review your medical history carefully before making a recommendation. In some cases, coordination with your primary care physician is part of the pre-surgical workup.

Schedule Your Implant Consultation near Westwood at Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center

Westwood patients who want dental implant care backed by board-certified credentials, technology-driven surgical planning, and a team with roots in the UCLA community will find what they are looking for at Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center. We are a short drive east on Wilshire Boulevard and ready to provide the evidence-based, individualized care the Westwood community expects.

Request your consultation online or reach us through our contact page. We serve patients from across the Westside, including West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Culver City. View all the communities we serve on the Westside.