Dental Implants
Restore Your Smile With Permanent Tooth Replacement in Los Angeles
Tooth loss affects more than your smile — it changes how you eat, speak, and carry yourself every day. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone beneath it begins to deteriorate, surrounding teeth shift, and over time the entire bite can be compromised. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that addresses all of these consequences at once, replacing not just the visible crown but the root itself. For patients throughout the Los Angeles area, Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center offers implant placement designed to last a lifetime.
Dr. Jonathan R. Shadi and Dr. Saman Vahedi are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced training in implant dentistry. Dr. Shadi earned his degree from the USC School of Dentistry and completed his OMFS training at the Veterans’ Affairs Hospital, while Dr. Vahedi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons who completed his residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. Together, they bring extensive surgical experience to every implant case — from single-tooth replacements to complex full-arch restorations. Learn more about our surgeons on our Meet Us page.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone at the site of a missing tooth. Titanium is used because of its unique ability to fuse directly with living bone through a process called osseointegration. Over a healing period of approximately three to six months, the jawbone grows around and integrates with the implant surface, creating a stable foundation that functions like a natural tooth root.
Once osseointegration is complete, a connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant post. Your restorative dentist then places a custom-made crown on top of the abutment. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like the tooth it replaced. Because the implant stimulates the jawbone the way a natural root does, it also helps prevent the bone loss that typically follows tooth extraction. According to the National Institutes of Health, osseointegrated dental implants have demonstrated long-term success rates of over 90% in clinical studies.
Types of Dental Implants We Place
At Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center, our surgeons place several types of implant restorations depending on how many teeth are missing and the patient’s overall oral health. The options we offer include:
- Single dental implant — One implant post supports one custom crown, replacing a single missing tooth anywhere in the mouth without affecting adjacent healthy teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge — When two or more adjacent teeth are missing, implants can support a bridge without the need to grind down neighboring teeth as traditional bridges require.
- Implant-supported dentures — For patients missing most or all teeth in an arch, implants can anchor a removable overdenture for significantly improved stability compared to conventional dentures.
- Full-arch restoration (All-on-X) — As few as four to six implants per jaw can support a fixed, permanent prosthesis, sometimes called Teeth in a Day. Learn more about full mouth reconstruction at our practice.
- Immediate implants — In qualifying cases, an implant can be placed at the same appointment as a tooth extraction, reducing the total number of visits needed.
The Dental Implant Surgery Process
If bone volume is insufficient to support an implant, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended first to rebuild the site. Bone grafts are a routine part of implant preparation and do not disqualify a patient from receiving implants. We also offer Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy, which uses your body’s own growth factors to accelerate healing after grafting or implant placement.
On the day of your surgery, our team administers anesthesia and sedation appropriate to your procedure and comfort level. We offer IV sedation and general anesthesia for patients who prefer to be completely at ease — learn more about IV sedation and general anesthesia options. The implant post is then placed into the prepared site with precision guided by your pre-surgical imaging.
Benefits of Dental Implants Over Other Options
Dental implants offer advantages that other tooth replacement options cannot match. The table below shows how implants compare across the dimensions that matter most to patients.
Dentures and bridges restore the appearance of a full smile, but they sit on top of or attach to the gum and bone rather than replacing the root. This means they do not prevent the bone resorption that occurs after tooth loss, which can cause the jaw to shrink over time and change the shape of the face.Dental implants provide the stimulation the jawbone needs to maintain its density and volume. They do not require removal for cleaning, cannot develop decay, and with proper oral hygiene can last decades or a lifetime. Patients who choose implants typically report improvements in their ability to eat the foods they want, speak clearly, and smile with confidence.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
While the upfront cost of implants is higher than dentures or bridges, the long-term value is considerable. Dentures and bridges need periodic replacement and professional maintenance, whereas a well-placed implant is designed to last permanently. We offer information about financing through our payment options page, and patients with dental benefits can find insurance information at our Insurance & Finance page.
What to Do If You Are Missing a Tooth
If you have recently lost a tooth or had a tooth extracted, time matters. Bone resorption begins relatively quickly after tooth loss, and the sooner an implant is placed, the more bone is available to support it. Even if it has been years since a tooth was lost, implants are still possible in most cases — bone grafting can rebuild a site that has experienced resorption.
The first step is a consultation with our surgeons. During that appointment, we will review your imaging, discuss your goals, and outline a treatment plan with clear timelines and costs. To schedule, request an appointment online or call us at (310) 846-8978.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with good general health are candidates for dental implants. Key factors include having sufficient jawbone to support an implant, healthy gums, and no uncontrolled systemic conditions that would impair healing. If bone volume is insufficient due to prior tooth loss, bone grafting can prepare the site. The best way to determine candidacy is a consultation with our surgeons, which includes 3D imaging to assess your specific anatomy.
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
The surgery itself is performed under local anesthesia, and we offer IV sedation or general anesthesia for patients who prefer to be fully relaxed. Most patients report that the procedure is more comfortable than they expected. Post-operative discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and tends to be similar to what is experienced after a tooth extraction.
How long does the dental implant process take?
A straightforward single-implant case from placement to final crown can take three to six months, most of which is the osseointegration healing period. Cases that require bone grafting before implant placement will take longer. During your consultation, we will outline a realistic timeline specific to your treatment plan.
What is the difference between dental implants and dentures?
Dentures rest on the gum surface and are removable. They restore the appearance of teeth but do not prevent bone loss in the jaw, and can become loose or ill-fitting as the jaw changes shape over time. Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone like natural tooth roots. They stimulate bone, are fixed in place, and do not require removal for cleaning, generally providing better chewing function and long-term oral health outcomes.
Will my dental insurance cover implants?
Coverage varies widely by plan. Some insurance plans cover a portion of the implant procedure, while others classify implants as excluded. Our team can help you understand your benefits and discuss financing options. Visit our Insurance & Finance page or call us at (310) 846-8978.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The titanium post itself rarely needs replacement; the crown placed on top may eventually need to be replaced after many years of normal wear. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental check-ups, and avoiding teeth grinding are the primary factors that determine long-term success.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Los Angeles
Dr. Shadi and Dr. Vahedi bring board-level oral surgery credentials and years of hands-on implant experience to every patient at Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center. Whether you are missing a single tooth or considering a full-arch restoration, our team takes the time to understand your goals and build a treatment plan around your anatomy, timeline, and budget. We serve patients throughout Los Angeles from our office at 12300 Wilshire Blvd #326.
To take the first step toward a complete, permanent smile, request an appointment online or call us at (310) 846-8978. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you understand your options.