Dental implants are considered to be one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions that have been taken up for replacing missing teeth.
At our Los Angeles dental office, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to provide a seamless dental implant experience from start to finish. Whether you’ve recently lost a tooth or are exploring alternatives to dentures, understanding the dental implant process can help ease any anxiety and set clear expectations.
In this article, we walk you through each step of the dental implant journey in our LA office — from your initial consultation to your brand-new smile.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The dental implant process begins with a comprehensive consultation where the review of medical and dental history is undertaken, a full oral exam is conducted, and a 3D digital scan of the mouth is taken. These help in assessing the quality of the jawbone and determining whether a candidate is reliable for dental implants or not.
During this stage, general discussion about your goals and any concerns you have regarding your dental health and your options for sedation or anesthesia is conducted. If we find that you are a good candidate for dental implants, we will create a personalized treatment plan as per your needs and requirements.
What We Look For:
- Healthy gums
- Adequate bone density
- No untreated periodontal disease
- Overall good health
If any issues are detected, such as infection or bone loss, preparatory procedures are highly recommended before implant placement, such as bone grafting.
Step 2: Preparatory Procedures (if needed)
Different patients have different requirements, thus, some patients need additional treatments before dental implant surgery.
Bone Grafting:
A bone graft is necessary, especially when your jawbone is too soft or thin, so that it can support an implant. It leads to the placement of grafting material, such as synthetic or natural, for promoting bone health. Moreover, healing can still take several months, but is quite essential for long-term implant success.
Tooth Extraction:
If a decayed or damaged tooth needs to be removed, we can perform the extraction either during or before the implant placement procedure, which depends on the case.
Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery
Once your mouth is ready for dental implants, surgical placement is carried away with the implantation procedure. The dental implant itself is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into a jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root.
What to Expect:
- The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, with sedation options available.
- A small incision is made in the gum to expose the bone.
- The titanium implant is placed into the bone and the gum is stitched closed.
This procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours per implant and is done on an outpatient basis in our Los Angeles office.
Step 4: Healing and Osseointegration
After placement of implants, the natural healing process is automatic, which is called osseointegration. In this, the bone fuses with the titanium implant, which takes around 3-6 months. However, it is essential for creating a stable foundation for your new tooth.
During This Time:
- You’ll be placed on a soft diet for a few days.
- Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal and manageable with medication.
- Regular follow-up visits will monitor healing progress.
We may place a temporary crown or denture during this period, depending on the location and number of implants.
Step 5: Abutment Placement
Once healing is complete and implantation is carried out successfully, with its integration with the bone, the next step is followed with abutment. This is a small connector post that links the implant to the final crown.
The Process:
- A minor procedure is performed to reopen the gum and expose the implant.
- The abutment is attached, and the gum tissue is allowed to heal around it.
- Healing usually takes a few weeks.
In some cases, the abutment can be placed during the initial implant surgery, reducing the number of procedures.
Step 6: Final Restoration – Crown Placement
After the healing of your gums, the final step comes around, where the custom-made dental crown is placed. Here, we take digital impressions of your mouth to ensure that the crown matches with your natural teeth, especially in its shape, color, and fit.
Crown Options Include:
- Porcelain (highly aesthetic)
- Zirconia (strong and durable)
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (cost-effective)
Once the crown is ready, we secure it to the abutment, check the bite and comfort, and make any necessary adjustments.
The result? A natural-looking, fully functional tooth that can last a lifetime with proper care.
Step 7: Aftercare and Maintenance
Dental implants are of low maintenance, which are compared to other restorations. Though they require regular dental visits and good oral hygiene for having long-term success.
Our Tips for Long-Term Implant Care:
- Brush and floss daily
- Use a water flosser or interdental brushes
- Schedule professional cleanings and check-ups every six months
- Avoid chewing ice or hard objects that may damage your crown
For your dental implantation, we will provide you with a personalized care plan while recommending with right products that can keep your implants healthy.
Why Choose Our LA Dental Office for Implants?
We know that choosing to get dental implants is a big decision. Here’s what sets our Los Angeles office apart:
- Advanced Imaging Technology: 3D CBCT scans ensure precise implant placement.
- Experienced Team: Our implant specialists have years of clinical experience and training.
- Comfort-Focused Approach: We offer various sedation options and gentle care for anxious patients.
- In-House Coordination: Everything — from diagnostics to placement to final restoration — is done right here, under one roof.
Your smile is a lifelong investment, and we’re here to support you at every step.
Final Thoughts
The dental implant process is a transformative journey that restores more than just your smile — it rebuilds your confidence, improves your oral health, and enhances your quality of life. From your first consultation to your final crown, our LA team is committed to making every step comfortable, transparent, and successful.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a stronger, more beautiful smile, contact our Los Angeles office today to schedule your implant consultation.