Dental Implants in Granada Hills, CA

Our implant care is led by Dr. Jonathan Akhavan, a board-certified periodontist and implant specialist who completed his residency at NYU. Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation and imaging to confirm you are a good candidate. The titanium post is then placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia and given a few months to fuse with the bone. Once healing is complete, a connecting abutment and a custom crown, bridge, or denture are added to complete your restoration. For patients with insufficient bone, bone grafting can prepare the area for a successful implant.

Missing teeth can make chewing and speaking difficult and, over time, lead to jawbone loss and the shifting of surrounding teeth. Because an implant replaces the tooth root, it helps preserve the jawbone and keeps neighboring teeth from drifting out of place. The result is a stable, long-lasting tooth replacement that supports both your appearance and your oral health.

Healthy gums and enough supporting bone are the foundation of a successful implant. Dental implants are generally recommended if you:

• Are missing one or more teeth
• Have enough jawbone to support an implant, or are able to have a bone graft
• Want a permanent, non-removable tooth replacement
• Prefer a fixed option over removable dentures or bridgework
• Are committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups

Implant treatment takes place over a few months, one step at a time, so each stage can heal properly before the next one begins.

1. 1

   Evaluation and Planning

   Treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation, including detailed X-rays and impressions of your mouth, so we can assess your bone structure and build a treatment plan around your needs.

2. 2

   Implant Placement

   Under local anesthesia, the titanium implant is placed into the jawbone. Over the next three to six months it bonds with the bone. In some cases, a temporary tooth can be placed during this healing period.

3. 3

   Abutment Placement

   Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached. It securely holds your new tooth in place.

4. 4

   Final Restoration

   Your custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment, crafted to match your natural teeth so you can bite and chew with confidence.

An implant needs enough healthy bone around it to stay stable. If you have lost bone in your jaw, you may still be a candidate: a bone grafting procedure can reinforce the area so it is ready to support an implant. Your evaluation will show whether a graft should be part of your treatment plan.

Beyond filling the gap in your smile, implants offer lasting advantages for your oral health:

• Preserve the jawbone: implants stimulate the jawbone much like natural tooth roots, helping prevent the bone loss that can follow tooth loss
• Restore chewing power: eat your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth slipping or shifting
• Stay stable: anchored in the jawbone, implants don't move or click the way removable dentures can
• Protect neighboring teeth: unlike a traditional bridge, an implant doesn't require reshaping the healthy teeth on either side
• Last for the long term: with good care and regular check-ups, implants are designed to serve you for many years

Good oral hygiene is the key to keeping your implant healthy. Brush and floss every day, and keep up with regular check-ups and cleanings so we can monitor the implant and the gums around it.

During the initial healing period, avoid chewing hard or tough foods near the implant. Our team will give you detailed post-operative instructions and support you throughout your recovery.

Our office accepts many major dental insurance plans, and our team is happy to help you understand your benefits before treatment begins. Coverage for implants varies from plan to plan, so we'll review your options with you during your consultation.

Healthy gums and adequate bone are key to a successful implant, which is why our first step is always a careful examination. Patients from Granada Hills, North Hills, and Northridge trust our team for expert implant care. Call (818) 363-0200 to find out whether dental implants are right for you.