Dental Implants Naturally Beautiful

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants represent the most advanced and effective solution for replacing missing teeth available in modern dentistry. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, dental implants are permanent tooth replacements that mimic the structure of natural teeth from root to crown. Dr. Kiyan Mehdizadeh, with over 15 years of experience in implant dentistry, brings internationally-trained expertise to every case at his Beverly Hills practice.

A dental implant consists of three components: a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root, an abutment that connects the post to the visible restoration, and a custom-crafted porcelain crown that matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and translucency. This three-part system creates a tooth replacement that is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Why Choose Dental Implants Over Other Options?

When you lose a tooth, the underlying jawbone begins to deteriorate because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root. This bone loss can lead to facial changes, including a sunken appearance around the mouth and premature aging. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves and stimulates bone, preventing this deterioration and maintaining your facial structure.

Traditional bridges require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth to support the replacement tooth, permanently altering teeth that would otherwise remain intact. Dental implants stand independently, preserving the integrity of your surrounding natural teeth. Additionally, while dentures typically restore only 20-25% of natural chewing function and can slip or click during eating and speaking, dental implants restore nearly 100% of chewing function and remain securely in place.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

The dental implant process begins with a comprehensive evaluation using 3D cone beam CT imaging at Dr. Mehdizadeh's Beverly Hills office. This advanced technology allows precise assessment of your bone density, nerve locations, and sinus positions, enabling the creation of a customized surgical guide for optimal implant placement. Computer-guided surgery ensures accuracy to within fractions of a millimeter.

During the surgical procedure, which typically takes 1-2 hours under local anesthesia or IV sedation, the titanium implant is placed into the prepared site in your jawbone. Over the following 3-4 months, a process called osseointegration occurs where the bone fuses directly with the titanium surface, creating an incredibly stable foundation. Dr. Mehdizadeh's training at Loma Linda University and the gIDE Institute ensures the latest evidence-based techniques are used for predictable outcomes.

After osseointegration is complete, a custom abutment is placed, and impressions are taken for your final crown. Master ceramists craft your restoration to match the exact shade, shape, and characterization of your natural teeth. The final crown is then permanently attached, completing your smile transformation.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults in good general health are candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates have adequate bone density to support the implant, healthy gum tissue, and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene. Age is rarely a limiting factor—patients in their 80s and 90s have successfully received dental implants.

For patients with insufficient bone due to long-term tooth loss, periodontal disease, or trauma, bone grafting procedures can rebuild the necessary foundation. Dr. Mehdizadeh performs socket preservation, ridge augmentation, and sinus lifts to create optimal conditions for implant placement. His advanced training in periodontal microsurgery from the Huerzeler/Zuhr program in Munich enables minimally invasive techniques with excellent healing outcomes.

Certain conditions may require special consideration or management before implant placement. These include uncontrolled diabetes, active periodontal disease, heavy smoking, osteoporosis, or immune-compromising conditions. During your consultation, Dr. Mehdizadeh will review your complete medical history to determine the best treatment approach for your situation.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

At Dr. Mehdizadeh's Beverly Hills practice, single dental implants range from $4,000 to $6,000 for the complete treatment, which includes the implant, abutment, and custom crown. Implant-supported bridges typically range from $8,000 to $15,000 depending on the number of teeth being replaced. Full arch restorations using the All-on-4 technique start at $25,000 per arch.

Many PPO dental insurance plans now provide coverage for dental implants, typically covering 50% of the cost up to annual maximums. Medical insurance may also provide coverage when tooth loss resulted from an accident or medical condition. The practice accepts most major PPO plans and offers financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon with payment plans from 6-60 months. A detailed treatment estimate with insurance benefits will be provided at your consultation.

What Is Recovery Like After Implant Surgery?

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the recovery process is following dental implant surgery. Many report that the procedure was less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction. Dr. Mehdizadeh's minimally invasive surgical techniques and precise computer-guided placement minimize tissue trauma and promote faster healing.

Following surgery, you can expect mild swelling and tenderness for 3-5 days, which is easily managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses. Most patients return to work within 1-2 days. During the initial healing period, you'll eat soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the implant site. A temporary restoration ensures you're never without teeth during the healing process.