Services
Dental Implants in Tarzana, CA
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up — a titanium post placed in your jawbone, topped with a custom crown. Unlike a bridge or denture, it doesn't rely on neighboring teeth for support, and it's the closest thing to growing your tooth back.
The Process
- Consultation & imaging to plan placement and confirm you have enough bone to support an implant
- Implant placement — the titanium post is placed in the jawbone
- Healing period while the implant fuses to bone (osseointegration), typically a few months
- Custom crown placement on top of the healed implant
Who's a Good Candidate
Most healthy adults with adequate jawbone density are candidates for implants. Gum disease needs to be treated first, and heavy smokers or patients with certain uncontrolled health conditions may need extra evaluation — we'll confirm candidacy with imaging and an exam before recommending implants specifically. Implant placement and any related gum surgery is led by Dr. Pedram Fakheri, our periodontics and implant specialist; see his full background on our Meet the Doctors page.
What Affects Cost
Every case is different, but the main factors are: how many teeth are being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed first, and whether you're restoring a single tooth or a full arch. We'll give you an exact, itemized estimate at your consult — and confirm what your insurance covers — before any commitment. If you're paying out of pocket, our financing options can also help make a larger case more manageable.
Recovery & Aftercare
Most patients return to normal activity within a few days of placement, with some swelling and tenderness in the first week. During the healing period, we'll check in to confirm the implant is integrating properly before moving to the crown stage. Long-term, an implant is cared for just like a natural tooth — regular brushing, flossing, and routine checkups.
Implants vs. Bridges vs. Dentures
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to the two neighboring teeth, which means grinding down otherwise-healthy teeth. A removable denture replaces one or more teeth but can shift while eating or speaking. An implant stands on its own, doesn't touch neighboring teeth, and helps preserve the jawbone that would otherwise shrink after tooth loss — which is why most patients who are good candidates end up choosing it. If you're missing most or all of your teeth, ask about implant-supported dentures, which combine the stability of implants with full-arch replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting an implant hurt?
The placement is done under local anesthesia, and most patients describe recovery discomfort as similar to a tooth extraction — manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does the whole process take?
From placement to final crown is typically 3–6 months, most of which is healing time, not appointments.
How long do implants last?
With good oral hygiene, the implant itself can last decades; the crown on top may eventually need replacement like a natural tooth's crown would.
What if I don't have enough jawbone?
A bone graft can often build up the site enough to support an implant — we'll tell you at your consult if this applies to you.
Can I replace all my teeth with implants?
Yes, full-arch implant solutions exist for patients missing most or all of their teeth — ask us about implant-supported dentures.