Procedures

• → Dental Implants
• → Wisdom Teeth
• → Bone Grafting
• → Teeth-in-an-Hour
• → Pre-prosthetic Surgery
• → Impacted Canines
• → Facial Trauma
• → Oral Pathology
• → TMJ Disorder
• → Sleep Apnea
• → Cleft Lip & Palate
• → Platelet Rich Plasma
• → Distraction Osteogenesis

Dental Implant Overview

For a brief narrated overview of the dental implant process, please click the image on the right. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about dental implants.

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More Information

For more information on dental implants in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas, please give us a call at 310-772-0700.

Dental Implants

A Personal Message to Our Prospective Implant Patients

(Please Read This First)

Thank you for visiting my dental implant page.  If you are here, that means you are either facing or experiencing life with one or more missing teeth.  It is understandable that you may feel nervous and apprehensive about your situation.  Perhaps you think that you are in for pain, expense, time off work or school and your social calendar will likely be “closed for business” for the next few months.  Although I don’t know your specific situation, I have treated thousands of patients just like you.  Let me assure you that the process of tooth replacement does a have to be painful or expensive and you don’t have to put the brakes on your social life. If you are just beginning your research on dental implants in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, please scroll down this page to learn the specifics about dental implants, how they work and other important details of dental implant therapy.  If you have already learned about dental implants, I would like to begin our relationship by addressing your concerns, fears and expectations and answering some common questions my patients express during their first visit to my office. 

The first most common question is, “Is it painful?”  Dental implant surgery is a surgical procedure, so some discomfort is to be expected after your surgery.  However, most of my patients only experience minimal discomfort and take pain medications for only a few days. Believe it or not, some patients don’t take pain pills at all and return to work or school the very next day.  Please review my Patient Testimonials page; and visit Yelp.com to view what other patients have to say about my office. 

The second most common question is, “How expensive are dental implants?” Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant costs about the same as replacing it with a dental bridge.  One difference patients experience is that insurance companies have not yet caught up with dental technological advancements and cover more of the bridge cost than the implant cost. For many of my patients, cost is a significant factor in determining treatment. We have treatment coordinators in our office to work with you to determine the best treatment for you clinically, financially and to meet your quality of life goals.  

I have found that many individuals appreciate the one-on-one approach we give to every single patient. My treatment coordinators and I will collaborate with you personally to determine the best course of treatment for all your specific needs.  

What about those places that advertise implants for $800-900 on the radio and the Internet?  

The truth is, dentists who place implants at a very low price tend to use several different advertising methods.  Some are more honest than others, and some may actually be a good deal, but as with any undertaking, it’s buyer beware. 

To learn more on their strategies, our page on the truth about $900 dental implants is informative and will shed some light.

I hope I have answered your questions and have alleviated your concerns.  I assure you that our office will provide the most professional and pleasant experience when it comes to dental implants in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas. Please scroll down to learn some basic information about dental implants.  

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Polyakov will uncover the implants and attach small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Polyakov is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction - further minimizing the number of surgical procedures. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called “immediate loading,” greatly simplifies the surgical process.

Who actually performs the implant placement?

Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While Dr. Polyakov performs the actual implant surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

What types of prostheses are available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Polyakov performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Why dental implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve you life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than thirty-five years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Why would you select dental implants over more traditional types of restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Are you a candidate for implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What type of anesthesia is used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.

Do Implants need special care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.