Dental implants are the most advanced and durable option available for replacing missing teeth, designed to function, feel, and look like natural teeth for decades when properly placed and maintained. An implant consists of a titanium or ceramic post surgically positioned in the jawbone, which fuses with the surrounding bone through a biological process called osseointegration. Once integrated, the implant serves as a stable anchor for a custom crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis. Unlike removable dentures or traditional tooth-supported bridges, dental implants stand independently, preserve the natural tooth structure of adjacent teeth, and stimulate the jawbone in the same way natural tooth roots do — preventing the bone loss that follows long-term tooth loss.
Dr. David Salehani is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon — a specialist who has completed dental school, medical school, a hospital-based surgical residency, and a general surgery internship, the highest level of training available for surgical implant placement. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors from State University of New York at Stony Brook, his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook School of Medicine, and completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Salehani serves as faculty at UCLA Medical Center, has held a seat on the peer review board of the Los Angeles Dental Society for over seven years, and is past president of the Beverly Hills Academy of Dentistry — credentials that allow him to handle straightforward single-tooth cases as well as the most complex full-mouth reconstructions referred to him by general dentists across the Los Angeles area.
Types of Dental Implant Restorations
- Single-Tooth Implants: A single implant supports a custom crown to replace one missing tooth without disturbing adjacent natural teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Two or more implants anchor a fixed bridge to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth.
- Full-Arch Restorations: Techniques such as All-on-4 replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth using just four strategically placed implants.
- Implant-Retained Dentures: Two to four implants stabilize a removable denture, dramatically improving fit, comfort, and chewing function compared to traditional dentures.
- Live Navigation Implant Surgery: The X-Guide™ system provides real-time 3D guidance during placement for the highest level of precision in challenging anatomical cases.
How the Dental Implant Procedure Works
Treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation, including 3D CT imaging to evaluate bone volume, sinus anatomy, and the position of nearby nerves and structures. Dr. Salehani designs a customized treatment plan and confirms whether bone grafting is needed before or during implant placement. The implant itself is placed during a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the case complexity and patient preference. Over the following three to six months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone through osseointegration. Once fully integrated, an abutment is attached to connect the implant to the final crown, bridge, or denture — completing a restoration that looks and functions like natural dentition.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants are the only tooth-replacement option that addresses both the visible crown and the missing tooth root. They restore full chewing function so patients can eat the foods they enjoy without restriction, prevent the progressive jawbone loss that occurs after tooth loss, preserve the structure of adjacent natural teeth (unlike bridges, which require grinding down healthy teeth on either side), eliminate the slipping, clicking, and discomfort associated with removable dentures, and last for decades — often a lifetime — with proper home care and routine professional maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long does the entire dental implant process take?
From initial consultation to final restoration, most cases take between four and nine months — implant placement is a single surgical visit, followed by three to six months of osseointegration before the final crown is placed.
Is implant surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, so there is no discomfort during placement — most patients manage post-operative soreness with over-the-counter or short-term prescription pain medication and report less discomfort than they expected.
How long do dental implants last?
The implant itself is designed to last a lifetime when properly placed and maintained, while the crown, bridge, or denture attached to it typically lasts 10 to 20 years before normal wear may require replacement.
Am I a candidate if I have bone loss?
Many patients with bone loss are still candidates — Dr. Salehani uses 3D imaging to evaluate bone volume and recommends bone grafting when needed, which often makes implants possible even for patients told elsewhere they did not qualify.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have one of the highest success rates of any dental procedure — typically 95 percent or higher when placed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon and properly maintained by the patient.
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Coverage varies by plan — some dental and medical insurance policies cover portions of implant treatment, particularly when implants follow tooth loss from trauma or medical conditions, and the practice’s billing team can verify benefits before treatment begins.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in West Hollywood
To learn whether dental implants are the right tooth-replacement option for you, contact Sunset Oral and Facial Surgery at (310) 275-3635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Salehani at our West Hollywood office, conveniently located on Sunset Boulevard for patients across Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and the surrounding communities.
Communities We Serve
We proudly serve patients seeking dental implants from the following Los Angeles-area communities:
