A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a small post that bonds to your jawbone, then supports a custom crown on top. At MD Periodontics, both of your doctors are board-certified periodontists, so the specialist who plans your implant is also the specialist who places it.
We offer ceramic and titanium options, full arch reconstruction, and repair of implants placed elsewhere. Because we plan every case in 3D before treatment begins, we can tell you what is realistic long before you commit to anything.
An implant does not fail because of the crown. It fails because of the gum and bone around it. Periodontists spend three additional years after dental school studying exactly that tissue, which is why we approach implant work from the foundation up rather than from the tooth down.
Dr. Abdy Moshrefi and Dr. Nazanin Daneshmand are both diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology. You can read more about their training on our doctors page.
Not every missing tooth calls for the same solution. Below are the four paths we use most often, along with the supporting procedures that make them possible.
Completely metal free, and a natural fit for patients who want their dental care aligned with a holistic approach. Dr. Moshrefi is one of a small number of periodontists nationally trained in ceramic implantology.
Explore ceramic implantsThe most studied implant material in dentistry, with nearly six decades of clinical history. Titanium remains an excellent choice for single teeth, bridges, and full arch support.
Explore titanium implantsFour to six implants support a full set of fixed teeth. If you are missing most of an upper or lower arch, many patients leave with a temporary set the same day.
Explore All-on-4If an existing implant is sore, loose, or losing bone, it can often be saved. We diagnose the cause first, then repair rather than replace whenever the site allows it.
Explore implant repairOnce an implant has healed, the crown on top can be attached in one of two ways. It can be held by a small screw, which means we can lift it off later without damaging it. Or it can be cemented onto a separate post, which looks slightly more seamless but is much harder to remove.
The choice affects how easily your implant can be cleaned, serviced, or repaired for the next twenty years. Therefore we make it deliberately, at the planning stage, rather than leaving it to the laboratory.
We published a full comparison using photographs and an X-ray from one of our own cases, including a clinical section for referring dentists.
Screw-retained vs cemented crownsTimelines vary from patient to patient. Still, nearly every implant case moves through the same four stages.
We examine your gums, bone, and bite, then take a CBCT scan. Afterward we walk you through exactly what we see and what your options are.
If bone volume is thin, we graft first. Some patients skip this stage entirely, while others need a few months of healing before placement.
The implant is placed under local anesthetic, with sedation available. Most patients tell us the appointment felt easier than they expected.
Once the implant has bonded to the bone, we attach your final crown. After that, we monitor the site at regular maintenance visits.
With good home care and regular professional maintenance, implants commonly last twenty years or more, and many last a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing sooner than the implant itself.
The placement itself is done under local anesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, most patients describe mild soreness for a few days, similar to a tooth extraction.
Cost depends on how many teeth are involved, whether grafting is needed, and which material you choose. We give you a written estimate at your consultation, before any treatment begins.
Titanium has the longest clinical track record, while zirconia offers a metal-free alternative that appeals to patients focused on whole-body wellness. Both work well, so the decision usually comes down to your health priorities and the site itself.
Many patients who were told no elsewhere do qualify after grafting. Our 3D scan answers this question directly, rather than by guesswork.
A straightforward single implant often takes three to six months from placement to final crown. Full arch cases can move faster, since temporary teeth are frequently placed the same day.
Often, yes. If the bone loss is caught early, treatment of the surrounding tissue can stabilize the implant. Visit our implant rehabilitation page for details.
Both methods are used, and we choose based on the position and angle of your implant. You can read our full comparison of screw-retained and cemented implant crowns, including photographs from a real case.
Whether you are replacing one tooth or rebuilding a full arch, the first step is the same. We look, we scan, and we tell you honestly what your options are.
MD Periodontics, 9735 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 419, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Serving Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Century City, Bel Air, Westwood, Culver City, and Santa Monica.
Choose the option that fits best, even if it isn't exact.
Your best estimate is enough.
Duration helps us understand urgency and complexity.
Past care shapes the right next step.
There are no wrong answers, only the right plan for you.
