Dental Implants Los Angeles & Brentwood

Dental implants provide a reliable, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth, helping you chew, speak, and confidently smile. Our experienced prosthodontist, Dr. Goto, oversees both the surgical and restorative phases of implant treatment in-house. This integrated approach supports a cohesive, personalized experience. Using advanced tools like digital 3D CT scans and intra-oral digital scanning, we aim to provide accurate, comfortable results tailored to your needs, whether replacing a single tooth or pursuing full-mouth reconstruction.

How to Replace Missing Teeth?

Dr. Goto offers three primary methods for replacing missing teeth, tailored to your dental needs:

• Dental Implants: A titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone, topped with a custom restoration, mimics the look and function of a natural tooth, offering a durable, natural-looking solution.
• Fixed Bridges: A fixed prosthetic that spans the gap of missing teeth, anchored to adjacent healthy teeth, providing a non-surgical option for tooth replacement.
• Removable Dentures: Custom, removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth, offering a non-invasive, budget-friendly solution.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, supporting a custom restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The process involves two phases: the surgical phase, where the implant is placed, and the restorative phase, where a custom-made restoration is attached. With Dr. Goto managing both phases in our office, you benefit from consistent, high-quality care without needing multiple providers.

The Dental Implant Process

Surgical Phase: Dr. Goto places the implant in our office using local anesthesia or sedation for your comfort. Digital 3D CT scans provide detailed images of your jawbone, supporting precise implant placement. In some cases, particularly for upper jaw implants, a sinus grafting procedure may be needed to add bone for a stable foundation. After placement, the implant integrates with your jawbone over several months through osseointegration (the process of the implant fusing with the bone), creating a strong base.

Restorative Phase: Once the implant has fused with your bone, Dr. Goto attaches a custom restoration. Intra-oral digital scanning supports accurate digital impressions for a restoration that fits comfortably and blends naturally with your teeth. With Dr. Goto coordinating both phases, the process is streamlined for a smooth, comfortable experience.

Implant Restoration Options:

For patients choosing dental implants, Dr. Goto offers several restoration styles tailored to your needs:

• Single Crown: A single implant with a custom crown replaces one missing tooth, designed to match the color, shape, and size of surrounding teeth.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: For multiple missing teeth, a bridge supported by two or more implants fills the gap, providing stability without affecting nearby healthy teeth.
• Full-mouth Implant Rehabilitation and All on 4: Full-mouth implant rehabilitation restores missing teeth with multiple implants supporting a fixed (non-removable) set of teeth, improving function and appearance, even in complex cases. Typically, 6–8 implants per jaw are used, tailored to the patient’s needs. The All-on-4 option uses just four strategically placed implants per arch (upper or lower jaw)—two vertical in the front and two angled in the back—for a cost-effective, stable solution. Ideal for moderate bone loss, it often avoids bone grafting, delivering a durable, natural-looking smile that enhances chewing, speaking, and confidence compared to dentures.
• Removable Over-Denture with Minimal Implants: A budget-friendly option, this removable denture is secured with two to four implants for better stability than traditional dentures, yet it can be removed for cleaning.

Special Considerations

For some upper jaw cases, a sinus grafting procedure may be needed to add bone to the sinus area for implant support. During your consultation, Dr. Goto will evaluate your jawbone using digital CT scans and explain if this step is necessary, performing it with precision and care.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer durability, functionality, and aesthetic benefits compared to fixed bridges or removable dentures. Designed for simplicity, implants make maintenance and repairs easier, requiring routine brushing, flossing, and periodic dental check-ups and cleanings, similar to natural teeth. While the upfront cost may be higher, their longevity—often lasting many years with proper care—can provide long-term savings, making them a cost-effective choice for many patients.

Advantages of Dental Implants (Compared to Fixed Bridges and Removable Dentures):

• Simple Design and Easy Maintenance: Implants function like natural teeth, with straightforward repairs if needed, unlike bridges, which involve multiple teeth, or dentures, which may require frequent adjustments.
• Long-Term Cost Savings: While bridges (5–15 years) and dentures (5–8 years) often need replacement, implants can last many years, potentially reducing costs over time.
• Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping prevent bone loss, unlike bridges or dentures, which do not provide this benefit.
• Natural Function and Appearance: Implants support full chewing power, speech clarity, and a natural look, while dentures may slip, and bridges may require altering adjacent teeth.
• Independence: Implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, preserving healthy tooth structure, unlike bridges.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants (Compared to Fixed Bridges and Removable Dentures):

• Longer Treatment Time: Implants require a healing period of several months for osseointegration, whereas bridges and dentures can be placed faster.
• Upfront Cost: Implants have a higher initial cost, though their durability and low maintenance may offset this over time.
• Surgical Procedure: Implants involve minor surgery, unlike the non-surgical placement of bridges or dentures.
• Eligibility: Some patients may not qualify due to insufficient bone density or health conditions, whereas bridges and dentures are more universally applicable.

Why Choose Dr. Goto for Dental Implants?

As a prosthodontist, Dr. Goto brings expertise in both surgical and restorative implant procedures, managing your entire treatment in-house for a convenient, cohesive experience. Using tools like digital 3D CT scans for accurate planning and intra-oral digital scanning for precise restorations, we prioritize comfort and quality. Whether you need a single implant or full-mouth rehabilitation, Dr. Goto creates a tailored plan to support a durable, natural-looking smile.

Maintaining Your Dental Implants

To support the longevity of your dental implants, proper care is essential and aligns with routine dental maintenance. Like natural teeth, implants require regular brushing, flossing, and periodic dental check-ups and professional cleanings. Dr. Goto will provide a tailored maintenance plan with clear instructions to keep your implants in good condition. While complications are rare, they may include prosthetic material breakage, screw loosening, or peri-implantitis (inflammation of the gum and bone around the implant). Regular check-ups and cleanings help prevent and address these issues early, supporting the health of your implant.

What to Expect

Your journey begins with a comprehensive exam, where Dr. Goto assesses your teeth, gums, and jawbone using digital 3D CT scans and intra-oral digital scanning for an accurate evaluation. He’ll explain your options clearly and develop a tailored treatment plan. The entire process, from surgery to restoration, takes place in our office, supporting a convenient experience. While treatment may take several months due to healing time, Dr. Goto will guide you every step of the way, keeping you informed and comfortable.