Dental Implants in South Pasadena, CA
When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone begins to resorb. This results in the shifting of neighboring teeth, changing your facial structure, and gradually reducing your self-esteem.
Dental implants are the most stable and long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. They let you smile, eat, and speak with confidence because they look and feel just like natural teeth. At South Pasadena Dental, we make this life-changing restorative procedure simple and accessible for every patient.
Why Choose South Pasadena Dental for Dental Implants?
- Precision Guided Surgery: We use 3D CBCT scans and surgical guides to ensure accurate implant placement.
- Comprehensive Care: You receive all phases of the treatment, from extraction to crown placement, at one location.
- Comfort-Focused: To help our patients feel relaxed throughout the procedure, we offer a range of dental sedations.
- Flexible Financing: We provide a range of payment and financing options tailored to your needs.
Schedule an appointment today to enjoy the benefits of a complete, confident smile again.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are modern tooth-replacement foundations made from medical-grade titanium. Instead of sitting on top of the gums like traditional dentures, the implant post is placed directly into the jawbone, where it naturally bonds with the surrounding bone.
Implant-supported teeth consist of three components:
- Implant Post: The titanium “root” is placed into the bone.
- Abutment: The connector that supports the restoration.
- Crown: The naturally looking tooth designed to blend with the rest of your natural teeth.
At South Pasadena Dental, we focus on ensuring precision, comfort, and longevity. We use advanced imaging and guided placement to ensure the tooth implant is positioned perfectly and heals well.
Advantages of Choosing Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a modern tooth-replacement option. They offer strength, comfort, and aesthetic benefits that removable dentures or dental bridges cannot.
- A Stronger Foundation for Your Smile
Teeth implants are anchored directly into the bone, giving them the stability of a natural tooth. This lets you bite and chew without the shifting that happens with removable restorative options. Most patients return to enjoying a full variety of foods comfortably.
- Support for Long-Term Oral Health
Missing teeth lead to gradual bone loss. A tooth implant stimulates the bone and helps keep it healthy, which also maintains your facial structure.
- Natural Look and Easy Maintenance
Each dental implant has a custom crown that matches your other teeth. Maintenance is simple as there are no special cleaning aides or adhesives. You brush and floss, just like you do with your natural teeth, and preserve a healthy, natural-looking smile.
- A Long-Lasting, Cost-Efficient Option
Dental implants are a significant investment because they last for many years. With routine maintenance, they can last a lifetime. Fewer replacements or repairs mean a healthy and more affordable choice in the long run.
Meet Our Team
Who Can Consider Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer a lasting solution for those who have lost their teeth. At South Pasadena Dental, Dr. Tsibel examines your oral health to ensure your eligibility for dental implants.
Dental implants are suitable in situations where:
- The surrounding teeth are at risk of moving due to missing teeth, which affects the bite and alignment.
- Traditional dentures are loose, uncomfortable, or irritating your gums, and a more secure dental restorative solution is required.
- A tooth beyond repair due to the damage, decay, or an infected root has to be replaced entirely.
- You have one or more missing teeth that affect your confidence and appearance, even if chewing function hasn’t been significantly compromised.
- Bone loss is a concern, as dental implants help preserve the jawbone and facial contours.
- You experience difficulty eating or speaking due to missing or loose teeth, which tooth implants can restore.
Dental Implant Journey: Four Steps to Restoring Your Smile
A dental implant placement follows a simple four-step process to keep you comfortable and give you a natural-looking result. Our dental implant process involves:
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
We check your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss your ideal smile. A 3D CBCT scan evaluates your bone and determines whether it is sufficient to support a dental implant. That way, we can make our treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Placing the Implant
During the procedure, a titanium post is carefully placed into your jawbone under local anesthesia for your comfort. A small incision is made in the gum tissue to allow precise placement of the post, which is then closed to begin the healing process.
Step 3: Healing and Bone Fusion
Recovery time takes three to six months. During this time, the jawbone fuses with the tooth implant, a process called osseointegration. It provides strength for chewing and bone health in the area where the tooth root originally was.
Step 4: Final Replacement Tooth
An abutment will be attached after the initial healing. From there, impressions will be made for your custom crown, bridge, or denture. Once fitted, your brand-new restoration completes your smile.
Dental Implants Statistics: An Established Global Choice
Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth. In the U.S., about 3 million people already have them, and that number continues to rise each year. Worldwide, the dental implant market was valued at roughly $5 billion in 2024 and continues to grow as more people discover the reliability and longevity of dental implants.
This trend shows that patients prefer permanent solutions. Over 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, so stable replacements are in high demand. With success rates up to 98.8%, dental implants are a safe option. They prevent jawbone loss, keep your facial structure, and restore comfortable chewing.
Specialty Dental Implant Services and Treatments
We offer a comprehensive range of dental implant solutions tailored to your specific needs, including single tooth replacement, All-on-4 dental implants, All-on-X dental implants, and implant-supported dentures or overdentures. Whether you’re missing one tooth or need a complete smile restoration, our dental team provides personalized care to help you achieve optimal results.
Single Tooth Replacement
This procedure restores one missing tooth without affecting the health of adjacent teeth. A single titanium post is placed in the bone to serve as the new root. After healing, a porcelain restoration is attached, creating a permanent, lifelike tooth.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants is an innovative technique that replaces an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically positioned teeth implants. The back dental implants are angled to maximize contact with existing bone, which often eliminates the need for bone grafting. This approach allows for a fixed, full-arch prosthesis to be attached on the same day as implant placement in many cases. Patients appreciate the efficiency of this treatment and the ability to leave with functional teeth.
All-on-X Dental Implants
All-on-X dental implants provides a customized solution for full arch restoration, using anywhere from four to eight implants depending on your jaw structure and bone density. Our dentist evaluates your specific anatomy to determine the ideal number and placement of dental implants needed for long-term success. This flexibility ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan designed to provide maximum stability and durability for their new teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures or Overdentures
For patients missing most or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures offer enhanced stability and comfort. These dentures are anchored by a small number of strategically placed dental implants, preventing the slipping, shifting, and irritation common with traditional dentures. This secure foundation restores confidence in everyday activities like eating and speaking, providing a more natural feel and improved quality of life.
Preparatory Procedures for Dental Implant Success
The jawbone may require strengthening to ensure the long-term stability of dental implant posts. Our dental practice uses state-of-the-art tools and utilize safe procedures to create the necessary, stable foundation for your new smile.
Bone Strengthening Techniques
- Bone Augmentation: Add bone material (synthetic, donor, or self) into weak or thin spaces. This activity induces natural bone fusion, establishing a solid foundation for the tooth implant.
- Sinus Membrane Elevation: Mostly required for teeth implants in the upper back area. This slightly elevates the sinus membrane for vertical space. This space allows for bone grafting and the insertion of longer, more stable dental implants.
- Ridge Reshaping: If the jawbone is too narrow, this widens the ridge. Graft material is added to ensure sufficient width and volume to securely hold the dental implant.
Advanced Healing Treatments
- Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR): A barrier membrane is placed over the bone graft to protect it. This isolates the area, allowing slower-growing bone cells to mature properly and form a strong anchor.
- Concentrated Healing Factors (PRF/PRP): A small blood sample is processed to isolate growth factors. Applied to the site, it accelerates healing, promotes bone integration, and helps reduce swelling and recovery time.
State-of-the-Art Technology for Precise Dental Implant Placement
Achieving a precise, secure, and aesthetically pleasing dental implant requires modern tools. We utilize the latest technology to improve planning, execution, patient comfort, and recovery.
- 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT)
A 3D imaging system captures detailed images of the jawbone, nerve canals, and areas surrounding them. It is important for measuring bone height and density. It helps identify the safest and most precise point for dental implant placement.
- Digital Radiography
We use high-speed digital X-rays, which minimize radiation exposure compared to older film-based systems. Full-arch (panoramic) images provide a broad view of both the upper and lower jaws, aiding pre-treatment evaluation.
- Custom Surgical Guides
Based on the CBCT plan, we create custom templates worn during surgery. This guide simplifies tooth implant placement at the correct depths, angles, and locations for accuracy and safety.
- Intraoral Camera Visualization
A small, high-definition camera provides a live video feed of your mouth. Displaying images on a screen lets you see exactly what the dentist sees, helping you understand and participate in treatment decisions.
- Laser-Assisted Procedures
Focused dental lasers perform soft-tissue surgeries with minimal bleeding and swelling. This technology readies the dental implant site and surrounding tissue, helping you heal faster and feel more comfortable.
Post-Procedure Care for Your Tooth Implant
Proper care after dental implant placement ensures successful integration and a faster recovery. Following these simple guidelines helps keep your new tooth implant healthy and stable in the long term.
- Apply a cold compress for 15-minute intervals to minimize swelling and discomfort.
- For the first week, consume only soft, cool foods. Do not chew on the side where the surgical site is.
- Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours, as it severely hinders the healing process.
- Do not use straws and do not spit to preserve the blood clot.
- Avoid touching or disturbing the surgical area. After 24 hours, you may gently resume brushing your other teeth.
- Begin warm saltwater rinses 24 hours post-surgery to keep the area clean.
- Take all prescribed drugs as directed by our dentist.
- Attend all follow-up dental appointments regarding implant integration.
Daily and Professional Care for Teeth Implants
For the success of restored smiles, long-term consistency becomes the order of the day. Our team offers expert advice and professional cleaning for the longevity of your teeth implants.
Follow these simple, effective steps every day to protect your dental implants:
- Gently brush all surfaces with a soft toothbrush, using a non-abrasive toothpaste twice daily.
- Floss daily with either SuperFloss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to clean under the crown and between teeth.
- Gurgle with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and maintain fresh breath.
- Avoid chewing on very hard foods, ice, candies or chewing gum to prevent damage to the crown or the implant.
- Never use your teeth to open packages or bite objects.
- Consider using a nylon-coated instrument rather than metal picks for cleaning near the dental implant.
- Visit our dental office every 3 to 6 months for routine maintenance, as recommended by our dentist.
What to Do If Your Tooth Implant Fails
Even though dental implant failure is rare, a prompt response is important when issues arise. The following are the steps to take:
- Watch for persistent pain or swelling around the dental implant site long after the initial healing period.
- Notice if the crown or tooth implant feels loose or shows any unexpected mobility. This is an emergency.
- Contact us immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms so we can address them promptly.
- Do not chew food on the affected side to avoid placing pressure on the compromised titanium post.
- Never try to move, adjust, or tighten the dental implant or its crown yourself.
- Treatment involves antibiotics, deep cleaning, or bone grafting, depending on the diagnosis.
- If removal is necessary, we will create a custom plan for healing and future replacement.
How much do Dental Implants cost?
According to the Forbes price guide, the national average cost of a single dental implant is around $3,500 and $4,500. According to the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute cost survey, the total cost of an implant, abutment, crown, and other related procedures ranges from $3,100 – $5,800.
The cost for all-on-4 dental implants in South Pasadena has a wide range due to the several steps involved; however, it typically costs from $60,000 to $90,000. Implant-supported dentures are less expensive than non-implant-supported dentures and cost between $24,000 and $50,000. Additional expenses to take into consideration include the price of tooth extraction, dental visitation costs, pre-op care costs, and post-op care costs.
You can expect paying a lot less than that in our South Pasadena location. For a single dental implant, our starting price with insurance is $1,900. Give us a call if you’re interested in learning more about the price for each step of the procedure.
What Factors Determine the Total Cost of Dental Implants?
- Treatment Complexity: Replacing one tooth is simpler and less expensive than multiple dental implants for a bridge or a full mouth restoration.
- Component Quality: The three main parts of the tooth implant are priced based on the quality and specialized nature of the materials used, ensuring long-term success.
- Need for Pre-Treatment: Sometimes the jawbone must be prepared before dental implant placement. Procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift for upper-jaw implants increase the total cost and treatment time.
Is Dental Insurance Helpful in Reducing Dental Implant Cost?
Most standard dental insurance policies do not fully cover the dental implant procedure (the implant post itself), but they often cover related services. Your plan helps cover the cost of the implant crown, necessary extractions, X-rays, or bone grafting.
We offer several third-party financing options, including CareCredit, Cherry, LendingClub, Sunbit, and Premier Financing, so that you can set up a convenient monthly payment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
Can dental implants be placed immediately after a tooth extraction?
Yes, in some cases, dental implants can be placed right after a tooth extraction. This is called immediate implant placement or same day dental implants. If your bone and gums are healthy and strong enough, the tooth implant can be installed right away, which shortens the overall treatment time. Our dentist will review whether you are eligible for same day dental implants.
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
Placing a single dental implant usually takes one to two hours. More complex cases, like multiple teeth implants or a full mouth restoration, can take longer. From the first surgery to the placement of the final crown, the whole process can take 4 to 9 months to allow the jawbone to fully fuse with the implant.
Will the implant procedure be painful?
No, the dental implant procedure is not painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia and sometimes with dental sedation. You will not feel any pain during placement. Post-operative discomfort is generally mild and managed effectively with prescribed pain medication.
Why is there a waiting period before the new crown is attached?
A waiting period of typically 3 to 6 months is required for osseointegration, the crucial process in which the titanium implant post fuses with the jawbone. This fusion is essential for long-term stability before the final prosthetic crown or bridge is placed.
How long are dental implants expected to last?
Dental implants are meant to be a permanent solution. With good oral care and regular dental check-ups, the implant post can last a lifetime. The attached crown or restoration occasionally needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear after 10–15 years.
Can people tell if I have dental implants?
No, people cannot tell if you have dental implants. The final crown or restoration is custom-designed to match the color, shape, and alignment of your existing natural teeth, making the dental implant blend easily into your smile.
Are dental implants removable like dentures?
No, dental implants are not removable like dentures. Standard crowns and bridges attached to teeth implants are permanently fixed and can only be removed by a dentist. Implant-supported dentures or overdentures are the only type of implant restoration designed to be removable by the patient for cleaning.
Can you get dental implants at any age?
Yes, you can get dental implants at any age, as there is no upper age limit. The state of your jawbone, oral health, and general health are the major determinants for candidacy. Although an ideal age range for getting teeth implants is 20s to 40s, many adults in their 70s and 80s have undergone dental implant procedure successfully.
