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 and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. To find out more about how our implant team can help you, meet our implant coordinators by clicking here.

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 jaw bone. 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 the bone deterioration which 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. With some of our systems, single surgery protocols are available and encouraged. 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. Your doctor 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, howerver, in select cases the entire process can take as little as 8 - 10 weeks. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Audio / Video Description of Dental Implants

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Implant Treatment Coordinators

Our Implant Treatment Coordinators play a vital role in our Team Concept of dental implants. Ther jobs include:

• Scheduling all implant consultation appointments.
• Patient education, giving each of our patients an opportunity to discuss their specific case in a relaxed situation.
• Coordination and scheduling of your appointments with your restorative dentist.
• Assistance in supplying your restorative team (dentist and dental lab) with all pertinent surgical information to help in your restoration.
• Giving each patient a personal contact in our office who understands your planned treatment and can help you with questions, coordination and scheduling of your surgical appointments.
• The ability to work out finacial matters on a one to one basis.

	Beth Martin R.D.A., C.O.S.A. Implant Treatment Coordinator Beth joined our practice in 1992. She has been in the dental field since 1978 with experience in all scopes of dentistry. Beth is our dental implant treatment coordinator for our Westlake Village office..
	Isabel Zavala, RDA, COSA Implant Treatment Coordinator - Plastic Surgery Coordinator Isabel joined our practice in 2002. She has been in the dental field since 1987. Isabel has a dual role on our Westlake Village office being the dental implant treatment coordinator as well as our plastic surgery treatment coordinator.
	Denise Goff, COSA Implant Treatment Coordinator Denise joined our practice in 2001. She has been in the dental field since 1979 with the past 19 years in oral surgery. Currently Denise is our dental implant treatment coordinator in our Simi Valley office.
	Staci Covate, COSA Implant Treatment Coordinator Staci joined our practice in 2007. She has been in the dental field since 1986 and has experience in all aspects of dentistry. Staci is our dental implant treatment coordinator for our Simi Valley office.