Dental Implants in Whittier, CA

When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the area can gradually change over time. The bone where the tooth used to be can begin to shrink, or resorb, because it is no longer supporting a tooth. The teeth next to the empty space may also begin to shift or lean into it.

The tooth directly above or below the missing tooth can also begin to supra-erupt, which means it slowly grows farther into the empty space because there is no opposing tooth to stop it. As this happens, the tooth may begin to hit the opposing teeth at an unfavorable angle, which can affect the bite and may increase the risk of tooth fracture over time.

These changes can also make the area harder to clean and reduce the amount of space available for replacing the missing tooth later.

If a tooth is removed from an area where a future dental implant is planned, Dr. Michael Yang places a bone graft in the extraction site to help preserve the bone and maintain a better foundation for future implant placement.

Replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant can restore the space, improve chewing function, and help prevent some of the changes that can occur when a missing tooth is left untreated.

Dental implants, dental bridges, and removable dentures can all be used to replace missing teeth, but they work in different ways.

A dental implant replaces the missing tooth from the root up. The implant is placed in the jawbone and supports a crown, bridge, or overdenture. Because the implant is supported by the jawbone, it does not have to rely on the neighboring teeth for support. It can also help preserve the bone in the area where the tooth was lost.

A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by using the teeth next to the empty space for support. Those teeth may need to be shaved down for crowns so they can hold the bridge. A bridge can be a good option for some patients, especially when the neighboring teeth already need crowns or when implant surgery is not appropriate.

A removable denture can replace one or several missing teeth without implant surgery, but it is removable and may not feel as stable as teeth supported by dental implants. An implant-supported overdenture uses dental implants to help stabilize the removable denture, which can improve retention and make it feel more secure during chewing and speaking.

There is no single option that is best for every patient. Dr. Michael Yang considers how many teeth are missing, the condition of the neighboring teeth, the amount of available bone, your bite, overall oral health, and your treatment goals before recommending the option that makes the most sense for you.

Most adults with healthy gums, adequate jawbone to support an implant, and good overall health may be good candidates for dental implants. Even if you have experienced some bone loss, you may still be a candidate because bone grafting or guided bone regeneration can sometimes help rebuild the area before implant placement.

Patients with diabetes, a history of gum disease, or certain medical conditions may also be candidates depending on how well those conditions are controlled. Smoking, oral hygiene, medications, and the ability to heal are also considered when planning implant treatment.

For younger patients, age and jaw development are important. Patients under 25 years old may not be ideal candidates because the jawbone may still be developing. There is no specific upper age limit for dental implants; what matters more is the patient’s overall health, oral health, bone condition, and ability to heal.
Dr. Michael Yang evaluates each patient individually to determine whether dental implant treatment is appropriate and what may be needed to create a healthy, stable, and long-lasting result.

Look for a dentist who is well trained and has an in-depth understanding and experience in both implant placement and implant restoration. A dental implant should not be placed without thinking about the final implant crown or bridge. The position of the implant affects how the final restoration will look, feel, fit your bite, and how easy it will be to keep clean over time.

At Perfect Smile Dental Group, Dr. Michael Yang completed the two-year UCLA Dental Implant Continuum, with advanced training in implant diagnosis, treatment planning, implant surgery, bone grafting, and restorative planning. This training helps him plan the implant with the final restoration in mind from the very beginning.

A good implant dentist should also be thorough. He or she should take the time to understand why you need an implant, evaluate your teeth, gums, bone, bite, and overall health, and explain your treatment options, timeline, and what you can expect before treatment begins. You should feel comfortable asking questions and feel that your concerns are being heard.

The dental office and dental team also matter. Look for a clinic that is clean, friendly, professional, and organized, with a team that will support you throughout the entire treatment process.

Continuity of care is also very valuable. Some implant cases are treated by more than one dentist, and that can work well when everyone communicates closely. At Perfect Smile Dental Group, Dr. Yang personally evaluates and plans the case, places the dental implant, and restores the implant. This means the same dentist is responsible for your implant treatment from the initial evaluation through implant placement, the final crown or bridge, and long-term follow-up.

Finally, dental implant treatment can be a significant investment. Look for a dental office that is transparent about the treatment plan and costs and is willing to discuss insurance benefits, financing, or payment options that may help make treatment more manageable.

Not every patient needs a bone graft before receiving a dental implant. It depends on how much healthy bone is available at the implant site and whether a tooth still needs to be removed.

If you already have a missing tooth and there is adequate bone to securely support the implant, a bone graft may not be necessary.

If a tooth needs to be removed from an area where a future dental implant is planned, Dr. Michael Yang places a bone graft in the extraction site to help preserve the bone while the area heals. The extraction site is typically allowed to heal for about 3 months before the implant is placed.

If the tooth has been missing for some time, the jawbone may have already lost some width or volume. In those situations, guided bone regeneration (GBR) may be needed to rebuild the deficient area and create a stronger foundation for the dental implant. Depending on the amount of bone loss, the bone graft may be performed before implant placement or at the same appointment as the implant.

Dr. Yang evaluates the amount of available bone as part of your implant planning and will explain whether bone grafting is needed before treatment begins.

A bone graft placed after a tooth extraction helps preserve the ridge and maintain bone volume for a future dental implant. Even if you do not move forward with the implant right away, preserving the bone can make future implant treatment easier because there may be more bone available when you are ready.

One concern with leaving the space without a replacement tooth is that the opposing tooth can gradually supra-erupt, meaning it moves farther into the empty space because there is no tooth underneath or above it to stop it. As that tooth moves, it can create an area that traps food and may contribute to a localized deep gum pocket that is more difficult to keep clean.

The supra-erupted tooth can also reduce the vertical space available for a future implant crown. If too much space is lost, it can make the future restoration more difficult because there may not be enough room to create the implant crown at the proper height and shape.

For patients who are planning to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, Dr. Michael Yang generally recommends completing the implant treatment when the area is ready rather than leaving the space untreated for many years. This helps maintain the space, restore chewing function, and protect the long-term treatment options for that area.

How soon a dental implant can be placed after a tooth extraction depends mainly on the amount of bone available and the condition of the extraction site. If there is adequate bone to securely support the implant and there is no active infection that would interfere with treatment, the dental implant may sometimes be placed at the same appointment as the tooth extraction.

In many cases, Dr. Michael Yang removes the tooth, places a bone graft to help preserve the extraction site, and allows the area to heal for about 3 months before placing the dental implant. This gives the bone graft time to heal and helps create a more stable foundation for the implant.

While the area is healing, a temporary removable partial denture, often called a flipper, can be used when needed to replace the missing tooth so you do not have to go without a tooth while waiting for the implant.

The total treatment time depends on where you are starting. Some patients already have a missing tooth and enough healthy bone for implant placement, while others may first need a tooth extraction and bone graft before the implant can be placed.

For a typical staged case at Perfect Smile Dental Group, Dr. Michael Yang may remove the tooth and place a bone graft, then allow the area to heal for about 3 months before placing the dental implant. After the implant is placed, it is usually allowed to heal and integrate with the jawbone for about another 3 months before the final implant crown or bridge is made.

Once the implant is ready for the final implant crown, an impression is taken and the crown is made by the dental laboratory, which usually takes about 2 weeks.

Some cases can be completed faster. If there is adequate bone and the conditions are favorable, the implant may sometimes be placed at the same appointment as the tooth extraction. Because every implant site is different, Dr. Yang will explain the expected timeline for your specific case before treatment begins.

The cost of dental implant treatment can vary depending on what is needed for your individual case. A single-tooth implant typically involves the dental implant placed in the jawbone, the abutment, and the final implant crown. Some patients may also need a tooth extraction, bone grafting, or other treatment before the implant can be placed, which can affect the total cost.

At Perfect Smile Dental Group, Dr. Michael Yang first evaluates your teeth, gums, bone, bite, and the area where the implant will be placed. Once we understand what treatment is needed, we can provide you with a clear treatment plan and review the costs with you before you decide to move forward.

If you have PPO dental insurance, our team can help verify your implant benefits, submit the necessary claims, and request a pre-treatment estimate for larger cases when appropriate. Financing through Cherry is also available for eligible patients to help make treatment more manageable.

Yes. Dental implant treatment can be a significant investment, so Perfect Smile Dental Group offers financing through Cherry to help make treatment costs more manageable. Financing approval and available payment terms are determined directly by Cherry.

We also accept many PPO dental insurance plans. Dental implant coverage varies from one insurance plan to another, so our team can help verify your benefits, submit claims, and request a pre-treatment estimate when appropriate so you have a better understanding of your expected costs before treatment begins.

During your treatment planning visit, we will review the recommended treatment, estimated costs, insurance benefits, and available financing options with you so you can make a decision that fits your dental needs and your budget.

Most patients are surprised by how manageable dental implant treatment is. Local anesthetic is used to thoroughly numb the area before the procedure, so you should not feel pain while the implant is being placed. You may feel some pressure or vibration during treatment, but the goal is to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

At Perfect Smile Dental Group, Dr. Michael Yang takes his time with anesthesia and explains what is happening during treatment so you know what to expect. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, let us know so we can make sure the area is adequately numb before continuing.

Dr. Yang also uses a conservative, minimally invasive surgical approach and keeps the gum incision as limited as possible while still allowing the implant to be placed properly. This can help reduce unnecessary trauma to the surrounding tissues and make recovery more comfortable.

After the procedure, some soreness, swelling, or tenderness is normal as the area heals. For most patients, the discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Many patients are able to return to their normal daily routine within 1–2 days, although recovery can vary depending on the individual and whether additional treatment, such as an extraction or bone grafting, was performed at the same visit.

Before the procedure begins, Dr. Michael Yang numbs the area with local anesthetic so you are comfortable during treatment. He then makes a small opening in the gum to access the jawbone and carefully prepares the site where the dental implant will be placed.

Dr. Yang uses semi-guided implant placement with a planned surgical guide to help position the implant at the proper location and angle. The implant is planned with the final implant crown or bridge in mind so that the finished implant crown can look natural, fit your bite properly, and be easier to keep clean.

Once the dental implant is placed into the jawbone, the gum is closed around the area and the implant is allowed to heal. For many posterior implants, Dr. Yang allows approximately 3 months for the implant to integrate with the jawbone before making the final implant crown.

In certain front-tooth cases, a temporary implant crown may be placed at the same appointment for appearance. The temporary implant crown is intentionally made a little shorter than the neighboring tooth so it does not take the full pressure of your bite while the implant is healing. This helps protect the implant during the healing period.

If a tooth needs to be removed or bone grafting is needed, those procedures may sometimes be performed during the same appointment depending on the condition of the bone and surrounding tissues.

While you are waiting for the implant site to heal, a temporary removable partial denture, commonly called a flipper, can be used to replace the missing tooth. A flipper helps maintain your smile while the area is healing and can also help maintain the space for the future implant restoration.

In selected cases, especially when replacing a front tooth, Dr. Michael Yang may be able to place the dental implant and provide a temporary implant crown at the same appointment. The temporary crown is kept out of the bite while the implant heals so that unnecessary pressure is not placed on the implant during the healing period.

The temporary option that is best for you depends on which tooth is missing, whether the implant can be placed immediately, and the condition of the bone and surrounding tissues. Dr. Yang will discuss the temporary tooth replacement options with you as part of your implant treatment plan.

For the first few days after dental implant surgery, it is best to eat soft foods that do not require much chewing. Foods such as yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, soup, pasta, soft fish, and other easy-to-chew foods can help you avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the surgical area.

Try to avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods near the surgical site while the area is healing. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually begin eating more solid foods again.

If Dr. Michael Yang places a temporary crown on a front dental implant, the temporary crown is kept out of the bite and should not be used for chewing while the implant is healing.

Smoking should be avoided during the initial healing period, ideally for about 3 weeks after implant placement while the gum tissue is healing and closing. Smoking can interfere with healing and may increase the risk of implant complications. The longer you are able to avoid smoking while the implant is healing and integrating with the jawbone, the better environment you are giving the implant to heal.

If avoiding cigarettes is difficult, talk with your physician or pharmacist about smoking-cessation options, including nicotine-replacement products such as a nicotine patch.

Most patients can gradually return to their normal diet as the surgical area becomes comfortable and healing progresses. Dr. Yang will give you specific instructions based on where the implant was placed and whether you also had a tooth extraction or bone graft at the same appointment.

Like any surgery, dental implant placement has some risks. However, in properly selected and carefully planned cases, serious complications are uncommon. Dr. Michael Yang uses a conservative, minimally invasive surgical approach, keeping the gum incision as limited as possible while still allowing the implant to be placed properly. This helps reduce unnecessary trauma to the surrounding gums and tissues and can make the healing process more comfortable.

Dental implant treatment also takes time because the implant needs to heal and integrate with the jawbone before the final implant crown is placed. Depending on the condition of the area, some patients may also need a tooth extraction, bone graft, or additional healing time before the implant can be completed.

Although uncommon, an implant may sometimes fail to properly integrate with the bone or develop an infection. Problems can also develop around an implant later if plaque and bacteria build up around the gums and bone. Smoking, a history of gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of implant complications.

Dental implants also require long-term care, but taking care of them is very similar to taking care of your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, routine dental cleanings, and dental checkups are important for keeping the gums and bone around the implant healthy. The implant itself may remain healthy for many years, while the implant crown, screw, or other parts may eventually wear, loosen, or need maintenance or replacement.

There are also less common surgical risks depending on where the implant is being placed, such as being too close to a nerve or the sinus. Careful treatment planning and appropriate imaging are used to evaluate the available bone and nearby anatomy before implant placement and help reduce these risks.

At Perfect Smile Dental Group, Dr. Yang evaluates the implant site, your overall oral health, available bone, bite, and medical history before recommending treatment. His goal is to identify potential concerns ahead of time and plan the implant as carefully and predictably as possible.

Dental implants are generally a very predictable treatment when they are properly planned, placed, restored, and maintained. Long-term studies have found that approximately 93% to 96% of dental implants are still functioning after 10 years, although every patient and every implant site is different.

The long-term success of a dental implant depends on several factors, including the amount and quality of bone, gum health, implant position, your bite, oral hygiene, smoking, overall health, and how well the implant is maintained after treatment.

At Perfect Smile Dental Group, Dr. Michael Yang evaluates the entire mouth before implant treatment and plans the implant with the final crown or bridge in mind. Active gum disease and other dental problems are addressed first when needed, and the implant is carefully planned and placed to create a restoration that looks natural, fits the bite properly, and can be cleaned and maintained over time.

The longevity of a dental implant also depends on how well you take care of it at home. Daily brushing, flossing, and cleaning around the implant help keep the gums healthy and reduce the buildup of plaque around the restoration. Regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings are also important so the implant, gums, surrounding bone, bite, and restoration can be monitored over time.

Dr. Yang continues to check the implant and surrounding tissues during your routine dental visits so that any changes can be identified and addressed early.

Dental implants can last for decades, and in some patients, they may last 25 years or longer. Research studies show roughly 94–96% of dental implants are still functioning after 10 years or longer, although every patient and every implant site is different.

Once the implant heals, a process called osseointegration allows the titanium implant to become firmly integrated with the surrounding jawbone, creating a strong foundation for the replacement tooth.

How long your dental implant lasts also depends on how well you take care of it. Daily brushing, flossing, and cleaning around the implant, along with regular dental checkups and professional cleanings, are important for keeping the gums and bone around the implant healthy.

It is also important to understand that the dental implant and the implant crown are two different parts. The implant itself may remain healthy for many years, while the crown, screw, or other parts of the restoration may eventually wear or need maintenance or replacement over time.

At Perfect Smile Dental Group, Dr. Michael Yang checks the implant, surrounding gums and bone, bite, and implant restoration during routine dental visits so that any changes can be identified and addressed early.