A missing tooth changes more than your smile. It changes how you chew, how neighboring teeth start to shift, and how confident you feel talking to someone at a normal distance. Dental implants in Encino, CA are one of the few dental treatments that actually replace what’s missing instead of just covering it up, root included.
If you’re weighing whether an implant makes sense for you, the two questions that matter most are whether you’re a good candidate and what the process looks like in practice. Here’s how we walk patients through both.
What a Dental Implant Actually Replaces
A bridge or a removable denture sits on top of your gums and borrows support from the teeth or tissue around it. An implant works differently. A small titanium post is placed directly into the jawbone, standing in for the tooth root itself, and a custom crown, bridge, or denture is then attached on top.
That’s why implants tend to feel and function closer to a natural tooth than other replacement options. There’s no clasp, no adhesive, and no daily removal. You care for it the same way you care for the rest of your teeth: brushing, flossing, and showing up for your regular exams.
Why the Imaging at Your Consult Matters
Every implant consultation at The Dental Office Encino starts with a close look at your jawbone and gum tissue. Dr. Alan Howard and Dr. Yonatan Howard use cone beam 3D imaging to map the bone before making decisions. This technology helps them plan each implant post with greater precision than standard X-rays allow.
In practice, that upfront planning can mean a more guided, less invasive placement, since the doctors already know the exact density and angle they’re working with before they start. It’s the kind of detail that doesn’t show up in the results, only in how smoothly the appointment goes.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are reasonable candidates, but it depends on the condition of your jawbone and gums more than your age. In your consultation, Dr. Alan or Dr. Yonatan Howard will evaluate both to confirm there’s enough healthy bone to support a post.
If bone or gum tissue has thinned since the tooth was lost, a graft may be recommended first to build a solid foundation before implant surgery. Certain factors, including tobacco use, active gum disease, or being pregnant, can also affect timing, and the doctors will walk you through whether implants are the right fit or whether another restorative option makes more sense for now.
What the Appointment Timeline Looks Like
Implant treatment isn’t a single visit. After the team places the post, it needs several months to integrate fully with the jawbone. A temporary cover protects the area during this period. The process takes longer than a filling or crown, but it gives the implant its strength and durability.
Once your restoration is connected and adjusted, ongoing care is simple: daily brushing and flossing, plus the same biannual cleanings and yearly exam you’d schedule for the rest of your mouth. Dr. Howard checks the implant and restoration at those visits to make sure everything is holding up the way it should.
Paying for Dental Implants
Insurance coverage for implants varies quite a bit from plan to plan. Our team will contact your insurance carrier to confirm what your plan covers. Dr. Alan Howard or Dr. Yonatan Howard will review your estimated costs and financing options during your consultation. This helps prevent surprises once treatment begins.
Dental Implants in Encino: Schedule Your Consultation
If you have a gap, a loose bridge, or a denture that never feels right, schedule a consultation to understand your options. Dr. Alan Howard and Dr. Yonatan Howard have served Encino families since 1991. They also serve patients in Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Van Nuys, and Woodland Hills.
Call The Dental Office Encino at 818-300-0333 or visit 17071 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102, Encino, CA 91316 to schedule your implant consultation.
