Dental Implant Surgery in Glendale & La Crescenta, CA
Implant surgery should be planned around anatomy, bone support, bite, and the restoration that will ultimately replace your missing tooth.
Dr. Robert Thein, DDS, ABOI, ICOI personally manages implant planning, surgical placement and restorative care.
Dental Implant Surgery Is the Foundation of the Final Restoration
Dental implant treatment generally involves two connected phases: surgical placement of the implant in the jawbone,
followed by restoration with a crown, bridge or larger implant-supported prosthesis after appropriate healing.
Surgical Implant Placement
The implant is positioned in the jawbone to create a stable foundation for the planned tooth replacement.
Implant Restoration
After healing, the implant is restored with the visible replacement tooth or teeth, designed around function, bite and appearance.
Implant position affects how the final restoration fits, functions and can be maintained over time.
Why Implant Position Matters
A dental implant must be placed where it can appropriately support the final restoration while respecting surrounding anatomy.
Careful planning evaluates both the surgical site and the restorative goal.
Planning may consider:
- Available bone volume and quality
- Nearby nerves and sinus anatomy
- Implant angulation and depth
- Gum tissue and emergence profile
- Bite and chewing forces
- Final crown or bridge position
Three-Dimensional Imaging Helps Define the Surgical Site
Dr. Thein uses three-dimensional CT imaging as part of implant planning to evaluate bone and surrounding anatomical structures before treatment.
This helps identify areas that may require additional planning and supports more informed implant positioning.
Why Surgical and Restorative Experience Matter Together
Dr. Thein personally manages the major phases of implant treatment—from surgical planning and implant placement through restoration.
This continuity allows the final restorative goal to be considered during surgery.
Surgical Considerations
- Bone availability and quality
- Implant size, depth and angulation
- Gum tissue and anatomical structures
- Need for grafting or ridge augmentation
- Initial implant stability
Restorative Considerations
- Final tooth position
- Bite and occlusion
- Crown shape and emergence profile
- Smile aesthetics
- Long-term cleansability and maintenance
Immediate Placement vs. Delayed Implant Placement
Some implants can be placed at the time a tooth is removed. Other sites benefit from healing first.
The right approach depends on the clinical situation rather than a one-size-fits-all timeline.
Immediate Placement
An implant may sometimes be placed into an extraction site at the same appointment when conditions are appropriate.
Delayed Placement
Some cases benefit from allowing the site to heal before implant placement, especially when bone or infection requires additional management.
Restoration Timing
When a temporary or final restoration is attached depends on stability, healing, bone conditions and the planned restoration.
The goal is a treatment timeline appropriate for the individual implant site, healing conditions and long-term restorative plan.
When Bone Grafting May Be Part of Implant Surgery
Dental implants depend on adequate supporting bone. When bone is limited because of tooth loss, periodontal disease,
previous infection, trauma or anatomy, grafting may be considered to improve the foundation for implant placement.
Implant Surgery Should Be Planned Around Your Individual Anatomy
Implant complications can involve bone, gum tissue, implant position, nearby anatomy, bite, restorative design or healing.
The purpose of careful diagnosis and imaging is to understand these factors before treatment and discuss appropriate options with you.
Advanced Implant Training & Board Certification
Dr. Thein has more than 30 years of clinical experience devoted to implant surgery, implant restoration and complex full-mouth rehabilitation.
His implant education includes surgical and prosthetic training through the Misch Implant Institute.
He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry and a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
What to Expect With Dental Implant Surgery
Consultation
Discuss missing teeth, concerns, medical history and goals.
Clinical Evaluation
Teeth, gums, bone, bite and the implant site are evaluated.
3D Planning
Imaging may be used to assess anatomy, bone and surgical positioning.
Implant Surgery
The implant is surgically positioned according to the treatment plan.
Healing
The site is allowed appropriate time to heal and integrate.
Restoration
The implant is restored with the planned crown, bridge or larger restoration.
Implant Surgery Is Not the Same for Every Patient
Some patients need a straightforward single-tooth implant. Others may have bone loss, failing dentistry,
previous implant complications or extensive tooth loss that requires more comprehensive planning.
Bone GraftingBuild support where bone has been lost.
Sinus LiftUpper-jaw implant planning when sinus anatomy limits bone height.
Failed ImplantsEvaluation and corrective planning for implant complications.
Complex CasesAdvanced treatment planning for challenging situations.
Placement & RestorationOne coordinated surgical and restorative treatment plan.
Dental Implant Surgery FAQs
How long does dental implant surgery take?
Procedure time varies depending on the number of implants, the surgical site and whether additional procedures such as grafting are required.
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
Local anesthesia is typically used during implant placement. Post-operative soreness and swelling vary depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing.
Can an implant be placed when a tooth is extracted?
Sometimes. Immediate placement depends on available bone, infection, socket condition, gum tissue, implant stability and the planned final restoration.
Do I need a bone graft before implant surgery?
Not everyone does. Bone grafting may be recommended when available bone is not sufficient for the planned implant position.
How long does an implant need to heal?
Healing time varies based on bone, implant stability, location, grafting, overall health and the type of restoration planned.
Who places and restores my dental implant?
At Boston Dental Care, Dr. Thein personally manages the major surgical and restorative phases of implant treatment.
Dental Implant Surgery Near Glendale, CA
Boston Dental Care is located at 3730 Foothill Blvd in La Crescenta and serves patients from Glendale, Montrose,
La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Burbank, Sunland, Tujunga, Eagle Rock and nearby Los Angeles communities.
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Request a Dental Implant Surgery Consultation
If you are considering your first implant, have been told you need grafting, are dealing with a complex implant situation,
or want a second opinion before extensive treatment, start with a comprehensive evaluation.