Dental implants are among the most transformative procedures in modern cosmetic dentistry, and among the most misunderstood.
Dr. Glosman and Associate Dr. Christina E. Samra, DDS, LVIM, have guided countless patients—from first-time consultations to final restorations—through the implant process with the kind of precision and personalized care that has earned our practice features in Vogue, People, and the Wall Street Journal. Whether you're missing one tooth or many, the answers you need are here.
What Are Dental Implants, and How Do They Work?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed directly into the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the surrounding bone tissue through a natural process called osseointegration, effectively becoming part of your anatomy.
Once fully integrated, the implant serves as a stable, permanent root onto which a custom-crafted crown or prosthetic tooth is secured.
Every implant consists of three precisely fitted components:
- The implant: A screw-shaped titanium post that anchors into the jaw, replacing the tooth's natural root.
- The abutment: A connector that links the implant to the prosthetic tooth and holds it firmly in place.
- The crown: The visible, custom-designed prosthetic tooth crafted to match the shape, size, and shade of your natural dentition.
The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a tooth that was always yours.
Is The Procedure Painful?
Far less than most patients anticipate. We offer two levels of comfort care to suit your preferences and needs:
- Local anesthesia is precisely administered to numb the treatment area, ideal for patients who want to remain fully aware but feel nothing during the procedure
- IV sedation for patients who prefer to be completely unaware of the procedure, delivering a deeply relaxed, essentially unconscious experience with no memory of the treatment afterward
The vast majority of our patients report that their experience was significantly more comfortable than they had imagined, and many are pleasantly surprised by how minimal the post-procedure discomfort is.
Will My Implants Look Natural?
Yes! Because implants are anchored directly into the jawbone—just as natural teeth are—they carry the same structural integrity and visual authenticity.
Every prosthetic tooth is custom-designed in collaboration with our team, with three details calibrated to ensure a seamless, natural result:
- Shape: Contoured to complement your surrounding teeth and the natural architecture of your smile.
- Size: Proportioned precisely to your unique dentition, so nothing looks out of place.
- Shade: Matched to the exact tone of your natural teeth, or elevated to the luminosity you've always envisioned.
Once healed, you'll eat, smile, brush, and laugh without a second thought.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
The implant process unfolds in two seamless and unhurried phases:
Phase 1: Placement Day
- Most patients arrive at our Beverly Hills studio in the morning and return home the same day with a new set of temporary prosthetic teeth in place
Phase 2: Final Restoration
- Following a healing period of a few months, during which the implants fuse fully to the bone, you'll return to have your permanent, custom-crafted restorations fitted
What Is The Recovery Like?
Recovery varies by patient, but the experience is far more manageable than most anticipate. Here is what to expect in the days and weeks that follow:
- Mild swelling and tenderness: Common in the first few days post-procedure and typically manageable with over-the-counter relief; many patients find they need nothing more.
- Soft-food diet: Recommended for the initial healing period to protect the implant sites while osseointegration begins.
- Return to routine: Most patients are back to their regular rhythm within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the scope of their treatment.
- Aftercare guidance: Before you leave our studio, our team will walk you through every detail of your recovery plan so that nothing comes as a surprise.
Does My Oral Health Need To Be Perfect Before I Can Get Implants?
Not at all. In fact, implants are often the ideal solution for patients whose oral health has been less than perfect. Some of the most common concerns we encounter include:
- Missing teeth
- Bone loss
- Years of wear or neglect
- Age
Many of our patients arrive having been told elsewhere that their situation was too difficult to treat; our team specializes in precisely those cases. If you have been turned away before, or simply assumed that implants weren't an option for you, we'd be honored if you let us take a second look.
Are Dental Implants Expensive?
Implants are an investment. We've designed our financial process to be as transparent and accommodating as the care itself:
- All-inclusive, fixed pricing: Every treatment plan comes with a clear, set price that covers the full scope of your care, including post-procedure follow-up visits, with no hidden costs or surprises.
- Flexible financing: For patients who prefer to spread the cost of treatment over time, we offer financing options that make a lifetime investment feel entirely within reach
- Personalized financial guidance: During your consultation, our Patient Education Consultant will walk you through every detail and help you identify the payment approach that best suits your situation.
Can I Bring Someone With Me For Support?
Absolutely, and we encourage it! It makes for a calmer, more reassuring experience, and we'll ensure they're as informed and comfortable as you are.
Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?
Yes. The type of implant best suited to you depends on how many teeth are being replaced, the health and density of your jawbone, and your overall treatment goals. The three most common approaches include:
- Single implants, which are ideal for replacing one missing tooth while preserving the integrity of surrounding teeth and gums
- Multiple implants are used when two or more adjacent teeth need replacing, supported by strategically placed implants rather than one per tooth
- All-on-4 implants are a full-arch restoration using just four precisely angled implants to support a complete upper or lower set of prosthetic teeth
Have More Questions About Dental Implants? We're Here to Answer Them All.
The questions in this guide are the ones we hear most often, but they're rarely the only ones. Every smile is different, every situation is unique, and every concern deserves a thoughtful, personalized answer from a team with the expertise to back it up.
At the Beverly Hills practice of Arthur Glosman, D.D.S., that expertise runs deep. Trusted by a global clientele that includes celebrities and royalty, Dr. Glosman and Associate Dr. Christina E. Samra, DDS, LVIM, bring decades of combined mastery in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to every implant case.
Your consultation is the space where every remaining question gets answered, and every concern gets addressed. Call us at 888-983-8358 or visit us at 450 N Roxbury Drive #222, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 to schedule yours today.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a licensed dental professional. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
