Are you missing one or more permanent teeth due to decay, injury, or extraction? At Green California Dental Group in Burbank, California, Dr. Varand Kerikorian offers advanced dental implant solutions that look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. With years of experience in implant dentistry, our team is dedicated to restoring your smile and oral health with this proven tooth replacement option.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that serve as artificial tooth roots, surgically placed into your jawbone where permanent teeth are missing. Unlike dentures or bridges that sit on top of your gums, implants integrate directly with your jaw through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable, permanent foundation for replacement teeth.
Once the implant has fused with your bone, we attach a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to complete your restoration. The result is a tooth replacement that mimics the strength and appearance of natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence.
Types of Dental Implants We Offer in Burbank
At Green California Dental Group, we provide several implant options to meet your specific needs:
Single Tooth Implants Ideal for replacing one missing tooth, a single implant is topped with a custom crown that matches your surrounding teeth perfectly. This option preserves your healthy adjacent teeth, as no grinding or preparation of neighboring teeth is required.
Multiple Tooth Implants When you’re missing several teeth in a row, we can place multiple implants to support a fixed bridge. This eliminates the need for a removable partial denture and provides superior stability.
Full Arch Implants (All-on-4) For patients missing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, the All-on-4 technique uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This innovative approach offers a faster, more affordable alternative to placing individual implants for each tooth.
Implant-Supported Dentures Traditional dentures can slip and require messy adhesives. Implant-supported dentures snap securely onto dental implants, providing exceptional stability while still being removable for easy cleaning.
Why Choose Dental Implants in Burbank?
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement options, making them the gold standard for restoring missing teeth.
Superior Stability and Function
Unlike conventional dentures that can slip while eating or speaking, dental implants are permanently anchored in your jaw. This means:
- No embarrassing slippage during conversation or meals
- Ability to bite and chew with full force, just like natural teeth
- No dietary restrictions – enjoy corn on the cob, apples, and steak again
- Clearer speech without the bulk of denture material
Preserves Jawbone and Facial Structure
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding jawbone begins to deteriorate from lack of stimulation. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulates bone growth and prevents bone loss. This preservation of bone density:
- Maintains your facial structure and prevents the “sunken” appearance common with long-term denture wear
- Protects adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space
- Provides long-term stability for your restoration
Natural Appearance and Comfort
Modern dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Custom-crafted crowns match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, creating a seamless, beautiful smile. Because they’re permanently fixed in place, implants feel completely natural – you’ll quickly forget you even have a restoration.
Exceptional Longevity and Value
While dental implants require a larger upfront investment than other options, they offer unmatched durability. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them more cost-effective over the long term than bridges or dentures that need replacement every 5-10 years.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Implants don’t require the special cleaning solutions, adhesives, or soaking that dentures demand. Simply brush and floss your implant-supported teeth just as you would natural teeth. Additionally, unlike traditional bridges that require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, implants preserve your natural tooth structure.
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
Understanding your options helps you make the best decision for your oral health and lifestyle.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Traditional Dentures:
- Rest on top of gums, held in place with adhesive
- Can slip, causing discomfort and embarrassment
- Cover the roof of your mouth, affecting taste and speech
- Require removal and special cleaning
- Need replacement every 5-7 years
- Accelerate bone loss in the jaw
- Lower cost initially but ongoing expenses for adhesives and replacements
Dental Implants:
- Permanently anchored in jawbone
- Never slip or require adhesives
- Don’t cover palate, preserving normal taste and speech
- Cleaned like natural teeth
- Can last a lifetime with proper care
- Preserve and stimulate jawbone
- Higher initial investment but better long-term value
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridges:
- Require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth for support
- Last approximately 10-15 years before replacement
- Don’t prevent bone loss in the gap
- Can trap food particles, increasing decay risk
- Cleaning under bridge can be challenging
Dental Implants:
- Preserve adjacent healthy teeth completely
- Can last 25+ years to lifetime
- Stimulate bone and prevent bone loss
- Easy to clean with regular brushing and flossing
- No impact on surrounding teeth
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants, but successful implant placement requires:
Adequate Bone Volume Dental implants need sufficient bone density and volume for proper integration. If you’ve experienced significant bone loss, we may recommend a bone graft procedure first to build up the area. At Green California Dental Group, we’ll use advanced digital X-rays and 3D imaging to assess your bone structure during your consultation.
Healthy Gums Active gum disease must be treated before implant placement. Gum disease can compromise implant success and lead to implant failure. If you have periodontal disease, Dr. Kerikorian will recommend scaling and root planing or other periodontal treatments to restore your gum health first.
Good Overall Health Certain conditions can affect healing and implant success, including:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Active cancer treatment
- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Heavy smoking (we recommend cessation programs)
However, many health conditions can be managed to allow successful implant placement. During your consultation, we’ll review your complete medical history to determine if dental implants are right for you.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. Patients must be willing to maintain excellent oral hygiene through daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings.
The Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect in Burbank
At Green California Dental Group, we use advanced technology and proven techniques to ensure comfortable, successful implant placement.
Initial Consultation and Planning
Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive examination. Dr. Kerikorian will:
- Conduct a thorough oral exam
- Take digital X-rays and potentially 3D cone beam CT scans
- Review your medical history and medications
- Discuss your goals and expectations
- Create a customized treatment plan
- Provide detailed cost estimates and financing options
Implant Placement Surgery
On the day of your surgery:
- Anesthesia: We administer local anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort. For anxious patients, we offer sedation options to help you relax.
- Implant Insertion: Dr. Kerikorian creates a small opening in your gum tissue and precisely places the titanium implant post into your jawbone. The number of implants depends on how many teeth you’re replacing.
- Healing Cap Placement: A small healing cap is attached to the implant to guide gum tissue as it heals.
- Post-Operative Care: We provide prescriptions for antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication for your comfort, along with detailed recovery instructions.
Healing and Osseointegration Phase
The healing period is crucial for implant success. Over 3-6 months, your jawbone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a permanent bond. During this time:
- The implant becomes fully integrated with your bone
- You’ll return for periodic check-ups to monitor healing
- You may wear a temporary restoration for aesthetic purposes
- Most patients experience minimal discomfort and resume normal activities within a few days
Abutment Placement
Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return to our Burbank office for a brief procedure to attach the abutment – a small connector piece that links the implant to your final restoration. The gum tissue heals around the abutment over 2-3 weeks.
Final Restoration
The final step involves creating and placing your custom crown, bridge, or denture:
- We take precise digital impressions of your teeth
- A dental laboratory crafts your restoration to match your natural teeth perfectly
- You return for the final fitting where Dr. Kerikorian attaches and adjusts your new teeth
- We ensure proper bite alignment and make any necessary refinements
The entire process typically takes 6-12 months from start to finish, though this varies based on individual healing and whether any preliminary procedures like bone grafts are needed.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post-Surgery (First Week)
After implant placement, it’s normal to experience:
- Mild to moderate discomfort (easily managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication)
- Minor swelling and bruising around the surgical site
- Light bleeding for the first 24 hours
To promote healing:
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup
- Avoid hot liquids and hard, crunchy, or chewy foods
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 3-5 days
- Take all prescribed medications as directed
Long-Term Care
Once your implants are fully healed and restored:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily around your implants using techniques we’ll demonstrate
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other extremely hard substances
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Visit Green California Dental Group every six months for professional cleanings and exams
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants can last 25 years to a lifetime. The implant post itself is extremely durable and rarely needs replacement. However, the crown or restoration attached to the implant may need replacement every 10-15 years due to normal wear.
Factors that affect implant longevity include:
- Oral hygiene habits
- Regular dental visits
- Smoking status
- Overall health conditions
- Bite forces and grinding habits
Studies show dental implants have a success rate exceeding 95% over 10 years, making them one of the most predictable procedures in dentistry.
Dental Implant Costs and Financing Options in Burbank
The cost of dental implants varies based on several factors:
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Number of implants needed
- Whether bone grafting is required
- Type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture)
- Complexity of your case
- Materials used for the restoration
Average Investment:
- Single tooth implant: $3,000-$5,000
- Multiple teeth implants: $6,000-$15,000
- Full arch implants (All-on-4): $15,000-$30,000 per arch
While the initial cost is higher than other options, dental implants’ longevity and benefits make them an excellent long-term investment in your oral health.
Insurance and Payment Options
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for dental implants, particularly if tooth loss resulted from trauma or accident. Our team at Green California Dental Group will:
- Work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits
- Provide detailed cost breakdowns
- Help you understand your coverage options
Flexible Financing Available: We offer various payment plans to make dental implants accessible, including:
- Third-party financing through CareCredit and other healthcare lenders
- In-house payment plans
- Credit card payments
Don’t let cost prevent you from getting the smile you deserve. We’ll work with you to find a payment solution that fits your budget.
Why Choose Green California Dental Group for Your Dental Implants?
Experienced, Skilled Care
Dr. Varand Kerikorian has years of specialized training and experience in implant dentistry. His expertise in surgical placement and restoration ensures optimal results and patient satisfaction.
Advanced Technology
We use cutting-edge technology for precise implant planning and placement:
- Digital X-rays for reduced radiation exposure
- 3D cone beam imaging for detailed treatment planning
- Computer-guided implant surgery for enhanced accuracy
- Digital impressions for superior restoration fit
Comprehensive Services Under One Roof
From initial consultation through final restoration, all your implant care takes place in our Burbank office. This continuity of care ensures better communication, convenience, and outcomes.
Patient-Centered Approach
We understand that dental procedures can be stressful. Our team prioritizes:
- Clear communication at every step
- Comfortable, gentle treatment
- Sedation options for anxious patients
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs
Serving Burbank and Surrounding Communities
Conveniently located in Burbank, we proudly serve patients from Glendale, North Hollywood, Studio City, Pasadena, and throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during placement. Most patients report that the discomfort is less than they expected and is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Any discomfort typically subsides within a few days.
You can eat soft foods immediately after surgery once the anesthesia wears off. We recommend sticking to a soft diet for the first week, then gradually reintroducing harder foods as you heal.
While dental implants have a high success rate (over 95%), failures can occur due to infection, insufficient bone integration, smoking, or medical conditions. Following all post-operative instructions and maintaining excellent oral hygiene minimizes this risk.
Age is not a limiting factor for dental implants. As long as you’re in good general health with adequate bone density, you can benefit from implants at any age.
Active gum disease must be treated before implant placement. Once your gums are healthy, you can proceed with implants. Dr. Kerikorian will create a treatment plan to address gum disease first.
Yes! Custom-crafted crowns are designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference between your implants and natural teeth.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
Ready to restore your smile with permanent, natural-looking dental implants? The team at Green California Dental Group in Burbank is here to help you regain confidence in your smile and enjoy all your favorite foods again.
Take the First Step:
- Call our Burbank office at (818) 238-9700
- Use our convenient online booking system
- Request a free consultation to discuss your options
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Contact Green California Dental Group today and discover how dental implants can transform your life.
Green California Dental Group
Serving Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood, Studio City, and surrounding areas
1822 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 238-9700
Dr. Varand Kerikorian and the team at Green California Dental Group are committed to providing exceptional dental implant care with advanced technology, compassionate service, and outstanding results. Schedule your consultation today to learn if dental implants are right for you.
