Dental Implants

Dr. Chanook David Ahn is a board-certified periodontist in Costa Mesa, CA who has placed more than 5,000 dental implants. He was the inaugural resident of Yale-New Haven Hospital's first-ever two-year General Practice Residency — covering both surgical and prosthodontic training — before completing his periodontics specialty residency at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (UCLA-affiliated). After residency, he spent six years as the sole associate of Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel — former President of the American Academy of Periodontology and AAP Gold Medal recipient — until her retirement after 40 years of practice. His approach: every tooth is given a chance to be saved unless the clinical situation shows a 100% failure rate. When implants are needed, Dr. Ahn plans each case so the final restoration, implant position, bone, and soft tissue work in harmony — optimizing both esthetics and function simultaneously. Every implant is digitally planned in virtual simulation before surgery, and placed using 3D-printed surgical guides for sub-millimeter accuracy. As Dr. Ahn puts it: "Surgery is the easy part. The planning is what determines your outcome."

How Dental Implants Work

The Three-Part Implant System

A dental implant is a sophisticated tooth replacement system consisting of three essential components that work together to restore both function and aesthetics.

1. The Titanium Post (Fixture)

A small titanium screw is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth was lost. Titanium is the material of choice because it's biocompatible—your body accepts it as part of you rather than rejecting it as a foreign material. The post serves as the artificial tooth root.

2. Osseointegration Process

Over the next 3-6 months, something remarkable happens: the implant doesn't just sit in the bone—it fuses with it through a process called osseointegration. Bone cells grow directly onto the titanium surface, creating an incredibly strong bond that rivals a natural tooth root. A large-scale analysis of a national healthcare network database covering 158,824 implants placed between 2014 and 2022 found a short-term survival rate of 97.79%, confirming that osseointegration is highly predictable with modern implant systems.

3. The Abutment and Crown

Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment (connector piece) is placed on top of the implant. Then a custom-made crown that matches your natural teeth is attached to the abutment. The result looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth.

The Complete Process Timeline

• Month 0: Implant surgery and bone grafting if needed
• Months 1-6: Osseointegration (healing and fusing)
• Month 6: Abutment placement and crown preparation
• Month 7: Final crown placement and restoration complete

Our Philosophy: Every Tooth Deserves a Fighting Chance

At The Loft Dental Studio, dental implants are not the first conversation — they're the last resort. A 2025 study published in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research found that implants placed at sites of periodontally compromised teeth had a 90% survival rate with immediate placement compared to 83% with delayed placement, reinforcing why Dr. Ahn's periodontal expertise is critical when evaluating whether to save or replace a tooth.

Dr. Ahn is a board-certified periodontist, which means his specialty is saving teeth. Through advanced treatments like periodontal therapy, bone grafting and regeneration, gum grafting, and LANAP laser treatment, he routinely rescues teeth that general dentists and even other specialists have deemed hopeless. Saving your natural tooth is always the first goal.

But when a tooth truly cannot be saved — when the bone loss is too extensive, the fracture too deep, or the infection too advanced — then dental implants become the gold standard replacement. And because Dr. Ahn is the same specialist who tried to save the tooth, you can trust that his recommendation to replace it is based on clinical necessity, not financial incentive.

The best implant dentist isn't just someone who places implants well. It's someone who knows when not to place one at all.

"I had two mentors at Yale who changed everything for me. They taught me to think about the mouth as a whole system, not just individual teeth. That philosophy guides every implant I place."

— Dr. Chanook David Ahn, Voyage LA Magazine

The Loft Dental Implant Process: What to Expect

At The Loft Dental Studio, every dental implant case follows a structured, multi-phase process designed to maximize long-term success. Because both a board-certified periodontist (Dr. Ahn) and a board-certified prosthodontist (Dr. Lu) are involved from the very first appointment, the surgical placement and the final restoration are planned together as a single, integrated treatment -- not as two separate procedures coordinated between different offices.

Step 1: Comprehensive Consultation and CBCT Imaging

Your implant journey begins with a detailed clinical examination and a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Unlike standard dental X-rays, a CBCT scan produces a three-dimensional image of your jawbone, showing bone density, bone width, bone height, the location of nerves and sinuses, and the position of adjacent tooth roots. Dr. Ahn uses this 3D data to determine whether you have adequate bone for implant placement, whether bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed first, and the precise angle and depth at which the implant should be positioned. This imaging step is critical because implant success depends on placing the implant in the exact right position within the bone -- not just where there is space, but where the final crown will emerge naturally from the gum line.

Step 2: Digital Treatment Planning and Surgical Guide Design

After the CBCT scan, Dr. Ahn and Dr. Lu collaborate on a digital treatment plan. The implant position is virtually simulated in 3D software, allowing both specialists to verify that the implant will support an ideal crown emergence profile, proper bite alignment, and natural-looking aesthetics. Once the virtual plan is finalized, a custom 3D-printed surgical guide is fabricated. This guide snaps onto your teeth during surgery and directs the drill to the exact planned position with sub-millimeter accuracy. Guided implant surgery reduces operative time, minimizes tissue disruption, and eliminates the guesswork that leads to compromised outcomes.

Step 3: Implant Placement Surgery

On the day of surgery, local anesthesia is administered, and IV or oral sedation is available for patients who prefer a deeper level of relaxation. Using the 3D-printed surgical guide, Dr. Ahn places the titanium implant into the jawbone at the exact position determined during digital planning. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a single implant. In cases where bone grafting or a sinus lift is performed simultaneously, the appointment may be longer. A healing abutment or temporary restoration may be placed depending on the clinical situation.

Step 4: Osseointegration -- The Healing Phase

After placement, the implant undergoes osseointegration -- the biological process by which bone cells grow directly onto the titanium surface, creating a bond that can be stronger than the connection between a natural tooth and the jawbone. This phase typically takes 3 to 6 months. During this period, you will have follow-up appointments so Dr. Ahn can monitor healing and ensure the implant is integrating properly. Most patients experience minimal disruption to daily life during this phase.

Step 5: Final Restoration by Dr. Lu

Once osseointegration is confirmed, Dr. Elaine Lu -- board-certified prosthodontist -- designs and places the final crown, bridge, or prosthesis. Digital impressions are taken to create a restoration that matches your natural teeth in shape, shade, and translucency. Because Dr. Lu was involved in the treatment planning from the beginning, the crown fits the implant position precisely, with no compromise on aesthetics or function. The result is a tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

The dual-specialist advantage at The Loft Dental Studio means the surgeon who places your implant and the prosthodontist who designs your final tooth plan every case together from day one. This eliminates the miscommunication, delays, and compromised results that commonly occur when implant placement and restoration are handled by separate offices.

The Science Behind Osseointegration

The Branemark Discovery

In the 1950s, Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Branemark made a revolutionary discovery while studying bone healing. He found that titanium could achieve a direct structural and functional connection with bone—something that seemed impossible at the time. This discovery earned him the title "Father of Modern Implantology" and transformed dentistry forever.

Titanium Biocompatibility

Why titanium? Because it's extraordinarily biocompatible. When titanium comes into contact with bone, it doesn't trigger an inflammatory response like many other metals would. Instead, bone recognizes it as a suitable substrate and naturally integrates with it at the cellular level. The tight bond between bone and titanium can actually be stronger than the connection between your jaw and a natural tooth.

The Cellular Integration Process

After implant placement, osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) begin colonizing the titanium surface within weeks. They produce new bone matrix that mineralizes and hardens, creating an increasingly tight connection. By 12-16 weeks, bone density around the implant reaches optimal levels. This biological fusion creates a foundation that can last a lifetime with proper care.

Why Titanium Surface Matters

Modern implants have specially treated titanium surfaces—often textured or acid-etched—that increase the surface area and promote faster, stronger bone integration. The quality of the osseointegration directly correlates with long-term implant success rates. According to a meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, implant success rates reach 95.2% at 10 years, while a 2024 meta-analysis in Clinical Oral Investigations found 92% survival at 20 years. When implants do fail, research shows that peri-implantitis accounts for approximately 38% of late failures, with failed osseointegration responsible for about 24% -- underscoring the importance of surface treatment quality, precise placement, and long-term maintenance.

Dental Implant Cost — Transparent Pricing

Dental implant costs vary based on the type of restoration, whether bone grafting is needed, and the complexity of the case. The following ranges reflect typical pricing at The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa.

Your actual cost depends on the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, the type of restoration, and your insurance coverage. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing. For a detailed breakdown, see our 2026 dental implant pricing guide.

Periodontist vs. Oral Surgeon vs. General Dentist for Implants

Three types of dental professionals place implants: general dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right provider for your case.

General dentists can legally place implants, but most have limited surgical training — implant placement is not a core part of dental school curricula. Some GPs take weekend courses and begin placing implants, but they lack the thousands of hours of surgical residency training that specialists complete. For straightforward single-tooth cases, experienced GPs may achieve good results, but complex cases involving bone grafting, multiple implants, or full-arch restorations are best handled by a specialist.

Oral surgeons complete a 4–6 year surgical residency focused on jaw surgery, facial trauma, wisdom tooth extraction, and corrective jaw procedures. They are highly trained surgeons, and implant placement is one of the procedures they perform. However, oral surgeons typically place the implant and then refer you to a separate provider for the crown — meaning two offices, two sets of records, and the potential for miscommunication between your surgical and restorative teams.

Periodontists complete a 3-year surgical residency focused specifically on the bone and gum tissue that support teeth — the exact structures that implants depend on. Implant placement is a primary procedure in periodontal residency training, not one of many. Periodontists also perform all types of bone grafting (socket preservation, ridge augmentation, sinus lifts) as core competencies, so if you need bone work before implants, the same specialist handles both.

At The Loft Dental Studio, the advantage goes further: periodontist Dr. Ahn places the implant and prosthodontist Dr. Lu designs the crown, all under one roof. The surgical placement and the final tooth are planned together from day one by two board-certified specialists who collaborate daily. No referrals, no delays, no fragmented care. For a deeper comparison, read our article on periodontist vs. oral surgeon for dental implants.

Pros & Cons of Dental Implants

What Our Patients Say

Why Patients Choose a Board-Certified Periodontist for Implants

Any licensed dentist can legally place a dental implant. But the training behind the hands holding the drill varies enormously — and that training is the single biggest predictor of long-term implant success. Understanding who is placing your implant, and what qualifies them to do so, is one of the most important decisions you will make as a patient.

Periodontist vs. General Dentist vs. Oral Surgeon

A general dentist completes four years of dental school, where implant placement is covered briefly if at all. Most general dentists who place implants learn through weekend continuing-education courses — not through years of supervised surgical residency. An oral surgeon completes a 4-to-6-year surgical residency focused on jaw surgery, trauma, and extractions. Implant placement is one of many procedures they perform, but their training emphasis is on hard tissue surgery rather than the soft tissue management and prosthetic planning that determine whether an implant looks and functions like a natural tooth. A periodontist completes a 3-year residency dedicated specifically to the bone, gum tissue, and connective tissue structures that support teeth — the exact biology that an implant depends on for survival. Implant placement, bone grafting, sinus lifts, and soft tissue sculpting are core competencies of periodontic training, not elective additions.

What 5,000+ Implants Means for Your Outcome

Dr. Chanook David Ahn has placed more than 5,000 dental implants over the course of his career. That volume of experience means he has encountered and resolved virtually every complication and anatomical challenge that implant surgery can present: narrow ridges, insufficient bone height, proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve, thin sinus floors, compromised soft tissue, and failed implants placed elsewhere that require removal and replacement. High-volume experience translates directly to predictable outcomes because the surgeon has a deep mental library of case variations to draw from when planning your treatment. Every implant Dr. Ahn places is digitally planned in 3D simulation before surgery and executed using custom surgical guides — combining surgical experience with technological precision.

The Advantage of Same-Roof Collaboration

At The Loft Dental Studio, the periodontist who places your implant (Dr. Ahn) and the prosthodontist who designs your final tooth (Dr. Elaine Lu) plan every case together from day one. The implant is positioned not just for surgical convenience, but for optimal crown emergence, bite alignment, and long-term aesthetics. This integrated planning eliminates the miscommunication that commonly occurs when surgery and restoration are handled by different offices — a frequent source of compromised results in implant dentistry. Two board-certified specialists, one treatment plan, one office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The titanium implant post integrates with jawbone and typically lasts 25+ years or permanently. The crown on top may need replacement every 15-20 years due to normal wear. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are essential for implant longevity.

How much do dental implants cost in Costa Mesa?

A single dental implant in Costa Mesa typically costs between $3,000-$5,500, which includes the implant post, abutment, and crown. Full-mouth implant rehabilitation (such as All-on-4) ranges from $15,000-$25,000 per arch. Costs vary based on the complexity of your case and whether bone grafting is needed. We offer financing options and work with most PPO dental insurance plans.

Is dental implant surgery painful?

Most patients report that dental implant surgery is less painful than they expected. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and we offer oral and IV sedation for patients with dental anxiety. Post-operative discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication and resolves within a few days. Dr. Ahn uses 3D-guided surgery for minimally invasive placement, which results in less swelling and faster recovery.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most adults in good general health are candidates for dental implants. Key factors include having adequate jawbone density (or willingness to undergo bone grafting), healthy gums, and no uncontrolled medical conditions. Dr. Ahn evaluates candidates with a comprehensive exam including 3D cone beam CT imaging to assess bone volume and plan precise implant placement. Even patients who have been told they don't have enough bone may be candidates after bone regeneration procedures.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The complete dental implant process typically takes 3-6 months from implant placement to final crown. The timeline includes initial consultation and 3D imaging (1 visit), implant placement surgery (1 visit), healing and osseointegration period (3-6 months), and final crown placement (1-2 visits). If bone grafting is needed first, add 3-4 months of healing time before implant placement.