3D-guided implant placement by a board-certified periodontist — single teeth, bridges, and full-arch restorations at The Loft Dental Studio
Dental implants have become the standard of care for replacing missing teeth because they replicate the function and appearance of natural teeth more closely than any other option. At The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, implant placement is performed by Dr. Chanook David Ahn, a Yale-trained, board-certified periodontist whose residency training included extensive surgical experience in implant techniques. His periodontal background gives Costa Mesa patients a distinct advantage: the same doctor who places the implant also manages the surrounding gum and bone tissue that determines whether an implant succeeds or fails long-term.
The practice is located at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103, in the South Coast Metro area near John Wayne Airport. Patients from Mesa Verde, Eastside Costa Mesa, Westside Costa Mesa, and the surrounding commercial districts can reach the office in minutes. The collaborative structure of The Loft Dental Studio means Dr. Ahn handles the surgical placement, Dr. Elaine Lu (UCLA-trained, board-certified prosthodontist) designs and fabricates the final restoration, and Dr. Yuliya Filipenka manages the patient's general dental health throughout the process. This team-based approach eliminates the need for outside referrals and keeps every phase of implant treatment coordinated under one roof.
Precision determines the long-term success of a dental implant. At The Loft Dental Studio, every implant case begins with 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) imaging, which produces a detailed three-dimensional model of the patient's jawbone, nerve pathways, sinus cavities, and adjacent tooth roots. This diagnostic information is far more comprehensive than traditional two-dimensional X-rays and allows Dr. Ahn to identify the optimal implant position, angle, and depth before making a single incision.
Using the CBCT data, Dr. Ahn develops a surgical plan that accounts for bone density, available bone volume, and the planned prosthetic restoration. In many cases, a surgical guide is fabricated from this plan, acting as a physical template that directs the implant into the exact position determined during planning. This guided approach reduces operative time, minimizes tissue disruption, and improves the predictability of the final result. Costa Mesa patients benefit from shorter procedures, faster healing, and restorations that fit precisely from the beginning.
When one tooth is missing or damaged beyond repair, a single dental implant provides an independent replacement that does not require altering adjacent healthy teeth. Dr. Ahn places a titanium implant post into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. Over three to six months, the implant undergoes osseointegration, the biological process by which bone cells grow directly onto the titanium surface and lock the implant in place. Once integration is confirmed, Dr. Lu attaches a custom-fabricated porcelain crown that matches the color, shape, and translucency of surrounding teeth. The result functions identically to a natural tooth for chewing, speaking, and aesthetics.
Patients missing two or more adjacent teeth have traditionally relied on conventional bridges, which require grinding down healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as supports. Implant-supported bridges eliminate this compromise. Dr. Ahn places implants at strategic positions within the gap, and Dr. Lu designs a bridge that spans the missing teeth using the implants as anchors. Healthy neighboring teeth remain untouched. This approach preserves natural tooth structure while providing a fixed, permanent restoration that distributes chewing forces evenly across the jawbone.
Patients who have lost all or most teeth in an arch, or who wear dentures that slip and cause discomfort, may benefit from full-arch implant restorations. The All-on-4 protocol uses four strategically angled implants to support a complete arch of fixed teeth. The posterior implants are tilted to maximize contact with available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. Dr. Ahn's surgical expertise in both implant placement and bone management allows him to assess each patient's anatomy and determine whether a four-implant, five-implant, or six-implant approach will deliver the most stable long-term result. Dr. Lu then creates the prosthetic arch, engineered for natural appearance and comfortable function.
Adequate jawbone volume is essential for successful implant placement. Patients who have experienced bone loss from prolonged tooth absence, gum disease, or trauma may need bone augmentation before implants can be placed. Dr. Ahn performs guided bone regeneration, socket preservation grafts at the time of extraction, sinus lifts to augment bone height in the upper jaw, and ridge augmentation to increase the width of a narrow ridge. He incorporates Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy to concentrate the patient's own growth factors and accelerate healing. These procedures transform cases that were previously considered ineligible for implants into successful outcomes.
3D imaging, a thorough evaluation, and a clear treatment plan from a board-certified periodontist. Call (714) 549-7030 or book online.
Schedule Your AppointmentOsseointegration is the biological foundation of implant dentistry. After Dr. Ahn places a titanium implant into the jawbone, bone cells begin migrating to the implant surface and forming a direct structural bond over the following weeks and months. This process typically takes three to six months, depending on the patient's bone quality, the implant location, and whether bone grafting was performed simultaneously.
During osseointegration, the implant becomes anchored as firmly as a natural tooth root. Dr. Ahn monitors healing progress through follow-up appointments and diagnostic imaging, confirming that integration is complete before Dr. Lu attaches the final restoration. Patients are given temporary tooth replacements during this period so they are never without functional teeth. The patience required during osseointegration is rewarded with an implant that can withstand normal chewing forces for decades.
The Loft Dental Studio is centrally located in the South Coast Metro area, making dental implant care easily accessible throughout Costa Mesa.
Implant costs depend on the complexity of the case. A single implant with abutment and crown generally ranges from $3,500 to $5,500. Full-arch restorations involve more components and the price reflects the number of implants, any bone grafting requirements, and the type of prosthesis. The Loft Dental Studio provides a detailed cost estimate after your consultation with 3D imaging. We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer financing to make treatment manageable.
Your journey starts with a consultation that includes 3D CBCT imaging to evaluate your bone and plan implant positions. Dr. Ahn surgically places the titanium implant into the jawbone. Over three to six months, osseointegration bonds the implant to the bone. After confirming integration, Dr. Lu designs and fits your permanent crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis. If bone grafting is needed, it is performed before or at the same time as implant placement.
Many patients with bone loss can still receive implants after bone grafting. Dr. Ahn performs guided bone regeneration, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation to rebuild jawbone volume. 3D imaging reveals exactly where and how much bone has been lost, allowing Dr. Ahn to choose the most effective grafting approach. Patients who were previously told they lacked sufficient bone for implants should consider a second opinion at our office.
We provide single-tooth implants, implant-supported bridges for multiple missing teeth, and full-arch restorations including the All-on-4 protocol. Dr. Ahn and Dr. Lu collaborate on every case so the surgical placement and prosthetic restoration are planned together from the start, ensuring the best possible outcome in both function and appearance.
The titanium implant post can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular periodontal maintenance. The prosthetic crown or bridge may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear. Consistent periodontal maintenance appointments at The Loft Dental Studio protect the gum and bone tissue around your implants, maximizing their longevity.