Yale-trained periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn provides expert gum disease treatment, dental implants, LANAP laser therapy, and regenerative procedures at The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa — centrally located for patients across Orange County.
A periodontist is a dentist who has completed three additional years of specialty residency training after dental school, focusing exclusively on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and the placement of dental implants. While a general dentist completes four years of dental school and can treat mild gum disease, a periodontist's training goes far deeper — into surgical techniques, bone biology, tissue regeneration, and complex implant placement that general dentists are not trained to perform.
Think of the distinction the way you would think about a family doctor versus a surgeon. Your family doctor can diagnose many conditions and manage routine care, but when you need surgery, you see a specialist with years of additional surgical training. The same principle applies in dentistry. A general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, crowns, and basic gum care. A periodontist handles moderate-to-severe periodontitis, surgical bone and tissue regeneration, complex implant surgery, and cases that have not responded to initial treatment.
Board certification adds another layer of distinction. After completing residency, a periodontist can choose to pursue board certification through the American Board of Periodontology — a rigorous process involving comprehensive written and oral examinations that tests both theoretical knowledge and clinical judgment. Fewer than half of practicing periodontists are board-certified. Choosing a board-certified periodontist means choosing a specialist who has voluntarily submitted to the highest standard of professional evaluation in the field.
Dr. Chanook David Ahn is the owner and director of The Loft Dental Studio, with offices in Costa Mesa and Anaheim. He is a board-certified periodontist whose training and credentials place him among the most qualified periodontal specialists practicing in Orange County.
Dr. Ahn earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, one of the oldest and most respected dental schools in the United States. He then completed a General Practice Residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he was selected as Chief Resident and named Resident of the Year — recognition of his clinical skill, leadership, and dedication to patient care. He went on to complete a three-year periodontics specialty residency, earning advanced surgical training in dental implants, bone regeneration, gum surgery, and laser therapy. Today, Dr. Ahn serves as Clinical Faculty at UCLA School of Dentistry, where he teaches implant surgery and periodontics to dental students and residents — a role that keeps him at the forefront of current research and emerging techniques.
Dr. Ahn holds board certification from the American Board of Periodontology, the recognized credentialing body for the specialty. He is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Orange County Dental Society. He has been a certified Wilckodontics (PAOO/SFOT) provider since 2016, with a decade of experience in accelerated orthodontic surgery.
Dr. Ahn's clinical practice spans the full range of periodontal and implant surgery: single-tooth and multi-tooth dental implants, All-on-4 and full-arch implant rehabilitation, LANAP laser gum therapy using the PerioLase MVP-7, Wilckodontics and surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy, bone regeneration and guided tissue regeneration, sinus lifts and ridge augmentation, connective tissue grafting for gum recession, crown lengthening for gummy smile correction, and treatment of aggressive and refractory periodontitis. He uses CBCT 3D cone beam imaging for every surgical case, ensuring sub-millimeter precision in implant placement and bone graft planning.
The Loft Dental Studio maintains a 5.0-star rating on Google with over 107 reviews. Patients consistently describe Dr. Ahn's care as thorough, gentle, and genuinely focused on saving teeth whenever possible. His philosophy — "save the tooth first, implant only when necessary" — resonates with patients who want a conservative, evidence-based approach to their dental care.
Board-certified periodontist serving all of Orange County from Costa Mesa.
Call (714) 549-7030For patients with moderate to severe gum disease, LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared laser protocol that treats periodontal disease without scalpel incisions or sutures. The PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser selectively removes bacteria and diseased tissue from periodontal pockets while stimulating bone regeneration. Recovery is dramatically faster than traditional surgery, with most patients returning to normal activities the following day. LANAP is the only laser periodontal treatment backed by human histological evidence showing true regeneration of bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament.
Periodontists are among the most qualified professionals to place dental implants because of their specialized training in bone biology, surgical technique, and soft tissue management. Dr. Ahn places single-tooth implants, multi-tooth implant bridges, and full-arch restorations using CBCT-guided surgical planning for sub-millimeter accuracy. For patients who lack sufficient bone, he performs bone regeneration procedures including guided bone regeneration, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation to create the foundation needed for successful implant placement. Dr. Elaine Lu, our in-house board-certified prosthodontist, designs and places the final crown or restoration — so the entire implant process happens under one roof.
Gum recession exposes tooth roots, causing sensitivity, increasing decay risk, and creating an aged appearance. Dr. Ahn performs connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and tunnel grafting procedures using microsurgical techniques that produce natural-looking results with minimal discomfort. PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) therapy is incorporated to accelerate healing and improve graft survival.
Periodontal disease destroys the alveolar bone that supports teeth. Once bone is lost, teeth become mobile and are eventually lost if the disease is not arrested. Dr. Ahn performs guided bone regeneration using bone graft materials, resorbable membranes, and biologic growth factors to stimulate the body's natural bone-forming processes. Combined with LANAP laser treatment, bone regeneration offers the most comprehensive approach to reversing the damage caused by periodontal disease.
From early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, Dr. Ahn provides the full spectrum of periodontal treatment. Every new patient receives a comprehensive evaluation including full-mouth digital periodontal charting, 3D CBCT imaging, and a thorough assessment of pocket depths, bone levels, and tissue health. Treatment plans are customized to the severity of disease and may include scaling and root planing, antimicrobial therapy, LANAP laser treatment, or traditional surgical intervention.
Crown lengthening reshapes gum tissue and underlying bone to expose more tooth structure. Functional crown lengthening creates the foundation for dental crowns and bridges when teeth are broken below the gumline. Aesthetic crown lengthening corrects gummy smiles by revealing more natural tooth and creating a balanced, proportional smile line. Results are permanent.
Dr. Ahn has been a certified Wilckodontics provider since 2016. This procedure — also known as Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO) or Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT) — combines selective decortication of alveolar bone with bone grafting to reduce orthodontic treatment time by up to 60 percent. It is particularly valuable for adult patients who need pre-prosthetic orthodontics before implant placement or restorative work.
For patients who have lost all or most of their teeth, Dr. Ahn performs full-arch implant rehabilitation including All-on-4, All-on-6, and full-mouth implant-supported restorations. Using 3D-guided surgery and working in coordination with Dr. Lu for the prosthodontic restoration, patients can receive a complete set of fixed teeth — often with same-day temporary teeth on the day of surgery.
The Loft Dental Studio is the only practice in Orange County where patients have access to a board-certified periodontist, a board-certified prosthodontist, and a general dentist all under one roof. This multi-specialist model eliminates the need for outside referrals and ensures seamless communication between the doctors managing your care.
When you need a dental implant, for example, the typical experience involves your general dentist referring you to a periodontist at a separate office for placement, then sending you back for the crown. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Ahn places the implant, Dr. Lu designs and fabricates the final restoration, and Dr. Filipenka handles your ongoing general dental care — all in the same office, with shared records, coordinated treatment planning, and no information lost between providers.
The practice is equipped with advanced technology that supports precise, predictable outcomes: CBCT 3D cone beam imaging for surgical planning, the PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser for LANAP treatment, digital periodontal charting for accurate disease tracking, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) therapy for enhanced healing, and both oral and IV sedation options for patients with dental anxiety. Every treatment decision is guided by current research and clinical evidence — not trends, not marketing, and not upselling.
Two convenient locations serve the region: the Costa Mesa flagship at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103 (full surgical capabilities, open Monday through Friday 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM) and the Anaheim satellite office at 1007 W La Palma Ave, Suite 5 (general and cosmetic dentistry, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). Both locations share the same electronic health records, so your dental history is accessible at either office.
With a 5.0-star Google rating backed by over 107 patient reviews, The Loft Dental Studio has earned the trust of patients across Orange County. Patients repeatedly cite Dr. Ahn's thoroughness, his willingness to explain every aspect of their treatment, and his conservative philosophy of saving natural teeth before recommending extraction and implant placement. When teeth truly cannot be saved, patients trust that the recommendation comes after a careful evaluation of every alternative — not a financial incentive to perform a more expensive procedure.
The Loft Dental Studio is centrally located in Costa Mesa, near the intersection of the 405 and 73 freeways, making it easily accessible from virtually every city in Orange County. Here are approximate drive times to our Costa Mesa office:
No matter where you are in Orange County, The Loft Dental Studio is worth the drive. Most of our patients come from within a 30-minute radius, and many travel from even further for Dr. Ahn's specialized expertise. For patients closer to North Orange County, our Anaheim location offers general and cosmetic dentistry with the same team of doctors.
A general dentist completes four years of dental school. A periodontist completes the same four years plus three additional years of specialized residency training focused exclusively on the gums, jawbone, dental implants, and supporting structures of the teeth. This extra training includes advanced surgical techniques that general dentists do not learn. Dr. Ahn completed his periodontics residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident.
Yes. Dr. Chanook David Ahn is certified by the American Board of Periodontology. Board certification is a voluntary process that requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations beyond the standard specialty training. Fewer than half of practicing periodontists hold board certification. It represents the highest level of professional achievement in periodontics.
No. You do not need a referral from your general dentist to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahn. Many patients come to us directly for second opinions, dental implant consultations, or gum disease treatment. Call (714) 549-7030 to schedule.
Initial consultations at The Loft Dental Studio typically include a comprehensive periodontal exam and any necessary X-rays. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Call (714) 549-7030 to schedule and ask about costs specific to your insurance. Our front office team will verify your benefits before your appointment.
Yes — periodontists are among the most qualified specialists to place dental implants because of their advanced training in jawbone and gum tissue. Dr. Ahn uses CBCT 3D imaging for precise implant placement, and Dr. Elaine Lu (our in-house board-certified prosthodontist) designs and places the final crown or restoration. The entire implant process — from surgical placement to final tooth — happens in one office.
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared laser protocol for treating moderate to severe gum disease without scalpel incisions or sutures. Dr. Ahn performs LANAP using the PerioLase MVP-7 laser at our Costa Mesa office. It offers faster healing, less discomfort, and the potential for bone regeneration compared to traditional gum surgery. Learn more on our LANAP laser therapy page.
If you have moderate to severe gum disease — deep pockets over 5mm, bone loss visible on X-rays, loose teeth, or recurring infections despite regular cleanings — you should see a periodontist. General dentists can handle mild gingivitis and routine cleanings, but advanced periodontal disease requires the surgical training that only a periodontist has. If you are unsure, schedule a consultation. Dr. Ahn will evaluate your case and give you an honest recommendation.
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Our front office team will verify your benefits before your appointment and provide a detailed cost breakdown so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible financing for treatments not fully covered by insurance. Call (714) 549-7030 with any insurance questions.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Chanook David Ahn at The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa.
Call (714) 549-7030