Considering Dental Implants in Santa Monica? What You Should Know Before Getting Started

Thinking about getting dental implants in Santa Monica? Get expert insight, trusted care tips, and everything you need to take the next step with confidence. This guide walks you through it all, from candidacy and costs to advanced treatment options and choosing the right specialist so you can make informed decisions about your smile. Whether you’re just starting your research or you’ve been told you’re not a candidate, we’ll help you understand your options and feel supported every step of the way. Dental implants offer a durable, natural-looking solution for missing teeth, and choosing the right specialist is key to getting results that last. If you’re exploring options in Santa Monica, CA, you’re on the path to restoring not just your smile but your confidence and overall oral health.

Why Dental Implants Are the Most Reliable Solution for Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are considered one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth, both in function and appearance. These small titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with your natural bone to create a strong, permanent foundation for replacement teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants help preserve jawbone structure, maintain your natural facial shape, and restore the ability to chew and speak comfortably. With proper care, dental implants can last for decades and feel just like your natural teeth.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Ideal candidates for dental implants typically have:
One or more missing teeth
Adequate jawbone density
Healthy gums
A non-smoking lifestyle (or willingness to quit)
A commitment to maintaining oral hygiene

Even if you’ve experienced bone loss, additional procedures like bone grafting can prepare your mouth for successful implant placement.

Addressing Bone Loss: Why Expertise Matters

Tooth loss, gum disease, and aging can lead to bone deterioration in the jaw, especially when missing teeth are left untreated. When this happens, patients are often told they’re not eligible for dental implants. But that’s where specialized expertise makes all the difference. At the Center for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy, our board-certified periodontists are masters in advanced bone regeneration techniques, offering solutions for even the most complex cases:

Bone Grafting: We rebuild bone using your tissue or biomaterials to provide a stable foundation for implants.
Sinus Lifts: For patients with missing upper molars and inadequate bone height near the sinus, we can safely lift the sinus floor and add bone to allow for implant placement.
Zygomatic Implants: These ultra-long implants anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma) when the upper jaw lacks sufficient bone. No grafting is required.
Pterygoid Implants: Ideal for full-arch cases in patients with extreme bone loss, these implants are placed at an angle into the dense pterygoid region behind the upper jaw, offering strong anchorage without the need for sinus lifts.

These procedures require a high level of surgical skill and precise planning, making it critical to work with experienced specialists like Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky, who have performed thousands of successful cases. If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for implants, we may be able to offer you a second opinion with real solutions.

The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect

Consultation and Assessment – Comprehensive evaluation, including 3D imaging and oral health review
Implant Placement – Surgical insertion of the implant into the jawbone by a qualified periodontist
Osseointegration – A healing period where the implant fuses with the surrounding bone
Abutment Placement – Attachment of a connector piece to hold the crown
Crown Placement – A custom crown is placed to restore full function and appearance

The whole process generally takes a few months, ensuring a stable, long-lasting outcome.

What’s Possible with the Right Specialist

We recently had the privilege of helping a patient who came to us after receiving a full mouth reconstruction at another office near Santa Monica that, unfortunately, had started to fall apart. The surgical work failed, and the teeth and implants were infected or unstable. During a single procedure, we removed all of the problematic teeth and implants. During that same visit, we placed a new set of stable dental implants, and within just 24 hours, the patient received a full set of fixed, non-removable temporary teeth. He never had to go without teeth or wear dentures throughout the process. To restore support in the back of the mouth, we used advanced techniques, including zygomatic and trans-sinus implants, which are ideal for cases with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Once the healing was complete, we delivered his final custom zirconia restoration, a beautiful, strong, natural-looking set of teeth. The result? A complete transformation. Our patient regained his smile, his ability to enjoy meals, and, most importantly, his confidence.

Meet Your Santa Monica Dental Implant Specialists: Trusted by Patients Around the World

When it comes to something as important as your smile, experience, and precision matter, at the Center for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy, patients receive care from not one but two of the most highly regarded periodontists in the field: Dr. Alexandre Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky. But what really sets our specialists apart is their patient-first philosophy. You’ll notice their calm, reassuring approach from your first visit. Both doctors take time to answer your questions, explain your options clearly, and create a treatment plan that supports not just your oral health but your comfort, preferences,and long-term goals.

“Patients often come to us thinking they’ve run out of options. What they really need is a deeper level of care and a team that knows how to restore health where others couldn’t. We provide expertise, honesty, and results you can trust.” — Dr. Alexandre Aalam

Dr. Alexandre Aalam

As one of the nation’s only dual board-certified specialists in both Periodontology and Oral Implantology, Dr. Aalam is known internationally for his expertise in dental implants and regenerative procedures. He takes a calm, detailed approach with every patient, creating personalized plans that ensure comfort, stability, and lasting results.

Dr. Alina Krivitsky

Dr. Krivitsky is also board-certified and brings a wealth of advanced training and a deep understanding of soft tissue aesthetics. Her work has been published in major dental journals, and she lectures nationally on topics like gum disease and implant therapy. Patients appreciate her warm demeanor, clinical precision, and commitment to delivering beautiful, natural-looking outcomes. Together, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky offer a rare combination of technical excellence and compassionate care. Whether you’re receiving a single implant or full-mouth restoration, you can feel confident knowing you’re in the hands of world-class specialists who lead with skill, integrity, and heart. Patients across Santa Monica and beyond trust our team for dental implants because of our:

Exceptional expertise in complex implant cases
Personalized, patient-focused care
Proven results and long-term outcomes
State-of-the-art facility and technology

Want to learn more about our doctors? Meet Dr. Aalam | Meet Dr. Krivitsky

Advanced Technology for Superior Results With Your Comfort in Mind

At the Center for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy, technology isn’t just about having the latest equipment; it’s about using every tool available to make your treatment safer, more accurate, and more comfortable. From diagnosis to recovery, we rely on advanced methods that give you better outcomes with fewer surprises. Here’s how we bring precision and peace of mind to every dental implant procedure:

CBCT Imaging – Clearer Planning, Better Results

Our cone beam CT scanner produces detailed 3D images of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and sinuses. Unlike standard X-rays, this technology allows us to see the whole picture before placing an implant, ensuring the best possible placement and reducing the risk of complications. Why it matters: You get a fully customized treatment plan that considers your anatomy down to the millimeter, which means more predictable outcomes and fewer surprises during surgery.

Guided Implant Surgery – Accuracy You Can Trust

Using CBCT data and digital planning software, we design a custom surgical guide that fits your mouth and shows each implant’s exact angle, depth, and location. This allows us to place implants with unmatched precision.

Why it matters: It shortens the procedure time, reduces trauma to surrounding tissues, and promotes faster healing, all while improving long-term success.

Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin (A-PRF) – Heal Faster, Naturally

A-PRF is created using a small sample of your own blood. It’s rich in growth factors that support healing and tissue regeneration. We often use A-PRF after bone grafting, implant placement, or soft tissue procedures to speed up recovery and improve outcomes.

Why it matters: You heal faster, with less swelling, less discomfort, and a lower risk of infection using your body’s natural healing power.

IV Sedation – Stress-Free, Pain-Free Procedures

For patients who feel anxious about oral surgery, we offer IV sedation administered by a licensed professional. You’ll remain deeply relaxed and pain-free throughout your procedure, with little to no memory of the experience.

Why it matters: You can undergo complex treatments without fear or discomfort, and many patients say it completely changed how they feel about dentistry.

Why This Matters for You

When you choose our practice, you’re not just getting implants you’re getting the full benefit of digital planning, biologically supported healing, and surgical excellence. Whether you’re receiving a single implant or full-arch restoration, our technology ensures you feel confident, comfortable, and well cared for every step of the way.

Dental Implant Costs in Santa Monica: What to Expect

The cost of dental implants varies based on your unique treatment needs, including the number of implants and whether any preliminary procedures (like bone grafting) are required. While many insurance plans do not cover the full cost, our team can assist you with benefit verification and financing options.

Real Patient Experience

Here’s what one of our Santa Monica patients had to say:

“After losing two teeth, I was nervous about implants, but Dr. Aalam made me feel completely at ease. The results are incredible. You’d never know they weren’t my real teeth.” – Santa Monica Patient

This kind of feedback reflects the experience we aim to provide for every patient: compassionate care, expert treatment, and results that look and feel completely natural.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Santa Monica

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile, schedule a consultation with the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy. Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky proudly serve the Santa Monica community with advanced care backed by global recognition.