Last updated: Oct 5 2026
Losing a tooth affects more than a smile, and the way it is replaced matters for chewing, speech, and the health of the jaw underneath. West Hills Smiles provides dental implant treatment in West Hills, CA at 7325 Medical Center Dr, Suite 310, on the Medical Center Drive corridor beside UCLA West Valley Medical Center. Dr. Mike Salekian, a general and cosmetic dentist with formal surgical and restorative implant training who has practiced dentistry since 2010, plans and restores implants for patients across the West Hills area. Whether you are replacing one tooth, several missing teeth, or considering a more stable alternative to removable dentures, treatment begins with understanding the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. From there, Dr. Salekian can explain which implant options may be appropriate and what your treatment would involve.
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Dental implant treatment may involve both surgical placement and restorative care. Dr. Salekian has training in both, allowing appropriate cases to be planned, placed, and restored within the same practice, with referral or co-management when needed. The office also uses digital imaging, including in-office 3D CBCT when appropriate for implant planning, and is located next to UCLA West Valley Medical Center on the Medical Center Drive corridor.
Patients considering implants may have very different starting points. Some need to replace a single failing or missing tooth, while others are considering alternatives to an older bridge or removable denture or need to replace several teeth. Each situation starts with an exam, appropriate imaging, and an individualized treatment plan.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that takes the place of a missing tooth root. Most dental implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible material that allows bone to integrate closely with the implant surface during healing. This process, called osseointegration, creates the stable foundation that supports the final restoration.
Once the post has integrated, a connector called an abutment is attached, and a custom crown is placed on top. The crown is shaped and shaded to blend with the teeth around it, so the finished restoration is designed to resemble the surrounding teeth and restore stable function for chewing and speaking. Unlike a bridge, an implant does not rely on grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, and unlike a removable denture, it stays fixed in the mouth.
The same basic parts, a post in the bone and a restoration on top, can support a single crown, a fixed bridge, or a full arch of teeth, which is why implants are used for anything from one gap to a mouth that needs a complete rebuild.
The office sits at 7325 Medical Center Dr, Suite 310, on the Medical Center Drive corridor directly beside UCLA West Valley Medical Center. The Medical Center Drive office is accessible from areas near Fallbrook Avenue, Vanowen Street, and Sherman Way. Its location beside UCLA West Valley Medical Center provides a recognizable landmark when planning your visit. Patients can confirm the closest entrance and parking guidance when booking.
Because a dental implant involves more than one visit, from the consultation and placement to the final crown, a location that fits into a normal week helps.
West Hills has more than one option for tooth replacement, and patients comparing implant providers in West Hills may consider several features of the care available at West Hills Smiles. The points below reflect what shapes implant care here and what patients highlight after treatment.
These reviews describe individual patient experiences. Treatment recommendations, comfort, healing, and dental implant results vary.
“I’ve been coming to Dr. Mike for over 6 years and honestly wouldn’t go anywhere else. He’s super skilled, gentle, and always makes sure I know what’s going on. I’ve had a few root canals and regular cleanings done here, and every time it’s been painless and smooth. The clinic is clean, the staff are friendly, and they really care about their patients. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a good dental treatment.”
Some people considering implants are looking for an alternative to a removable denture that slips, requires adhesive, or has to be removed at night. Fixed implant-supported restorations are anchored to implants in the jawbone rather than resting loosely on the gums, which can provide greater stability for eating and speaking.
There is a health reason as well. When a tooth root is missing, the bone that once supported it tends to shrink over time, and traditional dentures do not replace that stimulation. An implant post functions like a root and can help maintain the surrounding bone, although bone and gum tissue can still change over time. For patients who prefer a non-removable tooth replacement option, a fixed implant-supported restoration may be considered when the anatomy and treatment plan allow.
Behind every implant plan is a goal that matters in daily life. Dental implants may address several common tooth-replacement goals, including the four below.
When a tooth root is missing, the jawbone in that area tends to shrink over time. Because an implant post replaces the root and transmits normal chewing forces to the bone, it can help maintain bone at the missing-tooth site in a way that bridges and removable dentures do not. Bone and gum tissue can still change over time, so this is best understood as helping to limit loss rather than stopping it entirely.
Implant-supported crowns are fixed in place, so they do not slip while you eat or speak. They are designed to look natural and provide stable function, and many patients find they can comfortably return to a normal range of foods, though sensation and appearance can vary from person to person.
Replacing a gap helps keep neighboring teeth from drifting into the space, which can affect the bite. An implant also avoids reshaping the healthy teeth beside the gap the way a traditional bridge requires, so more of your natural tooth structure stays intact.
With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, dental implants can function for many years, but their lifespan varies. The crown or other components may eventually require maintenance, repair, or replacement.
“The staff is very amazing and are always extremely nice. West Hills Smiles is the best dental office in the world.”
Being a good candidate for dental implants goes beyond simply having a missing tooth. The main factors are healthy gums, enough jawbone to support the post, and general health that allows the site to heal. Patients who smoke or who have conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes can still be evaluated, but these factors may affect healing and are discussed openly during planning.
Limited bone does not automatically rule out implants. When bone volume is limited, bone grafting or other site preparation may be considered to improve support for a future implant. Whether implant placement becomes appropriate afterward depends on healing, anatomy, and the individual treatment plan. The best way to determine whether implants are appropriate is through a dental evaluation and any imaging needed to assess the treatment area.
Patients considering implants may have very different starting points. Some need to replace a single failing or missing tooth, while others are considering alternatives to an older bridge or removable denture or need to replace several teeth. Each situation starts with an exam, appropriate imaging, and an individualized treatment plan.
Implant care at West Hills Smiles begins with an evaluation rather than a set treatment. Dr. Salekian reviews your dental and medical history, what led to the tooth loss, and your goals, then examines the gums, the bite, and the space where the tooth is missing. Digital X-ray imaging, and in-office 3D CBCT scanning when appropriate, help assess bone height and width and the position of nearby structures to support implant planning.
From there, the findings shape the plan. Some patients are ready for placement, while others need a preliminary step such as an extraction, treatment of gum disease, or a bone graft before the implant goes in. The evaluation also clarifies whether a single implant, an implant bridge, or a full-arch option best matches the number of teeth involved, and it is the point where cost and timeline are discussed in plain language.
A dental implant is completed in stages, with healing time built in between the main steps. The four stages below describe how treatment generally moves from the first visit to the finished tooth.
The first stage is the exam, imaging, and treatment plan described above. This is when Dr. Salekian confirms candidacy, maps the placement, and reviews what to expect, including whether any preparatory work is needed first.
At the placement visit, the titanium post is positioned in the jawbone. The procedure is typically done with local anesthetic to keep the area numb, and sedation options can be discussed for patients who feel anxious. Treatment time varies by case and may be longer when extractions, bone grafting, or multiple implants are involved. Your treatment plan will include an individualized time estimate.
After placement, the post needs time to fuse with the bone. This healing phase often takes several months, although the timeline varies based on the treatment site, bone quality, overall health, and individual healing. A temporary tooth can sometimes be provided during this window depending on the location and the plan.
Once the implant has integrated, the abutment is attached and impressions or scans are taken for the final crown. The custom crown is then fitted and adjusted so the bite feels right and the tooth blends with your smile, completing the restoration.
The right implant option depends on how many teeth are missing and what your evaluation shows. West Hills Smiles works through the range below and directs comprehensive multi-procedure cases to its dedicated rebuild pathway.
For one missing tooth, a single tooth implant places one post and one crown in the gap. It restores the tooth without involving the neighbors, which keeps the surrounding healthy teeth intact. This option may be considered when one individual tooth needs to be replaced.
When several adjacent teeth are missing, two or more implants can anchor a fixed bridge. Rather than resting the bridge on natural teeth, the implants carry it, which spreads the load and avoids reshaping healthy teeth. This can provide a fixed option for replacing multiple adjacent teeth without relying on neighboring natural teeth for support.
For a full arch, multiple implants may support a fixed or removable restoration. One specific fixed full-arch treatment concept is All-on-4®, which uses four strategically positioned implants when appropriate. Implant-supported restorations may provide greater stability than conventional removable dentures, but the number of implants and whether the restoration is fixed or removable depend on the individual plan.
When bone volume is limited, a bone graft or other site preparation may be used to improve bone volume before implant placement. Some patients with limited bone may become candidates after grafting, while others may require a different treatment approach.
Patients who need a broader rebuild involving multiple restorative procedures across the mouth may be a better fit for the practice’s Full-Mouth Reconstruction pathway, which keeps this page focused on implant tooth replacement.
Cost is one of the first questions patients ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on the case. Dental implant cost varies substantially based on the number of implants, restoration type, materials, imaging, extractions, bone grafting, and case complexity. West Hills Smiles provides a personalized estimate after the consultation and imaging once the treatment plan is known. Factors such as whether a bone graft or extraction is needed, the implant and crown materials, and the complexity of the case all affect the final figure.
Many patients spread the cost through CareCredit financing, and the practice accepts the majority of PPO dental insurance plans and assists with claims as a courtesy, though benefits vary by plan. You can review options on the practice’s financing and insurance page, and the front desk can help you understand what your plan may cover.
For payment and financing details, see Dental Financing and Insurance on the West Hills Smiles website.
A dental implant is as much planning and surgical judgment as it is restoration, so it helps to know who is guiding your care.
Dr. Mike Salekian earned his dental degree from the Dental College of Georgia in 2010, where he was recognized with multiple honors, and completed a General Practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center, the university hospital for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. Before dentistry he earned a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and worked as an engineer at Qualcomm.
His implant background is hands-on and specific. Dr. Salekian completed a comprehensive surgical and restorative implant course at Georgia Regents University under Dr. Michael Pruett and a further comprehensive surgical course through Implant Seminars under Dr. Arun K. Garg, and he is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). He also completed mini-residencies in cosmetic dentistry and endodontics at the Las Vegas Institute for Cosmetic Dentistry, and he is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Practicing dentistry since 2010, Dr. Mike is known for a gentle, caring manner and for treating each patient like a member of his own family. Published patient reviews highlight clear explanations and a gentle approach, which can be reassuring when considering tooth replacement.
“Dentistry is an art and science, and Dr M. Salekian is not only a well educated and knowledgeable dentist in the scientific aspect and has years of experiences in practice but also is talented with the art of aesthetics and meanwhile he is equipped with the top notch modern dental equipments and most important of all, he is very caring and supportive. These features made his West Hills dental office the best source for your dental needs.”
West Hills Smiles is at 7325 Medical Center Dr, Suite 310, West Hills, CA 91307, directly beside UCLA West Valley Medical Center on the Medical Center Drive corridor. Patients can confirm the closest entrance and parking when booking.
Yes. The practice accommodates dental emergencies and intense dental pain on the same day whenever possible. Call the West Hills office right away and the team will help arrange an appointment and advise on next steps.
For appropriate cases, planning, implant placement, and the final restoration can be coordinated at West Hills Smiles. Complex cases may be referred or co-managed when that is the safer or more appropriate path.
Nearby communities and service areas include:
Call (818) 346-4303 or schedule online to start a consultation conversation with the West Hills Smiles team. The office will walk you through candidacy, imaging, and what a plan for your case would involve, and it can arrange a same-day visit if you are in pain or a tooth has broken.
Call (818) 346-4303 | Book Your West Hills Consultation
West Hills Smiles 7325 Medical Center Dr #310, West Hills, CA 91307
Dental implant treatment commonly involves multiple visits over a period of several months, so location and scheduling can matter. West Hills Smiles is located on Medical Center Drive near UCLA West Valley Medical Center, with access from surrounding West Hills neighborhoods and nearby communities. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with weekend appointments available by appointment only.
Initial soreness and swelling generally improve as the surgical site heals, while osseointegration continues for several months. The timing of the final restoration depends on healing and the individual treatment plan.
A failed implant may sometimes be replaced after the site is evaluated and allowed to heal. The cause of failure should be addressed first, and bone grafting or another treatment may be needed before replacement is considered. Dr. Salekian evaluates each situation individually.
The titanium post fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, and that biological bond is what anchors the implant. The abutment and crown then attach to the integrated post, so the finished tooth is supported by the bone itself.
An implant is cared for much like a natural tooth, with daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings and checkups. Good hygiene around the implant helps prevent gum inflammation that can threaten its long-term success.
The time needed for dental implant placement varies with the number and location of implants and whether procedures such as extraction or bone grafting are performed at the same visit. A single straightforward implant may take less time than a more complex case. Your treatment plan will include an individualized estimate.
Most patients take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid strenuous activity for a day or two. Dr. Salekian provides individualized aftercare instructions, and following them supports comfortable, uneventful healing.
Once healed, implant-supported crowns are fixed in place and are designed to look and function like natural teeth for eating and speaking. Because they do not slip like dentures, many patients find them very comfortable, though sensation and appearance can vary from person to person.
Implant placement is typically performed with local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. You may remain awake, and sedation options can be discussed when appropriate based on your needs and treatment plan.
Implant failure can have several causes, including failure to integrate with the bone, local infection or inflammation around the implant, untreated periodontal disease, smoking, poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, or mechanical complications. Your dentist evaluates individual risk factors during treatment planning and follow-up.
Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, keep the area clean as directed, choose appropriate foods during early healing, avoid smoking, and attend scheduled follow-up visits. Healing time varies from person to person, and follow-up allows the dental team to monitor how the implant site is progressing.
Cost depends on the individual treatment plan, including the number of implants, type of restoration, materials, imaging, and whether procedures such as extraction or bone grafting are needed. West Hills Smiles provides a personalized estimate after consultation and imaging and offers financing options.
With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, dental implants can function for many years, but lifespan varies. The crown or other components may eventually require maintenance, repair, or replacement.
Good candidates generally have healthy gums, enough jawbone to support the post, and overall health that allows normal healing. Limited bone may sometimes be addressed with grafting or other site preparation, but candidacy depends on healing, anatomy, oral health, and the individual treatment plan.
Dental implants can be a long-term tooth-replacement option that restores chewing function and may help maintain the surrounding jawbone. Whether implants are the right investment for you depends on your oral health, treatment alternatives, goals, expected maintenance, and budget.
A conventional dental bridge typically relies on neighboring teeth for support and may require those teeth to be reshaped. An implant replaces the missing root without relying on adjacent teeth for support.
To learn more about implant care and the practice, explore the related pages and resources below from the West Hills Smiles website.
If you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or are considering an alternative to removable dentures, the first step is finding out which options fit your oral health and treatment goals. Dr. Mike Salekian and the West Hills Smiles team can evaluate the treatment area, explain your options, and develop an individualized plan for replacing the missing teeth.
Start Your West Hills Implant Consultation Today
Book Your West Hills Consultation | Call (818) 346-4303
West Hills Smiles 7325 Medical Center Dr #310, West Hills, CA 91307
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Dental implants are permanent, natural-looking tooth replacements designed to restore missing teeth from the root up. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. They not only improve your smile’s appearance but also restore normal chewing, speaking, and long-term oral health.
While the upfront cost of implants may be higher than other replacement options, they are the most cost-effective solution in the long run. Designed to last for decades with proper care, implants eliminate the need for frequent replacements. At West Hills Smiles, we also offer flexible financing so you can enjoy the benefits of dental implants without financial stress.
Most implants are crafted from biocompatible titanium tooth roots that fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration. For patients with metal sensitivities, zirconia implants provide a safe, metal-free option. Both materials are durable, secure, and designed to mimic the strength and function of natural teeth.
Interested in dental implants? Set up a consultation with West Hills Smiles in West Hills, CA to see if you are a viable candidate.
We ensure a smooth, comfortable experience throughout your implant journey:
Final Restoration – A custom crown, bridge, or denture completes your smile.
Implants are designed to last 20 years or more, and many patients enjoy them for life. Their durability depends on healthy gums, good oral hygiene, and routine dental visits. Unlike dentures, which typically need replacement every 5–7 years, implants are considered a permanent tooth replacement solution when properly maintained.
Most are made from titanium or zirconia, both of which integrate safely with your jawbone and act as secure artificial tooth roots.
Yes. While the upfront cost may be higher, implants can last decades, making them a cost-effective solution.
Options include single implants, implant-supported bridges, All-on-4®, and full mouth implants.
The process includes consultation, surgical placement of the post, healing and osseointegration, followed by attaching a custom crown for a natural result.
With proper oral care, many patients enjoy implants for a lifetime.
At West Hills Smiles, we offer advanced implant treatments backed by experience and technology to restore your smile with confidence.