Dr. Elaine Lu

About Dr. Lu

Dr. Elaine Lu is a board-certified prosthodontist specializing in complex dental restorations and full mouth reconstruction. With a passion for helping patients reclaim their oral health, she brings both clinical expertise and compassionate care to every patient interaction.

Her specialty encompasses the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral health, function, and esthetics for patients with missing or deficient teeth, as well as associated missing or deficient oral and maxillofacial tissues. Beyond her prosthodontic expertise, Dr. Lu is equally adept at addressing general dentistry needs.

In addition to her clinical practice at The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Lu remains deeply connected to dental education. She assists current residents with Mock Board examinations at WLA VA Hospital and regularly lectures for the World Academy of Dental Education, sharing her knowledge to advance the field.

Clinical Passion: "My main passion is to reconstruct the oral health of patients with failing restorations and deteriorating dentition. Working toward their improved quality of life is incredibly rewarding."

Preventive Philosophy: Dr. Lu is equally passionate about prevention and patient education. By helping patients understand how to maintain their teeth, she works to save teeth before they decline—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Education & Training

2009 – 2013

UCLA — B.S. Neuroscience

Graduated with honors from UCLA's College of Letters and Science. Member of the Dean's Honors List. Pursued advanced studies in neuroscience, laying the foundation for her research career in synaptic plasticity and learning mechanisms.

2013 – 2016

UCLA School of Dentistry — D.D.S.

Graduated in 2016 with distinction. Recipient of the American College of Prosthodontists Award for outstanding undergraduate achievement in dental school, recognizing her exceptional academic performance and dedication to prosthodontics.

2016 – 2019

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System — Prosthodontic Residency

Completed a comprehensive 3-year prosthodontic residency program at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Graduated as Chief Resident and earned her Certificate in Prosthodontics. During this time, she gained extensive experience treating complex medical and dental patients in a hospital setting, managing challenging cases and developing advanced clinical skills.

Areas of Expertise

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Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Comprehensive restoration of entire oral structures for patients with severe deterioration, utilizing advanced prosthodontic techniques and treatment planning.

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Complex Restorations

Expert diagnosis and treatment of intricate dental cases requiring specialized prosthodontic knowledge and precision craftsmanship.

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Treatment Planning

Detailed case assessment and customized treatment planning to ensure optimal outcomes for oral health, function, and esthetics.

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Preventive Care

Patient education and preventive strategies to maintain oral health and prevent future deterioration of teeth and supporting structures.

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Esthetic Rehabilitation

Restoration of natural appearance and smile design alongside functional improvement for comprehensive patient satisfaction.

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General Dentistry

Comprehensive general dental care addressing routine and complex oral health needs beyond prosthodontic specialty.

Research Background

Before pursuing dentistry, Dr. Lu was an active researcher in neurobiology, studying the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and learning and memory in Dr. David Glanzman's acclaimed laboratory at UCLA. This scientific background deeply influences her approach to clinical dentistry.

Her research experience instilled in her a rigorous, evidence-based mindset and an appreciation for understanding complex biological systems. These qualities translate directly to her clinical work, where she approaches each patient case with scientific precision and a thorough understanding of the biological and mechanical principles underlying successful dental treatment.

Research Focus: Neurobiological mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory formation

Scientific Foundation: Dr. Lu's background in neuroscience research provides a unique perspective on oral biology and patient outcomes. She brings a methodical, evidence-driven approach to every treatment decision.

Ongoing Education: Committed to staying current with the latest research and advances in prosthodontics and restorative dentistry through continued professional development and teaching contributions.

Patient Care Philosophy

Reconstruction

Dr. Lu's primary passion is reconstructing and restoring oral health for patients with failing restorations and deteriorating dentition. She understands that comprehensive reconstruction is transformative—it improves not just the teeth, but also the quality of life, confidence, and overall well-being of her patients.

Prevention

Equally important to Dr. Lu is prevention and patient education. By empowering patients with knowledge about oral health maintenance, she helps them preserve their natural teeth and avoid future complications. Her philosophy is that prevention is always preferable to treatment.

The Loft Dental Philosophy: Dr. Lu works with every patient in private practice, providing a high standard of clinical care delivered with genuine compassion. She believes in listening to patient concerns, explaining treatment options thoroughly, and developing personalized care plans that address both immediate needs and long-term oral health goals.