Losing a tooth is one of those things nobody plans for, but it happens more often than you might think. More than 150 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. For many, the gap changes the way you eat, speak, and even how you feel about smiling. Dental implants have become the gold standard in tooth replacement because they function like natural teeth from the roots up, offering a long-term solution that supports the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, brings a conservative, biomimetic approach to restorative dentistry that puts preserving your natural tooth structure first. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction earned by only about 6% of general dentists in the U.S., Dr. Sharbash has completed more than 500 hours of continuing education to stay current on the latest techniques in implant dentistry. For Huntington Beach residents seeking a skilled and attentive dental team just a short drive from home, Newport Beach Dental Center offers the kind of personalized care that makes a real difference.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, a custom crown is attached on top to complete the restoration. The result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
The implant process generally unfolds in a few key stages:
Each stage is carefully planned and monitored to support a predictable outcome. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 3 million implants were placed in the United States in 2019, with that number continuing to grow each year.
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Dental implants are an excellent option for many patients, but a thorough evaluation is needed first. Good candidates generally have sufficient bone density in the jaw, healthy gums, and no uncontrolled systemic conditions that could affect healing. If bone loss has occurred over time following tooth loss, a bone graft may be recommended prior to implant placement to create a stable foundation.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Sharbash takes a conservative approach to restorative treatment. Rather than recommending the most aggressive path, she evaluates each patient’s unique anatomy and oral health to determine whether an implant, or a combination of preparatory procedures, is the right fit. This measured approach reflects the biomimetic dentistry philosophy practiced at the office, which prioritizes preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
It is helpful to understand how dental implants stack up against bridges and dentures when making a decision. Each option has its place, but implants offer several structural advantages worth knowing, including:
For patients with multiple missing teeth, implants can also serve as anchors for implant-supported bridges or dentures, combining stability with function.
Dr. Sharbash begins every implant consultation with a detailed review of your dental and medical history, followed by digital imaging to assess bone levels and tooth positioning. This preparation is what makes a well-executed implant outcome possible. Patients from Huntington Beach appreciate the thoroughness of the process, which avoids surprises and keeps treatment moving efficiently.
Our dental implants service page provides additional details on what patients can expect, from the first consultation through final crown placement. Patients who also have concerns about tooth alignment may want to explore clear aligner options as a complementary or preparatory step, since proper bite alignment can influence long-term implant success.
After the implant is placed, the healing process begins. Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery is with proper post-operative care. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor osseointegration and ensure everything is progressing as it should. Once healing is complete, a custom crown is fabricated to match your surrounding teeth in color, shape, and function.
Dental implants represent one of the most well-supported solutions in modern restorative dentistry, and for many patients who are missing one or more teeth, they offer a path to renewed function and confidence. This page has outlined what to expect from the implant process, who makes a good candidate, and how the biomimetic approach at Newport Beach Dental Center shapes treatment decisions from start to finish.
If you are in Huntington Beach and ready to take the next step toward a complete, healthy smile, Dr. Sharbash and the team at Newport Beach Dental Center are here to help. Reach out through our contact form to request your consultation, and let us put together a treatment plan built specifically around your goals.
