Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile. Whether you’ve lost a tooth to decay, injury, or periodontal disease, the gap left behind can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and diminished confidence. Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that restores both the function and appearance of your teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without worry.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we provide comprehensive dental implant services to patients from Laguna Beach and throughout Orange County. Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, combines advanced training with a conservative, biomimetic approach to deliver implant solutions that preserve your natural tooth structure and support your long-term oral health.
Achieve your dream smile with cosmetic dentistry and flexible financing that makes transformation affordable.
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once the implant integrates with your bone through a process called osseointegration, it provides a stable foundation for a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike traditional tooth replacement options that sit on top of your gums or rely on adjacent teeth for support, implants become part of your jaw structure, offering unmatched stability and durability.
The three main components of a dental implant include the titanium post that anchors into your jawbone, the abutment that connects the post to the restoration, and the crown or prosthetic tooth that matches your natural teeth in both color and shape. This three-part system creates a complete tooth replacement that functions like your original teeth, allowing you to bite and chew with the same force you’re accustomed to.
Dental implants offer distinct advantages over traditional tooth replacement methods, making them the gold standard for restoring missing teeth. Understanding these benefits can help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone begins to deteriorate in that area due to lack of stimulation. Traditional bridges and dentures don’t address this issue, but dental implants stimulate your jawbone just like natural tooth roots, preventing bone loss and maintaining your facial structure.
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a cost-effective solution compared to bridges that may need replacement every 10-15 years or dentures that require frequent adjustments. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%, making them one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available.
Unlike removable dentures that can slip or click when you talk or eat, implants feel and function like your natural teeth. You can enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions, speak clearly without worry, and smile confidently knowing your restoration looks completely natural.
Most adults with good general health and sufficient jawbone density make excellent candidates for dental implants. During your consultation at our Newport Beach practice, Dr. Sharbash will evaluate several factors to determine if implants are right for you.
These considerations include the health of your gums, the density and volume of your jawbone in the area where the implant will be placed, your overall health and any medications you take, and your commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. If you’ve experienced significant bone loss, we may recommend bone grafting before implant placement to ensure adequate support for your new tooth. We also work closely with trusted periodontists and oral surgeons in the area for cases requiring specialized placement procedures.
The implant journey typically unfolds over several months, allowing time for proper healing and integration. Understanding each phase helps you prepare for your treatment and know what to expect along the way.
Your first visit includes a comprehensive examination with digital X-rays or 3D imaging to assess your bone structure and plan the optimal placement. We’ll discuss your medical history, answer your questions, and create a customized treatment plan. During the surgical placement, the titanium post is carefully positioned into your jawbone under local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort during this procedure.
Over the next three to six months, the implant fuses with your bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for your restoration. Once healing is complete, we attach an abutment to the implant and take impressions for your custom crown. Our dental laboratory crafts a restoration that matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, and at your final appointment, we secure the crown to the abutment, completing your new tooth.
Maintaining your dental implants requires the same attention you give your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily around the implant and crown, use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria, and visit us every six months for professional cleanings and examinations.
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pen caps, and if you grind your teeth at night, we can provide a protective night guard. With proper care and regular dental visits, your dental implant can serve you well for decades to come.
Dr. Laura Sharbash brings advanced certifications and a patient-centered approach to every implant case she oversees. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), she has completed over 500 hours of continuing education, placing her among the top 6 percent of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada. Her commitment to biomimetic dentistry means we prioritize conservative treatments that work in harmony with your body’s natural structures, preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
We understand that the cost of dental care matters, which is why we accept a variety of PPO insurance plans to maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry to make your dental implant treatment accessible. Whether you’re traveling to us from Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, or Huntington Beach, we’re committed to providing the personalized care and exceptional results you deserve. Contact our Newport Beach office today to schedule your dental implant consultation and take the first step toward restoring your confident smile.
