A missing tooth does more than change your smile, it quietly reshapes your jawbone, shifts neighboring teeth, and chips away at the confidence you bring to every conversation, meal, and moment. Tooth loss affects far more people than most realize: according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, seniors 65 years and older have an average of just 21 remaining teeth, a sobering reminder of how common this challenge truly is. Whether you’ve lost one tooth or several, one thing is clear: the gap deserves more than a temporary fix.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we believe restoring your smile should feel like restoring a part of yourself. Under the care of Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, our team brings a conservative, biomimetic philosophy to every procedure, including dental implants in Laguna Niguel. Dr. Sharbash holds the Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry designation, a credential earned by fewer than 6% of general dentists in the United States, which reflects her deep commitment to advanced, evidence-based care.
Achieve your dream smile with cosmetic dentistry and flexible financing that makes transformation affordable.
Dental implants stand apart from other tooth replacement options because they address the problem at its root, literally. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone and, over time, fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable, permanent foundation that functions just like a natural tooth root. The result is a restoration that doesn’t slip, doesn’t require special cleaning routines, and doesn’t depend on neighboring teeth for support.
Because the implant post stimulates the jawbone the same way a natural root would, it helps prevent the bone resorption that typically follows tooth loss. This matters not just for facial structure and symmetry, but for the long-term health of adjacent teeth and gum tissue. With traditional bridges or removable dentures, that underlying bone continues to shrink over time. Dental implants interrupt that process entirely.
The crown placed on top of the implant is custom-made to match the shade, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. Because the implant is anchored in bone rather than sitting on top of the gumline, it doesn’t shift during eating or speaking. Most patients report quickly forgetting they ever had a gap at all.
Choosing dental implants is a decision that deserves thoughtful planning and individualized attention. At Newport Beach Dental Center, we begin with a comprehensive consultation that includes 3D imaging and digital impressions to assess your bone volume, gum health, and surrounding tooth structure. This gives us the full picture before a single step of treatment begins.
The consultation stage is where we determine whether any preparatory steps, such as bone grafting or treatment for gum disease, are needed before implant placement. Not every patient requires additional preparation, but when it does become part of the plan, it’s done to maximize long-term success. We walk you through every phase of the timeline, so you always know what to expect.
Implant placement is performed with precision and care in our Newport Beach office. After placement, a healing period allows the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone. During this time, a temporary restoration may be provided so you’re never without a full smile. Once osseointegration is complete, the final crown is attached, completing your restoration.
Most adults who are in good general health and have adequate bone density are candidates for dental implants. Some of the most common situations we see among Laguna Niguel patients include single-tooth loss from an injury or decay, multiple missing teeth, and patients who are unhappy with removable dentures or traditional bridges.
There are a few factors that influence candidacy, and our team reviews each of them thoroughly during your consultation. Uncontrolled gum disease, certain systemic health conditions, and inadequate bone volume can all affect timing and approach. For patients who require additional bone support, our restorative dentistry team is equipped to address those needs as part of your overall treatment plan. Below is a general overview of what the candidacy assessment covers:
Every case is unique, and this overview is just the starting point for a conversation we look forward to having with you.
For patients who are missing many teeth or all of their teeth, dental implants don’t just restore a single tooth; they can serve as the foundation for full-arch restorations. Implant-supported dentures offer the stability and bone-preserving benefits of implants while replacing an entire arch with a natural-looking prosthesis that stays securely in place.Â
These options dramatically outperform traditional dentures in terms of chewing efficiency, comfort, and long-term oral health preservation.
Choosing the right provider is just as important as choosing the right treatment. Dr. Sharbash’s credentials go well beyond general dentistry. Her FAGD designation required completing more than 500 hours of continuing education and passing a rigorous exam comparable to board certification, and her D.ABDSM certification reflects additional advanced training in oral health. She is also an official spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, bringing a philosophy of preserving natural tooth structure to every aspect of care. You can learn more about her background and approach on her doctor profile page.
Our practice uses cutting-edge technology, including cone beam 3D imaging and digital impressions, to plan and deliver implant treatment with precision. We also accept Delta Dental insurance and offer CareCredit and Cherry financing options to help make implants accessible to patients throughout Laguna Niguel and surrounding Orange County communities.
Taking the first step toward a complete smile is easier than you might think. Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through your options, and help you move forward with a plan that fits both your oral health goals and your schedule. Dr. Sharbash and the entire Newport Beach Dental Center team are committed to making your experience thoughtful, thorough, and welcoming from the very first appointment.
If you’re ready to explore dental implants near Laguna Niguel, we invite you to request an appointment online today. We look forward to helping you restore your smile with care that is as precise as it is personal.
Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from getting the care you need. Schedule a sedation dentistry consultation with Dr. Sharbash today.
