Sitting in the consultation chair with a gap where a tooth used to be is a strange kind of limbo. You know you need a solution, but the process ahead can feel like a mystery: how many appointments, how much healing time, what actually happens to the bone underneath.
Understanding each stage in advance turns that uncertainty into something manageable.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we walk patients through every phase of dental implant treatment, from the first evaluation to the moment a new crown is seated. Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, works alongside a periodontist and implant specialist who performs the surgical placement, bone grafting, and sinus lifts when needed, so the full scope of implant care stays under one roof.
The Initial Consultation
The first visit is about gathering information, not making assumptions. We take detailed images of the jaw, including 3D scans that reveal bone density and the position of nerves and sinuses. This diagnostic step matters because implants rely on fusing with healthy bone, and every patient’s anatomy tells a different story.
We also review medical history, current medications, and any prior tooth loss or gum disease. Patients who have dealt with periodontal issues in the past may need additional preparation before an implant can move forward, and we would rather identify that early than midway through treatment. This is also the point where we discuss restorative dentistry options as a whole because implants are sometimes paired with crowns, bridges, or other restorations, depending on how many teeth are missing.
Preparing the Foundation
Not every patient has enough bone volume to support an implant right away, and the two most common solutions address this challenge in different parts of the jaw.
Bone Grafting and Sinus Lifts
Years of tooth loss can cause the jawbone to shrink, and the sinus cavity can also shift lower over time in the upper jaw. When that happens, we rely on bone grafting or a sinus lift to rebuild a stable foundation before the implant itself is ever placed.
A bone graft adds material to thin or weakened areas of the jaw, giving the bone time to regenerate and strengthen over several months. A sinus lift addresses the specific challenge of the upper back jaw, gently raising the sinus floor to create room for an implant post. Our periodontist, Dr. Jeremy Owyoung, performs these procedures alongside implant placement, which means patients do not need to be referred elsewhere for surgical care.
Why Healing Time Matters
Grafted bone needs time to integrate before it can reliably support an implant post. Rushing this stage risks implant failure down the line, so we build healing windows into the treatment timeline rather than skipping ahead. Patience here pays off in long-term stability.
Placing the Implant
Once the jaw is ready, the implant post, a small titanium fixture, is surgically positioned into the bone. This step is done under local anesthesia, and most patients describe the recovery as far more manageable than they expected. Mild swelling and tenderness are common for a few days afterward.
The real work happens quietly over the following months, as the bone fuses to the implant surface through a process called osseointegration. This fusion is what gives a dental implant its strength and stability, closely mimicking the function of a natural tooth root. We schedule check-ins throughout this window to confirm healing is progressing as expected.
Patients often ask what they can do to support healing during this stage. The following habits make a meaningful difference:
- Avoid smoking, which can slow bone healing and increase the risk of implant failure
- Stick to soft foods for the first several days after surgery
- Keep the surgical site clean using the rinsing instructions we provide
- Attend every follow-up visit so we can monitor osseointegration
Following these steps closely gives the implant the best possible chance of long-term success.
Restoring the Tooth With a Crown
Once osseointegration is complete, we attach an abutment to the implant post, which serves as the connector for the final restoration. From there, we design a custom crown that matches the shape, color, and function of the surrounding teeth. Same-day options are even available for certain restorations through same-day crowns and bridges, which can shorten the overall timeline for some patients.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults aged 20 to 64 have an average of 25.5 remaining teeth, a number that has climbed slightly over the past two decades as restorative options like implants have become more accessible. That data point reflects something we see in our own patients every week: replacing a missing tooth is not just about appearance, but about protecting the function and health of the rest of the smile.
Life With a Dental Implant
A well-placed implant functions like a natural tooth for years to come. Routine brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are typically all that is needed to keep it healthy, and there is no special maintenance routine required beyond good oral hygiene. Many patients tell us they forget which tooth is the implant within a few months.
Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, brings a conservative, biomimetic approach to every stage of implant treatment, and her collaboration with a periodontist and implant specialist means surgical and restorative care are coordinated from day one rather than handled by separate offices.
Schedule Your Consultation With Newport Beach Dental Center
Every implant case is different, and the timeline above shifts depending on bone health, the number of teeth involved, and whether grafting is needed. The best way to understand what your own treatment plan would look like is a personalized evaluation with our team.
Our team, including Dr. Laura Sharbash and the periodontist she works alongside, is ready to walk you through what your specific case would involve. If you are ready to explore whether dental implants are right for you, contact our office to schedule your consultation.
