The gold standard in tooth replacement—permanent, natural-looking teeth that preserve your bone and restore your smile
A dental implant is a sophisticated tooth replacement system consisting of three essential components that work together to restore both function and aesthetics.
A small titanium screw is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth was lost. Titanium is the material of choice because it's biocompatible—your body accepts it as part of you rather than rejecting it as a foreign material. The post serves as the artificial tooth root.
Over the next 3-6 months, something remarkable happens: the implant doesn't just sit in the bone—it fuses with it through a process called osseointegration. Bone cells grow directly onto the titanium surface, creating an incredibly strong bond that rivals a natural tooth root.
Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment (connector piece) is placed on top of the implant. Then a custom-made crown that matches your natural teeth is attached to the abutment. The result looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth.
In the 1950s, Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Branemark made a revolutionary discovery while studying bone healing. He found that titanium could achieve a direct structural and functional connection with bone—something that seemed impossible at the time. This discovery earned him the title "Father of Modern Implantology" and transformed dentistry forever.
Why titanium? Because it's extraordinarily biocompatible. When titanium comes into contact with bone, it doesn't trigger an inflammatory response like many other metals would. Instead, bone recognizes it as a suitable substrate and naturally integrates with it at the cellular level. The tight bond between bone and titanium can actually be stronger than the connection between your jaw and a natural tooth.
After implant placement, osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) begin colonizing the titanium surface within weeks. They produce new bone matrix that mineralizes and hardens, creating an increasingly tight connection. By 12-16 weeks, bone density around the implant reaches optimal levels. This biological fusion creates a foundation that can last a lifetime with proper care.
Modern implants have specially treated titanium surfaces—often textured or acid-etched—that increase the surface area and promote faster, stronger bone integration. The quality of the osseointegration directly correlates with long-term implant success rates, which exceed 95% in healthy patients.
Dr. Ahn specializes in complex implant cases and bone regeneration
Schedule Your Implant ConsultationDental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The titanium implant post integrates with jawbone and typically lasts 25+ years or permanently. The crown on top may need replacement every 10-15 years due to normal wear. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are essential for implant longevity.
A single dental implant in Costa Mesa typically costs between $3,000-$6,000, which includes the implant post, abutment, and crown. Full-mouth implant rehabilitation (such as All-on-4) ranges from $15,000-$30,000 per arch. Costs vary based on the complexity of your case and whether bone grafting is needed. We offer financing options and work with most PPO dental insurance plans.
Most patients report that dental implant surgery is less painful than they expected. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and we offer oral and IV sedation for patients with dental anxiety. Post-operative discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication and resolves within a few days. Dr. Ahn uses 3D-guided surgery for minimally invasive placement, which results in less swelling and faster recovery.
Most adults in good general health are candidates for dental implants. Key factors include having adequate jawbone density (or willingness to undergo bone grafting), healthy gums, and no uncontrolled medical conditions. Dr. Ahn evaluates candidates with a comprehensive exam including 3D cone beam CT imaging to assess bone volume and plan precise implant placement. Even patients who have been told they don't have enough bone may be candidates after bone regeneration procedures.
The complete dental implant process typically takes 3-6 months from implant placement to final crown. The timeline includes initial consultation and 3D imaging (1 visit), implant placement surgery (1 visit), healing and osseointegration period (3-6 months), and final crown placement (1-2 visits). If bone grafting is needed first, add 3-4 months of healing time before implant placement.