Dental Implants in Mission Viejo
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a titanium post placed in the jawbone and a crown attached on top, so the new tooth stays fixed and works like a natural one. Dr. Arthur Johnson, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, plans and places dental implants at our Mission Viejo office for patients from Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and across Orange County.
Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch. Because the post bonds with the bone over a few months, the new tooth does not slip like a removable partial or denture, and it does not require reshaping the neighboring teeth the way a bridge does.
The implant also keeps the jawbone in use. After a tooth is lost, the bone in that spot slowly shrinks. An implant helps preserve that bone, which matters for the shape of your face and for any dental work you need later.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with a missing or failing tooth can have an implant. What matters is enough healthy bone to hold the post, healthy gums, and general health that allows minor oral surgery. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes slow healing, and the surgeon will talk with you about both at your consultation.
If the bone has thinned, a bone graft can rebuild it first. Many patients have an extraction and graft, then an implant in the same spot once the area heals.
How we plan and place implants
Planning starts with a Cone Beam CT scan in our office. The 3D image shows the height and width of the bone, the sinus, and the nerve in the lower jaw, so the surgeon chooses the implant size and position before surgery.
Placing a single implant is usually a short procedure under local anesthesia, with nitrous oxide or IV sedation available. The implant then heals for about three to six months while it bonds with the bone. Once it has healed, the final crown is made and attached.
Dental implants vs dentures and bridges
A bridge fills a gap by attaching a false tooth to crowns on the teeth on either side, which means reshaping those teeth. A removable partial or full denture rests on the gums and can shift when you eat. An implant stands on its own and stays fixed.
Dentures and bridges cost less up front and take less time. Implants take longer and cost more at the start, while a denture often needs relining or replacing as the bone underneath changes. We compare the options for your situation at your consultation.
What dental implants cost
The fee depends on the number of implants, whether you need an extraction or bone graft first, the type of crown, and your insurance. After your exam and scan you receive a written estimate that covers each step, and we review financing options with you. Our Mission Viejo office accepts many PPO dental plans and Denti-Cal. We do not accept HMO plans.
What implants can support
- A single crown to replace one tooth
- A bridge across several missing teeth in a row
- A denture that snaps onto two to four implants
- A full fixed arch with All-on-X (All-on-4 or All-on-6)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are titanium dental implants safe?
Yes. Titanium has been used in dental implants for decades, and similar materials are used in orthopedic surgery such as total knee replacements. It bonds well with bone and is well tolerated by the body.
How long do dental implants last?
With good home care and regular dental visits, an implant can last many years. The crown on top may wear and need replacing over time, while the implant post underneath stays in place.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The area is numbed for surgery, and sedation is available. Most patients describe mild soreness for a few days afterward, managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
How long does the whole implant process take?
Plan on about four to nine months before the final tooth is in place. The time depends on whether you need an extraction or a bone graft first. In some cases a temporary tooth can be placed the same day.
Where can I get dental implants near me?
If you live in south Orange County, our office is at 25982 Pala Ste 120, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, close to Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, and Lake Forest. Dr. Johnson places single implants and full arch implants there. Call (949) 347-9990 to book a consultation.