the benefits
of dental implants
If you are missing teeth, dental implants are a replacement solution that will look and feel natural. Implants are an investment in your dental health, but this permanent restorative option will end up saving you time and money in the long run. Since they are surgically placed, your implants won’t shift in your mouth the way that dentures would, and you’ll be able to eat, speak, and sleep without worrying about removing them. Contact our Long Beach dental office today to learn more about how implants can change your life and restore your smile!
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get beautiful replacement teeth
With dental implant restoration
Dr. Emily and Dr. Dustin work with a trusted circle of surgeons during the dental implant process. Once your implant is placed, we work with you to create a replacement tooth that looks and feels natural. When the restoration has been fabricated, our dentists will add the prosthetic to your smile and your dental implant process will be complete! The result is natural-looking, beautiful new teeth and a healthier, more confident smile.
what to expect
the implant restoration process
At Dodds Dental, Dr. Dustin and Dr. Emily are experts in the dental implant restoration process. During your implant consultation, our dentists will assess your dental health to ensure that you are a good candidate for the treatment. If implants are the right option for you, we will refer you to a trusted surgeon where your treatment plan will be made and your implant will be surgically placed. Once your implant is placed and your jawbone is healed, our dentists will create a natural-looking, beautiful replacement tooth that will be permanently attached. You’ll leave our office with a fresh, new smile. With proper oral care, implants can last a lifetime. Call our Long Beach today to set up a consultation and get started!

How Long do
Dental Implants last?
Dental implants will likely last you for the rest of your life with proper care. Most implants are still in perfect condition after 30 years, so it’s entirely possible that you will never have to have an implant replaced.
However, it’s very important to take proper care of your mouth to preserve your implant. “Peri-implantitis” is the most common cause of premature implant failure. This is a type of gum disease that affects the site around your dental implant, and it typically occurs because of poor oral hygiene.
To make sure your implants last as long as possible, make sure you brush twice a day and floss once a day, and see Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin Dodds for preventive care like a teeth cleaning and oral exam every six months.
It’s important to note that while the implant itself may last you for the rest of your life, the implant restoration, such as a dental crown, may need to be replaced more frequently. This is because a restoration like a dental crown goes through a lot of wear & tear as you bite and chew.
Over time, the restoration could loosen, become damaged, or just wear out. This is another reason why it’s important to come to Dodds Dental for regular six-month appointments. Dr. Dustin or Dr. Emily will check your implant restoration to make sure it’s in good shape and does not need to be replaced.
Does it hurt
to get an implant?
No. The process of getting a dental implant is minimally-invasive, and your mouth will be numb throughout the entire process. Most oral surgeons also offer sedation to help you feel more comfortable and safe during your procedure.
While the implant site may hurt a little bit after your sedation and numbing wear off, Dr. Emily and Dr. Dustin will provide you with instructions on how to ease the pain and ensure your mouth heals quickly.
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How long does it take
to get an implant?
This varies between each patient. For example, if you have a healthy mouth and you get a single-tooth implant, it will take about 1-2 weeks to heal from the initial surgery, and about 3-6 months for your implant to permanently attach itself to your jaw bone. Overall, the time from your initial consultation to the final placement of your new tooth will be 7-8 months.
However, if you need additional surgeries like a bone graft, alveoloplasty (ridge smoothing), or a tooth extraction before your implant can be placed, it may take longer. It could take up to 12 months to complete all of your surgeries and restore your dental implant with a false tooth.
When you consult with an oral surgeon in Long Beach, they will provide you with more information about how long it may take to perform your surgery and restore your smile. You will work closely with your surgeon and with Dr. Emily and Dr. Dustin Dodds throughout the recovery and healing process to ensure you heal quickly, and can restore your smile as soon as possible.