Dental Implants in Long Beach

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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.

How Many Teeth Are

Needed to Get Implants?

There’s no minimum number of teeth patients need to get implants. Patients can have full arch replacements, which are implants that replace the entire set of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. However, dentists will drill a single implant into the empty space between the teeth  for single-tooth implants.

Dental implants for multiple adjacent teeth may require an implant-supported bridge, depending on the location and number of missing teeth. This bridge sits between two dental implants that support it as it spans the entire gap. The dentist will determine the best implants for you after conducting a few tests and taking X-rays. Factors like your overall health, jaw bone density, and treatment goals will determine which implants work best for you.

Can I Have All My Teeth

Removed and Replaced by Implants?

Yes, it’s possible to extract all your teeth and replace them with dental implants for a new set of teeth. It’s an ideal course of action for people who’ve suffered consistent dental ailments. In such cases, replacing all your teeth with implants is the more practical and financially feasible route.

Permanent dental implants are made from titanium and zirconia. These materials are meant to last a lifetime and don’t corrode. By acting as your teeth roots, these implants look and feel like your natural teeth. You’ll forget you have implants, let alone anyone noticing you do. However, the dentist will tell you whether replacing all your teeth with implants is a good idea.

How Much Do

Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants depends on a couple of factors, however, single-tooth dental implants typically cost $1500 to $2000 per dental implant. This is only the implant, remember you also have to pay for the crown, abutment, and tooth extractions, if applicable. Crunch the numbers and a dental implant costs between $3,000 to $4,800.

Dental implants for multiple  teeth cost more than single tooth implants. The more the number of implants needed, the more expensive they are. Implant-supported bridges can run down the cost since they  only require two implants to hold the bridge in place. This will set you back about $6,000 to $10,000. Full mouth implants are the most expensive of the bunch, costing between $60,000 to $90,000.

Can Dental Implants