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Replace missing teeth with implants that look, feel, and function exactly like your natural teeth - giving you back the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without worry
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The empty space where your tooth used to be affects more than just your appearance. You find yourself chewing only on one side, covering your mouth when you laugh, or avoiding certain foods altogether. What started as a single missing tooth becomes a daily reminder that changes how you interact with the world.
At Laguna Heights Dental, Dr. Gaff understands that losing a tooth means losing more than just enamel and roots, it’s losing the freedom to eat what you want, speak without self-consciousness, and smile without hesitation.
Dental implants don’t just fill the gap; they restore the complete tooth structure from root to crown, giving you back a tooth that works exactly like the one you lost. Unlike bridges or dentures that sit on top of your gums, implants actually replace your tooth’s root, preserving your jawbone and maintaining your natural facial structure for years to come.
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Unlike bridges or dentures that sit on top of your gums, dental implants actually replace your entire tooth structure from root to crown. This complete restoration process involves three precisely engineered components working together:
The Titanium Post – Acts as your new tooth root, fusing permanently with your jawbone to create the same stable foundation your natural tooth once had.
The Abutment – Connects the implanted root to your replacement tooth, ensuring a secure, permanent attachment that won’t slip or move.
The Custom Crown – Crafted to match your natural teeth perfectly, giving you a replacement that’s virtually indistinguishable from your original tooth.
This three-part system doesn’t just restore what you’ve lost, it preserves your jawbone health and facial structure in ways that removable options simply cannot. The result is a permanent tooth that lets you bite, chew, and smile with complete confidence.
The right implant type depends on your specific needs, jawbone condition, and how many teeth you’re replacing. Here’s how we match the solution to your situation:
Traditional Implants – The most common option for patients with healthy jawbone, these provide the strongest foundation for single teeth or multiple replacements.
All-on-4 Treatment – Replaces an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants, perfect when you’re missing most or all of your teeth.
Mini Implants – Smaller diameter implants that require less bone and heal faster, ideal for stabilizing loose dentures or replacing smaller teeth.
Bone Graft with Implants – When your jawbone needs strengthening first, we can rebuild the foundation and then place your implants for long-term success.
Zygomatic Implants – For patients with significant upper jawbone loss, these anchor in the cheekbone to avoid lengthy bone grafting procedures.
Dr. Gaff evaluates your bone structure, oral health, and replacement goals to recommend the approach that gives you the best long-term results with the most comfortable treatment experience.
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Single dental implants typically range from $3,000 to $5,000 including the implant, abutment, and crown. Full mouth restoration with All-on-4 treatment ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 per arch.
The final cost depends on your specific needs, bone condition, and chosen materials. Many dental insurance plans cover 10-50% of implant costs, and we offer financing options to make treatment affordable.
Coverage varies significantly by insurance plan. Many plans now recognize implants as a standard treatment and provide partial coverage, typically 10-50% of the total cost. We’ll help verify your benefits and maximize your insurance coverage. For uncovered portions, we offer flexible financing options.
The implant placement procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you feel pressure but no pain during treatment. Most patients report less discomfort than they expected – often comparing it to having a tooth extracted. Any post-surgical discomfort typically resolves within 3-5 days and responds well to over-the-counter pain medication.
Dental implants themselves can last a lifetime with proper care, as the titanium post permanently fuses with your jawbone. The crown portion typically lasts 15-20 years before needing replacement due to normal wear. With excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, many patients never need crown replacement.
Most adults with good general health and adequate jawbone can receive dental implants. You’re likely a good candidate if you have healthy gums, sufficient bone to support the implant, and commitment to excellent oral hygiene. Age isn’t typically a limiting factor – we’ve successfully placed implants in patients from their 20s to their 90s.
The complete process typically takes 3-6 months from start to finish. Initial implant placement takes 1-2 hours, followed by 3-6 months of healing time for the implant to fuse with your bone. During this time, you’ll have a tempora
Dental implants have a 95-98% success rate, making them one of the most predictable dental procedures. Success depends on factors like your overall health, oral hygiene, and following post-operative instructions. With proper care, the vast majority of implants integrate successfully and function for decades.
The process involves three main phases: consultation and planning, implant placement surgery, and final restoration. During placement, the titanium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone under local anesthesia. After 3-6 months of healing, during which the implant fuses with your bone, we attach the abutment and place your custom crown. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days of each appointment.
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Contact Us
Phone:
(949) 363-1200
Address:
30231 Golden Lantern, Ste D
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Email:
info@LagunaHeightsDental.com
Practice Hours
Monday: 8am-6pm
Tuesday: 8am-6pm
Wednesday: 8am-6pm
Thursday: 8am-6pm
Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: By appointment