Dental Implants in Lake Forest, CA
Missing teeth can be distressing and problematic, not just because of the associated stigma, but for your oral and general health and well-being.
Surrounding neighbor teeth can move or shift, ruining and misaligning bite and potentially setting the stage for further tooth loss down the road.
At Healthy Living Dentistry, we place and restore implants at our Foothill Ranch dental office by working with some of the best oral surgeons closely located nearby.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is actually three separate components: the implant, the dental crown, and the abutment that connects the crown to the implant.
The dental implant itself is made of thin biocompatible titanium that we surgically attached to the jawbone. Biocompatible means that the body will accept it and fuses it with the jawbone, which creates a strong connection between the dental implant and the bone in a process known as osseointegration.
Restorations are the second part of the dental implant can vary from dental crowns to restore a tooth to bridges that restore multiple missing teeth in an arch. Tooth implants are also used to support dentures.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Dr. Roy Kim, DDS considers many variables when helping patients determine if dental implants are a good choice for them. We go over your general health, the health of your teeth and gums, and how much jawbone is available to anchor the dental implant.
If a tooth isn't replaced right away, the jaw bone will start to recede. If this is the case, we can perform a sinus augmentation or bone graft to extend the existing jawbone. At Healthy Living Dentistry, we work closely with specialists for the convenience of our patients in Orange County.
The Procedure for Implants at Healthy Living Dentistry
Dr. Roy Kim places dental implants in stages.
The first stage is the surgical process of placing the implant in the jaw and letting it completely heal. We want to make sure that osseointegration has taken place before exposing it to the stresses of biting down when eating or speaking. Generally, it takes around three to six months for the healing process. If bone grafts or other surgical procedures are needed, the treatment time may be extended.
After the healing process, we design a custom-fabricated dental crown that seamlessly blends with the rest of your smile. These natural-looking restorations are secured to the abutment to fill in the gap in your smile. 
Caring for your dental implant is no different than caring for your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, along with routine dental cleanings and exams, are the best way to keep your smile healthy and glowing.
All-on-Four Implant-Supported Dentures
If you are struggling with dentures and are missing multiple teeth on the upper or lower arch, then All-on-4 denture implants might be perfect for you!
We work alongside a board-certified oral surgeon to place four dental implants that support dentures. Also known as Smile in a Day, patients can expect to walk away from this dental procedure with a secured denture ready to eat, speak, and smile.
Our oral surgeon offers relaxing sedation that puts patients to sleep during the surgery for maximum comfort. We may recommend this procedure to patients who have complete dentures or are missing multiple teeth.
Get Started with Dental Implants in Lake Forest Today
Are you ready to improve your smile by replacing missing teeth? Call Healthy Living Dentistry today at (949) 830-2003 to schedule a dental implant appointment with Dr. Kim.
Healthy Living Dentistry is located in Foothill Ranch, and we happily serve patients nearby in Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and surrounding Orange County areas. If you have any questions or concerns regarding dental implants, never hesitate to ask. We welcome all questions and love educating our patients!
