This article was medically reviewed by Adrian Acosta, DDS, a licensed dentist practicing in California.
If you’ve been looking into dental implants, you’re not alone—millions of people choose them every year to restore their smile and confidence. At Gold Coast Dental, with over 19 locations across Southern California and one in Texas, we’ve helped countless patients replace missing teeth with long-lasting, natural-looking results. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to book, this guide will answer common questions, explain the process, and share expert tips. You can also find your nearest location to see how we can help you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium or zirconia posts placed into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once healed, they support crowns, bridges, or dentures that look and function like natural teeth. Unlike removable options, implants fuse with your bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a secure, permanent base. They’re often chosen over bridges or dentures because they don’t rely on surrounding teeth for support and can last decades with proper oral habits.
Benefits of Dental Implants vs. Alternatives
Dental implants provide several advantages:
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Durability: Research shows a 10-year survival rate of over 95% for implants placed under ideal conditions (Jung et al., 2012).
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Bone preservation: They help prevent jawbone shrinkage, which can occur after tooth loss.
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Natural feel: They allow comfortable chewing without slipping.
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Better teeth hygiene: Since they’re individual units, you can brush and floss around them like natural teeth.
Alternatives like bridges may be quicker but often require reshaping healthy teeth, while dentures can loosen over time. Choosing the right option depends on your age, health, and lifestyle—our team can guide you toward the best dental implants options or suitable alternatives.
How Dental Implants Work: Step-by-Step
Dental implants are placed through a multi-stage process:
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Consultation & Imaging – We assess bone density, gum health, and medical history.
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Implant Placement – A minor surgical procedure to position the implant in the jaw.
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Healing Period – Usually 3–6 months for bone fusion.
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Abutment Placement – A connector piece is attached.
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Restoration – A crown, bridge, or denture is custom-made and secured.
With modern techniques and local anesthesia, most patients describe the procedure as surprisingly comfortable.
Preparing for Your Implant Appointment
To get the best outcome:
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Keep up with teeth hygiene: brush twice daily and floss daily.
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Avoid smoking—studies link it to lower implant success rates (Chrcanovic et al., 2015).
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Let your dentist know about medications or health conditions.
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Eat soft foods for a few days after surgery.
Our Glendale office, among others, provides pre-treatment guidance—Dentist in Glendale, CA can walk you through every step.
Aftercare & Long-Term Maintenance
Good mouth care is crucial for implant longevity:
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum irritation.
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Floss or use interdental brushes daily.
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Schedule professional cleanings twice a year.
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Watch for early signs of gum inflammation—redness, swelling, or bleeding.
With proper care, affordable dental implants can last decades, making them a worthwhile investment in your healthy smile.
Cost of Dental Implants & Affordability Options
The cost of dental implants can range from $3,000–$5,000 per single tooth depending on materials, number of teeth replaced, and additional procedures like bone grafts. At Gold Coast Dental, we offer financing plans, payment options, and insurance assistance to make treatment more accessible. If you’re searching for dental implants near me, our staff can review options tailored to your needs.
Dental Implants for Kids & Seniors
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Dental implants for kids are generally delayed until jaw growth is complete, often around age 18.
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Dental implants for seniors can be successful at almost any age if bone and gum health are adequate. Studies show high success rates even in patients over 70 (Mangano et al., 2018).
Common Myths About Dental Implants
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“They look fake.” Modern materials match your natural teeth seamlessly.
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“The surgery is painful.” Discomfort is usually mild and managed with over-the-counter medication.
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“They’re not worth the cost.” Given their longevity, implants often cost less over time than replacing bridges or dentures.
When Repair or Replacement Is Needed
Implants can last decades, but replacement may be necessary if:
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Gum disease or bone loss occurs.
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The crown chips or wears down.
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Trauma damages the implant or restoration.
Early intervention by your dentist can prevent more serious issues.
Final thought
Gold Coast Dental offers personalized implant solutions at all our locations. With over 19 offices in Southern California and one in Texas, you can check our locations page to find your nearest Gold Coast Dental location. Whether you’re ready to call us now, book a session, or read more about dental care in your area from our [local guide], our team is here to help you restore your smile with confidence.
FAQ
1.How to dental implants stay in place? They fuse with the jawbone through sseointegration, creating a secure foundation.
2. Are dental implants safe? Yes—when placed by trained professionals following modern protocols, they are considered a safe, predictable treatment.
3. How long does the dental implants procedure take? The surgical placement itself usually takes 1–2 hours per implant. Full healing and restoration can take 3–6 months.
4. How much do dental implants cost? A single implant can cost between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on your specific case and any additional treatments needed.
5. Do dental implants prevent tooth decay? The implant post won’t decay, but surrounding gums and adjacent teeth still need daily brushing, flossing, and professional checkups.
6. What’s the success rate of dental implants? Healthy patients have a success rate above 90–95% over 10 years (Jung et al., 2012).
References
Chrcanovic, B. R., Albrektsson, T., & Wennerberg, A. (2015). Smoking and dental implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dentistry, 43(5), 487–498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2015.03.003
Jung, R. E., Zembic, A., Pjetursson, B. E., Zwahlen, M., & Thoma, D. S. (2012). Systematic review of the survival rate and incidence of biological, technical, and aesthetic complications of single crowns on implants. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 23(Suppl 6), 2–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02547.x
Mangano, F. G., et al. (2018). Dental implants in elderly patients: A retrospective study. Journal of Oral Implantology, 44(6), 422–429. https://doi.org/10.1563/aaid-joi-D-18-00029
Last reviewed August 2025.