A missing tooth changes how you eat, speak, and smile, and over time it can lead to bone loss and shifting teeth. Dental implants are the closest thing modern dentistry has to a natural replacement: permanent, stable, and beautiful.
At The JM Dental in Orange County, implant treatment is led by Dr. Joseph Mina Atalla, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and an Expert in Oral Implantology of the German Society for Oral Implantology (DGOI). Diagnosis, surgical placement, and the final restoration are planned by the same clinician.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. It's placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over a few months in a natural process called osseointegration. Once healed, it anchors a custom crown, a bridge, or a full arch of teeth. Because the implant integrates with your bone, it stabilizes the jaw and feels remarkably like a natural tooth.
A complete implant has three parts:
- The implant, the titanium post placed in the jaw.
- The abutment, a connector that sits at the gumline.
- The restoration, the visible crown, bridge, or denture, custom-made to match your smile.
Are dental implants right for you?
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates. Implants are an excellent option if you:
- Are missing a single tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth
- Want a permanent alternative to a removable denture or partial
- Have a damaged tooth that can't be saved and needs to be replaced
- Are tired of a bridge that relies on grinding down healthy neighboring teeth
Adequate jawbone supports an implant best, but even patients who have experienced bone loss can often qualify after a bone graft or sinus lift. The only way to know for sure is a consultation and 3D imaging, which is exactly what your first visit covers.
The dental implant process at The JM Dental
- Consultation & 3D imaging. Dr. Atalla evaluates your teeth, gums, and jawbone using digital imaging, then builds a treatment plan tailored to you.
- Implant placement. The titanium post is precisely placed into the jaw using guided, minimally invasive techniques for comfort and accuracy.
- Healing & integration. Over the following weeks, the implant fuses with your bone. A temporary restoration may be placed so you're never without a smile.
- The final restoration. Once healed, your custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached, color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Why patients choose The JM Dental for implants
- Examined implant credentials. Dr. Atalla is a Diplomate of the ICOI, an Expert in Oral Implantology of the DGOI, a member of Premium Dental Clinics, and a World Member of Leading Implant Centers.
- One trusted practice, start to finish. Diagnosis, surgical placement, and the final restoration are coordinated under one roof.
- A reputation patients vouch for. The JM Dental is BBB A+ accredited and consistently highly rated by Orange County patients.
Single tooth, multiple teeth, or full arch
- Single-tooth implant, replaces one tooth with a crown, without touching the neighboring teeth.
- Implant bridge, replaces several missing teeth in a row using two or more implants.
- Full-arch restoration, replaces an entire upper or lower set of teeth on six to eight implants with a fixed zirconia bridge. (See our Full-Arch Implants page.)
Frequently asked questions
How long do dental implants last?
Does getting an implant hurt?
How long does the whole process take?
I was told I don't have enough bone for implants, can you still help?
Treatment is led by Dr. Joseph Mina Atalla, ICOI Diplomate & DGOI Expert in Oral Implantology.