A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a small titanium post and a natural-looking crown. Dr. Kim plans every case on a 3D scan, places the implant here in our Hawthorne office, and can usually give you a temporary tooth the same day.
What a dental implant is
An implant is a small titanium post placed in the jaw that acts as a tooth root. After it heals, an abutment and a crown complete the tooth. It looks, feels and works like a natural tooth and does not involve the neighboring teeth.
Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or support a full denture that no longer slips.
What to expect
The four steps below are the same ones shown in our treatment gallery.
1. Implant placement
Under local anesthesia, about an hour per implant. A temporary tooth can usually be placed the same day, so you are not left with a gap.
2. Healing period
Typically 3 to 6 months while the bone bonds to the implant. Most patients manage with over-the-counter pain relief for the first days.
3. Abutment placement
A small connector is attached to the implant and the gum is shaped around it.
4. Crown attachment
A custom crown matched to your other teeth is fitted and checked for bite and appearance.
If the bone is too thin for an implant, bone grafting is done here as part of the plan.
Cost and insurance
Implants are usually not covered by Denti-Cal; many PPO plans cover part of the crown. We give you a written estimate before any work begins, with step-by-step pricing.
Payment plans are available: CareCredit, Sunbit, and in-house plans for larger treatments.
Dr. Kim's approach
Planning comes first. A 3D CBCT scan shows the bone, nerves and sinuses exactly, and a surgical guide is used when it makes placement more precise. Nothing is placed until the plan is right.
If a tooth can still be saved, Dr. Kim tells you so instead of recommending an implant.
Why Happy Light Dental for implants
Treatment planning
A personalized plan from your scans and bone density sets realistic expectations and makes placement accurate.
Aesthetic considerations
Especially for front teeth, the implant crown has to match your other teeth in color, shape and position. We work until it does.
Experience and expertise
Dr. Kim has placed and restored implants for years and makes the critical decisions during surgery that keep results predictable.
Surgical technique
Precise positioning protects the nerves and neighboring teeth and gives the implant the stability it needs to last.
Dental implant questions
Ready to talk about implants?
Call (310) 644-4648 or book online. Se habla español · 한국어 진료 가능.