Key Takeaways
- Dental implants are strong replacements for missing teeth. They help you chew food and feel good about your smile.
- Doctors put the implants in carefully to make sure everything is safe.
- Implants also keep your jawbone healthy and stop other teeth from moving.
- At Clove Dental in Santa Monica, we make special plans for each patient.
- Taking care of your implants and visiting the dentist regularly will help them last a long time.
If you have been thinking about dental implants and you live here in Santa Monica, you probably already asked friends, checked Google reviews, or even spoken to your dentist about options. It is a big decision, because a missing tooth affects more than just how you look in photos. Chewing changes. Certain foods become annoying. Smiling feels different. It is surprising how much one tooth can change daily life.
Many people today end up choosing implants because they want something steady and natural, not something that shifts or needs to be removed at night. The other major reason is stability. Implants help the jawbone stay strong, which is something bridges and dentures cannot do in the same way.
At our office, we see quite a few patients who say, “I wish I had done this sooner.” The hesitation usually comes from not knowing what to expect or worrying about the surgery part. That is where qualified oral surgeons become extremely important. Implants are not simply “screw it in and go home.” They require planning, imaging, bone evaluation, and precise placement.
Why Our Patients Choose Implants
Everyone has their own story. One patient chipped a tooth surfing and eventually lost it. Another bumped a tooth on a bike trail near Palisades Park years ago, and it slowly failed. Some people have older bridgework that is no longer holding up.
They almost always want three things:
- Something stable
- Something that looks natural
- Something that does not damage other teeth
Implants check all three boxes.
They sit in the bone like a natural root, which means nearby teeth are not touched. For anyone who values long-term function over short-term fixes, implants tend to make the most sense.
The Oral Surgeon Part (This Matters)
When someone decides on implants, our first priority is making sure they are handled by someone with surgical experience. Skilled oral surgeons evaluate bone thickness, nerve position, and gum structure. They use digital scans to map the area. They check alignment and bite pressure.
Those steps are not optional. They protect the patient. They protect the implant.
A good surgical foundation means:
- Less discomfort afterward
- Faster healing
- Higher long-term success rate
We tell patients not to rush the process. Dentistry is not fast fashion. Do it right the first time.
What the Journey Looks Like
The process usually goes something like this:
1. Consultation and imaging
A full check of bone health, gums, bite, and medical history.
2. Surgical placement with an oral surgeon
Most patients say it feels surprisingly manageable.
3. Healing period
The implant fuses with bone. During this phase, we check on you, adjust if needed, and support healing.
4. Crown placement
This is the fun part. The tooth is shaped and shaded to blend perfectly. Many patients have trouble even spotting the implant afterward.
Care and Longevity
The best implants last for decades. That part depends on:
- Good brushing
- Gum care
- Regular visits
- Avoiding habits like chewing ice or opening packets with teeth (yes, people really do that)
Think of it like caring for a natural tooth that costs time and effort to rebuild. Treat it with respect, and it pays you back every day.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most healthy adults do well with implants. Even if the bone has thinned a bit from years without a tooth, there are ways to prepare the area. That is another reason oral surgeons matter; they understand bone rebuilding procedures when needed.
Why Santa Monica Patients Come to Us
Patients tell us they appreciate honest conversation. We will tell you when implants make sense, and we will tell you if a different treatment would be smarter. The collaboration between our dental team and experienced oral surgeons helps ensure every step feels clear and supported.
This city values health, activity, and confidence. Your smile plays a part in all of that, whether you are at the farmers market, in a board meeting, or grabbing lunch on Montana Ave.
A good implant blends into life so well that you stop thinking about it altogether. That is the goal.
Final Thought
Implants are not just a cosmetic fix. They restore chewing strength, prevent bone loss, and bring back the natural feel of having a real tooth. If you are missing a tooth and want a dependable solution, implants are worth discussing.