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Dental Implants in Costa Mesa, CA — Placed by a Board-Certified Periodontist

Single implants, All-on-4, full-arch restorations, and bone grafting — all under one roof at The Loft Dental Studio. 5.0 stars from 107+ patient reviews.

Why Choose a Periodontist for Dental Implants

Seven dental practices in Costa Mesa offer dental implants. Most are staffed by general dentists or oral surgeons. The Loft Dental Studio is the only practice where your implants are placed by a board-certified periodontist — and that distinction matters more than most patients realize.

Periodontists complete three years of advanced surgical residency training beyond dental school, focused specifically on the jawbone, gum tissue, and supporting structures that hold teeth in place. These are the exact structures that dental implants depend on for long-term success. Dr. Chanook David Ahn completed his periodontal residency at Yale University, one of the most rigorous training programs in the country, and holds board certification from the American Board of Periodontology — a credential achieved by a minority of practicing periodontists nationwide.

Unlike oral surgeons who place the implant and then refer you to a separate office for the crown, Dr. Ahn works alongside in-house prosthodontist Dr. Elaine Lu (UCLA-trained, board-certified). The implant placement and the final restoration are planned together from day one, executed by two specialists in the same building. There are no referrals, no miscommunication between offices, and no delays.

Every implant case at The Loft Dental Studio begins with CBCT 3D cone beam imaging, which produces a detailed three-dimensional model of your jawbone, nerve pathways, and sinus cavities. Dr. Ahn uses this data to plan the exact angle, depth, and position of each implant before making a single incision. And if you need bone grafting before an implant — which is common after prolonged tooth loss or gum disease — Dr. Ahn handles that too. No referral to another office. No fragmented care.

Dental Implant Options at The Loft Dental Studio

Single Tooth Implant

Replaces one missing tooth with a titanium post, abutment, and porcelain crown. The implant is placed by Dr. Ahn, and the crown is designed and placed by Dr. Lu. The result looks and functions identically to a natural tooth — you can eat, brush, and floss normally. Unlike a traditional bridge, a single implant does not require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth. Cost: $3,000–$5,500 per implant (includes placement and crown). Healing time: 3–6 months total.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Replaces three or more adjacent missing teeth using two implants as anchors with a bridge spanning the gap. This approach is more conservative than placing an implant for every missing tooth, and it preserves the healthy teeth on either side of the gap that a traditional bridge would require reshaping. The bridge is custom-fabricated by Dr. Lu to match your natural teeth in color and shape. Cost: $6,000–$12,000 depending on the number of teeth replaced.

All-on-4 Full Arch Implants

Replaces an entire arch of teeth — upper, lower, or both — using just four strategically angled implants. The posterior implants are tilted to maximize contact with available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. Many patients receive temporary teeth the same day as surgery, making All-on-4 a popular choice for denture wearers who want a permanent, fixed solution. Dr. Ahn's surgical training and Dr. Lu's prosthetic expertise make full-arch cases a particular strength of our practice. Cost: $15,000–$25,000 per arch. Learn more about All-on-4 in Costa Mesa →

All-on-6 Full Arch Implants

Similar to All-on-4 but uses six implants for additional stability. Recommended when bone density allows and maximum support is desired, particularly for patients with strong bite forces or those who want the most secure long-term foundation. Cost: $20,000–$30,000 per arch.

Implant-Supported Dentures (Snap-On)

A removable denture that clips onto two to four implants for stability. More affordable than fixed All-on-4 but dramatically better than traditional dentures — no slipping, no adhesives, and significantly improved chewing ability. The denture snaps on and off for cleaning. Cost: $8,000–$15,000 per arch. Explore full-mouth implant options →

Bone Grafting for Implants

If you have lost jawbone density due to tooth loss, gum disease, or trauma, bone grafting builds the foundation needed for implant placement. Dr. Ahn performs socket preservation at the time of extraction, ridge augmentation to increase bone width, and sinus lifts to augment bone height in the upper jaw. He incorporates Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) from your own blood to accelerate healing. Cost: $500–$3,000. Learn more about bone regeneration →

The Dental Implant Process at Our Costa Mesa Office

  1. Consultation and 3D imaging — CBCT scan, comprehensive exam, and digital treatment plan. Dr. Ahn evaluates your bone volume, nerve locations, and sinus proximity to determine the optimal implant positions. You leave with a clear understanding of your options, timeline, and cost. Same-day consultations available.
  2. Pre-surgical preparation — Bone grafting if necessary (adds 3–6 months of healing time). Extraction of failed teeth if needed. Socket preservation grafts may be placed at the time of extraction to maintain bone volume for future implants.
  3. Implant placement surgery — Dr. Ahn places the titanium implant post into the jawbone using the surgical plan developed from your 3D imaging. The procedure takes 1–2 hours under local anesthesia or sedation. Most patients return to work the next day with minimal discomfort.
  4. Osseointegration (healing) — Over 3–6 months, the titanium implant fuses directly with your jawbone at the cellular level, creating a bond as strong as a natural tooth root. You will have a temporary tooth during this period so you are never without functional teeth.
  5. Abutment and final restoration — Dr. Lu designs and places the permanent crown, bridge, or prosthesis. The restoration is custom-matched to your natural teeth in color, shape, and translucency for a seamless, natural appearance.
  6. Follow-up and maintenance — Regular check-ups to ensure the implant is healthy and functioning perfectly. Periodontal maintenance visits protect the gum and bone tissue surrounding your implant for decades of reliable service.

Dental Implant Cost in Costa Mesa — Transparent Pricing

Procedure Cost Range
Single tooth implant (post + crown)$3,000–$5,500
Implant-supported bridge (3+ teeth)$6,000–$12,000
All-on-4 (full arch)$15,000–$25,000
All-on-6 (full arch)$20,000–$30,000
Implant-supported denture$8,000–$15,000
Bone grafting$500–$3,000
Sinus lift$1,500–$3,000

These are estimated ranges. Your actual cost depends on the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, the type of restoration, and your insurance coverage. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans — many cover a portion of implant treatment. We also offer flexible financing options including monthly payment plans. During your implant consultation, we provide a detailed cost breakdown with no surprises.

For a complete pricing breakdown including insurance strategies and financing, see our 2026 dental implant cost guide.

Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options

Dental implants are not the only option for replacing missing teeth, but they are the only option that preserves your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported it begins to deteriorate — a process called resorption. Dentures and bridges sit on top of the gums and do nothing to stop this bone loss. Over time, the jaw shrinks, the face takes on a sunken appearance, and dentures fit worse and worse. Implants are the only replacement that stimulates the bone the way a natural tooth root does, halting resorption and preserving your facial structure.

Traditional bridges require grinding down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors. Those teeth are permanently altered, and the bridge itself typically lasts 10–15 years before needing replacement. Implants leave adjacent teeth completely untouched and can last 20 years or a lifetime with proper care.

Dentures are the most affordable option upfront, but they require adhesives, restrict what you can eat, and need replacement every 5–8 years as the jaw changes shape. Many long-term denture wearers eventually transition to implant-supported solutions because the improvement in comfort, function, and confidence is transformative.

When you factor in the longevity of implants — 20+ years versus repeated replacements for bridges and dentures — the lifetime cost is often comparable. The difference is that with implants, you eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence from day one.

Free Dental Implant Consultation

3D imaging, a thorough evaluation, and a clear treatment plan from a board-certified periodontist. No obligation, no surprises.

Call (714) 549-7030
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants in Costa Mesa

How much do dental implants cost in Costa Mesa?

A single dental implant at The Loft Dental Studio costs between $3,000–$5,500, which includes the titanium implant placed by Dr. Ahn and the custom porcelain crown designed by Dr. Lu. All-on-4 full arch implants range from $15,000–$25,000 per arch. Bone grafting, if needed, adds $500–$3,000. We accept most PPO insurance and offer financing. Call (714) 549-7030 for a personalized cost estimate.

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report that dental implant surgery is less painful than they expected. Dr. Ahn uses local anesthesia during the procedure, and sedation options including oral sedation and IV sedation are available for anxious patients. Post-surgery discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication for two to three days. Most patients return to work the next day.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last 20 years to a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. The titanium implant post itself fuses permanently with your jawbone through osseointegration. The porcelain crown on top may need replacement after 15–20 years due to normal wear, but the implant post remains stable indefinitely.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. You need sufficient jawbone density to support the implant — if you have experienced bone loss, Dr. Ahn can perform bone grafting to rebuild the foundation first. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, active periodontal disease, or heavy smoking may require treatment before implant placement. The best way to find out is to schedule a CBCT scan and consultation.

Why should I choose a periodontist instead of a general dentist or oral surgeon for implants?

Periodontists have three years of advanced surgical training focused specifically on the jawbone and gum tissue that support your teeth — the exact structures that implants depend on. Dr. Ahn's Yale residency training included extensive implant surgery, bone grafting, and soft tissue management. Additionally, our in-house prosthodontist Dr. Lu designs your final restoration, so the implant placement and crown work are coordinated from day one. With an oral surgeon, you would typically be referred to a separate office for the crown.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of dental implant treatment — typically 50% of the surgical placement, up to your annual maximum. Medical insurance may also contribute if the tooth loss was due to an accident or medical condition. We verify your specific benefits before treatment and provide a detailed cost breakdown showing your exact out-of-pocket amount.

What is All-on-4 and is it right for me?

All-on-4 is a full-arch implant technique that replaces an entire set of upper or lower teeth using just four strategically placed implants. It is ideal for patients who currently wear dentures, have multiple failing teeth, or need all teeth extracted. Many patients receive temporary teeth the same day as surgery. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Ahn places the implants and Dr. Lu designs the final prosthesis — both under one roof.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The total process from consultation to final crown typically takes four to eight months. The implant surgery itself takes one to two hours. The longest phase is osseointegration — the three to six months where the implant fuses with your jawbone. If bone grafting is needed first, add three to six months of healing before implant placement. All-on-4 patients often receive temporary teeth on the same day as surgery.

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