Dental Implants

Dental Implants — Orange, CA

The Gold Standard of Tooth Replacement

If you have a missing tooth that causes you anxiety or affects your self-confidence, consider getting dental implants in Orange, CA to fill the gap in your smile. The advanced technology of dental implants ensures a permanent, stable tooth replacement. The synthetic tooth will improve your appearance and will also restore your ability to chew and speak.

If you are missing one or more teeth, call our dentist in Orange, CA
, for a free consultation about dental implants. Michelsen Dental is a leader in the dental implant industry, and we are proud to perform every step of this advanced treatment right here in our office. We will make sure your procedure runs as smoothly as possible so you can get back to your normal schedule right away with the complete set of pearly whites you deserve. Your full, brilliant smile is just a few visits away! We are happy to serve patients in Orange, Tustin, and the surrounding communities.

Why Choose Michelsen Dental For Dental Implants?

  • #1 FREE Dental Implant Consultation
  • #2 Skilled Team of Dentists with Advanced Implant Training
  • #3 Permanently Replace Any number of Teeth

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium rod that’s used to replace the roots of a missing tooth. One or more dental implants can be inserted into the jawbone where missing teeth once were, where they will fuse with the natural structure. Once fully healed in place, dental implants can be topped with a dental crown, bridge, or denture to replace any number of missing teeth. Rebuilding lost teeth from the roots up like this provides a solution that looks, feels, and functions just like the real thing!

What’s more, immediate dental implants represent a revolution in dental implant technology. In the past, after an extraction, you would have waited at least six weeks before we could place your implant. Now, in some cases, we can perform the extraction and fit you with a dental implant at the same appointment.

Receiving an immediate implant provides you with a host of benefits. The first benefit is convenience. You won’t have to have multiple appointments, and you won’t have to wait for your implant. You’ll also have a shorter recovery time after your surgery. Finally, the process allows us to more easily preserve your natural gum tissue.

The Dental Implant Process

Closeup of implant dentist in Orange working

While each patient’s dental implant experience is slightly different, the entire process can be broken down into two basic phases. The first is called implant placement, in which the new tooth roots are surgically placed into the jawbone by our in-house dental surgeon Dr. Kiet Minh Tran. Over the course of a few weeks after the surgery, the mouth heals and the implants bond to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once this is complete, the patient will return to our office so their new custom-made crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to their implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Man and woman smiling after replacing teeth with dental implants in Orange California

The benefits of dental implants include:

  • Improved appearance of your smile.
  • Increased self-esteem.
  • Added stability when eating.
  • More comfort than some alternatives.
  • Longer-lasting tooth replacements.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Man with full smile thanks to dental implants in Orange California

If you are a good candidate for dental implants, the entire procedure can be done in our office. Our office will help with the entire process, from diagnosing and planning to placement and restoration. We have a specialist that will come in to perform the surgical placement. When it comes to implant dentistry, we will do everything we can to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Orange implant dentist discussing dental implant surgery with patient

The best way to know if dental implants are right for you is to visit our office for a FREE dental implant consultation. Our dentists will carefully examine your smile, the number of teeth you’re missing, and the condition of your jawbone. This appointment also catches any preexisting oral health issues like gum disease, which must be treated before getting dental implants.

Good candidates for implants are usually those missing at least one tooth who have a strong enough jawbone for surgery. That being said, we also have several options for patients who are lacking the necessary jawbone density. Procedures like bone grafts and All-On-4 implants  can allow even those with weaker jawbones to enjoy implants, which is why the initial consultation is so important.

Missing 1 Tooth

Digital illustration of a single tooth dental implant in Orange being placed

If you are missing a single tooth, we can likely replace it with a single dental implant and a custom-made dental crown. The dental implant will be inserted into the jawbone where the missing tooth once was. Once it has healed, we’ll place a dental crown atop it to complete your smile. This restoration is precisely crafted and color-matched in order to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your natural teeth.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Digital illustration of an implant bridge replacing several missing teeth in Orange

Dental implants can also replace several missing teeth, whether they’re right next to each other or spread around the arch. Instead of using a traditional dental bridge or partial denture, which rely on healthy tooth and gum structures and can cause discomfort, we can support these classic restorations with dental implants.

Missing All Teeth

Digital illustration of an All-On-4 dental implant denture in Orange

We also provide dental implants for patients needing dentures. Implants get rid of any shifting or sliding you might experience with traditional dentures. Dveral rods may be used to hold the dentures in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without worrying about a denture that won’t stay in place.

One style of implant-supported denture is the All-on-4 structure. This is simply a method of placing four implant rods around the mouth in strategic locations. These will anchor the dentures effectively while keeping the number of implants to a minimum.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

dental assistant and patients reviewing the cost of dental implants in Orange

Dental implants are known as the “gold standard” for tooth replacement options. If you’re considering getting these restorations to rebuild your missing teeth, you might want to consider how much they’ll cost. Since dental implant treatments are tailored to each patient’s specific situation, you won’t expect a set fee for the procedure. The only way to determine the overall cost is to visit our team for a consultation. We’ll assess your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and provide you with an estimate as well as walk you through your financing options. Until you visit us, here are several factors to consider about the cost of dental implants in Orange.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

dental tools sitting on top of a stack of $100 bills on blue background

If you require preliminary treatments such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, or gum disease therapy, then these will naturally add to the overall price of your dental implants. That said, these are crucial for ensuring the success and long-lasting results of your new pearly whites.

Your dental implant placement surgery will also influence the cost of your treatment. The price can change depending on factors like where it’s located in your mouth and the kind of sedation therapy you undergo. Our team is proud to help you save time, money, and headaches by providing your implant procedure in practice, helping you avoid needing to visit multiple places for your treatment.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Digital illustration showing the different parts of a dental implant in Orange

Next, you’ll want to consider certain variables regarding the implants themselves, including:


  • The type of restoration:

    Larger tooth replacement options like dentures will cost more than smaller ones, such as crowns.

  • The number of dental implants

    : The overall price of your implants will change based on how many of them are placed.

  • The size or material:

    Dental implants that are constructed out of zirconia, or that are shorter or longer than average, will impact the cost of your procedure.

  • The brand of dental implant:

    We’ll only use high-quality implants from trusted brands to ensure you have the lifelike and long-lasting results you need.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Man in dental chair smiling after getting dental implants in Orange

While it may be tempting to opt for dental bridges or dentures for their convenient prices, they won’t offer the same crucial benefits you can find with implants. While dental implants do come at a higher price value, they can actually save you more money in the long run. Since dentures and bridges will need to be replaced every few years, this can hike up the overall cost of their treatment. Dental implants, however, offer a one-time expense with results that can last several decades to a lifetime, saving you hundreds of dollars. You also won’t have to pay for special products to maintain your new teeth.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Dental insurance paperwork, dental X-rays, glasses, and money sitting on a wooden table

Although dental insurance doesn’t usually offer coverage for dental implants, there may be some exceptions. In some cases, your provider may be able to cover portions or percentages of your treatment, such as your consultation, restoration, and the sedation used. Speak with our knowledgeable team and we’ll be more than happy to walk you through the details of your benefits to ensure you make the most of them.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

White piggy bank with dollar bills sticking out of it

Don’t have dental insurance? No worries. You may be eligible for alternative financing options that’ll help you avoid having to break the bank. We are proud to work with CareCredit—a third-party financier that can break up the cost of your dental treatment into smaller monthly installments. Many of these plans also come with little-to-no interest, meaning you can have a stress-free experience paying for dental implants to restore your missing pearly whites!

Dental Implant Post- Op Instructions

woman smiling after getting dental implants in Orange

At Michelsen Dental, we have an experienced specialist come in to perform the surgical placement of your dental implant. That means we can complete the entire dental implant process from start to finish in one convenient location! Following your oral surgery, we’ll provide you with a list of post-op instructions to help you make a speedy and smooth sailing recovery. If you’d like to know what to expect throughout the healing period, continue reading or 
give our office a call  today!

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

taking pain medication after dental implant surgery in Orange

While recovering, you must ensure the blood clot on your surgery site remains completely untouched. That way, the gums can heal properly around the implant. Make sure you avoid:

  • Spitting (use tissues or swallow your saliva)
  • Drinking with straws
  • Smoking
  • Touching the surgical site with your fingers or tongue

Common Side-Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

woman using cold compress after dental implant surgery in Orange

If you’ve never had oral surgery before, you may not know which symptoms are normal and which ones you should be concerned about. Generally, any initial discomfort you experience should gradually improve over time. If it ever seems to be getting worse, don’t hesitate to give our office a call.

Here are some side effects you can expect in the first few days following your procedure:


  • Intermittent Bleeding 

    – Although this can last for multiple days, you can alleviate it by applying a slight amount of pressure on the gauze that’s on the surgical site.

  • Swelling 

    – It can last over a week, but you can make it go down quicker by using a cold compress on your cheek or jaw.

  • General Discomfort 

    – You can easily manage this by taking over the counter or prescribed pain medication.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

woman eating pudding

It’s strongly recommended that you stick to a soft-food diet for the first few days following your oral surgery. Before your procedure, you should stock up on foods like:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Ice cream
  • Pudding
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Pasta

Although you can return to your usual diet as soon as you feel up for it, you should avoid chewing directly on the implant site.

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

woman brushing teeth in bathroom mirror

If you want your implants to successfully fuse with the surrounding bone tissue, you must keep your mouth as clean as possible after your surgery. It’s okay to brush your teeth as you normally would. However, make sure you’re gentle and careful near the surgical site. Don’t forget to rinse your mouth with salt water two to three times a day! Avoid using any mouthwash that has high levels of alcohol in it, such as Scope or Listerine.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

older woman smiling after getting dental implants in Orange

Once fully healed, you’ll be able to move on to the last step of the process – the attachment of your prosthetic! After your new crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, you may experience minor sensitivity in the gum tissue. Luckily, you can easily manage your discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. You’ll be ready to make the most out of your new smile that same day!

Dental Implant FAQs

Illustration of dental implant

Dental implants are ideal when it comes to tooth replacement thanks to their numerous benefits. However, they are a huge investment, so it pays to be well-informed. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental implants in Orange. If you don’t see the information that you’ve been looking for below, don’t worry! 


Give us a call


 and we’d be happy to walk you through the treatment process and get you started with an initial consultation.

HOW LONG DO DENTAL IMPLANTS LAST?

The lifespan of dental implants typically depends on the health and lifestyle choices of the patient. To ensure that implants last, it’s important to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash on a daily basis. Attend regular cleanings and checkups and avoid chewing on things that are particularly hard or sticky. With proper maintenance, dental implants can last upward of 30 years. That’s several times longer than traditional bridges and dentures.

DOES GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS HURT?

The jawbone doesn’t have very many nerve endings, and your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. You will also most likely be sedated, lowering your body’s ability to register pain. While the surgery shouldn’t be painful, you may experience some soreness for a few days afterward. By taking recommended over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers as directed, the discomfort should lessen. Cold compresses can also help. If discomfort persists after three days, give us a call.

AM I TOO YOUNG TO GET DENTAL IMPLANTS?

If dental implants are placed before the jaw has finished growing, they can interfere with further bone development and potentially result in complications. Most dental professionals will not place implants in patients younger than 18, as most people’s jaws aren’t fully developed until adulthood. Some people’s jaws take until their mid-20s to develop. During your consultation with us, we can discuss whether or not dental implants are the best option for you at this time.

WILL I HAVE TO TAKE OFF WORK FOR DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY?

Most patients only need to take one or two days off to get dental implants. If your job is physically demanding, you may want to take three or four days off, as heavy exercise can divert blood from the implant site and delay healing. However, every case is different. During your consultation with us, we can give you a more specific recommendation to meet your unique needs.

Dr. Michelsen is fantastic! She is not only a great dentist with up to date equipment, but she is very good to her patients! Glad she is here and my dentist!

Susan Olive Nuttall

Michelsen Dental
2018-09-07T12:04:11-07:00

Susan Olive Nuttall

Dr. Michelsen is fantastic! She is not only a great dentist with up to date equipment, but she is very good to her patients! Glad she is here and my dentist!
Very helpful and friendly staff. I love that they make your crown right there and you don't have to have a temporary tooth and wait for the permanent tooth.

Elliot Wagstaff

Michelsen Dental
2018-09-07T12:03:10-07:00

Elliot Wagstaff

Very helpful and friendly staff. I love that they make your crown right there and you don't have to have a temporary tooth and wait for the permanent tooth.
Dr. Michelsen and her staff are amazing. We drive from Aliso Viejo because of the service we are provided. Thank you for taking great care of my family. We smile brighter because of you.

Alicia F.

Michelsen Dental
2018-09-07T12:02:29-07:00

Alicia F.

Dr. Michelsen and her staff are amazing. We drive from Aliso Viejo because of the service we are provided. Thank you for taking great care of my family. We smile brighter because of you.
I've been procrastinating on going to the dentist for a few years because I was nervous of what I might need. But after visiting with Dr. Michelsen, I found that I was worried for no reason at all. She and her staff are kind, patient, and gentle! I'm smiling because, not only are my teeth nice and healthy again, I also got my smile brightened. It looks better than I thought possible...and makes me feel happy about myself again.

Jill Parkin

Michelsen Dental
2018-09-07T12:02:02-07:00

Jill Parkin

I've been procrastinating on going to the dentist for a few years because I was nervous of what I might need. But after visiting with Dr. Michelsen, I found that I was worried for no reason at all. She and her staff are kind, patient, and gentle! I'm smiling because, not only are my teeth nice and healthy again, I also got my smile brightened. It looks better than I thought possible...and makes me feel happy about myself again.
My husband and I are both patients of Dr. Michelsen. As she has recently taken over this practice, we have only had a few visits with her but right off the bat, she made us feel right at ease and very comfortable with both her skill as a dentist and also her personal attention to her patients. She takes the time to get to know you, which we like. Her office staff is always very warm and inviting and never fail to greet you with a smile. I have already referred a friend and hoping we have the opportunity to refer others!

Robin Rodina

Michelsen Dental
2018-09-07T12:04:32-07:00

Robin Rodina

My husband and I are both patients of Dr. Michelsen. As she has recently taken over this practice, we have only had a few visits with her but right off the bat, she made us feel right at ease and very comfortable with both her skill as a dentist and also her personal attention to her patients. She takes the time to get to know you, which we like. Her office staff is always very warm and inviting and never fail to greet you with a smile. I have already referred a friend and hoping we have the opportunity to refer others!
Dr. Michelsen is a very professional, caring and considerate dentist which puts the dental health of her patients above all else. Her office will not try to upsell you on services that aren’t needed like other dental offices. Her office staff mirrors her professionalism and friendliness.

Marc Ellison

Michelsen Dental
2018-09-07T12:01:40-07:00

Marc Ellison

Dr. Michelsen is a very professional, caring and considerate dentist which puts the dental health of her patients above all else. Her office will not try to upsell you on services that aren’t needed like other dental offices. Her office staff mirrors her professionalism and friendliness.
Dr. Michaelsen is amazing! My daughter has Veneers on her front teeth. One cracked this week and she is leaving on a vacation for 2 weeks! Dr. Michaelsen and her staff went above and beyond to get her in and get the tooth fixed. Dr. Michaelsen did such a beautiful job fixing her tooth. You can’t even tell that there was ever a problem. She is such an amazing talented Dentist! And her staff is terrific too!

Amy Willett Leon

Michelsen Dental
2018-09-07T12:04:51-07:00

Amy Willett Leon

Dr. Michaelsen is amazing! My daughter has Veneers on her front teeth. One cracked this week and she is leaving on a vacation for 2 weeks! Dr. Michaelsen and her staff went above and beyond to get her in and get the tooth fixed. Dr. Michaelsen did such a beautiful job fixing her tooth. You can’t even tell that there was ever a problem. She is such an amazing talented Dentist! And her staff is terrific too!
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