Dental Implants · Irvine, CA
Dental implants on Sand Canyon
Dr. Natalie Chen places implants, sinus lifts and same-day teeth at Irvine, and uses platelet-rich fibrin to support healing. Dr. Lucas Moreau, our periodontist, grafts gum tissue where it has thinned around a future implant.
- Cost
- From $3,900
- Time
- About an hour to place one implant. Typically four to seven months from placement to the final crown.
- Insurance
- Many dental plans now cover part of an implant or its crown as a major service, subject to your annual maximum.
Your implants team in Irvine
Who you’ll see
Dr. Natalie Chen and Dr. Isabella Romero provide implants at this office. Not sure it’s right for you? Start with a consultation: your surgeon reviews your scan, explains the options and gives you one written quote first.
Why it helps
Why patients choose Implants in Irvine
Fixed and natural-looking
An implant crown is anchored in bone and shaded to match, so it doesn't shift and looks like your own tooth.
Leaves neighboring teeth alone
Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant doesn't require reshaping the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
Helps preserve bone
An implant carries chewing forces into the jaw, which helps slow the bone loss that follows losing a tooth.
Planned before surgery day
A 3D CBCT scan and a digital plan mean your surgeon knows exactly where the implant will go before you sit down.
The process
What to expect, step by step
Typical timeline: About an hour to place one implant. Typically four to seven months from placement to the final crown.
- 01
Complimentary consultation and CBCT
Your surgeon examines the area, takes a 3D scan and explains your options, including alternatives to an implant.
- 02
Digital plan and one quote
The implant is planned around the final tooth, and you receive one written estimate covering every step.
- 03
Implant placement
With local anesthetic, and IV sedation if you like, the implant is placed, often through a 3D-printed guide.
- 04
Healing
Over about three to six months the bone bonds to the implant. A temporary tooth fills a visible gap.
- 05
Abutment and crown
Once the implant is stable, a custom abutment and crown are attached, by us or by your own dentist.
Visiting us
Getting to Molly Irvine
From the I-5, exit Sand Canyon Ave and head north about a mile. From the I-405, exit Sand Canyon Ave and head south. We are on the east side of Sand Canyon, next to Hoag Hospital Irvine.
Parking: Free parking in the shared medical campus structure. Use the north entrance on Sand Canyon and take the elevator to the fifth floor.
Serving: Irvine, Woodbridge, Northwood, Portola Springs, Tustin, Lake Forest, University Park.
Reviews from Irvine
Patients near you say
Yelp
Dr. Romero placed my implant with Dr. Carver supervising. I was skeptical about a fellow at first, but she was meticulous and took more time explaining things than anyone I have seen. Very happy with the result.
Google
I needed a sinus lift before an implant and was worried. Dr. Chen explained it carefully, and a Korean-speaking team member went over everything with my mother, who came with me. Healing was smooth and the implant went in four months later.
Google
Got my wisdom teeth out the week after finals at UCI. Dr. Pham explained the 3D scan and the risks without making it scary. My parents liked that he called the evening after. I was back at my internship in three days.
Is it right for you?
You may be a good candidate if…
- Adults missing one or more teeth, or with a tooth that cannot be saved
- People with enough jawbone, or who are willing to have a graft to rebuild it
- Patients with healthy gums, or gum disease that has been treated
- Non-smokers, or smokers willing to stop around the time of surgery
- Patients whose diabetes or other medical conditions are well controlled
Recovery tips
- Expect mild swelling and tenderness for two to three days. Ice and over-the-counter pain relief usually help.
- Eat soft foods and chew on the other side for about a week, or as your surgeon advises.
- Avoid smoking and vaping during healing. Both slow the bone's bond with the implant.
- Rinse gently with salt water from the day after surgery and keep the area clean with a soft brush.
- Once the crown is on, brush and floss around it daily. A water flosser works well.
- Keep regular cleanings and exams so the gum and bone around the implant can be checked.
FAQ
Implants in Irvine: answered
How long does an implant take in total?
Usually three to six months from placement to final crown, depending on whether you need a bone graft or sinus lift first.
Do you bill my dental insurance?
Yes. We are in network with most PPOs, including Delta Dental of California, Cigna, Aetna and Anthem Blue Cross, and we check benefits before your consult.
Can I be seen on Saturday?
Yes. Consultations, including the 3D scan, are available Saturday mornings from 8 to noon.
More at Molly Irvine
Implants at nearby offices
Ready to talk about implants in Irvine?
Book a consultation online in about a minute. You’ll meet your surgeon, see your scan, and leave with one written quote before anything is scheduled.