Don't let a missing tooth hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Not only does it affect the appearance of your smile, but it also prevents you from savoring your favorite foods and feeling confident when you smile. What's more, these gaps can lead to more serious oral health problems in the future. Fortunately, dental implants offer the ideal solution to replace a missing tooth, allowing you to embrace life with a radiant smile once again.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Why should I choose dental implants?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, it's crucial to weigh your options carefully. Among the various alternatives available, dental implants stand out as the ultimate choice. Not only do they fill the gap in your smile flawlessly, but they also bring back your oral health to a thriving state. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants have the remarkable ability to halt bone loss. Plus, they can be customized to replace a single tooth or an entire arch, making them incredibly versatile. Don't settle for anything less than the best – choose dental implants for a complete smile transformation.
Did you know…
Down to the root, dental implants replace your whole tooth.
Source: National Library of Medicine
Ready to
schedule your appointment?
No Guess-Work, More Comfort
With cone-beam computed tomography, or CBCT technology, we give our patients peace of mind. This reliable technology ensures precise placement for increased patient comfort and better overall outcomes.
Bone Grafting
Some patients require extra preparation before receiving dental implants. Dr. Kim is experienced in a variety of oral surgeries and procedures, like bone grafting, to ensure your implants function properly and stand the test of time.
Get Started On The Right Path!
We'd be honored to help you regain your oral health. To show our gratitude, we are offering our patients an exclusive dental implant special. Get the high-quality care your smile deserves today.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Experience Unmatched Comfort
Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to implants that feel and function just like natural teeth. With implants, you can brush and floss like normal and indulge in your favorite foods without any worries.
Achieve a Natural Look
Get ready to smile confidently with implants that are paired with durable and custom-crafted restorations. Our expert team ensures that your implant seamlessly blends with your smile, giving you a beautiful and natural-looking result.
Protect Your Oral Health
Preserve your oral health with implants made from biocompatible materials. These implants mimic the form and function of your natural tooth roots, preventing bone resorption caused by tooth loss and ensuring the long-term health of your jawbone.
The Implant Treatment Process
Placement
Once your treatment is given the green light, your doctor will work with you to schedule your oral surgery and develop a personalized surgical plan. During the procedure, your doctor will carefully create an opening in your gums and skillfully position a dental implant directly into your jaw bone. Afterward, the surgical site will be thoroughly cleaned and carefully sutured to kickstart the healing process.
Healing & Osseointegration
Experience a seamless recovery after your implant surgery. As your gums and jawbone heal, you'll notice remarkable progress in just 1-2 weeks, with the incision area fully healed. However, the true magic happens over the next 3-6 months as the implant securely fuses with your jawbone through the incredible process of osseointegration. Rest assured, our dedicated team will be there every step of the way, scheduling follow-up appointments during this crucial phase to ensure your healing is on track.
Applying the Restoration
Experience a complete smile transformation with our dental implant treatment. After the implant has seamlessly fused with your jaw, it's time for the final step - placing your restoration. This is the part of the implant that is visible and resembles a natural tooth. Our expert team will custom design a dental crown that perfectly matches your smile. With the crown securely attached to the titanium implant through an abutment, your smile will be flawlessly restored. Get ready to show off your new, confident smile!
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a single tooth implant?
%402x%20(2).svg){kind=icon}
A single tooth implant is a popular dental solution that consists of three components. First, there is a titanium implant, which is shaped like a screw and serves as the foundation. Second, an abutment is used to connect the implant to the restoration. The restoration is the third component and is typically a dental crown that closely resembles a natural tooth. Unlike removable partial dentures, single tooth implants are stable and do not move or shift.
How are dental implants made?
Dental implants are made using high-quality titanium in reputable laboratories. These labs offer a variety of standard post sizes for the implants. The restoration, on the other hand, is a personalized prosthetic that is tailored to meet each patient's specific needs and aesthetic preferences. Your dentist may create the restoration in-office using advanced technology or send detailed impressions to a trusted laboratory. The laboratory will then craft a durable and natural-looking crown made from porcelain, which closely resembles tooth enamel. Once completed, the crown is firmly attached to the implant by your dentist.
How long will my dental implant last?
With proper placement by an expert and regular maintenance, dental implants can last for 30 years or even a lifetime. However, it's important to note that the restoration may need to be replaced over time due to regular wear and tear from chewing and biting. Just like traditional crowns or dentures, regular visits to the dentist will allow you to monitor the condition of your restoration and the health of your implant, ensuring the longevity of your smile.
Can my dental implant become infected?
While it is possible for dental implants to become infected, this complication is extremely rare and usually occurs when the implant is not properly cared for after the placement surgery. By following your doctor's post-operative instructions, the chances of developing an infection are very low. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, to keep your implant and surrounding tissues healthy.
Do dental implants stop bone loss?
Yes, dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can prevent bone loss. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone no longer receives stimulation from chewing and biting, causing it to deteriorate over time. This can lead to a weakened jaw and the shifting or loosening of surrounding teeth. Dental implants mimic the function of natural tooth roots by being placed directly into the jawbone. This stimulation from chewing and biting forces helps to maintain the integrity of the jawbone and prevent bone resorption.
Can I get an implant in one day?
While every implant case is unique, some patients may be eligible to receive an implant in just one visit. In such cases, a temporary restoration is provided to protect the implant during the healing process, which typically takes between 3-6 months. During this time, you can speak and eat normally. Your dentist will closely monitor your healing progress and take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to craft your final restoration. During your implant consultation, your dentist will guide you in choosing the best tooth replacement option based on your individual oral health needs.
Beyond replacing a single tooth, what other solutions do you offer using dental implants?
Dental implants are incredibly adaptable, which makes them a preferred solution for multiple restorative needs. In addition to single-tooth replacement, Dr. Kim also provides implant-supported bridges and full-arch solutions, including implant-retained dentures and All-on-4 options.
These implant-based options offer greater stability, more natural function, and long-term comfort compared to traditional alternatives like bridges and dentures. They’re especially helpful for patients experiencing widespread tooth loss or those frustrated with slipping, uncomfortable, or loose-fitting dentures.
By choosing dental implants in Torrance with Dr. Kim, you gain access to restorative options that can transform the entire function and appearance of your smile, often with dramatically improved confidence and quality of life.
How much is the investment for dental implants, and is there financing available?
The cost of dental implants varies based on factors such as the number of implants needed, bone quality, and type of restoration. At Steve Kim DDS, we believe in transparent pricing and individualized treatment plans to match each patient’s needs and goals. While implants are an investment, they often prove more cost-effective long term compared to bridges or partial dentures that may require frequent replacement.
For added accessibility, our practice offers flexible financing options, including third-party financing providers and in-house payment plans. Our multilingual team is also fluent in English, Korean, Vietnamese, and Spanish. We are here to guide you through the financial aspects with clarity and ease, making excellent dental care possible for more families in Torrance.
What unique expertise does a prosthodontist bring to the dental implant process?
When it comes to dental implants, the expertise of a prosthodontist like Dr. Steve Kim offers an invaluable advantage. Prosthodontists are dental specialists with advanced training in restoring and replacing teeth, particularly in cases involving complex needs or esthetic demands.
Dr. Kim brings over two decades of clinical experience and international training to every procedure. His comprehensive understanding of oral function, bite alignment, and smile design ensures that your restoration looks natural and functions just like a real tooth.
From treatment planning to the final restoration, Dr. Kim provides consistent care with a personalized approach, helping patients achieve optimal outcomes under one roof in his Torrance office.
How do dental implants restore jaw bone health and prevent facial changes?
Tooth loss doesn't just leave behind a gap. It also gradually leads to bone deterioration in your jaw. This often results in facial sagging, a sunken appearance, and shifting of neighboring teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that stimulates the bone just like a natural tooth root would.
By placing a titanium post deep into the bone, implants preserve bone structure and prevent loss. At the office of Steve Kim DDS, dental implants are used not only for function but as a proactive step in maintaining your overall facial harmony. Because bone health is foundational to a stable smile, restoring it through implants also helps protect against long-term changes to your appearance.
What role does advanced technology play in ensuring the precision of my dental implant placement?
Precision in dental implant placement is critical for safety, comfort, and long-term performance. At Dr. Steve Kim’s office, modern digital technology plays a key role in every stage of the implant journey. Using 3D Cone Beam CT imaging and digital planning software, Dr. Kim maps out your bone structure and nerve positions with high accuracy. This allows for minimally invasive procedures and meticulously guided placement.
The result? Faster healing, optimal implant positioning, and fewer complications. Patients benefit from a smoother experience with outcomes that are not only functional but esthetically excellent. This use of advanced technology underscores the practice’s commitment to combining innovation with compassionate care.
