Dental Implants · 9 min read
Dental Implants in Lake Forest: The Complete 2026 Patient Guide
From your first 3D scan to your final crown, here is exactly how the implant process works and how to know if you are a candidate.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ramin Khoshsar, DDS, DMD
A dental implant is a small titanium or zirconia post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once it bonds with your jawbone, it supports a custom crown, bridge or full arch that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. For Lake Forest patients who are tired of gaps, loose partials or failing bridges, implants are the longest-lasting fix available.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth qualify. The ideal candidate has:
- Healthy gums, or gum disease that has been treated first
- Enough jawbone to anchor the implant, or willingness to have a bone graft
- Controlled medical conditions such as diabetes
- A commitment to brushing, flossing and regular cleanings
The dental implant process, step by step
Your journey starts with a 3D CBCT scan and digital impressions. Dr. Khoshsar uses them to plan the exact angle and depth of each implant and to print a surgical guide. On placement day, the implant is inserted through a small opening, usually in under an hour per tooth, with local anesthesia or sedation.
Over the next 3–6 months the implant fuses with bone, a process called osseointegration. You wear a temporary tooth in the meantime so you never leave with a gap. Finally, a custom abutment and porcelain crown are attached and color-matched to your smile.
How long do dental implants last?
With good care, the implant post itself can last a lifetime, and crowns typically last 15 years or more. Implants cannot get cavities, but the gums around them can become inflamed, so regular cleanings matter just as much as they do for natural teeth.
Choosing an implant dentist in Orange County
Ask how many implants the dentist places each year, whether they use 3D-guided surgery, and whether the quote includes the implant, abutment, crown and imaging. At Baker Ranch Dental Spa, fellowship-trained Dr. Ramin Khoshsar plans and places implants in-house, so you do not bounce between offices.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person exam. Pricing ranges are estimates; your exact fee depends on your diagnosis.
