Finally, a tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing.

Dental Implants

You have several options to replace a missing tooth; however, they’re not all created equal. Traditional dentures rest on your gums and can slip during eating or speaking. Bridges require altering healthy adjacent teeth to support the restoration.

Dental implants placed at Thompson Dental replace the root and crown to create an exceptionally secure foundation for replacement teeth.

How Dental Implants Work

A dental implant consists of three components that work together to replicate your natural tooth structure.

A titanium post that acts as an artificial root is surgically placed into your jawbone, where it integrates with bone tissue over several months.
An abutment, which is a small connector piece that attaches to the top of the post once healing is complete.
A custom restoration, which could be a crown, bridge, or denture, secured to the abutment to restore function and complete your smile.

Why We Recommend Dental Implants

Dental implants have transformed how we replace missing teeth, offering advantages that dentures and bridges simply can't match.

Exceptional Longevity

Clinical studies show that dental implants have a success rate exceeding 95 percent. With proper care and regular dental visits, implants routinely last 20 to 30 years or longer, making them a cost-effective, long-term solution.

Jawbone Health

After tooth loss, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink in a process called resorption. Dental implants stimulate bone tissue through the forces of chewing, maintaining density and preserving your natural facial contours.

Natural Look and Feel

Rooted in the jawbone, implants feel more like natural teeth than any other replacement. Because they’re so secure, you can return to chewing all your favorite foods comfortably and without the worry of slipping or shifting dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dental implant surgery hurt?

Most patients are surprised to learn that dental implant surgery is far less painful than they anticipated. During the procedure itself, you won't feel pain because we thoroughly numb the area with local anesthesia. Many patients report feeling pressure or vibration during placement, but no actual discomfort.

What to Expect After Implant Surgery

Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and peaks within the first 24–48 hours. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen are usually sufficient to manage any soreness. You may experience some swelling and bruising around the implant site, which is normal and subsides within a few days.

Sedation Options Available

While local anesthesia alone is sufficient for most patients, we understand that dental anxiety can make even minor procedures feel overwhelming. If you're nervous about implant surgery, we offer sedation options to help you stay relaxed:

Nitrous oxide for mild relaxation while remaining fully awake
Oral sedation for deeper relaxation with little memory of the procedure
IV sedation with an anesthesiologist for patients who prefer to be completely relaxed or asleep during surgery

Concerned about pain during your implant procedure? Call Thompson Dental at (949) 558-0111 to discuss your concerns and sedation options. We serve patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and South Orange County.

The Dental Implant Process

Our dentists take the following steps when placing a dental implant:

Consultation and Imaging — A comprehensive exam and CBCT scan give us a full 3-D view of bone structure, nerve pathways, and surrounding teeth to determine the optimal implant angle and depth for long-term stability.
Implant Placement — We carefully place the small titanium post in your jawbone after thoroughly numbing the area. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the number of implants, and many patients find that the process and recovery are easier than expected. Sedation options are available.
Healing and Osseointegration — Over the next 3–6 months, your jawbone naturally bonds with the implant. This process, called osseointegration, creates a strong, stable foundation that can withstand normal chewing forces for decades, even a lifetime.
Custom Crown, Bridge, or Denture — After healing is complete, we design and place a lifelike restoration that matches your natural teeth in both appearance and function. With our digital impressions and in-house CEREC technology, we can often complete your final restoration in fewer visits.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Sean Thompson

Dr. Sean Thompson has a simple motto that guides everything he does: treat others how you would like to be treated. For over two decades, he's stayed true to that principle with every patient who ...

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Dr. Zachary Thompson

Dr. Zachary Thompson brings both technical precision and genuine compassion to every patient interaction at Thompson Dental. A Southern California native, he grew up watching his father, Dr. Sean Thompson, help patients overcome dental anxiety ...

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Dental Implants Smile Gallery

Before

After

See the Smile Gallery

Is a Dental Implant Right for You?

At Thompson Dental, Dr. Sean Thompson and Dr. Zachary Thompson handle the entire implant process in-house. No referrals. No shuffling between specialists. From initial placement to final restoration, you'll receive consistent, coordinated care from the same team.

Call us today at (949) 558-0111 to schedule your dental implant consultation. We accept PPO insurance, offer an in-house savings plan, and welcome HSA accounts and all major credit cards.

Our dental team gladly welcomes patients from Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, and surrounding South Orange County communities.

Dental Implants Technology

3-D Cone Beam Imaging (CBCT)

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) creates detailed 3-D images of your teeth, jawbone, sinuses, and nerve pathways, giving us a complete view of your oral structures. This advanced imaging is invaluable for planning dental implant placement, diagnosing complex root canal issues, and evaluating jaw conditions. CBCT scans take just seconds to complete and provide the precise information we need to deliver safer, more predictable treatment outcomes, especially for surgical procedures.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Testimonial

Always Feel well Taken Care Of

I have been going here for years and always feel well taken care of I have had crowns, implants, and even the cleanings all with out pain and I feel calm and that says a lot coming from a fear of having dental work done, but with Dr. Thompson and all the staff my fears are NO more. Thank you all.

- Christy

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