Thursday, October 1, 2026
Dr. Steven Sutter, founder of Ocean Implants & Oral Surgery in Long Beach, has been placing dental implants for over 20 years. He promotes dental implants as the preferred permanent solution for replacing any missing teeth.
Implants do not require drilling down of neighboring teeth, compared to traditional bridgework. Most patients return to normal activities the day after their surgery.
Due to its increasing popularity, strides have been made to provide patients with implant options that meet their needs. Dr. Sutter, who conducts these oral surgeries daily, has become an implant expert, prepared to meet each patient's unique situation, with professionalism and ease.
“Some people don't realize they’re even a good candidate for implants,” he said. “They’ve been told they need bone grafts, or complicated sinus procedures, but there are implants available with proven long term results, that are made smaller and stronger, allowing successful placement without the need for bone grafting or sinus surgeries.”
The most common dental implants are made of titanium, which is a unique metal that the jaw bone accepts and fuses with, creating a permanent, pain-free sturdy base to support your new tooth or teeth. The complete fusion process can take three to six months, depending on the quality of the bone at the time of placement, and your medical history.
The amount of time before the temporary solution can be converted to the permanent implant supported tooth varies, and should be determined by your implant surgeon. “Once it integrates, the implant is stronger than any tooth in your mouth,” Dr. Sutter said.
Implant dentistry can also support several teeth “Patients wouldn’t necessarily need an implant to replace every missing tooth in their mouth,” Dr Sutter said. “Sometimes two to four implants can be placed as a substructure, to replace an entire quadrant or arch of missing teeth.”
Another popular implant solution for patients who suffer from loose dentures, is to get two implants underneath the existing denture, to allow the denture to snap in. This creates a secure denture fit without having to fabricate a new denture, replacing the need for traditional denture glue.
The design of the permanent teeth over the implant is done on computer software, and can be modified to the functional needs and esthetic preferences of the individual patient. “The patient is part of that process when it comes to the shade of the teeth and contours,” Sutter said.
Implants are permanent and designed to function forever, but the shade will not change over time, so some people prefer to bleach their teeth prior to getting the final implant tooth.
“An implant is the closest thing to getting your old tooth back,” Dr. Sutter said.
Implants still require routine maintenance once installed. “You still have to keep things healthy with proper hygiene,” he said. “If you have an implant tooth mixed in with existing natural teeth, normal brushing and flossing is necessary. But if you have a full arch of implant teeth, you must clean around them with specially designed brushes and rinses.”
If you’re interested in how a dental implant solution would benefit you, Dr. Sutter recommends scheduling a consultation with him to discuss the different options, and create a treatment solution that addresses your specific dental and cosmetic needs.
