Dental Implants Procedure
Frequently Asked Questions

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Dental implants are life changing. As the strongest and most durable tooth replacement option, they give you the freedom to eat the foods you love and share your smile without self-consciousness or embarrassment. If you’re considering dental implants for replacing your missing teeth and restoring your smile, the following frequently asked questions about the dental implants procedure will give you a general idea of what to expect. At Smile Designers, we want you to feel confident with your decision, and we’re here to keep you informed and comfortable every step of the way.

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What is the Smile Designer’s dental implant procedure?

The dental implant procedure begins with a free consultation with Dr. Hage who will go over your medical and dental history, conduct a full examination, and gather detailed imaging of your oral structures to ensure that you are a good candidate for dental implants.

If you have sufficient jawbone density, are free from gum disease and other oral health problems, and Dr. Hage determines that dental implants are a good choice for you, we can begin the next steps of the dental implant process.

Moving forward, the dental implant procedure involves two or more visits to our office, depending on whether you need additional procedures, such as a tooth extraction or bone graft, to prepare for your implants.

Once you have healed from any additional procedures (or if you require none), your next visit will involve the surgical placement of the titanium implant(s) into your jawbone. You will be sent home with a temporary prosthetic tooth (or teeth) to wear while your jawbone fuses to the implant. This process is called osseointegration, and it helps to create a stable and secure foundation for your teeth to function normally. The osseointegration process typically takes 4-6 months, and during this time, our in-house lab will create your permanent tooth, which will be customized for a perfect fit and color-matched for a natural appearance. Once the bond between the implant and the jaw is nice and strong, and your permanent prosthetic tooth is ready, you’ll come back to our office, and we’ll complete the dental implant process. On that day, you’ll walk out of our office with fully functional teeth and a radiant smile.

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

There is some discomfort involved in the dental implant procedure, but we’ll do everything we can to keep you as comfortable as possible during and after your procedure. In addition to the anesthesia used during the procedure, we’ll provide you with any necessary prescription medications to help minimize your pain after the procedure as well. Many patients don’t experience anything more than minor discomfort after their dental implant procedure and are able to manage just fine with over-the-counter medications.

Can you get dental implants if you have bad teeth?

Many people whose teeth are not in good shape are great candidates for dental implants. Diseased and damaged teeth can be extracted and replaced, though some healing time between the extraction and the implant procedure may be necessary. Dr. Hage has had great success with a wide range of dental implant patients, including highly complex cases. When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Hage, he’ll examine your teeth and let you know if dental implants are a good choice for you.

If I need to have teeth removed, do they need to be replaced?

It is important to replace teeth as soon as possible after they are removed. Failure to replace missing teeth can result in a number of dental issues, including bite problems, tooth decay, loose teeth, and jawbone deterioration. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that promotes jawbone health because they replace the root as well as the crown.

How long is the recovery period for dental implants?

Every person heals at a different rate, but you can expect to be eating soft foods for quite some time after dental implant surgery. During the postoperative period, the jawbone is fusing to the implant, and it’s crucial not to interfere with that process. The great news is that after your long recovery period, you’ll be free to eat the foods you love.

Are dental implants expensive? Does Smile Designers offer payment options?

At Smile Designers in San Diego, we’ve helped restore thousands of smiles for people with a wide range of budgets, and we can help you too. When it comes to tooth-replacement options, dental implants are on the costlier side, but they’re also long-lasting and durable. As long as you practice proper oral hygiene, take care of your teeth, and visit your dentist regularly, your dental implants can last for decades, unlike other tooth restoration solutions that need to be replaced more often. At Smile Designers, we offer in-office financing, Care Credit, and other payment options. When you come in for your free consultation with Dr. Hage, we’ll go over all your options and help you find one that works for you and your budget.

How long does the dental implant procedure take? Is it really done in one day?

The exact length of your dental implant process will depend on the scope of your treatment plan. But, yes, many of our patients are able to get their dental implants done in a single day. The teeth you’re sent home with on the first day will be temporary, but they’ll allow you to eat and enjoy your life while you wait for the implant to fuse with the jawbone.

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Dental Implant Procedures

How do I know Smile Designers is the best choice for my dental implant procedure?

When you make the decision to get dental implants, you can go into the procedure with serenity and confidence knowing that you have a highly skilled and qualified dental surgeon taking you through every step of the process. At Smile Designers in San Diego, you’re in the hands of Dr. Armin Hage, a master of the prestigious International Academy of Dental Implantology.

Dr. Hage performs 100 procedures per month, with an extremely high success rate, and our in-house lab creates the customized dental crowns from the highest quality materials.

If you’re ready to restore your smile and your confidence, Smile Designers is here to help. Give us a call at (619) 222-6000 to schedule a consultation today.

Real Patient Experiences and Reviews

Smile Designers

3365 Rosecrans Street Suite C, San Diego

4.6 183 reviews

Lisa Clint ★★★★★ a month ago
I’m very happy with the staff and their sincere friendliness. My only concern is that the dentist was doing work on me that was extremely painful, therefore had to give me more shots, which was necessary. The unprofessional thing was he … More said I couldn’t be feeling pain and he argued with me about it. I’ve never had a dentist tell me I wasn’t in pain when it’s my mouth and I’m paying a lot for the services. Very inconsiderate and unprofessional on his part.
Elizabeth BARRINGTON ★★★★★ a month ago
I have been here twice because this is the only office under my insurance. 1st time, hygienist did a very poor job, and the dentist was unpleasant. Yesterday, the hygienist, Mida, did a great job and was super nice.
Rebekah Campbell ★★★★★ a month ago
I had never been to a dentist’s office where every single person working is friendly, but I encountered it at Smile Designers! Everyone was so helpful and encouraging. If you’re like me and deny fluoride, you won’t even get chastised for … More it at Smile Designers! Friendliness aside, they did a great job cleaning our teeth, and were very gentle with my daughters. I can’t say enough positive things about our experience with Smile Designers. So grateful to have found them!
Chris North ★★★★★ 5 months ago
Best dental office I've ever been to. Staff are very friendly and helpful and Dr. Hage is such a professional. Highly recommend them! 😁

What are the potential risks, complications, and problems with a dental implant?

Dental implants have a high success rate, but a very small percentage of implants do fail. Gum disease, insufficient jawbone, and smoking are three of the main reasons for failure of dental implants. As with any major surgery, dental implant surgery comes with the standard risk of infection. There is also a risk of sinus problems when implants are improperly placed in the upper jaw, which is why it’s crucial to choose a professional, experienced dental implant expert to perform the surgery.

Dental implants can restore your confidence as well as your smile. If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth and set your smile free, call Smile Designers at (619) 222-6000 to schedule a consultation today. We serve San Diego.