Getting Dental Implants at Our San Diego, CA Practice
Your visit to our office is more than just an appointment, it’s an experience. We seek to make your experience the best it can be from start to finish. Our philosophy is built around you, your health, and achieving the stunning results you seek.
Read this resource to know more about our dental implant process and what you can expect at each stage. The bottom line: we make it easy for you to change and rejuvenate your life.
Your Initial Consultation
The very first step is your consultation with Dr. Henninger. This consultation is your opportunity to get a professional recommendation and to learn about what options might be right for you.
We pride ourselves on being able to provide people with several options that can transform their smiles. We realize that healthcare isn’t a “one size fits all” business, and we really are interested in getting to know you and what has motivated you to improve your lifestyle. By the end of the consultation, you should expect to have estimates for several options that can work for you. We utilize a “one fee” approach to financing, making choosing what is right for your budget easy.
Our all-inclusive fee presentation will include all the treatment you may need, start to finish, with no hidden fees.
Your Treatment Plan: Accurate and Precise
Excellence in dental implants combines experience, skill, and technology to provide precise results. That’s the approach we take at our office and the magnificent results our patients achieve reflect our process.
Using i-Cat 3-D CT imagery and digital treatment planning technology, we are able to plan your treatment with amazing detail and accuracy. This technology will provide:
- Better precision
- Quicker treatment times
- More comfort
- Treatment options that others might have thought to be impossible
Digital planning allows us to provide a more comprehensive diagnosis and perform your treatment more accurately. We strive for the higher standard of excellence that you deserve.
IV Sedation: Safe and Comfortable
During your treatment at our Vista dental office, comfort is our primary concern. Dr. Henninger is certified by the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology in IV Sedation. He is one of just 5% of restorative dentists who are certified in this area.
IV sedation can help you relax during the procedure, enjoying the dental care you need without having to worry, stress, or feel uncomfortable during the procedure. This form of sedation is fast-acting, effective, and it is one of the safest forms of dental anesthesia because we can precisely control your level of consciousness.
IV sedation not only keeps you comfortable during the procedure, but you will also have very few if any memories of the procedure. IV sedation is a great option for patients with complex treatment needs, dental anxiety, or complex medical histories.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Implant Process
How long does the dental implants process take?
The dental implant process is completed over a series of several appointments. It’s important to allow time to heal between each stage of the implant process to ensure a successful treatment.
During the healing process, your new implant will integrate into the jawbone to create a stable, strong root. Once your mouth is fully healed, you’ll return to our office in Vista office to have your permanent restorations fitted.
Some patients who need a full arch replaced may qualify for Teeth-in-a-Day. We can place a full-arch dental prosthetic the day you have your implants placed. With this method, you won’t need to wait until your mouth has healed for your restorations.
Can a dental implant be placed the same day as extraction?
Dental implant treatment is different for every patient. Depending on factors such as your oral health and how many teeth are being restored, it may be possible to place implants on the same day as your extraction.
If your oral health is in good enough condition, Dr. Henninger may be able to extract and place your implants in one visit to our Vista office. This usually depends on the condition of your jawbone, as well as your overall health. Schedule a consultation today by calling (760) 542-1597 to learn if you’re a candidate.
Does receiving dental implants hurt?
At North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we’re dedicated to your safety and comfort. Using sedation dentistry, we can ensure that you’ll experience little to no pain during the procedure
You may experience some swelling and discomfort as you heal. Our dental implant provider can prescribe medications to ease your soreness in the days following surgery.
If the pain persists past a few days, contact our Vista office as soon as possible at (760) 542-1597. Dr. Henninger will assess your situation and relieve you of any painful symptoms.
How long after dental implants can I eat normally?
Most patients can resume their normal diets again after about one week. This depends on the number of implants you received and Dr. Henninger’s post-op care instructions.
While recovering from the procedure, you should avoid foods that are:
- Hard (such as raw vegetables)
- Sticky (such as caramel)
- Chewy (such as steak)
- Crunchy (such as chips)
- Hot (such as soup)
- Spicy (such as salsa)
These foods could harm or irritate the surgical site, setting your treatment back. It’s best to stick to foods that are soft or liquid-based during your recovery period.
How long after an implant can you get a crown?
Typically, patients can receive dental crowns about three to six months after their implant procedure. This depends on the condition of your oral health and how long it takes for your mouth to heal. The recovery period is the most important step in the process, so it’s essential to fully heal before receiving a crown. Dr. Henninger will provide you with an estimated treatment timeline during your initial consultation.
Are i-Cat scans safe?
The health and safety of our patients are always our top priority. Digital scanning doesn’t pose any risks to your health. We rely on scans made with our i-CAT technology to provide us with a detailed view of your mouth, jaw, and gums. This will help us better plan and personalize your implant procedure.