Frequently Asked Questions

We perform general dentistry, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry and implant dentistry right here in our office so there's very rarely a need for us to refer our patients anywhere else.

Yes. Whether you are a new or existing patient, we will see you. Call our office to schedule.

Dental Insurance Card (if applicable)

Identification such as Driver's License, Military ID or State ID

When you come in for your first appointment, you will fill out paperwork so we can get to know you better. Next you will meet a dental assistant for x-rays. An examination is then completed by the dentist. You will receive a treatment plan for any dental treatment you may need or want. You will check out with the receptionist and make your next appointment.

When you come in for your consultation, you will fill out paperwork so we can get to know you better. Next you will meet a dental assistant for x-rays and 3D imaging. An examination is then completed by the dentist. The dentist will recommend a treatment plan and answer any of your clinical questions or concerns. You will then meet with one of our Treatment Coordinators who can help answer any remaining questions, help secure financing and schedule future treatment.

In our experience, most people can safely receive dental implants. Even age is not necessarily a factor when determining dental implant placement. Whether you’re missing one tooth or many, dental implants may be the best choice for you. Plus, at Smile Mission Valley Dental Center, our doctors are experienced in treating patients with complex cases that may even have been turned away by others. The best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to visit us for a consultation.

Implant procedures are done in one visit. A single implant can be done in one hour. Procedure time varies depending on how many implants we are doing.

Recovery time differs for every patient but many patients say they don’t experience significant discomfort and don’t even need pain medication after the procedure. Many patients return to work the very next day.

No. After the procedure, you will leave our office with temporary teeth or denture that allows you to eat and enjoy your everyday life. You will return to our office time some later where we'll replace your temporary teeth with your new, permanent teeth or denture.

Recovery time differs for every patient but many patients say they don’t experience significant discomfort and don’t even need pain medication after the procedure.

Thanks to precise technology and our all-inclusive centers, the cost of dental implants is much less than it was even a few years ago. However, many of our patients still need financing options to help pay for the procedure. That’s why we work closely with leading healthcare financing companies to provide payment plans for our patients who qualify. During your consultation, we will help figure out a financing strategy that fits your budget. Together, we’ll explore every option available.

We accept many dental insurance plans and will file claims on your behalf, saving you the time and hassle. Our knowledgeable benefit coordinators can help you maximize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket cost. We will tell you upfront what your insurance plan will pay for and offer options for taking care of any remaining balance.

We offer many financing options to make quality dental care a reality for thousands every year.

• We accept most Indemnity Insurance*
• We accept most major credit cards: MASTER CARD, VISA, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS
• CASH AND PERSONAL CHECKS accepted
• We offer 24 Month-NO INTEREST financing with Lending Club and Care Credit on approved credit.

Our doctors do everything they can to make you as comfortable as possible. Depending on the procedure, you can elect to have local anesthesia or sedation. Many of our patients opt for sedation so they don’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterwards, most of our patients report that they experienced far less pain than anticipated.

Yes. In fact, we recommend that you bring family or a friend. They’ll help you feel more at ease before the procedure and afterwards, you’ll be able to show them the new you!

Sedation dentistry allows you to comfortably undergo everything from a simple cleaning to extensive treatment. For those with severe dental anxiety, dental sedation can be the answer to receiving the dental care you need.

Dental sedation varies depending on the patient and their medical history. We will go over all your options when you come in for your consultation.

Dental implants actually become an integrated part of your mouth because they adhere to the jawbone, just like “real” teeth. You’ll be able to brush, floss, eat and smile as if you’d had these teeth your entire life. You can even customize the shape, color, and size of your teeth to make them look completely natural.

The most obvious effect of missing teeth is aesthetics. The way you look affects the way you feel, and the psychological and social consequences of tooth loss can also be profound. But it's not just about unsightly gaps. A lost tooth can lead to bone loss that collapses the face, makes chewing difficult, alters your speech and, prematurely ages.

If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, contact our office today for a consultation and learn all your tooth replacement options.