Missing a tooth or several? Dental implants replace both the tooth and the root, giving you a permanent, natural-feeling replacement instead of something you take out at night. At Smiles By Design Dentistry of San Diego, Dr. Dan Javaheri and Dr. Cody Cohen have helped patients across San Diego get back to eating, smiling, and talking without thinking about a gap in their teeth.
We're rated 5.0 stars on average across 212 Google reviews from patients who came to us for exactly this kind of work.
Ready to talk about your options? Call (858) 485-5552 to schedule a consultation.
A dental implant is a titanium post placed into your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, topped with a custom crown that matches your natural teeth. Over a few months, your bone fuses to the titanium (a process called osseointegration) in plain terms, it means the implant becomes a solid, permanent part of your jaw rather than something that sits on top of it.
Because it stands on its own, an implant doesn't rely on the teeth next to it for support, unlike a bridge, and it doesn't rest on your gums the way a removable denture does. See our Dentures and Dental Bridge pages if you want to compare those options in more depth.
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates, as long as there's enough jawbone to anchor the implant. The only way to know for sure is a consultation with a 3D scan something we can schedule quickly.
You're likely a good candidate if you have:
If your case involves extra prep work, like an extraction or bone graft, we'll walk you through exactly what that looks like before recommending it.
Single Tooth Implants
One implant and one crown, replacing exactly the tooth you lost.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Two or more implants anchor a bridge across several missing teeth in a row — a more permanent alternative to a traditional bridge. Full details on traditional bridges live on our Dental Bridge page.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
A small number of strategically placed implants (often four to six) support a complete, fixed set of upper or lower teeth a permanent alternative to a full denture.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants anchor a denture so it stays securely in place instead of shifting. For more on removable dentures on their own, visit our Dentures page.
We'll help you figure out which option fits your mouth and your goals at your consultation.
Treatment starts with a consultation, digital X-rays, and a 3D scan so we can plan exactly where each implant needs to go. From there, most patients go through implant placement, a healing period while the bone fuses to the implant, and finally the custom crown or restoration.
Placement itself is done under local anesthesia; for patients who feel anxious about dental visits, we also offer sedation options see our Sedation page for details.
Same-day dental implants in San Diego may be possible for some patients, meaning a temporary tooth can sometimes be attached the same day as surgery instead of waiting through the full healing period with a gap. Whether you qualify depends on your bone density and whether the site is free of infection, which we'll confirm at your consultation.
Curious if you qualify for same-day placement? Call (858) 485-5552 and ask us.
Implant cost depends on how many implants you need, whether a bone graft is required, and the type of restoration involved every case is different, so we don't quote a number until we've seen your scans. Most dental insurance plans cover only part of implant treatment, if any. We'll review your coverage and financing options with you at your consultation, so you have a clear picture before committing to treatment.
Dr. Dan Javaheri, DDS is a graduate of the NYU College of Dentistry with 17+ years of experience in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry, and is certified by the California Academy of Implant Dentistry. He's also an active member of the ADA, the California Dental Association, and the San Diego County Dental Society.
Dr. Cody Cohen, DDS graduated summa cum laude from Westmont College in Cellular and Molecular Biology before earning his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. He and Dr. Javaheri share a conservative, straightforward approach to treatment planning you'll get the option your case actually calls for, explained in plain terms.
That approach is part of why we've built a 5.0-star average across 212 Google reviews, with patients regularly mentioning clear communication and a team that doesn't rush the conversation before a big procedure.
How much do dental implants cost in San Diego?
Cost depends on the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of restoration — we provide an exact figure after your consultation and scan
Do dental implants hurt?
Placement is done under local anesthesia, and most patients manage any post-procedure soreness with over-the-counter pain relief for a few days. Ask us about sedation options if you're anxious about the procedure.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Most cases run a few months from placement to final crown, since the implant needs time to fuse with the jawbone; same-day options can shorten the wait for a visible tooth, though healing underneath still takes time.
Can I get same-day dental implants in San Diego?
Some patients qualify for same-day placement, where a temporary tooth is attached the same day as surgery. Eligibility depends on bone density and whether the site is infection-free, which we confirm at consultation.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
Coverage varies widely by plan, and most plans cover only part of the cost, if any. We'll review your specific benefits and financing options during your visit.
Am I too old to get dental implants?
There's no upper age limit for implants — what matters is bone health and overall health, not age.
What happens if I don't replace a missing tooth?
The jawbone under a missing tooth begins to shrink within months, and neighboring teeth can shift into the gap. An implant is the only replacement option that addresses both issues directly.
If you're ready to talk with a dental implant dentist in San Diego about replacing a missing tooth, Dr. Javaheri and Dr. Cohen are here to walk you through your options.
📞 Call (858) 485-5552
📍 Smiles By Design Dentistry of San Diego
15373 Innovation Dr, Ste 110
San Diego, CA 92128