Veneers, Invisalign, and Implants From a Dentist Near Third Street Promenade Serving Downtown Santa Monica

Placing a single dental implant usually takes about one to two hours, including anesthesia and preparation, and many cases run shorter. More involved situations, such as multiple implants or a bone graft, can take longer. Dr. Khoubnazar reviews the expected timeline for your specific case at the consultation.

Healing goes most smoothly with gentle care of the site, soft foods for the first several days, no smoking, and steady oral hygiene around the area. Following your post-op instructions and keeping follow-up visits are the most reliable ways to support solid healing. Most patients return to normal routines quickly while the implant integrates over the following weeks.

Most patients are surprised that implant placement tends to feel easier than an extraction, since the site is prepared in a controlled way and treated with local anesthesia. Any soreness afterward is usually mild and managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Comfort options and aftercare are reviewed before the procedure.

 The 30 minute guideline means aligners should be out of your mouth no longer than about 30 minutes at a time for meals or drinks, then brushed and replaced. Wearing them the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day is what keeps treatment on schedule. Built-up off time is the most common reason a case slows down.

Canines and premolars, along with rounded or short teeth that give aligners less to grip, tend to be the most challenging to move. Cases involving rotation or significant vertical movement sometimes need attachments or extra refinement. Dr. Khoubnazar plans for these during the initial scan and treatment design.

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until any permanent crown or filling is placed, and skip very hard or sticky foods in the meantime. Mild tenderness for a few days is normal and usually settles with over-the-counter pain relief. Call the office if discomfort increases or does not improve.

Molars, especially upper molars, are generally the most complex to treat because they have more canals and curved root anatomy. These cases take more time and precision, which is why imaging and careful planning matter. When a case is beyond routine scope, Dr. Khoubnazar will discuss the right path forward.

 An infected tooth does not heal on its own and can lead to worsening pain, an abscess, bone loss, and eventually loss of the tooth. The infection can also spread to nearby tissue. Treating it promptly is almost always less involved than waiting until the problem escalates.

Patients with significant untreated decay, active gum disease, or heavy grinding usually need those issues addressed before veneers are appropriate. Very limited enamel can also affect candidacy. Dr. Khoubnazar evaluates these factors during a cosmetic consultation and recommends the option that will hold up best.

Once veneers are bonded, you can eat most foods normally, but it is wise to avoid biting directly into very hard items like ice or hard candy and to limit habits like chewing on pens. Those behaviors can chip veneers and natural teeth alike. Routine care and regular cleanings keep them looking their best.

Yes. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, which gives downtown professionals early-morning options before the workday. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday.

Payment and insurance specifics are best confirmed directly with the office, since they depend on your plan and the treatment involved. The front desk can check your dental insurance benefits and walk through available payment arrangements before anything is scheduled. Asking when you book keeps the financial side clear from the start.

Yes. Smiles Santa Monica welcomes new patients, and a first visit typically starts with a thorough exam, any needed X-rays, and a conversation about your goals. From there, Dr. Khoubnazar outlines the options before any treatment is scheduled.

Yes. TMJ treatment at the practice includes therapeutic Botox, which can ease clenching, jaw tension, and related discomfort for appropriate patients. Dr. Khoubnazar evaluates your symptoms and bite first to confirm it is the right approach for you.

Bring a photo ID, any dental insurance information, a list of current medications, and any recent X-rays or records if you have them. If you have a specific concern, like a cracked tooth or jaw pain, noting it when you book helps the team set aside enough time. Arriving a few minutes early lets you finish any new-patient paperwork without rushing.