Enhance Your SmileFAQ

Studio Smiles of Poway specializes in comprehensive dental care including:

• Dental implants (single tooth to full arch restorations)
• Dental crowns and bridges
• Professional dental cleanings and preventive care
• Oral hygiene education and periodontal therapy
• Oral cancer screening and early detection
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Emergency dental services

Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art technology to provide personalized care for patients of all ages.

We’re conveniently located at:
15525 Pomerado Rd, Suite D5
Poway, CA 92064

Free parking is available on-site for all patients.

Our typical office hours are:

• Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Sunday – Monday: Closed

Office hours may vary. Please call (858) 385-9188 to confirm or schedule an appointment.

You can schedule an appointment by:

1. Calling our office: (858) 385-9188
2. Visiting our website: https://studiosmilesofpoway.com/
3. Emailing us: info@studiosmilesofpoway.com

For dental emergencies, please call our office immediately.

Yes! Studio Smiles of Poway welcomes new patients of all ages. We look forward to being your dental home for comprehensive, personalized care.

We work with most major dental insurance providers. Please contact our office at (858) 385-9188 with your insurance information, and our team will verify your benefits and coverage before your appointment.

We accept:

• Cash
• Personal checks
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• Dental financing options (CareCredit, and other third-party financing)

Yes. We understand that dental implants, crowns, and other restorative procedures represent a significant investment in your health. We offer flexible financing options through third-party lenders, including:

• 0% interest promotional financing (for qualified applicants)
• Extended payment plans
• Low monthly payment options

Contact our office to discuss financing options that fit your budget.

We welcome patients without insurance! Our team can provide a detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing. We also offer in-house membership plans and financing options to make quality dental care accessible and affordable.

Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements consisting of a titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone, an abutment connector, and a custom crown. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Most adults with one or more missing teeth and adequate jawbone density are candidates for dental implants. During your consultation, we’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation including:

• 3D CBCT imaging to assess bone structure
• Medical and dental history review
• Oral health assessment

Factors like uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, or heavy smoking may affect candidacy, but many conditions can be managed before implant placement.

The complete dental implant process typically takes 3-6 months and includes:

1. Initial consultation and planning (1-2 weeks)
2. Implant placement surgery (1 visit)
3. Healing and osseointegration (3-6 months)
4. Abutment placement (1 visit)
5. Crown fabrication and placement (2-3 weeks)

We can provide a detailed timeline based on your specific treatment plan.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Most patients report minimal discomfort afterward, manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and are available for any concerns during your recovery.

The cost varies based on several factors including:

• Number of implants needed
• Need for bone grafting or other preparatory procedures
• Type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture)
• Materials selected

During your consultation, we provide a detailed, transparent cost estimate. We also offer financing options to make implants affordable.

Dental implants have a success rate of approximately 95-98% when placed by an experienced dentist and properly maintained. Factors affecting success include:

• Overall health and oral hygiene
• Adequate bone density
• Non-smoking status

• • Following post-operative care instructions

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination.

You may need a crown if you have:

• A large cavity or filling that weakens the tooth structure
• A cracked or broken tooth
• Severe tooth wear or erosion
• A root canal-treated tooth requiring protection
• Cosmetic concerns with tooth shape or color

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.

With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns and bridges typically last 10-15 years or longer. Longevity depends on:

• Oral hygiene practices
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings
• Avoiding habits like teeth grinding or chewing hard objects
• Material used for the restoration

The typical process includes:

1. Consultation and evaluation
2. Tooth preparation (shaping the tooth/teeth)
3. Digital impressions or molds
4. Temporary crown/bridge placement (if needed)
5. Custom restoration fabrication (1-2 weeks)
6. Final crown/bridge placement and adjustment

We may offer same-day crowns depending on your case and technology availability.

Yes. Dental implants are an excellent alternative that don’t require altering adjacent healthy teeth. We’ll discuss all options during your consultation to determine the best solution for your needs.

Most patients should have professional cleanings every six months. However, patients with gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or other oral health concerns may benefit from more frequent cleanings (every 3-4 months).

• Removal of plaque and tartar (calculus)
• Polishing to remove surface stains
• Flossing
• Fluoride treatment (if recommended)
• Oral hygiene instruction
• Assessment by the dentist

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone supporting your teeth, caused by bacteria in plaque. Symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth.

Treatment depends on severity:

• Early stage (gingivitis): Professional cleaning and improved home care
• Advanced stage (periodontitis): Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotic therapy, or surgical intervention

Regular cleanings and good oral hygiene are essential for prevention.

Follow these best practices:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
• Visit your dentist regularly

Our team provides personalized oral hygiene coaching at every visit.

Oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of your mouth, throat, tongue, lips, and surrounding tissues to detect early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.

Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Oral cancer can develop without obvious symptoms, making routine screening essential. Risk factors include:

• Tobacco use (smoking or smokeless)
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
• Excessive sun exposure (lip cancer)
• Age over 40

During your routine exam, your dentist will:

• Visually inspect your lips, gums, tongue, throat, and mouth tissues
• Feel for lumps or abnormalities in your neck and jaw
• Look for unusual sores, red or white patches, or tissue changes
• Discuss any symptoms or concerns you may have

The screening is quick, painless, and performed during your regular checkup.

Contact our office if you notice:

• Sores or ulcers that don’t heal within 2 weeks
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Lumps or thickening of tissues
• Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
• Numbness in the mouth or tongue
• Ear pain

Early detection saves lives.

Oral cancer screening is included in your routine dental exam (typically every 6 months). If you have risk factors, more frequent screening may be recommended.

Call our office immediately at (858) 385-9188. Common dental emergencies include:

• Severe toothache
• Knocked-out tooth
• Broken or chipped tooth
• Lost filling or crown
• Abscess or swelling
• Bleeding that won’t stop

For a knocked-out tooth:

1. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root)
2. Rinse gently with water (don’t scrub)
3. Try to reinsert it into the socket, or keep it in milk
4. 4. Get to our office within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth

We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day. Call us as soon as possible, and we’ll prioritize your care.

Yes! Studio Smiles of Poway uses state-of-the-art technology including:

• Digital X-rays (reduced radiation exposure)
• 3D CBCT imaging for implant planning
• Intraoral cameras for detailed visualization
• Digital impressions for greater comfort and accuracy
• Advanced sterilization and infection control systems

Your safety is our priority. We follow strict infection control protocols recommended by the CDC, OSHA, and the California Dental Board, including:

• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff
• Pre-appointment health screenings
• HEPA air filtration systems
• Social distancing in waiting areas

Please bring:

• Valid photo ID
• Dental insurance card (if applicable)
• List of current medications and medical conditions
• Previous dental records or X-rays (if available)
• Completed new patient forms (available on our website)

Arriving 10-15 minutes early allows time for check-in.

Yes. For patients with dental anxiety or undergoing extensive procedures, we offer sedation options. Discuss your concerns with our team, and we’ll determine the best approach for your comfort.