Losing a tooth changes more than your smile. It affects how you eat, how you speak, and how you feel about yourself day to day. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that addresses all of that — and at McGann Oral Surgery, Dr. Grant McGann has been placing them in San Diego patients since 2008 using a surgical approach that’s more precise, less invasive, and easier to recover from than what most practices offer.
If you’re interested in being comfortable being asleep for the procedure, that option is available — ask us when you call.
What Makes Dr. McGann’s Approach Different
Most oral surgery practices still rely on physical molds and manual planning. Dr. McGann doesn’t. Every implant case starts with the Dentsply Sirona Primescan — an advanced intraoral scanner that captures a precise 3D image of your mouth in minutes, no messy impressions required.
That scan feeds directly into surgical planning using Osteoid CT surgical guides, combined with in-office 3D CT imaging. The result is a placement plan mapped out to the millimeter before Dr. McGann ever picks up a tool.
The benefits for patients are concrete:
- Smaller incisions reduce pain and swelling during healing
- Nerves and sinuses are identified and avoided in advance
- The need for bone grafting is reduced in many cases
- External sinus lifts are minimized where anatomy allows
- Shorter surgical time means less strain on the body overall
Most patients are back to normal activity within a few days. Full osseointegration — where the implant bonds with the jawbone — takes 3 to 6 months, but most people don’t feel like they’re recovering for most of that time.
Why San Diego Patients Trust Dr. McGann
Dr. McGann is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — the highest credential in his specialty — and has been placing implants in San Diego since 2008. Learn more about Dr. McGann’s training and credentials.
One detail patients notice: Dr. McGann personally calls every surgical patient after their procedure to check in and answer questions. That’s not standard practice — it’s something he’s done since day one.
Implant Options We Offer
Not every patient needs the same solution. Dr. McGann places several types of implants depending on how many teeth are missing, your bone condition, and your long-term goals.
Single Tooth Implant
One missing tooth gets one implant and one crown. It looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth — and it doesn’t affect the teeth on either side of it the way a bridge does.
Implant-Supported Bridge
For two or more adjacent missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge replaces them without grinding down healthy neighboring teeth. Two implants anchor the bridge at either end.
All-on-4 / Full Arch Restoration
For patients missing most or all teeth on one arch, All-on-4 uses four strategically placed implants to support a full set of fixed teeth — replacing traditional removable dentures entirely.
Implants vs. Dentures vs. Bridges
If you’re replacing a missing tooth, you have three main options. Here’s how they compare.
| Dental Implants | Fixed Bridge | Removable Dentures | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feels like a natural tooth | ✅ Yes | Mostly | ❌ No |
| Preserves jawbone | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Affects neighboring teeth | ❌ No | ✅ Yes — requires grinding down adjacent teeth | ❌ No |
| Removable | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Lifespan | Decades with proper care | 10–15 years typically | 5–10 years typically |
| Maintenance | Brush and floss normally | Special flossing required | Daily removal and cleaning |
Dentures and bridges solve the cosmetic problem. Implants solve the structural one too. When a tooth root is missing, the jawbone underneath gradually shrinks — a process called resorption. Implants are the only replacement option that stops that, because the titanium post acts as a substitute root and keeps the bone stimulated.
If a tooth still needs to come out before your implant, learn more about tooth extraction in San Diego.
What to Expect
1. Consultation — Dr. McGann reviews your imaging, evaluates your bone structure, and walks you through your options. No pressure, just a clear picture of what’s possible.
2. Pre-operative planning — We handle surgical guide fabrication, confirm insurance coverage, and make sure you have everything you need before your procedure date.
3. Implant placement — Performed in our San Diego office using CT-guided placement. Anesthesia options are confirmed in advance.
4. Recovery and follow-up — Dr. McGann calls you personally after surgery. Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 2 days. Your mouth will be numb for 4–8 hours after the procedure — avoid hot foods during that window. Avoid sharp foods like chips or popcorn at the implant site for the first week. Full healing takes 3 to 6 months as the implant bonds with the bone — then the final crown or restoration is placed.
Ready to get started? Call (858) 874-8181) or request a consultation online.
The artwork in the office was created by Dr McGann’s family including grandmother Nancy McGann.
Do You Accept Insurance for Dental Implants?
Yes. McGann Oral Surgery is in-network with most major PPO dental plans including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of CA, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, United Healthcare, and others. See the full list of insurance plans we accept.
Enrique, our financial services coordinator, has been with the practice since 2008 and will walk you through exactly what your plan covers before your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental implants permanent?
The titanium post placed in your jaw can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown attached to it may need replacement after 10–20 years depending on wear, but the implant itself is built to stay.
How is an oral surgeon different from a general dentist for implants?
Dr. McGann is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon — a specialty requiring years of hospital-based surgical residency beyond dental school. He uses CT surgical guides and in-office 3D imaging for every case, a level of planning and precision that general dentists typically don’t have access to.
Will I need a bone graft?
Not always. CT-guided planning helps identify cases where bone grafting can be avoided. Whether you need one depends on your individual bone density — something Dr. McGann will assess at your consultation.
Can I be asleep during surgery?
Yes. McGann Oral Surgery offers office-based anesthesia options including being fully asleep for your procedure.
Does McGann Oral Surgery accept insurance for implants?
Yes — see the full list of insurance plans we accept.
Restore Your Smile with a San Diego Oral Surgeon You Can Trust
Dr. McGann has spent 16+ years placing implants in San Diego using technology and techniques that most practices haven’t caught up to yet. If you’ve been putting off replacing a missing tooth, the consultation is the right first step.
McGann Oral Surgery is located at 3861 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92103 — get directions.