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A tooth that stays put

Dental Implants at Kitto Family Dental

An implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up, so it looks, feels, and cleans like the real thing. We plan carefully, explain every step and cost, and never rush you into a decision.

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Smiling older man relaxing in a dental chair
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

A missing tooth, fully replaced.

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root. After healing, a crown attaches to the implant. Most single implants take a few months from placement to final crown. We coordinate every stage in-house or with a trusted specialist when the case calls for it.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Feels like your own

An implant crown is shaped and shaded to match your teeth.

Leaves your other teeth alone

Neighbor teeth don’t need to be reshaped.

Helps preserve bone

The implant replaces the root, which helps keep the jawbone.

Corn on the cob, welcome back

Implants are fixed in place, so you can chew with confidence.

Built to last for years

With good care, implants can last many years, often decades.

Brush, floss, done

Brush and floss as usual and keep your regular cleanings.

Is an implant right for you?

Implants work well for most healthy adults with adequate bone at the site. Good candidates:

  • Have a missing tooth or one that can’t be saved
  • Are in good general health, with any chronic conditions well-managed
  • Have enough jawbone at the site (or are willing to consider a graft to build up bone)
  • Practice good oral hygiene
  • Don’t smoke, or are willing to stop

An implant isn’t always the best option. Sometimes a bridge fits better. Sometimes doing nothing is reasonable for a while. We walk you through what fits your situation.

The implant journey, step by step.

Consult and planning

Comprehensive exam, digital imaging (usually a 3D scan when appropriate), and a written treatment plan with cost estimate.

Implant placement

The titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. Sedation options available. Most patients report the visit is easier than expected.

Healing (osseointegration)

The bone bonds with the implant over about three to six months. During healing, a temporary tooth can cover the site for cosmetic reasons.

Final crown

A custom crown is designed and attached to the implant. This is the replacement tooth you’ll chew and smile with.

Aftercare and how to protect your investment.

An implant crown is cared for like a natural tooth: brush twice a day, floss daily, keep up with regular hygiene visits. Implants don’t decay, but the gum around them can become inflamed if plaque builds up. Regular cleanings monitor for this and catch any issues early.

Well-cared-for implants often last decades. The crown on top may eventually need replacement, but the implant itself typically stays in place.

What implants cost, and what insurance covers.

A single implant, from placement to final crown, typically has a total cost in the several-thousand-dollar range depending on your specific case. That total includes the surgical placement, healing components, custom crown, and any needed grafting.

Insurance coverage varies significantly. Some plans cover a portion of the crown, some cover surgical placement, and some cover neither. We recommend a pre-treatment estimate from your insurance for any implant case, which removes almost all uncertainty about your final cost. See our insurance and payment page for how we handle this.

Call for an implant estimate
Dental implant timeline from consult to crownDental implant timeline1ConsultWeek 02PlacementWeek 1-23HealingWeeks 12-244Final crownWeek ~25
From consult to final crown: typically three to six months, most of it healing between placement and crown.

Bridge vs. implant at a glance

FactorDental bridgeDental implant
Time to complete2 to 3 weeks3 to 6 months (includes healing)
Affects neighboring teethYes (anchor teeth are shaped for crowns)No (free-standing)
Typical lifespanOften 10 to 15 yearsOften 20+ years
Upfront costLowerHigher
Insurance coverageCommonly covered in partVariable; often partial
Bone preservationNo (bone can shrink under the gap)Yes (implant stimulates bone like a tooth root)
Replaces multiple teethYes (longer bridges)Yes (multiple implants or implant bridge)

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why replace missing teeth?

When a tooth is lost, the bone where the root used to be slowly shrinks. Nearby teeth can shift, and chewing gets harder. Replacing the tooth helps keep your bite and face shape. Compare every option on missing teeth.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about dental implants?

Does implant surgery hurt?
Placement is done under local anesthesia (the same numbing used for a filling). Most patients report less discomfort than they expected during and after the procedure. Sedation options are available if you feel anxious. Post-surgery soreness typically responds well to over-the-counter pain relief for a few days.
How long does the whole implant process take?
From consult to final crown, most single-implant cases take three to six months. Most of that time is healing (bone bonding to the implant), not appointments. If you need bone grafting first, add a few months of healing before placement.
Do you do implants in-house or refer out?
We plan implant cases here and coordinate placement with a trusted specialist when the case calls for it. The final crown and follow-up care happen in our office. This ensures you have one team responsible for the final result.
Can I get an implant if I have been missing a tooth for years?
Often, yes. Longer gaps sometimes require bone grafting to rebuild the site. This is done months before implant placement. We’ll evaluate your specific site with 3D imaging.
Are implants better than a bridge?
It depends. Implants are more conservative because they don’t require reshaping neighboring teeth. Bridges are faster and cost less upfront. We explain both options for your specific situation so you can decide.
How long do dental implants last?
With good home care and regular checkups, implants can last many years, often decades. The crown on top may need replacing over time from normal wear.
Am I a candidate for a dental implant?
Most healthy adults with enough jawbone are candidates. Uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, and active gum disease can lower success, and some patients need bone grafting first. We review your health history and imaging before recommending anything.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideIt Has Been Years. Where Do I Start?The first step back is smaller than you think. No lectures.Patient guideAn Old Filling Needs Attention. What Should You Ask?Questions that help you understand a filling or crown recommendation.Patient guideDental Emergencies: When to Call vs. When to WaitWhich tooth problems need same-day care, and which can wait.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

Missing a tooth? Let’s talk options.

A consultation includes a comprehensive exam, digital imaging where appropriate, and a written estimate before you decide.

Call (805) 922-4109Request an Appointment
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