Dental Implants and Sedation FAQs
—In Dr. Winn’s Words

What Led You to Become an Implant Dentist and Dental Anesthesiologist?

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in my father’s art studio. He taught me proportions of the face, what looks natural, color theory, and how to plan and render. Those early lessons in aesthetics significantly shaped my approach to dentistry—particularly implant dentistry and smile design.

I attended the University of Iowa School of Dentistry (2000–2004) and moved quickly into private practice, eventually building a 10-operatory office from the ground up. Later, I pursued dental anesthesiology, completing a two- year residency at a Level 1 trauma center in the Bronx, working 80-hour weeks with surgical and trauma patients. Dental anesthesiology is now a recognized dental specialty, and although it’s growing, it remains a rare skill set.

After my residency, I moved to the West Coast in 2013 and launched my anesthesia practice. The combination of implant dentistry and true anesthesia has become the foundation of what we offer at the Winn Dental Implant & Sedation Center.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium anchors placed into the jawbone to support new teeth, ranging from single-tooth restorations to full-mouth solutions like All-On-Four

A traditional denture restores only 10–15% of normal chewing ability and often slips, shifts, or comes loose while speaking. Implants—especially All-On-Four—restore function close to having natural teeth again, greatly improving stability, chewing confidence, and quality of life.

How Important Is Teamwork at the Winn Dental Implant & Sedation Center?

All-On-Four and full-arch procedures require precision and coordination. I simply couldn’t do this work without an exceptional team.

Our surgical assistants, Beverley and Luna, operate at an elite level—far beyond holding suction or passing instruments. They anticipate, support, and help ensure patient comfort in an intensely personal environment.

Our treatment coordinator is equally essential. She communicates clearly, provides transparent expectations, answers questions promptly, and guides patients through financing options such as CareCredit and Proceed Finance to find monthly payments that fit their budget.

What If I Have Anxiety About Getting Dental Implants?

It’s normal to be nervous. The idea of a tooth extraction and a titanium implant sounds intimidating, but most patients are surprised by how smooth the process is

A single implant typically takes about 20 minutes. Post-procedure discomfort is usually mild, with minimal swelling. Most patients return to work and normal eating within a day or two. Over-the-counter Tylenol or ibuprofen is usually all that’s needed for pain management.

Is All the Equipment and Technology Kept In-House?

Yes—intentionally.

We keep CT scanning, in-house lab work, digital design, and 3D printing under one roof. This allows me to control every step of the process, eliminate communication breakdowns, and maintain the highest standards.

In many offices, diagnosis happens in one place, surgery in another, anesthesia through another provider, and the prosthetics at an outside lab. Each hand-off increases the potential for error. Our integrated approach streamlines the entire All-On-Four process and dramatically improves accuracy and efficiency.

What Happens If I Still Have Healthy Teeth?

I love teeth. Natural teeth are the gold standard. If your teeth can be saved, I will recommend saving them.

Many patients who come to us have gone through major life events—cancer, addiction recovery, medical challenges—and rebuilding their smile is the final step in reclaiming their identity. Seeing that transformation is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

How Are Temporary Teeth Made?

Our temporary teeth are manufactured in-house using resin reinforced with ceramic, resulting in exceptional strength and durability. The material is fully processed, minimizing chemical release and increasing comfort and safety

What is True Sleep Dentistry?

True Sleep Dentistry means you are fully asleep, unaware, and comfortably monitored—similar to hospital-grade anesthesia.

Many offices advertise “sleep dentistry,” but often it involves only a pill and nitrous oxide. Patients remain awake and aware.

My licensure allows me to provide full anesthesia, using the same medications and monitoring equipment found in operating rooms. This is especially valuable for implant procedures, anxious patients, and those needing complex surgical treatment.

What Goes Into Designing a Great Smile?

Smile design combines mathematics, proportions of the face, tooth visibility, symmetry, and artistic instinct. My father—an accomplished painter with exhibits in New York and Chicago—trained me from childhood to see facial structure with precision.

That artistic eye helps me create smiles that match a patient’s personality, whether soft and subtle or bold and vigorous.

How Long Do Temporary Teeth Take to Make?

Most dental offices must send cases to an outside lab, requiring 1–2 weeks.

At our center, we use the Einstein 3D printer, allowing us to create your temporary teeth in 45 minutes to 1 hour. This dramatically speeds up the All-On-Four process and reduces the number of appointments.

Can My Body Reject Dental Implants?

Implant rejection is extremely rare.

Titanium is highly biocompatible, and the body almost always accepts it without difficulty. True allergies to titanium do exist, but they are very uncommon—most patients who have them already know before implant treatment.