A missing tooth does more than change your smile — it changes how you chew, speak, and how your jawbone holds up over time. Smile Center Dentistry plans every case with 3D imaging before a single post goes in.
Implants fail when planning is rushed. We don't rush it. A surgical guide built from your own CBCT scan keeps the post exactly where the plan says it should go.
Every placement is performed or supervised by a licensed dentist with documented implant training, not a general practitioner learning on the job. Credentials are available on request, before you ever sit in the chair.
Every case starts with a CBCT scan, so we know exactly where the implant post can safely go before we touch a drill. Nerve position is confirmed on imaging first, which is what keeps placement safe near the lower jaw.
Bone grafting, if needed, is quoted separately and explained before it's added to your plan. Financing options are discussed at consultation if the full cost is a concern.
We stand behind the restoration, not just the surgical placement. Ask about specifics before treatment — we'd rather you know upfront than discover it later.
Not every patient needs the same implant approach — here's what we actually offer after your scan.
One missing tooth, one implant, one crown — planned to blend in rather than stand out. Healing time is discussed upfront, typically three to six months before the final crown.
A bridge anchored to implants avoids grinding down healthy adjacent teeth the way a traditional bridge would. We explain the trade-offs between this and single implants before you decide.
A full arch of replacement teeth can be supported on as few as four strategically placed implants. This option is discussed in detail with realistic timelines, not a same-day promise that overstates recovery.
When a CBCT scan shows insufficient bone density, grafting rebuilds the site before an implant can be safely placed. We walk through healing time for grafts honestly, since it adds months, not days.
Regular checkups track bone level around the implant over time, catching problems long before they threaten the restoration. We build these checks into your recall schedule automatically.
For front-tooth cases where esthetics matter immediately, a temporary crown can sometimes be placed the same day as the post. We'll tell you honestly at your consult whether your case is a candidate.
We ask a few quick questions by phone to flag anything that needs extra attention at your consult.
A 3D scan maps your bone density and nerve position in one visit, right here in Rutherfordton.
You leave with a written plan, not a verbal estimate you have to remember.
The implant post is placed, allowed to integrate with the bone, then topped with your custom crown, bridge, or arch.
"They explained bone grafting to me in plain English before I agreed to anything — no surprise add-ons later."
"Four implants supporting my whole upper arch, and they told me realistic healing times instead of a rushed promise."
"The crown they matched to my implant is honestly indistinguishable from my real teeth."
"No bundled mystery pricing. They broke down every piece of the implant cost before starting."
"Checkups every few months to monitor bone level around my implant. Feels like they're actually watching for problems, not just billing me."
Most single-implant cases run three to six months total, including healing time before the final crown. A rushed timeline is how implants fail, so we build in the time bone actually needs.
Low bone density doesn't automatically disqualify you; it usually just adds a grafting step before placement. Grafting adds time but often makes the difference between a stable implant and a failed one.
Cost depends on how many teeth are missing and whether grafting is needed — we give itemized pricing at your consult, not a vague range. Financing options are available if the full amount upfront isn't realistic for your budget.
We discuss sedation choices at your consult so you're comfortable with the plan going in. Post-procedure soreness is normal for a few days and manageable with standard pain relief.
Care is similar to natural teeth, with extra attention to gum health around the implant site. Peri-implant gum health is checked at every recall, not just assumed to be fine.
Coverage varies widely by plan; we check yours and explain what's likely covered before you commit. We'll tell you plainly what's likely out-of-pocket before you schedule anything.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Dental Implants to patients throughout Rutherfordton and neighboring Rutherfordton, NC communities, with CBCT imaging done in-house. If you're unsure whether your case needs a specialist referral, we'll tell you honestly at your consult rather than taking on a case beyond our scope.
Licensed, CBCT-equipped, and local to Rutherfordton — call and get a real answer about your case.
Call +1-866-227-2801