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.
Osseointegration takes months either way — we'd rather spend an extra week planning than redo a placement. 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.
We use 3D cone-beam imaging to map bone density and nerve position before recommending a single-stage or two-stage approach. 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. We'd rather you understand every line item than sign off on a lump-sum number.
We stand behind the restoration, not just the surgical placement. Guarantee terms are explained in writing at your consultation, not buried in fine print.
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.
For multiple missing teeth in a row, two or more implants can anchor a fixed bridge instead of individual posts for every gap. We explain the trade-offs between this and single implants before you decide.
Full-arch restoration means a fixed, non-removable set of teeth anchored to a handful of implants rather than a full row. This option is discussed in detail with realistic timelines, not a same-day promise that overstates recovery.
Not every jaw is ready for an implant on day one — grafting buys the density needed for a stable, lasting post. We walk through healing time for grafts honestly, since it adds months, not days.
Implants don't get cavities, but the surrounding gum tissue still needs monitoring for peri-implantitis. 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.
You'll see your own scan on screen while we explain exactly what it shows.
We lay out single-stage vs. two-stage placement, grafting needs if any, and itemized costs before you commit.
Healing checkpoints are scheduled in advance so nothing gets missed between placement and final restoration.
"Lost a molar years ago and finally did the implant. The CBCT scan they showed me made the whole process make sense."
"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.
Often yes, with bone grafting first — the CBCT scan tells us exactly how much density you have and whether grafting is needed. Grafting adds time but often makes the difference between a stable implant and a failed one.
We break down post, abutment, and crown costs separately so you know exactly what you're paying for. We'd rather walk through the numbers together than have you guess at a website estimate.
Most patients report less discomfort than they expected, managed with local anesthesia and, if needed, sedation options. We check in after placement to make sure recovery is going as expected.
Implants still need daily brushing and flossing, plus regular checkups to monitor the surrounding gum tissue. We show you specific cleaning techniques for around the implant at your follow-up visit.
Some plans cover a portion of implant costs — our front desk will verify your specific benefits before treatment. Verification happens before treatment starts, not as a surprise on your final invoice.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Dental Implants to patients throughout Shepherd and neighboring Shepherd, MI 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.
We'll tell you honestly whether you're a good candidate before you spend a dollar.
Call +1-866-227-2801