Bridges and dentures shift. Dental Implants doesn't, and that's the whole point of the procedure. 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. We'd rather tell you a case needs more healing time than rush a restoration that fails in a year.
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.
You'll see the cost of the post, abutment, and crown broken out separately, not bundled into a vague estimate. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Call +1-866-227-2801 and describe which teeth are missing and how long they've been gone — that shapes what we scan for.
A 3D scan maps your bone density and nerve position in one visit, right here in Hickory.
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.
"They explained bone grafting to me in plain English before I agreed to anything — no surprise add-ons later."
"Got a full upper arch done here. It's not an overnight process like some ads claim, but they were honest about that from day one."
"Shade-matching on my implant crown was spot on — nobody can tell which tooth it is."
"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."
Full-arch cases can take longer depending on grafting needs — we give you a realistic timeline at your consult, not a rushed one. We check on integration progress at scheduled intervals rather than guessing when it's ready.
Low bone density doesn't automatically disqualify you; it usually just adds a grafting step before placement. We'll show you the scan and explain the grafting option honestly, not push you into a case that isn't ready.
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.
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.
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 Hickory and neighboring Hickory, 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 Hickory — call and get a real answer about your case.
Call +1-866-227-2801