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. We'd rather tell you a case needs more healing time than rush a restoration that fails in a year.
Our implant providers carry current Shallotte, NC licensure and continuing education specific to oral implantology. 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. A digital surgical guide, built from that scan, keeps placement accurate to the plan.
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.
If your crown or abutment needs adjustment after placement, we handle it at no extra charge within the guarantee window. Ask about specifics before treatment — we'd rather you know upfront than discover it later.
Your treatment plan depends on bone density, tooth location, and how many teeth are missing.
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.
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.
Call +1-866-227-2801 and describe which teeth are missing and how long they've been gone — that shapes what we scan for.
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.
The implant post is placed, allowed to integrate with the bone, then topped with your custom crown, bridge, or arch.
"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. We'll show you the scan and explain the grafting option honestly, not push you into a case that isn't ready.
Cost depends on how many teeth are missing and whether grafting is needed — we give itemized pricing at your consult, not a vague range. We'd rather walk through the numbers together than have you guess at a website estimate.
We discuss sedation choices at your consult so you're comfortable with the plan going in. 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.
Our implant team serves Shallotte and the surrounding zip codes, so nearby residents don't have to travel far for 3D-guided planning. 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 Shallotte — call and get a real answer about your case.
Call +1-866-227-2801