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. 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 Pacific Grove, CA licensure and continuing education specific to oral implantology. We're glad to discuss the provider's specific implant case history if you ask.
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. 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.
A titanium post replaces the root, topped with a custom crown shade-matched to your surrounding teeth. 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.
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.
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 Pacific Grove.
You leave with a written plan, not a verbal estimate you have to remember.
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."
"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. We check on integration progress at scheduled intervals rather than guessing when it's ready.
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.
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. 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. Verification happens before treatment starts, not as a surprise on your final invoice.
Our implant team serves Pacific Grove and the surrounding zip codes, so nearby residents don't have to travel far for 3D-guided planning. New patients researching implants for the first time are welcome to ask questions before committing to a scan.
We'll tell you honestly whether you're a good candidate before you spend a dollar.
Call +1-866-227-2801