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 Rutledge, TN licensure and continuing education specific to oral implantology. We're glad to discuss the provider's specific implant case history if you ask.
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. Financing options are discussed at consultation if the full cost is a concern.
If your crown or abutment needs adjustment after placement, we handle it at no extra charge within the guarantee window. Guarantee terms are explained in writing at your consultation, not buried in fine print.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 3D scan maps your bone density and nerve position in one visit, right here in Rutledge.
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."
"Shade-matching on my implant crown was spot on — nobody can tell which tooth it is."
"Itemized quote for the post, abutment, and crown separately — I actually understood what I was paying for."
"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. 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. 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.
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 Rutledge 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.
We'll tell you honestly whether you're a good candidate before you spend a dollar.
Call +1-866-227-2801