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. 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.
You'll see the cost of the post, abutment, and crown broken out separately, not bundled into a vague estimate. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
"Lost a molar years ago and finally did the implant. The CBCT scan they showed me made the whole process make sense."
"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."
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.
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. Financing options are available if the full amount upfront isn't realistic for your budget.
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.
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 East Bakersfield 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