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.
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.
Our implant providers carry current Oak Island, NC licensure and continuing education specific to oral implantology. Credentials are available on request, before you ever sit in the chair.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Not every case qualifies for a same-day temporary — bone quality and bite force both factor into that decision. 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.
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."
"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."
"Surgical guide made from my CBCT scan — they showed me exactly where the post would go before the procedure."
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.
Often yes, with bone grafting first — the CBCT scan tells us exactly how much density you have and whether grafting is needed. Grafting adds time but often makes the difference between a stable implant and a failed one.
We break down post, abutment, and crown costs separately so you know exactly what you're paying for. 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.
Care is similar to natural teeth, with extra attention to gum health around the implant site. We show you specific cleaning techniques for around the implant at your follow-up visit.
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 Oak Island and neighboring Oak Island, 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 Oak Island — call and get a real answer about your case.
Call +1-866-227-2801