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 Mission Hills, CA 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. 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. Financing options are discussed at consultation if the full cost is a concern.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We lay out single-stage vs. two-stage placement, grafting needs if any, and itemized costs before you commit.
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."
"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."
"Surgical guide made from my CBCT scan — they showed me exactly where the post would go before the procedure."
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.
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. Post-procedure soreness is normal for a few days and manageable with standard pain relief.
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.
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 Mission Hills 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