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.
Our implant providers carry current St. Ann, MO licensure and continuing education specific to oral implantology. Credentials are available on request, before you ever sit in the chair.
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. Ask about specifics before treatment — we'd rather you know upfront than discover it later.
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 St. Ann.
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."
"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.
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.
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.
We discuss sedation choices at your consult so you're comfortable with the plan going in. 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 St. Ann 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