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.
A poorly placed implant is expensive to fix, so we get the plan right the first time. 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.
Bone grafting, if needed, is quoted separately and explained before it's added to your plan. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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 Merced.
You leave with a written plan, not a verbal estimate you have to remember.
The implant post is placed, allowed to integrate with the bone, then topped with your custom crown, bridge, or arch.
"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."
"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.
Low bone density doesn't automatically disqualify you; it usually just adds a grafting step before placement. Grafting adds time but often makes the difference between a stable implant and a failed one.
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.
We discuss sedation choices at your consult so you're comfortable with the plan going in. Post-procedure soreness is normal for a few days and manageable with standard pain relief.
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.
Our implant team serves Merced 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.
Licensed, CBCT-equipped, and local to Merced — call and get a real answer about your case.
Call +1-866-227-2801