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.
Our implant providers carry current Ruston, LA licensure and continuing education specific to oral implantology. 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.
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.
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.
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 Ruston.
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.
"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."
"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."
"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. 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. 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.
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 Ruston 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