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.
Implants fail when planning is rushed. We don't rush it. We'd rather tell you a case needs more healing time than rush a restoration that fails in a year.
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. 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. 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. 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.
A full arch of replacement teeth can be supported on as few as four strategically placed implants. 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.
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.
A 3D scan maps your bone density and nerve position in one visit, right here in Ithaca.
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."
"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."
"Shade-matching on my implant crown was spot on — nobody can tell which tooth it is."
"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."
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.
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.
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. We'll tell you plainly what's likely out-of-pocket before you schedule anything.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Dental Implants to patients throughout Ithaca and neighboring Ithaca, MI communities, with CBCT imaging done in-house. New patients researching implants for the first time are welcome to ask questions before committing to a scan.
Licensed, CBCT-equipped, and local to Ithaca — call and get a real answer about your case.
Call +1-866-227-2801