Frequently Asked Questions
Answers before your first visit.
Prosthodontics, dental implants, comfort, emergencies and paying for treatment, answered by the Smile Design of Charleston team.
Prosthodontists & specialists
A prosthodontist is one of the dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. After dental school, a prosthodontist completes additional years of residency focused on restoring and replacing teeth: implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures and full mouth reconstruction. That training covers how teeth look and how they work together, including your bite and jaw joints. Because they plan the finished smile first and work backwards, prosthodontists are often called the architects of dentistry.
Many do, and Dr. Incampo is one of them. He completed advanced implant surgical training at the Misch International Implant Institute and serves as a surgical implant instructor, so he can plan the implant, place it and design the tooth it supports. Having one doctor handle every step means fewer referrals, fewer offices to visit, and a treatment plan where the implant position is chosen with the final tooth in mind.
No. You can book a consultation with Dr. Incampo directly, without a referral from another dentist. If you already have a general dentist, we’re happy to coordinate with them and share your records, X-rays and treatment plan so your care stays connected.
Dental implants
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth can be considered for implants. The main requirements are healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold the implant. If bone has been lost, a bone graft or sinus lift can often rebuild it first. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can slow healing, so we review your health history and take a 3D CBCT scan at your consultation before recommending a plan.
Both replace a full upper or lower arch of teeth with a fixed bridge anchored to implants. All-on-4 uses four implants, often angled at the back to make the most of the bone you have, which can reduce the need for grafting. All-on-6 uses six implants to spread chewing forces across more support points for added stability. Which one suits you depends on your bone volume, bite and goals, and we’ll explain the trade-offs using your scan.
For many patients, yes. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesive, so they can slip while eating or speaking. Implant-supported dentures snap onto implants, which keeps them in place and lets you chew with more force. The implants also stimulate the jawbone, which helps slow the bone loss that changes facial shape over time. Traditional dentures can still be a good option, and we’ll compare both with you.
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable implant treatment is. The area is fully numbed during the procedure, and sedation is available if you feel anxious. Afterwards, mild soreness and swelling for a few days is common and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods. We’ll give you clear aftercare instructions and check on your healing at follow-up visits.
Coverage varies widely between dental plans. Some plans contribute toward the implant, the crown or related procedures such as extractions and bone grafts, while others exclude implants entirely. We’ll review your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment begins. For the remaining balance, financing through Cherry, CareCredit or Proceed Finance can spread the cost into monthly payments.
New patients & visits
Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam and digital X-rays so the doctor can see the full picture of your oral health, including your teeth, gums, bite and any existing dental work. We’ll ask about your goals and concerns, show you what we see on screen, and explain your options in plain language. If treatment is needed, you’ll leave with a clear plan and cost estimate. Nothing begins until you’re comfortable with it.
Yes. We offer comprehensive dental exams, professional cleanings, and preventive dentistry for both adults and children. Regular visits from an early age help catch problems such as decay or bite issues while they are small and easier to treat, and they help children feel at ease at the dentist.
Yes. Orthodontists Dr. Michael Grosso and Dr. Lindsay Grosso see patients at Smile Design of Charleston. Orthodontic options include braces and Invisalign® clear aligners. Having orthodontists and a prosthodontist under one roof means alignment and restorative work, such as veneers or implants, can be planned together, which can shorten treatment and improve the final result.
We see patients from Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, and all surrounding Lowcountry communities. Many patients also travel from further afield for implant and full mouth reconstruction care, and we can plan visits to keep trips to the office efficient.
Comfort & sedation
Yes. We provide oral and mild sedation dentistry for patients who feel anxious about treatment. Oral sedation is taken as a prescribed medication before your appointment, so you feel relaxed and drowsy but can still respond. It is often used for longer procedures such as implant placement, or for patients who feel anxious about dental care. You’ll need someone to drive you home afterwards.
You’re not alone, and we plan for it. Let us know how you feel when you book. We’ll explain each step before it happens, agree on a signal if you need a break, and offer sedation if it would help. Our office is designed to feel relaxed rather than clinical, and many anxious patients find that a calm first visit with no surprises makes future care much easier.
Emergencies
Yes. We offer same-day emergency dental appointments so you get the care you need, when you need it most. Call (843) 867-2999 as soon as you can and describe what happened. We’ll tell you what to do in the meantime and fit you in as quickly as possible to relieve pain and protect the tooth.
Severe or throbbing tooth pain, a cracked, broken or knocked-out tooth, swelling in the face or gums, bleeding that won’t stop, and a lost crown or filling should all be seen promptly. If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist in milk and call immediately, since quick treatment gives the best chance of saving it. If you aren’t sure whether it’s urgent, call and we’ll help you decide.
Financing & insurance
Yes. We work with Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance so you can spread the cost of treatment into monthly payments. Plans can be used for routine care as well as larger treatment such as implants and full mouth reconstruction. Our team can walk you through the options and help you apply in the office or online.
Call our office with your insurance details and we’ll check your plan before your visit. We’ll explain what your benefits are likely to cover, give you a written estimate for your share, and help file claims on your behalf. If your plan leaves a balance, financing options can help spread the cost.
Preventive care
Cleanings that protect your smile.
Comprehensive exams, professional cleanings and oral cancer screenings help detect issues early and protect your long-term oral health.
Insurance
We work with most major dental plans.
Call with your plan details and we’ll check your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment begins.
What patients are saying
Reviews from our patients.
Posted on Google
Rocky Weakley4 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was nervous, worried about the pain after and the time to heal. But less than 24hours after I have no pain and a great smile. All of my questions are answered quickly through the messaging service. The team was really great to work with and made me feel welcome.Posted on Google
Theresa Scott10 days agoVery nice team at this office very knowledgeable gave me the help I needed. Thank you again to the team at Smile design.Posted on Google
Asia Davenport11 days agoAmazinggg!!! I had a REALLY bad infection but they got me in and out in no time and gave me every detail. In addition to this I was asked how I was doing every step of the way and never felt this comfortable at any other place! Dr. Incampo, Mrs. Incampo, Haley and every other staff member thank you all!Posted on Google
Jennifer Boyette15 days agoMy first visit went extremely well. Friendly staff. Great first visit.Posted on Google
Stephen Wilson16 days agoWhat can I say about Dr. Incampo and his team? As a Marine cleanliness and organization are very important to me. As a human I like to be treated equal. He and his crew hit all of these above and beyond. They are kind and relaxing and immediately calm your nerves by letting you know that you aren't alone in your search of a new smile. They are also professional when need be and don't hide good or bad news from you. It took me many dentist visits to find the right one and I'm so glad I did. His office, patient room and even the bathroom (yes Dr., I checked there too) are spotless. I hope I can spare you the time with others and give him a chance. You'll be happy you did!Posted on Google
Laurie Bailey18 days agoI’ve had a wonderful experience with this orthodontic office! Everyone is friendly and welcoming, and Tella, the office dog, is an added bonus. 🐾 The Dental Monitoring app is a game changer—it’s like having a built-in Invisalign consultant right on your phone, available 24/7. It provides reassurance between visits and reduces the need to schedule in-office progress appointments, making the entire process so much more convenient. And Tiffany is simply the BEST Invisalign concierge! She’s wonderful to work with and makes the experience that much better. Between the friendly team, innovative technology, and personal touches, this office gets five stars from me. Highly recommend!Posted on Google
Amber Parker19 days agoSmile Design, Dr. Grosso, and Tiffani have changed my life. Getting a bite plate was the best decision I’ve ever made. I no longer have pain, sleep better, and bite has been corrected. I honestly can’t sleep without the bite plate because it’s so comfortable. Thank you again!! :)Posted on Google
Beth Grosso19 days agoThe office staff made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Incampo quickly made me feel at ease.Posted on Google
Daven Acker27 days agoDr. Incampo, Haley and the staff at Smile Design are amazing! They took their time to make me feel comfortable and as ease. Thank you so much!Posted on Google
Dorree Lynn35 days agoI have spent more time in dental chairs than most have in an entire lifetime. Dr. Incampo and his staff are extraordinary. Dr. I's touch is gentle and sure, evidence of his years of knowledge abd experience. The staff is unhurried. The setting invitational. I have only the highest praise for Dr. Incampo, his associates and his staff. This may be the last dental experience I will ever need. Highest recommendation! Dr. Dorree LynnPosted on Google
Charles Holley46 days agoHad a very pleasant experience was given many options was not pressured in into making a decision. Considering going to the dentist is the worst thing I can think of they were all super friendly and made me very comfortable. I’ve already set an appointment. And feel as though im on my way to solving problems instead of just fixing issues… highly Recommend even if it’s just for A consultation.Posted on Google
Mary Lou Hutchinson47 days agoDr. Paolo Incampo and his team were wonderful. Spent a lot of time explaining the proposed procedure and answered all our questions to our satisfaction. Looking forward to receiving our treatment plan and proceeding with the next steps.Load more
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