Columbia Dental Implants & Prosthodontist

Board-certified specialist care for dental implants, full-arch restoration, and complex cases

Serving Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, Clarksville, Fulton, and Laurel

What’s standing in the way of your smile?

Most patients who come to Smile Innovations arrive with one of these problems. Tell us yours, and we’ll plan the path forward. From Columbia dental implants to full mouth restoration, our prosthodontist can help.

I’ve been told my case is too complex for a general dentist.

What we do for it: Full-mouth reconstruction planned with CBCT, digitally designed, and restored in-house.

My dentures slip when I eat or talk.

What we do for it: Implant-supported dentures that lock in place — no adhesives, no slipping.

I’m missing several teeth and don’t know where to start.

What we do for it: Full-arch dental implants on as few as four implants per arch — a fixed, permanent set of teeth.

I’m missing one tooth and want it to look natural.

What we do for it: Single-tooth implants placed and restored by one specialist, start to finish.

I was told I don’t have enough bone for implants.

What we do for it: In-house bone grafting to rebuild the foundation before placement.

I have anxiety about long dental appointments.

What we do for it: IV sedation for a calm, pain-free visit, even for full-day procedures.

Don’t see your situation? Dr. Cross will tell you exactly what’s involved before you commit to anything.

Your board-certified Columbia prosthodontist

Dr. Stephen Cross is the only board-certified prosthodontist in Columbia who plans, places, and restores implant cases under one roof, without referring out for fabrication. That means your treatment plan, surgery, and final restoration are designed and executed by the same specialist who knows your case.

Credentials:

  • DDS, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
  • Three-year advanced prosthodontic residency, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
  • Board Certified, Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
  • Member, American College of Prosthodontists

Why a prosthodontist, and not a general dentist

A prosthodontist is the only dental specialist trained specifically to plan and rebuild missing, broken, or worn teeth. After dental school, a prosthodontist completes three additional years of full-time hospital and clinical training in Columbia implant placement, full-arch reconstruction, and advanced restorative dentistry.

Jackson Family Dental front office kansas city

From Columbia to Ellicott City,
Smiles Transformed by Dr. Cross

Hear from our 5-star smiles

Jackson Family Dental front office kansas city

Restorations planned digitally,
placed precisely, fabricated in-house

Most implant and full-arch cases in our office go from CBCT scan to a placed restoration without ever leaving the building. Dr. Cross uses 3D imaging and facial scanning to plan every case digitally, then designs and prints the restoration in our in-house lab. The result: fewer appointments, fewer outside variables, and a final fit that matches the plan.

We restore patients who’ve been told their case is too complex for a general dentist, including full-mouth rehab, implant-supported dentures, and All-on-4 cases.

No goopy impressions
or lab guesswork

Say goodbye to messy molds and the back-and-forth of outside labs. At Smile Innovations, we use digital scanning and in-house 3D printing to make your care faster, more precise, and more comfortable.

Your smile is scanned in minutes, designed on screen, and printed right here in our office by the same specialist who plans and places your restoration. That means fewer surprises, fewer delays, and a better-fitting result from the start.

IV Sedation for the care you’ve been avoiding

Dental anxiety, gag reflex, or a bad past experience shouldn’t keep you from getting care. With in-office IV sedation, you can sleep comfortably through complex treatment. Every sedation case is monitored by a credentialed team and planned around your medical history.

Jackson Family Dental front office kansas city
Jackson Family Dental front office kansas city

Partner with a
board-certified prosthodontist

Refer your patients to Dr. Stephen Cross, a board-certified prosthodontist, for specialized, precision-driven restorative treatment backed by advanced training and clinical excellence.

How we support your practice

  • 9Comprehensive Case Reviews: Advanced diagnostics for precise planning.
  • 9Expert Prosthodontic Care: Full-mouth rehab, implant restorations, and complex prosthodontics.
  • 9Collaborative Planning: We align treatment goals to deliver outstanding results.

Let’s team up to deliver exceptional care and lasting smiles!

Our Innovative
Approach

Jackson Family Dental kansas city teeth cleaning

Prosthodontic
Expertise

Specialized training in prosthetic and restorative dentistry ensures precise, high-quality results, giving you a fully functional smile.

Jackson Family Dental kansas city teeth cleaning

Full-mouth and
full-arch reconstruction

From Columbia implants to All-on-4 full-arch cases and complete full-mouth rehab, Dr. Cross handles the cases most general dentists refer out, and finishes them under one roof.

Jackson Family Dental kansas city teeth cleaning

Compassionate
Care

Our welcoming environment and patient-first approach ensure your comfort, trust, and satisfaction at every step of your treatment.

Specialty restorative dentistry,
planned and placed in Columbia

Prevent problems
Dental Implants

Replace a single tooth, several teeth, or a full arch with implants planned, placed, and restored by a board-certified prosthodontist, without referring out for surgery or lab work.

Jackson Family Dental front office kansas city
Jackson Family Dental front office kansas city

Full-Arch & All-on-4 Implants

A fixed, permanent set of teeth on as few as four implants per arch, designed digitally with CBCT and fabricated in our in-house lab. A long-term answer for patients tired of dentures or facing significant tooth loss.

Full-Mouth Reconstruction

For patients with severe wear, failing dentistry, or multiple missing teeth, we sequence complete reconstructions phase by phase, implants, crowns, bridges, and bite restoration, under one specialist.

Jackson Family Dental front office kansas city
Jackson Family Dental front office kansas city

Smile Makeover

Veneers, crowns, and cosmetic restorations are planned around your face, bite, and long-term function, not a one-size cosmetic template.

From the moment you walk in,
you’ll feel the difference.

A modern, welcoming office. A warm greeting at the front desk. A board-certified specialist who not only restores smiles but builds a team dedicated to patient-first care. Dr. Cross and his staff go beyond dental care — they create a compassionate, stress-free experience where every detail is designed for you.

Ready for a new kind of dental visit?

FAQs

What does a prosthodontist do?

A prosthodontist is a specialist, trained in advanced restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Using cutting-edge techniques, including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures, they restore function and aesthetics with expert-level accuracy.

Are prosthodontists similar to dentists?

Prosthodontists receive years of additional training beyond general dentistry, making them experts in complex restorations and dental prosthetics. While general dentists manage routine care, our board-certified Columbia prosthodontists focus on restoring and replacing teeth with unmatched precision and expertise.

How much do dental implants cost in Columbia, MD?

A single-tooth dental implant in Columbia typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,500, including the implant, abutment, and custom crown. Full-arch and All-on-4 cases range from $25,000 to $45,000 per arch. Dr. Cross provides a written quote with exact costs at your consultation. See our full cost breakdown.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?

Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the crown and any necessary extractions, but few cover the implant fixture itself. We run a free benefits check before your consultation so you know exactly what your plan will pay.

What is All-on-4?

All-on-4 is a full-arch dental implant technique that replaces all the teeth on the upper or lower jaw using as few as four implants. The implants are angled to maximize bone contact, often eliminating the need for grafting. Patients leave with a fixed temporary set of teeth the same day as surgery.

How long does dental implant recovery take?

Most patients return to normal activities within two to three days after implant surgery. Full healing, when the implant fuses with the jawbone, takes three to six months, though Dr. Cross places a temporary restoration in the meantime. Pain is typically mild and managed with over-the-counter medication.

Do you see patients from Ellicott City, Howard County, and the surrounding areas?

Yes. Smile Innovations is located in Columbia, MD, and serves patients throughout Howard County, including Ellicott City, Clarksville, Fulton, Laurel, and Elkridge. Our office is just off Route 175 with easy access from Route 29 and I-95.

Why see a prosthodontist instead of a general dentist for dental implants?

A prosthodontist is the only dental specialist trained specifically in restoring missing, broken, or worn teeth. After dental school, prosthodontists complete three additional years of full-time training in implant placement, full-arch reconstruction, and complex restorative dentistry. For implant cases, that training is the difference between a one-size-fits-all approach and a plan built around your bite, bone, and long-term function.

What does a prosthodontist do?

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who plans and performs complex restorations — including dental implants, full-arch reconstruction, crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures. Dr. Cross is board-certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics and handles cases most general dentists refer out.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a prosthodontist?

Orthodontists straighten teeth using braces and aligners. Prosthodontists restore and replace teeth using implants, crowns, bridges, and full-arch restorations. If you have missing, broken, or worn teeth, a prosthodontist is the specialist trained to rebuild them.

Know what it takes to get your smile back

Get real answers about your Columbia dental implants case from a board-certified Columbia prosthodontist. Dr. Cross will walk you through your options, timeline, and costs with a personalized treatment plan built around your smile

Know what it takes to get your smile back

Get real answers about your Columbia dental implants case from a board-certified Columbia prosthodontist. Dr. Cross will walk you through your options, timeline, and costs with a personalized treatment plan built around your smile