Can I get a same-day appointment?

Yes. One reviewer reports Columbia Smiles fit them in on a Friday for emergency tooth repair. Another notes they received same-day cleaning and clearance on short notice.

Do you offer custom night guards for teeth clenching?

Yes. Staff recommend and fit custom bite guards in-office and follow up to ensure patients adjust and use them properly.

What happens if an implant fails?

One reviewer reports a failed implant was removed; however, they allege the removal was done without numbing and describe a permanent gum dent and difficulty obtaining a refund.

Columbia Smiles

Updated 2026-08-21 · 668 reviewed · 56 listed · Scored from 181 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.9(181) 87 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified

All-on-4 & Full Arch ImplantsSingle Tooth ImplantsSame-Day / Immediate Load ImplantsSedation & Sleep Dentistry for ImplantsOral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Services: All-on-4 & Full Arch Implants, Single Tooth Implants, Same-Day / Immediate Load Implants
Reviews: 181

What recent reviews say

Over 98% five-star reviews reflect consistently warm, professional care and Dr. Nick's clinical skill. Reviewers praise modern equipment, no-pain procedures, and staff who follow up relentlessly until patients accept recommended care like custom bite guards. One serious complaint alleges incomplete tooth extraction, a failed implant requiring outside surgery, and a permanent gum dent. The reviewer also reports being pressured toward bridgework and claims the office refused a refund.

The business states AACD accreditation and serves as official dentist for Miss USA pageant contestants. Same-day emergency appointments and custom oral appliances are noted strengths. However, the single negative review raises concerns about tooth removal protocols and aftercare when complications arise.

Praised for

friendly and welcoming staff
Dr. Nick's expertise and care
modern technology
no-judgment, accommodating approach
pain-free experience
persistence with patient follow-up

Watch-outs

incomplete tooth removal before implant
refused refund after failed implant
implant removal without numbing
aggressive bonding of temporary teeth
dismissed patient complaints

skilled-surgeongentle-carepain-freefriendly-staffstate-of-the-art-technologyprofessional-officerushed-appointmentsbotched-procedurepoor-communication

Best for: patients seeking pain-free cosmetic and general dentistry with supportive staff guidance on preventive care

Think twice if: tooth extraction or implant-related complications; one reviewer reported failed implant, incomplete extraction, and refused refund

Strengths

AACD accreditation and Miss USA pageant dentist
same-day emergency appointments
relentless follow-up on recommended care
modern equipment

Worth knowing

Dr. Nick is the dentist; Jessica noted by name as professional staff member
same-day emergency appointment capability noted
custom bite guards for night clenching recommended and adjusted on-site
AACD accreditation claimed
official dentist for Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants in NC and SC per their website
modern and up-to-date equipment mentioned by reviewers

What reviews say by service

Same-Day / Immediate Load Implants: emergency same-day access praised; one negative review alleges failed implant and removal without numbing
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: mixed: emergency access applauded, but extraction before implant placement resulted in permanent gum damage and patient dispute
Sedation & Sleep Dentistry for Implants: pain-free procedures consistently praised; one review notes implant removal was done without numbing agent
Single Tooth Implants: failed implant case reported; patient claims $600 implant did not integrate and was removed
All-on-4 & Full Arch Implants: no clear review evidence

How it compares

Rated 4.9 against a 4.73 average across the 16 oral & maxillofacial surgery businesses listed here.
Has more Google reviews than 51% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Rank

Star rating 92

Review volume 98

Review recency 100

Review sentiment 63

Profile completeness 100

Verification 30

Rating breakdown

178

Common questions

Can I get a same-day appointment?: Yes. One reviewer reports Columbia Smiles fit them in on a Friday for emergency tooth repair. Another notes they received same-day cleaning and clearance on short notice.
Do you offer custom night guards for teeth clenching?: Yes. Staff recommend and fit custom bite guards in-office and follow up to ensure patients adjust and use them properly.
What happens if an implant fails?: One reviewer reports a failed implant was removed; however, they allege the removal was done without numbing and describe a permanent gum dent and difficulty obtaining a refund.

Contact

Phone: +1803-674-4632
Website: https://www.columbiasmiles.com/
Address: 1310 Lady St Ste 600, Columbia, SC 29201
Open in Google Maps

Last verified 2026-08-21

Opening hours

Monday: 08:00-17:00
Tuesday: 08:00-15:30
Wednesday: 08:00-17:00
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 08:00-12:00
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

As listed on Google.

From their website

Services listed

Porcelain veneersCosmetic dentistryGum contouringDental implantsTeeth whiteningSmile makeovers

Credentials claimed:AACD Accreditation (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry), Official dentist for Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in North Carolina and South Carolina

As published by the business on its own website; not independently verified.

Find more in this area

Midtown Downtown

Request a quote

Similar dental implants providers nearby

ClearChoice Dental Implant Center - Metro-Columbia

4.5(44)✓ Google-verified

Reviewers consistently report smooth consultations and surgical experiences with sedation, often leaving the same day with temporary implants. Staff members including Abby, JB, Jesica, and Jerica are named for kindness and clear communication; one patient noted uncomfortable temporary teeth, though permanent results were anticipated to satisfy. ClearChoice operates all services in-house (surgery, extraction, design, restoration) in a clean Midtown facility. Patients from outside Columbia confirm the trip worthwhile for same-day temporary implants and the professional environment, though healing timelines extend several months before permanent restorations complete.

All-on-4 & Full Arch ImplantsSingle Tooth ImplantsPeriodontics & Implant Placement

View profile

Crescent Prosthodontics: Nicholas Ruggiero, DMD

4.9(115)✓ Google-verified

Most patients praise Dr. Ruggiero's expertise in full mouth reconstruction and dentures, along with the staff's warmth and willingness to fit urgent appointments. However, two one-star reviews detail serious complications: an infected implant that went undiagnosed despite patient reports, requiring intervention from another surgeon, and bulky bridges requiring multiple readjustments with minimal chair time and a perceived lack of flexibility when a patient missed an appointment. Strengths include same-day urgent scheduling, detailed pre-procedure explanations, and staff who treat patients like family. The practice draws patients from over 80 miles away and serves VA referrals. Weaknesses centre on post-procedure follow-up responsiveness when problems arise and receptionist tone during missed appointments. The clinic keeps meticulous records but complications in complex implant cases warrant careful screening.

All-on-4 & Full Arch ImplantsSingle Tooth ImplantsPeriodontics & Implant Placement

View profile