77 Westport Plaza Dr.
Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63146

Dental Implants in
Maryland Heights, MO

Dental implants in Maryland Heights, MO, with Smiles by Choice, represent a pinnacle of restorative dental care, offering a blend of aesthetics, functionality, and durability unmatched by traditional solutions. Whether you’re facing the challenge of a single missing tooth or require a more comprehensive solution, our dental implants, under the expertise of Dr. Louis First, provide a foundation for long-term oral health and confidence.

Contact us today to restore your smile’s brilliance and functionality.

What to Expect During the
Dental Implants Procedure in Maryland Heights, MO

Our dental implants stand at the forefront of restorative dentistry. Here’s how we do it.

Initial Consultation and Planning

The first step involves a detailed examination of your oral health, dental history, and jawbone density to determine if you are a suitable candidate for implant dentistry. This initial consultation is crucial for dental patients with gum disease or those in need of a dental emergency solution, ensuring a dental experience that leverages advanced technology for the perfect solution

Tooth Extraction and Bone Grafting (If Necessary)

If the tooth to be replaced is still present and needs to be extracted, this will be done before the implant placement. In cases where the jawbone is not dense enough to support an implant, a bone graft may be necessary to build up the bone.

Bone grafting is a procedure that involves transplanting bone tissue to the jawbone to increase its volume and density. This step requires several months of healing before the implant can be placed.

Implant Placement

Once your jawbone is prepared or has healed sufficiently, the dental implant, a small titanium post, is surgically inserted into the jawbone. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and, in some cases, sedation may be offered to ensure your comfort. 

After the implant is placed, a period of healing is required for osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone. This process can take several months.

Abutment Placement

After osseointegration is complete, an abutment, which serves as the base for your new tooth, is attached to the implant. In some cases, the abutment can be placed simultaneously with the implant. 

Once the abutment is in place, your gums need time to heal before the final step, which may take a few weeks.

Placement of the Prosthetic Tooth (Crown)

Impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth are taken to create a crown that perfectly matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. Once the custom-made crown is ready, it is securely attached to the abutment, completing the restoration.

Follow-Up and Care

Proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups, are crucial to the long-term success of your dental implant.

Why Dental Implants Are the Superior Choice for Tooth Replacement

Our dental implants in Maryland Heights, MO, offer an unparalleled solution for tooth replacement for the following reasons. 

Durability and Longevity

Dental implants, a cornerstone of cosmetic dentistry, are constructed from biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that naturally fuse with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. This advanced technology makes implants a perfect solution for dental patients seeking a great smile without the drawbacks of traditional dentures.

Restored Functionality

Since implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, they allow for a level of bite force nearly identical to natural teeth. This means you can enjoy a variety of foods without the restrictions often associated with other tooth replacement options, ultimately leading to improved nutrition and overall health.

Aesthetic Appeal

The visible part of the implant, typically made of porcelain or zirconia, is custom-crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, ensuring a cohesive and natural-looking appearance. 

Oral Health Benefits

Unlike bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth to anchor the prosthetic, dental implants do not compromise the health of neighboring teeth. Additionally, dental implants help maintain the natural shape of your face and smile by preventing jawbone deterioration that often follows tooth loss.

Confidence and Comfort

The stability and permanence of dental implants eliminate the discomfort and insecurity associated with removable dentures, which can slip or make noise when eating or speaking. Implant-supported crowns, bridges, or dentures stay firmly in place, providing confidence in social and professional settings.

Unlock a Brighter, More Confident Smile with Dental Implants

Choosing dental implants in Maryland Heights, MO, allows you to regain your confidence and enjoy simple pleasures, like savoring your favorite foods and laughing freely without self-consciousness.

Contact us now if you’re ready to unlock a brighter, more confident smile.

FAQs

How much does a full set of teeth implants cost near Missouri?

On average, a full mouth reconstruction using dental implants can range from $20,000 to $45,000. 

Consult a dental implant specialist for a precise quote, as they can provide a detailed assessment based on your unique needs.

Many dental practices also offer financing options to help manage the cost of treatment.

Each type of implant offers different advantages and is chosen based on the patient’s specific dental needs, bone quantity, and preferences.

  • Endosteal Implants: These implants are placed directly into the jawbone and serve as an artificial root to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. After the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant, followed by an artificial tooth (or teeth) being attached to the post individually or grouped on a bridge or denture.
  • Subperiosteal Implants: This type of implant may be used in old or new patients who do not have enough healthy, natural jawbones and cannot, or do not want, to undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it. It consists of a metal frame fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue.
  • Zygomatic Implants: The least common type of implant, zygomatic implants, are used in cases where the dental patient has insufficient jawbone for the endosteal implant. Instead of being placed in the jawbone, the implant is placed in the patient’s cheekbone.

A single dental implant can replace one tooth. However, using one implant per missing tooth is not always necessary.

For example, when replacing several teeth, fewer implants can serve as a stable support for a bridge of multiple artificial teeth. Specifically:

  • Single Tooth Replacement: One implant plus one dental crown can replace a missing tooth.
  • Multiple Teeth Replacement: An implant-supported bridge is used for multiple missing teeth, where two or more implants support a series of artificial teeth.
  • Full Arch Replacement: For a full arch of missing teeth, as few as four to six implants can support a full arch of prosthetic teeth in a procedure known as “All-on-4” or “All-on-6.”