Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Eureka, MO

If you are missing teeth and aren’t happy with the appearance of your smile, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth, making them an excellent permanent solution for restoring your smile.

The dentists of Eureka Dental Group, Dr. Adam Wehrmeister and Dr. Chris G’Sell, place dental implants in our comfortable office. Dr. Wehrmeister has extensive experience in implant dentistry, including the immediate placement of implants following tooth extraction and full mouth implant reconstructions. Because of his extensive work in implant dentistry, he has been recognized as a Diplomat in the International Congress of Oral Implantology.

Dr. Wehrmeister and Dr. G’Sell are passionate about implant dentistry and are happy to discuss whether implants are right for you. Contact Eureka Dental Group today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how dental implants can rejuvenate your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a manufactured tooth root constructed from titanium that sits beneath the gum line. It can replace a single tooth or join other implants to support a bridge or denture. Dental implants are a predictable and reliable solution for patients with missing teeth. In some situations, the artificial teeth, called crowns, can be attached during the same dental procedure as the implant placement. Other cases require the implants to heal undisturbed to achieve the best results.

In the last 20 years, dental implants have become a great alternative to other methods of replacing missing or damaged teeth. Excellent success rates and numerous options give dentists many new ways to treat and replace lost teeth.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants aren’t suitable for everyone. A dentist can evaluate your case and tell you whether you’re a good candidate. Individual decisions are made between you and your dentist, but as a general rule, implants may benefit you if:

  • You’re missing one or more teeth
  • You are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
  • You wish to improve your speech
  • You don’t use tobacco products
  • You’re willing to commit possibly several months to the process
  • Your oral tissues are healthy
  • Your jawbone is fully grown
  • You have enough bone structure to secure the implants or can undergo a bone graft
  • You don’t have underlying health issues that could affect bone growth

The Dental Implant Process

Dental implant planning can be lengthy, as some patients may require several procedures. Typically, an X-ray and a CT scan are performed to determine if there’s enough bone to place the implant and finalize the size and type.

Usually, the dental implant process is performed in stages, allowing adequate time between each procedure for healing. As a result, the entire process can last many months from start to finish. However, every situation is different, so the length of treatment varies from one patient to another. For instance, those that require an extensive bone graft must wait for the jawbone to fuse with the transplant before proceeding.

Placing the Implant

The procedure begins with a form of anesthetic to reduce discomfort. Your dentist will open your gum and expose the bone underneath. Holes are then drilled into your jaw to create space for the implants. The post serves as the tooth root and is placed deep into the bone. You’ll then wait for your jawbone to fuse with the post and create a solid base for the artificial tooth.

Placing the Abutment

The abutment is a critical component of the dental implant, as it’s the piece where the artificial tooth, or crown, attaches. During this outpatient procedure, your dentist reopens your gum to expose the post and place the abutment. They then close your gum tissue around, but not over, the abutment. In some cases, abutments can be placed within the same procedure as the implants themselves, but since they’re visible, many patients opt for a separate, shorter treatment and healing period.

Artificial Teeth

After the abutment, your gums require approximately two weeks to heal. Then, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth and remaining teeth, which are used to create artificial teeth. However, it’s important to note that the crowns can’t be placed until your jaw has fully healed. Whether fixed or removable, your artificial teeth will be realistic and durable.

What to Expect After Dental Implants

When receiving implants, you can expect similar symptoms typically associated with other oral surgeries. Immediately following each procedure, it’s normal to experience swelling and bruising in your gums and face. Additionally, patients report pain and discomfort in the affected area, as well as minor bleeding.

Just like dentures, crowns, and other treatment options, dental implants require daily at-home care and periodic dentist visits. If you are considering getting dental implants, it’s essential to ensure that you are committed to taking proper care of them. Be sure to avoid damaging habits, such as using tobacco or chewing ice or hard candy, and receive treatment if you grind your teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent permanent solution for people that suffer from damaged or missing teeth. Benefits include:

  • Permanent placement
  • Mimic healthy, natural teeth
  • Offer superior comfort 
  • Easy to maintain
  • Well-fitted
  • Improved speech
  • Convenient
  • Durable
  • Improved self-esteem

Average Costs

Dental implants are more expensive than dentures. However, with proper care, a dental implant can last much longer than dentures and crowns and likely will not require replacement. The total cost of dental implants varies depending on each patient’s overall needs. Your dentist will meet with you to discuss your options, but for most, the cost of dental implants is well worth having a healthy, authentic-looking, and comfortable smile.

Contact Us Today to Learn More About Dental Implants in St. Louis!

Dental implants can dramatically improve your smile, speech, chewing, and self-confidence. The permanent restorative treatment can last a lifetime with proper care. If you have missing or poor teeth and are interested in learning more about how you can benefit from dental implants, contact Eureka Dental Group today to schedule an appointment. Our dentists are happy to help you!