314-762-6784
Let Our St. Louis County Dental Team Help You Achieve Your Dream Smile
Dental implants have become the preferred tooth replacement solution, and for good reason. Thanks to an easy procedure and the high rate of satisfaction, more and more patients are choosing to restore their smiles this way. If you’re curious about the benefits of dental implants, you’ll be happy to know that they come with a long list of advantages.
Residents of Woodbine, Kirkwood, and Clayton discover why families trust our St. Louis dental practice. Call 314-762-6784 to schedule your appointment.
Comprehensive Implant Care for the Greater St. Louis County Area
From the suburban charm of Woodbine to the urban energy of Clayton and the established neighborhoods of Kirkwood, St. Louis County Dental has become the regional destination for advanced implant dentistry. Our central location makes us easily accessible to patients throughout the county, while our comprehensive approach eliminates the need to travel to multiple specialists across the metro area.
With over 15,000 dental implants and implant smiles placed and restored, our experienced team has more implant experience than almost any practice in St. Louis. Dr. Tim Grayem, our St. Louis implant specialist, has been designing and building beautiful smiles since 2002, combining his top-tier education (scoring in the top 5% nationally on Dental Board examinations) with extensive training at the prestigious Pacific Aesthetic Continuum.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. These posts fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants are fixed in place, offering a permanent solution that mimics the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
Top Benefits of Dental Implants
Enhanced Aesthetics for a Confident Smile
One of the most compelling benefits of dental implants is their ability to restore a natural, beautiful smile. Implants are custom-crafted to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless blend. Unlike dentures, which can look artificial or shift while speaking, implants stay securely in place, giving you the confidence to smile, laugh, and engage in social situations without worry.
- Boosted Self-Esteem: A complete smile enhances your appearance and confidence
- Natural Look: Implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth
- Permanent Solution: No need to worry about slipping or clicking like with dentures
Improved Oral Health and Functionality
Dental implants don’t just replace missing teeth—they protect your overall oral health. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. Implants mimic natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. Additionally, implants don’t require altering your healthy adjacent teeth, preserving your natural tooth structure and maintaining the position of surrounding teeth.
Unmatched Durability and Longevity
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, implants can remain functional for decades. This durability makes them a cost-effective solution compared to dentures or bridges, which may need frequent replacements or adjustments every five to 10 years.
- Long-Term Investment: Implants often outlast other tooth replacement options
- Low Maintenance: No special cleaning solutions or adhesives required
- High Success Rate: Over 95% success rate for properly placed implants
Restored Chewing and Speaking Abilities
Missing teeth can make eating and speaking challenging. Dental implants restore full chewing power, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without restriction—including steak, apples, and other difficult foods that dentures can’t handle. They also improve speech clarity, eliminating the slurring or mumbling that can occur with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
Ultimate Comfort and Convenience
Unlike removable dentures, which can cause discomfort or require messy adhesives, dental implants are fixed in place and feel like natural teeth. Some of the biggest complaints of denture wearers are that they shift around in the mouth and aren’t comfortable. Since dental implants are secured permanently, they’ll never shift or slip. There’s no need to remove them for cleaning or worry about them slipping during meals or conversations.
Preservation of Facial Structure
Tooth loss can lead to a sunken facial appearance due to jawbone deterioration. While dentures or bridges can’t provide stimulation to the jawbone and prevent it from resorbing, dental implants can. This means that implants offer the best chance at retaining your youthful appearance and avoiding the sunken face look that’s caused by a shrinking jaw.
Naturally Sanitary and Not Prone to Decay
While natural teeth collect bacteria, which cause decay, dental implants are made of titanium and porcelain and are designed to last a lifetime. Many of your dental concerns will be a thing of the past when you have your new set of dental implants. Since they’re made from biocompatible materials, they’re resistant to cavities and decay.
Versatility for Various Dental Needs
Dental implants are highly versatile and can address a range of dental issues, from replacing a single tooth to restoring an entire arch. Options include:
- Single-Tooth Dental Implants: Replace one missing tooth without affecting adjacent teeth
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Restore multiple missing teeth with fewer implants
- Full Arch Implant Smiles: Replace a complete arch with All-on-4 or All-on-6 solutions
- Same-Day Implants: Get your new smile in a single visit with our advanced techniques
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for the dental implant procedure, provided they have sufficient jawbone density and good overall health. Factors that may affect candidacy include:
- Bone Density: Adequate bone is needed to support the implant. We perform bone grafting in-house for those with insufficient bone
- Oral Health: Healthy gums and no active periodontal disease are essential. We can treat gum disease before proceeding with implants
- General Health: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking may impact healing and success rates
At St. Louis County Dental, we provide all necessary preparatory treatments under one roof, including clearing your mouth of tooth decay or gum disease before receiving dental implant surgery.
Possible Risks and Complications of Dental Implants
Surgical Complications
As with any surgical procedure, dental implant placement carries a small risk of complications. These may include:
- Infection: Bacteria can enter the surgical site, leading to infection if not properly managed. Good oral hygiene and post-operative care minimize this risk
- Nerve Damage: Improper placement near nerves can cause numbness, tingling, or pain. This is rare and typically avoided with precise CBCT imaging and planning
- Sinus Issues: For implants in the upper jaw, there’s a slight risk of sinus perforation if the implant protrudes into the sinus cavity
Implant Failure
In rare cases, the implant may fail to integrate with the jawbone or become loose over time. Causes include:
- Poor Osseointegration: If the bone doesn’t fuse properly with the implant
- Peri-implantitis: A form of gum disease affecting tissues around the implant
- Overloading: Excessive pressure on the implant during healing
Bone or Tissue Complications
Some patients may experience issues related to bone or surrounding tissues:
- Insufficient Bone Density: Resolved through bone grafting procedures
- Gum Recession: In some cases, gums around the implant may recede
- Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some patients may have sensitivity to titanium
These complications can be avoided with the help of an experienced, qualified implant dentist. With over 15,000 implants placed, Dr. Grayem and our team have the expertise to ensure successful treatment and a long-lasting, healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that can last a lifetime. They’re surgically affixed to your jawbone, resulting in unmatched stability and durability. While the implant itself can last decades, you may need to replace the crown, bridge, or denture it’s attached to with normal wear and tear.Â
To ensure the longevity of your dental implant, you’ll want to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals. In addition to following a regular oral hygiene routine, it’s important to schedule biannual appointments at our St. Louis office.Â
During these visits, we’ll examine your dental implant and restoration to ensure they’re in excellent condition. We’ll also perform a professional cleaning and assess your teeth and gums so we can recommend any treatments or tips that will improve the health of your smile.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure. However, smokers may still be candidates if they commit to quitting or reducing smoking during the healing process. We’ll discuss your specific situation during the consultation.
Do dental implants get cavities?
No, dental implants don’t get cavities. Since they’re made from titanium and porcelain, they’re resistant to tooth decay. However, maintaining good oral health is essential so your implants last as long as possible and your natural teeth receive proper care.
What happens if I don't replace a missing tooth?
Leaving a gap can lead to shifting teeth, bite issues, jawbone loss, and a sunken facial appearance. Dental implants prevent these complications while providing the most natural-looking and functional solution.
Healthy Teeth, Healthy Smiles at St. Louis County Dental
Don’t wait any longer to reclaim your smile. You deserve a healthy, beautiful, complete smile. Patients in St. Louis, Woodbine, Kirkwood, and Clayton can discover the life-changing advantages of our dental implant treatment near you. Contact our team at 314-762-6784 today for a consultation. We’ll go over your restoration options and help you decide if dental implants are the perfect choice for you.