Dental Implants
St. Louis, Missouri
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. They are a permanent way to anchor a replacement for a missing tooth. Each implant can hold one tooth or several teeth, and they allow you to fill not just the gap left by the missing tooth, but also the gap left by its missing root.
How dental implants work
Each implant consists of a titanium rod which is positioned in the jawbone where the living tooth root used to be. Over about three months, it fuses to your jawbone. This prevents bone shrinkage (known as bone resorption), and gum recession. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Quigless will refer you to a trusted specialist for this surgical procedure.
The new tooth is made of porcelain and is crafted to perfectly match the shape and color of your natural tooth. It will look, feel, and function like your lost tooth. You can care for it with brushing and flossing, and regular dental checkups, the same way you care for your natural teeth.
Your porcelain tooth will be tough and durable, but if something should happen and the tooth becomes damaged, it is easily replaced without having to replace the implant.
Advantages of implants over alternative tooth replacements
Dental implants are the optimal tooth replacement option. They are superior to dentures and bridges in several ways:
- They prevent bone and gum loss, thereby preserving your dental health and your appearance
- They are convenient – you don’t take them out to clean them
- They are comfortable –permanently fixed in place so they can’t slip or get food particles stuck underneath them
- They look, feel, and function like natural teeth – no problems chewing or speaking
- They are permanent – you will not need to be refitted or to replace the implant
- The attached tooth can be replaced if it becomes damaged
Preserving your appearance and dental health
Early tooth loss can cause the face to look prematurely old. Because the jawbone shrinks to fill the gap left by the missing tooth root, it changes the jawline. Gum recession exposes tooth roots in your smile. But dental implants prevent these processes from occurring.
Replacing missing teeth can also prevent:
- Shifting of your teeth to fill the tooth gap
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
Dental implant candidates
You must have sufficient jawbone density and be in good overall oral health to be a good candidate for dental implants. Unfortunately, smokers do not make good candidates because of the elevated likelihood of implant rejection.
Dental implants are a beautiful, permanent solution for missing teeth. If you are considering dental implants in Belleville, Brentwood, or Saint Louis, please schedule your free dental implant consultation with Dr. Quigless to find out if implant dentistry is right for you. Please call our office or send our implant dentist an email today, and we will be happy to set up an appointment for you.
(314) 244-3751
Contact Us
8083 Manchester Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63144
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