4 Myths About All-on-4 Dental Implants

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Things in the world of dentistry just keep getting better and better, and all-on-4 dental implants are one of them. This solution makes it possible to take care of multiple missing teeth with one simple answer. All you have to do is make the choice to get all-on-4 dental implants and leave the heavy lifting to your dentist. But myths about this treatment can cause unnecessary hesitation.

1. Myth: all-on-4 Implants Are Unstable

Many people assume that four implants aren’t enough to support an entire arch of teeth. If you look at a diagram, it does look hard to believe, but pictures can be deceiving. In reality, all-on-4 implants are strategically placed by your dentist in St. Louis, MO at specific angles and in specific spots to maximize stability and strength. This design can support a full set of prosthetic teeth securely, even for patients with a little bone loss.

2. Myth: The Procedure Is Painful

You won’t feel a thing, actually. All-on-4 dental implant placement is performed under anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort. Most people do report manageable discomfort during recovery, similar to other dental surgeries.

3. Myth: all-on-4 Implants Are Only for Younger Patients

Some believe this treatment isn’t for older people. However, age isn’t necessarily a limiting factor. As long as you’re in good general health and have adequate bone density (or can undergo grafting if needed), all-on-4 implants can be an option well into the golden years.

4. Myth: all-on-4 Implants Require Special Care

Another misconception is that implants need complicated maintenance. Actually, caring for all-on-4 implants is simple—brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly, just as you would with natural teeth.

What do you think? Are you ready to try all-on-4 implants in St. Louis, MO? Don’t let myths like these deter you from exploring all-on-4 dental implants. Contact us today to book your appointment to learn more.

4 Reasons to Choose Dental Implants Over Dentures

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When you have missing teeth, it’s time to think about ways to resolve the issue, unless you want to go through life looking like Popeye the Sailor Man. A few years in the not-so-distant past, your best option was dentures, and you’d be lucky to have them. But now there’s a new set of choppers on the market, and they’re called dental implants. Both dentures anddental implants in St. Louis, MO are markedly popular, but dental implants often stand out as the superior choice for several compelling reasons. Here are the top benefits of dental implants compared to dentures:

1. Long-Term Durability

Dental implants are intended to last your lifetime. The process of getting them takes time, but you should only have to go through it the one time. Made from biocompatible materials like titanium, yourdentist in St. Louis, MO makes sure they integrate with your jawbone, creating a sturdy foundation that tends to outlast traditional dentures.

2. Natural Look and Feel

Implants mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. Unlike dentures, implants stay where they’ve been put, allowing you to chew, speak and smile confidently without discomfort or worry.

3. Bone Health Preservation

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to lack of pressure. Dental implants prevent bone loss by mimicking the root of a tooth, maintaining the integrity of your jawbone and facial structure.

4. Hassle-Free Maintenance

Implants are cared for just like natural teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. Dentures require special cleaning solutions, adhesives and removal during the night, which can be inconvenient, not to mention tedious, over the years.

Overall, dental implants provide unmatched comfort, aesthetics, and long-term benefits. They’re an investment in both your oral health and overall confidence, making them the preferred choice for many seeking a permanent solution to tooth loss. Contact our office to learn more.

4 Ways to Maintain Your New All-On-4 Dental Implants

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Congratulations on your new all-on-4 dental implants! All-on-4 dental implants restore your smile after losing many or all of your teeth. When your new all-on-4 dental implants are installed, your dentist in St. Louis, MO, will tell you how to care for them. Below is some of the advice your dentist may give. Here’s what to know.

1. Brush Twice Daily

Brush your teeth twice each day using non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. You can also use an electric toothbrush. When you brush, brush your cheeks and tongue to help keep your mouth free of bacteria.

2. Rinse With Antibacterial Mouthwash

Rinse every day with antibacterial mouthwash. If you’re unsure which type of mouthwash is best, ask your dentist for a recommendation.

3. Floss

Floss after every meal. Use a floss threader to floss under the bridge. Floss between the dental implants, moving the floss around to eliminate all the extra food particles. Your dentist will show you how to floss after your implants are installed. Use the technique your dentist shows you to ensure that your teeth and mouth stay clean.

4. Use a Water Flosser

Use a water flosser to keep your mouth irrigated. Water flossers help eliminate extra food particles that you may not be able to reach through normal flossing.

Once your all-on-4 dental implants in St. Louis, MO, are installed, it’s important to see your dentist twice yearly. Your dentist will look for damage to your dental implants and will check to ensure that you’re maintaining them properly. Follow your dentist’s instructions after every visit to the dentist. This will help your dental implants last as long as possible.

4 Outstanding Benefits of Adult Dental Implants

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If you’re missing a permanent tooth, you may consider replacing it with a dental implant. Dental implants from your dentist in St. Louis, MO, are an excellent artificial tooth option. In this article, we’ll talk about four outstanding benefits of adult dental implants, to help you decide whether dental implants are right for you.

1. Permanent Solution

Unlike partial dentures, which can be removed at the end of the day, dental implants stay in your mouth no matter what you do. This makes dental implants very similar to your other teeth. For people who want to replace their missing permanent tooth with something that seems like a natural tooth, this makes dental implants an attractive option.

2. Effectively Replaces Your Missing Tooth

A dental implant effectively replaces your missing tooth, filling in the gap where the tooth used to be. Your dentist will make an impression of your mouth to create a dental implant that fills the space perfectly.

3. Looks Completely Natural

Your dental implant will look completely natural once it’s installed. Your dentist will cap the dental implant with a crown, which looks like a natural tooth. The implant will even be matched with your other teeth, so it’s the same color as the teeth already in your mouth.

4. Functions Like a Natural Tooth

Your dental implant will be cleaned like a natural tooth and can chew and bite like natural teeth. Your dental implant will seem so much like a natural tooth that you may not even think much about it, once the implant is fully installed.

Are you interested in dental implants in St. Louis, MO? We can help. Call today to make a dental appointment and learn more.

What Types of Dental Implants Are Right for You?

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Dental implants are a standard dental procedure, but that doesn’t mean that people understand the different types available. From all-on-4 to one-days to bridges to implant-supported dentures, you may have more options than you realize. Here, we’ll look at the most common types and what to know about each one.

Types of Implants

The most common type of dental implant in St. Louis, MO uses a metal post to imitate the original root of the tooth. The metal post fuses to the jaw bone, increasing its stability, before the dentist caps the gap with an artificial tooth.

Other types of implants include:

  • Subperiosteal: If your jaw bone isn’t strong enough to support the metal post, this implant will place the implant between the gums and bone.
  • One-day: Sometimes called a mini-implant, this less invasive procedure is an alternative to subperiosteal.
  • All-on-4: This type of implant will use four implants to replace a full arch of teeth, rather than using an individual implant for each missing tooth.

What’s the Best Type of Implant?

Typically, dentists in St. Louis, MO will recommend traditional implants if your gums and jaw are in good shape, and you need to replace one or (at most) a few teeth. This procedure is as close as you’ll get to replacing your original tooth and is widely agreed to be the strongest and longest lasting option. However, if your jaw bone, nerves, or gums pose a problem to the procedure, the dentist may recommend an alternative type of implant.

It’s worth noting that just because traditional implants are the best, that doesn’t mean that the other options are bad for your long-term oral health. If you have questions about which one is right for you, contact Smile Now STL to make an appointment with our trusted team!

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

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In St. Louis, MO dental implants have become a go-to treatment for missing teeth. They’re popular for many reasons; one of them being their permanence. Once you get dental implants, you no longer need to worry about your missing natural teeth. But for all their benefits, there are also cons to consider. It’s worth it to weigh the pros and cons of dental implants before committing to this dental treatment.

Pros of Dental Implants

Natural Look and Feel – Dental implant manufacturers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the dental implants look authentic. Most people will have no clue that you have dental implants.

Durability – Dental implants are made to withstand the rigors of chewing and biting, and they can last a lifetime with proper care.

Low-maintenance – No special maintenance is required of dental implants beyond common sense. You treat them as you would your natural teeth, brushing, flossing and rinsing as usual.

Cons of Dental Implants

Procedure – The most off-putting aspect of dental implants is that they require oral surgery, sometimes multiple surgeries over a period of several months.

Not Suitable for All – Even when requested, dental implants aren’t suitable for everyone. They require a certain level of oral health and sufficient bone density to start with.

Complexity

Dental implants are a more complex dental treatment than, say dentures. If you’re looking for simplicity, then dentures or bridges may be a better option.

As you can see, there are lots of things to consider with dental implants. Your best course of action is to consult with your St. Louis, MO dentist to discuss all the pros and cons of dental implants as they relate to your individual circumstances. Contact us today to book your appointment!

How All on 4 Dental Implants Work

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Replacing lost teeth as quickly as possible is a key way to protect your jawbone. Implants can protect against bone loss and spacing problems. Dentures can help, but dental implants are the better choice, especially if you have strong bones in the jaw. At Smile Now STL, Dr. Thomas O’Connor offers the All on 4 dental implant procedure that uses fewer implants to replace the teeth with a complete set. Here’s a closer look at how this procedure works and why many patients prefer it over dentures or individual implants.

Full Set of Teeth with Just Four Implants

The All on 4 procedure allows your dentist to add a full set of teeth connected to just two implants. The implants, which fit in the rear of the mouth, are placed at a 30 to 45-degree angle. This technique allows for the placement of implants even if the bone structure is not conducive to traditional implants. These new implants support artificial teeth, keeping them permanently in place, just with fewer implants.

What to Expect from the All on 4 Dental Implant Procedure

All on 4 is designed for people who have no natural teeth left. If you have natural teeth, they need extraction before the implants can go in. Your dentist will do this while placing the implants.

On the day of your procedure, you will receive anesthesia, and your dentist will place four implants in the back of the mouth, two on the bottom and two on the top. You will then receive temporary dentures for several months while the implants graft to the bone. Once you heal completely, your dentist will place the permanent tooth replacements on the implants, and you will be as good as new.

Are you interested in this less invasive but still effective procedure? Contact your St. Louis dental team at Smile Now STL to learn more.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

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Everyone is looking for a perfect smile. While braces or clear aligners can help, so too can dentures and dental implants. Used to replace teeth, dentures and dental implants can provide several benefits for your life.

If you’re interested in one of these popular dental treatments, look no further than Smile Now STL! With our skilled team of dental experts, we can give you the smile you’ve always wanted! Call us today to book your appointment for high-quality dentures or dental implants in St. Louis, MO.

In this post, we’ll compare these two common dental solutions.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable tooth replacement devices. They’re made of materials like acrylic, resin, porcelain, nylon, and metal.

One popular type of denture is called a full or complete denture. These appliances replace an entire arch of missing teeth. A full denture is supported by your lower jawbone ridge or palate, the roof of your mouth.

Another option is particle dentures, which replace multiple teeth but not an entire arch. These appliances feature special clamps that connect to your natural teeth for added support.

Other types of dentures include immediate dentures, implant-retained dentures, and implant-supported dentures.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth structures that replace teeth. These devices consist of three parts; a metal post, an abutment, and a dental crown. During dental implant surgery, your provider will surgically place the metal post into your jawbone. Next, you’ll need to wait until enough bone grows around the post, which can take several months. Once the waiting period ends, your dentist places the abutment and dental crown, leaving you with a gorgeous new smile!

Which Option Is Best?

While dentures can be effective, they don’t offer the superior durability you see with dental implants. Furthermore, dental implants allow you to eat your favorite foods, while dentures usually require certain dietary restrictions.

If you’re ready to improve your smile with dentures or dental implants, contact Smile Now STL! We’re happy to have the top dentist in St. Louis, MO.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridge

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While losing teeth when we’re kids is common, this can also happen into adulthood. However, it’s less of a normal occurrence and more of a reason for concern. If you lose a permanent tooth, this is usually caused by an injury or decay. When this issue happens, finding a high-quality tooth replacement is essential. A few common options include dental implants and a dental bridge.

In this post, we’ll discuss some key differences between these two restorative dentistry solutions.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants can take your appearance and oral health to new heights. These incredible devices take the place of missing teeth. Dental implants feature a metal post, an abutment, and a dental crown. After the post is surgically placed into your jawbone, the abutment and crown are placed on top. This implant-to-bone fusion is what makes the device incredibly strong and durable. Some people have their implants for over 30 years!

Want to get started with dental implants in St. Louis, MO? Contact Smile Now STL to learn more!

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is also a popular tooth replacement solution, but it’s less durable than dental implants. However, a bridge is still effective. These devices consist of an artificial tooth connected to dental crowns on either side of the missing space, making a “bridge.” In order to place the oral appliance, your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth on either side of the missing tooth.

Which Option Is Best?

While most patients prefer dental implants, they’re more costly. However, they’re also more durable, so the extra money may be worth it. We recommend talking with your dentist to find the right option for your needs and budget.

If you’re ready to boost your dental health, call Smile Now STL to work with the leading dentist in St. Louis, MO!

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

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You want something dependable and long-lasting when searching for a tooth replacement solution. Look no further than dental implants and dentures! Both of these options provide several benefits. If you want to see a professional about these offerings, contact Smile Now STL today! We carry the most reliable dentures and dental implants in St. Louis, MO. Call us today to get started!

In this post, we’ll discuss the key differences between dental implants and dentures.

Dental Implants: Brief Overview

Dental implants are a durable form of artificial teeth. They consist of three parts; a metal post, an abutment, and a dental crown. To start the process, you’ll have to undergo dental implant surgery, which primarily involves placing the metal post into your jawbone. Once the implant is placed, you’ll have to wait a certain amount of time for the bone to grow around the appliance. This is what creates its incredible strength. After the healing time is finished, your provider will attach the abutment and crown to finish off the process.

Dental implants are comfortable and long-lasting, and they look great! In fact, many patients say their dental implants give off a very natural appearance.

Dentures: Brief Overview

Dentures are another dependable tooth replacement option, and they consist of a device full of prosthetic teeth. Rather than being fixed to your mouth, these dental devices are removable. Another great feature is that dentures can be used no matter the health or strength of your jawbone. With dental implants, you must have enough healthy bone in your jaw to accommodate the device.

Dentures are considered comfortable to many, but not as comfortable as dental implants. Also, properly caring for your dentures can be a hassle, while dental implants don’t require any special maintenance tasks.

Dental Implants and Dentures at Smile Now STL

Contact Smile Now STL today to get started with dentures or dental implants! We have the most trusted dentist in St. Louis, MO, so you’ll always be in good hands with us. Call us today!