--- title: "Dental Implants Wildwood, MO | Permanent Tooth Replacement" description: "Replace missing teeth with dental implants in Wildwood, MO. A durable, long-term solution for a natural-looking smile. Schedule a consultation!" url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- ![The 3D imaging unit at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/_astro/3d-imaging.COvrf4mM_zh2gb.avif) # Dental Implants A dental implant is a post placed in the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth. The bone grows around it, then a crown, bridge or denture is attached. It takes several visits. Your health matters more than your age, and tobacco can slow healing. Your dentist explains if you are a good candidate. [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866) ## Bone grows around the post The American Dental Association calls this osseointegration. It takes time before replacement teeth go on. ## Health matters more than age The association says your health is more of a factor than your age in deciding if implants are an option. ## Tobacco slows healing Tell your dentist if you smoke or vape. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes can also interfere with healing. ## Planning uses imaging The office describes 3D imaging and a cone beam CT scan for planning, plus an in-house printer for surgical guides. being placed into the jaw.“)If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. Implants can also be used in the placement of dental bridges, forming the abutment teeth on which the crowns are placed. Implants are a restorative procedure that differ from bridges or crowns which only replace the visible tooth. A dental implant restores the root of the tooth. The implant stimulates and maintains the health of the jawbone. Without a tooth or root present, the supporting bone structures of the teeth begin to deteriorate. Speak to one of our team members at Town Center Dental to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. ## Considerations for dental implant surgery In restorative dentistry, there are several procedures available for people who are looking to restore the aesthetics and function of their teeth, with each procedure widely varying in material types and procedural complexity. You may be considering how you can effectively restore your smile and quality of life with dental implants. Not everyone qualifies for dental implant surgery. Growing children may not be eligible for implants until their jawbones fully develop. People with chronic diseases like diabetes or leukemia may not be eligible candidates for dental implants because of the interference their condition may play in the healing process. Smoking can slow your body’s ability to heal, lowering your chances of a successful dental implant. ## What to expect before dental implant surgery Dental implant surgery requires several appointments and can take six to nine months in total. You will need a consultation appointment, an appointment to install the implants, and another appointment to install the teeth. During your consultation appointment, the dentist will assess if you qualify and discuss a plan for surgery. They will begin by giving you a thorough dental examination, taking X-rays to assess your jawbone health, and inquire about your past medical history. Once they have affirmed that you are in good health and qualify, they will discuss with you a plan for the implant surgery. Dental implant surgery is typically performed by a team of oral surgeons or professionals in restorative dentistry. It is possible to have the implant and crown installed on the same day, but in most cases, the surgery will take multiple appointments that are several months apart. ## Procedure during dental implant surgery In the first phase of surgery, your mouth will be heavily numbed with a local anesthetic, or you will be given IV sedation so that you feel no pain or discomfort. An incision is made in your gums to place the root implant into your jawbone. The implant is installed, and the gum is then sealed over the implant. The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that is shaped to seal to bone. Once the first phase is complete you will recover at home for a few months. This phase is called osseointegration, where the bone will grow into the titanium, securing it in place for the crown to be placed. For some, this process takes longer and can take up to several months. When you are fully healed from the first process, you will return to the office for the second phase. In the second phase, anchoring points called abutments are placed over the implant. They will hold the new tooth in place. An impression is then made of your teeth to form the crown. Once the dental lab is finished making your crown, it is placed over the abutment, completing the implant. If you are interested in dental implants, schedule an appointment at Town Center Dental. You can consult our team to see if dental implants are right for you. Reach out to us at [636-273-5866](tel:6362735866) to schedule an appointment, or for more information. Implant steps and questions Step What happens Question to ask Consultation Exam and imaging to plan Do I have enough bone? Implant placed Post is placed in the jawbone What will I feel and how long is recovery? Healing Bone grows around the post How long until the next step? Replacement tooth Crown, bridge or denture is attached What will it be made of? Aftercare Regular checkups and cleaning How should I clean around it? ## How long is dental implant recovery? It depends on the person and the plan. The American Dental Association describes three phases: the implant is placed, the bone heals around it in a process called [osseointegration](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/osseointegration), and the new tooth is attached. It says some patients wait up to several months for the implant to integrate before teeth are attached. Your dentist may suggest soft, cold foods and warm soup during early healing. Follow your written instructions and attend follow-ups. See the post on the [dental implant recovery timeline](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/dental-implant-recovery-timeline) and [bone grafting](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/bone-grafting), which some people need first. Write down your questions before the visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and explain each step before it starts. If you are unsure, call (636) 273-5866. The team can answer questions and help you book a visit. The office is open Monday to Thursday. ## Who may not be a good candidate? Age alone is not the question. The American Dental Association says your health is more of a factor than your age. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery, and tobacco can slow healing too. You may be medically evaluated by a physician before surgery. The office page adds that growing children may need to wait until the jaw is fully grown. Not enough jawbone does not always rule out an implant; a graft may help. Your dentist reviews your history and scans before giving advice. Compare options in the [dentures versus implants guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dentures-vs-implants). Every mouth is different. After your exam, your dentist explains how this applies to you and what your choices are. The office does not publish fees. The team looks at your plan and your treatment, then gives you an estimate for your own case. ## How do I choose a dentist for implants? Ask questions. Dr. Jon Copeland and Dr. Stephanie Copeland are general dentists. Ask who places the implant, who makes the crown, how problems are handled, and what happens at each visit. Ask to see the plan in writing, including the steps and what the estimate covers. The office gives each patient its own estimate and does not post fees. Read the [how to choose a dentist guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/how-to-choose-a-dentist) and the [dental implants guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-implants-guide). You can also check any Missouri dentist's license through the state board; see the [blog post on checking a license](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/how-to-check-a-missouri-dentists-license). Keep your follow-up visits. They let your dentist check how things are going and answer new questions. You can also request an appointment online. Tell the team what you want to talk about so they can plan your visit. ## Questions about dental implants [Read the guideDental implants: steps, timeline, recovery and risks](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-implants-guide) ### What is the dental implant recovery timeline? It varies. The American Dental Association describes three phases: placement, bone healing around the implant, and attaching the new tooth. Healing can take up to several months before teeth go on. Your dentist sets the schedule for you. ### Are dental implants painful afterward? Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and how to manage soreness. The American Dental Association says your dentist may suggest soft foods, cold foods and warm soup during healing. Call the office if pain or swelling gets worse instead of better. ### How long do dental implants last on average? No one can promise a number. The American Dental Association calls implants an excellent long-term option, but results depend on your health, your bone, tobacco use and cleaning habits. Regular checkups help. Your dentist can explain more at your visit. ### How do I choose a dentist for implants? Ask who does each step, what the plan includes, how problems are handled and what the estimate covers. Dr. Jon Copeland and Dr. Stephanie Copeland are general dentists. You can check any dentist's license with the Missouri board. ### Can older adults get implants? Often yes. The American Dental Association says your health is more of a factor than your age. Your dentist reviews your history, medicines and scans before advising. Ask your dentist what applies to you. Call (636) 273-5866 with questions. ## Related services - [Bone Grafting for Dental Implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/bone-grafting) - [Dental Bridge](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge) - [Dentures](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures) - [Tooth Extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction) - [Tooth Replacement](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-replacement) ## Sources - [American Dental Association MouthHealthy: Implants](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/implants) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)