Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances. Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a General Dentist, Oral Surgeon or Periodontist. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years. On occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

REASONS FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
• Restore a patient’s confident smile.
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
• Restore or enhance facial tissues.
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by your surgeon. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

WHAT DOES GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS INVOLVE?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Your implant surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then your doctor will be able to begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.

Dental Implants for Springfield, Missouri Patients

South City Dental has helped patients throughout Springfield restore their smiles with dental implants since 1998. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that lets you eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.

What to Expect: Step by Step

1. Consultation — We start with a full dental and radiographic exam to evaluate your jawbone health and discuss your goals.
2. Implant placement — The titanium implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone.
3. Healing period — Over 3–6 months, the implant bonds with the bone (osseointegration). You may wear a temporary restoration during this time.
4. Restoration — Once healed, we attach the abutment and your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture.

Most patients complete the full process in 6–8 months, with minimal disruption to daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a dental implant consultation at our Springfield, MO office by calling (417) 887-4021.