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RESTORE YOUR SMILE, REGAIN CONFIDENCE AND GET YOUR OLD SELF BACK AGAIN

Dental implants are the gold standard for patients wishing to replace one or more missing teeth. 


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FREE DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULT

Having a beautiful new smile is within easy reach. Call us at 314-936-3621 or click on the button below to take the first step. Our friendly team will schedule an appointment that's convenient for you. You'll be greeted with a warm welcome and made to feel at home when you visit.

Dr. Akinwande and her team work together to help patients feel more comfortable about themselves and their decision to choose Chesterfield Dentistry. We'll listen to your needs and discuss the best options to bring out the absolute best in your smile.


6 WAYS TO BENEFIT FROM DENTAL IMPLANTS

LONGEVITY


Dental implants provide a permanent solution to tooth loss that can last for many decades, even a lifetime, compared to other treatments like dentures and bridges that wear down and need replacement.

STRENGTH & STABILITY


No other restorative treatments come close to the strength of dental implants. Once integrated with the jaw, an implant can be used like a natural healthy tooth while remaining solid and stable in the mouth.

COMFORT


Once you've grown accustomed to your new replacement smile, you can get on with life without having to think about it daily. Most patients regard an implant as just another tooth. 


APPEARANCE


Most dental implants are made from titanium and are hidden below the gum line. All people will see is a beautiful, natural-looking crown designed to match your remaining teeth for a seamless finish.

NO DIETARY RESTRICTIONS


Most denture wearers face an uphill struggle to chew their usual food, and many need to switch to a softer diet. On the contrary, dental implants allow people to eat any food they want without dietary restrictions.

JAWBONE RETENTION


A dental implant differs from a bridge or denture because it halts the process of bone loss. Once anchored into the jaw, an implant restimulates the bone tissue that previously surrounded the old tooth root. As a result, an implant stops bone in that area from being reabsorbed by the body, thus preventing jaw shrinkage, tooth movement and sagging facial structures.

AN IMPLANT SOLUTION FOR EVERY TOOTH LOSS SCENARIO

Losing permanent teeth can negatively affect your appearance and oral health, but it doesn't have to. Whether you need to replace one missing or badly decayed tooth, multiple teeth or all of your teeth, there's sure to be a solution for you. 

Dr. Akinwande offers the following implant solutions:
• Single dental implants – to replace a single missing tooth
• Implant retained bridge – for multiple missing teeth
• Implant retained denture – Overdentures for the upper or lower arch, or both
• All-on-4 implants – teeth in a day
When you work with the Chesterfield team, we'll take good care of you throughout your time with us. Everything will be handled under one roof, ensuring your treatment is timely and convenient. We've placed hundreds of implants with an extremely high success rate. We can't wait to meet you at your implant consultation.


WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS ANYWAY?

Dental implants have revolutionized the dental industry and vastly improved treatment for tooth loss. Here's why:

✓ A dental implant can replace a single tooth without modifying neighbouring teeth to provide support. 
✓ A dental implant utilizes titanium which doesn't decay and fuses with the surrounding bone to become a permanent fixture in the mouth.
✓ Implants feel comfortable and look exceptionally natural.Dental implants preserve the jaw bone, preventing shrinkage and helping retain facial structures.
✓ Dental implants are easy to clean because they are brushed and flossed, just like natural teeth.

SO, HOW LONG DO DENTAL IMPLANTS TAKE?

Every patient is different. Following an initial consultation, we'll provide you with a customized treatment plan, including the approximate duration of treatment and the cost. The treatment time depends on your oral condition, medical history, and our technique and materials. A straightforward single implant may take as little as a few months, whereas a more complex case involving additional treatments, like a bone graft, can take up to nine months or longer. Come and see us and let us plan your implant journey today.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

You're probably a good candidate for dental implants if you've lost a tooth or are about to have a tooth extracted. It's crucial to discuss any medical conditions with the doctor and list any medications taken. Certain health conditions may compromise the success of dental implants. You must commit to maintaining excellent oral health to manage the bacterial level in your mouth and visit our hygienist twice a year for a professional clean. Our dentist will also look to ensure your implants are still securely in the bone. Talk to us to find out what's best for you. Call 314-936-3621 or click on the button below.

SEE WHAT OUR PATIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US

We can talk about how good we are, but we don't want you to take our word for it. Instead, read why our patients love us and see how we go the extra mile to deliver outstanding dental care. 

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I have been going to Dr Akinwande since Dr Zimmerman retired from his practice. The service from Dr Akinwande and her staff has been outstanding. They are kind, consider-it and caring. Wait times are short and all work done is with great care and efficiency. I would recommend Dr Akinwande and her staff to anyone needing great dental care. Bill Leach


Bill L. | Jan 15, 2024
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Calm and open. I feel that the staff were knowledgeable and receptive to my needs. Jasmine was wonderful and helped alleviate the fear that I felt from the unknown. Much thanks


Kathie L. | Jan 05, 2024
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Everyone in Dr Akinwande was Fantastic, Awesome and Marvelous. I will recommend her and the staff to all my friends who are looking for a Fantastic Dentist.


Melissa W. | Dec 12, 2023
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The whole staff and Dr Akinwande are all such caring and friendly staff and always there to answer any questions you have. Always a pleasure with Nikki and Jasmine. Top notch team!


Samone H. | Dec 06, 2023
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I received an appointment quickly to address a problem. The care I received was excellent! They made sure I was completely numb and as comfortable as possible. My temporary crown is working out very well so far.


Karen L. | Nov 15, 2023
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Everybody is fantastic


William D. | Nov 14, 2023
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MEET OUR HIGHLY TRAINED DOCTOR

Melba Akinwande, DDS, is a highly experienced dentist practicing at Chesterfield Dentistry in Chesterfield, St Louis and Richmond Heights, Missouri.Dr. Akinwande graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Following graduation, she completed a general practice residency at the prestigious University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where she performed more complex procedures and surgeries in an acute care setting. She has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education to enhance her skills and better serve her patients.

Dr. Akinwande has a particular interest in implant dentistry. She is passionate about restoring smiles and giving patients confidence in the most fundamental and social means of facial expression. Because of the breadth of her skill set, most implant procedures can be performed at Chesterfield Dentistry, with only a few extreme cases referred to specialists.

ARE YOU READY FOR A LIFE-CHANGING SMILE? YOUR TRANSFORMATION IS JUST ONE CALL AWAY!

Dental implants are the best option for missing teeth, bar none! They, • help you look great,
• increase confidence,boost oral health,
• allow you to eat your favorite foods, and • improve quality of life!

Call on 314-936-3621 or click the button below and move one step closer to your dream smile.

Implants Q&A

What are dental implants, and why are they so popular?

A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces your natural tooth root. Your Chesterfield Dentistry provider inserts the implants into spaces in your jaw where your permanent teeth used to be. 

The rise of dental implants over the past 10-15 years has been phenomenal. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), over 3 million Americans currently have dental implants. This is set to increase to around 500,000 per year moving forward. There are several reasons for this. 

First, with the internet’s rising popularity, there’s far more information available, and people have a better understanding of how implants work. Secondly, there are more dental offices offering dental implants. So now, virtually anyone anywhere in America can have implant treatment done locally. Lastly, improved payment plans allow patients to spread the cost over time, making implants more affordable.

How do dental implants differ from other forms of tooth replacement?

Unlike conventional dentures that sit on the gum line, dental implants are anchored directly into the jaw bone, making them stronger and more durable. 

What’s more, if cared for properly, implants can outlast conventional dentures by as much as three times. They’re also more lifelike and easier to maintain than dentures as they don’t require you to remove them from your mouth and soak them.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of dental implants is that they help prevent the bone loss that occurs when you have missing teeth. This is something that conventional dentures can’t do.

How are dental implants utilized?

Most people know that dental implants replace a missing tooth on a one-for-one basis, but they might not know that they can also be used as a stand-alone support for a bridge and retaining a denture. In addition to replacing missing teeth, dental implants provide a solid base to support a wide variety of prosthetic teeth. The process is completed in several stages. 

 

Consultation

During the consultation, Dr. Akinwande performs a series of examinations such as CT scans and/or X-rays to evaluate your bone density. You’ll also be asked questions regarding your past medical history and lifestyle. This ensures the best chances of implant success. Based on his findings and your needs and goals, Dr. Akinwande personalizes a treatment plan unique to you.

Fitting the implant

The next step in the implant process is to undergo surgery. Provided that you have sufficient jawbone and a healthy mouth, the Chesterfield Dentistry team will place the implant. This is done with a mild to moderate anesthetic so you remain awake. 

The procedure is relatively quick (normally 1-2 hours) and pain-free. First, Dr. Akinwande drills a small hole into the jaw and inserts the titanium rod (this is the implant). Next, a crown is placed on the implant to protect it, and the gum area is enclosed to fit around the implant.

Osseointegration

The next stage is osseointegration, where the surrounding bone tissue fuses with the titanium implant over time. This is a vital part of the process and gives the implant its strong and durable nature. This typically takes between 3-6 months to complete, and in the meantime, patients can carry on with their daily lives. In the case of multiple missing teeth, patients may also be issued temporary dentures.

Fitting the abutment

Once the bone tissue has successfully fused with the implant, the abutment can be fitted. This is the second stage of surgery. 

Again a local anesthetic is administered, and Dr. Akinwande attaches the abutment. The abutment connects the prosthetic crown and the titanium implant and acts as a shock absorber when biting down on the tooth, so it’s a vital part of the process.

Final fitting

Some weeks later, you return to the office where your temporary crown is removed and replaced with a permanent restoration. Generally, the whole process takes between 4 and 9 months to complete depending upon the individual. However, the process can often take longer if you require a bone graft before placing the implants.

 

What should I expect if I’m a candidate for implants? 

If you’re considering dental implants, you might be worried about the process. Dr. Akinwande and the Chesterfield Dentistry team can explain the procedure in detail. 

Your treatment plan will outline what treatments you need and when so you know what to expect. We can also put you in touch with people who have had the process completed if you wish to give you peace of mind. You can always ask any questions or voice any concerns that you have at any stage during the process. 

What can I expect after implant treatment? 

Because the implant process involves a surgical procedure, it’s normal to feel a small amount of discomfort and/or swelling and bruising afterward. This depends on the treatments you’ve endured. For instance, it isn’t uncommon for a person who has had a straightforward implant to return to work the very next day with little or no signs of bruising/swelling. Conversely, a patient who requires multiple implants may take longer to recover. 

That said, any pain or discomfort should be minimal and is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. You may also be asked to eat softer foods for the first 2-3 weeks. 

The bottom line is that dental implants can make a whole world of difference in your everyday life. Implants can restore your smile, confidence, and appearance. 

To learn more about dental implants, call Chesterfield Dentistry or book an appointment online today. 

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