Implant Dentistry Serving Wildwood, MO
Wildwood, MO, residents who are missing one or more teeth now have a local solution without driving to a specialist clinic downtown. Arrow Dental Care, serving Wildwood and the surrounding West St. Louis County area, offers dental implants as part of a full menu of restorative and cosmetic services led by Dr. Matt Howard, D.D.S. Whether you live in Wildwood or elsewhere along the Manchester Road corridor, you can plan, place, and restore your implants with one general dentist. Call (636) 220-7770 or contact us online to request your consultation.
What Is Implant Dentistry and What Does It Include?
Implant dentistry replaces missing teeth with titanium-rooted, permanent tooth substitutes. A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root, surgically placed into the jawbone to anchor a crown, bridge, or denture above the gumline. Treatment covers the whole path from planning to the finished restoration, not just the surgical step. Dr. Howard has been in practice since 2001 and brings experience in implantology, prosthodontics, and oral surgery to every case, meaning patients can often complete multiple stages of treatment in one familiar office rather than bouncing between specialists.
Full-Arch Implant Options for Missing Teeth
Arrow Dental Care offers a range of tooth replacement solutions through its dental implants service, with a particular focus on full-arch replacement for patients missing many or most of their teeth. Rather than requiring an implant for every missing tooth, this approach uses a small number of strategically placed implants to support a fixed bridge or implant-retained denture. A consultation with Dr. Howard can clarify how many implants your case may need and which style of restoration suits your goals.
Implants vs. Dentures: How Do They Compare Day to Day?
Dentures and implants both replace missing teeth, but they feel and function differently. Removable dentures rest on the gums, can shift while you eat or speak, and need to come out for cleaning and overnight care. Implant-supported replacements are anchored in the jaw, so many patients chew and speak with more confidence and no longer rely on adhesives. Dentures typically cost less up front and involve no surgery, while implants require a surgical step and a longer timeline. Dr. Howard can help you weigh comfort, budget, and long-term goals side by side.
What to Bring and What to Expect at Your First Implant Visit
A first visit is a conversation as much as an exam. Bring a list of your current medications, any recent dental or medical records, and your dental insurance information so the team can review your benefits with you. Dr. Howard will talk through your goals, whether you are replacing a single tooth, comparing implants with dentures, or considering full-arch replacement, and explain which next steps make sense. Come with questions about timing, cost, and comfort.
Why Choose a General Dentist for Implant Dentistry Near Wildwood?
Specialist oral surgery clinics can require referrals, multiple offices, and longer wait times. Arrow Dental Care is located on Manchester Road in Ellisville, a short drive from central Wildwood, making it convenient for patients coming from Wildhorse Parkway and the broader West County area. Dr. Howard's background spans general dentistry, implantology, and prosthodontics, so he can handle more of your implant journey in-house. You can also explore cosmetic dentistry options and denture alternativesto compare what may work best for your smile goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does a Dental Implant Compare With a Dental Bridge?
It depends on your situation. A traditional bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support, while an implant stands on its own in the jaw. A bridge can be a faster, non-surgical option, and an implant avoids involving the adjacent teeth. Dr. Howard can compare both approaches for your case.
Do I Need a Referral to Get Dental Implants Near Wildwood, MO?
Not necessarily. Because Dr. Howard has experience in implantology, prosthodontics, and oral surgery, many patients can start with a consultation at Arrow Dental Care instead of being sent to an outside specialist first. If your situation calls for care beyond what the office provides, the team can talk through the options with you.
Does Arrow Dental Care Accept Insurance for Implant Procedures?
Coverage for implant procedures varies by plan. Contact Arrow Dental Care directly at (636) 220-7770 to discuss your coverage and available financing options. The team can help clarify what your plan may cover and what out-of-pocket costs to expect.
Is Full-Arch Replacement Different From Getting Individual Implants?
Yes. Individual implants replace teeth one at a time, while full-arch replacement uses a smaller number of implants to support an entire row of teeth. It can be a practical option for patients missing most or all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch. Dr. Howard can recommend the right approach after evaluating your needs.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Currently Have Dentures?
Yes. Many patients who wear traditional dentures are candidates for implant-supported options, which attach to implants placed in the jaw rather than resting on the gums. Candidacy depends on factors such as bone density, gum health, and overall health, which a dental exam can assess. Dr. Howard can review your history and explain whether implant-supported dentures or another option fits your case.