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Your Full Implant Choice Guide: Options, Costs, & Benefits

A “full implant choice” means picking the best implant-based solution for replacing one tooth, several teeth, or a whole arch. This guide explains your options, what affects cost, the main benefits, who can get implants, and next steps. If you’re considering a full implant choice in St. Louis, read on to learn practical info to help you decide.
Understanding Full Implant Choice Options
Single dental implants
One implant replaces a single missing tooth with a titanium post and a custom crown. This is fast for one gap, usually done in stages: placement, healing (3–6 months), then the crown. Pros: preserves nearby teeth and feels natural.
Single dental implants replace a single missing tooth with a titanium post and a custom crown. This is fast for one gap, usually done in stages: placement, healing (3–6 months), then the crown. Pros: preserves nearby teeth and feels natural.
Implant-supported bridges
When several teeth in a row are missing, two or more implants can support a bridge. This avoids treating each gap and protects healthy teeth from being ground down for traditional bridges.
Implant-retained dentures
Implant-retained dentures snap onto implants for much better stability than regular dentures. They’re removable but feel more secure for chewing and speaking. Good option for lower cost than full fixed arches.
Full-mouth restorations / All‑on‑X
Full-mouth restorations / All‑on‑X replace a full arch using just a few implants. They give fixed teeth on implants and are suited for people missing most or all teeth, offering fast function and a stable bite.
All‑on‑4 or All‑on‑6 replace a full arch using just a few implants. They give fixed teeth on implants and are suited for people missing most or all teeth, offering fast function and a stable bite.
What Impacts the Cost of a Full Implant Choice
Number and type of implants needed
A single implant costs much less than multiple implants or full-arch All‑on‑X solutions. The more implants and restorations, the higher the price.
A single implant costs much less than multiple implants or full-arch All‑on‑X solutions. The more implants and restorations, the higher the price.
Bone health and preparatory procedures
Bone grafts, sinus lifts, and extractions add cost and time. If bone is thin, you may need these steps before implants can be placed.
Restorative materials and lab work
Materials (zirconia, porcelain) and custom lab work affect price. In-house labs can lower costs and speed up delivery.
Clinical setting, sedation, and technology
Guided surgery, sedation, and private surgical suites improve comfort and precision but add to fees. Advanced tech can lower complication risk.
Insurance, financing, and payment options
Dental insurance often covers only part of implant costs. Many patients use financing plans, healthcare credit, or payment plans to spread costs.
Main Benefits of Choosing a Full Implant Option
Improved chewing, speech, and comfort
Implants restore bite force and stability, making eating and talking easier than with removable dentures.
Bone preservation and oral health
Implants stimulate the jawbone and reduce bone loss, which protects facial structure and neighboring teeth.
Durability and long-term value
With proper care, implants last many years and often cost less over time than repeated denture replacements.
Aesthetics and confidence
Modern implant teeth look natural and can greatly improve your smile and self-esteem.
Who Is a Candidate & What to Expect During Evaluation
Medical and dental suitability
Good candidates are generally healthy, non-smokers or willing to quit, and have reasonable bone. Some chronic conditions can be managed with medical clearance.
Diagnostics and treatment planning
Expect 3D imaging, intraoral scans, and a digital plan to map implant positions and final restorations precisely.
Treatment timeline and recovery
Typical phases: consultation and planning, implant surgery, healing (weeks to months), and final restorations. Recovery is usually manageable with short downtime.
Why Patients Choose New You Smile for a Full Implant Choice in St. Louis
New You Smile, led by Dr. James Fetsch, offers focused implant care with an on-site dental lab, 3D cone beam CT, X-Nav guided surgery, and sedation options. These tools speed care, improve precision, and make complex cases more predictable.
Next Steps: Consultation, Questions to Ask, and Financing
Bring medical history, current x-rays, and a list of goals to your consult. Ask about experience, tech used, timelines, and financing options. If you’re ready to explore a full implant choice in St. Louis, schedule a consultation to get a personalized plan and cost estimate.