Dr. Hughes Brings Natural Smiles to 'Little Egypt'

Two hours south of St. Louis, in Herrin, Illinois, a local dentist is making a big impact in the field of full-mouth restoration. Dr. Christopher Hughes, founder of Hughes Dental Arts Implant Center, has spent more than three decades serving the community he calls home—and now he’s offering patients an advanced, more natural alternative in implant dentistry: the 3 on 6™.

Dr. Christopher Hughes, DMD

Dr. Hughes, a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology and Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, has always been at the forefront of dental innovation. With a passion for cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, he’s helped transform thousands of smiles—but his commitment to preserving patients’ long-term oral health is what led him to adopt the 3 on 6™ procedure.

“There is more preservation of supporting bone and a more natural form of the restorations as they emerge from the gums,” says Dr. Hughes. “It is much more like natural dentition than other popular options—both in how it looks and how it feels.”

The 3 on 6™ is gaining recognition across the country as a conservative, long-term solution for full-mouth implant restorations. Unlike traditional All-on-X procedures that often require aggressive bone reduction and bulkier prosthetics, the 3 on 6™ utilizes six dental implants to support three individual bridges per arch. This approach allows the patient’s gums and bone to remain largely intact—an advantage that improves esthetics, long-term maintainability, and overall comfort.

“The 3 on 6 is the preferred way to give the patient the best function, esthetics, and maintainability in a full arch restoration,” Dr. Hughes added.

For patients, that means fewer compromises. The 3 on 6™ doesn’t just restore the smile—it preserves what matters most. Patients report feeling more confident in their daily activities, from eating to speaking, and often find that maintaining their oral hygiene is much easier compared to traditional denture-based systems.

Dr. Hughes’ practice is built on patient relationships and clinical excellence. After earning his DMD from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1989, he returned to Herrin to open Hughes Dental Arts, where he continues to offer advanced implant and cosmetic services in a warm, patient-focused environment. His dedication to staying on the cutting edge of implant dentistry has made him a respected leader in the field—and a trusted provider in the community.

Outside the office, Dr. Hughes is a family man who enjoys swimming, boating, hiking, skiing, and traveling with his wife and two daughters. But even when he’s away, he brings the same curiosity and passion for excellence that defines his practice.

Patients in Southern Illinois who are seeking a modern, long-term solution for full-arch tooth replacement can now benefit from this powerful blend of experience and innovation.

To schedule a consultation or learn more about the 3 on 6™ procedure, contact Hughes Dental Arts Implant Center at 618-993-3100.