314-762-6784
St. Louis County Dental: With You Every Step of the Way
The dental implant process may seem like a frightening and overwhelming experience. But at St. Louis County Dental, we aim to make sure our patients have all the information they need at their disposal. Charting a course for oral health has many options, and it can be hard to know exactly what the next step should be. Dr. Barry Brace wants our patients to know he and our St. Louis team will be with them for every step of the process.
Call our St. Louis implant dentist at 314-762-6784 to learn more about the dental implant procedure. We are proud to welcome patients from the surrounding communities of Woodbine, Kirkwood, and Clayton to experience the St. Louis County Dental difference.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can lead to numerous challenges, including difficulty eating, speaking, and even self-esteem issues. Dental implants offer a sturdy solution by replacing the root of your tooth with a titanium post, which will eventually support an artificial tooth or crown. People prefer dental implants because they provide a permanent fix that mimics the look and feel of natural teeth.
At St. Louis County Dental, we understand the aesthetic and health benefits of replacing missing teeth. Our team utilizes the latest technology to ensure precision in every aspect of the implant process, creating a comfortable experience for our patients.
Patient Testimonials: Real Stories from Our St. Louis Community
At St. Louis County Dental, we believe in the power of a beautiful smile and the positive impact it can have on one’s life. Our patients’ experiences speak volumes about the quality of care and expertise we provide. Here, we share genuine testimonials from individuals who have transformed their smiles through our dental implant process.
- “Hello, Dr. Brace, I just wanted you to know how special I think you are: You have been my doctor for a very long time (let’s keep exactly how many years between you and me.) I drive 200 miles just to see you. (And you are worth it!) You always have a big smile on your face, and thanks to you my implants are doing very well…I pray you’ll always be my doctor.” -Shirley H.
- “Dr. B., I just wanted to thank you again for my new dentures! They are wonderful and I appreciate your fine work so much. I can eat anything and everything now – goodbye soups. Ha! At first I thought you were a bit expensive, but now, the finished product is worth every penny. The fit is so good I forget that my “teeth” aren’t natural.” -Agnes N.
These testimonials reflect our commitment to patient satisfaction and the successful outcomes of our dental implant procedures. Your journey to a renewed smile can begin today—join our community of happy patients!
The Complete Process of Dental Implant Surgery
Your Initial Consultation with Dr. Brace
The first step to achieving a beautiful smile is scheduling a $1 consultation at our St. Louis, MO, office to learn more about it.
During your appointment with Dr. Brace, you will weigh the benefits of dental implants for your oral health and whether you are a candidate for implants. He’ll also discuss the dental implant process with you step-by-step. This is the perfect time to ask questions and provide him with details about your day-to-day life. He’ll use this information to determine the correct treatment to fit your needs.
We’ll use our advanced technology to take images of your mouth. We use these to simulate where we will place your implants and what the end result will look like.
Supplemental Procedures
For some patients, additional supplemental procedures may be necessary before proceeding with dental implants. If you have suffered from bone loss in the jaw due to extended periods of missing teeth, a bone graft may be recommended. This process helps ensure that there is sufficient bone density to hold the implant securely. Soft tissue grafts might also be performed to enhance the gum tissue surrounding the implant site.
These preliminary procedures may require patience, but they are vital for the long-term success of your dental implants. By addressing these concerns, we can pave the way for a smooth implant process.
Dental Implant Placement Surgery
Dr. Brace will attach your implants to your jaw so that they’ll imitate your natural teeth exactly. This is possible through a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration is the process of the implant fusing with the jawbone. The purpose of this technique is to stimulate jawbone growth and allow your jaw to become stronger.
You’ll be sent home with special aftercare instructions to ensure your dental implants heal correctly and don’t become infected. This includes how to care for your implants and things you should avoid until your mouth is healed.
Recovery and Healing Time
The recovery period after implant surgery varies among individuals, but most patients can expect some degree of swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage these symptoms effectively. It’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully.
During the initial healing phase, a soft food diet is recommended to avoid putting pressure on the surgical site. Gradually, as you recover, you will be able to reintroduce more solid foods into your diet. Full recovery and osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months, depending on individual factors.
Final Restoration Placement
After your implant has securely integrated with your jawbone, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for the placement of the final restoration. This typically involves attaching a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture to the dental implant.
The restoration is custom-made to match the color, size, and appearance of your natural teeth, providing you with a seamless and natural-looking result. Many patients leave our St. Louis dental office with a renewed smile and a fresh sense of confidence.
Experience the Benefits of Your Beautiful New Smile
Once healed, you’ll experience the many benefits of dental implants. Your new smile will make you want to smile more and will eliminate the embarrassment you’ve had in the past.
If you have any questions or concerns about dental implants before or after the procedure, don’t hesitate to contact our St. Louis dental staff at 314-762-6784. Dr. Barry Brace is well-educated and a member of many professional dental organizations for both general and implant dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the implant procedure painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the dental implant procedure due to the use of local anesthesia and sedation options. After the surgery, some swelling and tenderness may occur, but pain can often be managed effectively with medication.
How long does the procedure take?
The overall timeline for dental implant treatment can vary significantly based on factors such as individual healing time and the complexity of the case. Generally, the entire process takes about four to six months, including the initial consultation, surgical placement, and restoration.
The placement takes about one to two hours. Patients will then need to come in after healing for their final restoration.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
Many patients are awake during the dental implant procedure, but some can choose to be put to sleep if they have dental anxiety or phobias. Since a local anesthetic is used to numb you during the procedure, you won’t feel a thing whether you’re awake or asleep.
What can I safely eat after the procedure?
It’s recommended that you stick to soft foods until your dental implant is healed. This includes foods like mashed potatoes, soup, smoothies, and yogurt. Eating foods that require chewing can hinder the healing process and cause complications.
Will I need someone to accompany me to my implant surgery?
This depends on the type of anesthetic or sedation that you receive during the procedure. You’ll be able to drive yourself home after receiving a local anesthetic, but some sedatives require you to have someone else drive you home. Your dentist will address this before your surgery.
Get A Renewed Smile with Dental Implants in St. Louis, MO
Are you ready to reclaim your smile and confidence with dental implants? At St. Louis County Dental, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional dental implant care tailored to your needs. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Don’t hesitate to call us today at 314-762-6784 to schedule your consultation.
If you’re in nearby cities such as Woodbine, Kirkwood, and Clayton, we welcome you to visit our St. Louis dental practice. Let us help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted! Reach out now and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you!