77 Westport Plaza Dr.
Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63146
Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63146
Missing teeth impact much more than just your appearance; they affect your ability to eat, speak, and ultimately, your self-confidence. At Smiles by Choice, we understand the frustration of hiding your smile or avoiding beloved foods, and the toll this takes on your quality of life. You deserve a permanent solution that is natural, aesthetically pleasing, and durable.
If you are seeking dental implants in Creve Coeur, MO, our practice is the right choice for you. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you regain your oral health by combining compassionate, patient-centered care with state-of-the-art dental techniques. We ensure you are informed, comfortable, and confident at every stage of the process as you make the decision to restore your smile.
Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for modern tooth replacement because they effectively mimic the structure of a natural tooth, unlike traditional bridges or dentures, which merely rest on the gums.
The process involves surgically placing a small titanium post into the jawbone. Titanium is used for its biocompatibility, allowing the body to accept it as a new “root.” This post then bonds with the surrounding bone.
Once this bond is complete, a connector, called an abutment, is attached, followed by a custom-made crown. This final restoration is carefully crafted to perfectly match the color and shape of your existing teeth. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions exactly like the tooth you lost.
No two smiles are the same, which is why Smiles by Choice offers a variety of implant options tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are missing a single tooth or require a full-arch restoration, we have a solution for you.
If you have lost a single tooth due to trauma or decay, a single implant is often the best choice. In the past, replacing a single tooth often required a dental bridge, which involved filing down the healthy adjacent teeth to support the prosthetic.
With a single implant, we preserve your surrounding natural teeth. The implant placement occurs only in the gap, providing a standalone solution that is robust and easy to clean.
For patients facing the loss of most or all of their teeth, full mouth dental implants offer a total transformation. Rather than replacing every single tooth with an individual implant, which would be invasive and costly, we can use strategic placement to support a full arch of permanent teeth on just four to six implants. This provides a permanent, non-removable solution that rejuvenates your facial appearance and provides the highest level of function.
For patients who currently wear traditional dentures, you’re likely familiar with the frustration of slipping, clicking, or messy adhesives. Implant-supported dentures offer a life-changing upgrade. By placing a select number of implants into the jaw, we can create a secure foundation for your dentures to snap onto. This stabilizes the denture completely, allowing you to eat apples, steak, and other foods you may have avoided for years. It restores nearly all of your original chewing power while eliminating the fear of your teeth shifting in public.
We know that the idea of oral surgery can make some patients nervous. However, implant placement is a routine procedure at our Creve Coeur practice, and we prioritize your comfort above all else. We believe that knowing what to expect can greatly reduce anxiety.
Here is the step-by-step process of transforming your smile:
Patience is key to the success of a dental implant. Because we are relying on a biological process called osseointegration (bone fusion), the timeline cannot be rushed, but the results are well worth the wait.
Immediately following the surgery, you may experience minor swelling or sensitivity, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We will provide detailed instructions on proper care, such as sticking to soft foods and keeping the surgical site clean.
This is the invisible healing period. While your gums will heal within a couple of weeks, the bone beneath is actively fusing to the titanium post. During this time, it is vital to maintain excellent oral health and avoid placing excessive pressure on the implant site.
Once the bond is strong, the final restoration takes place. From your initial consultation to the final reveal, the entire process generally takes between four and six months, though this varies based on your body’s healing speed and whether you required any bone grafting prior to surgery.
Sure, many dental practices near Creve Coeur offer dental implants. So why choose us?
Smiles by Choice stands out for our commitment to the patient experience. We view our patients as family. We combine a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with authoritative clinical skills to ensure you get the best of both worlds.
Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art technology to plan your surgery with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing recovery time and maximizing success. We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your financial options, and customize a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
Missing teeth should never dictate how your life should be lived. Whether you need a single crown replacement or a full mouth restoration, the team at Smiles by Choice is ready to help you smile with confidence again.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Let’s take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.