When Should a Child See a Dentist for the First Time

At West County Dental, we see patients of all ages. Many parents ask us when they should first start bringing their children in to see us. The answer is that you should bring your baby in as soon as that first baby tooth appears. Baby teeth usually start coming in (this is called eruption) at around six months. They may not be permanent but they’re important, and they do last for years if kept healthy. And at any age, dental health is a large part of overall health. If a child gets dental disease that is not treated, he or she can suffer serious health problems.

At home, you can protect your child from dental disease with a routine of daily brushing, regular dental visits and good nutrition. Children learn healthy dental habits from their parents, siblings and caregivers.

At your child’s first visit Dr. Spalitto and our team will do several things:

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What to Expect After Getting Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery is often the best way to help people who are missing one or more teeth. There are a variety of implant procedures based on the condition of the patient. Let’s go over these procedures, and what the patient can expect to experience after getting these dental implants.

What is Dental Implant Surgery

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing tooth. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth.

The conventional process can take from three to four months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to four months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

Mini Dental Implants

A miniature titanium alloy implant acts like the root of your tooth, and features a retaining fixture incorporated into the base of your denture. The implant fixtures allow for a wide range of micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

Full Mouth Dental Implants

When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution. The treatment procedure and number of visits is dependent on your specific conditions. Since this is the most extensive of these procedures, recovery time will be longer, but after a few weeks you’ll be able to eat and function as if you had your natural teeth.

All on 4 Dental Implants

The All-on-4 treatment replaces your missing teeth with a full dental bridge supported by implants. With less implants needed, treatment time is reduced. This ensures greater stability in the bone, reducing need for bone graft surgery to increase bone volume. Typically, your dentist can place temporary provisional teeth on the same day after treatment. These look and feel much like natural teeth, and you can lead a normal life immediately after surgery. After a few weeks, your dentist will place your final bridge, and you can start enjoying your favorite foods again.

At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!