Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Bone grafting is often a necessary step before a dental implant procedure to ensure the success and longevity of your implant. At Ladue Family Dental, providing you with a strong, healthy foundation for your new smile is essential. Here’s why bone grafting may be recommended as part of your dental implant journey.

What Is Bone Grafting and Why Is It Necessary?

Bone grafting is a procedure that restores or increases bone volume in your jaw. It is commonly needed when the jawbone is too thin or weak to support a dental implant. Bone loss can occur for several reasons, including:

• Tooth loss or extraction
• Gum disease
• Injury or trauma

When there isn’t enough bone to anchor an implant securely, placing the implant without grafting can lead to complications, such as implant failure. Bone grafting strengthens the jaw and provides a stable foundation, ensuring your implant integrates properly and can withstand everyday chewing and speaking functions.

How Does Bone Grafting Benefit My Dental Implant?

Bone grafting supports your dental implant and helps maintain your facial structure and oral health. Without sufficient bone, your jaw may deteriorate, leading to changes in facial appearance and difficulty with future dental work.

By investing in bone grafting now, you improve your chances of a successful dental implant and protect your smile for years to come.

Contact Our Dental Office to Learn More!

At Ladue Family Dental, we are here to guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the best care for a confident, lasting smile.

Please contact us at (314) 991-0722 to schedule an appointment.

Regular dental visits are the key to keeping your smile healthy and keeping you from serious oral health issues. Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and professional cleaning. These visits help remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

When Should I Visit More Often?

Some patients may require more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. If you have any of the following issues, we may recommend appointments more often:

• Gum disease
• A history of cavities
• Orthodontic treatment
• Certain medical conditions

More frequent visits ensure that any potential issues are caught early and managed before they become more serious.

What Happens During a Routine Visit?

During your appointment, our team will examine your teeth, gums, and overall oral health to detect any early signs of decay, gum disease, or other concerns. A professional cleaning removes stubborn plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. We’ll also discuss your concerns and provide personalized recommendations for your oral care routine.

Contact Ladue Family Dental Today!

Preventive care helps maintain your oral health, saving you from costly or complex dental treatments down the road. By keeping up with regular visits, you ensure your smile stays healthy, strong, and beautiful for years to come. If you're due for a checkup, contact us today to schedule an appointment!

One of the most common concerns patients have when getting a dental crown or bridge is whether it will look natural. The good news is that modern dental technology allows crowns and bridges to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

At Ladue Family Dental, we use high-quality materials like porcelain or ceramic, which are designed to match the color, shape, and translucency of your surrounding teeth. Most people won’t be able to tell you’ve had dental work done.

How Will Ladue Family Dental Make My Restoration Look Natural?

Before placing your crown or bridge, our dental team carefully selects the shade that best matches your teeth. We also take detailed impressions of your mouth to ensure the restoration fits comfortably and looks like a natural part of your smile. Once placed, your crown or bridge will function and appear just like a natural tooth.

Will There Be an Adjustment Period?

It’s normal to experience a brief adjustment period after getting a crown or bridge. You may notice a slight difference when biting or speaking, but this usually resolves within a few days as your mouth gets used to the new restoration. If anything feels uncomfortable or doesn’t seem right, our team is always available to make adjustments.

Smile with Confidence in Ladue

Crowns and bridges are designed to restore your smile's function and beauty. You can eat, speak, and smile with confidence, knowing your dental work is virtually undetectable.

To schedule an appointment with our dental team, please call (314) 991-0722.

Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, and caring for them is similar to caring for your natural teeth. While they don’t require anything too special, maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial to ensure your implant remains healthy and lasts a lifetime.

How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?

To keep your dental implants in excellent condition, follow these simple steps:

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Floss daily around your implant and natural teeth to prevent plaque buildup.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and maintain gum health.
• Visit our office regularly for professional cleanings and checkups so we can monitor your implant and overall oral health.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies to prevent damaging the crown attached to your implant.

What Can Happen If I Don’t Properly Care for My Implants?

Although dental implants can’t get cavities, the gums and bones around them can still become infected, leading to a condition called "peri-implantitis." This can cause gum inflammation, bone loss, and, in severe cases, implant failure. Proper daily care and regular dental visits are essential to prevent this.

Contact Our Dental Office for More Information

Dental implants can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and routine dental care. Taking care of your implant is the best way to protect your smile investment for years to come.

Please call us at (314) 991-0722 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Getting used to dentures is an adjustment, and it’s natural to wonder how long you should wear them each day. When you first receive your dentures, your dentist may recommend wearing them most of the day, including while sleeping, to help you adjust and identify any areas needing adjustment. However, this is usually only for the first few days.

How Long Should I Wear My Dentures?

Once you’ve adjusted, it’s important to follow these guidelines for daily denture wear:

• Wear your dentures during the day to help with speaking, eating, and maintaining facial support.
• Remove your dentures at night to give your gums and jawbone a chance to rest and reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
• Soak your dentures overnight in cool water or denture solution to keep them clean and prevent them from drying out.

What Happens If I Wear Them Too Long?

Wearing dentures continuously, especially overnight, can lead to sore spots, gum irritation, and infections. It can also accelerate bone loss in your jaw, affecting the long-term fit of your dentures.

Questions about Dentures in Ladue?

Over time, dentures may wear down or become loose due to natural changes in your mouth. Regular dental checkups will help ensure they continue to fit well and support your oral health.

If you have concerns about your dentures, we’re always here to help! Please get in touch with our dental office at (314) 991-0722.

Proper care after a tooth extraction is essential for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications like infection or dry socket. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions will help ensure your extraction site heals quickly and comfortably.

Extraction Aftercare Tips

• Bite down gently on gauze for about 30 to 45 minutes after the procedure to control bleeding.
• Rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours to prevent increased bleeding or swelling.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 hours to protect the blood clot forming in the extraction site.
• Eat soft foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes for the first few days, gradually returning to your regular diet as you heal.
• Keep the area clean by gently brushing your teeth, avoiding the extraction site, and beginning saltwater rinses (½ teaspoon of salt in warm water) after 24 hours.

What Should I Avoid?

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products, as they can delay healing.
• Avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages for at least 24 hours.
• Don’t touch the extraction site with your tongue or fingers to prevent irritation.

When Should I Call Your Dental Office?

Contact us if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling that worsens after a few days, or signs of infection. We’re here to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible.

You can reach us at (314) 991-0722.

Yes, we love caring for young smiles at Ladue Family Dental! We welcome children of all ages and strive to make their dental experiences positive, comfortable, and even fun. Helping kids build healthy oral habits from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of bright, confident smiles.

When Should I Bring My Child for Their First Dental Visit?

We recommend children visit the dentist when they turn one or shortly after they get their first tooth. Early dental visits help your child become comfortable with our team and allow us to monitor their oral development.

What Can I Expect During Their Appointment?

When you bring your little one to Ladue Family Dental, here’s what you can expect from the visit:

• A gentle examination of their teeth, gums, and jaw to check for any issues
• A professional cleaning to remove plaque and prevent cavities
• Helpful tips on brushing, flossing, and nutrition to support healthy teeth at home
• A fun, caring environment to ensure your child feels safe and relaxed

How Do You Make Kids Feel Comfortable?

We understand that visiting the dentist can feel a little scary for children. That’s why we use gentle techniques, positive encouragement, and a friendly approach to make every visit a stress-free experience.

Contact Our Dental Team Today!

Routine checkups prevent cavities, catch issues early, and encourage good dental habits that last into adulthood. We’re here to support your child’s oral health journey every step of the way.

If you’re ready to schedule their visit, give us a call today!

Keeping your Invisalign® aligners clean is essential to maintaining oral health and preventing your trays from becoming cloudy or developing odors. Proper cleaning also helps your aligners stay clear and virtually invisible throughout your treatment.

What Is the Best Way to Clean My Aligners?

To keep your Invisalign aligners fresh and clear, follow these simple steps:

• Use lukewarm water to rinse your aligners every time you remove them to prevent plaque buildup. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, unscented antibacterial soap to gently brush your aligners. Toothpaste can be too abrasive and cause scratches.
• Soak your aligners daily in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner to remove bacteria and prevent staining. Follow the package instructions for the appropriate soaking time.
• Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in to prevent trapping food and bacteria.

What Should I Avoid?

• Do not use hot water, as it can warp the aligners.
• Avoid colored or scented soaps, which may stain your trays or leave an unpleasant taste.
• Skip harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol-based cleaners, as they can damage the aligners.

Contact Ladue Family Dental for More Information

Clean aligners help prevent cavities, gum irritation, and bad breath while keeping your treatment on track. Taking a few minutes each day to care for your Invisalign aligners ensures your smile transformation stays as healthy and comfortable as possible.

If you have any questions about aligner care, please get in touch with our dental team.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

After undergoing a root canal procedure, following proper care guidelines is essential to ensure your tooth heals properly and remains healthy. While root canals are a routine procedure, your tooth may still be sensitive, and taking steps to care for it will promote optimal healing.

Post-Treatment Care for Root Canal

Immediately following the procedure, it’s normal for the treated area to feel sensitive or tender for a few days. This discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, as your dentist prescribes. During this time, it’s important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth to prevent unnecessary pressure.

Tips for Proper Care After a Root Canal

• Avoid hard or sticky foods. — For at least the first few days, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods that can put strain on your healing tooth.
• Practice good oral hygiene. — Brush your teeth gently around the treated area and floss carefully to keep your mouth clean. Avoid using a toothbrush directly on the treated tooth if there’s tenderness.
• Keep any follow-up appointments. — Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure your tooth is healing as expected.
• Watch for complications. — Contact your dentist if you notice prolonged pain, swelling, or any changes in the treated tooth.

Call Us for More Information

With proper care, your root canal-treated tooth should continue to function normally, ensuring long-term dental health. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office for advice.

You can reach us at (314) 991-0722.

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment known for their natural appearance and durability. With proper care, they can provide long-lasting results that enhance your smile for many years. However, like all dental work, their longevity depends on several factors.

Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers

On average, porcelain veneers last between 10 to 15 years. Some patients may even enjoy them longer if they follow proper maintenance routines. Factors such as oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and whether you grind your teeth can all impact the lifespan of your veneers.

How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Veneers

• Practice good oral hygiene. — Make sure to brush and floss your teeth every day, giving extra attention to the area around your veneers to prevent decay or gum disease.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods. — Avoid biting down on hard objects or sticky foods that can cause veneers to chip or become dislodged.
• Wear a nightguard. — Wearing a custom nightguard can protect your veneers from excessive wear, so if you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about it.
• Visit your dentist regularly. — Regular check-ups and cleanings help monitor the condition of your veneers and ensure they remain in top shape.

Call Ladue Family Dental to Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation

These simple tips can allow you to enjoy your veneers for many years. If you have any concerns about your smile, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for advice.

You can reach us at (314) 991-0722.