Implant and Crown Procedure: What To Expect From Start To Finish

The implant and crown procedure replaces a missing tooth with a titanium implant that acts like a root and a custom crown that looks and works like a natural tooth. This guide explains what to expect from your first visit through final restoration, why the procedure is done, and practical next steps so you can make an informed choice and prepare for each phase of treatment.

What is an implant and crown procedure?

An implant and crown procedure in St. Louis uses a small titanium post surgically placed into the jaw to replace the tooth root. After the implant bonds to bone, a connector called an abutment and a custom crown restore the visible tooth. Compared with bridges or dentures, implants preserve bone, feel more stable, and can last many years with proper care.

Initial consultation and planning

Medical and dental history review

At your first appointment the dentist will review your medical history, current medications, and any health conditions like diabetes or bleeding disorders. Expect a dental exam, discussion about your goals, and questions about past dental work and comfort with dental procedures.

Imaging and digital planning

Advanced imaging is standard for an implant and crown procedure in St. Louis. A 3D CBCT scan maps your jawbone and nearby nerves, while intraoral scans create a precise digital model of your teeth. These tools help plan exact implant position and design a crown that fits your bite and smile.

The surgical step: placing the implant

Many centers use guided surgery to place the implant exactly where planned. You’ll discuss sedation options (local, oral sedation, or IV sedation) beforehand. Surgery usually takes 30–90 minutes for a single implant. The implant is placed in the bone, the site is closed, and you receive aftercare instructions: rest, ice, soft foods, and pain control. Expect some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days.

Healing and osseointegration

After placement, the implant needs time to bond with the bone—a process called osseointegration. This typically takes 2–6 months. During this time you may have a temporary tooth for appearance. Eat soft foods, avoid heavy chewing on the implant side at first, and report increasing pain, pus, or spreading swelling to your dentist.

From abutment to custom crown

Once the implant is stable, the abutment is attached to connect the implant to the crown. Your dentist will take final digital impressions or scans, and the crown is custom-made to match color and shape. At crown delivery the dentist checks fit, bite, and appearance, then cements or screws the crown into place. You should be able to use the tooth normally after a short adjustment period.

Recovery, maintenance, and expected lifespan

Short-term recovery from the surgical step is usually a few days of soreness and swelling. Long-term maintenance includes brushing twice daily, flossing or using interdental cleaners, and regular dental checkups. An implant and crown procedure in St. Louis can last 15 years or more—often much longer—when you avoid tobacco, control medical issues like diabetes, and manage clenching or grinding (bruxism).

Risks, complications, and when to call your dentist

Minor issues are common: swelling, bruising, and temporary sensitivity. Call your dentist if you notice:

• Severe or worsening pain after the first few days
• Fever, heavy bleeding, or increasing swelling
• Pus or bad taste that suggests infection
• A crown that feels loose or an implant that moves

Early action helps prevent small problems from becoming major ones.

Cost, insurance, and financing basics

Costs vary based on the number of implants, need for bone grafting, quality of the crown, and lab work. Some dental insurance plans cover parts of the crown or restoration but often limit implant coverage. Many practices offer financing, monthly plans, or third-party medical credit to spread payments. Ask for a detailed estimate and what’s included in the price for an implant and crown procedure in St. Louis.

Why choose a specialized implant center?

Specialized implant centers focus on predictable results. They use 3D imaging, guided surgery, and in-house labs to control quality and timing. Coordinated care—diagnosis, surgery, and restoration under one roof—reduces appointments and improves communication between surgical and restorative teams for better outcomes.

About New You Smile and Dr. James Fetsch

New You Smile is St. Louis’ implant center focused on advanced implant care. Led by Dr. James Fetsch, who has placed nearly 30,000 implants over his career, the practice uses technologies like 3D CBCT, X-Nav guided surgery, intraoral scanning, and an on-site dental lab to plan and deliver predictable results. If you’re considering an implant and crown procedure in St. Louis, schedule a consultation to review your options and get a personalized treatment plan.