Whether you have a single missing tooth or need to replace several teeth, dental implants can be a great alternative to dentures. Your dentist roots dental implants into your jaw using a structure that functions like a tooth root, to create a natural result that doesn’t slip or require special care like dentures. Talk to your dentist serving St. Louis about whether dental implants are the right tooth restoration method for you. Here’s an overview of what you need to know about dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth. They consist of a post that is placed into your jaw to mimic a tooth root, an abutment, and a crown. The abutment is screwed onto the post and acts as an anchor for the crown. Dentists can craft the crown to closely match the shape and color of your remaining teeth for a natural appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

For patients, dental implants provide a long list of benefits over other tooth restoration methods. Because implants are placed directly into the jaw, there is no risk of a poor fit or slippage, as may occur with dentures. Dental implants don’t require any special care and can be brushed and flossed like your natural teeth. Because implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, as bridges do, they don’t damage healthy teeth.

What Are Same Day Dental Implants?

Getting dental implants used to require multiple appointments and take six months or longer. With same-day dental implants, your dentist can complete the entire procedure in a single office visit, which saves you both time and money. Same-day dental implants offer the same great benefits as traditional implants in a fraction of the time, meaning you could be one dentist visit away from restoring your beautiful smile.

Are you one of the many people who postpone or completely avoid your dentist serving St. Louis because of fear? Dental phobia is a common problem, but help is available if only you talk to your dentist. Sedation dentistry can allow you to get the dental care that is so vital to your overall well being without the intense fear.

There are a few different kinds of sedation dentistry options. Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that you can inhale via a nose hood. IV sedation is delivered by injection and provides a higher level of sedation. For those patients who want the benefits of IV sedation without the use of needles, oral conscious sedation is a good option. Your dentist can help you make a decision about the right method of sedation for you based on your level of fear and the dental procedure you’re having. Nitrous oxide may be appropriate for dental cleanings and fillings, while you may wish for a stronger, longer-lasting method for lengthier procedures, like a same-day dental implant.

Root canals get a bad rap. Patients often fear this procedure before actually having it, but your dentist can tell you that it’s really a simple process that usually doesn’t cause any more discomfort than a standard cavity filling. Although no special preparation is required, knowing what to expect from the process can help you get ready for the procedure. Here are the facts you need to know before your root canal in St. Louis to help you get ready.

Root Canals Explained

Root canals are used to treat tooth decay that has become too invasive to treat with a normal filling. During the procedure, your dentist or endodontist removes infected tooth pulp and fills the entire pulp cavity. This process helps prevent infection from spreading to neighboring teeth or deeper into the nerves. In most cases, root canals relieve nagging tooth pain almost immediately.

Procedure Breakdown

Your dentist will prepare you for your root canal by first numbing your gums with a topical anesthetic and then injecting a local anesthetic into the treatment area. He or she may place a rubber dam over the tooth to separate it from neighboring teeth and to prevent tooth chips and liquid from entering your mouth. After drilling into the tooth, your dentist will use a series of scrapping devices to completely remove the pulp. After the area is cleaned and filled, you will likely need a crown to rebuild the tooth structure.

Root Canal Recovery

After the root canal, you will likely be numb for the next few hours. When the anesthetic wears off, you may have some discomfort in the treatment area. Over-the-counter painkillers are sufficient for most people, but talk to your dentist if you need a stronger pain medication. If you have a condition that slows your recovery, like a heart valve problem or diabetes, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics.

If you’re like many people, going to a dentist serving St. Louis for a filling or periodontal disease treatment may not be high on your list of favorite things. However, thanks to laser dentistry, your next dental visit could be much less painful and more efficient than ever before. Lasers were approved for dental use in 1990 and can be used to treat tooth decay, control gum disease, contour the gums, and remove tissue for biopsies. Because lasers are more precise than dental drills and scalpels, more healthy tissue and tooth structure is left intact during treatments. Check out this infographic from West County Dental, a St. Louis periodontist’s office, to learn more about laser dentistry, what it’s used for, and its benefits. Please share it with your friends and family!

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, ask your dentist serving St. Louis if dental veneers could help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Veneers offer a long-term solution for many cosmetic dental woes. They’re long lasting and require very little special care. Are veneers the right choice for you? Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are attached to the surfaces of your teeth. You can have veneers attached to as few or as many teeth as you like. Veneers can be made of porcelain or resin, and because they are custom-made for you, they have a completely natural appearance. Veneers do not require any special care and last between five and 10 years before replacement is necessary.

How Are Veneers Placed?

To place veneers, your dentist will start by prepping the teeth that are being treated. It may be necessary to remove a small amount of tooth enamel to make room for the veneers. After making an impression of your mouth and having your veneers created, your dentist will etch the surfaces of your teeth to allow for better bonding, and then put the veneers in place. Before the veneers are cemented, your dentist may make several adjustments to their shape and color to achieve the results you desire.

Should You Consider Veneers?

Veneers are a great option if you have teeth that are chipped, worn, misshapen, or severely discolored. Unlike dental crowns, they don’t require the removal of a large amount of natural tooth, and they look very natural. If you plan to have your teeth whitened, be sure to do it before you get your veneers, as you can’t alter the color of your veneers once they are in place.

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