Most people would advise against sticking sharp metal things in your mouth, but then dentists come at you with a noisy metal drill and that’s supposed to be normal? No wonder people are afraid of going to the dentist when many dental procedures require anesthesia injections, stitches, and lots of recovery time. Fortunately, there is a new game in town that is helping highly skilled dentists in St. Louis take the “Ouch!” out of dental visits. Laser dentistry is a fast and effective method that uses heat and light to perform a wide variety of dental procedures. Most importantly, laser dentistry is virtually pain-free!

Continue reading “Is Laser Dentistry Really Pain Free?”

If you are one of the many people who have shied away from visiting the dentist because of time or money issues, you are definitely not alone. The huge cost of dental care can create financial hardships and take up countless sick days, but there are several ways to reduce your dental costs. Here are 4 tips that will help you save a lot of time and money on your next dental visit.
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Typical dental x-rays can be a tedious and uncomfortable process. Numerous individual images are required to cover the entire mouth, which allows for too much cranial exposure to radiation. Also, traditional x-rays only focus on your teeth with no way to enhance the images, making it almost impossible to study the surrounding bone structure, bone density, tissues, and nerves for diagnostic purposes. But times are changing and the newest advances in 3-D imaging and digital technology are taking the dental industry by storm. Here are just a few of the remarkable ways 3-D dentistry is changing the way family dentists in St. Louis take care of your teeth.
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At your last dental visit, your dentist uttered two words that many people fear: root canal. While the procedure will eliminate your lingering tooth pain and hopefully reduce your immense sensitivity to hot and cold, the very idea of a root canal procedure can be a bit frightening. Here is a helpful guide that covers the most important things you should know before getting root canal therapy.

What exactly is a root canal?

When the blood or nerve supply of a tooth, also known as the pulp, is infected, root canal therapy is necessary to remove the infected tissue. Unfortunately, a root canal cannot save the tooth, but by preserving its natural structure, you will be able to chew food and speak properly.

What are some of the symptoms?

There are several signs that you may need a root canal procedure, including:

• Lingering or spontaneous pain in response to hot or cold drink
• Positional pain that is worse when you lay down, stand up suddenly, or run in place
• A white, yellow, or red pimple-looking blister on your gum
• An abscess, which will show up on an x-ray
• Pain in your jaw, ear, or surrounding teeth

Why is root canal therapy needed?

If an infection in the pulp of a tooth spreads to the underlying root canal system, it can lead to an abscess, which is an inflamed pus-filled pocket that causes swelling around the tooth. If a root canal is not done, the infection may spread to other areas of the face, you may suffer bone loss around the tip of the root, or the tooth may have to be extracted.

What does the procedure entail?

During root canal therapy, a dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp and carefully clean out and shape the inside of the tooth. Then, they will fill and seal the space to prevent further infection. The final step is for the dentist to place a crown on the tooth to protect its structural integrity. After a root canal procedure is completed, your tooth will function like any other tooth.

Is the procedure painful?

No, there should not be any root canal pain. With the use of a local anesthetic, the procedure should be no different than if you were having an ordinary filling done. Afterwards, you may feel a bit sore, but that will diminish over time.

How long will the root canal procedure take?

A root canal is a time-consuming procedure that often involves two or more visits to your dentist. The first appointment may be quite long as the dentist needs to remove the infected tissue and allow any abscesses to drain. Once the tooth is closed and shaped for filling, a temporary cap is put in and the tooth is left to settle. At the next appointment, the tooth is checked and if all is clear, it is permanently filled and capped.

Is any special care necessary after treatment?

Care instructions will be given out after each appointment, but good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to ensuring the best results.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, don’t suffer in silence! Instead, utilize the knowledge and expertise of the West County Dental team in St. Louis, MO to help you find relief.

A dentist appointment may not be your idea of a good time, but taking care of your teeth is your number one ticket to lifelong oral health. Fortunately, dental visits are not what they used to be! Technology has revolutionized the face of dentistry as we know it by helping St. Louis dentists find new ways to reduce tooth pain and create faster, safer, and more comfortable dental procedures. From crowns in a day to laser dentistry, here are 4 ways technology is taking the fear out of going to the dentist:

No more pain!

If your fear of the dentist chair has prevented you from dealing with your tooth pain, then your day has come! Laser dentistry is virtually painless and can be used in a wide variety of dental procedures. The Solea system, for example, is a CO ₂ dental laser that uses a unique wavelength guided by sophisticated computers to work on both hard and soft tissues. The resulting procedure is blood-free and anesthesia-free, and there are no needles, scary-looking drills, or bone-chilling noises. Best of all, you can go right back to work without the lingering numbing affects that often cause embarrassing drooling and slurred speech.

Instant results

In the past, those suffering from damaged, broken, or missing teeth needed numerous trips to the dentist, countless injections, and days or months spent recovering between procedures in order to achieve the results they were after. However, the latest advances in 3D imaging and crown printing have made effective same day dental procedures a reality. Using CAD-CAM (Computer Aided Design-Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, a non-invasive 3D scanner captures an image of your damaged teeth and an on-site milling device prints a perfect match within minutes. No temporary crowns, no messy impressions, and more of your natural tooth saved, all thanks to technology.

Faster, safer diagnoses

X-rays have always been an essential tool for diagnosing conditions of your teeth and gums, but traditional x-rays take time to create and expose patients to dangerous radiation. Modern digital X-rays have streamlined the diagnostic process. Since they immediately appear on computer screens, they can be digitally transferred to allow for faster communication between dentist and patient or enhanced for a more accurate diagnosis. Digital x-rays also provide greater comfort than traditional x-rays and reduce radiation exposure by 80-90%.

Interactive treatments

Have you always wondered exactly what the dentist sees when they look in your mouth? Well, now you can see for yourself with an intra-oral camera. This small device allows you to view the inside of your mouth in real time, giving the dentist an opportunity to further examine causes of tooth pain and discuss with you recommended dental procedures. The camera is also a great tool for pointing out where to focus on brushing, which allows you to maximize your dental hygiene routine.

When it comes to cutting-edge technology and effective dental procedures, the experienced team at West County Dental is the best in St. Louis, MO. We always stay ahead of the latest tools and techniques to bring you specialized dental care and fast, comfortable results.

Can I Get My Teeth Fixed in One Day?

The answer is a resounding “Yes!” with the newest advances in cutting-edge dentistry! Overhauling your smile in just one appointment is easier than you think, especially when your dentist utilizes the latest techniques and equipment. During the initial consultation, a dentist will examine your teeth and get a full understanding of what you would like to achieve. For dental procedures involving crowns and veneers, the dentist will remove a thin layer from the existing tooth before using a revolutionary 3D scanner to take an accurate photo. No messy, uncomfortable impressions here! Once the image is captured, an on-site milling device gets straight to work. This crown printing CAD-CAM technology creates a perfect model of your tooth using color-matching ceramic materials. When the crown or veneer is complete, the dentist simply places it on the existing tooth and off you go!

Restoring damaged teeth with same-day crowns and veneers

Does this describe you? Every time you look in the mirror, you’re disappointed in the appearance of your teeth, and although you know there are dental procedures out there that will help improve your smile, you worry about the time, cost and discomfort involved. You only have so many sick days and flu season is right around the corner, so “same day” dental procedures sound promising – but can you really receive high-quality dental implants without uncomfortable impressions, temporary fixes, and return dental visits? Yes! You can.

Utilizing CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design-Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, West County Dental can make everything from crowns and dental implants to full or partial dentures all in one day.

Replacing broken or missing teeth with same-day dental implants

What better way to boost your self-confidence than by filling out your smile with perfect, natural-looking dentures or dental implants??

Traditional dental implant procedures require months between visits and multiple recovery periods, but with the advanced technology of a high-tech family dental office, you can have everything done in one session! Using 3D digital imaging and the latest surgical techniques, a dentist can place the dental implants and securely attach new prosthetic teeth right there in the office.

With just one short recovery period and instant results, this permanent and effective solution will surely give you something to smile about.

What are you waiting for?

A fast, easy, and affordable solution for achieving the smile you’ve always wanted is possible with same day crowns, dentures, and dental services. All you need is an experienced family dental team like West County Dental to create perfect, natural-looking teeth in a single visit with the most advanced 3D scanning and crown printing technologies available. To see if you are a good candidate for same-day dental implants or to find out more information about same day crowns, contact Dr. Pete Spalitto and the West County Dental team.

If you have learned that you may need a root canal procedure, you may be wondering what exactly this procedure entails. Root canal technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and your St. Louis dentist will be able to provide you with a much more comfortable experience than dental patients of the past could expect. Here is a brief overview of how a root canal works.

Accessing the Infected Tooth
When you come to your dentist’s office for a root canal procedure, your dentist will begin by applying local anesthesia in order to ensure your comfort. A rubber dam is placed to keep the tooth dry. Then, your dentist will gain access to the inside of your tooth—that is, the root canal. At West County Dental, we utilize the Solea Laser to ensure precise and painless treatment during this procedure.

Removing Infected Tissue and Pulp
Once your dentist has gained access to the root canal, he will remove all of the infected tissue from your tooth’s interior. Patients can expect this step of the procedure to be painless and safe. Your dentist will continue cleaning the inside of your tooth until all of the pulp and nerve tissue has been taken out.

Filling and Sealing the Tooth
The final step of the root canal procedure is to fill and seal the tooth. This often takes place at a second appointment. After your dentist has finished cleaning out your tooth, he will seal it using a filling, then place a dental cap to ensure that the tooth stays stable and free from future infection. Your treated tooth may be sensitive for a period of time after the procedure.

If you are experiencing any discomfort in your teeth, it’s time to visit Dr. Spalitto and his team at West County Dental. We will be happy to thoroughly answer your questions about oral care and address any concerns that you may have about root canals. Call us today at (314) 821-2712 to set up an appointment at our office.

Can you imagine going to the dentist and receiving painless treatment for tooth decay without anesthesia? With the Solea Laser, that dream has become a reality. Approved by the FDA in 1990, the Solea Laser allows your St. Louis dentist to perform procedures with greater precision and virtually no discomfort for the patient. The laser, which is less than one-eighth the diameter of a human hair, effectively replaces the dental drill. It does not vibrate or make any noise, and it results in no bleeding during soft tissue procedures. It’s the perfect solution for any patient who has ever dreaded a visit to the dentist, making even oral surgery a sensationless experience.

At West County Dental, we are proud to utilize state-of-the-art dental technology, including the Solea Laser , to ensure the best possible care for our patients. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or call us today at (314) 821-2712 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Spalitto.

A dental filling is a straightforward procedure that can generally be performed in your dentist’s office during the course of one visit. There are a number of reasons why your family dentist in St. Louis may advise you that a dental filling is necessary. Keep reading to learn a few of the most common reasons why patients require dental fillings.

Cavities
During a routine cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth to check for any signs of tooth decay. If your dentist discovers a cavity on any of your teeth, he or she will recommend either a filling or another course of action such as a root canal procedure. Toothache and sensitivity to hot and cold sensations are some of the most common symptoms of a cavity, so if you experience these symptoms, call your dentist.

Tooth Fractures
Fractured teeth can also be treated with fillings. If you have suffered a tooth fracture—whether because of trauma to your tooth, biting into a hard piece of food, or another incident—it is important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Tooth fractures can become significantly worse if they are not addressed right away, and they can lead to bacterial infections in your mouth.

Replacing an Old Filling
All fillings may eventually need to be replaced. Pressure from chewing, as well as clenching or grinding your teeth, can take a toll on older fillings. Over time, these factors can cause fillings to chip, crack, or even fall out. Bacteria can also accumulate in the cavity left from a missing or improperly positioned filling and lead to infections.

How long has it been since your last dental cleaning? If your teeth are in need of professional care, call West County Dental at (314) 821-2712 to make an appointment. You can always count on us for quality dental care using state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Spalitto and his knowledgeable team will ensure that your experience is comfortable, positive, and relaxing.

Dr. Spalitto refers to bad breath as halitosis. As you will learn in this video, bad breath can signify an underlying dental problem.

Chronic bad breath is a common problem in family dentistry. While occasional bad breath is no cause for concern, you should tell your dentist if your bad breath lasts longer than a few hours. Halitosis may be caused by gum disease or could signify a tooth abscess or infection. Cavities and gum disease require immediate treatment for the best possible prognosis.

If you suffer from bad breath, seek treatment from dentist Dr. Spalitto by calling West County Dental at (314) 821-2712.