Varying levels of dental fear or anxiety are pretty common problems that keep far too many people from getting the oral care they need. If you struggle with these issues, keep reading to find out how sedation dentistry and other tactics can help you get past your doubts to get the care you need:

Talk to Your Dentist

One of the most important things to do to quell your dental anxiety is to talk to your dentist. Be open about what scares you so he or she can make the necessary arrangements to make you as comfortable as possible in the office. If your dentist knows the root of your dental anxiety, he or she can make adjustments to give you what you need during your next visit.

Ask to See All of the Tools

A lot of people feel anxious at the dentist because they do not understand why all of the tools are used. If you fall into this category, you can ask the family dentist or the dental hygienist to talk to you about all of the tools and what they do. Once you understand their purpose, it helps you get past your dental anxiety and make it through your next appointment with ease.

Learn About Sedation Dentistry

If you have tried all of these other tactics and still feel really scared about going to do the dentist, you might want to ask about sedation dentistry. You can choose between various levels of sedation that help you relax enough to get the dental care you need. When you choose sedation dentistry in St. Louis, the dentist can give you nitrous oxide to make you feel calm but alert during the procedure. If you need something stronger, the dentist can do IV sedation, which is sent directly into your bloodstream to knock you out so you are completely unaware of the procedure. You can also opt for oral conscious sedation that is administered through oral medication.

An abscessed tooth is an infection in the pulp that can be treated with root canal therapy. The pulp of the tooth houses nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth. Tooth decay can reach the pulp and cause an infection.

Even a cracked tooth might lead to an abscess because it allows germs to reach the pulp. If you have an infection and your dentist in St. Louis decides to try root canal therapy, he or she will remove the infection and clean out the center of the tooth.

Once the infection is gone, the dentist will seal the tooth with a dental crown. Most root canal therapy can be completed in just 1-3 office visits. Check out this video to learn more.

Periodontal disease is a serious oral health issue that can lead to negative side effects in your mouth and throughout the rest of your body. The best way to avoid gum disease is to truly understand it. Keep reading to learn about the different stages of periodontal disease and what you can do to prevent them:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. It happens when plaque develops at the gum line and causes inflammation. People with gingivitis usually notice bleeding, redness, or swelling in the gums when they brush or floss their teeth. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist in St. Louis as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs. Gingivitis does not cause permanent damage, which means it is reversible, but you have to get the proper treatment to stop it before it gets any worse.

Periodontitis

If your gingivitis is left untreated , it might develop into periodontitis. This more advanced stage of periodontal disease starts to attack the bone and fibers that keep your teeth in place. Once this damage begins, large pockets start to form beneath the gum line. Even more food and plaque can get stuck in these pockets, which puts you at a higher risk for more inflammation and damage. With the help of your dentist, you can find treatment that helps you manage your periodontitis and prevent it from getting any worse.

Advanced Periodontitis

If you do not treat periodontitis, it will advance into the final stage of periodontal disease, or advanced periodontitis. In this stage, the infection completely destroys the fibers and bones that keep your teeth in place. Without this foundation, your teeth might start to move around or even fall out. When your teeth move, it makes it more difficult to chew and talk. The infection in your mouth might also find its way into your bloodstream and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses. Work closely with your dentist to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free from periodontal disease.

West County Dental is able to offer our patients such personalized services because of our dental team. With some of the best dentists in St. Louis , we give our patients the oral care they need to retain healthy teeth and gums. Keep reading to learn more about our own Dr. Pete Spalitto and his dental career:

Dr. Spalitto started his dental education with a Bachelors of Science in Biology from Truman State University and then went on to attend dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Upon graduating in 2000, Dr. Spalitto served as a Major in the United States Army and worked in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program.

Through his military and private practice experiences, Dr. Spalitto has gained a deeper level of understanding about oral health and how to give his patients the best care. He specializes in a comprehensive approach that gives him a well-rounded view of oral health care.

If you are unhappy with your smile, you probably don’t like to show it off. Straightening your smile can help you gain the confidence you need to show off those pearly whites with pride! Invisalign is a great option for adults and other patients who do not want the pain and annoyances associated with traditional metal braces.

Luckily, the AlignerMeter! the app can help you decide if Invisalign is right for you. This iTunes app can evaluate your smile to determine if Invisalign can straighten your teeth and give you more confidence. Take this first step before scheduling an appointment with a dentist in St. Louis to talk about Invisalign!

Your St. Louis dentist can help you get the dental care you need without traditional surgery thanks to laser dentistry! This technique utilizes the innovative power of lasers to provide patients with treatments that improve dental health, appearance, and much more. Discover the basics of laser dentistry with this guide:

How Did it Start?

Laser dentistry is becoming more common in dental clinics across the country. This technique first gained momentum in the United States in the early 1990s, when it was approved for use by the country’s Food and Drug Administration. In 1996, the FDA approved laser use on the teeth, jawbone, and other hard tissue areas in and around the mouth. Since then, dentists have used lasers to provide a variety of treatments and services to patients.

What Procedures are Available?

You might be able to choose laser dentistry for your next dental procedure, depending on the nature of the issue as well as the severity. Laser dentistry is commonly used for procedures such as tissue biopsy, tumor removal, and soft tissue reshaping. Many dentists can also use lasers to detect cavities, prepare fillings, lengthen crowns, and even whiten teeth.

What are the Benefits?

Laser techniques have provided many benefits to many medical fields and their patients. Laser dentistry is no exception! This technique can reduce or eliminate the need for anesthesia and stitches. It can also minimize bleeding, bacterial infections, and damage to the surrounding tissue and often results in faster healing time.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Many patients can benefit from laser dentistry as it works for many different types of dental procedures. This option can be highly beneficial for patients with dental anxiety who fear undergoing traditional dental surgery and treatments. If you think you can benefit from laser dentistry, talk to your dentist about your options. Your dentist can answer any questions you have and help you have the best experience possible!

Dentures are unstable and uncomfortable. Dental implants provide the perfect alternative! If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can provide a permanent replacement that looks and feels natural. Your St. Louis periodontist can help you learn more about the advantages of choosing dental implants, including being able to eat whatever you want and feel more comfortable while speaking.

If you choose to get dental implants, it is important to learn how to properly care for them. Your implants will look and feel just like natural teeth and it is important to take care of them the same way you take care of your natural teeth. This means regular brushing and flossing to reduce infection or inflammation risk around the implant site. It is also important to visit your periodontist regularly to make sure your dental implants are in good shape and your dental health routine is working properly! These tips can help you take care of your dental implants to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.

Children should visit their St. Louis dentists regularly to ensure good oral health. Regular visits are important for inspecting teeth and gums and help families learn the best way to care for teeth, including the latest facts and research. Check out this research about juice and cavities in kids:

How Sugary Drinks Affect Teeth

We have all heard that sugary drinks are bad for your teeth. For the most part, that statement seems to be true. Artificial sugar is a main ingredient in many beverages that are popular with children in the United States. Many children are guzzling down soda, energy drinks, and artificially-enhanced fruit juices at meal times and even in between. Unfortunately, these sugary drinks contain acids that soften and weaken tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay that causes cavities and more if left untreated.

How 100% Fruit Juice Affects Teeth

A lot of fruit juice you see on grocery store shelves contains added sugar and other ingredients that make it unhealthy and especially bad for dental health. But recent studies show that 100% fruit juice without any additives or extra sugar does not have the same effect on dental health. Children who drink 100% fruit juice are no more likely to develop cavities than those who do not drink this tasty beverage. That means 100% fruit juice can be a healthy snack that provides children with vitamins and nutrients without harming tooth enamel.

What Children Should Drink

New research makes it clear that 100% fruit juice is a healthy choice for all members of the family, including children. But just like with any other food or drink, it is important to enjoy juice in moderation. Dark fruit juices can stain the teeth, especially if sipped slowly or for over a long period of time. Encourage children to consume plenty of water throughout the day to wash away residue and reduce the risk of staining the teeth. If you do happen to stain your teeth with fruit juice, you can always ask your dentist about teeth whitening in the future!

Missing teeth are a major oral health concern. When you lose a tooth, the gum tissue in that area becomes more vulnerable to infection and injury, and the remaining healthy teeth may shift, causing a chain reaction of dental health issues that can include further tooth loss. Your dentist can address missing teeth using dentures or same-day dental implants, but what can you do to prevent tooth loss in the first place? Talk to your dentist in St. Louis about your risk, and consider these common causes of tooth loss.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease —or gum disease—is the most common cause of tooth loss. It occurs when bacteria from plaque along the gum line, triggering inflammation and infection. In its early stages, gum disease causes bleeding and tenderness, but when left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Even if a periodontal disease doesn’t cause your teeth to fall out, your dentist may determine that they have been damaged beyond repair and that they need to be extracted. Periodontal disease is treatable, but it’s far easier to manage in its early stages, so see your dentist right away if you experience symptoms.

Injury

Sometimes, tooth loss occurs very suddenly as the result of an injury. While you can’t completely prevent injury to your teeth, you can lessen your risk by wearing a mouthguard when you play contact sports. After a blow to the mouth, an injury that could lead to tooth loss may not be immediately apparent. Sometimes, a root fracture can occur without any signs or symptoms, and then only become a problem years later when an infection settles in. Let your dentist know if you have recently suffered a mouth injury so he or she can check for hidden damage.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can be relatively easy to treat with a filling if you see your dentist as soon as symptoms appear. However, when tooth decay isn’t treated, the associated cavity can become so large that tooth extraction is the only solution. Decay can also cause infections in the jaw that may weaken the bone and result in tooth loss.