5 GREAT REASONS TO GO TO THE DENTIST!

It's been estimated that half of all Americans don't go to the dentist regularly. If you're one of the 50%, see why you should make regular dental visits a priority.

                                                    Catch Problems While They're Small

If you regularly visit the dentist, your dentist will be able to tell you about smaller problems that you can easily and inexpensively get fixed.   The quicker you get a cavity filled, for example, the longer the filling will last.   If you put off getting a cavity filled while it's small, it could cost significantly more to get it fixed when it needs a root canal and crown a few years down the road.  You won't feel any symptoms with most dental problems until they are advanced.   If you have gum disease, it's important that you get it treated.   However, unless you develop a gum abscess or have gum disease that is at a very advanced stage, you likely won't experience any pain.

Dental Care Has Come a Long Way

If you had a bad experience in the past, let me assure you that dentistry has come a long way.  There have been many recent advancements in the kinds of materials that we can use to fix your teeth. Many modern restorations such as crowns and veneers look completely natural and can give you the kind of smile you've always wanted.

There Are Ways to Alleviate Dental Fear

There are many drugs that you can take before you come to your appointment to make you drowsy so that you will be less anxious during your procedure.  Also, if needles frighten you, we can fill small cavities without any anesthetic.  If you do require an anesthetic, there are very strong topical gels that can be placed on your gums before the injection to make the injection nearly painless. 

Get a Deal!

Many dentists, like us, are running New Patient Specials.   We know once we get a new patient to come in, they will be our patients for life!   We currently have openings for new patients and do give discounts!
 

Financing Options

In some circumstances, we are willing to accept payments for dental work performed rather than requiring the full amount at the time of service.  Please call us for details.

There's No Time Like The Present

If you've made it this far, go ahead and make that appointment!   If you're hesitant to make a dental appointment, feel free to leave a comment below and let us know why.  We're happy to get back to you to address any concerns you might have.

First Impressions are Everything - Save $1000 on Invisalign!

 

SPECIAL OFFER - $1000 SAVINGS

Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible, custom-molded aligners using breakthrough technology that lets you have the smile you've always wanted without the hassle of braces.

By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with fast results. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter positions step-by-step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual. Since Invisalign is practically invisible, there's no unwarranted attention to your mouth. In fact, very few people will notice at all - unless you tell them. They're comfortable to wear and easy to remove when you eat, brush, and floss.

Less Treatment Time

An average Invisalign course of treatment takes about a year. You'll visit our office every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and to check progress. At these visits, you'll receive a new set of clear aligners to continue the straightening process. The total number of clear aligners is specific to you, determined by us for your course of treatment.

So, come on in for your FREE consultation to see if Invisalign is right for you! Call now
314.863.2222 or set up an appointment through our website.

Do You Suffer From Dry Mouth? We CAN Help!

We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and digest food. Saliva also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. When we don't produce enough saliva our mouth gets dry and uncomfortable.  Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for dry mouth.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

There are several causes of dry mouth, also called xerostomia. These include:

• Side effect of certain medications. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription drugs, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators), and Parkinson's disease. Dry mouth can also be a side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives.


• Side effect of certain diseases and infections. Dry mouth can be a side effect of medical conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and mumps.


• Side effect of certain medical treatments. Damage to the salivary glands, the glands that produce saliva, for example, from radiation to the head and neck and chemotherapy treatments for cancer, can reduce the amount of saliva produced.


• Nerve damage. Dry mouth can be a result of nerve damage to the head and neck area from an injury or surgery.


• Dehydration. Conditions that lead to dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns can cause dry mouth.


• Surgical removal of the salivary glands.


• Lifestyle. Smoking or chewing tobacco can affect saliva production and aggravate dry mouth. Continuously breathing with your mouth open can also contribute to the problem.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?

Common symptoms of dry mouth include:

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• Frequent thirst
• Sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth; cracked lips
• A dry feeling in the throat
• A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue
• A dry, red, raw tongue
• Problems speaking or difficulty tasting, chewing, and swallowing
• Hoarseness, dry nasal passages, sore throat
• Bad breath

Why Is Dry Mouth a Problem?

Besides causing the aggravating symptoms mentioned above, dry mouth also increases a person's risk of gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay, and mouth infections, such as thrush.  Dry mouth can also make it difficult to wear dentures.

How Is Dry Mouth Treated?

If you think your dry mouth is caused by certain medication you are taking, talk to your doctor. He or she may adjust the dose you are taking or switch you to a different drug that doesn't cause dry mouth.

In addition, an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture may be prescribed. If that doesn't help a medication that stimulates saliva production, called Salagen, may be prescribed.

Other steps you can take that may help improve saliva flow include:

• Sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum
• Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
• Protecting your teeth by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting your dentist regularly
• Breathing through your nose, not your mouth, as much as possible
• Using a room vaporizer to add moisture to the bedroom air
• Using an over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute such as Biotene (we can provide a sample if you think this may help your situation)