Archive for the ‘Fillings’ Category
« Older EntriesSt. Louis Dental Crowns
Monday, November 15th, 2010
For many people in St. Louis dental crowns are an unfortunate necessity. Their old fillings may have gone bad, or the tooth may have decomposed around the filling. Their tooth may have become so damaged that there’s nothing to do but put a crown on it. At our office in St. Louis dental crowns are as painless and convenient as they come.
Dental crowns can often be finished in the same visit, without any need for follow-up visits. We know how valuable your time is, and we won’t waste it with temporaries or return visits. Our crowns and onlays are custom made for where your damaged tooth is, how much damage there is, and whether or not you clench or grind your teeth.
Another technique we have at our disposal is our “One Visit Crown,” the CEREC dental restoration. This is the ultimate, state of the art crown that uses computer aided design and manufacture. We take a photo of your damaged tooth, process it through a computer, mill a new crown, and put it in. The best part of this procedure for you is that it only takes about an hour altogether.
Tags: crowns, dental procedures, porcelain crown, restorative
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Our St Louis fillings are the best around
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
Photo by br3akthru
The average patient today is more aware, educated and has thoroughly researched the options for possible treatments before they enter the dentist’s office. However, it is always better to develop a treatment plan after a thorough evaluation and discussion with your dentist about the various options available in restorative dentistry.
As patient-driven demands for aesthetic restoration continues, restorative materials and procedures are being constantly introduced. Amalgam fillings were used widely in the past, but because of the leaching of mercury it is now a cause of concern for the effects on a patient’s health.
Our modern St Louis fillings are a far better choice, designed to fill anything from a cervical lesion to a multi-surface posterior restoration. The anterior teeth can be restored with high luster composite resins and are available in different shades and translucencies. These are easier to polish and retain their surface gloss longer. Smoother fillings result in less retention of dental plaque thereby reducing the chances of secondary caries and periodontal disease.
The effectiveness of a dental filling material is dependent on its shelf life and stability but the clinician does his best to provide the best possible treatment. St Louis fillings have been successful in producing an ideal appearance in the restored tooth. The development of cosmetic dentistry has helped dentist in practicing a more conservative approach to dentistry. Our team is always ready to help you in taking a better decision.
Tags: fillings, restorative
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Xylitol- the natural sweetener that prevents tooth decay
Friday, August 20th, 2010Xylitol is a natural sweetener now used in may chewing gums and mints that can drastically reduce tooth decay. In study after study, it has shown an ability to improve oral health. Chewing gum is the best delivery method since it stays in the mouth for a prolonged period of time.
The simple act of chewing xylitol gum for 5 minutes, 5-10 times per day, reaps benefits that can’t be disputed. Xylitol works its magic by starving the decay-causing bacteria and reducing acids that break down enamel.
Who benefits from the use of xylitol? EVERYONE!!!
- Parents of infants (6-24 months in age) who chew gum containing xylitol can reduce the amount of strep bacteria that is passed to their children by as much as 70%. Babies are not born with these bacteria; we give it to them. There is also a benefit of reduced ear and lung infection.
- Children should start chewing xylitol around age 5 for long term benefits and to help avoid early tooth decay.
- College students can use xylitol to reduce decay that can be caused by poor diet and stressful life style.
- Anyone with dry mouth concerns due to medications or medical conditions can benefit by using Biotene dry mouth products or Tom’s of Maine toothpastes containing xylitol
- Nursing home patients, who can chew gum safely, but who have lost the ability to care for their teeth can reduce decay by using xylitol.
Look for xylitol in other foods and snacks . It provides almost magical help in preventing tooth decay.
For more information on xylitol or any dental questions St. Louis Hills Dental Group is located at 6979 Chippewa (one block west of Ted Drewes). We can be reached by phone at 314-644-0440 or leave a message on this website.
Tags: good chewing gum, improve oral health, reduce decay
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The Problem with Mercury Fillings
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
People want to keep their teeth for a lifetime. We have found that one of the major reasons teeth are lost is that they break because they have been weakened by decay and drilling. Each time a mercury filling is replaced, the new filling is larger and more of your tooth is cut away. Many surveys show that the average life of mercury filings is 9 years, so you can expect a filled tooth to be refilled several times, with the replacement filling larger than the previous one. For very small areas of decay we now use micro air abrasion system with tooth colored bonded fillings. For larger areas that need to be rebuilt and strengthened we can use full coverage crowns or bonded onlays to restore the damaged teeth. These two options are much stronger and last longer than large bonded fillings.
Please let us know if you have any questions regarding mercury fillings or any other dental questions. St. Louis Hills Dental Group is located at 6979 Chippewa (one block west of Ted Drewes). We can be reached by phone at 314-644-0440 or our website is www.stlouishillsdental.com.
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