I'm afraid to go to the dentist, but I know I should. What can I do?
Don't put it off any longer. Make a call to our friendly staff and discuss your concerns with us. By developing a relationship with us, you are also involving yourself with your treatment plan. We can discuss options to help you control and decide your own treatment and techniques to help you relax and feel more comfortable during your visit.
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Are you accepting new patients?
Absolutely! We will always accept new patients and look forward to exceeding your expectations with our dental care.
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Do you accept referrals?
Your referral is the highest compliment that you can give our practice. We welcome your referrals and will always strive to accommodate the needs of your friends and family. Click here to Refer-A-Friend.
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Do you accept my insurance plan?
If you belong to a traditional insurance plan (sometimes called an indemnity plan) we can assist you by filing your insurance claim. Traditional dental insurance is typically one in which you can choose any dentist you desire. If you are not sure what type of plan you have, we will be happy to call for you and explain your benefits to the best of our ability. For more information about payment and insurance, please refer to Finance Options.
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What is a "fee for service" dentist?
A fee-for-service dentist is a dentist paid directly by the patient for services provided, based on the dentist's cost to provide them. Treatment options and materials as well as the time the doctor spends with you is not controlled by an insurance group, company or third party.
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What if I need to cancel an appointment?
Last minute cancellations deny other patients the benefit of treatment they need. Once an appointment has been reserved for you, we ask that a minimum of 24 hours notice be given if you are unable to keep the appointment. This courtesy on your part will make it possible for us to schedule another patient waiting for treatment. Please note that there may be a fee of $50 for broken appointments without the minimum requested notice being given.
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I'm a new patient and know there are probably forms to be filled out. Can I do it in advance?
Sure. We have our new patient forms set up so you can simply click on the one you need, print it and complete it at home. Don't forget to bring it with you for your first visit!
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What can I anticipate happening during my initial visit?
During your first visit, our goal is to get to know you, clearly understand your dental health condition, and determine the best plan for any required treatments. So we'll spend time asking you questions and listening carefully to your answers. We'll also do a detailed charting of the health status of your teeth, gums, and related structures, and take any necessary x-rays. Please allow 90 minutes for this initial appointment.
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What makes you different than any other dental practice I can visit?
We pride ourselves in our integrity. Don't look for any sales pitches here. Our concern is providing what you want or need in dental care, whether that be a new winning smile or the maintenance to prevent treatment in the future. To learn more about the West County Dental Difference, click here.
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How do I know when it's time to come in for a checkup?
Although everyone has different requirements, most of our patients return every 3 to 6 months for a routine checkup. This timeframe varies depending on your particular oral health and needs. For your convenience, we schedule your next appointment well in advance and also provide a reminder prior to your next visit.
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What about my children, at what age do they first see a dentist?
This varies with the child. Age 3 is typically a good age to have them come in with Mom or Dad and sit in the chair. If they will allow us to count their teeth, they will usually cooperate enough to have their first "official" visit. However, we will never suggest doing anything that might create stress in the mind of the child.
Trauma at a young age can carry over to adulthood (as you may well know). If you wish to have your child seen prior to age 3, we may refer you to a pediatric dentist. Just a preventive reminder, never let your child fall asleep with a bottle in his/her mouth containing milk or juice…only water.
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Do I really have to floss every day?
Yep. Actually, you don't HAVE to, but if you want our advice, just get in the habit. You will keep your teeth longer, and it has been shown to increase your life expectancy by over 6 years!
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Is there a way I can ask Dr. Pete questions directly?
During your appointment, feel free to ask the doctor any questions that you may have. If you need extended time for questions, we may suggest you reschedule for an individual consultation so you can have some uninterrupted time. If you wish to speak to Dr. Spalitto via telephone, he is usually unavailable during working hours. Feel free to leave a message, and he will make every effort to contact you that evening. He also gladly receives e-mail messages and responds within 24 hours, sometimes within minutes!
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How does Dr. Spalitto keep up to date on all the current techniques and materials?
Dr. Spalitto is a huge believer in continuing education because he understands that the face of dentistry is changing every day. In addition to reading many clinical journals, he belongs to numerous dental associations including the American Dental Association and the St. Louis chapter of the Seattle Study Club, and is a delegate for the Missouri Dental Association. He regularly attends many continuing education courses which exceeds state and federal educational requirements and puts him in contact with some of the finest minds in dentistry today.
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I've always been nervous about getting x-rays. Are there any dangers? Do you have any way to cut down on the amount of radiation you use on me?
Realistically, x-rays are relatively harmless at the doses that are used in dentistry. However, we understand any concern you may have, and have therefore embraced the newest player in this arena. Digital radiography has come of age, and we are pleased to offer it in our office. It decreases the amount of radiation absorbed by 80-90%, but to be honest, we are more thrilled with the diagnostics it provides. We can blow the image up on our monitor, enhance the resolution, and search for abnormalities with many tools available.
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How can I have whiter teeth?
Your mouth is different from everyone else's, but generally, whitening your teeth at home with our lab-fabricated custom-made whitening trays is effective. You probably have several friends who have done this, so ask around! Another option is through the placement of porcelain veneers. These can also reshape teeth that are misaligned or abnormal in size. If you have specific questions about which technique is best for you, let us know.
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I would like to straighten my teeth but don’t want to wear braces. Do I have any other options?
Yes! Recent advances in orthodontic technology have resulted in a system of clear retainers that can straighten teeth with out braces. In some circumstances veneers are the more suitable option to achieve straight teeth with instant results. For more information about these procedures, call our office at (314) 821-2711 or visit our Services page.
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How can I stop grinding my teeth?
An occlusal appliance, also known as a nightguard, may be prescribed for alleviation of tooth grinding on your dentition and may help decrease strain on your jaw joint (TMJ) and muscles. Tooth grinding (bruxism) and clenching entails forceful contact between the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. This contact can be so intense as to awaken your housemates! During sleep, you may exert up to 10 times your normal chewing forces on your teeth, gums and jaw joint.
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My gums bleed after I brush or floss. What does this mean?
Bleeding gums is usually the first sign of gum disease, also known as periodontitis, which is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Healthy gums are the foundation for your teeth, much like foundation for your house. Healthy gums provide the support needed for your teeth to function as they should. Having unhealthy gums is like having termites in the foundation of your house. To the untrained eye, everything seems fine but progressive and often irreversible damage is being done. Individuals with gum disease often require specialized gum treatment, or periodontal therapy. If your gums are bleeding, you should visit the dentist to find out what is appropriate for you.
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What do I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
Dr. Spalitto will be on call when the office is closed. If you are a patient of record you should call the main office phone number. There will be directions on how to contact him and Dr. Spalitto will return your call as soon as possible.
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