Sedation Dentistry Without Needles

Did you know that about 30 percent of the population avoids going to the dentist because of fear? Does this surprise you or is it all too familiar? If you’re nervous about going to the dentist, the idea of sedation dentistry might appeal to you. Being able to relax during your dental treatment and not remember it afterward may sound like a dream come true! What happens, though, if you’re afraid of needles? Don’t worry!

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In Office Whitening Special

Do you daydream of having a brighter, whiter smile, with no discolored teeth? Maybe you’ve even tried over the counter teeth whitening products without success. You might be aware that there are excellent in-office whiteners that can turn your stained teeth into a beautiful smile, but you might think that they’re too expensive for a splurge. If this sounds like you, you’re in luck! West County Dental is currently offering teeth whitening at a special rate.  This allows more people to take advantage of a cutting edge whitening system that’s getting rave reviews. Better yet, it’s the whitening system awarded Best In-office Teeth Whitening System six years in a row by The Dental Advisor: Sinsational Smile Whitening.

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How to Clean Invisalign

Invisalign is the most popular choice for teens and adults wanting to straighten their teeth quickly, effectively, and discreetly. While you get to skip dodging metal wires and brackets when brushing and flossing your teeth, it’s important to clean your removable Invisalign aligners to prevent discoloration and bacterial growth. Otherwise, your teeth may start to appear yellow, or you could develop bad breath. Follow this guide to keep your Invisalign clean.

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Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Have you heard of laser dentistry? Innovative, minimally invasive laser instruments use highly focused beams of light to alter or remove tissue. Laser dentistry makes numerous dental procedures more efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable than ever.

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Eating Sweets Without the Cavities

If you have a sweet tooth, it may feel impossible to resist your sugar cravings at times. Sugar isn’t just bad for your waistline—it also feeds the bacteria in your mouth. As these bacteria multiply, they produce acids and plaque that eat away at tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.

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Is Invisalign as Effective as Braces?

Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can significantly impact your self-esteem and oral health. You may find yourself covering your mouth when you smile or struggling to chew without pain. By fixing your bite, you can improve your appearance, address existing issues, and prevent unwanted health complications down the road.

Often, the best way to correct a crooked smile is with teeth-straightening braces or Invisalign. If you don’t want to deal with the inconvenience and appearance of traditional metal braces, you may be interested in what Invisalign has to offer. But is Invisalign really as effective as braces? Compare the two here to help you decide if Invisalign could be right for you.

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The Link Between Snoring, Sleep Apnea & Teeth Grinding

What do snoring, sleep apnea, and teeth grinding have in common? They are all mouth-related health problems that occur when you’re asleep. Because you can’t perceive many of the symptoms while sleeping, you may be unaware of the problem. Fortunately, a properly trained dentist can treat snoring, sleep apnea, and teeth grinding by fitting you with the appropriate mouth guard.

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When Should a Child See a Dentist for the First Time

At West County Dental, we see patients of all ages. Many parents ask us when they should first start bringing their children in to see us. The answer is that you should bring your baby in as soon as that first baby tooth appears. Baby teeth usually start coming in (this is called eruption) at around six months. They may not be permanent but they’re important, and they do last for years if kept healthy. And at any age, dental health is a large part of overall health. If a child gets dental disease that is not treated, he or she can suffer serious health problems.

At home, you can protect your child from dental disease with a routine of daily brushing, regular dental visits and good nutrition. Children learn healthy dental habits from their parents, siblings and caregivers.

At your child’s first visit Dr. Spalitto and our team will do several things:

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What to Expect After Getting Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery is often the best way to help people who are missing one or more teeth. There are a variety of implant procedures based on the condition of the patient. Let’s go over these procedures, and what the patient can expect to experience after getting these dental implants.

What is Dental Implant Surgery

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing tooth. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth.

The conventional process can take from three to four months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for three to four months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

Mini Dental Implants

A miniature titanium alloy implant acts like the root of your tooth, and features a retaining fixture incorporated into the base of your denture. The implant fixtures allow for a wide range of micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

Full Mouth Dental Implants

When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution. The treatment procedure and number of visits is dependent on your specific conditions. Since this is the most extensive of these procedures, recovery time will be longer, but after a few weeks you’ll be able to eat and function as if you had your natural teeth.

All on 4 Dental Implants

The All-on-4 treatment replaces your missing teeth with a full dental bridge supported by implants. With less implants needed, treatment time is reduced. This ensures greater stability in the bone, reducing need for bone graft surgery to increase bone volume. Typically, your dentist can place temporary provisional teeth on the same day after treatment. These look and feel much like natural teeth, and you can lead a normal life immediately after surgery. After a few weeks, your dentist will place your final bridge, and you can start enjoying your favorite foods again.

At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!

How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Are you afraid of going to the dentist? Millions of Americans suffer from dental anxiety, causing them to delay important dental appointments and cleanings. This can put their oral health at risk. It doesn’t have to be that way. Sedation dentistry uses modern methods to relax dental patients during their visit to the dentist, giving them relief for their anxiety. At West County Dental, we offer the following options for sedation dentistry:

Oral Conscious Sedation – The Pill Method

This method of sedation is administered by taking a pill prior to arrival at the dentist’s office. It puts the patient in a relaxed state but lets them stay conscious and able to respond. For safety reasons, the patient will need a friend or family member to drive them to and from the appointment.

Nitrous Oxide – The Gas Method

Also referred to as nitrous, laughing gas or NO, nitrous oxide is delivered through a mask over the nose, and the level of nitrous oxide dispensed is carefully controlled by your dentist. Nitrous oxide creates a mild sedative effect that lets the patient relax. As with the pill method, patients remain conscious and able to communicate with their dentist during the entire procedure.

Both of these methods of sedation dentistry are great solutions for anyone who has become paralyzed with fear at the thought of undergoing a dental procedure. Virtually all of our dental care treatments can be performed under some degree of sedation to help put you at ease. If your dental anxiety is caused by embarrassment about the state of your teeth or gums, rest assured, we have seen it all and do not judge. We know all the reasons why a patient’s dental health may be poor, and many are beyond their control. Our mission is to use our compassion and expertise to put you back into a state of dental health with minimal discomfort.

Find out More

If you have any questions at all about sedation dentistry or dental anxiety, give us a call or stop by. At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!