Author: mystldentist-WP-Team

Missing teeth will leave unsightly gaps, which can taint any smile. A series of negative effects can cascade because of missing teeth. You will have to deal with poor dental aesthetics, pronunciation issues, trouble chewing, jawbone deterioration and much more. We offer dental bridges in Sunset Hills to replace missing teeth.

No longer should you brood over missing teeth when you can replace them. Dental technology has evolved so much that you can enjoy your smile even after losing teeth. Also, through the advancement of dental technology, our dentist in Sunset Hills, MO, can use several types of tooth bridges to replace missing teeth.

Bridges are a fantastic choice, especially if you don’t fancy partial removable dentures.

So, What Are Dental Bridges, and How Do They Work?

A dental bridge derives its name from its purpose. In other words, the dental prosthetic is designed to “bridge” the gap left when you lose a tooth. Our dentist recommends dental bridges since they correct functional and aesthetic issues.

So, for the bridge to enable you to chew, it consists of two main parts, a false tooth (pontics) and crowns. A typical crown will have two crowns attached to the false tooth. The false tooth is usually at the center, while the crowns are attached to each side of the false tooth.

The two crowns are necessary since they hold the false tooth in place. But for the dental bridge to function fully, a third component is required: your natural teeth. You will need two healthy teeth that are adjacent to the gap created by the missing tooth. The two teeth adjacent to the gap are referred to as abutment teeth.

These teeth are crucial since they are the ones to which the dental crowns on the bridge are bonded, thus securing the dental bridge. So, once the dental bridge is in place, the false tooth will cover the gap, whereas the two crowns will be anchored on the abutment teeth, one on each side.

The only downside is that your natural teeth (the two abutment teeth) must be prepped to create space for the dental crowns. Therefore, you have to be okay with our dentist filing down these two teeth, meaning some of the enamel will be removed, rendering the procedure irreversible.

Since dental bridges have evolved over the years, there are several options that you can choose from depending on your needs and preferences, such as:

• Traditional Bridges

This is the typical dental bridge with one false tooth and two dental crowns on either side of the pontic. If you opt for this type of dental bridge, you must have strong and healthy abutment teeth. They are the best option when you need to replace back teeth.

• Cantilever Bridges

The cantilever bridge is not so different from traditional bridges. But there is one difference between the two. Cantilever bridges only have one crown attached to the pontic (false tooth) as compared to two, which is characteristic of traditional bridges.

• Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges are quite different from the other bridges. They are a good alternative to traditional and cantilever bridges. The main feature that separates the Maryland bridges from the other two is that the false tooth is attached to a porcelain or metal framework. It eliminates the need for tooth crowns, which are used to hold the pontic in place.

The metal or porcelain framework will be used to attach the pontic to the adjacent teeth. So, there’s no need to prep the adjacent teeth.

How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?

The lifespan of dental bridges near you depends on how you care for them daily. You must brush and floss your pearly whites without failure each day. Also, you must look out for other oral habits that might affect them, such as bruxism and chewing hard objects like ice.

However, you can expect the average lifespan of dental bridges to range between five and seven years. With proper care, dental bridges can last more than a decade.

Why Do I Need a Dental Bridge?

You might be wondering if there’s any good reason for you to get dental bridges. Check out the following:

• Dental bridges can restore your smile, which will boost your self-confidence
• They can last for a long time if cared for properly
• They will help improve pronunciation
• They are a permanent tooth replacement option
• You will get to enjoy your meals since chewing will be restored
• They stop teeth adjacent to the gap from shifting

The Bottom Line

Dental bridges are a worthy investment since you cannot put a price on a beautiful and functional smile. So, contact us at My STL Dentist to schedule an appointment if you have a missing tooth or teeth.

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped oral devices that restore natural teeth. They often feature tooth-colored materials like porcelain but can also feature gold. They improve teeth by replacing the entire exterior of a tooth, usually the enamel. To receive a dental crown, a dentist must thoroughly prepare your tooth, a procedure that can be invasive.

How Is My Tooth Prepared for A Dental Crown?

Tooth preparation is crucial before receiving dental crowns near you. The dentist begins by numbing your mouth with local anesthesia to heighten your comfort during the treatment. Afterward, the dentist will use a dental drill or laser to prepare your tooth. Preparation entails trimming or shaving your tooth enamel. The goal is to remove as much enamel as necessary to create space for a dental crown. Since porcelain dental crowns take significant space, you will part with a substantial amount of your enamel during preparation. For this particular reason, dental crowns in Sunset Hills are irreversible treatments.

Why Would You Need a Crown?

The nature of the treatment can make you second-guess your decision to get dental crowns at My STL Dentist. However, you will need a crown for any of the following conditions:

1. A dental implant – dentists in Sunset Hills place dental crowns over implants to complete the treatment. The dental implant then becomes the root, while the crown becomes the enamel of the tooth.
2. Protecting a weak tooth – if you have weak teeth due to enamel thinning, wearing down, or other factors, a dentist may prescribe a dental crown. The crown will protect the tooth from cracking, breaking, and possible dental decay. A dentist will also place a dental crown over a tooth that is already broken, cracked, or worn down.
3. After a root canal procedure – it is an endodontic treatment to treat the insides of a damaged tooth. Ideally, not all patients need a dental crown after a root canal. Instead, dentists recommend it if your natural tooth needs extra reinforcement to maintain its structural integrity.
4. Holding a dental filling in place – the role of an oral filling is to seal a tooth, protecting it from further bacterial infection. When you receive a sizeable dental filling, it can compromise the strength and compactness of your natural tooth. A dental crown holds the filling in place while strengthening the natural tooth.
5. Completing a dental bridge – a traditional tooth bridge features an artificial replacement tooth and two dental crowns. The dental crowns help support the false tooth in the mouth, anchoring it to the adjacent teeth.

Are Dental Crowns a Worthy Investment?

Given the versatility of a dental crown in restoring damaged teeth, any dental expert would gladly recommend it to their patients. However, in case you need more proof that dental crowns are worthwhile for your smile, consider the following benefits:

1. They fit like a glove – all dental crowns are customized to fit your tooth. After the dentist prepares your natural tooth, (s)he takes its impressions to use in creating a perfectly fitting dental crown. The process usually takes about two weeks. Meanwhile, your dentist will protect your prepared tooth with a temporary dental crown until your permanent one is ready.
2. They save natural teeth – dental crowns provide an alternative treatment for saving natural teeth, instead of tooth extraction.
3. They complement other restorative treatments – including, crowning a dental implant, supporting a large tooth filling, and completing a bridgework for tooth replacement.
4. They improve aesthetics – porcelain crowns match natural teeth. Therefore, dentists can use them to improve teeth’ color, shape, and size, usually as an alternative to dental veneers and composite bonding in cosmetic dentistry.
5. They are long-lasting – a typical dental crown can last between 10 and 15 years. The material of the crown impacts its longevity. Further, the better care you accord your dental crowns after treatment, the longer they last.

Tips to Make Dental Crowns Last Longer

Dental crowns can last long if you care for your mouth well after treatment. Some tips include:

1. Brush and floss your teeth daily
2. Do not skip dental appointments for checkups and cleanings
3. Avoid hard and crunchy foods that risk breaking your dental crowns.
4. Avoid sticky and chewy foods that easily stick on to the crowns
5. Abandon poor oral habits like fingernail biting

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to save or preserve the natural tooth. Due to the state of the technology, root canals are now comfortable and have a shorter recovery time. The root canal procedure focuses on cleaning or only removing the infected part of the tooth. The process can be done by your dentist or an endodontist near you. One can only be sure they need a root canal by visiting a dentist.

What are the signs that you need a root canal?

Have you been experiencing constant toothache caused by an infection or decay? Then you may need a root canal. However, tooth pain isn’t the only sign of a root canal. The following are several major signs that you may have a serious infection that requires treatment.

Persistent Pain

Pain is a major sign that you may require root canal treatment. You may experience toothache all day, or the pain may come and go away from time to time. The pain may be felt deep into the tooth bone or your jaw, face, or other teeth. Due to the pain, you may have trouble doing normal activities such as eating or drinking. Visit your dentist as soon as possible if you experience the above.

Tooth Discoloration

Having a pulp infection can cause your teeth to discolour. Also, discoloured teeth can result from poor hygiene, frequent intake of high-pigmented drinks and foods, or internal tissue damage in the tooth root. Your tooth pulp can also die due to inadequate blood supply signalling a need for root canal treatment.

Tooth Sensitivity

Does your tooth hurt when you put pressure on it? Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity that lasts for weeks and months without improvement? Then you may be up for a root canal treatment. Tooth sensitivity is a sharp or dull ache when you drink a warm cup of coffee, food, or an icy-cold glass of tea or water. Generally, prolonged tooth sensitivity is because of a damaged root that can’t heal itself. Get rid of the pain or sensitivity by seeking root canal treatment in Sunset Hills, MO.

Swollen Gums

If you have swollen gum tissues near an achy tooth, this could be a sign you need a root canal treatment. The affected gum tissue may be tender or painful when touched. Additionally, you may have a pimple on the gum, known as an abscess or gum boil. The pimple may ooze pus from the infected part of the tooth. And because of this, you will experience an unpleasant saliva taste or bad breath.

Deep Tooth Decay

Once your teeth have decayed, no amount of mouthwash rinsing, flossing, or brushing can reverse it. Instead, a neglected toot cavity spreads down into the root nerve. In this scenario, only a root canal treatment can solve this. This is why it’s important to have regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene.

How should I prepare for root canal treatment?

One needs to be prepared for root canal treatment to minimize pain and have a successful procedure. Here are steps to alleviate your anxiety or fear of root canals.

Inquire

Before the appointment, have an in-depth conversation with your dentist about the procedure. Understanding the process can ease tension and anxiety if you know what to expect. At My STL Dentist, our team is always ready to address your concerns.

Eat Before the Procedure

The dentist will use anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. Anesthesia may take hours before wearing off completely, and the numbness will make eating difficult. Therefore, take your meal 2 hours or more before the appointment.

Rest

Before the appointment, get a full night’s sleep to ensure your body will be in its top form during the procedure. Our bodies do most of their repairs while asleep. Get enough rest or sleep after the procedure.

Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol 24 Hours Before

Ingredients in tobacco products can change our blood flow and cause bleeding issues after the procedure. Smoking can also slow down our recovery. Additionally, alcohol affects how our blood forms clots, dry our mouths and increases our heartbeats.

Take Prescribed Painkillers

The dentist may advise you to take painkillers before your procedure. Painkillers will help with reducing inflammation and pain management.

Having a root canal isn’t an ordeal anymore. They can preserve your damaged tooth for years. For more information, contact our dentist in Sunset Hills.

Damage and tooth decay can jeopardize the strength of your teeth. When you feel your tooth is shaky after an injury or brushing, it is best to visit the dentist in Sunset Hills. The dentist will perform a dental exam and will recommend a tooth crown.

A tooth crown provides anchorage for your damaged tooth, preventing tooth removal. However, how long do these dental appliances last, and is getting them fixed painful? Keep on reading to find the answers to these questions.

Is Dental Crown Painful?

To answer this question, we have to look at the procedure of getting a dental crown.

First, the dentist will prepare the tooth to ensure the crown fits well. If your tooth is decayed, the decayed matter will be removed. On the other hand, if your tooth is damaged, the damaged part will be removed, and the tooth cleaned.

Cleaning the tooth is essential in ensuring there is no spread of bacteria or infection to other healthy parts of your teeth. First, thorough cleaning is done, and the dentist disinfects the affected area.

Next, the dentist will fill any cracks or chips using gutta-percha. The good news is that gutta-percha, a dental material is safe for the soft tissues in your mouth. Moreover, the material eliminates the potential of new infections by keeping bacteria at bay.

The dentist will then smoothen the surfaces of your tooth to ensure the crown sits nicely on the surface. Tooth reshaping is also done to ensure the crown fits well on your tooth.

Tooth impressions of your tooth are taken and taken to the lab for making the dental crown. Before the permanent crown is made, the dentist will fix a temporary crown on the prepared tooth.

Once the permanent crown is ready, you will have to go for a second appointment with the dentist who fixes dental crowns in Sunset Hills. So the waiting period might be around a few weeks before the crown is made.

During the second appointment, the dentist will examine the fit, look at your bite and ensure the dental crown matches well with the color of your natural teeth. Once satisfied, the dentist will numb the area and cement the tooth crown.

So, a dental crown procedure is painless. However, you might feel some discomfort after the procedure, but it should clear in a week.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

The dentist who fixes dental crowns near you will provide you with some tips after installing the crown. If you follow them, the tooth crown will last for about 15 years. For others, a dental crown can last between 25-30 years.

So, how can you extend the lifespan of your crown:

• First, you should practice proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice and flossing once daily. During brushing, you should take proper care of where the crown is and the gum line. You should brush this region well but don’t use excessive force.
• Moreover, stay away from eating hard foods. These hard foods include hard candy and ice. On top of that, you should also avoid using your teeth to open bottle tops. Doing this can lead to dislodging the crown.
• It is also essential to avoid grinding and clenching your teeth. Using this kind of force can cause cracks and chips. If you have teeth grinding problems, you should consult with your dentist so that they can make a mouth guard fitted for your teeth. The custom-made crown will protect your natural teeth from wearing down and also the crown.
• Finally, you should schedule regular dental appointments with My STL dentist. It is essential to schedule regular appointments as the dentist can thoroughly clean your teeth and look at the condition of your tooth crown.

Are There Any Complications with Dental Crowns?

There are a few complications that you might face after dental crown installation. First, you might experience sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and beverages.

In addition, some patients might experience allergic reactions to certain tooth crown materials. Therefore, alert your dentist about any allergies you might have and share your dental history.

Finally, if there are any spaces around the crown, bacteria can penetrate the spaces, leading to decay. The gum tissues around the crown can also get irritated, leading to gingivitis.

Are you encountering the problem of bruxism and wondering how you can overcome the habit? You can continue pondering the issue but will only find a solution once you visit your dentist to determine why you are grinding and clenching your teeth.

Bruxism causes you to grind your teeth and clench your jaw to cause injuries in your mouth, leaving you with chipped and damaged teeth or broken restorations. You could indulge in the habit when sleeping at night or even awake during the day. However, whenever you do it, the problem leaves you feeling stressed, making it essential to seek a remedy the problem from the dentist in Sunset Hills, MO, to overcome the problem and prevent damage to your teeth besides other issues.

When you visit the sunset hills, dentist expect the professional to examine your teeth to ascertain the severity of bruxism before suggesting that you wear a customized night guard for relief from the issue. Looking at the dental appliance can make you wonder why you didn’t think about it earlier because night guards are similar to mouth guards in sports goods stores and drugstores. However, you will likely express surprise with the information that while over-the-counter mouthguards help protect teeth against minimal damage when playing sports, they are not appropriate for bruxism and do not benefit your health, similar to customized night guards. The mention of health benefits from night guards can make you wonder how your health benefits from wearing a straightforward mouthguard over your teeth to stop teeth grinding. Please continue reading about the health benefits of night guards created for bruxism and benefit of wearing them when sleeping to improve your quality of life.

What Are Night Guards?

Night guards are dental appliances created by dentist 63127 after taking impressions of your mouth to fabricate them from hard or soft acrylic fitting over your upper and lower teeth aiming solely to keep your teeth separated to prevent contact between them when grinding your teeth at night.

Night guards help protect your teeth from damage from teeth grinding, resulting in several problems needing expensive restorations from dentists and causing you to have uneven teeth or dental infections. However, if you decide to invest in a customized night guard, you help prevent damage to your teeth besides gaining from the benefits night guards offer to your general health.

How Are Night Guards Applied?

After providing impressions of your mouth and teeth to the sunset hills dentist, you receive night guards in Sunset Hills, MO, in approximately a week when the dentist instructs how to wear them when sleeping for protection from the teeth grinding. You must follow the dentist’s instructions stringently to make your investment worth the effort. Besides, the above night guards don’t require any specific training or guidelines for the application because the process for wearing them is relatively straightforward.

Benefits of Night Guards

• Protects Teeth from Damage: night guards ensure the teeth in your upper, and lower jaw do not contact each other when sleeping, even when you grind your teeth subconsciously. Teeth grinding, although seeming harmless, causes enamel erosion making you vulnerable to sensitive teeth, loss of restorations, and chipping or breaking your teeth. The lack of contact between your teeth by wearing the night guard prevents your teeth from sustaining damage and exposing you to considerable expenditure to restore your teeth.
• Reduction In Jaw Tension and Pain: when grinding your teeth, you might clench your jaw, putting pressure on your temporomandibular joint that causes pain and tension in the jaw and problems like headaches, earaches, et cetera. Wearing night guards helps prevent issues with your jaw joint avoiding the problem of TMJ disorders affecting you.
• Induces Healthy Sleep Patterns: Night guards, while relieving problems from the teeth grinding, also help develop healthy sleep patterns by reducing stress and helping your muscles to relax. The custom-created night guard fits into your mouth to align your jaw tightly, giving you a better night’s sleep.
• Helps Prevent Snoring: Snoring might not bother you, but it will undoubtedly frustrate your partner. In addition, you might not have any control over your snoring, but if you invest in a night guard to prevent teeth grinding, you inadvertently receive a device that helps alleviate snoring by keeping your jaws separated.
• Saves Money: If teeth grinding exposes you to considerable expenditure, investing in a customized mouthguard proves as a money saver because it prevents damage to your teeth while benefiting your general health in several ways. Don’t you think a night guard does much more than merely prevent tooth damage?

If teeth grinding concerns you and causes damage to your teeth, My STL Dentist provides custom-created night guards to help overcome the issue and benefit from wearing the appliance over your teeth when sleeping. Consult with the practice to have a night guard customized for your mouth to take advantage of the benefits discussed in this article.

Many patients require one teeth whitening session, although it may involve a series of bleaching agent applications. For at-home whitening kits, the process may include wearing the whitening trays for several weeks. The best way to determine how many teeth whitening treatments session you will need is by visiting your dentist at 63127 for consultation.

Patients who choose the in-office teeth whitening typically only need one visit per year to keep their teeth white at all times. During each session, the dentist may apply different costs of the bleaching agent depending on the patient’s goals and how severe the stains are. It is not so uncommon for patients to receive three or four coats of bleaching agent. After the treatment, you can keep your smile beautiful and bright by practicing good oral hygiene and limiting the consumption of drinks and foods that may contribute to your teeth’ discoloration and stains.

Every patient has a unique experience with in-office teeth whitening. However, there are certain things you can expect throughout your treatment.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is an effective and the best option for brightening or lightening your teeth’s natural color without removing any of your tooth’s surface. It does not make a complete color change but lightens the existing shade. Teeth whitening can either be done in an office where your dentist uses bleaching agents and a laser to whiten your teeth or at home using over-the-counter teeth whitening kits to whiten your teeth.

There are many different things that may contribute to you wanting your teeth whitened. People are different. Just as our skin color and hair vary, so does our teeth. Very few people have pearly white teeth, and our teeth may be more discolored by some of the fods wit take or because of some risk factors or age.

Your teeth can be stained by drinks like tea, coffee, back currant, and red wine. Smoking can also stain our teeth. Tartar can also affect your teeth’s color. In addition, some people may have staining under the surface of their teeth which can be because of certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in their teeth that may take up stains. Thus, an in-office teeth whitening is important in removing these stains to make your teeth more aesthetically pleasing and to build confidence in social meetings and with your peers.

How is Teeth Whitening Done?

Professional teeth whitening in Sunset Hills, MO, is carried out by a dentist or any other regulated professional like a dental hygienist or a dental therapist with the guidance of a dentist. Some beauty salons also offer teeth whitening, but this is not legal if no dental professional is present and may risk your oral health. There are also home whitening kits that you can buy to whiten your teeth, but they can also carry risks. That is why it is recommended that you consult a dental professional before opting for home whitening kits.

When having your teeth professionally whitened, you will need to make two to three visits to the dental surgery. During these visits, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a mouthguard and tell you how to use it with a bleaching gel. Then, using the mouthguard at home, you can regularly apply the gel for a specified period over a couple of weeks. However, some whitening gels may be left on for up to 8 hours, thus shortening your treatment period.

Laser whitening, also termed power whitening is another type of teeth whitening that your dentist at My STL Dentist can use to whiten your teeth. A bleaching product is pained over your teeth, and the light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. The laser whitening only takes an hour.

Your dentist near you can also use zoom teeth whitening, where they apply a zoom hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth that works together with a zoom light to penetrate your teeth and break up discoloration and stain. The whitening gel remains in place for 15 minutes before the light is activated. You can relax, listen to music or watch tv while waiting. The gel is aped in three fifteen-minute sessions of light activation for a total treatment time of 45 minutes

Misconceptions exist about every therapy discovered by the medical fraternity to benefit people in multiple ways. For example, people receive intensive treatment for diseases like cancer and recover but complain about losing hair when they receive chemotherapy to kill the cancerous cells in their body. In addition, people don’t realize the treatment for cancer and chemotherapy has some side effects, which they must endure to beat a devastating condition that proves fatal when left untreated.

Similarly, when people miss natural teeth due to accidents, injuries, or infections, they discuss replacement solutions with friends and family without researching dental implants or discussing them with the dentist 63127. Unfortunately, people fall prey to common misconceptions about dentists and dental therapies, specifically dental implants, and fear getting them without considering how tooth loss affects their oral and overall health.

This article focuses on the common misconceptions about dental implants that prevent people from receiving this treatment for reasons that are best dumped by the wayside instead considered seriously.

How Are Dental Implants Placed in Your Teeth?

You wouldn’t need dental implants if you had all your teeth and didn’t experience tooth loss. Dental implants are unlike dental crowns that fit over your existing teeth. Instead, the implant is a titanium screw embedded into your edentulous tooth socket after you miss one or several teeth. The titanium screw enables the mounting of an artificial tooth over it after the titanium implant fuses with your jawbone to evolve as part of your body and function like your artificial tooth root. The implant placement requires surgery in your mouth, and the dentist must cut open your gums and drill the jawbone to embed the titanium post deep into the bone.

After insertion of the titanium post into your jawbone, you must wait for the implant to osseointegrate with your body, a process requiring three to six months, depending on your overall health conditions. You receive a natural-looking and functioning porcelain dental crown over the implant only after you have recovered from the initial process.

The Common Myths about the Dental Implant Procedure

There are numerous myths about dental implants, some of which will make you roll on the floor in amusement and wonder why such myths are spread about an excellent treatment that helps replace missing teeth with natural-looking substitutes that function and feel like your real teeth. Let us mention some of the most common myths to help you spend some time in amazement.

• Implant Surgery Causes Pain: No surgical procedure is yet discovered that doesn’t cause some pain and discomfort. Fortunately, the medical fraternity has discovered techniques to numb pain in any part of the body, including the mouth, to perform various surgical procedures. For example, if dental implants in Sunset Hills, MO, require surgery and drilling in the jawbone, the provider ensures your mouth is numbed and you are comfortably relaxed by providing adequate anesthesia for relaxation and pain management. Of course, you can expect pain after the placement, similar to any operation. However, it is a small price to pay for the beautiful replacement teeth you receive after you recover to regain control over your mouth functionality.
• Implants Require Intensive Maintenance: Nothing can be farther than the truth because if you are diligent with your dental hygiene practices, you can comfortably manage dental implants with minimal maintenance like brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing them once, and getting six monthly exams and cleanings to ensure plaque removal which constantly forms on your teeth. In addition, when you have dental implants for missing teeth, you cannot allow dental plaque to harden into tartar in your mouth which it undoubtedly does if left on your teeth and below the gum line without professional removal from your dentist. Besides the above, when you care for your replacement teeth as recommended by your dentist, you can expect the artificial dental prosthetic to remain with you for life.
• Dental Implants Are Noticeable: In stark contrast, implanted teeth remain indistinguishable from your natural teeth after you receive the porcelain dental crown over the titanium implant from the dentist near you. In reality, no one will ever notice that you have replaced your natural teeth with implants, and the dental prosthetics over them might compliment you on the beautiful smile you achieved with dental implants in your jaw.

The misconceptions about dental implants are numerous and could possibly create an encyclopedia of them if you rely on the misinformation spread by non-dental professionals. Therefore if you want replacements for your lost teeth, you find it beneficial to schedule an appointment with My STL Dentist, an experienced provider of dental implants, to discuss your needs and get the replacement teeth you need from them as soon as possible.

Tooth loss due to decay, dental trauma, or gum disease is quite common. However, it is necessary to have a dentist near you replace the missing tooth or teeth. This is because tooth loss leads to misalignment and bite imbalance when other teeth shift into the gap.

It also results in jawbone re-absorption, which causes facial muscles to sink. This causes the person to look older. Missing teeth should be replaced as they interfere with the chewing function. They also make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene. Replacing teeth with dental implants in Sunset Hills, MO, will improve your life.

What Are Dental Implants?

They are a comfortable, natural-looking, long-lasting solution for restoring missing teeth. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made from titanium. They also consist of individually customized artificial teeth attached to the titanium posts. These dental restorations mimic the entire natural tooth structure.

The dentist in 63127 recommends dental implants because they keep the jawbone healthy and look natural. The expert also prefers them because they can restore a single tooth or multiple teeth. This is because the implants can support a crown, bridgework, or dentures.

What Is the Process of Dental Implants?

Getting dental implants requires multiple appointments with the implant dentist near you. Most patients require three appointments when getting implants. These are for consultation, placing the implant, and attaching the artificial teeth. However, more visits are necessary if the need a dental extraction or bone grafting. Generally, the process has the following steps:

1. Consultation

It is the first step of the dental implant process. Here, the dentist performs a comprehensive examination. This involves taking x-rays and reviewing dental and overall health. The dentist will then discuss the options available and develop a treatment plan.

Next, this dental expert will schedule the implant surgery appointment. If you need a dental extraction or bone grafting, they may be performed earlier or on the same day as implant placement. Your dentist will decide which time is best based on individual dental health.

2. Preparation

You will then prepare for the surgery as per the dentist’s instructions. For example, if you need IV sedation for the procedure, you should not eat a few hours before surgery. You should also arrange for transportation back home and a few hours of home care.

In addition, the dentist in 63127 may prescribe antibiotics for you to take a few days before surgery. They prevent infection, which results in early implant failures. The expert may also ask you to make lifestyle changes like not smoking and taking alcohol. This will ensure that you recover fast and without complications.

3. Implant placement

The next stage varies depending on whether you get same-day or conventional implants. Same-day implants involve fixing the implants and attaching temporary teeth in one appointment. You leave with a full smile but will visit the dentist a few months later for permanent false teeth. Find out from your dentist if you can have these implants.

The convectional implant procedure takes place over several months apart with several appointments. It begins with administering a sedative and anesthesia. These ensure that you do not feel pain or discomfort. Next, the dentist will make an incision into the gum below the missing tooth’s socket and place the post.

They will then close the gums to allow the post to fuse with the jawbone and to support crowns or dentures. It takes about six months for the post to combine with the gum. You will be given instructions to facilitate faster healing and eliminate complications.

Once the dentist ensures the implant is secure, they will fix a connecting device onto the implant named an abutment. Next, they will give your gums time to heal and grow over the abutment. They will then create customized teeth replacements. The final step of dental implants in Sunset Hills, MO, is attaching the crown or dentures to the abutment.

Do you want to replace your missing tooth or teeth using dental implants? Then contact our dental implant experts at My STL Dentist. We offer single-tooth dental implants, full-arch dental implants, and implant-supported dentures. Schedule an initial consultation to determine what type of implants you need. Start the journey to a permanent perfect smile with us.

The problem of snoring is significantly affecting nearly 40 percent of Americans, although people don’t like to admit they snore when they sleep. If you are affected by the problem of snoring, you might not consider it harmful to your health, but the habit is annoying to your bed partner or roommate.

Snoring can disrupt your sleep pattern and result in many health problems. In addition, it might indicate medical issues that can cause risks to ongoing health, wellness, and longevity. It is why you must seek snoring solutions, such as a snoring guard, a practical option against snoring.

You can also find relief from snoring by altering your lifestyle with modifications like quitting smoking, losing weight, and reducing the consumption of alcohol. The lifestyle changes can help address and minimize snoring. Fortunately, appropriate snore guards near sunset hills, MO, can make a significant difference and transform your quality of sleep and overall health.

What Are Snore Guards and How Do They Work?

Snow guards are anti-snoring devices that you must wear in your mouth when you sleep at night. Snoring generally occurs when you sleep on your back and happens when the neck muscles relax or your tongue collapses during sleep to restrict the airflow by narrowing your airway. The narrowing of the airway results in the familiar sound of snoring.

Although many people snore, the problem is not considered a regular occurrence. On the contrary, it represents an issue like a sleep-related disorder when sleeping.

Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are a variety of effective snore guards and a therapy to stop snoring. The device works by pulling the lower jaw forward to modify the position and behavior of the tongue-based muscles and the lower jaw tissues by limiting their relaxation at the back of the throat. The device helps clear the airways to eliminate snoring whenever you wear the device when sleeping. It results in getting a good night’s rest for yourself and your bed partner.

Problems Associated with Low-Cost Snore Guards

Not all snore guards are created equal like the device provided by the dentist in sunset hills, MO. You can find a host of products on the market claiming they are effective devices to prevent snoring. Unfortunately, the cheaper options do not deliver on their promises and might also put at risk your health and well-being.

The problems associated with low-cost snore guards include substandard materials used for the manufacture instead of medical grade silicone, not authentic MADs but might be suitable for bruxism, no function for micro-adjustment, and might cause damage to the oral tissues and teeth.

Why Consider Quality Snore Guards?

High-quality snore guards customized by the sunset hills dentist are designed to fit the contours of your mouth and fabricated explicitly for you. The snore guard is a class I medical device scientifically designed to help alleviate snoring. The device is also adjustable and functions to reposition your lower jaw when sleeping. The adjustment enables open your airways and allows mouth breathing when you sleep. Most importantly, the snore guard will not damage your teeth or the delicate tissues of your mouth to cause additional damage.

Snore Guards Are Effective against Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea

The problem of snoring is associated with a sleep-related disorder affecting many Americans and causing them to snore and disrupting their quality of sleep. The issue also makes people tired and irritable during the day and affects their performance at work because it doesn’t allow them to operate vehicles or machinery.

Medical professionals treat sleep apnea by conducting sleep tests on patients and recommending the CPAP device to help open their airways. Unfortunately, the CPAP device is bulky and not tolerated by most people.

Dentists are pioneers of snore guards and work with sleep medicine specialists when you approach them with your snoring problem. Instead of suggesting the snore guard, the dentist requests you have a polysomnography test to confirm whether you are affected by severe sleep apnea. If your situation is mild to moderate, the professional suggests a customized snore guard fabricated explicitly for you to help alleviate the snoring. The devices are more affordable than the CPAP machine and are beneficial for adults over 18 while providing a perfect fit for everyone.

If you are fortunate to receive a customized snore guard from the dentist, you can overcome your problem with snoring after you get accustomed to wearing the device at night when you sleep.

If the problem of snoring concerns you, My STL Dentist provides snore guards to help alleviate your problem. Please do not hesitate to contact the dentist for a snoring mouthguard and find relief from this severe health problem.

Toothaches are usually infuriating, at times, persistent. Sleepless nights are almost inevitable, especially if you have stabbing or throbbing pain. In most cases, the leading cause of toothaches is tooth decay that has reached the roots. The tooth might be the sturdiest substance in your body, but they are not indestructible. Just ignore them long enough, and they become structurally compromised, exposing the inner parts of the tooth.

But there’s no need to let cavities cause sleepless nights when our dentist in Sunset Hills offers root canal treatment near you that can salvage your decayed tooth.

For some people, the thought of undergoing root canal treatment near you puts the fear of God inside them, but with the kind of technology we have today, there’s no need to panic. Fear comes about because there is limited information concerning a particular subject, so let’s understand what root canal therapy is all about.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

The chief goal for our dentist in Sunset Hills is to save your natural teeth at all costs. But first, our dentist will consider the probability of saving your affected tooth by performing a root canal. Root canal therapy is done to save an infected tooth. To better understand the root canal treatment, you will need to explore the different parts of the tooth.

Your tooth has a crown, the top and visible part of your tooth, and the root under the gum and extends into your jaw bone. The crown is covered by a very sturdy substance known as enamel. The enamel keeps all the inner parts of the teeth safe.

Beneath the enamel are the dentin and the dental pulp at the tooth’s core. The dental pulp houses the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It is the part that is “alive” in your teeth since these structures are necessary for the nourishment and growth of your teeth.

Under normal circumstances, the pulp is safely tucked under the enamel. But if you have a cavity (hole) in the enamel, the pulp will be exposed. When the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue are exposed, they become inflamed and eventually infected. Bacteria will continue to destroy the nerves, and an abscess will form, which can cause a lot of pain.

The infection occurs in the root canal, hence the name. The purpose of the procedure is to remove the infected pulp, clean the chamber, fill it and seal it, to reduce the chances of reinfection.

How Does Our Dentist Perform a Root Canal?

Our dentist will take x-rays to check the state of your root. The x-ray will help determine whether the root canal treatment is the right treatment. If it is, then our dentist will do the following:

• Administer local anesthesia. Administering local anesthesia is necessary since the area should be numb to ensure that you are not in pain during the procedure. You will also relax.
• Place a dental dam. A small rubber known as a dental dam is essential during a root canal since it isolates the affected tooth and keeps it dry throughout the procedure.
• Gain access. Our dentist near you will make a small opening in the crown to access the pulp
• Remove the pulp. Our dentist will use small dental instruments to remove the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues inside the root canal.
• Shape the root canal. Once the infected pulp is removed, our dentist will shape the root canal, clean it, and disinfect it
• Fill the canals. Your tooth cannot stay hollow, so our dentist will use a rubber material known as gutta-percha to fill the canal.
• Seal the tooth. Our dentist will seal the tooth using a temporary dental filling while you wait for the permanent restoration
• Place the final restoration. Crowns are usually the preferred restoration since they strengthen teeth.

How Long Does Root Canal Therapy Take?

How long the root canal procedure takes will depend on the amount of infection in your tooth. Therefore, it can take one or two appointments. The procedure is not long since it takes about half an hour to one hour to complete. If the tooth has multiple roots, it might take one and a half hours to complete.

Is It Painful to Get a Root Canal?

First, the procedure is usually performed when the area is under local anesthesia to ensure that the tooth is numb. So you will not be in pain. Second, the infection is the source of the pain, so once our dentist removes the infected pulp, the pain will be alleviated.

Now that you know more about root canals, are you willing to undergo the procedure? You can contact us at My STL Dentist to schedule an appointment.