Tooth Colored Fillings

 

When a tooth has decay or has been damaged, a dental restoration is needed to "restore" the tooth to its previous healthy condition. A dental filling is one of the most common and well-known types of restorations. A dental filling is used to repair decayed or damaged tooth surfaces. Most people have a few fillings in their mouth.

If you have old silver amalgam fillings, we can replace them with nearly-invisible tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made out of a strong composite resin. Many of our patients have replaced their old silver fillings with fillings matched to their teeth. You can improve your smile instantly and relatively inexpensively by getting rid of the "silver or metal."

Another reason some of our patients have had their old silver fillings replaced is because they are concerned about the possible heavy metal toxicity of the mercury in the silver.

If you would like to replace your amalgam (silver) fillings, call us at 314-965-3500 to schedule a consultation. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to show you around our dental office and introduce you to our friendly team.

Smile – it increases your face value!

Types of Dental Examinations

This blog is covering the types of dental examinations that we use to aid in appropriate treatment. The first examination is the comprehensive oral evaluation. As the name implies, this is an examination that should involve the entire oral complex. This exam is done most frequently with a patient who is new to our dental practice or who has not been seen by their dentist for a number of years. During this exam, we will review the patients current and past medical history as well as the patients current and past dental history. There is often much to be learned before even looking in the patients mouth. A patients expectations, past dental treatment and anxiety level can all be discussed to aid in making the patient more comfortable and informed. Once we begin to examine the patient we will look at much more than teeth. We will also look at the patients periodontal (gums) health. This is accomplished by measuring the space between the teeth and gums.  Excessive tooth wear or mobility of teeth should also be noted. The comprehensive exam will also include an oral cancer screening and a review of any bite or TMJ (jaw joint) issues. After a visual examination, often a complete set of dental x-rays will be imaged. A complete radiographic series should be accomplished every 3-5 years depending on the patients condition. Occasionally, diagnostic molds (impressions) of the teeth will be taken as well as photographs of the mouth. All of this information will be used to determine the level of health and potential need for treatment.

The next type of exam to is the periodic exam. This is accomplished during the patients recare and follow up visits. A review of the medical and dental histories will be accomplished. Since the patient is known to the practice the depth of the exam is lessened but still involves evaluation of the entire oral cavity. This exam can be done by the dental hygienist or dentist, and commonly both. The need for current x-rays will be evaluated depending on the patients condition. The patient should have the results of the exam discussed, as well as any recommendations for necessary treatment.

The most obvious dental examination is the problem focused, or “emergency” exam. This type of exam would take place when a patient realizes that they have a problem and need to seek dental care. Commonly this would occur with the fracture of a tooth or filling or the occurence of pain or trauma. As you would imagine, a diagnosis will need to be made before treatment is rendered, and arriving at the correct diagnosis can be quite obvious, or it can be quite a challenge. Visual examination, past dental history, and appropriate dental x-rays are all tools to aid in arriving at a correct diagnosis.

Hopefully, this blog will help our patients understand that not all dental exams are the same. Each is critical to optimal dental health for the individuals that we treat.

Digital X-ray Technology

Digital radiography:

The computer era has brought us to an exciting new technology called digital radiography.  With this technology, we use computertized equipment and software to capture x-ray images of your mouth and teeth.  We do this by exposing a small sensor or plate that feeds the image into a computer.

The advantages of digital radiography:

Digital radiography has many advantages over traditional dental x-rays:

• they are faster
• they are safer, with no chemical development and less radiation
• we can view images instantly
• we can enhance images to improve viewing
• images can be stored electronically and emailed to specialists and insurance companies

There's no waiting for chemical development, as with film packets.  It's also faster because the x-rays are avilable within moments on the computer monitor, with no development step in between.

The lack of chemicals also makes digital x-rays safer for the environment.  Digital radiography is safe for you, too.  Because the unit is so sensitive, the amount of x-ray radiation is up to 80% less than with conventional x-rays.

With digital radiography, Dr. Steppler offers you faster and safer diagnosis and dental treatment.

Don't Lose Your End of Year Insurance Benefits!

We know that by now, you understand that any advice we give to you is out of genuine concern for your well-being.  Whether we recommend a treatment plan, suggest a lifestyle change or encourage you to use up your annual insurance benefits, our sole motive is to help you achieve optimal oral health.

As we get close to the end of the year, time starts to run out for you to make the most of your dental insurance before it expires December 31st.  It could also be an advantage to go ahead with your dental care and get started on some of it this year, while rolling into the new year and complete your recommended treatment with the new years benefits! 

Please take a moment to check your remaining insurance maximum...then call us to schedule an appointment and make the most of your benefits!