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!

Facts About Sealants

What does it mean if  Dr. Steppler or Kathleen our hygienist tells you your child needs sealants? First of all, it’s an easy procedure with little to no discomfort – no numbing and if any drilling is done, it is minimal. And secondly, it’s one of the best proactive steps you can take to protect your child’s teeth against decay.

What we do is apply a thin coating of plastic or  composite in the grooves on the permanent back molar teeth. These “chewing surfaces” are the most likely places for children, and even teenagers, to develop tooth decay. The sealant or preventive restorative resin coats the tooth and helps keep food particles and germs from getting into the grooves. Think of it as locking down teeth with protective armor against the bacteria that would like to break in and do serious damage. Most sealants are clear, so you can’t even tell they are there, while some are tooth colored. Most children can barely feel the difference on their teeth.

While normally sealants are provided for children as soon as their permanent teeth come in, some adults may need sealants if they never received them as children or are at greater risk for cavities or decay.

Sealants can last for many years. Occasionally, we may need to touch up the sealant on one or two teeth.  But just because your child has sealants doesn’t mean you can slow down with brushing, flossing and fluoride rinsing. Sealants are just one part of a  comprehensive, smart dental prevention plan for growing children.

Enjoy Halloween Candy But Protect Teeth

Who doesn’t love Halloween candy?  The anticipation of what kind of candy you are going to get in your trick-or-treat bag awaits all little kids and some big kids too!  Children can still enjoy their Halloween candy and protect their teeth.  You can protect your children’s teeth by limiting the amount of candy they eat.   It is also important to not let the sugar stay in the mouth for a long amount of time.

After eating candy of any kind, your child should brush their teeth immediately.  They can help keep harmful bacteria from developing in their mouth by brushing their teeth as soon as possible after eating candy.  Also, if the candy is eaten quickly in one sitting it can lessen the amount of time it has contact with the teeth.

Other things that parents can do to protect their children’s teeth are:

• Examine their children’s candy for anything unacceptable and remove it before their children eat the candy.
• Remove any candy that is tacky or gummy because it can stick to teeth and cause tooth decay.
• Make sure your child always has good dental hygiene whether they eat candy during the day or night.
• Dentists can put sealants into children’s teeth grooves to protect the teeth against corrosion caused by too much sugar.  It might be a good idea to have sealants put on your children’s teeth before Halloween.

If you would like more information on preventing tooth decay call our office or visit our website.