Get the Smile You’ve Always Deserved with Invisalign

You do all the right things when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Bi-annual dental visits, daily brushing and flossing and periodic whitening are all part of your dental regimen. But you still aren’t comfortable when you smile due to crooked or misaligned teeth. And if you’re over a certain age, more than likely a full set of metal braces isn’t the best way to accessorize that professional business attire. Invisalign comfortably straightens your teeth without interfering with your daily activities. So discreet; they are virtually invisible! Designed to be worn almost 24 hours a day, Invisalign can easily be removed for cleaning or special occasions. And speaking of cleaning-it’s so simple with the Invisalign system. Unique cleaning crystals gently soak off stains and plaque, while at the same time keeping them odor and germ free. Then while the aligners are removed, brush and floss as normal.

Ellis Dental is a certified Invisalign provider and we have a long list of happy and satisfied adult and teen clients who have greatly benefited from this alignment system. The entire process is designed so fewer dental visits are required and another great benefit is the absence of gum, mouth and tooth pain. There are no sharp metal wires to cause mouth sores and all foods can be enjoyed since you simply remove the aligners when things like corn on the cob, nuts, apples and crusty breads are being served.

Interested in learning more about how you can easily create a smile you’re proud of? Call us today at 314.965.1334 and schedule your complementary Invisalign consultation. Have a health savings account through your company? This is a great way to help pay for your beautiful new smile!

A Bright White Smile Always Makes a Good First Impression

These days so many of the most popular things we eat and drink, like coffee, wine, all types of berries and those so good and rich spaghetti sauces can leave your teeth stained. Then if you still smoke, over time your teeth will end dull and yellowed due to the nicotine. And while we definitely don’t condone smoking, we here at Ellis Dental enjoy our coffee and blueberries just as much as you do! That’s why we are proud to offer in office whitening in less than 30 minutes. Using the newest technology on the market, ezlase by Biolase, our patients are getting a much brighter and whiter smile without the lingering sensitivity usually experienced with other whitening systems. And the overall procedure is so easy. A whitening base gel and activator are mixed together and then brushed on the patient’s teeth. Using the specialized ezlase hand piece, the laser treats each quadrant of teeth for approximately 30 seconds. After all teeth have been treated, any remain residue is removed, the process is repeated and that’s it. Sparkling white teeth, in many cases nine shades whiter than at the beginning, in less than 30 minutes.

Or if you are a do-it-yourselfer, Ellis Dental also offers Venus Smile products for a beautiful white smile which can be done in the privacy of your own home, on your own schedule. A Venus Smile kit is very affordable, easy to use and gives a wonderful whitening experience.

And because we here at Ellis Dental are givers, now through the end of April we are offering our annual whitening promotion. Just be one of our present clients, refer a new patient to our practice and receive a complementary professional Venus Smile whitening kit. Please call us today at 314.965.1334 for more information or to schedule your ezlase appointment.

Happy National Dentist Day!

The days of people being afraid to go to the dentist are slowing fading thanks to new strides in dental technology. Plus with most dental insurance plans including two annual checkups and cleanings, preventative maintenance is resulting in many problems being discovered before requiring costly and painful treatment. Having a beautiful healthy white smile makes you both look and feel better and gives you such a boost of self confidence. As we here at Ellis Dental get ready to celebrate, we’d like to leave you with some great tips to help us honor National Dentist Day by keeping your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful.

  • While the time for New Year’s resolutions is past, take a minute and commit on National Dentist Day to take better care of your teeth. Nothing will make your dentist happier than by being proactive when it comes to practicing good daily oral hygiene.
  • If you haven’t been to the dentist in the past year, pick up that phone right now and make an appointment for a cleaning and checkup. Bi-annual dental appointments are crucial for long-term positive dental health.
  • How long has it been since you’ve replaced your toothbrush or toothbrush head if you have an electric or battery powered unit? The experts at the American Dental Association have determined that your toothbrush needs to be replaced three or four times a year.
  • Make sure you show off those pearly whites by smiling on a regular basis. You have beautiful teeth; why not let the world see them?
  • And finally we’d love to hear from you! Have some special tips or tricks to keep your oral health in tip top shape? We want to know about them!

Ellis Dental is your hometown full service dental practice. Please call us today at 314.965.1334 to schedule an appointment.

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Helping Crestwood/Sunset Hills Be Great!

Ellis Dental believes strongly in staying connected to our community and one way we achieve this is by being an active member of the Crestwood-Sunset Hills Chamber of Commerce. As a Chamber member since 2009, Ellis Dental has been, and is currently, a major sponsor of numerous Chamber events. We support and participate in, on a regular basis, many of the Chamber’s weekly and monthly networking coffees, lunches and after hours get-togethers for both chamber members and surrounding community businesses and individuals.

And this year Ellis Dental is proud to announce that we were nominated for the 2014 Crestwood-Sunset Hills Chamber Business of the Year. All businesses are selected by their Chamber peers and as this was our first time ever being nominated, just being selected was a great honor.

This past Saturday evening The Crestwood-Sunset Hills Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet and Gala Auction was held at Orlando’s Event and Conference Center. This wasn’t our year to be chosen as the 2014 Business of the Year but we would like to send our sincerest congratulations to Simmons First National Bank, who was selected as the winner.

The Annual Awards Banquet and Gala Auction is one of the Chamber’s most important events of the year and once again, Ellis Dental was a proud sponsor of the evening’s festivities. In addition to recognizing local businesses and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to both the Chamber and our community, this is the annual fundraising event for the Chamber’s Scholarship Fund. Local high school seniors are awarded scholarships to attend a college of their choosing and through 2013, more than $17,000 has been donated to deserving students.

As always, we here at Ellis Dental want to be your community dentist. Please feel free to use our convenient online scheduling tool or call us at 314.965.1334.

Playing it Safe During Youth Sports

As your children begin to play organized sports, tooth damage becomes a real concern.   In one of our earlier posts we touched briefly on what to do in case of a dental emergency. Today we are going to discuss how to prevent some of these emergencies from occurring while your child is on the team. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that in any given year, over three million teeth will be knocked out during youth sporting events. And most parents, while perhaps not aware of this staggering number, has had either one of their children or one of their children’s friends lose a tooth or teeth due to a sporting accident. But even with this being such a common occurrence, almost 75 percent of all parents and coaches do not require mouth guards to be worn. Surveys conducted by the NYSSF have determined that on average tooth damage occurs sixty times more often in unprotected players.

Mouth guards are relatively inexpensive and often when purchased in bulk for a team, the cost is even less. A proper fitting mouth guard doesn’t impede speaking, breathing or swallowing and since mouth guards hold the teeth in the place, they also provide stability to the jaw. For children who wear braces, special guards can be customized by the child’s dentist or orthodontist.

Contact sports including hockey, soccer, football, baseball and karate and then solitary activities such as skateboarding, all should be enjoyed with a mouth guard in place. In most of these sports other protective gear such as knee pads and helmets are required so why not make sure your child’s teeth are adequately protected as well?

Have additional questions about protecting your child’s teeth? Please contact Ellis Dental today for more information.

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The History of the Tooth Fairy

As adults we probably don’t give a great deal of thought to our children’s baby (or primary) teeth except to make sure we have a couple dollars on hand when it’s time to exchange cash for teeth. But in the past this wasn’t always the case. In earlier times, baby tooth disposal was a very serious matter. Many cultures believed that the tooth had to be burned or crushed to keep witches or demons from stealing it and subsequently possessing the child. As these superstitions began to subside, new more positive ones began to take their place.

Primary teeth began to be planted in family gardens believing this would help the adult teeth “grow.” While Viking warriors thought by wearing a necklace of baby teeth, they would have good luck during battle. We can only hope they allowed the children to lose their teeth naturally; though some think the Vikings began the custom of paying children for their teeth.

The tradition of exchanging money for a tooth began in Europe with many variations depending on the region. In some areas, payment was given only after the sixth tooth was lost; while in others, coins were given and the tooth allowed to remain behind.

In the United States, the modern day Tooth Fairy didn’t become commonplace until the 1950’s. Mass commercialization and the fact that the Tooth Fairy has no religious affiliation played a large part in the increasing popularity.

Inflation has raised the going rate from a nickel or dime back in the 1950’s to the national average of $2.42 per tooth, with many parents now leaving a note from the Tooth Fairy telling the child how important good dental care is.

Ellis Dental is here for all your child’s dental needs. Please contact us today for more information.

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Five Ways to Protect Your Child’s Teeth

Preventive dental care for your child is vitality important and neglecting their oral hygiene can have long-term damaging effects.

  1. Even before that first tooth erupts it’s important to clean your child’s gums on a daily basis by using a soft cloth or a piece of gauze dipped in warm water and gently rubbing.
  2. Start brushing as soon as one tooth appears and begin to floss when your child has two teeth that touch each other. Brushing should be done twice a day but if that isn’t possible make sure your child always brushes before going to bed.
  3. Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle and once off the bottle, limit how frequently they use a sippy cup. Anything other than water can cause bacteria to grow which in turn causes the acid that creates tooth decay. Plus the constant pressure of a nipple or hard plastic spout can affect the “bite” or shape of the mouth.
  4. Introducing your child at a very early age to good nutrition will help with good dental health. Limit juice to mealtime or as a special treat and don’t just assume because a snack is suppose to be “healthy” that it isn’t damaging to your child’s teeth. Things like granola bars and dried fruit are sticky and can leave residue on the teeth.
  5. Pay attention to the medications your child is prescribed. Many have a sweet sugary base that lingers on teeth after the medication is taken. Make sure to have your child rinse their mouth or brush their teeth after dosing.

For more helpful tips on how to care for your child’s teeth or to schedule their first dental appointment, please contact Ellis Dental today.

What to do in Case of a Dental Emergency

You’re at the movies munching some popcorn, bite down on something hard, hear a crack and instead of a popcorn kernel, it’s part of a tooth. Or during a game of football with his friends, your ten year old comes running in with his front tooth in his hand instead of his mouth. Do you know what to do when there is a dental emergency? In the case of a chipped or fractured tooth there are varying degrees of severity. If the tooth is only slightly chipped, usually you can wait until regular office hours to see your dentist. Just exercise caution so you don’t cut your lips, tongue or the inside mouth tissue if the chipped area is rough or jagged.

If there is damage to the enamel, pulp or tissue immediately rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold ice pack to the outside cheek to reduce any potential swelling. Take an over the counter ibuprofen pain medication to help relieve discomfort and try to eat neutral temperature soft foods and drink room temperature beverages. Then call your dentist as soon as the office is open for a same day appointment.

If a tooth has been knocked out, it is imperative to see your dentist within the hour. Handle the tooth from the top only and gently rinse under tepid tap water to remove any dirt or blood. The tooth must not be allowed to dry out. If possible place the tooth inside the mouth between the cheek and gum or loosely wrap in gauze and soak in either milk or saline. In additional to time being of the essence in trying to have the tooth repaired, a dentist will also need to check for any remaining pieces which could break loose and be swallowed.

To discuss the Ellis Dental emergency procedures, please contact our office today for more information.

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Dental Health and Bad Breath

There is nothing more frustrating than having bad breath you just can’t seem to control.  Halitosis is caused by numerous reasons and they often have little to do with what you are eating and drinking.

  • Poor dental hygiene is probably the number one preventable cause of bad breath. By not brushing and flossing properly or regularly small food particles can get trapped between the teeth and under and around the gum line. These particles will eventually begin to decay causing both tooth discomfort and odor.
  • Periodontal or gum disease often causes bad breath due to plaque build-up. Plaque is loaded with bacteria which in turn can cause toxins and infection to form in the mouth.
  • Certain medications can cause oral yeast infections while others cause dry mouth as a side effect. Both of these problems can create unpleasant smells. Then some people experience dry mouth as a chronic medical condition. Dry mouth or xerostomia is caused by an absence of saliva. Saliva is needed to wash away dead cells in the mouth and neutralize acid caused by leftover plaque. When saliva production is decreased the dead cells and plaque toxins can accumulate, developing an unpleasant odor.

Obviously the major halitosis culprits can be easily remedied by brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time, followed by flossing. Correct flossing will remove the remaining leftover food particles thereby reducing the source of the odor.

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease and are experiencing bad breath please discuss this with your dentist. Medications may be able to help. For other odor problems caused by a yeast infection or xerostomia, please consult a medical doctor for treatment options.

Concerned about bad breath? Call and schedule an appointment today. We here at Ellis Dental will work to get your breath minty fresh in no time!

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Five Signs of Gum Disease

You think you’re doing a good job taking care of your oral health by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. So it’s quite a shock to hear at your bi-yearly dental checkup that you have gingivitis or gum disease. If gingivitis isn’t treated it can turn into inflammation around the tooth, or periodontitis. This is when the gum pulls away from the tooth forming pockets where bacteria can gather and become infected. Risk factors for gum disease include:

  • Smoking.
  • Diabetes.
  • Certain medications.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Genetics.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Loose teeth.
  • Teeth that look “longer.”
  • Changes in gums including bleeding, swelling or redness.
  • Gums which have receded or pockets that have formed around the tooth.
  • Chronic bad breath that isn’t controlled with mouthwash or breath spray.

During your dental exam if your dentist or hygienist suspects gum disease, you will be asked about personal habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Your gums will be closely inspected and if pockets have formed, a miniature ruler called a probe will be used to measure the depth of each area. X-Rays may be taken to see if any bone loss has occurred.

Treatment of gum disease includes:

  • Top priority is to control any active infection.
  • Deep cleaning called scaling and root planing may be necessary. Scaling removes tarter from the tooth and below and around the gum line while planing removing irregular areas when germs and bacteria can gather.
  • Either OTC or prescription medications maybe prescribed to control bacteria growth.
  • Dental surgery is a possibility depending on the severity or if the above measures don’t stop the inflammation.

Concerned you may have gingivitis? Please schedule an appointment with Ellis Dental today.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Probably growing up you didn’t visit a dentist until after your permanent teeth were in place. Now studies indicate a child’s first dental visit should be approximately six months after their first tooth erupts. Your child’s primary or “baby” teeth should be in place by the time they are three years old, and have a complete set of permanent teeth by the age of twelve. And no matter if the teeth are primary or permanent; they still need to be properly maintained to avoid tooth decay which can occur at any age. Also, perhaps as a child you like many of us were afraid to go to the dentist because of all the scary equipment and the potential for pain. By acclimating your child to the dentist from a very early age before fear becomes a factor, they will be more likely to practice good oral health and the stress felt during those bi-yearly visits will be reduced.

What to expect:

  • Schedule their appointment for early in the day so they won’t be tired and fussy.
  • The first visit will consist of a gentle oral exam to check for any problems and if needed, a cleaning and polishing.
  • Depending on the age of the child, X-Rays may be warranted.
  • Cleaning a toddler’s teeth can be a bit difficult so we’ll demonstrate correct brushing techniques and answer any questions you may have.
  • From the age of six months to sixteen, fluoride is very important for a child’s teeth. During this first visit we’ll explain the need for fluoride and suggest ways more can be applied.

Please call Ellis Dental today to schedule your child’s first dental appointment. We can’t wait to meet your little darling!

Dental Health Resolutions for the New Year

At the beginning of each New Year if you’re like the majority of us you have a list of resolutions you’re determined to keep; and they probably revolve around losing weight, going to the gym and getting out of debt. But I bet nowhere on the list do you resolve to improve your dental care. Make this year different by adding some of these dental health resolutions to your list.

  • Resolve to floss every day. While everyone knows the importance of flossing, statistics show that only 50 percent of people surveyed do it on a daily basis. Flossing removes the harmful bacteria and plaque from between teeth and below the gum line which can lead to gingivitis and gum disease.
  • If you smoke: STOP! Smoking or using smokeless tobacco increases your risk for recessed gums, oral cancer, tooth discoloration and even tooth loss.
  • Increasing fruits and vegetables is also important for your overall dental health. Eating nothing by junk and processed foods can affect your immune system and increase the risk for many common oral problems including periodontal disease. The antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans help fight harmful bacteria and work to build up your overall immune system.
  • If you drink alcohol, don’t overdo it. Studies have shown overindulging can cause gum recession. Plus, people who abuse alcohol often have poor eating habits, are heavy smokers, don’t brush and floss on a regular basis and generally neglect their overall health.
  • Make sure to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Most dental insurance plans include twice yearly cleanings and check-ups where many concerns can be addressed before they become major problems.

We here at Ellis Dental want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! To schedule your first appointment of 2014, please call our office at 314.965.1334 or use our convenient on-line scheduler.

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Correct Flossing Methods

Ellis Dental Flossing

Ellis Dental Flossing

Many people don’t floss because they simply aren’t sure how to do it correctly. We here at Ellis Dental understand and want to help. Begin following these easy and simple steps and soon you’ll be flossing like a pro. And then you won’t have to evade that routine question we always ask at your bi-yearly appointment, “Are you flossing every day?”

  • Start by purchasing the correct type of floss. If your teeth are close together and the floss snags or breaks when being used, select waxed floss or one that is specifically marketed for this problem.
  • The American Dental Association has taken the stance it doesn’t matter if you floss before or after you brush, just as long as you do it once a day using the correct flossing method.
  • Using 18 inches of floss, wrap the strand around both middle fingers and then grasp between 1 to 2 inches of the floss between your index finger and thumb.
  • Gently maneuver the floss between two teeth in a see-saw motion. It doesn’t matter where you start, just as long as you give equal attention to all of them.
  • It is very important to angle the floss correctly to ensure you are getting it slightly below the gum line. Form the shape of a “C” to properly hug the tooth.
  • As you continue to floss slowly unwind the clean floss from one side of your finger and wind the used section onto the other finger.

Need some assistance to ensure you are flossing correctly? Please don’t hesitate to ask Lore or Denise for hands on instructions along with helpful tips next time you are in for your regular cleaning

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Ellis Dental is Here for Moms in Need

Ellis Dental and New Mothers

Ellis Dental and New Mothers

We here at Ellis Dental hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, food, football and giving thanks. Time is flying by and in just a few short weeks, we’ll be celebrating the beginning of a wonderful brand new year. So as 2013 starts to wind down, Ellis Dental wants to let everyone know some of the fun things going on around the office.

This year our office Christmas Tree will be decorated with items that will then be donated to the “Sweet Babies” program at St. Mary’s labor and delivery unit. We invite you to donate to our tree during regular business hours now through the end of December. Drop by and help us make this holiday a little easier for all those new Moms in need.

Items requested this year are listed below:

  • Diapers- Size 1-2
  • Bibs
  • Onesies
  • Wipes
  • Socks
  • Hats
  • Sleepers - Newborn, O-3 mos, 6-9 mos, 6-12 mos
  • Receiving Blankets

As always we have Oral-B and Sonicare electric toothbrushes available for that perfect holiday gift and ours are priced lower than those big box stores. And don’t forget the replacement heads! They make wonderful stocking stuffers! We also offer gift certificates for teeth whitening. I can’t think of a better way to “brighten” someone’s Christmas morning!

In closing, we just want to take this opportunity to let you know how much we truly appreciate you and your patronage to our practice. We value our relationships with each and every one of you and look forward to many more years of continued service to you and your families.

And if you are perhaps new to the Crestwood area or just looking for a different kind of dental practice, Ellis Dental is always accepting new patients.

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Tooth Whitening: Pros and Cons

Teeth Whitening at Ellis Dental 

Teeth Whitening at Ellis Dental 

As we age our teeth become dingy and yellow due to enamel being worn away, along with staining caused by what we eat and drink, mainly red wine and coffee. And if you smoke, nicotine definitely will turn teeth a very unpleasant shade. Along with whitening procedures performed in a dental office, tooth whitening has gained in popularity due to the availability of over the counter products.

Pros

  • A bright white smile gives you more self confidence and you’ll be perceived as friendlier and more approachable.
  • Nice white teeth just naturally bring to mind good health and you’ll be more inclined to get regular dental checkups since you are no longer embarrassed by your teeth.
  • Studies have indicated that healthy white teeth can have a positive effect on all areas of life, from personal to professional.

Cons

  • Bleaching is one of the most common methods used for tooth whitening and the chemical makeup of the bleaching compound can cause gum and tooth sensitivity. Generally this dissipates shortly after treatment has ended.
  • Whitening strips or gels is the method most often used in over the counter whitening kits, while many dental practices will customize a lightweight plastic tray to fit a patient’s mouth. On occasion, there will be discomfort associated with the fit of the tray but this normally can be alleviated by a simple adjustment.
  • Bleaching will not work on stained crowns or implants so it’s important to let your dentist know if you use whitening products or are planning to do so. That way the restoration color can be adjusted to match the whitened shade.

Interested in learning more about tooth whitening products and procedures? Please call Ellis Dental today at 314.965.1334.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Toothbrushes and More

Electric Brush Options at Ellis Dental 

Electric Brush Options at Ellis Dental 

We all use one, hopefully at least twice a day, but how much do you really know about that toothbrush hanging in your bathroom?

Manual or Power

Manual toothbrushes, if used correctly and for the prescribed amount of time, do a great job. That said, many people, especially children, prefer an electric or battery powered brush. Most power toothbrushes come with a built-in timer so you don’t have to worry if you are brushing long enough. Power brushes are also good for people with mobility concerns such as neurological problems or arthritis.

Bristles

Soft or extra soft bristles are always recommended because many times anything else is too harsh for sensitive gums. After you decide on bristle firmness it is vitally important to remember to change your manual toothbrush or the head on your power brush every three months, or sooner if the bristles begin to look frayed. Over time, with use, the bristles become flat making plaque removal difficult.

Toothbrush Maintenance

Just as you rinse your mouth one final time after brushing, it’s important to also rinse your toothbrush. This removes food particles, old toothpaste and mouth bacteria. Then make sure your toothbrush is allowed to thoroughly air dry between brushings. Don’t store your brush in a closed container as this can promote bacterial growth.

We here at Ellis Dental recommend power brushes to the majority of our patients and offer both Sonicare and Oral B for sale. We also have brush head refills, which make the perfect holiday stocking stuffer! Prices for both are less expensive than can be found at major retail stores. Along with good brushing and flossing habits, don’t forget to schedule bi-yearly dental checkup. Please call 314-965-1334 to make your appointment today.

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Why Do I Need A Crown?

Ellis Dental Crown

Ellis Dental Crown

You have a tooth that is getting a bit uncomfortable so you finally break down and call the dentist thinking it’s nothing more than a cavity or maybe a slight crack. Then the next thing you know you’re being told you need a crown installed. What is a crown and why do you need one?A dental crown is a tooth “cap” constructed from a variety of materials including stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, or other metals such as gold alloy which is then cemented over the remaining existing tooth.Your dentist will first make a putty impression of your tooth and then build a temporary acrylic crown. Those same impressions are sent to a dental lab where the permanent crown will be constructed. When the permanent crown is ready to be cemented, the fit, shading and bite will all be checked, the crown will then be cemented into place and you are ready to go. Now that you know a bit about how and what a crown is, why do you need one?

  • To save a tooth that has a large filling and not a great deal of natural tooth left.
  • To join or secure a bridge.
  • To hold a cracked tooth together, cover a badly decayed tooth or a tooth that has been worn down.
  •  To cover a tooth that is misshapen or noticeably different in color.

Crowns are necessary for a variety of reasons, some for your dental health and some for cosmetic purposes. It is important to discuss with your dentist any concerns you may have if a crown is recommended. Looking for a great caring dentist in and around Crestwood/Sunset Hills? Call Ellis Dental today at 314.965.1334 for more information.

Photo: Health Requirements

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

After implant is placed via Ellis Dental 

After implant is placed via Ellis Dental 

Remember as a kid going to visit your grandparents and seeing (and probably being fascinated by) a full set of false teeth soaking in a glass of water? As dental science progressed, bridges, crowns, and partials were used in place of dentures whenever possible.Then in 1986, after over 20 years of research, the American Dental Association approved titanium tooth implants. Since then, dental implants have tripled in popularity with a success rate of over 90 percent for first time procedures. In layman’s terms an implant is an artificial tooth root which is surgically placed in the jawbone and followed by a crown put on top of it to replace the original tooth. Implants are normally done by a dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon in their office under local or twilight anesthesia. Usually after a day of soft food and over the counter pain meds, you are back to normal with a great new tooth (or teeth) to show off! Are dental implants right for you?

After final crown via Ellis Dental 

After final crown via Ellis Dental 

  • Jawbones can eventually change shape and deteriorate when a tooth is lost. Since an implant is placed into the jawbone, that empty space is filled, preventing bone deterioration.
  • Implants look natural unlike a full set of dentures or a partial that includes metal bands and clips.
  • Dentures can slip, while bridges and crowns can be temperature sensitive, making eating uncomfortable. Because implants are more like real teeth, mealtime is more enjoyable.
  • Maintenance is no more time consuming than regular brushing and flossing. No messy special cleaners, gels, pastes or glues are required.

Please contact Ellis Dental today at 314.965.1334 for more information.