General Dentistry in Chesterfield, MO
Life is busy, and if you are like most people, your to-do list is full. Because of this, we know that visiting the dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings can easily fall by the wayside.
But did you know that maintaining your oral health is an essential part of keeping your entire body healthy? More and more studies are showing the link between oral health and systemic health, which means we now know just how crucial it is for you to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
At Chesterfield Valley Dental, we want to help you preserve your healthy smile so you can keep up with your busy schedule. It’s crucial that you come in regularly so we can stay on top of any potential dental issues.
Routine Examinations for Healthy Mouths
Although it might seem tempting to skip regular dental checkups, you can save time by resolving problems while they are still small. When you come in every six months, you give Chesterfield dentist Dr. Robert Rahm the opportunity to observe any signs of cavities or decay and examine the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.
If there is a problem, catching it early on means treatment is quicker, easier, and less expensive. Treating a small cavity today is much better than needing a full root canal tomorrow!
It’s also vital that Dr. Rahm examines your gums. Gum disease often presents with no symptoms whatsoever, and many people are unaware that they even have it. Because gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults, it’s critical that it be identified in its earliest stages when it is more treatable.
If you have already noticed a bit of blood when you brush or floss, this is an indicator that you might have early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Gum disease won’t go away on its own; you must get treatment to prevent it from getting worse.
Professional Cleanings for Optimal Oral Health
If you are a diligent brusher and flosser, you might be wondering why you need to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Isn’t good home care enough?
Unfortunately, it’s not.
Your toothbrush and dental floss cannot reach all of the nooks and crannies of your mouth. Everyone gets plaque—even those who brush and floss at home regularly. Over time, the plaque that is left behind hardens into tartar. The only way to remove tartar is with the special dental instruments your dental hygienist uses. If tartar isn’t removed, it can eventually cause cavities or gum disease to develop.
A professional teeth cleaning will also polish your teeth, getting rid of any surface stains and making your mouth feel clean and fresh.
Call Our Chesterfield, MO Office for Convenient, Quality Dental Care
Don’t let routine dental care take a backseat when you’re busy. Good oral health is important to keep your entire body well—and able to keep up with your active lifestyle. Give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dentistry comes in various forms and specialties, all working to help keep your teeth healthy and strong. General dentistry in Chesterfield, MO, covers the essential services that form the foundation of good dental care. At Chesterfield Valley Dental, the role of our general dentist is to monitor and maintain your teeth and gums at regular intervals.
The monitoring portion of general dentistry involves a dental exam that Dr. Rahm performs during each visit. The primary method by which your dentist maintains your oral health is through professional teeth cleaning procedures. We will most likely perform these services as a package during your routine visits to our dental office.
Your Chesterfield General Dental Services
Dr. Rahm emphasizes regular dental exams to help us resolve emerging problems while still minor. For example, our expertise allows us to uncover the signs of tooth decay by careful examination, and we can also diagnose the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis.
If we do find a problem with your teeth or gums, we can provide treatment that is more straightforward while being also less expensive. For example, a tooth-colored filling may ideally resolve a tooth cavity when small. Still, neglect of tooth decay could lead to more painful conditions, such as a tooth root infection that may require root canal therapy or even extraction.
While you provide daily teeth maintenance when you brush and floss, many areas of your teeth are difficult for you to reach yourself. Over time, these trouble areas can become overwhelmed with plaque-causing bacteria that become more and more difficult to extricate. But when you visit regularly, our dental hygienists can remove much of that accumulation using special dental instruments and their considerable skills.
Tooth extractions and root canals in Chesterfield, MO, have different purposes and impacts when preserving oral health. At Chesterfield Valley Dental, we evaluate your unique case carefully to recommend the best option for preserving your smile.
Root Canals Save Natural Teeth
- Preservation — Root canals save natural teeth by removing infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the inside, and sealing it.
- Stability — Keeping the natural tooth helps maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth.
- Aesthetic and Functional Benefits — A restored tooth looks and functions naturally and promotes normal chewing and speaking.
Tooth Extractions in Chesterfield, MO
- Last Resort — Extractions are typically considered when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved. Removing the tooth eliminates pain and prevents the spread of infection.
- Impact on Jawbone — Without the natural tooth root, the jawbone may deteriorate over time, leading to bone loss and changes in facial structure.
- Replacement Needed — Extracted teeth often require replacements to restore function and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.
Root Canals vs. Tooth Extractions
Root canals generally offer better oral health outcomes by preserving the natural tooth and maintaining jawbone integrity. While extractions might seem simpler, the cost and time for replacements can be higher than a root canal's long-term benefits.
Call Dr. Rahm Today!
Call us today at (636) 537-5240 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rahm. If you're in need of an emergency dentist near me, we're here to provide prompt and professional care.
Meet Our Doctor:
Robert Rahm DDS
CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. RAHM for being named one of the Top Dentists in the St. Louis area by St. Louis Magazine and Top Dentists USA 2018, 2019, and 2020!
Dr. Rahm really enjoys getting to know his patients personally - it's the best part of his day! Many of our patients are friends, neighbors, family and other members of our schools and community. His goal is to personally care for each patient as he would his own friend or family member. He believes in patients having a ...
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