Blog

When it comes to preparing for oral surgery,  the valued patients of Koch Park Dental in Florissant are given 6 vital directives to get them through from start to finish.

First, Choose Wisely
Understanding the details of a procedure helps you achieve the optimal outcome. This important knowledge about your dental experience opens up a conversation with our staff. Which leads us to the next instruction:

Second, Question Up Front
We want to answer these 4 important questions:
-What are the alternatives to having it done?
-Why is this the best option?
-How many visits should I expect?
-What kind of complications or risks are there?
(After you’ve asked your questions, we’ll ask ours.)

Third, Update Records
This is not just for billing purposes. The conscientious staff here at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS want to prepare for any possibility. Making sure your personal contact information is up-to-date helps us convey critical details to you post-procedure.

Fourth, Be Honest
While Dr. Martin Buchheit has a gentle, experienced touch, we find that slight pinches and cramping and other pain can develop while you are in our chair. When the doctor asks if you are comfortable, please be honest. We understand it is problematic to communicate clearly when your mouth is inundated with tools. Experience has helped us to read your cues. Let us make you as comfortable as possible.

Fifth, Rest and Recover
After any extensive procedure, it is critical to allow a period of rest for your mouth. This rest period may vary depending on how the procedure goes. This instruction will be given to you along with any other needed recovery instructions. Follow these as issued.

Finally, Sixth, Accept our Thanks
We appreciate your business. We are so grateful for the trust you’ve placed in our hands. Thank you.

At Koch Park Dental in  Florissant, your dental health is our top priority. We offer general and restorative dentistry. Call us to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

It’s standard practice for healthcare providers to find out which medications their patients are taking. At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, our patients sometimes wonder why we ask them about prescription medications before their dental visit.

Here’s why:

Some medications—prescription or over-the-counter—can influence oral health or dental treatment.

Bleeding Issues

Heparin/warfarin and other anticoagulants can result in abnormal bleeding, because they affect your ability to clot. If you undergo oral surgery, it’s essential for your dentist to know if you are taking these meds.

Metallic Taste

Some cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, respiratory inhalants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and smoke deterrent drugs have been known to a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth. This doesn’t necessarily affect dental treatment, but overdoing sugary breath mints increases your risk of cavities.

Abnormal Gums

Do you feel as though your gums are significantly bigger in proportion to your teeth?

Enlarged gum tissue (in dental speak ‘gingival hyperplasia’) is an overgrowth of the gum tissue around your teeth. Gingival hyperplasia can make your gums appear more prominent than your teeth. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene or drugs. These include antiseizure drugs, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem), or immunosuppressants. If you are taking these drugs, make sure you are paying close attention to your teeth and gum care.

Dry Mouth

Over 400 prescription medications can cause or complicate dry mouth. This long list includes, but is not limited to; antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medicines, and muscle relaxers. 

Chronic dry mouth can boost the risk of decay. Saliva contains minerals that help enamel stay strong. Saliva also plays a role in controlling plaque.

When you come into Koch Park Dental in Florissant, be prepared to let us know which prescription meds you are taking along with the dosage. This helps us provide the unmatched dental care you deserve. Services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office today!

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

Don’t know a periapical from a bitewing? This post from Koch Park Dental in Florissant takes a look at dental x-rays.

We all use the term “x-ray” rather generically, but there are, in fact, several types.

• Bite-Wing x-rays give us a picture of the upper and lower back teeth. We can see how they touch each other and see if there is any decay.
• Panoramic x-rays give us the big picture: a view of the teeth, jaws and jaw joints, nasal area, and even the sinuses. These are especially useful if we think the patient may need orthodontics or a dental implant.
• Occlusal x-rays show us the floor of the mouth, and the bite of the upper or lower jaw. They’re good for showing the development of children’s teeth, both the baby and permanent teeth.

X-rays use radiation, but are designed to minimize patient exposure. Patients only get tiny amounts, making them safe. The latest generations of x-rays reduce radiation even more. Still, we take the added safety measure of covering the patient with a heavy leaded apron and collar.

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible dental care. Our services include xxx. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

Whether you are one of those who goes willingly to the dentist or are hesitant about getting work done, the team at Koch Park Dental in Florissant wants you to make and keep regular appointments for cleanings and checkups.

Regular dental appointments are important because they help keep your teeth and gums healthy. For most patients, we recommend a visit to our office every six months. We occasionally need to see a patient more often.

Appointments, Parts 1 & 2

There are two parts to a typical dental appointment: a cleaning and a checkup.

During a cleaning, one of our dental hygienists inspects your teeth and gums, and uses special tools to remove any plaque and tartar that have built up. It also includes polishing your teeth, which removes any surface stains. The last step is flossing.

During a checkup, the dentist checks your overall dental health. If there are any issues, like a cavity or signs of gum disease, we’ll usually schedule a follow-up appointment. It will be planned for your convenience, of course, but sooner is better.

What you do between your six-month visits is really important. Plaque is contantly forming on the teeth, so we recommend – and we cannot say it strongly enough! – that you brush and floss your teeth every day. Ideally, you’ll do it twice.

You have a lot of toothpaste choices. The flavor is up to you, but be sure to choose one with fluoride.

By seeing us twice a year, and maintaining a good dental health regimen at home, you can have confidence that your teeth and gums are in great shape. At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, our services include general and restorative dentistry. If you haven’t already, schedule your next appointment today!

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we strive for excellence in dentistry every day. Providing the best possible dental care goes beyond cleanings and exams. We like patients who ask a lot of questions, because that tells us they are taking a strong interest in their dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the questions we’re often asked is whether it’s really necessary to have a cleaning and checkup every six months. Our short answer? Yes! Prevention really is the best medicine.

Every appointment includes a thorough cleaning by a hygienist. Then the dentist examines your teeth and gums, looking for any new cavities and signs of gum disease. Every checkup also includes a screening for oral cancer.

More Questions

Patients often wonder how long a filling will last. Some people think they’ll last a lifetime, but unfortunately that is not usually the case. Fillings can break down or become loose over time. If that happens, decay can get into the area around it and cause problmes. You can extend the life of any restoration with good oral hygiene at home. If you have any questions about what that means, don’t hesitate to ask.

What kind of toothbrush is best? This is among the most-asked questions for any dentist. Manual and electric toothbrushes, used properly, both do an excellent job. We recommend soft bristles, with mixed bristle heights and angles. They do a better job getting between the teeth.

To really get between the teeth, we also recommend daily flossing. String floss is best, but whether it’s waxed or unwaxed, flavored or not, or wide dental tape is up to you.

These are just some of the common questions we get from our patients at Koch Park Dental in Florissant. Have we included yours? Never hesitate to bring your questions to your checkup. We offer general and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033