There is no doubt that a beautiful smile positively affects one’s life. It lets us convey confidence and friendliness in business and social settings. A healthy and beautiful smile also affects our personal relationships.
When we smile, we appear (and feel!) younger and more attractive. Smiling reduces stress, improves performance, and conveys empathy.
If you have dental problems, you may feel insecure about your smile.
A smile makeover is the solution to your problems.
9-5 dental offices can’t always accommodate your lifestyle. Smile makeovers involve multiple procedures. Multi-procedure appointments take a while. Of course, the results are worth the time spent in a dental chair, but a long appointment can be difficult to fit into a packed calendar.
Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS offers quality cosmetic dentistry with business hours that fit your life. There is always a solution to both dental and scheduling obstacles.
Straightening teeth, fixing chips, replacing missing teeth, re-shaping teeth, and bleaching teeth are some of the services we offer.
If you are worried about the cost of a smile makeover, remember there is a way to make it happen. When you and your dentist decide on your smile makeover plan, budgeting becomes part of it. We’ll make a plan to carry out your smile makeover in a timely, affordable manner.
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It’s time to think differently about childhood tooth decay in Florissant. Unless you’ve been keeping up with the research (and who does?) you might have an incomplete understanding.
1. Tooth Decay Is The Most Common Childhood Disease
Over 4 million preschoolers have tooth decay. Another grave fact; tooth decay in young children is on the increase.
Why? There are several factors. Many young diets contain more sugar. Fewer children drink water that has been adjusted for fluoride levels. Many families don’t have dental insurance to help pay for care.
2. Tooth Decay Bacteria Can Spread
In a way, tooth decay is contagious. Huh? Let’s explain. Bacteria that cause tooth decay are in the mutans streptococcus family. The bacteria mix with sugar. This mixture creates a powerful acid. The acid reduces the calcium in tooth enamel. When the bacteria stays on teeth, it produces a yellowish substance called plaque. Plaque is brutally effective at drilling into tooth enamel.
Mothers, fathers, siblings, and caregivers can transmit bacteria to babies. Of course, toddlers can get decay if they don’t have this bacteria. But the presence of it ups the risk.
Some kids are better at resisting this bacteria. How do you know if your child has an increased risk? If parents have a lot of tooth decay, the child is more vulnerable to it. The child’s diet and daily oral hygiene also affect the risk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) counsels pediatricians to ask parents about their dental health. Parents whose children are at a higher risk for cavities should talk to a pediatric dentist. They can help your son or daughter beat the odds and emerge from childhood without a mouthful of fillings.
3. Weakened Enamel Can Repair Itself (Up To A Point)
If the teeth are consistently assaulted with juice, milk, and snacks, the enamel never has a chance to re-harden. The juice, milk, and snacks create dangerous acid. Acid and plaque decreases the enamel and may cause a white spot. This is a sign of mineral loss. It’s the first step in the formation of a cavity. At this point, you can reverse the mineral loss. Minerals in saliva and fluoride help enamel re-mineralize. Fluoride does three important things, 1) It replaces minerals. 2) It prevents further mineral loss, 3) It decreases acid-causing bacteria.
Your child can get fluoride from toothpaste, fluoridated water, fluoride rinses, fluoride gels, and fluoride supplements. Ask your pediatric dentist which one is best for your child.
Two essential things to know about fluoride:
1. If kids get too much fluoride, it can stain teeth. Your pediatric dentist can advise you on the proper amount.
2. Most bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride. If your child only drinks bottled water, they may miss out on the benefits of fluoride-adjusted municipal water.
At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we help parents keep their kids’ teeth healthy. Make sure you bring your toddler in for an exam and consultation when their first tooth appears. If you wait until they are three or four, your son or daughter may already have tooth decay.
At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, each dental professional on our team helps us operate smoothly and provide a high level of care.
Today’s article focuses on the role of a dental assistant.
Dental Assistants Play An Important Role at Our Practice
You possibly think of the dental assistant as: “The one who suctions my mouth while the dentist is working on me,” or “The one who attaches the bib around my neck,” and you are right.
However, his/her knowledge of patient care and dental lab procedures is probably more extensive than you realize.
Competent dental assistants work behind the scenes at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. They assist Dr. Martin Buchheit during dental procedures including basic oral examinations, tooth prep, and cavity filling.
They work tirelessly and patiently during lengthy smile makeovers involving multiple procedures. Our skilled assistants also work with our dental hygienists during dental cleanings and patient instruction.
The Dental Assistant Makes Sure The Room is Ready For You
When a dental patient arrives for his/her appointment, the dental assistant has already been preparing for your specific procedure. Before you are escorted to a chair in one of our comfortable patient rooms, the assistant has prepared the room.
Dental Assistants Help Keep Our Practice Clean and Sterile
At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, infection control is always a fundamental duty. Our dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists are vigilant about the sterilization of dental instruments and follow strict infection control protocols. The health of our patients and employees is our highest priority.
Dental assistants also prepare tray setups, make impressions for restorations, schedule appointments, take X-rays, and maintain patient records. They must have an astute eye for detail and an excellent memory as they organize and stock the many different dental supplies in a typical office.
We hope today’s post has given you a greater appreciation for these indispensable members of our dental team.
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At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, each dental professional on our team helps us operate smoothly and provide a high standard of care. Today’s message will focus on the duties of a dental assistant.
You possibly think of the dental assistant as: “The one who suctions my mouth while the dentist is working on me,” or “The one who puts the bib around my neck,” and you are correct. However, their knowledge of patient care and dental lab procedures is probably more extensive than you might realize.
Competent dental assistants work behind the scenes at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. They assist Dr. Martin Buchheit during all dental procedures including basic oral examinations, tooth prep, and cavity filling. Our competent assistants also work with our dental hygienists during dental cleanings and patient instruction.
When a patient arrives for their appointment, the dental assistant has already been preparing for the necessary procedure. Before they are escorted to a chair in one of our comfortable patient rooms, the assistant has made sure the room is ready.
Whether your child is receiving porcelain veneers, undergoing a routine orthodontia adjustment, our dental assistant has set the stage for a comfortable and efficient procedure.
At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, infection control is always foremost in our minds. Our dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists are vigilant about the sterilization of dental instruments and follow strict infection control protocols. The health of our patients and employees is our highest priority.
Dental assistants may also prepare tray setups, make impressions for restorations, schedule appointments, take X-rays, and maintain patient records.
They must have an astute eye for detail and an excellent memory as they organize and stock the many different dental supplies in a typical office.
Our dental assistants help us provide outstanding pediatric dental care.
Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:
What is the best professional tooth whitening system to use in Florissant?
There are two types of dentist-supervised tooth whitening systems available in St. Louis. In order to determine the best choice for your teeth, schedule, and budget; you need to understand the differences in the systems.
Both systems use a bleaching agent containing peroxide. Florissant dentists who offer professional in-office tooth bleaching use a whitening gel with a high concentration of peroxide. Some Maryland Heights in-office tooth whitening systems use a light that causes the tooth bleaching agent to work faster.
When a special light is shined at teeth on which the whitening gel is applied, it causes the peroxide to break down into free radicals, which are active oxygen molecules. This process naturally occurs without the light, but the light makes it happen faster. That is why you can get whiter teeth in just one hour.
Most Florissant cosmetic dentists also offer take-home tooth whitening systems. Although these procedures take a bit longer to work, they achieve the same dramatic results. For many St. Charles and Chesterfield patients, this is the most affordable teeth whitening system.
At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we offer safe and effective teeth bleaching. Our Florissant cosmetic dentistry patients can’t believe how great their teeth look when they remove the stains and restore the brightness. If you would like to learn why our system is superior, schedule a consultation by calling our office at 614-451-2100.
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Hello, I’m Dr. Martin Buchheit at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. I support healthy oral hygiene and regular, consistent check-ups. Hygiene for braces is a bit different.
Here are five important concerns to keep in mind with braces:
1. Be Careful What You Eat
Sweets and extra food jammed into tight spaces may lead to plaque and yellowing around the braces in your mouth. Avoid sweets, juices, sodas, anything that will stain your teeth. Also, sticky sweets like gum and caramel can damage the braces in your mouth.
2. Consider a Mouthguard
Sports are the center of life for many Florissant families. We’re an active community. I love that. A quality mouthguard provides important protection for both your teeth and braces.
3. Take Time for Gum Health
Maintaining healthy gums requires deliberate brushing and flossing. In the past, two minutes of quality brushing was acceptable. Braces are trickier to clean. What’s another minute to make sure every nook and cranny is taken care of?
4. Check the Mirrors
Humans are exceptional at noticing flaws. Check your smile often in a mirror to stay free of food particles.
5. Smile with Confidence
At first, people will notice the change in your smile. But if you’re relaxed about your new braces, soon your friends will simply look past them without even noticing.
Thanks for visiting my blog today, hope it helps.
I’ve been treating patients in St. Louis, Maryland Heights, St. Charles and beyond since 1987. You name it – cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry—we do it.
Meet with me today and we can go over the possibilities and simple options to meet your needs. Can’t wait to see you!
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Most celebrities flash stunning smiles that don’t appear to have any flaws. Some may be natural. Some may be Photoshopped.
Have you ever noticed that some famous individuals with perfect smiles didn’t have the best teeth early in their careers? Those that wanted to improve their smiles took advantage of cosmetic dentistry. Whether it’s porcelain veneers or a complete smile makeover—cosmetic dentistry can improve any smile.
Can ordinary people obtain a celebrity caliber smile? Absolutely!
In recent years there has been a significant increase in the accessibility of state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry.
The truly amazing thing about cosmetic dentistry is that it’s one Hollywood perk that is available to almost everyone.
Whether it is a relatively minor alteration, such as teeth whitening, or a more involved procedure such as a complete smile re-design, more and more dentists are giving people just like you the beautiful teeth they have always wanted.
If you are looking for a quality restorative and cosmetic dental care, give us a call here at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. Ask us about teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, clear braces, and smile makeovers.
Most of us will never star in a movie or walk the red carpet at the Oscars. But all of us can have a smile every bit as beautiful as our favorite actor, singer, or supermodel. (Who wants to constantly be harassed by annoying paparazzi anyway?)
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St. Charles dental patients who have undergone a smile redesign are probably aware of the latest cosmetic dental procedures popular in the St. Louis area. These include metal-free fillings, porcelain veneers, invisible braces, implant-anchored dentures, and inlay or onlays.
Today’s St. Charles dental post focuses on some nifty dentistry advances that are used behind-the-scenes to benefit St. Charles dentists and dental patients alike.
Realtime digital images help St. Louis dentists more easily spot and treat oral problems including emerging cavities and bone recession. Digital X-Rays require far less radiation exposure and are easier to store and access.
Pinpoint-precise Diode lasers are used in myriad procedures including crown lengthening, root scaling, biopsies, root canals, teeth whitening, oral lesion removal, and treatment of dental decay. Laser procedures are easier on the patient and require shorter healing times.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are used for many restorative procedures in St. Charles including in-office inlays or onlays and same-day crowns. St. Louis dentists who offer dental implants can use CAD or CAM technology in every phase of the dental implant procedure. CAD and CAM is used in Missouri dental laboratories to fabricate crowns, bridges, veneers, and ceramic braces.
The future of dentistry is here today. I’m Dr. Martin Buchheit. Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS is located at 2149 Charbonier Rd in Florissant. We can be reached at 205-933-0323. Ask us about:
dental implants porcelain veneers
Invisalign
root canals
restorative dentistry
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No one likes to settle for less than the best, especially with something as important as your smile. At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we have the cosmetic dentistry solutions for your smile issues.
Cosmetic dentistry refers to a group of procedures that, individually or collectively, create positive changes to your smile. One procedure, such as teeth whitening, will go along way toward upgrading your smile. Two or more gives you a complete smile makeover.
Cosmetic Procedures
The term “cosmetic dentistry” means different things to different dentists. One practice might call a dental implant cosmetic, while another will consider it restorative.
With that in mind, here are some of the more common cosmetic dentistry procedures:
Teeth whitening. Nothing you buy at the store can can compare to teeth whitening from a cosmetic dentist. The bleaching ingredients may be the same, but professional strength whitening far surpasses anything over-the-counter. You’ll get a dazzling new smile!
Porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are bonded to the front of your teeth. Made to match existing teeth, they can hide cracks, gaps, and other imperfections.
Crowns and Bridges. Dental crowns are used to repair damaged teeth by covering them like a cap. This restores them to their natural shape. A dental bridge fills the space left by a missing tooth.
Dental implants. Implants are state-of-the-art tooth replacement. Strictly speaking, it’s a titanium post inserted into the jaw to replace a missing tooth root. A replacement teeth is attached to the post. They look and function like natural teeth.
At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we use cosmetic dentistry to complement the overall general and dental health of each patient. We also offer treatment for sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with us today!
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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!
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