Jaw pain, clicking, and headaches can be unsettling. On top of not knowing the exact cause, being unfamiliar with what a visit involves can make it easier to procrastinate scheduling an evaluation. But it shouldn’t! A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) evaluation is a straightforward, typically comfortable process. Knowing the steps involved can put your mind at ease.
A TMJ evaluation in …
Are you tired of turning off your camera during online meetings or hiding your smile in photos because of how your teeth look? Have you considered porcelain veneers but aren't sure if they're right for you? Today we'll discuss who is a good candidate for veneers. Here's what you should know.
When you're thinking …
Life gets busy, especially this time of year, with kids heading back to school and post-vacation work schedules ramping up. In the midst of it all, it’s easy for a routine dental cleaning in Chesterfield to get pushed again and again. But skipping dental cleanings for six months or longer, even in the absence of pain, comes with some risk.
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Nightguards and oral appliances for sleep apnea are both worn in the mouth during sleep. They are often confused for one another because they look similar. However, they serve very different purposes, and using the wrong one will not solve your problem.
A nightguard protects your teeth from the damage caused by grinding and clenching (bruxism) …
We know some patients feel nervous or anxious before a dentist appointment. That's why we offer sedation dentistry in Chesterfield, MO. We want your time in our chair to be seamless, painless, and comfortable.
We offer this treatment for anyone with dental anxiety, giving you options that don't involve needles and come with an upfront cost. You don't have to …
Graduation season is one of the most exciting times of the year. It brings photos, parties, and milestone memories. In other words, moments that make us want to share our biggest and brightest smiles. However, some smiles in the Chesterfield community need a little assistance to reach their radiant best.
Fortunately, professional teeth whitening treatments offer fast, predictable, and safe …
As a dentist providing parenteral moderate sedation, maintaining the highest level of patient safety is not just a goal; it is a responsibility. Recently, I completed the Essentials of the Airway course through Sedation Consult, a Missouri Dental Board–approved program designed specifically for sedation providers. This course fulfills the state’s airway management requirement and reinforces the standard of safe sedation, …
At Clarkson Dental Group, your comfort and sustained oral health are our top priority. But we know that many people avoid going to the dentist at all costs because they’re afraid it’s going to hurt, or they experience extreme anxiety at the mere thought of picking up the phone to make an appointment.
Fortunately, with sedation dentistry, you no longer …
As a family dentist in Chesterfield, MO, I value my patients and encourage them to visit me for routine checkups and teeth cleanings, but there are certainly other reasons to schedule an appointment this spring!
Your oral health is …
If you have children, you know that sometimes they don’t want to brush their teeth. And even when they do brush, they may not take it as seriously as they should, right? The truth is that to improve kids’ dental habits, it may be necessary to provide incentives and look for ways to make brushing and flossing fun for them.
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A new year is the perfect time to reset your habits, and your smile deserves a spot on that list. At Clarkson Dental Group, we see how small, consistent changes make a big difference in oral health. As you plan your dental resolutions 2026, focus on goals that are simple, realistic, and approved by your dentist in Chesterfield, MO.
Below …
Does fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist keep you from getting the dentistry you need to have a healthy, beautiful smile? If so, you're not alone! Millions of Americans feel this way, but guess what? Sedation dentistry allows patients like you to receive your dental care in the most comfortable, relaxing way, so you no longer have to compromise …
Traditional braces keep many adults from pursuing straighter teeth. Which is understandable; no one wants to lead a meeting with metal brackets and wires on their teeth or deal with the hassle of adjustments. Clear aligners like Invisalign® are a discreet solution for people with crooked teeth, without the inconvenience of traditional metal and wire braces.
Here are some things …
When you hear the words “sedation dentistry,” you may think it’s only for major dental procedures. Many people believe dental sedation means you have to be put to sleep, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Sedation dentistry is designed to ease your anxiety and keep you calm, comfortable, and awake during treatment. At Clarkson Dental Group, we offer …
While being told you need dental treatment isn't the best news, the fact that it's a filling is positive since it's one of the most affordable and quick dental procedures. A filling stops tooth decay in its tracks, protecting your tooth from developing future problems that could be more costly and uncomfortable.
Here's everything you need to know about tooth-colored …
Preventive dentistry helps keep your smile healthy and comfortable for life. Without teeth cleanings and checkups, you’re at serious risk for the following:
Of these issues, gum disease is the most serious. Fortunately, twice-yearly dental checkups and teeth cleanings in Chesterfield, MO, can significantly reduce your risks.
When you walk into a dental exam, you probably have questions, and at Clarkson Dental Group, we want you to know that your questions are welcome! We believe every patient deserves comfortable care and clear, compassionate answers regarding their oral health needs.
So, whether it’s your first visit to our dental office or you’ve been visiting us for years, we’re …
May is National Dental Care Month! It’s an ideal time to hit reset on your oral health and give your smile the attention it deserves. At Clarkson Dental Group, we’re here to help you build habits that last long after May has passed. Whether you’ve been brushing like a champ or need a little nudge to get back on track, …
The team at Clarkson Dental Group want to make dentistry accessible for everyone, which is why we offer a membership plan and periodic dental specials. We have individual membership programs for patients of all ages, including children.
This blog explores:
Everyone deserves a stunning, confident smile. Fortunately, thanks to modern dentistry, there are several ways to go about getting one.
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry solution for enhancing the appearance of a person’s smile. This cosmetic solution involves bonding thin porcelain shells, contoured to match the patient’s smile, to the fronts of their teeth to restore smile aesthetics. …
That throbbing toothache has you searching your toolbox and watching DIY extraction videos online. We get it—dental pain can make you desperate for relief! Before attempting home dentistry, let's discuss why professional tooth extraction in Chesterfield, MO, is always the safer choice.
When tooth pain becomes unbearable, pulling it yourself might seem like a quick fix. …
The future of dentistry Is here! Forget outdated dental procedures — 2025 may revolutionize how we restore smiles! With cutting-edge technology and creative approaches, dentists can now repair and enhance teeth like never before.
Whether it’s AI-driven diagnostics, 3-D-printed restorations, or bioengineered enamel, today’s dental innovations mean less pain, faster recovery, and stunning results. If you're looking to restore your …
Chipped and broken teeth, missing teeth, stained teeth. Who needs it? Let 2025 be the year you set goals for your smile and see them achieved. Of course, we can help!
Goals can be cosmetic or preventive.
Consider:
That tingling in your gums, the dry mouth that wakes you at night, and the infections that seem to linger longer than they should aren't just dental problems. They're warning signs your body whispers when diabetes and oral health wage their silent war inside your mouth.
During Diabetes Awareness Month, we see beyond just the numbers on your glucose meter. …
With the end of the year rapidly approaching, have you maximized your dental benefits? If you're unsure what that means, read on to learn how to make the most of your dental insurance dollars.
First, it's important to understand how dental insurance works to maximize your dental benefits. So, here's a quick guide.
Most dental insurance plans …
It’s disheartening to visit your favorite restaurant and not be able to order the things you want, especially when you have to watch those around you enjoy their food.
This is one of the problems caused by tooth loss, as it significantly impacts your quality of life.
At Clarkson Dental Group, we believe everyone should be able to chew and …
Are you tired of hiding your smile due to common cosmetic dental issues like discoloration, gaps, or crooked teeth? At Clarkson Dental Group, we understand how these concerns can impact your confidence. The good news is that modern cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of solutions to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.
Below are some of the most …
Gum disease is a common yet potentially serious oral health ailment that affects the tissue surrounding the teeth. Untreated, it can have severe consequences on oral and overall health. Fortunately, with a proactive and focused approach, you and your dentist can fend off gum disease or prevent it from progressing past its earliest stages.
Gum (or …
Hello! I'm Dr. Scott Mahlin, and together with my skilled team at Clarkson Dental Group, we're proud to have provided top-notch dental care to the Chesterfield community since our inception. As a longtime resident of Chesterfield, my connection to the area runs deep, and my commitment to the health of our community members is personal.
My team and I understand …
When I first met this patient, he was struggling with his oral health, which was negatively affecting his quality of life. He was embarrassed by his smile, and because of this, his self-confidence was waning. I hated to see this because he has a contagious, fun personality; he wanted to regain his youthful smile and restore his oral health. So, …
For some people, dental procedures are accompanied by anxiety or fear. It does not need to be this way. And thanks to sedation dentistry, everyone can approach upcoming dental procedures free from nerves, anxiety, and fear.
Most dental procedures don’t require total unconsciousness with a general anesthetic. Thus, patients are typically awake and conscious during their …
A dental emergency can be scary, especially if you don’t know what to do when it happens. Fortunately, Clarkson Dental Group is experienced in treating a variety of oral health issues. When the unexpected happens, you can rely on our professional team to make you comfortable and create the best treatment plan possible.
So, what constitutes a dental emergency, and …
Adjusting to life after tooth loss can be challenging. Left untreated, the affected area can become infected, allow remaining teeth to shift out of alignment, and offer no protection against the loss of jawbone density that often accompanies tooth loss.
The good news is that a person's decision on how to address the area vacated by lost teeth can make …
It’s never a bad time to assess and address issues that have been a bit neglected. This can include home improvement projects, auto repair, annual physicals with your doctor, or, perhaps, the restoration of one’s smile to its radiant best.
If your smile needs a hand to fulfill its luminescent potential, there’s never been a wider range of safe, easy, …
Maintaining your oral health through the changing seasons can be challenging. Fortunately, the team at Clarkson Dental Group has put together a few tips to help you keep your oral health throughout the year and during the changing seasons.
Major holidays occur during the cold months, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Valentine’s Day. While indulging in …
Cosmetic dentistry is where artistry meets science to create stunning smiles. Whether you want to fix minor aesthetic issues or undergo a complete smile makeover, Clarkson Dental Group in Chesterfield, MO, offers the treatment you need to achieve your smile goals.
Do you hide your smile due to chipped or gapped …
Dental insurance can be confusing, and sometimes, you may not be sure if your plan pays for certain dental treatments or whether any of your benefits expire at the end of the year. Thankfully, the dental team at Clarkson Dental Group can help you determine if you have benefits left and how you can use them. Here are some helpful …
October is a time for dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, and indulging in sweets, but it is also National Dental Hygiene Month.
Dental Hygiene Month is a collaboration between Colgate and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. It is a time to celebrate hygienists and all the ways they care for our teeth and gums.
Hygienists clean our teeth but also …
Dental emergencies can be scary and painful, so it’s important to know where to turn when the unexpected happens. At Clarkson Dental Group, we are here when you need us, offering emergency dentistry services to our Chesterfield patients. So, what constitutes a dental emergency? Understanding the difference between a dental concern that can wait and an emergency dental situation that …
Teeth cleaning in Chesterfield, MO, has several benefits, and most dentists recommend at least two professional dental cleanings per year. This is the schedule associated with a healthy smile. Your schedule may be altered if you have a diagnosed condition like gingivitis or gum disease.
Let’s explore the benefits of professional teeth cleanings and why you should never skip appointments.
We talk all the time about the various preventive, corrective, restorative, and cosmetic treatments and procedures that comprise “dentistry.” These are distinct in their own ways and are aimed at their own specific aims. In the midst of all of this, it can be easy to lose sight of the broad underlying goal that all dental treatments share: keeping patients’ …
Invisalign is a popular and time-tested orthodontic system that patients love. And it can be an alternative to metal and wire braces.
We’re thrilled to offer Invisalign in Chesterfield, MO, but let’s explore a few reasons to consider orthodontic treatment through clear aligner therapy.
With traditional braces, there are often eating restrictions. For example, …
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. The short version is often used to describe the conditions of these joints instead of the joints themselves.
The TMJs are in front of the ears and connect the lower jaw to the lower face. When the joints are damaged or not working correctly, it can lead to various complications.
If you feel that pit in your stomach when visiting the dentist, you may benefit from sedation dentistry in Chesterfield. When patients feel fearful or anxious about visiting the dentist, it often keeps them from getting the dental care they desperately need. Dental sedation offer solutions for anxious patients to comfortably get the procedures they need to maintain a healthy …
Sometimes your routine dental checkup and teeth cleaning can feel inconvenient, especially when you're busy and not having any tooth discomfort. However, did you know that the best time to visit your dentist is actually before you're feeling any pain? Then you can be proactive about any problems and take care of them before they become more significant and begin …
Dental implants are still the gold standard in tooth replacement. And they have earned this distinction through patient satisfaction and dentists’ recommendations.
Here are six reasons you should consider dental implants in Chesterfield, MO
Dental implants can last for decades and even for life, unlike other tooth replacement options. Your Chesterfield, MO, dentist can provide …
The holidays can be busy for many people, making it easy to forget you have remaining dental benefits through the end of the year. But if you don’t use them, you lose them! For this reason, we advocate people take advantage of their dental plans.
For example, now is a great time to schedule a dental appointment with your Chesterfield, …
In the past, patients did not have choices. If they had a cavity, it meant a silver amalgam filling. Today, we are proud to offer tooth-colored fillings in Chesterfield, MO. Not only are they more aesthetically pleasing compared to their silver predecessors, but they have benefits you may not have considered.
Let’s examine the benefits of tooth-colored fillings.
Updated on September 16, 2025
If you have a missing tooth, you know it can impact more than just your smile's appearance. It can affect your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers excellent solutions to restore your smile to its full beauty and function. At Clarkson Dental Group, we've helped over 5,000 patients in the …
It can be exciting to consider the possibilities that cosmetic dentistry offers to improve your smile. You probably can’t wait to get started but to be a good candidate for a smile makeover, your smile must be healthy.
Your cosmetic dentist in Chesterfield, MO, is an expert at creating beautiful smiles. Every smile makeover journey begins with a thorough oral …
At Clarkson Dental Group, Our team has safely provided IV Moderate Sedation for all types of dental treatment in a safe and relaxing environment. Through our years of experience in sedation, we have created recommendations to guide you comfortably through your sedation procedures. Here's what you should know.
We know you will have questions regarding your dental care …
Dental implants are a reliable tooth replacement option that fits, feels, and functions like your natural tooth. They are the preferred treatment for the replacement of your missing natural teeth or removable prosthetics (dentures and partial dentures) that don’t fit or function like your real teeth. Dental implants in Chesterfield, MO can be an optimal treatment if you are a …
Of course, our goal is to lower your risks for gum disease, which is why we emphasize prevention. However, we offer comprehensive and customized treatments to restore you to better oral health if you are diagnosed.
Let’s explore gum disease: What it is and how we treat it.
“Fear is the mind-killer.” This is among the most memorable quotes from the novel and now feature film “Dune.” But did you know that this interpretation of how fear impacts us is consistent with neuroscience? A recent Forbes article explains how fear starts in our lower brain, or the amygdala, triggering the old fight or flight reflex.
But in people, …
There could be an instance where your crown or bridge may become dislodged from the supporting tooth. Don't panic. Losing a crown or bridge can happen, and our team is here to help you. We can guide you through the steps should this happen to you.
If your crown or bridge becomes damaged or …
Tooth loss is a common dental concern that impacts your daily life, confidence, and even your oral health. Your dentist in Chesterfield, MO offers tooth replacement options but recommends implants whenever possible.
Let’s look at the unique benefits of implant dentistry.
Dentures are an excellent option for tooth replacement, but there are drawbacks. …
At Clarkson Dental Group, we want to help you attain your healthiest, most attractive smile. We offer various customized dentistry services to improve and enhance one’s oral health and appearance, including cosmetic dental bonding and tooth-colored fillings.
Though the American Dental Association deems metal fillings safe, many patients choose white composite fillings or …
Invisalign is one of the most innovative orthodontic technologies available today. For decades, countless people of all ages have reaped the benefits of having straighter teeth, thanks to Invisalign.
At Clarkson Dental Group in Chesterfield, we offer Invisalign treatment to patients who desire a healthier smile with straight teeth and an aligned bite.
Invisalign can …
Studies have shown that only 2 out of 5 people routinely replace their toothbrushes as recommended. Using a toothbrush head for too long reduces its effectiveness and may cause harm to your teeth and mouth. Replacing your toothbrush ensures the bristles can properly clean your teeth and supporting gum tissues.
The American Dental Associated recommends toothbrushes …
At Clarkson Dental Group, we want to help our patients experience the best oral health and incredible smiles, and we may recommend some of our favorite dental care products to assist you in achieving those goals when you visit our Chesterfield dental office.
As far as toothbrushes are concerned, our top …
Minor cracks or chips on either your natural tooth or restorations (fillings, crowns, inlays, or onlays) can allow bacteria to enter the fragile inner core of the tooth where it does not belong. This now exposed porous tooth structure allows the bacteria to cause damage to the tooth in the form of a cavity and infection. …
The most common cause of pain after a tooth extraction is a dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis. A dry socket occurs after a tooth extraction where a blood clot does not correctly form, is dislodged, and/or dissolves in the area of the removed tooth. In addition, many dry socket conditions are associated with localized infection at the extraction …
If you have been diagnosed with teeth grinding, clenching, or bruxism, then a night guard may help you sleep more soundly. Night guards minimize tooth pain, reduce the possibility of cracked teeth, and stabilize your sleep patterns. Regularly wearing a night guard helps mitigate any irreversible tooth damage.
If your medical doctor has diagnosed you …
Dental plaque is a normal part of life; everyone has it, but it can be prevented and controlled. Dental plaque is the sticky colorless or pale-yellow film that continuously adheres to the surface of your teeth. With a combination of bacteria, saliva, and food, dental plaque forms on the tooth surface daily.
The accumulation of bacterial plaque on your teeth …
A dental veneer, popular with Hollywood stars, is a fixed cosmetic tooth enhancement. Your cosmetic dentist completes the procedure in Chesterfield, MO to improve upon the aesthetics of a tooth or several teeth.
The veneer itself is a thin but strong shell, colored and customized to match your natural teeth. Your dentist bonds it to the front of your tooth, …
A beautiful smile means more than having strong, healthy teeth. Gum health is also integral to the longevity and vitality of your smile. At Clarkson Dental Group, we provide patients with exceptional periodontal treatment and gum disease prevention. One of the ways we help patients keep their gums healthy is through scaling and root planing.
Dr. Scott Mahlin strives to uphold standards of excellence, an achievement that has recently been recognized by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) with their prestigious Mastership Award.
The Mastership Award recognizes a dentist's commitment to high standards, ongoing education, and excellence in dentistry. This award is the highest honor that the AGD can bestow, …
At Clarkson Dental Group, we offer various options to help you feel at ease when under our care, including sedation dentistry in Chesterfield, MO.
Our dental team has over 30 years of experience managing apprehensive or fearful patients. Our compassion and experience allow us to listen carefully to your dental concerns.
We also understand …
Hospitals have long used UV light disinfectant techniques to combat viruses and bacteria, particularly drug-resistant superbugs. This same technology may be used to successfully mitigate harmful bugs in your Chesterfield, MO dental office.
The Ultraviolet C (UVC) light is the specific wavelength of light most beneficial for disinfecting the dental treatment …
Dr. Scott, Mahlin, DDS, a top Chesterfield, MO dentist, is the proud recipient of the Mastership Award. He was one of approximately 90 dentists across the country to receive this distinction in 2020.
The Mastership Award recognizes a dentist’s commitment to dental education and treatment excellence. And the designation and accreditation are considered one of the highest honors bestowed by …
You expect your smile to last a lifetime, and your Chesterfield, MO dentist wants to help you attain that goal.
For this reason, we offer guidance, patient comfort, innovative technologies, and excellent oral care.
Routine home care like brushing and flossing twice daily or after all meals is the best course.
Additionally, dental …
Your overall health is strongly determined by the foods you eat, your daily activities, routine health examinations, and the air you breathe. Controlling and improving all these factors can be an ever-present challenge. We aim to assist you in managing and providing the ideal environment to meet your health aspirations.
Our promise to you as a patient of Clarkson Dental …
Dental emergencies can occur at any time, and almost every American will experience them at least once in their lifetimes.
You might develop a toothache during a long-planned vacation or break a tooth right before a big interview. No matter the circumstances, you will most likely want professional help and treatment. It's essential to get to your Chesterfield, MO dentist …
Why we ask for online forms prior to your visit at Clarkson Dental Group?
Your time is important to us. Please complete all your pre-screening questionnaires and any additional forms prior to your dental appointment. The team at Clarkson Dental Group will be sending you these via email, available on our website, or on our online app.
Let us know …
When people think of beautiful smiles, they may imagine healthy-looking, white teeth. Sadly, we can have perfectly healthy teeth with daily brushing and flossing, coupled with routine visits to your dentist and not have white teeth.
Healthy teeth are still susceptible to stains from foods, drinks, smoking, alcohol, diet, medication, injury, and more. Therefore, you could have yellow teeth that …
You may have broken or chipped your tooth due to an accident, sports injury, or other reason at one point in your life. If it doesn't hurt, you might entertain the thought of just letting it remain chipped without repairing it.
The problem with this is that you might be setting yourself up for costly and painful dentistry somewhere down …
Dear Friends,
We hope this finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.
Infection control has always been …
An AGD dentist is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). Dentists who are awarded the AGD Fellowship have spent years dedicating themselves to continuing education, constantly expanding their knowledge of the dental field.
As an AGD dentist, Dr. Scott Mahlin brings years of experience and hard-earned knowledge into every dental appointment, which means you receive top-notch dental …
Corona Virus Message from Dr. Mahlin
As of now, there is no vaccine for coronavirus. The best way to prevent the spread of this disease is by avoiding contact with other people, especially those exposed to it. It is good to maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people. As the situation evolves, we will …