Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We work with most insurance plans to help our patients achieve optimal oral health.

Dr. Mahlin is not a member of any “network.” Here is why:

Dental insurance plans offer a package of covered benefits. Your needs may or may not be covered. Dr. Mahlin's responsibility is to work for you and in your best interest. Dr. Mahlin does not work for the insurance company.

As an educated consumer, you must be very careful; there are dental offices that do not explain all of your treatment options because the insurance does not pay for some of those options. This, in Dr. Mahlin's opinion, is wrong. We believe that all options, and the advantages and disadvantages of each, must be fully explained to our patients. Then you can decide which course of action is right for you.

Typically, there are two types of dental insurance:

1. You must see a participating "in-network" dentist in order for your insurance to pay.
2. You can go to any dentist you choose, whether "in" or "out" of network and your insurance will pay.

Whether they have insurance or not, our patients tell us they come to our office because they wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.

If you have further questions, please email us or give us a call. Or you can schedule an appointment with our Chesterfield office.

When patients visit our Chesterfield dental practice for an exam, dental cleaning, or treatment, we may recommend some of our top oral health products for their use at home. We recommend these products because we firmly feel that they can help our patients attain optimal oral health during their regular oral hygiene routines.

Recommended Dental Products

Your Chesterfield Dentist may recommend the following products for your dental hygiene routine: 

Toothbrushes:

We recommend the Philips Sonicare brand to many of our patients needing an electric toothbrush. Philips Sonicare toothbrushes are both effective and convenient to use.

Toothpaste:

If you have sensitive teeth, Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste may help you reduce sensitivity. And if you have enamel erosion, we may recommend an enamel repair toothpaste from the same manufacturer.

If you have gingivitis, Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean toothpaste may help you reverse it, along with a dedicated oral hygiene routine. 

Floss:

Oral-B® Glide™ Pro-Health™ Deep Clean floss can aid patients in keeping their teeth and gums healthy, preventing gingivitis and gum disease.

The Waterpik® also makes flossing easier and eliminates the need for stringy, traditional floss. 

If you have questions about any of the products we recommend to patients, we encourage you to contact our Chesterfield dental practice. 

Book Your Dental Appointment in Chesterfield

Give us a call so we can book your dental appointment in Chesterfield. When you visit our dental office for care, Dr. Scott Mahlin will provide you with exceptional dental treatments and advice.

A tooth abscess is caused from a bacterial infection. It results in the formation of infected tissue (or a pus pocket). A tooth abscess is considered a dental emergency and treatment should not be delayed.

Leaving a tooth abscess alone

If untreated, an abscessed tooth could lead to more severe complications and spread throughout the rest of the body, potentially causing illness. A severe dental tooth abscess might result in a life-threatening situation. It is always better to treat an abscessed tooth early and not delay treatment.

The dental tooth abscess can be tricky. Some instances they can be very painful, or go unnoticed. Abscesses that hide easily can be found during your routine teeth cleaning appointment. They should be evaluated by Dr. Scott Mahlin who will provide the proper diagnostic test that will include a radiograph of the infected area. From the clinical and radiographic evaluation, we can discuss your treatment options. These may include antibiotics, endodontic (root canal) care, and/or extraction (tooth removal). It is important to note, the abscess will not go away on its own. In addition, an antibiotic will not ultimately eliminate or cure your dental tooth abscess. The source of the infection needs to be treated for definitive care.

Avoid an abscess with routine dental exams in Chesterfield

Keeping up with your twice a year dental appointments helps Dr. Mahlin catch potential infection from spreading. Book with us today! We are always taking new patients.

Clarkson Dental Group is a family dental office in Chesterfield, MO, conveniently located just off I-64 (aka Highway 40) on South Clarkson Road. Our dental office is situated within Chesterfield Dierbergs Market Place, central to local shops.

Some of our neighbors include a Dierbergs grocery store, Mercy Pharmacy, restaurants, local retail, and Downtown Chesterfield. We have both Hyatt and Drury hotels located less than a mile from Clarkson Dental Group for our out-of-town patients.

Unmatched Convenience and Affordability for Every Family

Clarkson Dental Group in Chesterfield, MO, provides comprehensive general and family dentistry to patients from all surrounding areas, including Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, and Ballwin. 

We believe in offering budget-friendly dental care of the highest quality, so we are pleased to offer an in-house membership club to our patients. Our membership club can help you save on your family’s dental treatments, such as annual exams and dental cleanings, periodontal therapy for gum disease, dental x-rays, and much more.

Are You Ready to Schedule Your Next Dental Visit?

Please get in touch with our team today to learn more about our services, membership program, and appointment availability. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Clarkson Dental Group!

A cavity can be reversed if it is addressed early. The early stage of a cavity causes the initial demineralization of tooth structure and there is no physical hole present in the tooth.  The progression of a cavity can be repaired at this stage by improved oral hygiene practices of brushing and flossing, along with fluoridated products.   Cavities do not heal naturally on their own. If the cavity process continues, the tooth structure that is damaged by decay subsequently creates a physical hole (cavity or opening) in the tooth, and it cannot be reversed. Rather, this hole will gradually become worse due to the bacterial infection in the tooth.  The larger cavity that is created will lead to further tooth damage, pain, or/or loss.  

At a minimum, you should brush in the morning after you get up and at night before you go to bed. You should also floss at least once per day, preferably at bedtime. Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay and dental disease.

When you skip brushing and flossing, you give plaque a chance to build up on your teeth. The bacteria present in plaque will create acids that can cause tooth decay. If the plaque isn’t removed, it will harden into a substance called calculus, which can build up over time, eventually causing gum disease. The formation of plaque is a continuous process, so it’s crucial to stay on top of it with regular brushing and flossing.

Although good home care is an essential element in taking care of your oral health, it’s equally important to see your dentist every six months for examinations and cleanings. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque still builds up and needs to be removed with special dental tools.

Are you overdue for a dental checkup? We are always welcoming new patients to our Chesterfield, MO dental office. Call Clarkson Dental Group today to make an appointment!

It is best to replace your toothbrush once every 3-4 months. If you are unsure how long it’s been, simply look for frayed toothbrush bristles. In addition, it is also advised to replace your brush sooner if you have been sick.

When overall dental health is present, it is recommended you visit the dentist every 6 months to ensure you maintain optimal oral health. If there is a history or current indication of infection, more frequent dental care will be advised.

Also know has pyorrhea of the gums, periodontal or gum disease is caused by bacteria. Improper or infrequent oral hygiene allows bacteria to form plaque and calculus around the teeth and gums. The bacterial plaque and calculus formation cause the gums (periodontium) to become inflamed and results in bone loss.

As more and more studies show, there is a connection between systemic health and oral issues, such as gum disease. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a common gum infection that many people don’t even know they have. This serious condition not only causes tooth loss if it goes untreated, but it can also affect the health of your entire body.

Numerous studies have shown that people with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing serious diseases, including heart problems, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s—just to name a few. When gum disease is present, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, causing additional infections. There is still plenty of research to be done, but it seems clear that there is a connection.

This is one of the reasons it’s so important to visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. Many people don’t even know they have gum disease until their dentists see the signs after conducting a periodontal examination. If it is caught early enough, gum disease might be able to be reversed; in its later stages, it can only be managed, and tooth loss cannot be ruled out.

Skipping routine dental appointments can put your entire well-being at risk. Make an appointment today at our St. Louis dental office.

Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a type of dental cleaning that goes beyond regular cleaning. It is a procedure that involves removing tartar and plaque buildup from the teeth and gums, including below the gumline. The goal of deep cleaning is to prevent and treat gum disease, which can cause bone, gum, and/or tooth loss, as well as other serious health problems.

Brushing and flossing are effective at removing most food particles and bacteria from the teeth, but they often cannot reach the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Most dental decay occurs in these grooves, usually present in the back molars of the mouth. The back molars are difficult to reach, so they are often not cleaned properly.

A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that is applied to the teeth, protecting the chewing surfaces from collecting food particles and bacteria. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the teeth below from decay.

Although usually thought of for children only, teenagers and adults can also benefit from dental sealants as part of their preventive care dental program—especially those who are prone to cavities.

Sealants are easy to apply and take just a few minutes per tooth. We can check the integrity of your sealants, monitoring for wear and tear, at your routine dental appointments. Sealants can be reapplied as needed.

Find out more about dental sealants at your top dentist in Chesterfield, MO, Clarkson Dental Group. Call today to make a dental appointment for an examination and teeth cleaning. Ask us about dental sealants and other preventive dental care options.

You may need a deep cleaning if you have significant tartar buildup on your teeth or signs of gum disease, such as bone loss, bleeding gums, swelling, and/or tenderness. Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar buildup on teeth and gums leads to inflammation and infection. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and other more serious health problems.

When you have a dental problem, then our dental office is here to help. It is important to understand the difference between a routine dental issue that can wait or a real emergency that requires an emergency room visit.

When a Dental Issue Is an Emergency

If the tooth problem can wait until the dentist sees you in the coming days, then it is not a dental emergency. Many times, problems that may seem urgent can actually wait for a day or so, as long as you can manage your comfort. For example, a chipped or cracked tooth/filling is an emergency if the fractured area is painful or sharp portions of the fracture are rubbing or damaging your surrounding tissues.  If you have a chipped tooth, immediate dental care can be temporarily delayed.  

Call Our Chesterfield Office Today

A dental emergency is necessary if you have lost a tooth, have infection and swelling, severe pain, bleeding from your mouth, or are having difficulty breathing or swallowing.  All these conditions require emergent dental care, and you may need to seek immediate dental treatment in the ER.  

At Clarkson Dental Group, we take the health and safety of our staff and patients very seriously. If we suspect a patient of having the virus, or if a patient has told us they have been diagnosed, we will ask that they do not come to our office until they are medically cleared. 

Patient Safety and Health Is Our Main Priority

Our COVID-19 Sanitation Protocol

At Clarkson Dental Group, we can avoid transmitting respiratory infections by sticking to cough etiquette measures like washing hands, providing tissues, and using no-touch receptacles to throw away used tissues. 

We follow OSHA-mandated sterilization procedures to clean and disinfect each room before and after each patient.

Our Dental Office Is Safe and Sanitary

Dr. Scott Mahlin and his entire dental team in Chesterfield, MO is here to provide emergency dental care. If you are experiencing dental pain or problems with your oral health, please give us a call immediately. 

A tooth abscess is caused from a bacterial infection. It results in the formation of infected tissue (or a pus pocket). A tooth abscess is considered a dental emergency and treatment should not be delayed.

Leaving a tooth abscess alone

If untreated, an abscessed tooth could lead to more severe complications and spread throughout the rest of the body, potentially causing illness. A severe dental tooth abscess might result in a life-threatening situation. It is always better to treat an abscessed tooth early and not delay treatment.

The dental tooth abscess can be tricky. Some instances they can be very painful, or go unnoticed. Abscesses that hide easily can be found during your routine teeth cleaning appointment. They should be evaluated by Dr. Scott Mahlin who will provide the proper diagnostic test that will include a radiograph of the infected area. From the clinical and radiographic evaluation, we can discuss your treatment options. These may include antibiotics, endodontic (root canal) care, and/or extraction (tooth removal). It is important to note, the abscess will not go away on its own. In addition, an antibiotic will not ultimately eliminate or cure your dental tooth abscess. The source of the infection needs to be treated for definitive care.

Avoid an abscess with routine dental exams in Chesterfield

Keeping up with your twice a year dental appointments helps Dr. Mahlin catch potential infection from spreading. Book with us today! We are always taking new patients.

We understand that dental emergencies are never planned and typically occur when least expected. And we never want our patients to suffer through a toothache or dental emergency. For these reasons, your Chesterfield, MO dentist sets aside time in the schedule to provide emergency dental treatment. As a result, our dental team is available in most cases for same-day emergency care.

Dental emergencies come in a variety of forms and may include:

• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Tooth or jaw pain
• Loose or knocked out tooth
• Loose or broken restoration
• Oral infection

In our dental office, we are more than happy to accommodate your needs and minimize disruptions to your day. Our treatment aims to eliminate your pain, save your smile, and help you get back to your daily routine in comfort.

We can also provide guidance to help you avoid most dental emergencies, including regular dental checkups and teeth cleans to reduce your risks.

Contact Our Dental Office for Emergency Dentistry in Chesterfield, MO

A dental problem that has caused significant pain or inhibits your ability to perform your daily functions deserves emergency dental care in Chesterfield, MO. Please reach out to our office so we can best coordinate your emergent dental care.

We treat dental emergencies in all locations, including Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, and Baldwin.

If a toothache is caused by irritation of the surrounding tooth support like the roof of your mouth, gums, lips, etc., then it is possible it can resolve on its own. Depending on the severity of the pain, a dental assessment might be required.

Minor Tooth Pain Causes

Temporary pain or irritation is often caused by a burn from hot food, trauma, or poor oral hygiene. However, lingering pain can indicate an underlying problem that is in need of a dental x-ray. Toothache symptoms should be assessed by Dr. Scott Mahlin of Chesterfield to determine the cause and to ensure a proper resolution.

What We Recommend at Clarkson Dental Group

If your toothache goes away, then the elimination of your pain may unfortunately not indicate that things are getting better. It could mean that your tooth, specifically the nerve inside your tooth, is compromised, potentially needing a dental filling, a dental crown prep, or a root canal. Even though you feel better, the potential infection of your tooth is still present, it could damage the surrounding bone around your tooth. We will make sure there is no infection that could grow into a bigger problem. At Clarkson Dental Group our team can help provide the proper diagnosis and treatment for your infected tooth. Book with us today if you have lingering dental pain.

In most cases, dental bone grafts are one of most predictable and successful procedures in implant dentistry. It is possible to see incomplete bone integration as a result of the bone graft  procedure. If you’re a candidate, additional grafting may be indicated to provide the optimal foundation for your new implant. The dental bone grafts will typically fail due to infection, smoking, and/or health conditions such as: uncontrolled diabetes and immune compromised ailments.

Dental implants in Chesterfield can last a lifetime with proper care. This includes regular home care with adequate brushing and flossing. In addition, regular dental check-ups with our office are another factor that will determine how long your dental implant lasts. When it comes to your optimal dental health, we are here to provide assistance and care to ensure your implant lasts a lifetime.

Ensuring Optimal Outcomes for Dental Implants

Most dental implants are successful and provide our patients with years of comfortable use. However, the bone and supporting gum tissues occasionally fail to support the dental implant. If the supporting structure fails, the implant will need to be removed, allowed to heal, and replaced.   

Here are some valuable tips to help ensure both your implants and natural teeth last as long as possible:

• Excellent oral hygiene with your daily home care routine. You must treat your dental implant with as much care as your natural teeth. Although dental implants and their components consist of the most advanced materials in dentistry, your dental implant is not bionic. We can help assist you with proper techniques and instrumentation to help you effectively clean your teeth and dental implants.
• Eliminate destructive habits. Habits such as grinding and clenching (bruxism) can irreversibly damage teeth and implants. Don’t chew on pen caps, bite fingernails, tear packaging (i.e., ketchup packets), chew on ice, hard foods, or chewy and sticky foods. Do not smoke, vape, or utilize other tobacco products. 
• Routinely visit your dentist. Regular dental teeth cleanings and checkups are essential to ensure your dental care is at its optimal performance. In addition, we can guide you toward the following steps if there is an issue.  

Clarkson Dental Group proudly serves the communities of Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, and Ballwin, MO. Call today, and don't forget to ask about our exclusive Membership Plan and how it can save you money. 

Yes. The utilization of a CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) allows real time anatomical accuracy for diagnosing, precise planning, locating vital anatomical structures, and delivering the unsurpassed healthy dental implant you desire. Its utilization dramatically decreases surgery time and increases your dental implant success.

Our office works with you to ensure a quick and full recovery as soon as possible. This can be expedited by following all post-operative directions and care to include taking prescribed antibiotics and analgesics, maintaining diligent oral health care by carefully brushing and keeping area clean, and rest at home. Of greatest importance, is to not disrupt the surgical area and allow for it to heal. Absolutely refrain from the following: smoking, spitting, strenuous activity, or sucking through a straw for the first 24 hours after your dental implant placement.

Considering your individual surgery, we typically advise allowing the numbness to subside before eating at the site of the dental implant placement. To minimize post-operative discomfort, we advise a soft-food diet for the 24 hours after surgery. This includes yogurt, ice cream, soup, jello, applesauce, etc.

To ensure your complete comfort and optimal care, we’ll usually allow for approximately an hour or two for the dental implant placement. Typically, our patients are allowed to heal for 3-4 months after the dental implant placement prior to their custom crown placement.

Osseointegration is the term used to describe the dental implants successful fusion to your natural bone. This process can take 3 – 6 months after dental implant placement to successfully complete.

Many of our patients report minimal to zero discomfort after their dental implant placement when IV Moderate Sedation is utilized for their procedure. In most cases, our patients may experience minimal discomfort and swelling at the implant site for a 5-7 days after surgery. This may be managed with pain medication and at home post-operative care.

Our ultimate goal is to create your custom dental implant to make it look and feel like your natural tooth.  It will fit seamlessly to match your smile since it closely mimics the beauty, form, and function of your real teeth.

We begin the creation of your custom crown within 4 months of having your implant placed and full healing of the dental implant is observed.

Just like our natural teeth, dental implants need to be regularly maintained with both home care and routine evaluation/cleaning by your dental professional. For all medical and dental  surgeries, there are potential complications or side effects that can occur. The risks may include infection and/or nerve injury at the site of the dental implant placement. However, when a qualified dental professional performs the dental implant procedure, it considered one of the most predictable and safest procedures in dentistry.

The replacement of missing teeth with dental implants in Chesterfield, MO, is an ideal tooth replacement option for our patients. Dr. Mahlin highly recommends this procedure to help patients restore their smiles and confidence.

Whether it's one or several teeth you’d like to have replaced with dental implants, we can guide your care from start to finish. Dr. Mahlin's extensive training in implant dentistry at the world-renowned Misch International Implant Institute has allowed him to acquire the skills, training, and expertise to provide you with the best outcome for your dental implant procedure.

Dr. Mahlin and our team at Clarkson Dental Group work directly with you to ensure you achieve your treatment goals for tooth replacement with dental implants. As a result, you will enjoy the benefits of having a fully functioning tooth replacement that's aesthetically pleasing for your smile. 

Our team’s approach encompasses years of experience in dental implant patient care to ensure optimal health, cosmetics, and function.

Clarkson Dental Group proudly serves the MO communities of Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, and Ballwin. We'd love to hear from you today. Call us at (636) 537-0065 for more information about the life-changing benefits of dental implants and remember to ask about our Membership Plan! 

It is recommended that the Invisalign aligners be removed while eating.  In addition, prior to placing the aligners back in your mouth, be sure to brush and floss your teeth.   

As is true with all orthodontic treatment, lifetime retainer wear will be required to maintain your new smile.  The type of retainer you will ensure your straightened teeth do not shift or move. 

Thankfully we don’t see much of a difference in speech.  The thin clear aligners are custom fit and small enough to not cause any speech issues.  Upon receiving your aligners, it is important to begin talking with them in place, so you become more accustomed to speaking with them in.   In a short period of time, you will not notice any difference in your speech.

As much as possible except when eating or drinking.  Ideally, we aim for 20-22 hours of daily wear.

Yes.  With routine regular maintenance and recommended retainer utilization so your teeth will remain healthy and straight. 

It is an orthodontic treatment option for straightening tooth utilizing a series of custom fitting clear trays or aligners.   Each clear aligner will gently guide your teeth/tooth to the desired position.  The aligners are custom fabricated utilizing the accuracy and predictability of 3D computer technology.

Both ‘traditional’ braces or brackets and Invisalign are great options.  If you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, patients elect for this type of treatment due to greater esthetics. 

No. This may be attributed to advances in the cosmetic dental procedures, utilization of local anesthetics and sedation, and providing care in a relaxed and caring environment.

If you feel self-conscious about your teeth or if you want to improve the look of your smile, cosmetic dentistry offers excellent options for creating a beautiful, more confident smile.

Cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity in recent years as more and more people realize that a healthy smile can contribute to their overall health. People now want teeth that are healthy and look great.

At our Chesterfield, MO dental office, we offer a variety of cosmetic dental treatments to improve your smile. The first step is to contact Clarkson Dental Group to make an appointment to talk to Dr. Scott Mahlin about your smile goals.

Some of the dental treatments we offer include:

• Teeth to get rid of stains, whether from medication, aging, foods, drink, smoking, or other lifestyle habits
• Composite (tooth-colored) fillings, both to fill cavities and to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth
• Porcelain veneers to camouflage flaws with the smile, including gaps and misalignment
• Dental crowns to cover up damaged teeth or strengthen weakened teeth
• Dental implants for the best tooth replacement option available
• Stunning, custom full smile makeovers

Schedule with Clarkson Dental Group today

Find out how cosmetic dentistry can give you the smile of your dreams. Give us a call today!

Dental bonding can usually repair minor chips, depending on the location of the damage. Before your treatment, Dr. Scott Mahlin performs an oral health exam to determine if dental bonding is the best treatment for you. 

How Dental Bonding Works 

Dr. Mahlin begins treatment by mixing the composite resin material to match the natural shade of your teeth. Your dentist then prepares the tooth's surface, applies a liquid bonding agent, and shapes the resin to the tooth in layers. We cure each layer using ultraviolet light until we perfectly rebuild the tooth. 

Dental bonding can repair and restore the following issues:

• Chips and breaks
• Cracks and fractures 
• Discoloration
• Gaps and uneven spacing
• A tooth of irregular shape or size

Cavity or Broken Tooth? Your Chesterfield Dentist Can Help! 

At Clarkson Dental Group, we want you to have a comfortable and healthy smile. Once we repair your teeth, you will be free to enjoy life just like before without hiding your smile or experiencing pain. 

To ensure you and your family receive the exceptional dentistry you deserve, we offer an in-house dental membership plan with budget-friendly specials and offers. 

We serve Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, Ballwin, and surrounding locales.

Cosmetic dentistry is utilized to enhance the beauty or appearance of our smiles to include the teeth, gums, and alignment of our bites.  The discipline will focus on enhancing the esthetic of the smile and is customized to the individual’s treatment desires.  This goal may be obtained by one or more of the following dental modalities: whitening (chairside or professional take-home), composite bonding, orthodontics (i.e. Invisalign), recontouring, inlays or onlays, implants, veneers or crowns.

General dentistry’s primary focus is to provide routine basic and preventative care. Patients who are concerned with the how their teeth look, may consult with a cosmetic dentist.  A cosmetic dentist has further enhanced their skills in the aesthetic treatment(s) they can provide.

During IV moderate sedation (a.k.a. conscious or twilight sedation), you are technically awake during IV sedation but will not feel any pain.

During the Procedure 

If you have to undergo IV moderate sedation for a dental procedure, you can rest assured you're in the most capable and caring hands. You will be put in a state of deep relaxation but will still be conscious and able to respond to verbal cues from the dental team. However, it is important to note that even though you are awake during IV sedation, you will likely not experience any pain or discomfort as the sedation medications will also provide temporary pain relief.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, you may also experience some level of amnesia, where you may not remember much or any of the procedures, and that’s ok. It’s to be expected. A member of our team will monitor your vital signs and level of consciousness throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. However, we do recommend that you have a trusted adult drive you home from the procedure. 

Gentle IV Sedation in Chesterfield, MO

Dr. Scott Mahlin is a gentle dentist in Chesterfield who is experienced in various procedures and sedation methods. To learn more about sedation dentistry in Chesterfield, MO, please contact us!

Yes. Dentists can give IV moderate sedation (a.k.a. conscious or twilight sedation) when they deem it necessary for a patient's dental procedure. 

Any dentist who wishes to administer IV moderate sedation must undergo special training and certification through the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). They must also comply with specific regulations set forth by their state's dental board. 

We Make IV Sedation Safe and Easy 

While IV moderate sedation can be an effective way to manage anxiety and pain during dental procedures, it does carry some risks. Patients who undergo IV sedation must be carefully monitored for changes in vital signs and breathing, and there is a small risk of complications such as allergic reactions or respiratory depression. But don't worry! Our staff is trained for just this and will ensure your health and safety throughout the entire procedure. Your dentist will discuss the risks and benefits of IV sedation with you prior to the procedure and ensure that you are a suitable candidate for this type of sedation.

As with all IV moderate sedation, it is necessary to have a trusted adult escort you home after the procedure. You can expect the effects to wear within a few hours of the procedure. 

Contact Us Today!

To learn more about IV sedation for dentistry in Chesterfield, MO, contact Clarkson Dental Group.

Our office administers IV moderate sedation, also called conscious or twilight sedation, which allows us to carefully maintain a relaxed state during the patient’s dental treatment. IV sedation helps patients feel relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental procedure and can also provide temporary pain relief.

What to Expect 

While patients who receive IV sedation are typically conscious and able to respond to verbal cues from the medical team, they are likely to feel drowsy and may have limited memory of the procedure. In many cases, patients will experience mild amnesia, where they do not remember much or any of the procedures. That’s completely normal and to be expected. 

However, it is important to note that while IV sedation can help to reduce anxiety and discomfort during a procedure, some patients still feel sensations or discomfort, particularly if the procedure involves the manipulation of sensitive tissues or structures. But we will do our best to make you feel as comfortable as possible from start to finish. 

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

It is our goal to ensure that the IV moderate sedation will provide you with a comfortable and stress-free experience. As with all sedation, please ensure you have a trusted adult to escort you home after the procedure. 

If you want to learn more about sedation dentistry in Chesterfield, contact Clarkson Dental Group to learn more.

In short, the effects of IV moderate sedation can last up to 24 hours.

The Effects of IV Sedation 

The exact duration of the effects of IV moderate sedation, also called conscious or twilight sedation, can and will vary depending on the patient's age, weight, and overall health, as well as other factors such as the length and complexity of the procedure and the patient's response to the medication. But typically, the effects of IV moderate sedation will typically wear off within a few hours after the dental procedure is completed. However, it is important to proceed with caution as some patients may feel groggy or tired for several hours afterward.

How to Plan for IV Sedation

Patients who receive IV moderate sedation should always plan to have a responsible adult accompany them to the appointment and drive them home afterward, as it is not safe to drive or operate heavy machinery while under the effects of sedation. It is also recommended that patients avoid strenuous activity, operating machinery, or making important decisions for at least 24 hours after receiving IV sedation.

Our trained team will provide you with specific instructions for post-sedation care and monitoring to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery. If you have any additional questions about sedation dentistry in our Chesterfield dental office, give us a call!

The effects of IV moderate sedation, also called conscious or twilight sedation, will wear off in the first few hours after your procedure, but it is important to note that it could take a full 24 hours to properly recover from the anesthesia. It all depends on the specific medication used, the dosage, your metabolism, your age, your weight, and your overall health. 

Post-Procedure Effects of IV Sedation

You can expect the effects of IV moderate sedation to last for at least a few hours post-procedure. Some medications used for IV moderate sedation have a shorter half-life, which means they are eliminated from the body more quickly. Others have a longer half-life, which means they take longer to be eliminated. The type and dosage of medication used for your specific procedure will affect how long the sedation will last.

Even after the effects of IV moderate sedation have worn off, you may still feel drowsy or groggy for several hours afterward, even up to 24 hours after the procedure. Therefore, it is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after receiving IV sedation. And remember to have a trusted, responsible adult bring you home after the procedure.

Sedation Dentistry in Chesterfield 

Contact our Chesterfield dental office to learn more about sedation dentistry and how we help patients manage anxiety and discomfort. 

You aren’t alone! Approximately 75% of adults experience some form of anxiety in relation to obtaining dental care. Open communication with our office regarding your anxiety will allow us to create a custom care plan that allows you to obtain the treatment you deserve with your comfort and safety in mind.

Here are a few tips that will help make the experience more pleasurable. 

1. Talk to us and let us know that you have dental anxiety. We can work with you to develop a plan that helps you feel more comfortable and in control during your appointments.
2. Practice relaxation techniques. Try deep breathing or meditation during the procedure to help relax the body and mind. 
3. You can listen to music or a podcast during your appointment to distract yourself. 
4. Consider IV moderate sedation or nitrous oxide may help you feel more relaxed during your procedure. Talk to us about your options!

Even if you have dental anxiety, important to continue to attend regular dental appointments for optimal oral health. 

Contact us for more information about sedation dentistry in Chesterfield.

Over-the-counter whitening products can be a great way to whiten your teeth. The store-bought kits will offer whitening gels/rinses that are in much lower concentrations compared to the products utilized in the professional dental office. Additionally, depending on the patient, a minimal improvement in shade of the teeth can be observed with over-the-counter products.

Results can be unpredictable, depending on such factors as the patient’s age, existing dental restorations, the type of stain that is present, and the heredity of the patient. 

We don’t have any evidence that teeth whitening poses any risks to you or your baby during pregnancy.  However, we recommend avoiding teeth whitening during your pregnancy and while breast feeding.

Professional teeth-whitening is considered safe for your teeth.

For optimal results, schedule a dental appointment for a pre-treatment teeth cleaning and checkup.  At this appointment, we’d be happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding your teeth whitening treatment.

We typically see professional whitening results last 1-2 years. If you notice your teeth becoming darker, you may touch-up your whitening treatments as you see fit.

For professional in-office custom fitted whitening trays and whitening gel, expect to spend around $400.

Whitening your teeth is not a permanent solution. Expect your teeth to fade a little over the next 1-2 years. Much of this is dependent on your diet, health, oral hygiene, and how your teeth look after the initial whitening treatment. Fortunately, subsequent whitening treatments will provide you results much more quickly than the initial treatment.

You may notice increased sensitivity when you begin your teeth whitening treatments. We expect all tooth and/or gum sensitivity to diminish over time.

Crowns are utilized to properly protect and maintain a tooth that has undergone a sizable injury that has compromised its integrity. These injuries may be due to fractured or cracked tooth structure, endodontics treatment (root canal), failed pre-existing restoration, large cavity, and/or a misshapen tooth.

After receiving your dental bridge, you should expect to eat and chew without problems. This includes eating all the foods and drinks you normally would. As a friendly reminder of the limitations with your new bridge, if you wouldn’t do it with your natural tooth, don’t do it with your bridge.

There is no definitive timeline for the effectiveness of a dental bridge. With great care, we can expect a dental bridge to typically last up to a full decade. Although many bridges can last a lifetime, the longevity of a dental bridge hinges on one’s oral health, routine oral care, and diet. 

Crowns typically last anywhere between five and fifteen years, and sometimes even longer. The determining factors associated with a crown’s longevity largely depend on the care of the crown and your daily oral hygiene habits. Routine home and professional dental care are highly effective and will ensure that your crown lasts for several years.

Though dental crowns are durable, they can still get damaged just like your natural teeth can. If your diet includes sugary or sticky foods, your crown's longevity will be greatly reduced. Additionally, grinding or clenching your teeth will place extra stress on the crown, which can cause it to break beyond repair. If your crown breaks, the damaged crown must be replaced with a new one.

With proper oral care and a healthy diet, your new crowns can give you years of beautiful smiles. 

At Clarkson Dental Group, we utilize state-of-the-art techniques and materials to provide our patients with durable, realistic dental crowns. Dr. Scott Mahlin and our skilled team at Clarkson Dental Group will guide you with the appropriate wear and care instructions for your new dental crown. We strive to provide each of our patients with the knowledge, resources, and support to achieve optimum oral health.

To learn more about crowns and how our team can help restore your smile, please call our Chesterfield, MO dental office at (636) 537-0065.

It’ll take 2-3 weeks to have your custom crown made. We work exclusively with hand-picked dental labs to provide an optimal result in strength, shade, fit, anatomy, longevity and comfort. Our dental lab technicians carefully design and create a crown that functions flawlessly with your own teeth.

Our dental bridges are custom designed to fit and accommodate your distinctive preferences. This careful design process pays attention to color, size, and shape of your natural teeth to blend seamlessly into your smile. If you are missing teeth, a dental bridge can significantly improve your face by making you look younger and you will naturally want to smile more.

To prolong the health of your bridge and supporting teeth, it is recommended to:

• Brush at least twice daily
• Floss daily under the false tooth of the bridge and your natural teeth
• Follow the recommended professional care of your dental team
• Eat a balanced diet minimizing foods high in sugar or acid
• Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects

We begin the creation of your custom crown within 4 months of having your implant placed and full healing of the dental implant is observed.

Yes. The older materials used to create crowns offered very limited esthetic and strength options.  Unfortunately, this created an obvious difference in the smile when attempting to blend the crown(s) with the natural teeth. Advancements in the crown materials utilized to match your natural teeth have improved dramatically. Our goal is to shade match your teeth and crowns so they will appear incredibly lifelike and natural. 

A bridge is a custom tooth replacement that fills in the space of a missing tooth or several teeth. The advantages of bridges include aesthetics, returning to natural chewing and bite function, restoring the intrinsic beauty of the face shape and contours, and is non-removable.

Crowns are indicated for the protection and maintenance a single damaged or injured tooth.  This allows the patient to retain their tooth.  In instances where a natural tooth is missing, a bridge allows us to replace the missing tooth with a fixed solution (i.e. cannot be removed).

A dental bridge is a fixed, or non-removable, option to replace one or more of your natural teeth.  Your custom dental bridge procedure will require two dental visits to our office. The first visit allows us to create a model of the affected teeth and the second visit involves fitting your custom dental bridge.

If you’ve had a damaged tooth or have been without a tooth for a while, your family and friends may notice that your smile has improved. However, they’ll be unable to determine exactly what has changed.

No. Think of the bacteria producing plaque and calculus on your teeth like a splinter in your finger that has become infected. If you took an antibiotic to treat the splinter in your finger then you may feel a little better, but the splinter is still present. Only until you completely remove the irritant, the splinter, can you begin to heal. The same is true for the deep cleaning treatment to remove the bacterial plaque and calculus causing gum disease. Once removed, it too will allow the body to heal and return to a non-diseased state.

We work with most insurance plans to help our patients achieve optimal oral health.

Dr. Mahlin is not a member of any “network.” Here is why:

Dental insurance plans offer a package of covered benefits. Your needs may or may not be covered. Dr. Mahlin's responsibility is to work for you and in your best interest. Dr. Mahlin does not work for the insurance company.

As an educated consumer, you must be very careful; there are dental offices that do not explain all of your treatment options because the insurance does not pay for some of those options. This, in Dr. Mahlin's opinion, is wrong. We believe that all options, and the advantages and disadvantages of each, must be fully explained to our patients. Then you can decide which course of action is right for you.

Typically, there are two types of dental insurance:

1. You must see a participating "in-network" dentist in order for your insurance to pay.
2. You can go to any dentist you choose, whether "in" or "out" of network and your insurance will pay.

Whether they have insurance or not, our patients tell us they come to our office because they wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.

If you have further questions, please email us or give us a call. Or you can schedule an appointment with our Chesterfield office.

It is best to replace your toothbrush once every 3-4 months. If you are unsure how long it’s been, simply look for frayed toothbrush bristles. In addition, it is also advised to replace your brush sooner if you have been sick.

When overall dental health is present, it is recommended you visit the dentist every 6 months to ensure you maintain optimal oral health. If there is a history or current indication of infection, more frequent dental care will be advised.

Dental bonding can usually repair minor chips, depending on the location of the damage. Before your treatment, Dr. Scott Mahlin performs an oral health exam to determine if dental bonding is the best treatment for you. 

How Dental Bonding Works 

Dr. Mahlin begins treatment by mixing the composite resin material to match the natural shade of your teeth. Your dentist then prepares the tooth's surface, applies a liquid bonding agent, and shapes the resin to the tooth in layers. We cure each layer using ultraviolet light until we perfectly rebuild the tooth. 

Dental bonding can repair and restore the following issues:

• Chips and breaks
• Cracks and fractures 
• Discoloration
• Gaps and uneven spacing
• A tooth of irregular shape or size

Cavity or Broken Tooth? Your Chesterfield Dentist Can Help! 

At Clarkson Dental Group, we want you to have a comfortable and healthy smile. Once we repair your teeth, you will be free to enjoy life just like before without hiding your smile or experiencing pain. 

To ensure you and your family receive the exceptional dentistry you deserve, we offer an in-house dental membership plan with budget-friendly specials and offers. 

We serve Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, Ballwin, and surrounding locales.

You aren’t alone! Approximately 75% of adults experience some form of anxiety in relation to obtaining dental care. Open communication with our office regarding your anxiety will allow us to create a custom care plan that allows you to obtain the treatment you deserve with your comfort and safety in mind.

Here are a few tips that will help make the experience more pleasurable. 

1. Talk to us and let us know that you have dental anxiety. We can work with you to develop a plan that helps you feel more comfortable and in control during your appointments.
2. Practice relaxation techniques. Try deep breathing or meditation during the procedure to help relax the body and mind. 
3. You can listen to music or a podcast during your appointment to distract yourself. 
4. Consider IV moderate sedation or nitrous oxide may help you feel more relaxed during your procedure. Talk to us about your options!

Even if you have dental anxiety, important to continue to attend regular dental appointments for optimal oral health. 

Contact us for more information about sedation dentistry in Chesterfield.

Also know has pyorrhea of the gums, periodontal or gum disease is caused by bacteria. Improper or infrequent oral hygiene allows bacteria to form plaque and calculus around the teeth and gums. The bacterial plaque and calculus formation cause the gums (periodontium) to become inflamed and results in bone loss.

General dentistry’s primary focus is to provide routine basic and preventative care. Patients who are concerned with the how their teeth look, may consult with a cosmetic dentist.  A cosmetic dentist has further enhanced their skills in the aesthetic treatment(s) they can provide.

Toothaches can be very inconvenient and present in many ways.  The cause of your toothache is usually not limited to a single cause and your pain is an indication of a more serious problem.   It is important to see your dentist at soon as possible. 

Home-Care Tips to Alleviate Tooth Pain

Until you can visit with your dentist, these home-care tips can potentially alleviate some of your pain:

• Take an over-the-counter pain (OTC) medication as directed to relieve moderate pain.  The most effective OTC medication is ibuprofen (Advil) or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) like aspirin.  NSAIDs are the best pain relievers for a toothache.
• Avoid chewing or using the tooth 
• Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek
• Elevating your head and not laying completely flat can help alleviate pain.
• Utilize warm salt water rinses
• If the pain is severe, and/or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, then report immediately to your nearest Emergency Room for urgent care.

Contact Our Chesterfield, MO Dental Practice

The sooner you can have your toothache evaluated and treated by your dentist, the more comfortable and effective your care. Permitting a toothache to linger for a longer period of time can cause irreparable damage to your tooth and supporting structures. If we can help or you need any further information, please contact our Chesterfield office.  

Some five million teeth are knocked out every year, according to some studies, and if your tooth is one of them, try not to panic. The first thing to do is locate the tooth, picking it up only by the crown; avoid touching the roots of the tooth. If you can, put the tooth back in its socket. If that isn’t possible, you can try putting it between your cheek and gum to keep it moist.

It’s crucial that you get to the dentist quickly—within a half-hour, if possible—if there is any chance of saving the tooth. The longer you wait to get to the dentist, the less likely it is that reimplantation will be successful.

Because it’s not uncommon to have a knocked-out tooth, it might be worthwhile to purchase a save-a-tooth container to keep in your first aid kit. The kit is available in many pharmacies.

It’s best to avoid getting a tooth knocked out in the first place, and although some traumas cannot be avoided, some can.

• Be sure you and your children wear mouthguards when playing sports to protect your teeth.
• Wear your seatbelt in vehicles to help avoid trauma.
• Walk away rather than engage in a fight.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools or chew hard items such as ice and jawbreakers.

If you experience a knocked-out tooth or some other dental emergency, be sure to give us a call.

No. Think of the bacteria producing plaque and calculus on your teeth like a splinter in your finger that has become infected. If you took an antibiotic to treat the splinter in your finger then you may feel a little better, but the splinter is still present. Only until you completely remove the irritant, the splinter, can you begin to heal. The same is true for the deep cleaning treatment to remove the bacterial plaque and calculus causing gum disease. Once removed, it too will allow the body to heal and return to a non-diseased state.

The procedure itself is painless. We are able to successfully navigate painless care as the result of advances in treatment modalities and anesthetics. In a majority of our patients, they report minimal to no post-operative discomfort.

At a minimum, you should brush in the morning after you get up and at night before you go to bed. You should also floss at least once per day, preferably at bedtime. Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay and dental disease.

When you skip brushing and flossing, you give plaque a chance to build up on your teeth. The bacteria present in plaque will create acids that can cause tooth decay. If the plaque isn’t removed, it will harden into a substance called calculus, which can build up over time, eventually causing gum disease. The formation of plaque is a continuous process, so it’s crucial to stay on top of it with regular brushing and flossing.

Although good home care is an essential element in taking care of your oral health, it’s equally important to see your dentist every six months for examinations and cleanings. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque still builds up and needs to be removed with special dental tools.

Are you overdue for a dental checkup? We are always welcoming new patients to our Chesterfield, MO dental office. Call Clarkson Dental Group today to make an appointment!

Plaque is a sticky, colorless biofilm that attaches to teeth. If not removed, it will harden over time to form calculus. And the bacteria in dental plaque releases toxins. As a result of these toxins, your body’s protective inflammatory response causes deterioration of the supporting gums and bones that stabilize your teeth. If the bacterial plaque remains, then the irreversible loss of bone occurs.

Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, is associated with inflamed gums but without bone loss around the teeth. It is reversible with proper effective home care and routine professional dental cleanings in Chesterfield, MO with your hygienist.

Gingivitis that is not treated will progress to more severe periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing treatment is indicated to treat the more serious forms of gum disease known as periodontal disease.

Gingivitis is the milder and more treatable form of periodontal disease, while periodontitis is the more serious form that develops if gingivitis is not treated. Untreated periodontal disease destroys the structures holding the teeth in place and can result in tooth loss.

Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning in Chesterfield, MO Today

We offer an In-House Membership Club that helps you get the treatment you need to lower your risks or improve your oral health. Ask a team member for further details.

We proudly serve patients everywhere, including Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, and Baldwin.

Also know has pyorrhea of the gums, periodontal or gum disease is caused by bacteria. Improper or infrequent oral hygiene allows bacteria to form plaque and calculus around the teeth and gums. The bacterial plaque and calculus formation cause the gums (periodontium) to become inflamed and results in bone loss.

As more and more studies show, there is a connection between systemic health and oral issues, such as gum disease. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a common gum infection that many people don’t even know they have. This serious condition not only causes tooth loss if it goes untreated, but it can also affect the health of your entire body.

Numerous studies have shown that people with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing serious diseases, including heart problems, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s—just to name a few. When gum disease is present, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, causing additional infections. There is still plenty of research to be done, but it seems clear that there is a connection.

This is one of the reasons it’s so important to visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. Many people don’t even know they have gum disease until their dentists see the signs after conducting a periodontal examination. If it is caught early enough, gum disease might be able to be reversed; in its later stages, it can only be managed, and tooth loss cannot be ruled out.

Skipping routine dental appointments can put your entire well-being at risk. Make an appointment today at our St. Louis dental office.

The periodontal cleaning includes a cleaning that is deeper than normal cleaning. We all have ‘pockets’ around our gums attachment to our teeth. In health, we may easily maintain this shallow pocket depth with both routine oral and professional hygiene care. If oral health care is not maintained, these shallow pockets begin to accumulate bacteria in the forms of plaque and calculus. The resultant irritation of the bacteria causes inflammation and bone loss. To disrupt this progression and the presence of the bacterial infection, a deeper cleaning is prescribed.

A prophylaxis is a treatment to prevent infection. While periodontal therapy is indicated for active gum infection leading to inflammation and bone loss. A prescribed deep cleaning is indicated.

At Clarkson Dental Group, we prefer composite resin fillings to repair cavities and strengthen decayed teeth. Unlike silver amalgam fillings, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth’s enamel, resulting in less tooth removal. 

What Is a Composite Resin Filling?

A composite resin filling—also known as a tooth-colored filling—is made from a composite resin material that your dentist matches to the natural shade of your teeth. Your dentist uses this material to restore tooth decay and improve the appearance of the decayed tooth. 

We start by matching the resin to the shade of your surrounding teeth and applying it in layers onto the tooth. We cure it with a special light to solidify the filling with each layer. Finally, we polish the restored tooth, so your smile looks as good as new. 

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

• Composite resin fillings look natural, so you don’t have to worry about dark lines on your teeth or gums caused by amalgam. 
• Composite resin fillings are flexible yet durable so that they can last for many years. 
• They equally distribute chewing forces, reducing the risk of dental fractures. 
• Placing a composite resin filling is a quick and painless treatment. 
• Composite resin fillings don’t require as much tooth preparation as amalgam fillings. 
• Tooth-colored fillings don’t contain mercury, which many patients appreciate. 

Contact Your Chesterfield Dentist Today 

Do you have a cavity and want to maintain a beautiful, white smile? Please contact our Chesterfield dental office today to schedule your consultation or learn more about our in-house dental membership plan.

We serve Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, Ballwin, and surrounding locales.

Dental bonding can usually repair minor chips, depending on the location of the damage. Before your treatment, Dr. Scott Mahlin performs an oral health exam to determine if dental bonding is the best treatment for you. 

How Dental Bonding Works 

Dr. Mahlin begins treatment by mixing the composite resin material to match the natural shade of your teeth. Your dentist then prepares the tooth's surface, applies a liquid bonding agent, and shapes the resin to the tooth in layers. We cure each layer using ultraviolet light until we perfectly rebuild the tooth. 

Dental bonding can repair and restore the following issues:

• Chips and breaks
• Cracks and fractures 
• Discoloration
• Gaps and uneven spacing
• A tooth of irregular shape or size

Cavity or Broken Tooth? Your Chesterfield Dentist Can Help! 

At Clarkson Dental Group, we want you to have a comfortable and healthy smile. Once we repair your teeth, you will be free to enjoy life just like before without hiding your smile or experiencing pain. 

To ensure you and your family receive the exceptional dentistry you deserve, we offer an in-house dental membership plan with budget-friendly specials and offers. 

We serve Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, Ballwin, and surrounding locales.

Some dentists offer advanced services, including your dentist in Chesterfield, MO.

Besides general, cosmetic, and tooth replacement dentistry, we are proud to offer nightguards to our patients.

Nightguards are oral appliances custom-designed to fit around the teeth. These nightguards prevent teeth from grinding and clenching as you sleep. Teeth grinding is commonly called bruxism.

Without treatment, bruxism can lead to:

• Broken and worn teeth
• Jaw, neck, and shoulder pain
• Severe headaches
• Muscular appearance in the lower jaw
• TMJ

TMJ—short for the temporomandibular joint—refers to disorders of the hinge-like joint that connects your lower jaw to your lower skull. When the TMJ is not functioning correctly, you may notice a clicking sound when you yawn or chew. It can also make eating and speaking painful. Surgery may be in order in severe cases, especially when TMJ is left untreated.

At Clarkson Dental Group, we are proud to offer TMJ and bruxism treatment in Chesterfield, MO. We take measurements of your teeth and jaw to create a custom nightguard. When you wear this appliance, your upper and lower jaws remain gently separated during sleep, protecting your smile and your well-being.

Are You Looking for a Custom Nightguard Near Clarkson Valley, MO?

Give us a call today to get started, and don’t forget to ask about our exclusive Clarkson Dental Group Membership Club.

Our patients come to us from all locations, including Ellisville, Wildwood Chesterfield, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, and Ballwin.

Morning discomfort or pain associated with your jaw is commonly associated with grinding or clenching your teeth at night. These parafunctional habits have many causes and are typically associated with dental or other health-related concerns, including sleep bruxism, sinusitis, TMJ disorder, carious lesion (a cavity), impacted wisdom tooth, and an infected or abscessed tooth. Consulting with a dentist to determine the best course of treatment is recommended to eliminate or reduce the potential damage and pain caused by grinding your teeth.

Contact Us Today for TMJ Treatment in Chesterfield, MO

Clarkson Dental Group provides comprehensive dental care to patients from Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ellisville, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, Ballwin, and all surrounding areas. 

Our dental team is pleased to offer a membership plan for adults, children, and periodontal patients to help your family save on yearly exams, cleanings, x-rays, and other treatments. Are you ready to schedule your next dental visit?

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to schedule your next dental appointment with us at Clarkson Dental Group. We can help relieve your jaw pain and provide treatment options for your unique needs. 

Some dentists offer advanced services, including your dentist in Chesterfield, MO.

Besides general, cosmetic, and tooth replacement dentistry, we are proud to offer nightguards to our patients.

Nightguards are oral appliances custom-designed to fit around the teeth. These nightguards prevent teeth from grinding and clenching as you sleep. Teeth grinding is commonly called bruxism.

Without treatment, bruxism can lead to:

• Broken and worn teeth
• Jaw, neck, and shoulder pain
• Severe headaches
• Muscular appearance in the lower jaw
• TMJ

TMJ—short for the temporomandibular joint—refers to disorders of the hinge-like joint that connects your lower jaw to your lower skull. When the TMJ is not functioning correctly, you may notice a clicking sound when you yawn or chew. It can also make eating and speaking painful. Surgery may be in order in severe cases, especially when TMJ is left untreated.

At Clarkson Dental Group, we are proud to offer TMJ and bruxism treatment in Chesterfield, MO. We take measurements of your teeth and jaw to create a custom nightguard. When you wear this appliance, your upper and lower jaws remain gently separated during sleep, protecting your smile and your well-being.

Are You Looking for a Custom Nightguard Near Clarkson Valley, MO?

Give us a call today to get started, and don’t forget to ask about our exclusive Clarkson Dental Group Membership Club.

Our patients come to us from all locations, including Ellisville, Wildwood Chesterfield, Town and Country, Clarkson Valley, and Ballwin.

Generally, we recommend avoiding any chewing on a root canal treated tooth for a few days.  A root canal is completed on a tooth that was damaged and had a noticeable injury.  You will want to allow this tooth some time to recover.

In most cases yes.  The dental crown will provide the necessary support and stabilization after the root canal treatment.  This is important to ensure the tooth does not continue to deteriorate or fracture.   Without the proper crown restoration, it is possible your tooth could fracture and require removal.

The root canal treatment does not hurt.   The pain symptoms causing the need for root canal treatment can cause a very painful toothache.  Upon completion of a root canal, you will be able to use the tooth pain-free.  The use of today’s modern local anesthetics, and in some cases in-office IV sedation, will ensure you have the pain-free experience.

In most cases, a root canal procedure is a single-visit appointment and can take up to 60 minutes.  In more complex cases, the root canal treatment may take additional appointments.

A root canal (or endodontic treatment), or more properly defined as nerve injury treatment, is indicated when the nerve of the tooth has been damaged due to trauma to the tooth, broken tooth or filling, and/or pain with the tooth.  The root canal treatment allows the tooth return to normal healthy pain-free condition.

Local anesthetic will be utilized to ensure your comfort during your root canal procedure.  If you are a candidate, you may also complete this procedure utilizing IV Moderate Sedation.