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1904 Richardson Rd, Arnold, MO 63010
(636) 464-6668
1904 Richardson Rd, Arnold, MO 63010

Dental implants create smile miracles in Arnold, MO

February 11, 2016

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 9:58 pm
Dental implants in Arnold, MO replace missing teeth and strengthen the jaw. Learn how these amazing devices preserve chewing, speech and facial structure.
Work toward keeping your teeth for a lifetime. However, if tooth loss happens, JL Dental in Arnold, MO offers patients the most innovative tooth replacement option available: the dental implant.

Why dental implants?

Dental implants counter all of the deleterious consequences of losing teeth:
  • slurred speech
  • compromised biting and chewing
  • unattractive, gapped smile
  •  prematurely aged facial appearance
  • recession of gum tissue
  • resorption of jaw bone at extraction sites

These prosthetics, composed of titanium screws, metal alloy extension posts, or abutments, and  natural-looking ceramic crowns, install right into the jaw bone during an in-office surgical procedure. With this solid foundation, dental implants are exceptionally strong and mimic the appearance, function and feel of real teeth.

What’s the secret?

It’s no secret, but science. Dental researchers discovered that human bone has a natural affinity for titanium. It’s a miraculous natural process called osseointegration in which the jaw bonds to the implant device.
So, when cosmetic dentist Dr. JonathanMearsorDr. LauraMearsofJLDentalplaces an implant device, the patient’s bone bonds right to it over several weeks of post-operative healing. After attachment of the abutment and crown, the dental implant patient in Arnold, MO displays a beautiful, fully-functional smile.
Unlike traditional bridgework and dentures, dental implants transfer a substantial amount of physical force to the jaw when patients bite and chew. This “exercise” keeps the jawbone dense and sizable.

Who can receive dental implants?

Many older teens and adults qualify for tooth replacement with dental implants. Patients should be in good overall and oral health and have sufficient bone density. People with poorly controlled diabetes or undergoing cancer therapy should wait until these conditions resolve. Additionally, good candidates are people who do not smoke and are diligent about daily flossing and twice daily brushing.
While dental implants do not decay, they can get an infection similar to gum disease. Termed “peri-implantitis,” this devastating condition may necessitate removal of implants. Therefore, regular at-home and in-office hygiene at JL Dental is critical.

What about time and expense?

From initial evaluation to final restoration, the implant procedure takes 4 months or so. It’s very important that the implant site heals fully so that the device can handle the substantial forces involved in eating.
Regarding expense, dental implants cost more initially than traditional fixed bridgework or dentures. However, because of their high success and retention rates, durability and longevity (They last for decades.), implants really cost less in the long run.

Get the best tooth replacement

Dental implants are truly miraculous. If you are faced with tooth extraction or are already missing one or more teeth, explore these amazing tooth replacements with the team at JL Dental. Contact the friendly office staff for a convenient consultation appointment.

Arnold, MO orthodontists fix smiles for better oral health

February 9, 2016

Filed under: Uncategorized — jldental @ 8:39 pm

Your Arnold, MO orthodontist complements general dentistry with braces and Clear Correct aligners. Read about the health benefits of orthodontics.

Cavities, facial pain, gum disease–they are the business of the general dentist, right? Yes, they are, but they are also a concern for your Arnold, MO orthodontist at JL Dental. The science of orthodontics aims to prevent the deleterious effects of crooked smiles.

The reasons behind getting braces

Typically, when people think of orthodontic treatment, they think of getting a beautiful, straight smile and the increased self-confidence it brings. It’s true, braces of all varieties–traditional metal, ceramic, lingual and clear aligners–work toward that end, but did you know that orthodontics optimize oral and systemic health?
Well-aligned teeth are healthier teeth and gums are healthier, too. In general, when your mouth thrives, so does the rest of your body.
For instance, common orthodontic problems are:
  • overbite
  •  underbite
  •  overjet (protruding front teeth)
  • cross bite
  • open bite
  • tooth rotation
  • crowding
  • gaps
  • mismatched top and bottom midlines
  • jaw misalignment

The more severe the problem, the more prone teeth and gums are to decay and gum disease. In general, misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean and gums tend to accumulate bacteria-laden plaque and tartar. Resulting issues are:
  •  cavities
  •  red, swollen bleeding gums
  •  bad breath
  • uneven enamel wear
  • facial pain, toothaches and headaches from poor alignment

Adding to immediate oral health issues, gum disease from crooked teeth is directly linked to increased incidence of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, pregnancy complications, respiratory disease, stroke, heart attack and coronary artery disease.
In fact, a 2009 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows that people are 25 to 33 percent more likely to get coronary artery disease if they suffer from periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. The mouth/body connection is very strong.

What your Arnold, MO dentist offers

 The husband-wife team of Drs. JonathanandLauraMearsofJLDentaloffers a comprehensive menu of preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental services. Beginning oral exams with children as young as 3 and continuing orthodontic evaluation throughout the developing years, these skilled Arnold, MO dentists can follow a child’s tooth and gum health and also how teeth are developing and aligning. If braces are required, treatment can begin early, intercepting problems before they become more complex and damaging.
Additionally, JL Dental utilizes traditional metal wire and bracket braces and innovative Clear Correct aligner to straighten smiles. Depending on the diagnosed problems, Dr. Mears will advise the treatment plan just right for the patient–whether juvenile or adult.
In general, metal braces treat more difficult cases, while made in the USA Clear Correct aligners work on mild to moderate problems. Either way, general dentistry skills and orthodontics combine to achieve and keep the best smiles possible.

Learn more

 Whether you need general dentistry services, orthodontics or both, the team at JL Dental handles it all in a skilled, friendly manner. Contactthe office staff for your personal appointment.