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I am afraid of going to the dentist ... What can I do?

Fear of the dentist is quite common for many people. Genovese Dental  is well aware of the prevalence of dental anxiety and we are properly trained to work with you in helping you to overcome these fears. You will find we are eager to work with you to make your visits comfortable and pleasant. Asking questions about your mouth and proposed treatment will help to remove fear of the unknown and give you an opportunity to become involved in your dental health. Most importantly, remember that your Genovese Dental team is eager to work with you, not just on you, in order to achieve a mutual goal - maintaining the health of your smile.

I'm interested in changing the shape of my teeth. What options are available?

Several different options are available to change the shape of teeth, make teeth look longer, close spaces between teeth or repair chipped or cracked teeth. Among the options are bonding, crowns, veneers, and re-contouring.

  • Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied to the tooth surface and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth.
  • Dental crowns are tooth-shaped "caps" that are placed over teeth. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
  • Veneers (also sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth.
  • Recontouring or reshaping of the teeth (also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping, or slenderizing) is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a tooth's length, shape or surface.

Each of these options differ with regard to cost, durability, "chair time" necessary to complete the procedure, stain resistant qualities, and best cosmetic approach to resolving a specific problem. Talk to your dentist, Dr. Michael Genovese DDS in St. Peters, MO, to see if one is right for you.

Which is better, a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush?

Research shows that both powered and manual toothbrushes are equally effective when used properly. The best way to be sure you are caring for your teeth properly is to discuss your homecare and needs with your Dr. Michael Genovese DDS or hygienist.

What is the best way to get my teeth whiter?

Main Street Dental Clinics would be happy to discuss several options with you to help you with your smile. We offer teeth cleanings, in-office whitening, and take-home whitening tray kits with different whitening gel strengths.

How often should I go to my dentist for a check-up?

Some people tend to have a rather strange attitude towards checkups. If the dentist does not find something wrong, their time has been wasted. As a matter of fact, a series of successful visits can discourage them from ever seeing their dentist and hygienist again. The idea that you should only see the dentist when something is wrong is not only ridiculous but can end up costing you a lot of money, comfort and time!

Your dentist is trained to detect and treat many problems before you are even aware of them. The goal is prevention - prevent disease, decay and tooth loss. Your dentist can help you but only if you make the appointment. It all comes back to teamwork. Only you, your dentist and your hygienist can determine how often to make a visit, but for most people, twice a year is sufficient. Checkups should not be a one-time event. They are necessary for regular assessments of the condition and the well being of your mouth. Check-up procedures vary with each dentist, but basically will contain: a review of dental and medical history, an overall examination of the mouth including oral cancer screening, a professional cleaning, possibly a fluoride treatment, and a general assessment of hygiene at home. Regular checkups are a MUST in the fight against gum disease.

How safe are dental X-rays?

Exposure to all sources of radiation -- including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental X-rays -- can damage the body's tissues and cells and lead to the development of cancer. Fortunately, The dosage of X-ray radiation received by a dental patient is typically extremely small (around 0.150 mSv for a full mouth series, according to the American Dental Association website), equivalent to a few days' worth of background environmental radiation exposure, or similar to the dose received during a cross-country airplane flight (concentrated into one short burst aimed at a small area)

Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to the low radiation levels emitted by dental X-rays. At Genovese Dental we only take necessary dental films, and we use digital x-rays which significantly reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional x-rays.

THESE ARE ONLY A FEW QUESTIONS. DR. GENOVESE WOULD LOVE TO ANSWER ANY AND ALL YOU MAY HAVE. 

Please call for your appointment at Genovese Dental in Saint Peters, MO Today! 636-928-4090! Thank you and we look forward to meeting you and your friends and family.

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