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Find the Right Dental Service for You
At Crystal Martin, DDS, in Ellisville, we offer a wide range of dental services, but how do you know which ones are right for your needs? Whether you’re a new patient or have been with us for years, understanding your options is key to making confident, informed decisions about your care.
Here’s a breakdown of the services we offer and when they might be the perfect fit.
Preventive Dentistry: Start Here
For most patients, preventive care is the foundation of lifelong oral health. This includes:
- Regular Check-ups and Cleanings: When was your last dental cleaning? If it’s been a while, you may have plaque or tartar buildup that brushing alone can’t remove. Professional cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent problems before they start.
- Oral Cancer Screenings: Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not detected early. Our screenings are quick, minimally invasive, and could save your life.
- Digital X-rays: Sometimes problems hide beneath the surface. Digital X-rays give us a clearer view of your teeth and jaw while using less radiation than traditional methods.
- Sealants: Kids (and some adults) are prone to cavities in hard-to-reach grooves of the back teeth. Sealants create a protective barrier that keeps bacteria and food particles out, reducing the risk of decay.
Preventive care is your first line of defense against cavities, gum disease, and other issues. If you’re just getting started or haven’t been to the dentist in a while, this is where we begin.
Restorative Dentistry: Repair and Rebuild
If you’re dealing with damaged or missing teeth, restorative services can help. We offer:
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: If you’ve noticed a toothache or sensitivity, you may have a cavity. Tooth-colored fillings repair decay while blending naturally with your smile.
- Same-Day Crowns (In-Office Milling): Broken or heavily decayed teeth don’t have to wait weeks to be restored. With in-office milling technology, we create and place a permanent crown in just one visit, saving you time and discomfort.
- Root Canals: Severe tooth pain may mean there’s an infection inside your tooth. A root canal removes the infection, relieves pain, and preserves your natural tooth.
- Dental Implants: Missing teeth can make chewing, speaking, and smiling uncomfortable. Dental implants replace lost teeth with secure, natural-looking solutions that function like the real thing.
- Dentures and Partial Dentures: If you’re missing multiple teeth, dentures or partial dentures restore function and appearance so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.
Same-day crowns are especially popular for busy patients; you can leave our office with a new, permanent crown in just one visit.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Smile with Confidence
Looking to improve the look of your smile? Cosmetic dentistry can make a huge difference with:
- Teeth Whitening: Feeling self-conscious about stains or dull teeth? Our professional whitening treatments can brighten your smile safely and effectively.
- Porcelain Veneers: If chips, cracks, or gaps make you hide your smile, veneers provide a quick and dramatic transformation, covering imperfections with natural-looking porcelain.
- Invisalign® Clear Aligners: Crooked or crowded teeth? Invisalign aligners gently shift your teeth into place without the metal brackets of traditional braces.
These treatments are ideal if you’re bothered by stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth and want a smile you love to show off.
Periodontal Care: Keep Gums Healthy
Gum health is essential to your overall well-being. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums or sensitivity, we provide:
- Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing): Gum disease often starts silently with symptoms like bleeding while brushing. Deep cleanings remove plaque and bacteria below the gumline to prevent further damage.
- Gum Health Assessments: Regular check-ups help us catch early signs of gum disease before it leads to tooth loss or other serious issues.
- Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance: If you’ve had gum treatment in the past, ongoing maintenance cleanings keep infection from returning and help protect your long-term oral health.
Keeping your gums healthy helps you retain your natural teeth and prevents more serious health complications down the line.
Sleep Apnea Treatment: Breathe and Sleep Better
Do you wake up tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Snoring or interrupted breathing may be signs of sleep apnea, a condition that can affect your heart health and overall wellness.
Dr. Crystal Martin is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Sleep Dentistry, offering specialized care for patients with sleep apnea. Our services include:
- Sleep Apnea Screening: We help identify signs of sleep-disordered breathing, even if you haven’t yet been officially diagnosed.
- Oral Appliance Therapy: If you’re looking for a comfortable alternative to a CPAP machine, oral appliances gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep.
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology (CBCT): We use 3D imaging to evaluate your airway and check for blockages or obstructions that might contribute to sleep apnea.
- Sleep Specialist Referrals (if needed): When additional care is necessary, we’ll connect you with trusted sleep specialists for further evaluation.
Better sleep means better health, and we’re here to help you get both.
Advanced Technology: Comfort and Precision
We embrace today’s dental technology because it makes visits more comfortable and precise. Some of our technology includes:
- Digital Prime Scanner: No more messy impressions! Our scanner produces precise digital models of your teeth for crowns, implants, and other dental procedures.
- In-Office Milling: With in-office milling, you can get a permanent crown in just one appointment, no temporary crown or second visit required.
- Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): This advanced 3D imaging helps us detect oral health concerns early, including oral cancer, infections, and sleep apnea risks.
Emergency Dentistry: We’re Here When You Need Us
Tooth pain or a dental injury can’t wait. We offer same-day emergency appointments for:
- Severe Toothaches: A sudden, throbbing toothache can be a sign of infection or decay. We’ll find the cause and provide relief fast.
- Broken or Knocked-out Teeth: Accidents happen. If you’ve cracked or lost a tooth, call us right away. We’ll do everything we can to save your smile.
- Infections or Abscesses: A dental abscess is a serious infection that requires immediate attention. We’ll help resolve the issue and get you back on track.
Don’t hesitate to call if you’re in pain. We’re here for you.
Feel Anxious at the Dentist? We Understand.
Dental anxiety is real and you’re not alone. We go above and beyond to create a comfortable environment for you and your family.
Our anxiety-friendly amenities include:
- Comfort dog snuggles if desired
- Complementary nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Gentle, compassionate care from a friendly team
- Comfort amenities to help you relax
- Flexible payment options and insurance acceptance
No matter what, we’ll work at your pace to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout your visit.
Not Sure Where to Start?
That’s okay! At Crystal Martin, DDS, we’ll talk through your goals and concerns, then build a treatment plan that fits your needs and your lifestyle.
Your Smile, Your Way
Every patient is unique. Whether you need preventive care, cosmetic improvements, or emergency help, our Ellisville team is ready to help you find the right solution. Schedule your appointment today!
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Crystal Martin, DDS
Crystal Martin Family Dentistry