At our practice, we provide first-rate dental care for patients of all ages. Our Eureka-based cosmetic dentists offer a multitude of preventative treatments to help you and your loved ones maintain a healthy smile, including routine oral examinations, professional cleanings, aesthetic treatments, and general family dentistry services. Our practice has served individuals and families throughout St. Louis County and Eureka for decades, and we are committed to achieving the utmost patient satisfaction.
Routine Cleanings Exams
We all know how important it is to visit the dentist for regular oral exams and cleanings. At our office, these necessary measures no longer feel like a chore. With our beautiful office, calming treatment rooms, and friendly chair-side manner, our patients often comment how pleasant they find their dental visits. Our hygienists are well-known for their thorough yet gentle cleanings, and Dr. Eric Klumb and Dr. Mike Menolascino take special care to ensure that all of our patients are well-educated on the proper ways to care for their teeth and gums at home.
Aside from professional dental cleanings, oral examinations are another important part of your semi-annual appointment. These exams allow our team to observe your teeth and gums for potential dental issues to help ensure your mouth is in the best possible condition. Using cutting-edge diagnostic dental technology, we are able to detect tooth damage, decay, and early signs of periodontal disease, among other possible concerns. Our doctors utilize advanced intraoral cameras and digital x-rays to complete your evaluation, allowing us to diagnose problems more comfortably, safely, and accurately than ever before.
Children’s Dentistry
Instilling good habits in young children, such as regular brushing and flossing and routine oral exams, increase the likelihood that they will have healthy gums and teeth for years to come. Our entire team has a great deal of experience working with children and enjoy having them in the office to teach them how to properly take care of their teeth and gums. From our warm and gentle staff to our special children’s reception area, we strive to make sure every child has a positive, fun experience at Eureka Smiles. We want them to look forward to coming back to visit us!
Why is it important to bring young children to the dentist?
Many serious dental issues can begin early in life, so it is important for us to monitor children’s teeth and gums. For example, extended use of a baby bottle or prolonged breastfeeding can decay the teeth and cause oral infections at a young age. Early preventative care can ensure oral health issues are addressed before they turn into serious, extended problems.
Aren’t baby teeth just going to fall out anyway?
Baby teeth can develop abscesses and infections, which can spread to the primary teeth and the gums. Healthy teeth help children develop oral muscles and jaw bones, as well as ensure that children can chew and speak without difficulty. Also, many baby teeth are not replaced by primary teeth until children are 10 to 14-years-old, so they need to maintain functionality and appearance for a long time.
How can I prepare my children for their first dental visits?
If you are nervous about your child’s first dental visit, he or she will likely pick up on that, so the less you express your anxiety, the better. You can prepare them for the dentist the same way in which you would prepare them for their first haircut. For children who may be afraid of needles, we are often able to use laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to safely replace many anesthetics, which can reduce the need for injections in some of the more routine procedures. Laughing gas can relax and calm children, minimizing their apprehension and fears.
What about preventative care?
When treating children, Drs. Klumb and Menolascino take every measure to help our younger patients develop strong oral hygiene habits that will serve them for a lifetime. We take extra time during your visit to ensure your child knows how to properly brush and floss their teeth, as well as understands the importance of taking care of their smile. Our dental hygienists also use protective sealant to safeguard the teeth of our younger patients, which is a space-age plastic bonded to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This region is often most vulnerable to tooth decay, particularly in children; therefore, the sealant offers an additional layer of protection against bacteria buildup. Our mission is to provide a healthy foundation for your child’s smile into adulthood and beyond.
Oral Cancer Screening with Velscope®
Regular oral cancer screening is a necessary part of routine oral exams. Early detection of cancer can tremendously increase the chances of survival and may help stop cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. However, in its early stages, oral cancer typically does not show any symptoms, so a comprehensive screening is important. Our office uses the state-of-the-art Velscope® Oral Cancer Screening System to thoroughly examine the mouth for potentially cancerous or abnormal tissue that can be missed by the naked eye during a routine exam. Velscope® uses a special light to target the inside of the mouth. This technology is designed to illuminate any harmful, pre-cancerous or cancerous tissue in the mouth. We recommend oral cancer screenings at least once a year for non-users of tobacco and twice a year for smokers or those that chew tobacco.
Contact Our Practice
If you have any questions about our services, or are interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact our dentists today. We want to help you and your family with their dental health.
